At this point, do I honestly need to include a rating for Tricia Levenseller’s books? I can officially say that I’ve read all 5 of her books that are currently published, and not a single one deserves anything less than 5 stars. Clearly, Blade of Secrets, the first in a soon-to-be finished duology, was no different!
Ziva will do anything to keep her younger sister safe, but having the ability to imbue weapons she makes with magic might not be the stability she craved. Ziva’s powers and blacksmithing abilities are known throughout the kingdoms, but not everyone is as honest as they seem. When Ziva accidentally creates a sword that tells its user the secrets of those it injures, Ziva’s life becomes much more complicated.
By far, my favorite aspect of this novel was the way in which Levenseller portrayed Ziva’s social anxiety. I know that might sound like a silly thing to like about a novel, but as some who had horrible social anxiety growing up, not many authors can convey what it feels like. When I was a child, I couldn’t explain to any of the adults in my life why I was too afraid to get out of my seat in class to turn a quiz or test in, but Levenseller portrays that social anxiety more accurately than any book I’ve read before.
Mainly for that reason, Ziva was my favorite character because she was so relatable. All the worries that run through her mind, while far removed from my reality, mimic the racing thoughts characteristic of anxiety. Seeing that representation in Blade of Secrets just made me feel like that part of me is seen and understood.
Similarly, I also appreciated the way the other characters in the novel treated Ziva’s anxiety. While they were not always perfect, most of the characters were so understanding and supportive. Anxiety in fiction sometimes feels like this thing that the MC must overcome, but the characters in Blade of Secrets didn’t force Ziva to overcome her anxiety, but to learn to live with it.
Everything else about the novel was wonderful too! The romance was perfect and the plot flowed, as always. I’m actually happy that I waited so long to read this book because now I don’t have to wait forever for Master of Iron to come out!
Ziva will do anything to keep her younger sister safe, but having the ability to imbue weapons she makes with magic might not be the stability she craved. Ziva’s powers and blacksmithing abilities are known throughout the kingdoms, but not everyone is as honest as they seem. When Ziva accidentally creates a sword that tells its user the secrets of those it injures, Ziva’s life becomes much more complicated.
By far, my favorite aspect of this novel was the way in which Levenseller portrayed Ziva’s social anxiety. I know that might sound like a silly thing to like about a novel, but as some who had horrible social anxiety growing up, not many authors can convey what it feels like. When I was a child, I couldn’t explain to any of the adults in my life why I was too afraid to get out of my seat in class to turn a quiz or test in, but Levenseller portrays that social anxiety more accurately than any book I’ve read before.
Mainly for that reason, Ziva was my favorite character because she was so relatable. All the worries that run through her mind, while far removed from my reality, mimic the racing thoughts characteristic of anxiety. Seeing that representation in Blade of Secrets just made me feel like that part of me is seen and understood.
Similarly, I also appreciated the way the other characters in the novel treated Ziva’s anxiety. While they were not always perfect, most of the characters were so understanding and supportive. Anxiety in fiction sometimes feels like this thing that the MC must overcome, but the characters in Blade of Secrets didn’t force Ziva to overcome her anxiety, but to learn to live with it.
Everything else about the novel was wonderful too! The romance was perfect and the plot flowed, as always. I’m actually happy that I waited so long to read this book because now I don’t have to wait forever for Master of Iron to come out!