Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Thank you FierceReads for sending me a finished copy of this book to feature on my TikTok page, this review is completely voluntary and all views are honest and my own.

I enjoy Tricia Levenseller’s writing, in fact this is the third book I’ve read by her, and the only book of hers I haven’t started yet is 'Warrior of the Wild'. One thing I really enjoy is that her books are great for people who are new to fantasy or simply want a lighter low-fantasy book to read. She’s an author I recommend when you want to get out of a reading slump, with something enjoyable and fast-paced. This story was very bingeable and had a clean flow without jarring writing, the world building was easy to follow and was accompanied by a map, which helped to guide us as we follow the characters' travels.

This story follows Ziva, an incredible blacksmith with magical abilities, which she is able to imbue into the metalworks she creates. Not only is Ziva a talented creator, she’s also a fiercely protective big sister and has crippling social anxiety. I’m really glad to see this type of representation from a YA protagonist, however I do not have anxiety, so I cannot speak to the credibility of the representation. What I can say is that Levenseller explores the complexities of anxiety and how it shapes the way Ziva views herself and others, the limits she places upon herself because of it, and the checklist of thoughts that she has to endure in order to engage with people. It really helped me understand where she was coming from and get a better understanding of how anxiety can manifest for some people. It’s important to see that Ziva is an accomplished individual but she still struggles and relies heavily on her sister to make her comfortable in spaces outside of her “realm”.

“This isn’t something I can control. It’s nothing you can fix. It’s just something I live with.”

I’m not sure if I’m looking too deep into things here, but I believe that Ziva may be demisexual. It is never officially confirmed in words, however the way the author describes her feelings has left me to wonder if she is giving us demi rep without making it explicit. I believe this may be Levenseller’s most diverse story yet, with a main secondary character having brown skin as well as casual LGBTQ+ visibility, in particular mlm representation.

“I’ve never really felt attracted to anyone before. I’m not sure if it’s the anxiety keeping me from getting close to people or something else.”

If you aren’t a fan of traveling stories you may have a bit of difficulty with this one, since essentially we follow Ziva, her fiery sister Temra, the mercenary, Kellyn, and the scholar, Petrik, as they journey to right a wrong. Although the worldbuilding is not grandiose you still get a sense of the land and its structure, from learning about magic users to the religious structure surrounding the Sister Goddesses. This helps to center the reader as they embark upon the journey with the characters. There’s also a few surprises along the way that I was not expecting and make me very excited for the sequel. Please be weary of other reviewers who hint at these surprises, they are easy to guess when certain information is revealed. I honestly believe going into them unaware gives you the best reading experience because you aren’t tainted with this knowledge.

Overall, I enjoyed the romance in the book especially because we do see a passage of time, so the events of the book take place over several months. With that said, there was a bit that felt underdeveloped, there is a lot presented if you read between the lines, but I still felt like we could’ve received more moments between characters to round out the emotions behind the actions.

“I am not impressed by superficial surface looks that are completely out of your control.”

While reading I was struggling to decide if this was a 3 star or a 3.5 star read, so I opted for 3.25. To me the book was missing that special oomph that propelled it over the edge. For example, there were great fight sequences, however some of the motivations felt a bit shallow. Maybe if we got a little more information regarding the antagonist or saw more of the change from the before to the current situation we would better be able to grasp the ‘why’. There were also other pivotal events that happened rather quickly. There were pockets of information that were presented and then disregarded, so hopefully we will see further development of those aspects in the sequel.

I understand that this is a relatively short novel, and the pacing matches the length of the book, making it move in a quick, continuous manner. Which worked for many aspects, for example the traveling never felt bogged down or uneventful, however, it also left other elements basically unexplored. We saw events unfold, without fully being able to appreciate or process what that meant in the grand scheme of the story or the world and it seemed like a missed opportunity to dig a bit deeper.

Pros
Panic: Panic attacks get to little representation on the page. It is always nice to see this represented, and it is especially nice in the realm of high fantasy--and with a character who is highly competent. She is talented and self-assured and strong--and she also suffers from social anxiety that can overwhelm her. That's good representation right there.

