JUNE 2021 - AudioFile
Emily Ellet offers an unflinching and elegant performance of this audiobook featuring a character with social anxiety. Ziva’s magical blacksmith skill allows her to craft especially powerful weapons, which attracts a commission from a warlord. But after creating a devastating sword capable of stealing the secrets of its victims and learning of the warlord’s intentions to enslave the world, Ziva and her younger sister flee. Protected by a handsome mercenary that Ziva can’t keep her eyes off of, they make a quest to keep the sword safe from the unworthy. Ellet’s vocal versatility and steady pace capture several characters seamlessly while guiding listeners through budding romance, anxiety attacks, and the steadfast strength of a character who proves herself even at her worst. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Blade of Secrets was an addictive page-turner. Loaded with action, betrayal, slow-burn romance— honestly, that is the best first kiss scene ever —I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with Ziva, her sister, and their very “interesting” companions. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and gasp." — Mary E. Pearson, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles
"Exciting, romantic, and filled with magic, BLADE OF SECRETS is a fast-paced journey through a fractured kingdom. Ziva is an amazing main character, with a gentle heart and a fierce need to do what's right, even in the face of incredible odds. This is a book you'll want to read right away—and then reach for that sequel." —Jodi Meadows, New York Times-bestselling author of My Lady Jane and the Fallen Isles trilogy
"Blade of Secrets is an impactful, eye-opening journey of social anxiety that is flawlessly blended with Levenseller's signature flair for adventure and romance. It's the best kind of story, inciting understanding and compassion while allowing the reader to escape reality." —Bookstagram sensation Bridget Howard, @darkfaerietales_
"My favorite kind of fantasy: dark, mesmerizing, and completely addictive. With a gripping mystery and layered characters, it's a glittering tale of love and the pursuit of power. Put simply: it's the Slytherin romance we've all been waiting for." —Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper on The Shadows Between Us
“A decadent and wickedly addictive fantasy.” —Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series on The Shadows Between Us
“A wickedly fun romp with corsets and jeweled daggers … The Shadows Between Us will heat up the page—and your heart.” —Emily R. King, author of The Hundredth Queen series on The Shadows Between Us
"A viciously satisfying romance featuring two well-matched opponents." —Booklist on The Shadows Between Us
" The action! The world-building! The voice! This book kicks so much ass." — Cale Dietrich, author of The Love Interest, on Warrior of the Wild
"Rasmira's quest is thrilling, her emotional journey compelling; this adventure sings." —Booklist on Warrior of the Wild
"This high-octane novel is filled with mythical creatures and showcases a heroine who wants to be a warrior, a woman, and a leader." —School Library Journal, on Warrior of the Wild
"The real gratification lies in Rasmira’s transformation from broken, betrayed, girl to resourceful, confident victor. Her final clash with the god is heart pounding, and her triumph in front of her village and father is satisfyingly righteous." — The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, on Warrior of the Wild
"Levenseller has created a formidable female character who can take care of herself as she makes some hard decisions.” —School Library Journal on Daughter of a Pirate King
“[Levenseller’s] words will pull you in, and there's no escaping them." —Charlie N. Holmberg, author of The Paper Magician Series, on Daughter of the Siren Queen
“With a cunning plot, robust writing, and complicated characters, any reader will enjoy being manipulated in Levenseller's capable hands.” —Anna Banks, author of the New York Times Bestseller Of Triton, on Daughter of the Pirate King
School Library Journal
04/01/2021
Gr 8 Up—The fate of Ghadra lies on the shoulders of one anxiety-ridden blacksmith. Ziva, 18, is famous for forging custom blades and weapons imbued with incredible power. She only speaks to her 16-year-old sister, Temra, and hates strangers, but strikes an immediate rapport with a warlord who commissions a sword—the most powerful sword Ziva can make. Once finished, it cuts through objects and enemies alike, even from a distance, but when the warlord comes to pick up the weapon, Ziva learns it has another power: It reads your enemies' secrets. Now that she knows the warlord plans to enslave the continent, she can't hand over the weapon. On the run, Ziva and Temra acquire a mercenary and a scholar who have their own reasons for joining them. The plot picks up and rarely stops for breath as the sisters and their love interests try to find safe haven in a violent world. Levenseller's worldbuilding is simplistic and accessible, which leaves the dialogue and her characters to shine as they cope with the pressure of mixed personalities and the weight of the world. The romances build slowly, and all relationships emphasize open communication and apologies as healthy. The scholar is brown-skinned, Temra and the mercenary are tan, and Ziva's skin color is not defined. While both romances are heterosexual, there are queer couples in the background. VERDICT Light on romance and heavy on longing, this action-adventure is a recommended purchase where fantasy is popular.—Emmy Neal, Lake Forest Lib., IL
JUNE 2021 - AudioFile
Emily Ellet offers an unflinching and elegant performance of this audiobook featuring a character with social anxiety. Ziva’s magical blacksmith skill allows her to craft especially powerful weapons, which attracts a commission from a warlord. But after creating a devastating sword capable of stealing the secrets of its victims and learning of the warlord’s intentions to enslave the world, Ziva and her younger sister flee. Protected by a handsome mercenary that Ziva can’t keep her eyes off of, they make a quest to keep the sword safe from the unworthy. Ellet’s vocal versatility and steady pace capture several characters seamlessly while guiding listeners through budding romance, anxiety attacks, and the steadfast strength of a character who proves herself even at her worst. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
