Loved the outline of the book. But the book is not catching.my attention. Plus I always had to stop reading and read something else. Love the characters, love the setting in the book but it didn’t have me on my edge of me seat

3.5 STARS.

A YA fantasy novel which I can see my younger self enjoying more. The story follows Harlow, a 15yo orphan who's been raised by her sister, Nova. Harlow must navigate being a part of a kingdom where magic has been banned since she was a baby. She trains as one of the princess's warriors and we get to know her trainer, Shade along with a few other important characters.

Parts of this book intrigued me and had me hooked, while other parts felt a bit slow. I think my biggest issue with this book was not only that there was confusing switches between povs (it is written in 3rd pov and wouldn't indicate who's closed pov it was) but also that it would switch between past and present leaving me occasionly lost.

Overall I did enjoy reading this book. It had secrets, an independent mc, interesting relationships, and some fun world building.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I loved this books so much!! From starting til the end I wasn’t bored or anything. Loved the story, plot, and all the characters in the story. There’s honestly no complaints from me as I loved and enjoyed reading this book throughout 🤍🤍

Summary: In a world where magic is forbidden and treachery lurks in every shadow, Harlow finds herself thrust into a world of court politics and deadly secrets. Tasked with protecting the royal family as part of the Virago, she navigates a web of betrayal, awakening powers within herself that could change the fate of the kingdom. With allies and enemies alike, Harlow embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and reclaim her destiny.


Pros:
🌟 A commendable three and a half stars rounded up for a captivating story! Babin weaves a tale filled with engaging characters, from the enigmatic Harlow to the lethal but loyal Shade. The dynamics between characters add depth to the story, keeping readers hooked till the last page.

😄 The worldbuilding is great, immersing readers in Thornwilde's politics and magic. From glittering court scenes to clandestine plots, the setting serves as a rich tool for Harlow's journey of self-discovery.

🔮 With elements of found family, romance, and betrayal, "Blade of Hope" offers a smorgasbord of fantasy delights. The promise of magic and the unraveling of secrets keep the plot simmering, leaving readers eager for the sequel's release.

Cons:
⚔️ While the story grips readers with its twists and turns, the pacing falters in some parts, akin to a knight stumbling over uneven terrain. Moments of lull disrupt the otherwise steady flow of the story.

🤔 The use of differing character POVs may prove confusing at times, akin to a magical mirror reflecting multiple images simultaneously. While providing insight into various perspectives, it requires readers to juggle multiple viewpoints, occasionally leading to a tangled mess.


In conclusion, despite its minor missteps, "Blade of Hope" is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre, with S.E. Babin wielding her storytelling blade skillfully. The promise of a sequel hints at a deeper exploration of Thornwilde's secrets, leaving me with anticipation akin to a knight preparing for battle.

Disclaimer: A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and S.E. Babin for the ARC. All opinions expressed are a product of my own enchanted musings, and the magic within the pages is solely credited to the talented sorceress, S.E. Babin. 📚✨

Thank you to Net Galley and Oliver Herber Books for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available 2/13/24!!!

This was a hard hitting dark Romantasy right out the gate! It refused to let you go. You are on this ride whether you like or not. I liked it. I found the plot fast paced. The characters engaging. There are some points of predictability but overall I enjoyed this. I will never forget the first chapter. That hit hard and set the tone and pace of the book

Review: Author ruminating…”Blade of Despair……hmm, Blades of Desire…nah too kinky. Blade of Revenge! I got it, er…..blade of hope. Yeah, just one blade that is hopeful and stuff. Catchy am I right?”.

“Oh Harlow Jean, you are so beautiful and perfect! Why is it that we all know that you will one day save us all!!”. Nothing like obvious foreshadowing to start the novel. Harlow Jean has had a rough life but still manages to be oblivious when it counts. Can you say plot device? Now, we cannot forget Nova Roberts whom has all these speshully dark-shadow powers but manages to get knocked on the head and raped. Riiiiiight. Most of the scenes are an obvious and patterned series of events that lacks logical progression. “Oh gee, I need to get a job at the castle. I will render this mean girl unconcious with a stick and take her clothes” and VOILA!!”.

Within the first ten minutes of Harlow Jean getting in the castle she gets a speshul golden key to the showers from a naked lesbo Princess and has a hunky red-haired aristocrat from the ROSE EMPIRE in her room asking pointed questions. And what does Harlow Jean say to this? “I don’t know why, but I FEEL LIKE I KNOW HIM”. Fug. Within 2 hours of entering the castle, she is recognized by royalty as being the ONE WHO COULD DESTROY THEM ALL!!!! And ask her to become a She-Viagra Warrior Xena Magic Princess, dedicated to protecting the um, current Princess while they both crush on eachother. MEOW! Eew. Harlow Jean also has deep connections at first meetings with Shade, a boy on a Roof, a boy in a barn, a Princess, the future King, Melara, and a Horse.

