I  thought that this was a decent sequel to Blade of Secrets. I enjoyed that Ziva learn to work with her Anxiety and the troubles that she had faced throughout this book. The pacing was a little off but I like that the story picked up right were we left off in the first book. I also felt that some of the twists were a bit predictable. But you cant win them all.



Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this audiobook for an honest review.

Had a great time with this book. It was a sweet conclusion to the duology, and TL has become a go to author for me when I'm in the book for something sweet and cozy. Excited to read more by her!

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!

This is a great conclusion to the duology. I adored the first book and while I enjoyed reading this one, it wasn't quite as good of a fit for me as the first. I loved the journey and adventure of the first book but this one shifted the focus to politics and war. This made it a bit of a slower read for me. The audio was well done though and I really enjoyed the narrator.

I remember literally nothing from the first book, which makes enjoying the sequel very difficult. Love the anxiety rep, though. Read via audio (narrated by Emily Ellet).

Disclaimer: While I read an audiobook copy that I borrowed from the library, I initially received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in the Bladesmith duology.

This picks up exactly where the cliffhanger from book 1 ends, but I liked this book way more then the first book! I felt like the characters were more developed and the plot was a tad more interesting in my opinion. There is more of a focus on the war and the politics in various kingdoms that peaked my interest. I still adore these characters, and I loved watching them interact with one another. I didn't love Ziva's character in the first book, but she definitely grew on me in this second installment. I also loved how much Petrik came out of his shell in this one, he was such a likeable character and I loved his personality. Kellyn is still one of my favourite characters. I love how understanding and sweet he is with Ziva, always reassuring her when she is anxious. SUCH A SWEETIE PIE. Temra was still a highlight of the book for me, even though she was in a smaller portion of it. I'm hoping we get a spinoff series where she is the main character!

A great conclusion to the Blade of Secrets duology. Tricia Levenseller once again has created a fast pasted, romantic, fantasy novel with characters that show a lot of depth. I loved that this series featured a main character with social anxiety and how she was about to work around the anxiety to be a hero. Representation has been getting really good in the past few years but this particular rep isn't something commonly seen in fantasy novels. Its also refreshing to have short fantasy series when so many extend into long series with quite lengthy page counts.

Master of Iron is the second book in Tricia Levenseller's Bladesmith duology. I really liked the first book, Blade of Secrets. Fantasy magical blacksmith, what's not to love?

Master of Iron picks up right where Blade of Secrets ended, our heroes running for their lives to the city to find shelter and a healer. I really wanted to like this book, but couldn't get into it.

Zivia, the blacksmith main character, is coded as autistic and has severe situational and social anxiety. Since the book is in first person, we are in her head for the entirety of the story. This wasn't so bad in the first book when she was in her comfortable location with her family. In this book, however, she is trying to convince people that war is coming. She has anxiety attacks over her situation, over her crush, and whenever she has to speak to someone. It's a lot.

I wouldn't wish her oppressive anxiety on my worst enemy, and I definitely don't want to subject myself to it. The worst part was her circular thoughts. Someone would tell her something and she would spiral out, disregarding all of their words and actions to make up the worst possible scenario, and then repeat that scenario in her head for the next several chapters but never going back to them to clarify. It was not fun to read. She was also very sheltered, and although she is supposed to be 18, she acted very young.

I did like the plot, the magic system, and the characters who weren't the main character. The ending especially was unexpected.

Emily Ellet did an excellent job narrating the audio version.

Read it for the plot, skip the anxiety spirals.

Thanks to Macmillan Young Listeners and NetGalley for access to the audio version of this book.

I’m bummed out that I didn’t enjoy this duology as much as I had wanted to.

I’ve read and enjoyed all of Levenseller’s previous works, and I’m sad to say these were my least favourite.

I honestly feel like these two books could have been condensed into one book. In both books (especially this one) parts seemed to drag on and on.

There was also a lot of overly repetitive inner monologue which got a bit frustrating after a while.

