Solid sequel, brings everything together. I liked how the author addresses Ziva’s Anxiety and how she manages to break down her walls and find her true self. I know this was only a duology but I would absolutely love to see what happens down the road with her and her sister and KELLYN. I also liked how the author allowed the sister to find her voice too. Not just focusing on the protagonist but the other characters around her.

This was not as original as the first book but it did have its moments. I was glad to see it wrapped up happily for all the main characters but the romance took away from her spunk and independence.

Just enough action with a side of romance to make a great conclusion to the duology. Really hope to see more from this "world" in the future.

So if you've read Blade of Secrets, you know how it is when we finish that one and what it means for Ziva. I think what's interesting about this book is the odd shift that it takes. From pretty early on, you can tell the difference. The first book was very much focused on the action and the typical quest adventure that always has something going on. This one is more focused on the aftermath and the politics of the kingdom and everything like that. That said, I actually prefer the politics of fantasy worlds so I loved this one even more than book 1. However, the difference is there and pretty noticeable. So it isn't bad, just different! The world building was AMAZING. At times the pacing did feel a bit slow, especially without there being one continuous plot, but I didn't mind that as much since we were being introduced to a lot of new things in this book compared to the last. What I appreciate the most about this series is how it subverts a lot of what I expect from YA fantasy. The ending to this was unique and everything wrapped up nicely.

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.

This is the second book in the series, the first being Blade of Secrets. The last book finished with Temra is mortally wounded, Kymora captured, and the Blade of Secrets disposed of. Now, Petrik, Kellyn, and Ziva must race to Prince Skiro's castle in the hopes of saving Temra.

Finally, a character I identify with!! Ziva has extreme social anxiety, and reading about her anxieties and panic attacks was like being in my own brain. I absolutely adore her and really enjoyed seeing her growth.

The plot was fast paced and action packed. I know this story was meant to be a duology, and the author did a great job of wrapping everything up. Too great in fact, as I desperately want more Ziva. This was my first series by this author, and I will now have to try more of her books.

This book was a beautiful conclusion to this duology. Tricia Levenseller is the queen of quick, compelling, enticing duologies. If you enjoyed Blade of Secrets, make sure to read Master of Iron! I hope everyone can find relatability and strength in Ziva.

This was an excellent ending to this duology (although I would love more in this series/world if that's every a possibility). I really enjoyed the growth of the characters and the plot kept my interest easily.

An action packed continuation of Blade of Secrets, Master of Iron won’t disappoint! The story starts with a mad dash to see one of Prince Skiro’s healers to save Ziva’s sister, Temra. Once they arrive, the process of saving her sister is anything but easy, sending Ziva, Kelly’s and Petrik on another adventure, one that doesn’t end so smoothly for Ziva and Kellyn.

One of my favorite things about Levenseller’s writing is the fast paced, action packed adventures of her story. Not only could I not put this story down, but I thoroughly enjoyed the protagonist. Not your typical leading lady, Ziva struggles socially. Her flaws make her so much more endearing and relatable, having many of the same insecurities myself. I love Ziva’s story and Couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this duology!

This duology has become a new favorite. In less than 24 hours, I binged both Blade of Secrets and this one. They were that good. I didn't take breaks, I didn't put the book down. No, I read nonstop until a finished. If that isn't the sign of a good book, I don't know what is

(I also stayed up way too late reading this one, so be ready for an incoherent review...)

Everything I loved about the first book was just as strong if not stronger in this one. I wasnt sure what to expect going into it, as the plot felt like it had been mostly used up, but Levenseller knew exactly what she was doing. Her twists were so powerful, and I never knew what was coming next. It was a super fun read because of that

I really loved the romance between Kellyn and Ziva. I'd loved them together in the first book too, but this one had me shipping them so hard. Some of their romantic declarations/speeches had be swooning, they were that adorable. What was even better was that they were both so accepting. Both characters were flawed, but in the best way. They were beautifully complex, and every time they interacted, I knew it was about to be a gem.

I also really loved the portrayal of anxiety. It wasn't portrayed as a disability or even something to hold Ziva back. It was a challenge for her, but never something that caused her to fail. It was a beautiful interpretation, especially with the way it all came together in the end. She was a relatable character, and not one I'm ready to leave behind

I've already written one essay-length review for Blade of Secrets today, so I'll be leaving this review there. If you've ever considered checking this series out, do it. You won't have regrets, and you'll love every second of it

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you, NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book. I love everything that Tricia writes and this was no exception. In the conclusion of the Bladesmith duology, the book starts right where we left our characters trying to save Temra's life. As they try and save their world from the dangers that lurk there is a little romance. The characters are witty and their relationships with each other shine through. Ziva continues to gain her confidence and come into her own. I love the mental health representation in this duology it really shows the readers that people can overcome their struggles and that it is okay to struggle sometimes. Again, I will read anything TL writes and can't wait for the next project.