I had to force read this farce to lend a viable review not truncated with guesses. There is a huge continuity issue as well where a band of starving girls chases everyone away from the castle. Team Viagra gets their butt beat by a band of half-trained starvlings and a cruel princess? Where is the palace guard? Where are the soldiers?

This novel uses story line compression to cram everything possible into a chapter to move it along. Really inventive as it thrusts you into the world with bold clarity. I despise my mind-tool for liking this show.

Rating: 3.8/5

This is a good book to a younger audience or for those who’re wanting to dip into fantasy. It was a very easy read and it captivated me right at the beginning of the story. However, I felt like the middle of the story was lacking something to it.

We have a story with a war between kingdoms and hidden identity vibes, found family, a bit of romance, magic, intrigues, and betrayal. I found the POV a bit confusing at times since I couldn’t figure it out which POV I was reading.

Overall, we have a good world building without the usual confusion in understanding it but the POV’s switches were a bit too much. I enjoy it because it was full of secrets, lies, intrigues and banned magic.

Thank you, NetGalley & the publisher, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.

This was a great young adult fantasy romance with lots of political intrigue which is a favorite of mine. Harlow is a very strong female main character with a great personality. The writing was picturesque and flowed well. Overall, I’m thrilled for the next one!

This book was just what I wanted. I loved the writing so much and I could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book!

Ahh such a great book!! I haven’t been in the mood for fantasy, but this one really hit the spot! Refreshing, and out of the norm for today’s fantasy.
I loved Harlow’s character development! I
Can’t wait for more!!

An amazing start to a fantasy series full of magic, love, and political intrigue. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Blade of Hope Review (ARC)

My rating: 3 ⭐️
Spice: 🚫 (thank goodness since it’s a YA book)

Overall, this book was an easy read and is definitely recommended for a younger audience who is wanting to dip their toes into fantasy. Personally, I found the beginning and the end of the novel to be more interesting, with the middle unfortunately falling a bit flat which resulted in skim reading. I enjoyed how Harlow was rather stubborn and strong-minded and her relationship with Shade and Melara. Some characters, particularly the royals were described as sounding awful, however, that wasn’t quite the case with Desminda and Harlow? The character’s POV got a bit confusing as it wasn’t labelled which character’s POV it was meant to be in, which resulted in a bit of confusion and re-reads. In addition to that, personally, I got a bit confused when it changed to Slade’s POV in one scene in particular whether it was in the past or present day.

This novel contains found family, romance, magic, and betrayal.

This book features a 15 year old, Harlow, who was orphaned as an infant after a tragedy which impacted her village. She grew up in a time where magic was banned, however, knew of its existence thanks to her sister, Nova. After Nova abandons her and their foster parents dying due to a fever, Harlow finds a cryptic note left by her sister urging her to find a job at the castle in hopes to reunite again. Harlow was selected to train as a Virago-an all-female guard sworn to protect Princess Desminda. She agrees in hopes to reunite with Nova, her one goal to reunite with her family. Upon meeting a Bard, Harlow’s life is thrown into chaos where she uncovers her whole life may have been a lie, and those closest to her may have betrayed her.

If you like book that contain:
🗡️ Multiple POVs
🗡️ Strong female character(s)
🗡️ Hidden identity
🗡️ War between Kingdoms/Queendom
🗡️ Elite all-girl army

This book is for you.


Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

⚠️ Just a heads up, this book does contain the mention of SA and violence ⚠️

3.75/5

To start with what I loved, Harlow and Nova are fantastic characters, in my opinion, and I especially loved the prologue scene where we see Nova risk everything to save a baby Harlow. They (especially Nova) are morally to be sure, yet I quickly came to love their grit and determination to survive. While reading this, I did feel that Harlow could have been a bit more of a personality because even though she was the main character, she felt flat at times and Nova left far more of an impression on me.

One aspect of the book that I didn’t love was the way the POVs switched. There was no chapter labeling as to whose POV was in each chapter and while it could be figured out after a few paragraphs, I felt that it took away from the reading experience to have to reset each chapter and try and figure out who I was following. The 3rd person narration made this especially hard.

What I liked the least about this book was the pacing. When select days were described, each day seemed busy, dramatic, and involved. Yet there were many time jumps and a year quickly passed which didn’t match the pace of the actual narration. And while things were happening to create a plot, it felt very slow around the middle of the novel. I think that my favorite chapters were the first and last.

And to end on a positive note, I did really like the world and the world building. It was well done without being confusing and really helped me immerse myself in the story.

All in all, I’m glad I read this and I probably will be interested in reading the second book because this one ended on a cliffhanger.

ARC - NetGalley (Thank you so much for letting me read blade of Hope!)