If you are going to give these books a shot, I definitely suggest you go the audiobook route. Emily Ellet did a really great job.

This one is a tough one to rate because I really enjoyed it, but it lacked the exciting fantasy feel from book one because it focused so much more on developing Ziva, Petrik, and Kellyn as characters.

Master of Iron picks up right where Blade of Secrets left off, so this is NOT a book that can be read as a standalone. And if you’re like me, I had to go back and reread they last few chapters of book one to refresh my memory.

One thing I absolutely loved in this story was how Levenseller further dives into Ziva’s anxiety and gives the reader unfiltered access to Ziva’s innermost thoughts and feelings. As someone who also battles with anxiety, it’s refreshing to see the care in which this topic is handled and that is not something to just be cured with magic. I also really enjoyed the closeness and interactions that Ziva and Kellyn shared especially when it came to how anxiety can affect personal relationships and feelings.

I do wish this story had more of a quest focus like book one did, however, this story really is a wonderful conclusion to this duology.

Rating: 5/5
I received this copy for my honest review

With Tricia Levenseller I am never disappointed. It does not matter what kind of book she writes, I find myself always 100% invested and having to know what is next and what is going to happen. I love that in the book you really get to see Ziva branch out more and learn how to control her anxiety. I know a lot of authors write about how their character has anxiety and how they deal with it everyday but most of the time I feel like they’re missing important parts of how everyday people deal with anxiety and Levenseller did not miss those parts. I know from my own life and having someone close by me that suffers from anxiety and how hard it has been at times for them to do normal things, but I loved seeing this character open and bloom into a wonderful heroine. I loved the lesson that I told from this book, that no matter the flaws we have with ourselves, or the others might see, you can still be a badass female or male. I loved the romance between Kellyn and Ziva, and with Patrik & Temra. I think with both of those relationships I was awing and “swooning” over some of the more adorable moments. The ending came together in a way that I did not see, I honestly thought it was going in one direction but wow that was a great ending to a wonderful duology.

I received an audio copy of this book and I thought narrator Emily Ellet was great. She was able to really bring to life the characters the way that Levenseller meant them to be, with her attention to details she was able to be dramatic in all the right places and in all the right ways. She really brought to life these characters for me and I felt that I was already best friends with all of them.

I want to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me the chance to review this great book.

This one was so good!! I really enjoyed the first book, but I thought this one was even better. We really got to see Ziva grow into a strong character, and the romance between her and the mercenary was adorable. I loved her sister and Petric as well. All around, it was a well written, fast paced adventure. I really enjoy Tricia's books and can't wait for the next one! Also, the narrator on the audiobook was my favorite by far. She's great!

Picks up exactly where we left off in the last book and then just mad adventure from there. I really like how anxiety and self esteem is depicted, described and written. It’s very accurate. As someone who has dilapidating (at times) anxiety from childhood and constantly learning how to live with it daily since it can be all consuming at times and with a sister who completely understands and almost the only one who can truly calm my ass down, I connect with this on a very deep level. Probably why I like the this duology so much. I enjoyed the magic system, the quick pace, the relationships, the adventures, the accurate portrayal of anxiety and a neat and tidy HEA. There is very little world building but it doesn’t take away from the story. Would definitely recommend if you liked the first book, and the duology as a whole.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book.

In this sequel to Blade of Secrets, Ziva is dead set on finding the magical healer and saving her sister, and she's extremely mad at Kellen for allowing her sister to get hurt in the first place. But when they found out the healer has been stolen by a rival kingdom, Ziva and her friends attempt a daring rescue and come face to face with a would-be-conqueror who wants to take over all the kingdoms and rule them as his own.

This was a really good sequel and an excellent end to this duology. I really love the development of Ziva and how she learns to live with her anxiety and push herself in ways she wasn't able to in the first book. I feel like this has really good anxiety rep and shows how overwhelming social anxiety can be.

The plot of this one was interesting and a bit different than the first book. I liked that most of this was centered in one place, as it was a nice change from the more migratory setting of Blade of Secrets.