Loved it more than the first. The action, the characters, the loyalty. Very well done. Ziva’s character development was believable and had me rooting for her courage to shine the entire book.

This was a quick, enjoyable read! This book starts off directly after the events of the first book in the duology, Blade of Secrets, so I recommend re-familiarizing yourself with the events at the end of that book before starting this one.

The characters really shined in this book. Ziva, especially, had great realistic character development and growth. I loved that Ziva didn't just get magically cured of her anxiety, but learned to better manage it throughout the book. It was great to have a main character with anxiety issues portrayed in a realistic way. I also feel like Kellyn's reactions to Ziva's anxiety were realistically portrayed. I always hate when the main love interests in books are portrayed as perfect, so it was great to have Kellyn show some frustration (yet do his best to stay supportive). I would have liked more development for the new characters in the book, but I enjoyed what was included about them.

The pacing of the book was great. There was just enough action to keep it exciting and interesting, but enough time between the action to get to know the characters more and to see their character development. As always with good books, I wish this one had been just a little longer. We get a taste of what the characters are going to do next at the end of the book, but I would have loved getting to see some of it. Perhaps Levenseller will revisit this world and these characters someday.

Tricia Levenseller is my go-to author for fun, enjoyable reads and this book didn't disappoint! Looking forward to her next work!

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

I liked Blade of Secrets, but I didn't love it. It was probably my least favorite of her Levenseller's books so far. But, since Levenseller is an author whose books automatically make it on my TBR lists, I knew I would still read Master of Iron to find out how everything ended.

Master of Iron did not disappoint. It picked up right where Blade of Secrets left off, with Ziva, Kellen, and Petrik trying to make it to the healer in Skiro in hopes of saving Ziva's sister Temra. After barely making it to Skiro, the trio learn that Serutha, the healer, has been captured by Skiro and Petrik's older brother Ravis. Knowing that they need Serutha if there is any hope for Temra to live, the three attempt a rescue mission. While they are able to save Serutha, Ziva and Kellen are captured.

In an attempt to save Ziva, Kellen reveals to Ravis that Ziva can magic weapons. Ravis, a tyrant, decides to use Ziva to make weapons that will help him take control over all the kingdoms in Ghadra. He threatens Kellen as motivation for her to make these weapons. Ziva attempts to magic weapons in only small ways in hopes that they aren't powerful enough to do massive damage. Eventually, she figures out a way to make a weapon that can help her and Kellen escape. On the run again, they must find their way back to Skiro to warn everyone of Ravis's plans to take control of Ghadra.

In Master of Iron, I felt like the storyline was more fast paced. There were more things at play than just continuing to escape from each capture. What I loved most about this book was Ziva's growth. She learned so much about herself and what she was capable of. She had convinced herself that she wasn't anyone without her sister and that she didn't know how to be on her own. She had convinced herself that she was responsible for all the bad that was happening around her.

I loved watching her relationship with both Kellen and Temra change and grow. With Kellen, she was so angry at him for choosing her over her helping her sister, and then when he revealed her abilities in hopes of saving her. She didn't want to like him or give him a second chance. Kellen was patient and kind, and yet refused to give up on her. He also gave her the nudge she needed to see that she was capable of so much more and that she was doing just fine on her own. Kellen took the time to try and understand Ziva's anxiety. I also loved their ending. And when he calls her sweetheart... ooh :)

Ziva also started to realize that maybe she was being unfair to her sister. Her sister wanted adventures and to be a soldier. Ziva starts to understand that they both want different things out of life and that's okay. They can still be sisters and see each other. When she really thinks about it, she's accomplished a lot of amazing things while Temra was injured and she did them all without her sister. She figures out that she'll be okay. I really appreciated the strong relationship and emphasis on the sisters throughout both books.

Overall, it was a satisfying conclusion to the duology. I enjoyed the plot line, the character developments, and how everything wrapped up.

