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Spirits' Valley Duology #2
Saber's Pride
He will do whatever it takes to end the bloodshed in his tribe—even taking a wife.
Raised amidst a vicious chief and treacherous half-brothers, Davor is focused only on trying to save those he loves from his older brother Kamil’s cruelty.
Then he is given the role of rokr, making him second to the battlelion in a war against the rival Greywolf tribe. For the first time, Davor has authority to make changes in the Saber tribe. Slowly, he overcomes his fears and begins to ally with the warriors under him.
When an unexpected blow leaves both the chief and Kamil dead, it is up to Davor to lead their people. Yet he can only become chief if he marries. Marta is as unsure of him as he is about her, but she is committed to turning their tribe from the bloody paths they’ve walked for too long.
Can a man who doesn’t believe in himself and a woman who doesn’t trust him heal a tribe beset by generations of violence?
Raised amidst a vicious chief and treacherous half-brothers, Davor is focused only on trying to save those he loves from his older brother Kamil’s cruelty.
Then he is given the role of rokr, making him second to the battlelion in a war against the rival Greywolf tribe. For the first time, Davor has authority to make changes in the Saber tribe. Slowly, he overcomes his fears and begins to ally with the warriors under him.
When an unexpected blow leaves both the chief and Kamil dead, it is up to Davor to lead their people. Yet he can only become chief if he marries. Marta is as unsure of him as he is about her, but she is committed to turning their tribe from the bloody paths they’ve walked for too long.
Can a man who doesn’t believe in himself and a woman who doesn’t trust him heal a tribe beset by generations of violence?
570 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2023
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Banschbach
15 books119 followersC.M. Banschbach is a native Texan and would make an excellent Hobbit if she weren’t so tall. She’s a pizza addict, a multi-faceted fangirl, and a firm believer in being authentic—even if it means acting like a dork sometimes! When not writing fantasy stories packed full of adventure and snark, she works as a pediatric physical therapist where she happily embraces the fact that she never actually has to grow up.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
She also writesYA/MG fantasy-adventure as Claire M. Banschbach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 20, 2025
“Keep fighting. Help my people. Bring them peace.”
“Saber’s Pride” is the second book in the Spirit’s Valley duology. Again, the synopsis of these books are perfect:
❝Raised amidst a vicious chief and treacherous half-brothers, Davor is focused only on trying to save those he loves from his older brother Kamil’s cruelty.
Then he is given the role of rokr, making him second to the battlelion in a war against the rival Greywolf tribe. For the first time, Davor has authority to make changes in the Saber tribe. Slowly, he overcomes his fears and begins to ally with the warriors under him.
When an unexpected blow leaves both the chief and Kamil dead, it is up to Davor to lead their people. Yet he can only become chief if he marries. Marta is as unsure of him as he is about her, but she is committed to turning their tribe from the bloody paths they’ve walked for too long.
Can a man who doesn’t believe in himself and a woman who doesn’t trust him heal a tribe beset by generations of violence?❞
“Things might be easier if you let her, let the others in your lodge, help to shoulder some of your burdens. A chief is not meant to carry everything all alone.”
The stakes felt a lot higher in this book compared to the first. Comran and Etran from early on are on the same side and we see their relationship deepen throughout the book. Here, the brothers don’t trust each other. Kamil is too cruel, Davor too closed-off, Emil is too shifty and Michal is too quick to anger. Add the in-fighting within the tribe and a fight is always seconds away from blowing up. Still, I adored the brotherhood displayed here. Especially everyone’s relationship with Emil. What can I say, I love the shifty, stabby characters.
“Leave them to me,” Emil said darkly.
“No killing.”
He scowled.
“Or stabbing.”
June 15, 2023
Blood and tons of action? (Check) Complex family dynamics? (Check) Deep, powerful themes expressed with dignity and respect? (Double check) Slooww burn but infinitely sweet romance? (Check!) Sarcastic but still sunny best friend? (Check)
Characters getting yeeted off cliffs, a happy ending that leaves your heart aching and filled all at once, and a world that literally has me dreaming about it!?!?(Yes, of course)
Hmmm. Must be a Claire book. (Surprise!)
This is a hefty book, with themes, scenes, and violence not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, those are things that make it right up my alley. Saber’s Pride takes us back in time from the end of its companion novel, giving us the unusual perspective of the enemy side…but are these enemies from Greywolf’s Heart all bad?
In Davor’s story, we get the tale of how a single man’s silent desire for something better can spread to impact many lives. We also get the story of a family coming together, abusive cycles ending, and broken trust being rebuilt. And yes, it comes with all the blood, steel, and sarcasm that I’ve come to associate with this author’s work. (Though the moment that hit me the hardest came out of left field and didn’t involve any blood…)
Again, this won’t be for everyone. My mother is no doubt hanging her head over her daughter’s taste in violent books. BUT, this is the type of book that transports you to another world and returns you with the fire renewed in your bones. I loved it. You might as well.
Characters getting yeeted off cliffs, a happy ending that leaves your heart aching and filled all at once, and a world that literally has me dreaming about it!?!?(Yes, of course)
Hmmm. Must be a Claire book. (Surprise!)
This is a hefty book, with themes, scenes, and violence not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, those are things that make it right up my alley. Saber’s Pride takes us back in time from the end of its companion novel, giving us the unusual perspective of the enemy side…but are these enemies from Greywolf’s Heart all bad?