Equal-Opportunity Warlords: When so much of "traditional" fantasy is steeped in traditional values--men in roles of real power and women relegated to lesser roles, even when they are cunning--it is nice to be immersed in a fantasy world with female blacksmiths and female warlords right alongside the men. And it is nice to have women in other roles--like the role of grandmother or mother--that may be traditional but are no less important than the grand, "male" roles we glorify. Gay couples also hold positions of power in this world, so it seems that almost everybody has a chance.

Another Adventure Tale: I said it before with All the Stars and Teeth, but there seems to be a dearth of adventure fantasy for a YA audience, especially adventure fantasy with a female lead. It is great to see another one of these high-fantasy adventures hit the shelves, though this one isn't pirates and open seas. Still, there are plenty of swords, lots of horses and trekking, and all kinds of fun fantasy stops along the way. This is another drop in the void of YA adventure fantasy, and it is a good addition to a scant market.

Cons
Simple Plot: This book falls into one of the common traps of adventure-type fantasy. That is, it is a quest. The plot is simple and straightforward with clear and delineated parts. It is easy to follow. It is easy to read. Many won't have a problem with this simplicity, but those who enjoy epic-type fantasy with more complex, twisty-turvy plots may be disappointed with the one-track trajectory of this plotline. There are no sneaky subplots, and only a few vaguely romantic underpinnings to boost up the main plot. It is well executed, certainly, but ultimately simple at its core.

Sufficient Worldbuilding: "Sufficient" is not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, it works. However, the worldbuilding here is not extensive. The little details are sometimes the most important parts, especially for fans of fantasy. While I wasn't left questioning the world in the context of the story--there were no glaring gaps, that is--some of the fantasy fun was missing without this deep dive into the fantasy world. It was just one genre element that was underutilized in the end.

Forgotten Drawbacks: Ziva experiences strong social anxiety at the beginning of the book (enough to induce panic attacks), but that same anxiety doesn't always follow with her. In fact, it seems to come up most when it is convenient to the plot. When Ziva and her sister have to run for their lives and face strangers more often, her anxiety doesn't play as much of a significant role... Though I love that this representation was included, I wish it had been included consistently and not just when most plot-relevant.

Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6/10

Anyone who enjoyed the down-to-earth characters and real-world problems of Adam Silvera's Infinity Son should check out this new, grounded fantasy. Those who like a traditional type of adventure-fantasy with a female lead like Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword should take a look at Ziva's brand high-stakes quest.

Levenseller does it yet again! I was first introduced to Tricia Levenseller when I received an ARC for the Shadows Between Us and promptly fell so deeply in love that I purchased the book immediately and added it to my all-time favorites list. Yes. A limited list with only 7 books on it. While I haven't had the time to read everything Levenseller, Blade of Secrets takes everything I loved about the Shadows Between Us, but with diverse characters, unique magic systems reminiscent of RPG video games, and a world you ache to see pieced back together. The characters entwine themselves in your very being from the moment you are introduced to each, especially the narrator, Ziva.

While this book focuses heavily on anxiety and the effects it can have on a person and their ability to function socially and just through every day activities, the way Levenseller does it allows the reader to understand the effects at a deeper level. Other books with anxiety almost always play it up massively, making the reader feel every bit as anxious OR they mention it so often that you're begging for an escape. While these methods are authentic, embracing it the way Levenseller did by having the narrator be aware of what anxiety does to her and understanding the way it has become a part of her is empowering. Never once is Ziva totally ashamed by her anxiety and never does she let it get the best of her. She endears herself to those close to her, allowing them to ease her anxiety and bring her back to a functioning calmness. She knows her limitations and acknowledges them. It's refreshing to read about a character who refuses to let something get the best of her.

Couple this with Ziva's brilliant ability to add magic to weapons as a smithy and the way her anxiety influences her interactions and conversations with other, and we're left with a witty and dynamic main character and a cast of just complex characters joining her on a journey. The best part? Almost every single character you meet is morally gray, but you barely even notice it betwixt the witty banter, the budding romances, and the sheer amount of chaos they all experience.

The one thing I hate about ARCs? That you get this brilliant and beautiful read, FALL MADLY IN LOVE WITH IT, and then discover the second isn't scheduled for release until 2022. Yup. Welcome to the void Blade of Secrets will leave you in. Ziva, Temra, Petrik, and Kellyn will forever live rent free in my brain. I think almost everyone will relate to Ziva's inner dialogue and the way she reacts to different situations. Because, honestly, same girl. Don't say I didn't warn you about how maddingly devourable this book is.