I think my favorite plot point is Ziva learning more about her abilities and reconciling with the fact that once she creates something, someone else is able to use it for either good or ill. I liked the way this was dealt with!

Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Mental illness
Moderate: Kidnapping, War, Confinement, and Violence

Master of Iron was a beautiful conclusion to the story started in Blade of Secrets. We see tons of character growth in the group as calamity befalls them. We spend a lot of time in the MCs inner anxiety spirals, but I really enjoyed the support she gets from her friends. I wish there was a little more romance.

I really enjoyed this story! After just finishing the first book I needed answers and I got them!

This magical smithy is more than just her weapons. While it may not be easy the MC steps up to the challenge of fighting for what is right. Now she not only creates her blades, but wields them too.

I love the mental health journey that the MC is on and Kellyn is the answered prayer letting her know she is loved every step of the way. He accepts her for who she is and helps her gain her confidence in her own body.

What an awesome continuation of an already amazing story!

5/5

GAH! This book was so good I almost don’t believe that I read it. I remember when the first book came out and I freaking LOVED it so to say this book was my most anticipated book for the year is not an understatement in the least..

Let me just tell you that this book could not (and did not) disappoint me if it tried! I loved everything about this book there was so much character development in my main girl Ziva! UGH it was just so good! And I can’t even talk about Kellyn without gushing, I love that man.

The audio book was fantastic, although I do wonder how much better it would be with multiple narrators!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

I absolutely adore these characters! Tricia Levenseller has done an outstanding job writing a strong female protagonist who also struggles with social anxiety. As a young woman who lives with anxiety, it was so empowering to read (listen) about Ziva and see my struggles reflected in a character who I admire so greatly as well. Not only is Ziva an outstanding character and the representation done exceptionally, she is also surrounded by the most loving and supportive group of companions which was a complete delight to read. I loved seeing the other characters learning how to love Ziva as she was rather than trying to change here. It was so refreshing to see!

Every one of Ziva's friends was delightful and I loved following this group on their adventures. The plot was strong, though I did enjoy the first book a bit more than this one. The pacing was quick and action packed which I love in a YA novel. It was fun to get to see a bit more of the magic in this second book, although I do think I would have enjoyed learning a bit more about the history.

Overall, I think this is a darling YA duology and I will be highly recommending it to anyone looking for a charming YA fantasy with found family and excellent mental health representation. That ending was everything I could have hoped for and more and I am completely obsessed.

Aside from this duology, the only other Tricia Levenseller book I have read is Daughter of the Pirate King which didn't end up being for me, but I am so glad I gave this author another shot. I could definitely see myself coming back to these books in the future as comfort reads.

The audiobook narration is engaging and extremely well done. If you are a fan of audio listening, this is a great pick!

Once again Tricia Levenseller has created an amazing book!

I love Ziva! As someone with anxiety, social and otherwise, this character made me feel seen. Her in head bantering and over thinking is something I go through on a daily. Kellyn’s understanding of Ziva’s anxious thoughts is what ever person hopes their partner will have. Over all the plot was good. I enjoy a solid YA fantasy that gives me King Arthur feels. The duology ended with a big nice bow wrapped around it, leaving no confusing drops offs.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC!

Master of Iron
by Tricia Levenseller

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an absolutely breathtaking book. I can not wait to go back and read book 1. This book completely sucks you in and encompasses you in this world. I love the girl power aspect of this book. I think I wrote that 4 or 5 times in my notebook. I love that the author uses Ziva's anxiety as a plot point, but doesn't make it her whole personality. You can have anxiety and also not make it cripple you. This book was so good. I found my self staring off into space while listening to it. I wanted to know what happened next while also wanting to shake the prince. I can not wait for the next book. I'm a forever fan!!

Thank you, netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this audiobook
Thank you, Tricia Levenseller for this INCREDIBLE book. seriously. this is so so good! if i could rate it higher than 5 stars I would!
Thank you,Emily Ellet for lending your voice to these characters and giving them life!!