In Davor’s story, we get the tale of how a single man’s silent desire for something better can spread to impact many lives. We also get the story of a family coming together, abusive cycles ending, and broken trust being rebuilt. And yes, it comes with all the blood, steel, and sarcasm that I’ve come to associate with this author’s work. (Though the moment that hit me the hardest came out of left field and didn’t involve any blood…)
Again, this won’t be for everyone. My mother is no doubt hanging her head over her daughter’s taste in violent books. BUT, this is the type of book that transports you to another world and returns you with the fire renewed in your bones. I loved it. You might as well.
August 13, 2023
What a truly wonderful book. My heart is very full and exploding with an array of feelings. All I can say is: You need to read this book.
September 23, 2023
This book’s themes are the pulsing rhythms of my heart.
Saber’s Pride is about a disgraced man fighting against a corrupted system so he can protect the least of these. It’s absolutely beautiful. Davor had every right to give up, but he kept fighting so his tribe would be a different place than the one he grew up in. He had every right to be as horrible as his brother Kamil, but he didn’t let the wrongs done to him turn him into a monster. He fought to protect others from receiving those wrongs. And he failed sometimes and he didn’t stick up for people when he should’ve but he tried to make things right. And that is the mark of true character.
Secondly, the brothers!! This book has four half brothers who were raised to hate each other, but there ends up being healing between three of them. It’s a long, hard road, and there are times when they fail each other or their motives conflict, but the way Davor fights to keep his younger brother Michal from receiving the same abuse he did, how he becomes a true brother to Michal in a way Kamil never was to any of them, how he builds a bridge between him and Emil… it’s absolutely beautiful. Claire does a fantastic job writing complex family relationships.
Thirdly, Marta and Davor, aka a marriage of convenience slow burn!! I loved how they both learned to trust each other despite the fact that they’d both been hurt before. It was soft and sweet and I never knew hand holding and cuddling could be so swoony.
Back to the corrupt system. This book delivers so much justice. There’s justice for abused children and women (my deep passion), stopping the privileged from exploiting the weak and punishing them for their misdeeds, and bringing unity to a divided people. There was so much in place that protected the privileged, but Davor kept fighting and eventually tore it down—and he rebuilt the system in a way that benefited all. That’s the dream.
The one thing I’d say is that there is a lot of passive voice in here, which doesn’t usually bother me all that much, except there was a LOT of it. I wish that’d been changed (ha, passive voice right there). Otherwise, absolutely beautiful writing.
Also. Riding giant lions + cuddling giant lions = dream come true.
Definitely one of my favorite releases of 2023. I will keep shouting from the rooftops about this book for all of eternity.
Saber’s Pride is about a disgraced man fighting against a corrupted system so he can protect the least of these. It’s absolutely beautiful. Davor had every right to give up, but he kept fighting so his tribe would be a different place than the one he grew up in. He had every right to be as horrible as his brother Kamil, but he didn’t let the wrongs done to him turn him into a monster. He fought to protect others from receiving those wrongs. And he failed sometimes and he didn’t stick up for people when he should’ve but he tried to make things right. And that is the mark of true character.
Secondly, the brothers!! This book has four half brothers who were raised to hate each other, but there ends up being healing between three of them. It’s a long, hard road, and there are times when they fail each other or their motives conflict, but the way Davor fights to keep his younger brother Michal from receiving the same abuse he did, how he becomes a true brother to Michal in a way Kamil never was to any of them, how he builds a bridge between him and Emil… it’s absolutely beautiful. Claire does a fantastic job writing complex family relationships.
Thirdly, Marta and Davor, aka a marriage of convenience slow burn!! I loved how they both learned to trust each other despite the fact that they’d both been hurt before. It was soft and sweet and I never knew hand holding and cuddling could be so swoony.
Back to the corrupt system. This book delivers so much justice. There’s justice for abused children and women (my deep passion), stopping the privileged from exploiting the weak and punishing them for their misdeeds, and bringing unity to a divided people. There was so much in place that protected the privileged, but Davor kept fighting and eventually tore it down—and he rebuilt the system in a way that benefited all. That’s the dream.
The one thing I’d say is that there is a lot of passive voice in here, which doesn’t usually bother me all that much, except there was a LOT of it. I wish that’d been changed (ha, passive voice right there). Otherwise, absolutely beautiful writing.
Also. Riding giant lions + cuddling giant lions = dream come true.
Definitely one of my favorite releases of 2023. I will keep shouting from the rooftops about this book for all of eternity.
September 27, 2025
If I could give this book ten out of five stars, I would.
Saber's Pride might just be the best thing Claire Banschbach has written. And I'm pretty sure I said that about a few of her other books, but that doesn't lessen the compliment. I genuinely love her work. And Saber's Pride is something special.
Saber's Pride runs alongside Greywolf's Heart, so reading Comran and Etran's adventure first is highly recommended. Besides, Greywolf's Heart is fantastic and you won't want to miss all that brotherly love.
This book is so beautiful. It tackles subjects like abuse, trauma, broken relationships, and familial cycles of abuse. If you are sensitive to any of these things, you might want to enter with some caution.
Saber's Pride tackles these topics with sensitivity. They are so hard, and this story does not make light of the hurt these things have caused. In fact, the characters are working against this abuse. They are fighting to provide a better life for those around them.
I think this is why I loved this book so much. Sure, we have the banter and some of the sibling relationships I've come to expect of Claire Banschbach, but there is an added layer of reconciliation, healing, and protectiveness.
This book is about reconciliation. It's about acknowledging one's mistakes and trying to move forward and champion healing instead.
Saber's Pride is absolutely stunning.
Saber's Pride might just be the best thing Claire Banschbach has written. And I'm pretty sure I said that about a few of her other books, but that doesn't lessen the compliment. I genuinely love her work. And Saber's Pride is something special.
