Definitely a YA novel, but still pulled me in!
This book was a touch difficult for me start and get interested. At first, the prose didn't seem to match up with the setting. Discussions of things like a "safe space" or social anxiety seem anachronistic or out-of-place in feudal/medieval setting. (One can debate whether anxiety is a result of our modern day lifestyle, or if it was always present and prevalent but rarely discussed in earlier ages. Regardless, these topics generally aren't often discussed in a high-fantasy setting, especially with modern terminology.) But, I think that's a normal thing for modern YA books - tell a story with contemporary ethos and language set in a world unlike ours—whether that be in a dystopian future or a fantastical realm.
Levenseller does a good job developing the two main characters and their roles right from the start. The magical weaponsmith with social anxiety and her little sister, the socialable one. We get some early confrontation to show how these two roles intersect, setting up the relationship dynamic (and nearly inevitably the part that will break down for more character and plot development.)
Midway through the second chapter, we get a slight glimpse at what will be some future scenes, major plot engines/conflicts, and some idealistic "goal" for the protagonist, alongside the history of the realm. The sisters have been invited to dinner with the Governor, something Ziva fears and Temra is excited for. A young scholar named Petrik (a possible love interest for Ziva) is researching unique magical abilities, but is rebuffed for the time being. And Ziva explains her dreams of moving to a northern kingdom, while Temra worries about her future... a future that Ziva may not approve of.
While I don't seek out books in the Young Adult genre often, I could see myself reading Blade of Secrets. As someone with social anxiety, I feel Levenseller has done an adequate job of describing the feelings and mindset (if a bit exaggerated) of social anxiety. Additionally, as a Brandon Sanderson fan, I love reading about different magic systems. With a neurodivergent protagonist, this novel has a very Sanderson-esque feel to it, so it has pulled me in! I'd like to read more to learn about the actual plot of the story and see how it all unfolds.
Levenseller does a good job developing the two main characters and their roles right from the start. The magical weaponsmith with social anxiety and her little sister, the socialable one. We get some early confrontation to show how these two roles intersect, setting up the relationship dynamic (and nearly inevitably the part that will break down for more character and plot development.)
Midway through the second chapter, we get a slight glimpse at what will be some future scenes, major plot engines/conflicts, and some idealistic "goal" for the protagonist, alongside the history of the realm. The sisters have been invited to dinner with the Governor, something Ziva fears and Temra is excited for. A young scholar named Petrik (a possible love interest for Ziva) is researching unique magical abilities, but is rebuffed for the time being. And Ziva explains her dreams of moving to a northern kingdom, while Temra worries about her future... a future that Ziva may not approve of.
While I don't seek out books in the Young Adult genre often, I could see myself reading Blade of Secrets. As someone with social anxiety, I feel Levenseller has done an adequate job of describing the feelings and mindset (if a bit exaggerated) of social anxiety. Additionally, as a Brandon Sanderson fan, I love reading about different magic systems. With a neurodivergent protagonist, this novel has a very Sanderson-esque feel to it, so it has pulled me in! I'd like to read more to learn about the actual plot of the story and see how it all unfolds.