This book blew me out of the water. Going into it I wasn't sure what to expect, but I didn't think I'd be falling into a beautiful and emotional journey that featured deep character growth, action, magic, and massive soul piercing questions. The author does a fantastic job at giving us these characters, weaving a world, and having a story that makes you question everything while being a ton of fun to actually read.

This is definitely a book I will be picking up again!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Bloodwoven is an adventure fantasy reminiscing classic sword & sorcery novels or the world of Dragon Age. In this world, the mages are feared, reviled or enslaved, while the protagonist Lindel works for the law enforcement, escorting arrested criminals to the capital for a trial. Yet along his journey, he's betrayed by the person he believed righteous and saved by the one he considered wicked - a mage who breaks all the sacred rules.

All that in a background of a brewing rebellion against the king, and an old religion fighting against eradication and being replaced by the new, "righteous" one. And then, there's a baby Lindel must save.

Fast paced duels and chases are interwoven with slowed scenes that introduce us to the world and help the characters bond along the way. There are hints of developing romance, but very subtle and slow burn.

The ending leaves room for developing the story further into a bigger scope epic, while this novel focuses mostly on Lindel and his struggles to reconcile his pre-established beliefs about mages with what he learns about them from them, there are hints of a bigger political intrigue or even war looming over the continent.

I would recommend the book to fans of classic adventure fantasy or sword & sorcery.

In Bloodwoven, we follow Lin and his journey of his latest mission, escorting a couple through the woods where the tiny villages are few and far between.
And as Lin’s mentor taught him; Nothing good happens on a moonless night.
Oh, how right he is.
Here scary things go bump in the night, these things, and their action I found well described. I will not be going to any dark forests any time soon *brr*

I really enjoyed the storyline. Along the way our hero has encounters with evil beings, which he needs to draw upon his magic to defeat. The fact that his magic does not come for free, is great, especially how some of the sources of replenishment is described *coughlaugh*.

I got to know our Lin as a great man. He is affected by the failed mission, yet, he soldiers on, wanting to save everyone and everything that needs it. As the journey rolls on, he seems to still reflect on a promise broken. As a soldier he has followed orders blindly and now, as he realizes that maybe not all encounters along the way are random, so do we, for the parts we have not been able to guess before they are revealed. He is starting to realize some things. And I am dying to see what happens next, will he become the word I cannot mention because it is a spoiling moment?

Phew, it is good to know it is a trilogy at this point :D

~Separately, the prayed. Tylle to her hedonistic gods, him to the six and their one shadow. ~


Please note; I will be posting this 22nd or 23 of July. I just need to give you this feedback to improve my scores for more great reads :)

Although I think there was a great story there, I did think that the writing needed more maturing. I wasn't very immersed and just wanted more from the characters, plot, and worldbuilding. It was a great story and I loved the concept, I just wish that it was better executed.
I didn't feel the need to DNF this book and it was worth reading to the end, but I don't see myself chatting about it to fellow readers, nor would I go around recommending it. I would be interested in reading more from G.J. Terral though, as I do see potential there.

Also, just a personal preference, I didn't like that the book wasn't available on epub version. This made it difficult to read and I was slightly annoyed that I couldnt download it onto my kindle Although I would never let that jeopardize my star rating of a book, it is definately something that I want to note for future reference. Especially with the majority of readers converting to ereaders now.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gregory Terral, and IBPA for the opportunity to read and review the eARC for Bloodwoven!

The story takes you to another place. Another realm of possibilities. Walk in the foot steps of our leading Lady. Enjoy her triumphs. Hold your breath in a tense moment. And turn the page!

An action-packed read with an interesting world-building! I'm intrigued to see where the story is going to go in future installments.

An action-packed story full of dramatic duels and chases, surprising plot twists and moral dilemmas.

Lindel thinks he knows what's right - protecting innocents - and what's wrong - corrupt, twisted mages. But a job gone wrong and one helping hand from a mage later, he starts to question everything he believed in. Are mages really as irredeemable as he's been taught? Is the system he served really so righteous, only concerned with well-being of its citizens?

Branded a heretic and outlaw by the organization he served, he must find new allies if he wants to survive, and in doing so, he might entangle himself in a much bigger political intrigue than he expected.

I enjoyed the story, and the author can balance action, worldbuilding and character development in well-mixed proportions. The prose was smooth to read and reminiscent of classic fantasy vibes. The characters were distinct and interesting, I found the main cast relatable and the villains sufficiently villainous. We get glimpses of the wider religious and political worldbuilding which I expect will be expanded upon further in the series.

Can't wait to see where the author takes this story further.