Saber's Pride runs alongside Greywolf's Heart, so reading Comran and Etran's adventure first is highly recommended. Besides, Greywolf's Heart is fantastic and you won't want to miss all that brotherly love.
This book is so beautiful. It tackles subjects like abuse, trauma, broken relationships, and familial cycles of abuse. If you are sensitive to any of these things, you might want to enter with some caution.
Saber's Pride tackles these topics with sensitivity. They are so hard, and this story does not make light of the hurt these things have caused. In fact, the characters are working against this abuse. They are fighting to provide a better life for those around them.
I think this is why I loved this book so much. Sure, we have the banter and some of the sibling relationships I've come to expect of Claire Banschbach, but there is an added layer of reconciliation, healing, and protectiveness.
This book is about reconciliation. It's about acknowledging one's mistakes and trying to move forward and champion healing instead.
Saber's Pride is absolutely stunning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING (AND SO ARE DAVOR AND CO.)! 😍🤩💚💚💚
May 13, 2025
Saber’s Pride is truly stunning. The characters, the emotions, all so vivid—lost souls drowning in bloodshed and rage. And a clear strain of hope, of fighting back, of peace. Banschbach has outdone herself with this masterpiece!
I might get a little incoherent and rambly here—the feels are just too real!
All the “who hurt you” vibes, except we know who hurt him and we HATES THEM.
Davor not knowing what to do with a friend 🥺
The therapy seshes behind the lodge
The rainy day ☺️
The haircut//facepaint solidarity 🥹
So many emotions concerning Emil
I think Alik and Comran could commiserate over their stubborn chiefs trying to get themselves killed all the time, while staunchly denying doing anything foolish themselves 😂
~
‘“No killing.”
He scowled.
“Or stabbing.”’
~
The juxtaposition between trying to break free (from family) in this, and the desire to belong in Greywolf’s Heart
This book had me through the whole range of emotions: yelling, laughing, swearing, grinning like an idiot… And loving every bit of hope and heartbreak.
This is a story for me—with all the themes, the perfect balance of stabbing and hugging, and the wounded characters my soul craves. 💙
2nd read: I understand these characters a little more, knowing where they’re coming from right from the start, and they simultaneously break my heart and heal it. And if you’re unsure about Emil, give it time—he might just become your favorite character (one more read-through, and he might replace Davor as mine💙).
And the promise of unbelievable peace for these characters, so hard-won!
3rd read: Oof, it punched me hard this time. I felt the struggles on a deeper level, and the flickers of hope, trying to not be snuffed out in the darkness, were so poignant. I would just read this book constantly, except I think the emotional toll might kill me 💙
4th read: When I say this book saved my life, I don’t just mean that it kept me alive, I mean that it helps me live. When I’m too worn to keep going, it gives me strength; hope when I don’t see any good ahead; and courage when I see what Davor and Emil faced, and overcame, each in their own way. 💙
5th read: Yeah, this book speaks to me no matter the current phase of life or emotional place I’m in. Just as many tears, but it was more hope this time around, and real joy. And the gradual embrace of brotherhood really hit me this time around 💙
I might get a little incoherent and rambly here—the feels are just too real!
All the “who hurt you” vibes, except we know who hurt him and we HATES THEM.
Davor not knowing what to do with a friend 🥺
The therapy seshes behind the lodge
The rainy day ☺️
The haircut//facepaint solidarity 🥹
So many emotions concerning Emil
I think Alik and Comran could commiserate over their stubborn chiefs trying to get themselves killed all the time, while staunchly denying doing anything foolish themselves 😂
~
‘“No killing.”
He scowled.
“Or stabbing.”’
~
The juxtaposition between trying to break free (from family) in this, and the desire to belong in Greywolf’s Heart
This book had me through the whole range of emotions: yelling, laughing, swearing, grinning like an idiot… And loving every bit of hope and heartbreak.
This is a story for me—with all the themes, the perfect balance of stabbing and hugging, and the wounded characters my soul craves. 💙
2nd read: I understand these characters a little more, knowing where they’re coming from right from the start, and they simultaneously break my heart and heal it. And if you’re unsure about Emil, give it time—he might just become your favorite character (one more read-through, and he might replace Davor as mine💙).
And the promise of unbelievable peace for these characters, so hard-won!
3rd read: Oof, it punched me hard this time. I felt the struggles on a deeper level, and the flickers of hope, trying to not be snuffed out in the darkness, were so poignant. I would just read this book constantly, except I think the emotional toll might kill me 💙
4th read: When I say this book saved my life, I don’t just mean that it kept me alive, I mean that it helps me live. When I’m too worn to keep going, it gives me strength; hope when I don’t see any good ahead; and courage when I see what Davor and Emil faced, and overcame, each in their own way. 💙
5th read: Yeah, this book speaks to me no matter the current phase of life or emotional place I’m in. Just as many tears, but it was more hope this time around, and real joy. And the gradual embrace of brotherhood really hit me this time around 💙
November 8, 2023
I binge read this thick book and loved it so much!
It is violent and painful (abusive family/war) and also beautiful and full of love, courage, and healing.
Also ROMANCE yesssss.
I wouldn't be opposed to bribing Claire to see short stories with the characters from book 1 and 2 interacting because they are just the bestest!
It is violent and painful (abusive family/war) and also beautiful and full of love, courage, and healing.
Also ROMANCE yesssss.
I wouldn't be opposed to bribing Claire to see short stories with the characters from book 1 and 2 interacting because they are just the bestest!