I ended up DNFing this book at 118 pages. I don't think there was inherently wrong with this book, it just didn't work for me and I found that I didn't care where the story was going or what would happen. So I decided to just put it down and accept it wasn't for me. I do think readers who like adventure stories and are looking for social anxiety rep will enjoy this book and I think this definitely reads younger so teens will still enjoy it. Tricia Levenseller has always had really entertaining and engaging writing in all of her books so I was able to read through it quickly. I just didn't care about the characters or the plot unfortunately. This was really disappointing for me because I've liked her books in the past so I was really hoping to love this one.

WOW! How is Tricia Levenseller so good at creating these books that just instantly suck me in? I was so in love with this book! Her writing style is just my niche, I have loved every single book she's written. The sisters relationship was so strong and adorable, much like the sisters in Caraval. The characters really drove this story, each one so unique, with a lovable crew to journey with, and an incredibly horrible villain that you love to hate. This book was a fast read, absolutely cannot put it down, and such a fun ride! And then that ending! OOF! I will just be over here dying until the sequel!

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Bladesmith series, this is a planned duology. I got a copy of this to review through NetGalley.

Story (5/5): I loved this story so much. It features an anxiety-riddled blacksmith, Ziva, who accidentally makes a super powerful sword for a warlord who ends up having evil intentions. Ziva and a cast of crazy characters flee town in order to find a way to destroy or protect the sword. This was full of a lot of adventures, some politics, a bit of romance, and some neat blacksmithing info.

Characters (5/5): I loved the characters here. I could totally relate to Ziva and loved the tight bond she has with her sister. They are joined by a scholar and a mercenary on their journey who are both incredibly well done. I love how Ziva’s traveling companions learn the best ways to interact with Ziva. All these characters are fun to read about and you meet many more interesting ones on Ziva’s adventure.

Setting (5/5): The world-building here is very well done but pretty typical “fantasy world” in style. I enjoyed the discussion of how magic works and enjoyed the amazing cities we adventure to. The description is very well done and I never struggled to picture the settings.

Writing Style (5/5): I have read most of Levelseller’s other books (not “The Shadows Between Us'' but everything else) and really love her writing style. Her writing style just really works for me. It’s a wonderful balance of excellent world-building, intriguing magic, amazing characters, exhilarating adventure, and just flat-out good storytelling. This book was completely engaging and effortless for me to read, I loved it!

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely adored this book, it was another amazing adventure fantasy (I have read quite a few awesome adventure fantasies this year!). If you are a fan of adventure fantasy, definitely pick this book up, it’s so well done. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I also immediately went and bought “The Shadows Between Us” since that was the only Levenseller book I hadn’t read yet.

I haven't read a Tricia Levenseller book I haven't liked yet. This book has a lot of great things going for it. I loved the strong sister relationship, the portrayal of social anxiety, the found family, the humor, and the magic. It was mostly fast paced and there is a lot of action. I only had two small complaints: one plot aspect happened very fast and resolved itself even faster, and I really wanted a little more world building. But I imagine we will get some more in the next book which I will definitely be picking up. I really enjoyed my time with this one.

I received this book as an ARC. Let me tell you this book grabbed my attention and I read it in just a few short days. I love that the main character struggles with anxiety and is introverted. I don’t remember reading a book thus far that explains an anxiety attack so well and the needed time and space away from people after being “peopled” out. I loved the storyline and the adventure. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

3.5 stars. This rating could increase depending on the next installment - yes I am definitely invested enough to want to read what happens next.

It was hard to follow up [book:The Shadows Between Us|35702241], which I absolutely loved. Like Levenseller's last book, here we find more characters that are so brilliantly drawn out that they immediately feel like family. Also, a main character with severe social anxiety? Thank you so much to this author for anxiety representation in a fantasy setting. One of my favorite things about it is that our extremely anxious main character still finds ways to get shit done and pick right over might even if it's the harder choice. She's got a great support system and I love the fact that even though she falls in love, she isn't magically cured by anxiety - he understands it and wants to help her, but even then she realizes she has strength within herself she never would have imagined before.

Basically, Ziva is a master bladesmith who can imbibe her creations with magic. After being somewhat forced into forging a sword for a warlord and then discovering that the warlord intends to use it for evil purpose, Ziva and her sister (plus two other outcasts) run away to try to find a way to hide the sword or destroy it.

Warning: cliffhanger ending. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan for the ARC!

I'm used to Tricia Levenseller's books being short, quick-reads but this one really flew by. The only reason I didn't finish it sooner was because I was in the middle of two other books.

One of the main things I loved about Blade of Secrets is Ziva. Levenseller created a real, believable and relatable character. I may not experience social anxiety the way Ziva does, but I understood her. I know what it's like to be fearful of something irrational. I think the author did a superb job in crafting Ziva's character.

Kellyn, Petrik and Ziva's sister, Temra, round up the group. Temra is the complete opposite of Ziva. She's outspoken, flirtatious and vivacious. (A kickass too!) Her character shines in her own right and I love that. Petrik was a bit of a mess, lol. He prefers books and cooking to swords and fighting. He's quite endearing, honestly. (That thing at the end surprised me, too.) Kellyn, I definitely adore. If you're wondering about the romance. Yes, I'm here for it. Give me more sweet, vulnerable moments between Kellyn and Ziva. Also? I wanted more time spent in Amanor.

As for the things I-sorta-didn't-like. Three things- one, I don't believe Ziva can be so naive as to think that all the weapons she made were used for good. I mean it's not like she runs a background check on all her customers first. Two, the greatest, most feared swordswoman in all the realms was barely in the book. She was more legend than real. Lastly, there was this one scene and I honestly think Kellyn was the only one in the group thinking right and acting appropriately. They all made him out to be the bad guy. I just don't get it?

I've grown fond of the author's writing and I love her previous books. This time is no different. The ending wasn't what I expected and I very much want to find out what happens next!

"I wish I could separate myself from the fear, to learn who I truly am."

"I prefer metal to people, which is why the forge is my safe space. The heat is relentless in here, even with all the windows open for ventilation. Sweat beads on my forehead and drips down my back, but I wouldn’t give up being a smithy for anything."

"I’m glad making me uncomfortable is so entertaining for you."

I received an ARC via Netgalley to read and review. Quoted excerpt/s may change in the final print.

I absolutely loved this book. It was a fun, fast, engaging read and I was unable to put it down from the moment I started. I also didn't realize going in that there would be some Arthurian things in there, so that was a fun surprise.

I also loved the dynamics between the characters. Although Ziva seemed a little too cool and collected for someone with severe social anxiety, I appreciated the inclusion of social anxiety in this fantasy book. This kind of inclusion is excellent and lends itself to great dialogue with students and with other readers.

Overall, a great read and I highly recommend this one.

Blade of Secrets was such a fun read even thought at times was a bit uncomfortable to read, solely because of the understanding of social anxiety and panic attacks.

Ziva, a majorly introverted blacksmith with magical abilities, is on the run from a Warlord who wants to use Ziva to help weaponize an army for domination. Ziva, along with her younger sister Temra are on the run, accompanied by, Kellyn a mercenary, and Petrik, a scholar. Blade of Secrets was an engaging book that I couldn't put down -- there were times when I understood Ziva's social anxiety and the busy thoughts that go on, yet at other times, reading her anxiety stressed me out -- takes one to know one I suppose -- yet Ziva finds the inner strength to, not necessarily overcome her anxiety, understand and prioritize her feelings, especially to protect those she loves. There was a really cool twist that I won't give away, but it references another hero that I'm familiar with and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel to follow Ziva's next adventure (and possibly romance?).

Ziva, who has severe social anxiety, has the capability to imbue any weapon she makes as a bladesmith with magic. She has a sword that can detect people that want to do you harm around you, a spear that always finds blood, a mace that can take away your breath when you swing it over your head, and countless others. She accidentally imbues a weapon with magic in multiple forms, it can cause great harm without ever touching an object, it is indestructible, and it can reveal the secrets of anyone who sheds blood due to it. She finds out the woman who commissioned the piece wants to use the sword to overthrow the entire country and rule over all through the sword's power, and instead of allowing this to happen, she takes her sister and goes on the run.

I was so excited for this book, I absolutely loved all of the Tricia Levenseller's other books, especially the Daughter of a Pirate King series. But this book just did not do her justice unfortunately. It seemed far more of a middle grade read, and was really slow to start. The concept and plot was such a cool idea, and I loved the idea of a world renowned female bladesmith, especially one who could imbue her weapons with special powers. I mean that is so freaking awesome! But the main character, Ziva, while super relatable with her social anxiety (which is 100% something I struggle with as well), she just seemed so much younger in her years. The dialogue definitely was more along the lines of a middle school read, and there just not a ton of depth to any of the characters. I'm a very emotional reader, and I was not invested in any of them at all. The "tension" between the mercenary and the main character was B.O.R.I.N.G.

I guess I just set the bar far too high for one of Tricia Levensellar's books, since I loved all of her other books. I'm super bummed I didn't like it, I really wanted to, but I couldn't get over how juvenile I felt and the lack of depth in the characters and dialogue. I thought the social anxiety part was relatable in some of the descriptions, but it also made the main character seem extremely juvenile and naive, which I wasn't a fan of. The concept was super cool, though, so I gave it 2/5 stars.

4 stars

Every time I pick up a Tricia Levenseller book, I am constantly impressed. Blade of Secrets was fantastic! It has adventure, a relatable MC, and one awesome plot twist.

There is not a lot of fictional characters that I can relate to, but Ziva comes the closest. Her struggle with anxiety mirrors my own. It was nice to see an MC feel the way I often feel. And I absolutely adored her relationship with her sister. Those two genuinely care for each other and it shows. We also get a precious romance that I hope everyone loves.

Now let's talk about that plot twist. Obviously, I won't spoil it but I was taken aback. I did not see that coming. I mean seriously what an ending!

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for this one!

I have become such a fan of Tricia Levenseller and her writing. She far surpassed my expectations with this one. I knew she was going to touch on anxiety which is very rarely done in fantasy. However, I thought it would be minor and she showed how debilitating anxiety can really be and this is woven through out and not just a minor detail. I understood Ziva and related to her courage to push herself to survive.

The sister dynamic in this book is refreshing and I am also a sucker for a well written sibling book. The way the relationships are written are so spot on. In one instance you have Ziva who has had a hard time talking to anyone let alone boys. She sees someone that takes her breath away but that does not mean it changes her anxiety and yet her sister loves boys and has an ease flirting and talking.

This is such an important book for me and I am sure many others. If you do not suffer it is so hard to describe how it feels but being sucked into someone's journey and world is like living with something unfamiliar. Hopefully this helps teens not feel alone and for others to understand. I will be recommending this and hoping it opens up the conversation. So many suffer in silence. A must read and 5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love Tricia Levenseller and I've read all of her books. Of all her books, this one is my least favorite (even though I still liked it!).

I had a hard time getting into the book. I think part of it was that I wasn't a fan of how much time and emphasis the author put on Ziva's anxiety. It felt like there was a lot of telling and explaining her anxiety and less showing it through different interactions. As the book progressed, her anxiety didn't feel forced, but rather part of her who she was as a character.

The book started off slow for me. I felt like I owed it to the author to see the book through because I've loved every other book of hers. The story did pick up about a third/half way through. After that, I sat down and found myself invested in finishing the book.

The book starts off with Ziva, a smithy with magic, working in the forge and her sister, Temra, dealing with a disgruntled customer. There is also a dinner that they must attend and a conflict arises with the governor's son. Eventually, a warlord comes in to commission a magical weapon that supersedes anything Ziva has ever created. She offers Ziva and her sister a place in her city with the opportunity to continue to make weapons for her soldiers. Ziva accepts her offer and begins working on the weapon. As she is working on the weapon, she sees a mercenary off in the distance and can't help but find him attractive. As she whispers these thoughts, the blade that becomes a weapon that can hear the secrets of the people it cuts. When the warlord comes early and handles the weapons, her secrets are revealed to Ziva. Ziva learns of the warlords treacherous plans and realizes that they must keep the blade away from her. With the help of the attractive mercenary and a scholar, Ziva and Temra set out in hopes of finding a safe place to stay.

