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Sangwheel Chronicles #1
The Hidden Blade
The bluron’s wings delivers a stark command of death as the Empire teeters on the edge of a most uncivil war. For the first time in Her long history, a ducal line has failed. The last duke of Etendulat is dead and none of his heirs have undertaken the Trials of Dusang. The wealth of farmlands that lies at the heart of the Blutben penninsula lack a ruler and greedy men circle the bountiful plains.
Into this high stakes game, Louis is sent to end the ambitions of Tybalt du Mamel, Baron of Somfaux, who would reach for the Etendulat Sash. With every step, he uncovers more of a treacherous plot that is poised to strike at the heart of the Empire. Forbidden magic shadows him and ultimately he must make a dire decision : Can he take the life of an innocent for the greater good?
Into this high stakes game, Louis is sent to end the ambitions of Tybalt du Mamel, Baron of Somfaux, who would reach for the Etendulat Sash. With every step, he uncovers more of a treacherous plot that is poised to strike at the heart of the Empire. Forbidden magic shadows him and ultimately he must make a dire decision : Can he take the life of an innocent for the greater good?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
18 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 7, 2021
The author of The Hidden Blade came to my attention as the creator of an excellent podcast, Just in Time Worlds on YouTube. The podcast is a series of presentations about fantasy worldbuilding, from religions to economics to political and other social hierarchies; she uses a combination of academic sources and references from well-constructed fantasy literature to offer insightful and well-grounded advice to authors and gamemasters. The author uses this research to construct a comprehensive background for her world, and the result is a great read for those who love detail and a sense of three-dimensional believability in stories.
The story describes a mission by Louis, an assassin sworn to serve his noble liege in ways that cannot be publicly known. Louis is a master of disguise, and his essential tool is his collection of hats. He chooses a hat to define his look and he forms a persona to fit the character he creates. The author uses an interesting literary technique of changing the name of the character in the narrative; he changes not just his outward appearance but his internal personality, literally as he changes his hat, to fit the changing character. He becomes a merchant, a mercenary, a street performer, whatever he needs to fit into a group to carry out his mission.
The action scenes in the story are great. From battling strange creatures to a knight’s tournament on raised platforms, a sort of parkour with swords, to a one-man assault on a noble’s castle, the battles are tense and surprising; this is where the author’s command of realistic detail, not just sensory description but also of why things work as they do and how things depend on and interact with each other, adds great realism to very unusual challenges. The world has a complex magic system, or really a group of very different magical traditions, which are critical to the resolution of the combats and crises that occur.
The assassin character is not a shallow evil trope; he is more like a fantasy/historical James Bond, motivated by duty to do what he must for the sake of his liege. He faces a couple of moral dilemmas, and at one point comes to a line he cannot cross that might cause problems in the future.
A weak point of the story is character and especially dialogue, or the lack thereof. Usually I love the interplay of interesting characters, but here the main character is a loner who of necessity mostly keeps his thoughts to himself. There is no dialogue at all in the first 4000 or so words. Most of his interactions with others are as information sources, some of whom are paid contacts; a lot of these characters have one-dimensional motivations. I find inconsistencies in a tavern wench character, who first seems a romantic interest, then appears to be a woman who sells herself for coin, yet still seems to be available only for his convenience, with no other apparent customers. Didn’t work for me. The young chevalier Falk is the first somewhat complicated character, appearing more than a third of the way into the story, and even he is a naive youth who has to have his problems explained to him. I would like to see more characters, more dialogue, more conflict and personality among other than the viewpoint character.
Most of the story describes Louis’s mission in the city of Somfaux. The last few chapters has Louis and his companions leaving the city and chaos and heading north to his homeland. Again the detail and complexity of the world comes to the fore here. The last chapter is not just a homecoming, it is the beginning of a much wider story as this first book in the series ends.
One feature of the book I liked was the glossary at the end. It summarizes magic, religion, politics, cultural expressions, gambling, and other aspects of the setting of this world; almost all of this is referenced in the story, but the glossary pulls a lot of information together in an organized way. The author uses some French and German terms to describe culture and society, but most of the forms of magic use what I think are Finnish words, exotic for being a less familiar language but also from methods not derived from traditional mythologies. The magic here is very original.
The Hidden Blade is the first book of the Sangwheel Chronicles. It shows a few slices of a large and complex world. I look forward to more books in this series revealing more of this world, and more of the grand plot linking all of the stories together.