May 28, 2024
2024 Re-read
I was feeling a nice, comfort re-read for Memorial Day weekend and this book kept me up far too late Sunday night and kept me happily reading through a delightfully rainy day on Monday, even though I already knew the story. Safe to say I still love the book. I'm sure I'll read it again.
Original Review
If you've ever wanted a non-magical fantasy about cycle breaking, look no further.
After sleeping on this author for FAR TOO LONG, I bought Saber's Pride the day it released and have been working on devouring all 570 pages of it ever since. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Summary
Twenty-six year old Davor grew up surrounded by brutality. It surrounds him still. In quiet moments, he dreams of something different, but he can not reveal these dreams to anyone. To do so would reveal a vulnerability, and all vulnerabilities are ruthlessly exploited by his father and half-brother. So Davor keeps his head down, ignores the taunts flung at him by the rest of his tribe, and tries to make a difference where he can. He chooses lighter punishments instead of brutal beatings for mistakes made by those in his direct command, he refuses to leave the wounded on the battlefield, and he watches for an opportunity to step out of the shadows. Despite his best efforts, he knows there are many he has failed. Many who he did not fight for because fear and hopelessness stayed his hand. And when his seizes an opportunity to try to enact change, the demanded price is one he fears he cannot pay. He must take a wife, and he will not force anyone to bind themselves to him. Who would accept an offer of marriage from him? Illegitimate son of a cruel chief. One who wears his hair cropped close in the mark of a coward. A man dogged by insults and derision. A shadow who has sought no friends and obtained few allies. A jagged soul who does not know how to trust. And yet there is one who is willing to step to his side as dronni, cheif's wife, and though they are strangers to each other and do not know the path before them, Davor finds someone who will fight for change by his side.
Comments
Banschbatch's books remain hard for me to categorize. Non-magical fantasy is the closest I can come for this one. The All-Father grants each of the tribes of Spirits' Valley a bond with an animal. This is the main fantasy element. Where the Graywolves of Greywolf's Heart rode wolves to battle, the Saber tribe rides (you guessed it) Sabercats.
Other than the animal bond, the world of Spirits' Valley feels rooted in a real-world combination of Norse, Native American, and author-invention.
Regardless of genre, the easiest categorization of these stories is, "So good! Read them now."
Though dealing with difficult topics, Banschbatch manages to do so in a non-graphic manner (which I will outline below), and it remains refreshing to see hard topics addressed with such an abundance of grit and hope.
Content
Language: Though character's swear often, it is typical described (he swore) instead of spelled out. Occasionally, characters will voice scata in the dialogue.
Romance: TW for SA. Though there is nothing graphic, this story touches on several hard topics. Davor was born from an unwilling union between his mother and father. He and his mother have both been made to feel the stigma of his origin by their village. Two of his half-brothers are known to have SAed women in the village. On a lighter note, when Davor is compelled to take a wife, he refuses to force a woman to wed him. When his friend suggests a woman who might be willing and she agrees to the union, Davor makes it clear that he will not force their union to go beyond vows. Their journey towards friendship, trust, and eventually love is sweetly told. We see them learning to share a bed without consumating their marriage. The eventual consumation at the end of the story off-screen, but implied through shy teasing and non-explicit innuendo.
Violence: The violence is the most graphic element of this story, though I would still classify it as PG-13. Davor suffers a ruthless beating and suffers multiple wounds of various severity in battle and hand-to-hand combat. Throughout the story, the physical abuse he suffered throughout childhood is slowly revealed.
Religion: The tribe looks to a taland as their spiritual leader. The taland of their tribe, however, has become invested and embroiled in the politics and power struggle of the tribe and neglected his role as intercessor to the All-Father and the Spirits. Davor himself is mostly dismissive of the Spirits, but Marta (his bride) stitches prayer clothes for the villagers and Davor's half-sister is devot. By the end of the story, Davor comes to believe that perhaps the All-Father does watch and care for the fates of the tribes and the paths walked by the villagers.
If you liked this, read:
Troll Queen (but I'd highly recommend starting with book one of the series first)
I was feeling a nice, comfort re-read for Memorial Day weekend and this book kept me up far too late Sunday night and kept me happily reading through a delightfully rainy day on Monday, even though I already knew the story. Safe to say I still love the book. I'm sure I'll read it again.
Original Review
If you've ever wanted a non-magical fantasy about cycle breaking, look no further.
After sleeping on this author for FAR TOO LONG, I bought Saber's Pride the day it released and have been working on devouring all 570 pages of it ever since. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Summary
Twenty-six year old Davor grew up surrounded by brutality. It surrounds him still. In quiet moments, he dreams of something different, but he can not reveal these dreams to anyone. To do so would reveal a vulnerability, and all vulnerabilities are ruthlessly exploited by his father and half-brother. So Davor keeps his head down, ignores the taunts flung at him by the rest of his tribe, and tries to make a difference where he can. He chooses lighter punishments instead of brutal beatings for mistakes made by those in his direct command, he refuses to leave the wounded on the battlefield, and he watches for an opportunity to step out of the shadows. Despite his best efforts, he knows there are many he has failed. Many who he did not fight for because fear and hopelessness stayed his hand. And when his seizes an opportunity to try to enact change, the demanded price is one he fears he cannot pay. He must take a wife, and he will not force anyone to bind themselves to him. Who would accept an offer of marriage from him? Illegitimate son of a cruel chief. One who wears his hair cropped close in the mark of a coward. A man dogged by insults and derision. A shadow who has sought no friends and obtained few allies. A jagged soul who does not know how to trust. And yet there is one who is willing to step to his side as dronni, cheif's wife, and though they are strangers to each other and do not know the path before them, Davor finds someone who will fight for change by his side.
