ashley_dang096 's review for:

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller

5.0

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A smithy with magical abilities and crushing anxiety must go on the run with her sister, a scholar, and a roguish mercenary. Ziva is an 18 year old smithy, she can make magical beautiful weapons. She hates people and suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, the only person she can stand to be around is her younger sister, Temra. Temra is extroverted, beautiful, and wants to be a fighter. When Ziva is commissioned to make a sword for a warlord, she makes it so it can hear people’s secrets... and upon discovering that the warlord intends to use the sword to enslave people Ziva knows she must find a way to destroy the sword and go on the run. Along for the ride is a scholar named Petrik who wants to write a book and wants to document Ziva’s abilities and a handsome mercenary named Kellyn who Ziva just can’t seem to get out of her head. Four of them will have to work together if they want to avoid being captured or killed by the warlord as well as learning to trust one another. The banter and relationship progression in this book was wonderful, the slow burning romance between Ziva and Kellyn was sweet and I can’t wait for more. Also the representation of a character who deals with social anxiety was excellent. Temra and Petrik were also wonderful characters, Temra being a caring and understanding sister and Petrik being a scholar who, when it counts, will be there for them. Kellyn might seem a bit devil may care but he’s just so romantic and caring of those he loves. Ziva is dealing with a lot of change, and change can be difficult, especially when you find yourself stuck in a life or death situation with people’s lives on the line. Also she must deal with new feelings and opening herself up to being vulnerable. Overall, a wonderful read and perfect for fantasy romance readers! THE ENDING HAS LEFT ME WITH SUCH A CLIFFHANGER THAT I AM IMMEDIATELY DIVING INTO THE SECOND BOOK!!