The story describes a mission by Louis, an assassin sworn to serve his noble liege in ways that cannot be publicly known. Louis is a master of disguise, and his essential tool is his collection of hats. He chooses a hat to define his look and he forms a persona to fit the character he creates. The author uses an interesting literary technique of changing the name of the character in the narrative; he changes not just his outward appearance but his internal personality, literally as he changes his hat, to fit the changing character. He becomes a merchant, a mercenary, a street performer, whatever he needs to fit into a group to carry out his mission.
The action scenes in the story are great. From battling strange creatures to a knight’s tournament on raised platforms, a sort of parkour with swords, to a one-man assault on a noble’s castle, the battles are tense and surprising; this is where the author’s command of realistic detail, not just sensory description but also of why things work as they do and how things depend on and interact with each other, adds great realism to very unusual challenges. The world has a complex magic system, or really a group of very different magical traditions, which are critical to the resolution of the combats and crises that occur.
The assassin character is not a shallow evil trope; he is more like a fantasy/historical James Bond, motivated by duty to do what he must for the sake of his liege. He faces a couple of moral dilemmas, and at one point comes to a line he cannot cross that might cause problems in the future.
A weak point of the story is character and especially dialogue, or the lack thereof. Usually I love the interplay of interesting characters, but here the main character is a loner who of necessity mostly keeps his thoughts to himself. There is no dialogue at all in the first 4000 or so words. Most of his interactions with others are as information sources, some of whom are paid contacts; a lot of these characters have one-dimensional motivations. I find inconsistencies in a tavern wench character, who first seems a romantic interest, then appears to be a woman who sells herself for coin, yet still seems to be available only for his convenience, with no other apparent customers. Didn’t work for me. The young chevalier Falk is the first somewhat complicated character, appearing more than a third of the way into the story, and even he is a naive youth who has to have his problems explained to him. I would like to see more characters, more dialogue, more conflict and personality among other than the viewpoint character.
Most of the story describes Louis’s mission in the city of Somfaux. The last few chapters has Louis and his companions leaving the city and chaos and heading north to his homeland. Again the detail and complexity of the world comes to the fore here. The last chapter is not just a homecoming, it is the beginning of a much wider story as this first book in the series ends.
One feature of the book I liked was the glossary at the end. It summarizes magic, religion, politics, cultural expressions, gambling, and other aspects of the setting of this world; almost all of this is referenced in the story, but the glossary pulls a lot of information together in an organized way. The author uses some French and German terms to describe culture and society, but most of the forms of magic use what I think are Finnish words, exotic for being a less familiar language but also from methods not derived from traditional mythologies. The magic here is very original.
The Hidden Blade is the first book of the Sangwheel Chronicles. It shows a few slices of a large and complex world. I look forward to more books in this series revealing more of this world, and more of the grand plot linking all of the stories together.
November 24, 2022
I read Hidden Blade as part of r/fantasy's Resident Author Book read-along for Oct 2022, and had no prior exposure to it, so I kind of went in blind.
The story concerns Louis, an assassin given a target by his controller, set against a backdrop of political maneuvering between nobles and countries vying for control. Louis is an interesting character and a seeming master of disguise, using an inherent magical talent to alter his appearance slightly. He also dons a specific fancy hat when he switches aliases, which seems to be the trigger for him to slip into said character. Louis is, in the end, a sympathetic character, who is held hostage to his own sense a duty (a trope of which I never tire). He picks up a sidekick, Falk, who develops into an important facet of the story.
Overall, the book was enjoyable. If I had a quibble, it was with the pace. The story starts with a very strong scene, then slows as Louis gets into his new assignment, builds to (what I would call) the story's climax, where difficult decisions are made, and then slows for the remaining 20% of the book, where a lot of exposition occurs. It's a great set-up for the next book but it felt a little off to me.
Nonetheless, Hidden Blade is a decent story, of one man's struggle laid over top bigger goings on in in background. There's a lot to see and soak up in the world, and some interesting magical systems in play. I'd recommend this for someone who likes assassin/espionage stories and flawed protagonists.