Comments
Banschbatch's books remain hard for me to categorize. Non-magical fantasy is the closest I can come for this one. The All-Father grants each of the tribes of Spirits' Valley a bond with an animal. This is the main fantasy element. Where the Graywolves of Greywolf's Heart rode wolves to battle, the Saber tribe rides (you guessed it) Sabercats.
Other than the animal bond, the world of Spirits' Valley feels rooted in a real-world combination of Norse, Native American, and author-invention.
Regardless of genre, the easiest categorization of these stories is, "So good! Read them now."
Though dealing with difficult topics, Banschbatch manages to do so in a non-graphic manner (which I will outline below), and it remains refreshing to see hard topics addressed with such an abundance of grit and hope.
Content
Language: Though character's swear often, it is typical described (he swore) instead of spelled out. Occasionally, characters will voice scata in the dialogue.
Romance: TW for SA. Though there is nothing graphic, this story touches on several hard topics. Davor was born from an unwilling union between his mother and father. He and his mother have both been made to feel the stigma of his origin by their village. Two of his half-brothers are known to have SAed women in the village. On a lighter note, when Davor is compelled to take a wife, he refuses to force a woman to wed him. When his friend suggests a woman who might be willing and she agrees to the union, Davor makes it clear that he will not force their union to go beyond vows. Their journey towards friendship, trust, and eventually love is sweetly told. We see them learning to share a bed without consumating their marriage. The eventual consumation at the end of the story off-screen, but implied through shy teasing and non-explicit innuendo.
Violence: The violence is the most graphic element of this story, though I would still classify it as PG-13. Davor suffers a ruthless beating and suffers multiple wounds of various severity in battle and hand-to-hand combat. Throughout the story, the physical abuse he suffered throughout childhood is slowly revealed.
Religion: The tribe looks to a taland as their spiritual leader. The taland of their tribe, however, has become invested and embroiled in the politics and power struggle of the tribe and neglected his role as intercessor to the All-Father and the Spirits. Davor himself is mostly dismissive of the Spirits, but Marta (his bride) stitches prayer clothes for the villagers and Davor's half-sister is devot. By the end of the story, Davor comes to believe that perhaps the All-Father does watch and care for the fates of the tribes and the paths walked by the villagers.
If you liked this, read:
Troll Queen (but I'd highly recommend starting with book one of the series first)
July 24, 2023
Y’all. 😭😍 Claire writes epic stories like none other with raw beauty that makes me *feel* things. And turns me into a blubbering mess on more than one occasion.
This book is gold. Davor, Marta, Michal, Alik, Emil, and the rest have my heart. 🥺 It’s a heavy, gritty book, yet with hope-filled with forging brotherhood bonds, learning to break abusive cycles, and mending complex relationships of all kinds. Also, I never thought I’d be emotional over a haircut… but yeah, I was most definitely teary.
I love marriage of convenience stories, but don’t always like how physically charged they can be. Here it was just perfect. The romance is super slowburn, sweet, and utterly precious with SO MUCH GROWTH AND HEART.
This was truly an adventure worth taking & did my heart so much good. 💛
Content: mild language; blood & violence
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This book is gold. Davor, Marta, Michal, Alik, Emil, and the rest have my heart. 🥺 It’s a heavy, gritty book, yet with hope-filled with forging brotherhood bonds, learning to break abusive cycles, and mending complex relationships of all kinds. Also, I never thought I’d be emotional over a haircut… but yeah, I was most definitely teary.
I love marriage of convenience stories, but don’t always like how physically charged they can be. Here it was just perfect. The romance is super slowburn, sweet, and utterly precious with SO MUCH GROWTH AND HEART.
This was truly an adventure worth taking & did my heart so much good. 💛
Content: mild language; blood & violence
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 17, 2023
What a sequel, however could also be read as a stand alone. A story about found family, mending, breaking generational curses and slow burn romance. Completely clean.
March 6, 2024
When I read Greywolf's Heart (the first book in this duology), I was slightly disappointed to find out that Saber's Pride wouldn't follow the same main characters. I had my doubts that a story about the Saber tribe would be nearly as enjoyable.
I've never been more happy to be proven wrong!
I loved reading about Davor and Marta just as much as Comran and Etran—if not more. The tension and desperation in the Saber tribe really made for an interesting story. Perhaps it was due to the slower nature of the plot, but I felt like I got to know the whole cast of characters better than those in book 1, and got to learn more about the ways of the tribe as well.
My only complaint is that sometimes the dialogue and thought processes of the characters seemed a bit repetitive, but it wasn't enough to really bother me.
Oh, wait. I do have another complaint: There are only two books in this series. Why can't there be one more? 😁
I've never been more happy to be proven wrong!
I loved reading about Davor and Marta just as much as Comran and Etran—if not more. The tension and desperation in the Saber tribe really made for an interesting story. Perhaps it was due to the slower nature of the plot, but I felt like I got to know the whole cast of characters better than those in book 1, and got to learn more about the ways of the tribe as well.
My only complaint is that sometimes the dialogue and thought processes of the characters seemed a bit repetitive, but it wasn't enough to really bother me.
Oh, wait. I do have another complaint: There are only two books in this series. Why can't there be one more? 😁
July 11, 2023
I loved this.
The character arcs. The worldbuilding. The tension in the plot. THE FEELS.
