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theshelfarchive 's review for:
The Silversmith
by LJ Claren
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Some books are driven by plot. Others thrive on character dynamics. This one leans heavily on the latter, spending most of its time developing the intense and complex relationship between the two MCs, Aryella and Smyth.
On the verge of her 19th birthday, Aryella is alone in the world—her family gone, her circumstances dire, and her survival uncertain. Naive and wholly unprepared for the realities of life, she’s unexpectedly reunited with a friend whose visit sets in motion a series of events that will change everything.
Then there’s Smyth: a shadowy, ever-present figure who inserts himself into Aryella’s life with striking familiarity and unwavering protectiveness. Possessive, easily riled, and intensely focused on her wellbeing, Smyth ensures she is cared for, trained, and kept safe—even when Aryella herself doesn’t fully understand why. Despite knowing little of men, Aryella quickly accepts him as her guardian with surprising trust—a decision that felt a little too easy at times, but ultimately serves the emotional arc.
It’s clear early on that Smyth’s devotion comes from a shared history, and while I correctly guessed that Aryella was the wife Smyth mentioned, other twists came as genuine surprises. Smyth’s true identity as Molochai’s son and the Butcher of Nyrida was one of the more shocking reveals, layered with the weight of betrayal and a broader sense of looming danger.
Aryella’s connection to Christabel was another thread I’d been tracking. The scar across her abdomen and references to a “growth” being removed made me wonder if she was Christabel. The answer, when it came, was a satisfying twist. Still, I can’t help but wonder about the implications: was the “growth” actually a failed or forcefully terminated pregnancy with Smyth? That haunting possibility lingers, adding a darker shade to the past she can’t remember.
The story takes its time, especially in the first two-thirds, which are light on external plot, but rich in emotional groundwork. The pacing may test some readers’ patience, but the final third delivers a rewarding burst of action, answers, and forward momentum.
The prose is clear and accessible, with moments of real beauty in the descriptions. At the same time, some repetitions stood out—particularly words like “growingly” and certain character gestures that I felt were overused. These didn’t derail the reading experience, but they did momentarily pull me out of the story.
The romantic arc between Aryella and Smyth is a classic slow burn.Their relationship evolves steadily, grounded in a shared but fragmented history. While I enjoyed watching their bond deepen, I remain slightly conflicted about the age dynamic. Technically, they’re both over 400 years old, but in this timeline she’s 19 and he’s 31—and that contrast feels more noticeable when paired with Aryella’s inexperience and Smyth’s dominant presence. A slight age adjustment for Aryella might have better balanced the dynamic without changing the story’s trajectory.
Still, this is an impressive debut with strong emotional undercurrents, a satisfying mystery, and a layered romance at its core. The quiet, character-driven build-up may not be for every reader, but those who appreciate slow-burn fantasy with a touch of intrigue and intimacy will find plenty to enjoy.
—
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review—many thanks to LJ Claren for the copy. All opinions are my own.
On the verge of her 19th birthday, Aryella is alone in the world—her family gone, her circumstances dire, and her survival uncertain. Naive and wholly unprepared for the realities of life, she’s unexpectedly reunited with a friend whose visit sets in motion a series of events that will change everything.
Then there’s Smyth: a shadowy, ever-present figure who inserts himself into Aryella’s life with striking familiarity and unwavering protectiveness. Possessive, easily riled, and intensely focused on her wellbeing, Smyth ensures she is cared for, trained, and kept safe—even when Aryella herself doesn’t fully understand why. Despite knowing little of men, Aryella quickly accepts him as her guardian with surprising trust—a decision that felt a little too easy at times, but ultimately serves the emotional arc.
The story takes its time, especially in the first two-thirds, which are light on external plot, but rich in emotional groundwork. The pacing may test some readers’ patience, but the final third delivers a rewarding burst of action, answers, and forward momentum.
The prose is clear and accessible, with moments of real beauty in the descriptions. At the same time, some repetitions stood out—particularly words like “growingly” and certain character gestures that I felt were overused. These didn’t derail the reading experience, but they did momentarily pull me out of the story.
The romantic arc between Aryella and Smyth is a classic slow burn.
Still, this is an impressive debut with strong emotional undercurrents, a satisfying mystery, and a layered romance at its core. The quiet, character-driven build-up may not be for every reader, but those who appreciate slow-burn fantasy with a touch of intrigue and intimacy will find plenty to enjoy.
—
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review—many thanks to LJ Claren for the copy. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Murder
Minor: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Abandonment