The story concerns Louis, an assassin given a target by his controller, set against a backdrop of political maneuvering between nobles and countries vying for control. Louis is an interesting character and a seeming master of disguise, using an inherent magical talent to alter his appearance slightly. He also dons a specific fancy hat when he switches aliases, which seems to be the trigger for him to slip into said character. Louis is, in the end, a sympathetic character, who is held hostage to his own sense a duty (a trope of which I never tire). He picks up a sidekick, Falk, who develops into an important facet of the story.
Overall, the book was enjoyable. If I had a quibble, it was with the pace. The story starts with a very strong scene, then slows as Louis gets into his new assignment, builds to (what I would call) the story's climax, where difficult decisions are made, and then slows for the remaining 20% of the book, where a lot of exposition occurs. It's a great set-up for the next book but it felt a little off to me.
Nonetheless, Hidden Blade is a decent story, of one man's struggle laid over top bigger goings on in in background. There's a lot to see and soak up in the world, and some interesting magical systems in play. I'd recommend this for someone who likes assassin/espionage stories and flawed protagonists.
September 16, 2022
A very compelling tale. I devoured the book in two sittings, and was sad when it came to an end. I'm now already halfway through book 2. The world-building is very expansive and immersive, weaving a rich tapestry. The story is unconventional, told through the eyes of a spy and assassin who has a rich inner monologue. It is definitely worth a read, and I'm eager to see where the story goes as the series develops.
October 21, 2021
The Hidden Blade is an interesting book having a mix of magical realism, politics, and adventure. It is the first book of the Sangwheel Chronicles series by Marie Mullany. The story is about Louis, an assassin in Lumiaron, who is on a quest of keeping the kingdom's ducal sash from going into the wrong hands.
Lumiaron gets to know that the Duke of Etendulat, Gaspard, had died in a river flood while hunting.
With this sudden demise, the Ducal sash of Etendulat hangs unclaimed with no certainty as to how the next duke will be appointed.
Louis spends a few days in Somfaux to investigate rumors of Sang Sorcellerie and he uses different hats to magically change his character to Leno.
He meets Veronique, an earthy woman, who tells him about the evil plans of Barons and the Tybalt du Mamel. Louis fights to stop the Tybalt du Mamel and Barons of Somfaux, who were also leading towards the Etendulat Sash.
The author has used the main character in several ways yet not making it confusing at all. The side characters he meets on his way had been described beautifully complementing the background scenario. The author has focused smoothly on the details which makes it easier to understand for the readers.
Rating: 4/5
Verdict: A fantasy read full of magic and politics that keeps the reader entertained.
Lumiaron gets to know that the Duke of Etendulat, Gaspard, had died in a river flood while hunting.
With this sudden demise, the Ducal sash of Etendulat hangs unclaimed with no certainty as to how the next duke will be appointed.
Louis spends a few days in Somfaux to investigate rumors of Sang Sorcellerie and he uses different hats to magically change his character to Leno.
He meets Veronique, an earthy woman, who tells him about the evil plans of Barons and the Tybalt du Mamel. Louis fights to stop the Tybalt du Mamel and Barons of Somfaux, who were also leading towards the Etendulat Sash.
The author has used the main character in several ways yet not making it confusing at all. The side characters he meets on his way had been described beautifully complementing the background scenario. The author has focused smoothly on the details which makes it easier to understand for the readers.
Rating: 4/5
Verdict: A fantasy read full of magic and politics that keeps the reader entertained.
May 23, 2022
Four stars!
It was quite a journey. At first it felt very early Witcher-y, except the main character is on a quest to kill a couple of people, not monsters, and there's some fun action surrounding this. Then it shifts into Dragon Age 2, because we're in a rich city where blood magic is becoming an issue, except our hero is in the heart of it all and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to manipulate the events in his liege's favor. And then it makes a giant turn, in a way that changes our understanding of the main character (the book even quips about that, thanks, I noticed). The setting changes completely as well, and it was all a set-up for some high fantasy shenanigans and found family vibes.
One of the main characters is gay, which I didn't clock at all. The protagonist didn't either, and there's some ho-yay happening, because this guy and the protagonist are definitely some sort of soulmates, as they apparently met in previous lives and meant a lot to each other, which was revealed in a rather romantic way, but the main character appears straight-but-not-narrow. It's actually the part that weirded me out a little, because I don't like it when you can't tell if the author is going for a romantic dynamics or that of a mentor and a student (they're twenty-six and eighteen), as these are supposed to be very different, but a lot of people enjoy that sort of thing (hello Nightrunners).
