Calling all YA fantasy lovers:
If you’re looking for a new favorite book (and let’s face it—bookworms like us are always looking for a new favorite book), then stop whatever you’re doing right now.
Seriously—just stop.
And start reading Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller instead.
You won’t regret it.
Curious to know why?
Jump into my Blade of Secrets review and I’ll share 5 big reasons you need to read this explosive 2021 YA release.
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Blade of Secrets Summary
Bladesmith Duology, Book #1
Written by Tricia Levenseller
Published May 4th 2021 by Feiwel & Friends
Eighteen-year-old Ziva is a magical blacksmith with social anxiety.
While her sister loves to go to school and chat up boys at the tavern, Ziva is perfectly happy spending her days alone at the forge.
But Ziva’s comfortable life goes up in smoke when she accidentally creates an unbreakable sword that can steal secrets and topple kingdoms.
To protect the sword from a bloodthirsty warlord, Ziva and her sister must set out on a deadly quest to keep the sword—and the world—safe.
FOR FANS OF: YA Fantasy books, Tricia Levenseller, books with mental illness representation.
Content + Trigger Warnings
Murder, death, gore, violence, panic attacks, social anxiety, death of parents, child abandonment, bullying, brief mentions of nyctophobia, arachnophobia, and claustrophobia.
Blade of Secrets Review
1. A Fast-Paced and High-Stakes Adventure
Okay, I need to start off my Blade of Secrets review with a confession:
I’ve read every one of Tricia Levenseller’s books.
The reason?
She never fails to deliver fun, fast-paced fantasy romances that are straight-up addictive.
So when I started reading this book, I knew I was in for a treat.
But who knew that treat would end up having rainbow sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and not one but TWO cherries on top?
What I’m saying is this:
Be prepared to lose some sleep.
Because Blade of Secrets is a high octane, totally bingeable YA fantasy that will suck you in and hold you captive until the very end.
And once you finish, you’ll be desperately googling, “Blade of Secrets Sequel” at 3AM.
(I speak from experience.)
2. The Found Family Trope = YES PLEASE!
I’m going to let you in on a little secret:
I am a total sucker for a good YA book with the found family trope.
And the Bladesmith duology is no exception. In Tricia Levenseller’s newest fantasy novel, we’ve got…
- a magical blacksmith with social anxiety (Ziva)
- her flirty sister who’s also a skilled swordswoman (Temra)
- a nerdy scholar writing a book about ancient magic (Petrik)
- a cocky mercenary with an unexpected soft side (Kellyn)
…and I couldn’t NOT love this ragtag group of unlikely heroes.
The way these Blade of Secrets characters gradually overcome their distrust of one other and let down their guard…10/10 would recommend!
And that brings me to my next point…
3. A Slow Burn Romance That Will Make You Swoon
You know when characters won’t admit their feelings for each other even though it’s soooo obvious?
Yeah, that’s exactly what happens in Blade of Secrets.
It’s got…
✅ Obvious pining
✅ Witty banter
✅ Haters-to-lovers
AND I DRANK. IT. UP.
I’ll admit:
When it comes to romance in YA books, I’m hard to please.
I’m constantly rolling my eyes or cringing at cliches.
So when I tell you I got chills—literal chills—while reading this perfect slow burn romance…
Then you know it must be deliciously, undeniably, breathtakingly, swoon-worthy.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
4. Strong Sisterly Bonds
Here’s the thing—I don’t have a sister.
But if Ziva and Temra’s relationship in Blade of Secrets is any indication, I clearly missed out.
“A sister is the most special gift you could ever be given. Better than any doll. She will be a best friend you can take with you through life. Someone who will love you no matter what.”
Temra fully supports her sister, especially in her struggle with social anxiety.
She doesn’t try to “fix” Ziva.
She doesn’t constantly make Ziva feel guilty for her mental illness.
Instead, Temra uplifts, supports, and protects. And Ziva does the same in return.
This unbreakable bond between sisters is a core theme of the book, and I love how so much of the story, worldbuilding, and even the romances were formed around it.
All I can say is:
Give me more of these show-stopping sisterhood dynamics, please and thank you.
5. The Social Anxiety Representation Was Everything
Listen up! Here comes the most important part of my Blade of Secrets review.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 1 in 4 adults suffer from mental illness in any given year.
So why is there such a disturbing lack of YA fantasy books with mental illness representation?
Because let’s get real:
If there was an evil warlord chasing me down, you can bet your baloney that I’d be having panic attacks left and right.
(I mean, I get anxious just getting out of bed in the morning, so…)
And Tricia Levenseller understands that!
“If it was a rational fear that I could just explain away to myself, believe me, I would have done it by now. This isn’t something I can control. It’s nothing you can fix. It’s just something I live with.”
Through Ziva’s character, Levenseller crafts a YA book with authentic anxiety representation that doesn’t shy away from depicting what living with mental health really looks like.
(Give or take a few magical swords.)
But what’s more:
Levenseller deftly deconstructs traditional fantasy archetypes and proves that we don’t have to feel a certain way to be a hero.
“Even at my worst, I can be strong.”
You can struggle with mental health and still have action-packed adventures, heart-pounding romance, and even save the world.
And that’s a powerful message.
Blade of Secrets Review:
The Final Verdict
My Blade of Secrets review all boils down to this:
Although I’ve read every book Tricia Levenseller has ever written, none of them hit home like this one.
None of them are as memorable or as meaningful to me.
So if you love YA fantasy books with…
- genre-busting mental illness representation
- unbreakable sisterhood bonds
- a slow burn romance with obvious pining
…then I am on my knees begging you to read Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller.
Rating: 5 Stars
To learn more about how I rank YA books, check out my Book Rating System.
Now over to you:
What did you think of my Blade of Secrets review?
Jump into the comments and let me know one thing about the book that piqued your interest!