This was a fun conclusion to "Blade of Secrets" with the same humor and higher stakes as the conflicts from the previous book result in a war. It starts immediately after the first book as the crew race towards the closest city to save Ziva's sister, Temra, from a life-threatening injury. Once the group arrives, it's revealed the healer was captured, and to rescue her, Ziva is forced to make some hard choices that result in her worst fear: making magicked weapons for her enemy.

"Master of Iron" shows some incredible character growth and development. The most memorable element of the first book was our main heroine, Ziva. Suffering from social anxiety and a fear of the world outside her forge, Ziva was forced to venture outside to keep her powerful blade from falling into the hands of the warlord. There are so many amazing moments in this sequel, where Ziva learns how to break negative thought patterns to trust someone else besides her sister, and saves the day by conquering her fears. It was a fantastic arc and end for our favorite bladesmith.

While I loved the characters and their respective journeys, this book does lose some of its adventurous spirit. The last book ended with a hint at a larger conflict and the only natural progression was for the sequel to deal with the strife in the land and its resolution. As a result, this one focused mainly on strategy and war, which isn't my favorite setting in fantasy. However, this duology is definitely worth the read for Levenseller's characters and their quippy exchanges.

One of the things I most love about Levenseller is that she always creates such unique individuals in her novels. Her King’s and Queen’s are not always evil and her protagonist is always flawed, but not always in a physical way. And most of all, the relationships she builds are healthy, trusting, and slowly built through shared experiences.

All of that said, I gave Master if Iron a 4 out of 5, but really find it to be closer to a 3.5. There are times in the novel when the narration becomes so excessive and repetitive that it drastically slows the pace. I still loved the novel- it is a great ending to this little duology. I finally had a chance to know Kelly and Zima better than ever, but there is this strange barrier between us all. I can’t quite put my hand on it- something to do with the time and place if the narrative, the life of the protagonist, her anxiety, her relationships- somehow I feel too far from the them for a connection.

Nonetheless, I would still suggest this novel to anyone who enjoys a low fantasy with slow world building and several characters that are just and noble!

This book was such a great read! I really enjoyed it and flew through it in one afternoon. The characters were unique and relatable which is something I really enjoy in a book. The author did an amazing job and I can't wait to read more.

I knew I would love the continuing story of the Bladesmith. There is more romance in this closing book, but it all seems to work. More details and magic were added to this world, and I loved all of it! I will be pining that Levenseller decides to visit again.

I loved the first book in this series for its adventure. A rag-tag team on a mission is one of my favourite tropes, so ‘Blade of Secrets’ more than delivers on the entertainment front. And even though I don't love this sequel as much as the first installment, it's still a pretty great conclusion to the duology.

The reason I didn't enjoy this as much is because of the plot focus. The adventure is done and over with and now the focus is on war and kingdom politics. It's not quite my cup of tea personally and bit slower in pace, but I will admit that it's a logical direction for the story to go and makes sense based on how the story was building in the first book.

And I found the story to make up for my lack of plot enjoyment in other ways. The world-building is pretty spot-on, the characters are just as amazing to read about, there's some good mental health representation, and the writing itself has an easy, binge-readable quality to it.

So all in all, this book is a nicely wrapped-up ending to a fun and unique series! Can't wait to see what TL comes up with next!

Tricia is one of my favorite writers and this series has been especially special to me. Having a MC that struggles from anxiety is something I have been wanting more of and especially in fantasy. Ziva really struggles and especially around new people and big crowds. She has a talent that others want to control. She may have anxiety but Ziva true to all of Tricia's female leads is strong in her own way. I love her bond and protective nature over her sister. She has started to develop feelings for Kellyn and I really enjoyed getting into Ziva's head on the anxiety of making yourself vulnerable and what goes through your mind when you might be rejected. As a blacksmith that imbues power and gifts into the weapons' she creates Ziva will discover her ability can be more than she ever dreamed and does not have to be used for destruction and death. A satisfying conclusion to a needed fantasy duology!

I love the characters in this series so much; Ziva, Temra, Kellyn and Petrik are my favorite group! I loved picking up where the last book left off and immediately diving into all the suspense! The beginning and end of the this book are really strong in my opinion. However, the middle was a little repetitive and long. This portion of the book felt dedicated to working out character's emotions and not much else. I saw what purpose it served to drag out this part of the story, but I still would have preferred having the relationship building be gradually mixed in with more story advancing plot. But again, I LOVED the beginning and end of the book so much that in the end it was exactly what I was hoping for! This is an all time favorite series for me with all time favorite characters!