A solid read and a great debut, especially if you love following a protagonist who's basically a spy (I do!), so I hope it gets popular.
(Also reviewed at r/fantasy)
It was quite a journey. At first it felt very early Witcher-y, except the main character is on a quest to kill a couple of people, not monsters, and there's some fun action surrounding this. Then it shifts into Dragon Age 2, because we're in a rich city where blood magic is becoming an issue, except our hero is in the heart of it all and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to manipulate the events in his liege's favor. And then it makes a giant turn, in a way that changes our understanding of the main character (the book even quips about that, thanks, I noticed). The setting changes completely as well, and it was all a set-up for some high fantasy shenanigans and found family vibes.
One of the main characters is gay, which I didn't clock at all. The protagonist didn't either, and there's some ho-yay happening, because this guy and the protagonist are definitely some sort of soulmates, as they apparently met in previous lives and meant a lot to each other, which was revealed in a rather romantic way, but the main character appears straight-but-not-narrow. It's actually the part that weirded me out a little, because I don't like it when you can't tell if the author is going for a romantic dynamics or that of a mentor and a student (they're twenty-six and eighteen), as these are supposed to be very different, but a lot of people enjoy that sort of thing (hello Nightrunners).
A solid read and a great debut, especially if you love following a protagonist who's basically a spy (I do!), so I hope it gets popular.
(Also reviewed at r/fantasy)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
I'm an old-time fantasy reader and I must say there are many elements of Marie Mullany's first novel that feel both striking and fresh. The world is very interesting and portrays complex politics, interesting magic, and real-world characters who are very far from the characteristic good and evil portrayals from the genre.
Now, the story is also a very interesting one, it grew on me slowly and by the middle of the book, I couldn't stop reading.
What can I say? I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy. It has a good story, engaging worldbuilding, and the promise of more great stories in the future. Looking forward to reading more of Marie Mullany's books.
Now, the story is also a very interesting one, it grew on me slowly and by the middle of the book, I couldn't stop reading.
What can I say? I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy. It has a good story, engaging worldbuilding, and the promise of more great stories in the future. Looking forward to reading more of Marie Mullany's books.
October 25, 2022
Hands down THE best book I've read this year. The plot was a bit of a struggle to get into in the beginning, and too many fantasy words were tossed in without any explanation. But once you gather momentum, the world and the plot sucks you in. The characters are wonderfully written, Louis especially. We can see the relationship between him and Nina / Him and Falk grow with each chapter. The action scenes are well written, the magic system is really good too. FIVE STARS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
I really fell into this book as I got into the world of the main character. The author does an excellent job of building background for you in a complicated world without making it too overwhelming. I'm excited for where they take us from here!
February 25, 2022
Great Book!
Very interesting plot, smooth flowing and fast paced. Has lots of fighting,, magic, assassins and spies. Interesting concept for the magical system. All in all it was a very interesting read and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Very interesting plot, smooth flowing and fast paced. Has lots of fighting,, magic, assassins and spies. Interesting concept for the magical system. All in all it was a very interesting read and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed following the main character on his missions through this book. Politics, magic, spies... I can't wait to see how the story continues!
December 19, 2022
Been a while since I read a high fantasy book that leans towards grimdark. I prefer light hearted books these days. Based on the fantastic reviews this book has received so far, I felt like giving it a shot.
The best thing I liked about this book was the worldbuilding — mannerisms, terms, cultures, creatures, magic, lore, etc. Epigraphs were used to good affect and there's a glossary at the end of the book as well.
Characters were well written too. Louis, the sole POV character, dons various roles (assassin, merchant, mercenary, bard, etc) to good effect. There was some sort of fate at play, bringing people together across different lifetimes. That led to Louis working together with Falk and it was good to see their friendship bloom. I hope Falk gets POV chapters in the sequels.
There were plenty of dark moments, which were to be expected given assassin main character and forbidden magic being the heart of conflict. Worldbuilding, Louis going about his tasks by choosing and playing different roles and some slice-of-life scenes (especially those at the end) kept me reading (as opposed to giving up due to the dark moments).
Pacing was good for the most part, except a few middle chapters that dragged a bit. Overall, I'd recommend this book for those who enjoy good worldbuilding and prefer dark fantasy.
The best thing I liked about this book was the worldbuilding — mannerisms, terms, cultures, creatures, magic, lore, etc. Epigraphs were used to good affect and there's a glossary at the end of the book as well.