The Kingdom of Thornwilde ( or should I say Queendom) is a place of secrets, lies and banned magic. The main character Harlow is a 15 year old girl who is left all alone after her sister Nova leaves her without reason and her foster parents die of fever.
Harlow is left with a stone and a letter stating to find work in the castle...little does she know her world is about to change immensely right when she walks through those castle doors. From whispers of love that cannot be requited, to prophecies of a girl that will make magic come alive.

f you love books with magic, secrets, betrayal, and powerful female characters then this is for you!

I cannot wait to continue to read this series...I need more NOW!

A group of misfits with a strong female lead—I loved it. I did get confused in some areas when reading about the past. It had some romance; you can never go wrong in a fantasy. The only part I'd say needed some slowing down was the beginning, but eventually it got better, and I can’t say I was disappointed.

Thankful to have received a NetGalley arc of this in ebook.
Hidden identities, warring kingdoms, and training for a badass all girl army? Sounds good to me!
3.5 stars, Blade of Hope was a quick read and I feel it leaves a great deal to be explored (which I wouldn’t say is a bad thing for an expanding series)
Character POV’s kind of bounced around a bit and I found myself having to re read because I wasn’t sure who it was reading as.
Characters were likeable and I’d like to learn more about them and their relationships.
I did enjoy the book and look forward to finding out where this story will go!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
I was invested in all characters and enjoyed finding out what they were up to and how the events were affecting everyone.
The only time I got slightly confused was during some times that we flashbacked and I didn’t realise.
But if you’re looking for a book with a strong female lead and outlawed magic look no further.
The end gave me answers to questions I didn’t even have.
I cannot wait to find out what happens next and see where our group of misfits go next.
Release date: 13/2/2024

An excellent read that starts out really dark, but it somehow ends up very hopeful.

This book has a wonderful cast of characters. I love Nova's sacrifices for her sister, Harlow and Harlow's resilience and attitude to continue forward. I love the horse and want to know more about what kind of animal it really is. I'd also like to know a bit more about Lucien.

The worldbuilding is really good. It's quite interesting to see how magic is taken away from the kingdom and the consequences of that.

The plot and pacing were really good and kept me turning the pages. I can't wait for the next one.

First I have to say thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the e-arc—I very much appreciated it! Now for my feelings about the book.

I think it would be more correct to say I rate this book a 3.75/5 rather than 4 stars for a couple reasons. Initially when I started the book, I was concerned for how I would feel about it. In my opinion, the first 90ish pages have some pretty major pacing issues which made the story a bit difficult to digest. It felt as though there was so much exposition trying to be put into the very beginning that it was a bit rushed and all over the place. Now, after page 90 and definitely by the training arc, the pacing had resolved itself and seemed to progress at a good speed. I’m so glad I kept going because after the pacing resolved itself, I found the story quite enjoyable!

This story has a strong, female lead who relies on nobody but herself. I did quite enjoy Harlow’s character and her interactions with the other people in the story. I specifically found her relationships with Shade and Melara to be quite interesting. I did find at some points that the characters were quick to kindness towards Harlow despite how they were described by others—specifically the royals. I understand that they may have been using friendship as a weapon against Harlow, but the way it was executed felt a bit off to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot of the book and thought it was a nice read. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series and once again am so glad I was able to read the e-arc of the book—it was enjoyable!

Here is the link to the GoodReads post! <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199530892-blade-of-hope" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Blade of Hope (Book of the Virago, #1)" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697121040l/199530892._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199530892-blade-of-hope">Blade of Hope</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8072540.S_E_Babin">S.E. Babin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6175441491">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
First I have to say thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the e-arc—I very much appreciated it! Now for my feelings about the book.<br /><br />I think it would be more correct to say I rate this book a 3.75/5 rather than 4 stars for a couple reasons. Initially when I started the book, I was concerned for how I would feel about it. In my opinion, the first 90ish pages have some pretty major pacing issues which made the story a bit difficult to digest. It felt as though there was so much exposition trying to be put into the very beginning that it was a bit rushed and all over the place. Now, after page 90 and definitely by the training arc, the pacing had resolved itself and seemed to progress at a good speed. I’m so glad I kept going because after the pacing resolved itself, I found the story quite enjoyable!<br /><br />This story has a strong, female lead who relies on nobody but herself. I did quite enjoy Harlow’s character and her interactions with the other people in the story. I specifically found her relationships with Shade and Melara to be quite interesting. I did find at some points that the characters were quick to kindness towards Harlow despite how they were described by others—specifically the royals. I understand that they may have been using friendship as a weapon against Harlow, but the way it was executed felt a bit off to me.<br /><br />Overall, I enjoyed the plot of the book and thought it was a nice read. I look forward to seeing how the author continues the series and once again am so glad I was able to read the e-arc of the book—it was enjoyable!

Below is the link to the GoodReads review!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/146597155-kaylie">View all my reviews</a>