Firstly, Davor. This man was so precious and I loved him instantly. I loved watching his growth, watching him learn to let others get closer. And also he is King of Comebacks and Sarcasm. ❤️
Marta was also precious. I LOVED her strength, and facing conflict with little fear.
I also really liked seeing the similarities and contrasts between the Saber and Graywolf tribes. In some ways they were similar, but there are differences that set the Saber tribe as different, and it was really cool to see that.
The THEMES. ❤️❤️❤️ I just. I loved it all. The theme of family, brotherhood, and standing against generations of evil, even if you stand alone.
I can't squeal about everything because spoilers but JUST KNOW I LOVED THIS BOOK AND IT'S POSSIBLY ONE OF MY TOP FAVES OF THE YEAR.
The character arcs. The worldbuilding. The tension in the plot. THE FEELS.
Firstly, Davor. This man was so precious and I loved him instantly. I loved watching his growth, watching him learn to let others get closer. And also he is King of Comebacks and Sarcasm. ❤️
Marta was also precious. I LOVED her strength, and facing conflict with little fear.
I also really liked seeing the similarities and contrasts between the Saber and Graywolf tribes. In some ways they were similar, but there are differences that set the Saber tribe as different, and it was really cool to see that.
The THEMES. ❤️❤️❤️ I just. I loved it all. The theme of family, brotherhood, and standing against generations of evil, even if you stand alone.
I can't squeal about everything because spoilers but JUST KNOW I LOVED THIS BOOK AND IT'S POSSIBLY ONE OF MY TOP FAVES OF THE YEAR.
July 4, 2023
This book 🥰 Where do I even begin—there is so much I love about it! Brotherhood both familial and chosen, breaking cycles of violence and abuse, marriage of convenience (with slight enemies-to-lovers vibes), lots of action, GIANT SABERTOOTH KITTIES!!! *sigh* Fantastic book.
It is the sequel to Greywolf's Heart. Could be read as a standalone as it follows different main characters, but you'll get more out of it if you read Greywolf first (and why wouldn't you—Greywolf's Heart is amazing!).
Marta is an absolute queen. If you love female MCs who display strength through their femininity, you will adore her. Davor is a fantastic burnt cinnamon roll. If you love heroes with a past and also a heart of gold they had to hide away for a long time, you will love him. Then there's eager-to-please Michal, sweet-and-lonely Janne, always-by-your-side Alik, sneaky-sneaky Emil (oh Emil...), best-Sablecat Luk, I could go on. Banschbach always has fantastic characters!
Finally, I'll give a small content warning and why I love that said content is there. This story deals with cycles of abuse, specifically domestic, where a father's cruelty tries its best to worm its way into the next generation. It is heart-breaking and sometimes raw (though never gratuitous), and I love that it's there in this sequel to Greywolf. The family in Greywolf certainly has its flaws, but overall there is reconciliation because everyone wants it. Saber's Pride looks a bit at the other side, where sometimes blood family members will not reconcile. Sometimes there must be separation, and sometimes even good familial relationships take so much effort to keep them. Some scenes hurt, but, as with all Banschbach books, there is hope and light—and that makes the hurt worth it.
10/5 stars!
It is the sequel to Greywolf's Heart. Could be read as a standalone as it follows different main characters, but you'll get more out of it if you read Greywolf first (and why wouldn't you—Greywolf's Heart is amazing!).
Marta is an absolute queen. If you love female MCs who display strength through their femininity, you will adore her. Davor is a fantastic burnt cinnamon roll. If you love heroes with a past and also a heart of gold they had to hide away for a long time, you will love him. Then there's eager-to-please Michal, sweet-and-lonely Janne, always-by-your-side Alik, sneaky-sneaky Emil (oh Emil...), best-Sablecat Luk, I could go on. Banschbach always has fantastic characters!
Finally, I'll give a small content warning and why I love that said content is there. This story deals with cycles of abuse, specifically domestic, where a father's cruelty tries its best to worm its way into the next generation. It is heart-breaking and sometimes raw (though never gratuitous), and I love that it's there in this sequel to Greywolf. The family in Greywolf certainly has its flaws, but overall there is reconciliation because everyone wants it. Saber's Pride looks a bit at the other side, where sometimes blood family members will not reconcile. Sometimes there must be separation, and sometimes even good familial relationships take so much effort to keep them. Some scenes hurt, but, as with all Banschbach books, there is hope and light—and that makes the hurt worth it.
10/5 stars!
January 31, 2025
Saber’s Pride has joined my favorite books list, just like Greywolf’s Heart. This story weaves together threads of courage, breaking cycles, abuse, redemption, and healing. The themes shine through the captivating plot that kept me hooked. The character development is amazing and some of the best I’ve read in a long time, just like the first installment. Scenes with Marta and Davor had me squealing out loud. I was crying by the end, a sure sign of a good book. All in all, I highly recommend and love this pack of feral bois and Marta.
December 18, 2023
This book has everything we've come to love from CM Banschbach, heartwarming tales of brothers, courage amid darkness, peril and intrigue, and this one has a dash of romance (just a dash, mind you, a healthy dose of seasoning ;) ) Also a solid second installment in the world in Greywolf's Heart, which I do recommend reading first as this one contains some minor spoilers.
August 14, 2024
I don't know what I expected when I saw there was a second book to this duology because how could anything be better than Greywolf's Heart? And Davor was there for one scene or so in the first book, so I wasn't sure what to even feel for him. But, omg, I have no words and all my expectations have been met and exceeded by this book.