Characters were well written too. Louis, the sole POV character, dons various roles (assassin, merchant, mercenary, bard, etc) to good effect. There was some sort of fate at play, bringing people together across different lifetimes. That led to Louis working together with Falk and it was good to see their friendship bloom. I hope Falk gets POV chapters in the sequels.
There were plenty of dark moments, which were to be expected given assassin main character and forbidden magic being the heart of conflict. Worldbuilding, Louis going about his tasks by choosing and playing different roles and some slice-of-life scenes (especially those at the end) kept me reading (as opposed to giving up due to the dark moments).
Pacing was good for the most part, except a few middle chapters that dragged a bit. Overall, I'd recommend this book for those who enjoy good worldbuilding and prefer dark fantasy.
September 6, 2021
An excellent opening story from a new writer. Fantasy can be a tough genre--making both an engrossing world and characters that a reader really cares about is a hard balance that most authors struggle with. Mullany, however, excels at both. The world is vibrant and creative, with a feeling of depth and history that is shown in hints rather than pages on pages of exposition. The characters are human and relatable and, perhaps must importantly, adults. (YA can be fun, but as an adult reader, coming-of-age stories get a little old, so I really appreciate protagonists who're digging into life's next sets of struggles.) And the plot itself is a fun romp with suggestions of grander challenges ahead. I could have used more women in the spotlight, but I do like that there are major power players in the world who are women and the promise of future books with female POV characters. :)
Long story short, when it comes to fantasy, I'm a tough audience to please, but I absolutely adored this book and can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us!
Long story short, when it comes to fantasy, I'm a tough audience to please, but I absolutely adored this book and can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us!
January 6, 2023
As the author, I think this book is fantastic of course. It is however my debut book and some parts (with hindsight of someone more experienced in the craft) are a little shaky.
The Hidden Blade follows Louis, an assassin, as he attempts to execute a kill-command on behalf of his liege in the politically unstable duchy of Etendulat.
It has dark parts with such a protagonist of course (bodies do hit the floor), but I try to lighten that with some slice of life scenes and lighter moments.
The book is aimed at adults but does not contain explicit content (I prefer ye olde fade-to-black technique).
I do think my worldbuilding is pretty solid and judging by the rest of the reviews, most of my readers agree on that point.
The Hidden Blade follows Louis, an assassin, as he attempts to execute a kill-command on behalf of his liege in the politically unstable duchy of Etendulat.
It has dark parts with such a protagonist of course (bodies do hit the floor), but I try to lighten that with some slice of life scenes and lighter moments.
The book is aimed at adults but does not contain explicit content (I prefer ye olde fade-to-black technique).
I do think my worldbuilding is pretty solid and judging by the rest of the reviews, most of my readers agree on that point.
October 13, 2025
This book was a solid start and had an interesting enough plot but I struggled a bit with all the terminology (the timings and all the different titles and bloods and so on - even after another book I still struggle with keeping it all straight but it is less of an issue now). If you like more specific depth and language and background you will probably enjoy this book more than me.
Have read the next book and enjoyed it more and understand 4 books are planned in total.
Edit: Reread, time stuff bothered me less, enjoyed it more, bumped to 4.
Have read the next book and enjoyed it more and understand 4 books are planned in total.
Edit: Reread, time stuff bothered me less, enjoyed it more, bumped to 4.
October 2, 2021
The best of stories, for me, have one challenge after another. I like it when characters get in trouble and you have no idea how they'll get out of it — and that's when things get worse. Takes a clever mind to craft a a tale of challenges. Through in elements of fantasy and it becomes sensational. Readers of fantasy adventure will appreciate this one.
June 30, 2025
A fun ride
I enjoyed the way this fantasy world unfolded around the characters. The magic system is fresh and balanced. The multi dimensional aspect of the pov and the connections he made with his supporting characters came across authentic. Book 1 is very good and worth your time to read. I'm onto book 2 with pretty high expectations.
I enjoyed the way this fantasy world unfolded around the characters. The magic system is fresh and balanced. The multi dimensional aspect of the pov and the connections he made with his supporting characters came across authentic. Book 1 is very good and worth your time to read. I'm onto book 2 with pretty high expectations.
September 26, 2025
This read much the Lies of Locke Lackamore (?), which is to say it felt like non-fiction fiction and I finished it on principle only.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews