Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims' secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord's intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.
Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world's known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.
A teenage blacksmith with social anxiety accepts a commission from the wrong person and is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she's ever made.
Book Review:
Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller completely won me over, and one of the biggest reasons is its thoughtful, authentic mental‑health representation. Levenseller explores anxiety through Ziva, one of the main characters, and as someone with diagnosed clinical anxiety, I felt genuinely seen. Her portrayal is compassionate, nuanced, and grounded in real experience. Fantasy desperately needs more characters who struggle, cope, and grow through mental‑health challenges, and Ziva is a standout example. I connected with her deeply and found myself rooting for her on every page.
A Character‑Driven Fantasy With Heart
The characters are easily the strongest part of this story. Ziva’s relationship with her sister, Temra, is the emotional backbone of the book. Their bond is tender, protective, and beautifully written. Ziva has spent her life caring for Temra, and Temra, in turn, does everything she can to support Ziva through her anxiety. Their dynamic feels real and lived‑in.
Kellyn and Petrik add even more depth to the group. Kellyn’s fiery spirit brings energy and tension, while Petrik’s loyalty and humor balance the heavier moments. Together, they form a cast that feels warm, layered, and easy to invest in. If you love character‑driven fantasy, this book delivers.
World‑Building and Plot
While the world‑building is intriguing, it could have used a bit more development. There are hints of a larger, richer world that I hope gets fleshed out more in book two. The plot itself works well within the structure of a duology and it sets the stage, builds momentum, and leaves plenty of room for expansion in the sequel.
Despite a few areas that could be deepened, I found the story engaging and enjoyable from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Blade of Secrets is a compelling blend of heartfelt character work, mental‑health representation, and fantasy adventure. Ziva’s journey is relatable and emotionally resonant, and the supporting cast brings humor, warmth, and tension to the story. I’m excited to see where book two takes these characters and how the world continues to unfold.
If you’re looking for a fantasy novel with strong emotional depth and a cast you can truly care about, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
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