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A review by per_fictionist
Shadowblade by Anna Kashina
5.0
Extremely unpredictable and unputdownable Shadowblade by Anna Kashina has definitely own a spot on my top fantasies of 2019. Shadowblade has all the elements of a perfect fantasy betrayals, plot twists, strong characters, brilliant writing and a gripping storyline you name it.
Shadowblade centers around our protagonist Naia,the who is in the verge of to be expelled from her training academy on the pretext of attacking her mentor. But a visit from Dal Gassan,a honorary member of the Daljeer circle changes everything and Naia is deemed as one of the prospects eligible to be a Jaihar Blademaster,the top most position in her academy. The story then continues with Naia's training and later we get to see her impersonate princess Xarimet of Challimar. But for Naia, challenges donot cease and every step of the way she has to fight her way out of the mess her enemies create.
Anna Kashina has expectionally crafted the character of Naia, who luminescence as a fierce warrior who also doesn't hesitate in taking orders from her mentors when required. The camaraderie and respect she has for her seniors and her iron-will to always stand up for what is right is visible from the initial chapters. The chemistry between Naia and Jai Karim cannot be left without a mention because it was one thing that I lived for. The slowburn romance and the tug of love between the two warriors made the book every bit spicy.
As much as I loved the refreshing plot, at times I felt that it would have been better if we got a decent explanation or foundation course on how the Jaihar and Gassan society actually worked and the intricacies of their classes. But, I was also delighted to spot inclusions of various Indian elements like Shatranj ( chess) . It definitely has plenty of action and plotting with people changing sides often, a lot of court politics and unanswered questions.
I personally would have liked to experience more of Naia-Karim banter, of what happened in the three years of training(the author basically skips those years) and a more character driven plot rather than a plot that drives the characters.
But on the positive side: no cliched tropes, a relatable protagonist, intriguing court politics definitely stamps my four stars for this book.
Shadowblade centers around our protagonist Naia,the who is in the verge of to be expelled from her training academy on the pretext of attacking her mentor. But a visit from Dal Gassan,a honorary member of the Daljeer circle changes everything and Naia is deemed as one of the prospects eligible to be a Jaihar Blademaster,the top most position in her academy. The story then continues with Naia's training and later we get to see her impersonate princess Xarimet of Challimar. But for Naia, challenges donot cease and every step of the way she has to fight her way out of the mess her enemies create.
Anna Kashina has expectionally crafted the character of Naia, who luminescence as a fierce warrior who also doesn't hesitate in taking orders from her mentors when required. The camaraderie and respect she has for her seniors and her iron-will to always stand up for what is right is visible from the initial chapters. The chemistry between Naia and Jai Karim cannot be left without a mention because it was one thing that I lived for. The slowburn romance and the tug of love between the two warriors made the book every bit spicy.
As much as I loved the refreshing plot, at times I felt that it would have been better if we got a decent explanation or foundation course on how the Jaihar and Gassan society actually worked and the intricacies of their classes. But, I was also delighted to spot inclusions of various Indian elements like Shatranj ( chess) . It definitely has plenty of action and plotting with people changing sides often, a lot of court politics and unanswered questions.
I personally would have liked to experience more of Naia-Karim banter, of what happened in the three years of training(the author basically skips those years) and a more character driven plot rather than a plot that drives the characters.
But on the positive side: no cliched tropes, a relatable protagonist, intriguing court politics definitely stamps my four stars for this book.