This is a standalone book in the same series as the first, and it revolves around Davor who we meet briefly in Greywolf's Heart. Davor is the second son of the Chief of the Saber tribe, who has been raised under the violence of his father and elder brother, Kamil. All his life, he has tried to survive by making himself unnoticed, smaller, which had him dubbed as a coward by most of the tribe. The Chief and his sons are universally feared by most people since all four of the Chief's sons are born of a different woman that had taken his fancy, and Kamil follows his father's footsteps.
When the war with the Greywolf tribe causes the Chief to name Davor rokr, second only to the Battlelion, Kamil, he finds his way of survival challenged. There's no way for him to be invisible anymore, not if he wants to protect his remaining siblings and his mother. With the help of Alik, a pack leader, he starts forging bonds and creating an image in the hearts of the warriors who are as tired of needless bloodshed as he is.
But his biggest challenge starts when he claims the mantle of Chief after Kamil and his father's death. The taland who is in the pocket of one of Kamil's cronies demand that he be married in order to be chief, as is written in the scrolls of the tribe. But no woman would willingly marry the chief's son, and if he forces a woman into the position, he will be proving himself no better than his father, something Davor hates more than he hates the situation he is in.
I never expected to love Davor as much as I did. I loved him, and how he grows and changes, how he accepts his roles and responsibilites and is ready to shoulder them. His determination to be better, to do better, even though he has had no examples before him. His striving to be good in the face of everything determined to break him.
While the romance between Davor and Marta is an important element of the book, what really shines is his relationship with Alik, his best friend, and Michal and Emil, his brothers. As in the first book with Comran and Etran, the brotherly bonds Davor has with Emil and Michal is the heart of this book. Again, I find myself wishing to see more of this, more brotherly affection and bonds.
All the characters are as well written in this as in the first. I really hated Makar and Kamil, and I loved how Emil's redemption arc played out. The ending was perfect and while I'm happy for everyone, I'm also sad that this series is at an end. I hope the author will revisit the world and write more books with amazing characters.
Off I am to read other books from her in the meantime.
This is a standalone book in the same series as the first, and it revolves around Davor who we meet briefly in Greywolf's Heart. Davor is the second son of the Chief of the Saber tribe, who has been raised under the violence of his father and elder brother, Kamil. All his life, he has tried to survive by making himself unnoticed, smaller, which had him dubbed as a coward by most of the tribe. The Chief and his sons are universally feared by most people since all four of the Chief's sons are born of a different woman that had taken his fancy, and Kamil follows his father's footsteps.
When the war with the Greywolf tribe causes the Chief to name Davor rokr, second only to the Battlelion, Kamil, he finds his way of survival challenged. There's no way for him to be invisible anymore, not if he wants to protect his remaining siblings and his mother. With the help of Alik, a pack leader, he starts forging bonds and creating an image in the hearts of the warriors who are as tired of needless bloodshed as he is.
But his biggest challenge starts when he claims the mantle of Chief after Kamil and his father's death. The taland who is in the pocket of one of Kamil's cronies demand that he be married in order to be chief, as is written in the scrolls of the tribe. But no woman would willingly marry the chief's son, and if he forces a woman into the position, he will be proving himself no better than his father, something Davor hates more than he hates the situation he is in.
I never expected to love Davor as much as I did. I loved him, and how he grows and changes, how he accepts his roles and responsibilites and is ready to shoulder them. His determination to be better, to do better, even though he has had no examples before him. His striving to be good in the face of everything determined to break him.
While the romance between Davor and Marta is an important element of the book, what really shines is his relationship with Alik, his best friend, and Michal and Emil, his brothers. As in the first book with Comran and Etran, the brotherly bonds Davor has with Emil and Michal is the heart of this book. Again, I find myself wishing to see more of this, more brotherly affection and bonds.
All the characters are as well written in this as in the first. I really hated Makar and Kamil, and I loved how Emil's redemption arc played out. The ending was perfect and while I'm happy for everyone, I'm also sad that this series is at an end. I hope the author will revisit the world and write more books with amazing characters.
Off I am to read other books from her in the meantime.
August 22, 2023
This book is the second half of the duology which began with Greywolf's Heart, but deals with the Greywolf's neighboring- and enemy- tribe, the Sabers.
Though this could be considered YA due to the dearth of smut, I'm not certain that it's exactly appropriate for the really young crowd of readers. Perhaps I should give trigger warnings for those considering: physical abuse by family members, all-around mental abuse, mentions of rapes that occurred offscreen, extreme familial dysfunction, plenty of emotional trauma, paralyzing fear, etc. Things of that nature.
The story is told from two alternating points of view. The first POV is from Davor. He grew up within this hideous family environment, that of the chief of the Saber tribe. The chief maliciously promotes hatred, discontent, and abuse in all of its forms. It's now become normal within the entire tribe. Trust, affection and happiness are for the most part a pipe dream. They're a very toxic people. There is still a smattering of the decent sort, but they tend to be downtrodden. Davor has managed to keep his mother out of the crosshairs, and she is a gentle influence on him. He has several brothers and a sister, all by different mothers, and some of them are minions of the chief.
The second POV is from Marta. She is a member of a decent family in one of the lower villages of the tribe. She has managed to avoid the notice of the powers-that-be. She has come across Davor several times when he's trying to avoid his family, but like everyone else, she fears him. It's assumed that the apple didn't fall far from the tree even though he's not given her any reason to feel threatened.
