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.

Blade of Secrets is a retelling of Sword in the stone. I thought this was a cute read and I enjoyed the characters. The main character suffers from social anxiety. This is such an important topic that I don't see often and I am so glad the author decided to talk about it.

Overall, I liked the story. There wasn't a lot of worldbuilding or explanation on the magic system.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an early copy.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to review this book. I enjoy this book and love the sister dynamic relationship. I enjoy the main character Ziva who has social anxiety which effects her to interact with people. Ziva who as this magical gift to forge and craft weapons and imbued with power. She recieved a commission from a powerful warlord to create the warlord a powerful weapon. ( which she does) and that where the plot takes off. I love this book but I wish the ending was better. So glad this book is getting a sequel. Need it now.

Author Tricia Levenseller is truly a gift to the world of YA fantasy. Her books can always be counted upon for something completely different than what every other author in the space is doing when it comes to the stories they tell, and few writers can equal her ability to craft complicated, extremely original heroines.

Her latest novel, Blade of Secrets, is no different. The first half of what is being titled the "Bladesmith" duology, it follows the story of a skilled young woman who happens to be one of the best blacksmiths of her age, gifted with a rare ability to bestow magic upon the weapons she creates. But her struggle with a severe anxiety disorder has shaped her life in many ways, making her special abilities an escape and a refuge. rather than something she might seek to use for her own glory.

Full of great female characters, an adorable found family, and a love interest that's kind, understanding, and fully willing to learn about and accommodate the ways that Ziva's anxiety impacts her comfort level with basic aspects of life - things like personal space, touch, and a need for quiet time. In short, this is a novel that's not only a blast to read - its adventurous feel will keep you turning the pages and wondering what happens next - but feels like a breath of fresh air at the same time.