*Arc kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

So this was my first time reading this genre and author. It was well written and I enjoyed the world building and characters for the most part. Unfortunately, it felt a bit flat to me. I didn’t have any expectations going in but I was a little disappointed that for a book that is supposed to be about training a woman warrior, there was actually little to no training and the warrior spent quite a bit of time in tears and weeping or running away. The only thing I really liked about the fmc is that she had no problem calling out the mmc.

I don’t think this genre is for me but I will say the writing itself was good.

Epic, Emotional, Enthralling Love Story:
I must say after first reading the history of the Blackchurch Guild I was totally amazed with the in-depth imagination the author brings forth to make this love story absolutely gripping.
There is a large cast of characters but, this first of the series deals with Tay one of the greatest trainers known as the Leviathan and Athdara a woman who comes to the Guild to be trained as a warrior. She has to avenge
her father and brothers' murders by their uncle. Tis the basic plot with a bit of romance.
We meet many guild trainers that have their own specialties of warfare and are intricate players in this first book of a new series.
Athdara and Tay meet in a most unusual way and sparks are noted.
This is a very emotional story that only grows stronger as their feeling Ingnite until they can't deny their feeling any longer.
Many heartfelt confessions, I chucked, many Oh No's and Oh Heavens this can't be good, bits of anger, frustrations, passion, fireball first kiss, and of course an awful villain or two.
A wonderful epilogue that completed the love story of Tay and Athdara to a wonderful conclusion.
An interesting beginning for this new series that I would guess we will be learning more of the Blackchurch Guide and the trainers in books to come.
The cover: 5 Star
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.

First time reading this author. The book was really good. I love the character build up with the brotherhood and the fact that a lot of this book was about honor and supporting a female character who has a mission of her own. Tay (the leviathan) is one of the trainers for Black church (they are trainers and suppose to never take sides). As one of the best trainers he is intimating and skilled. He doesn't think women can be soldiers, lead wars. Well in comes Athdara de Ghent. She is the one thing he didn't see coming. She is beautiful and comes into Blackchurch with a mission of her own. They were both attracted to each other from the beginning and that attraction leads to something more. Athdara mission is either going to pull them together or tear them apart with decisions that could impact both of them and their future.