Until the crew reaches Thresa, the story seems to drag on. When the crew reaches Thresa, they find Ziva and Temra's grandmother and the rest of their father's family. Temra is excited to finally find a place to settle down and be with family, whereas Ziva feels more weary. When conflict ensues because the town hates magic, the crew find themselves fighting their way out of a mob of people to escape death. Now on the run, the crew travels from city to city attempting to avoid the warlord and her guards. Each city presents a new situation and conflict that forces the crew to leave again. I enjoyed the second half of the story where it felt fast paced and each city left you wondering what was going to happen next.

When it comes to the characters, I didn't really feel invested in any of them. There isn't really any defining qualities that really make them stand out or feel for them. While Ziva's anxiety felt more real halfway through the story, it still wasn't enough for me to sympathize or connect with her. Temra, Petrik, and Kellyn also didn't do a whole lot for me. They fell flat in terms of having any depth to them. We learn about their backgrounds and who they are, but I felt like I only got glimpses into the character they could be if only they'd been developed a little more.

I will still read the second book because I am curious to know what will happen to the four of them. I also love the author too much not to finish out the series.

Thank you to the author and the publisher and Net Galley for giving me a e-ARC of this beautiful book!

I really enjoyed this one. It is probably my favorite work of Tricia's so far, but keep in mind I have only read three of her books total. Now I want to read them ALL. The beginning was a little slow, but I took that as world building and character setting up. I honestly didn't mind that much. Once I hit like 15% though, I was hooked.

I loved the mental health aspect of this book and how the people around our main character help her deal with her anxiety instead of leaving her to deal with it on her own. Even people she meets in the book immediately are nice about it. Her sister is my absolute favorite tho. Ziva (the main character) and Temra's (the sister) relationship is so pure and I just... I just adore it.

The whole book is so interesting. These sisters are on the run due to Ziva, a teenaged blade-smith who can put a little magic in the items she creates, creating a blade for someone she realizes is not a great human and is planning to create a lot of chaos and pain with her forged-blade. So the sisters run, they pay a mercenary to protect them on the road named Kellyn (LOVE HIM), and then a big ol' cinnamon roll named Petrick joins since he is wanting to learn more about magic.

I just really loved this book. There are a few twists, there is cuteness, there is mental health reps.. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves YA fantasy!

Being a fan of Levenseller's The Shadows Between Us, I was eager to read Blade of Secrets. It started off a little slow, but I appreciated how the author took the time to establish the characterization of the two sisters. Immediately she makes it clear that the protagonist suffers from social anxiety, and right off the bat, this makes her so much more relatable. She's constantly thrust out of her comfort zone, and this sets the tone of the novel. We're introduced to a hilarious cast of side characters, each one memorable in its own way. Together they set off on a journey to protect this special blade that Ziva created. It's an entertaining tale full of adventure, sisterhood, and a sweet romance that readers are bound to enjoy. 3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing group for providing an arc for me to read and review.

Just finished this book in ONE DAY and this author has truly outdone herself. I could not stop reading. The story, the prose, the characters were all crafted out of perfection. I am wondering what is going to happen in the next book if there is one...because I need another!!! Phenomenal!

Blade of Secrets is the first installment of Tricia Levenseller’s latest YA, fantasy duology. We follow Ziva, an exceptional blacksmith who prefers metal to people. When Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, she thinks it’s the break she and her sister, Temra, have been waiting for. She crafts a sword that’s capable of stealing its victims’ secrets—some of her finest and deadliest work yet. But when Ziva learns that the warlord intends to use the blade to enslave the realm, she and Temra take the sword and flee. On their quest to keep the sword safe—and find a way to destroy it—Ziva and Temra team up with a scholar and a mercenary, who have secrets of their own. The novel is packed with everything one would expect in a fantasy adventure: sword fights, magic, quests, witty banter, romance, all the good stuff. But what sets Blade of Secrets apart is Ziva. Levenseller has crafted a heroine that people can easily relate to and root for. Although Ziva has social anxiety, we see her, again and again, push past her comfort zone to do the right thing, making her a true hero. And seeing other characters accept Ziva for who she is and also admit they have fears and insecurities of their own as well, is incredibly refreshing and hopefully leaves readers feeling a little more comfortable in their own skin.