These two characters were very likeable and sympathetic. Marta hadn't personally experienced any trauma in her life. She helped her little sister cope with her suffering at the hands of one of those brothers, but Marta herself was untouched by any of it. Davor, though! Sheesh it was upsetting. That poor guy was put through the ringer his entire life, and he is emotionally damaged. Since the synopsis already mentioned a marriage, I'm not letting the cat out of the bag. But their marriage was a study in learning to trust, rely, heal and love, all in baby steps. That aspect of the story was particularly sweet. So Davor decides that he's going to change traditions in the tribe, and what an uphill battle that is!
This book was very good. It's not perfect, but it was so absorbing! The characters live, breathe and grow. This author always writes great characters. I've read several of her books now and have enjoyed them all.
Though this could be considered YA due to the dearth of smut, I'm not certain that it's exactly appropriate for the really young crowd of readers. Perhaps I should give trigger warnings for those considering: physical abuse by family members, all-around mental abuse, mentions of rapes that occurred offscreen, extreme familial dysfunction, plenty of emotional trauma, paralyzing fear, etc. Things of that nature.
The story is told from two alternating points of view. The first POV is from Davor. He grew up within this hideous family environment, that of the chief of the Saber tribe. The chief maliciously promotes hatred, discontent, and abuse in all of its forms. It's now become normal within the entire tribe. Trust, affection and happiness are for the most part a pipe dream. They're a very toxic people. There is still a smattering of the decent sort, but they tend to be downtrodden. Davor has managed to keep his mother out of the crosshairs, and she is a gentle influence on him. He has several brothers and a sister, all by different mothers, and some of them are minions of the chief.
The second POV is from Marta. She is a member of a decent family in one of the lower villages of the tribe. She has managed to avoid the notice of the powers-that-be. She has come across Davor several times when he's trying to avoid his family, but like everyone else, she fears him. It's assumed that the apple didn't fall far from the tree even though he's not given her any reason to feel threatened.
These two characters were very likeable and sympathetic. Marta hadn't personally experienced any trauma in her life. She helped her little sister cope with her suffering at the hands of one of those brothers, but Marta herself was untouched by any of it. Davor, though! Sheesh it was upsetting. That poor guy was put through the ringer his entire life, and he is emotionally damaged. Since the synopsis already mentioned a marriage, I'm not letting the cat out of the bag. But their marriage was a study in learning to trust, rely, heal and love, all in baby steps. That aspect of the story was particularly sweet. So Davor decides that he's going to change traditions in the tribe, and what an uphill battle that is!
This book was very good. It's not perfect, but it was so absorbing! The characters live, breathe and grow. This author always writes great characters. I've read several of her books now and have enjoyed them all.
June 25, 2024
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story that has a very deliberate gentle pace. What makes it so interesting is how Claire grapples with familial and societal cycles of violence and death.
Davor is the second son of the King who rules with an iron fist. Step out of line, even as a son of his, and you wear painful consequences. It’s a brutal existence. His three brothers are all disciples of the father, while Davor has always wanted to live an alternative existence where love and kindness exist, people are given second chances and life isn’t based around fear and warmongering.
Marta is a young lady who comes from a close family that has observed Davor’s life and sense there maybe something different about him.
We step through each day as Davor tries to hold back his natural violent tendencies. To believe there is a world where he can receive love simply because of who he is and not what he does. I found the first 200 pages slow and questioned whether I wanted to finish the story as Davor’s resistance to his natural tendencies becomes a little repetitive. Further, I was surprised that most of the fighting scenes were reported rather than experienced. This changes in the last 150 pages as Makar’s opposition to Davor is shown in detail.
Davor struggles to receive Marta’s affection and love. Their relationship is quite delightful to read, if frustrating at times. He’s only known one way via his father, and it’s seeped into his heart, so he struggles to breakout of the old ways. We see his struggle and desperate longing to know another way, but he doesn’t know how, because he’s had no worthy role models. In Marta and Alik, plus his protective instinctive towards his younger brother help draw out what he hasn’t known how to grab a hold of.
The love story is quite something to behold and I’m so pleased to have had the good fortune to witness it.
Throughout reading the story, I wondered if Claire could achieve the same outcomes with less pages, even significantly less, say 150 pages. The repetition of Davor’s struggle to experience the new especially in the first half of the story made me wonder if the story would be even stronger being only 350-400 pages having allowed the reader to use their imagination to appreciate the significance of Davor’s struggle to change and resist the life he’s only known.
Davor is the second son of the King who rules with an iron fist. Step out of line, even as a son of his, and you wear painful consequences. It’s a brutal existence. His three brothers are all disciples of the father, while Davor has always wanted to live an alternative existence where love and kindness exist, people are given second chances and life isn’t based around fear and warmongering.
Marta is a young lady who comes from a close family that has observed Davor’s life and sense there maybe something different about him.
We step through each day as Davor tries to hold back his natural violent tendencies. To believe there is a world where he can receive love simply because of who he is and not what he does. I found the first 200 pages slow and questioned whether I wanted to finish the story as Davor’s resistance to his natural tendencies becomes a little repetitive. Further, I was surprised that most of the fighting scenes were reported rather than experienced. This changes in the last 150 pages as Makar’s opposition to Davor is shown in detail.
Davor struggles to receive Marta’s affection and love. Their relationship is quite delightful to read, if frustrating at times. He’s only known one way via his father, and it’s seeped into his heart, so he struggles to breakout of the old ways. We see his struggle and desperate longing to know another way, but he doesn’t know how, because he’s had no worthy role models. In Marta and Alik, plus his protective instinctive towards his younger brother help draw out what he hasn’t known how to grab a hold of.
The love story is quite something to behold and I’m so pleased to have had the good fortune to witness it.
Throughout reading the story, I wondered if Claire could achieve the same outcomes with less pages, even significantly less, say 150 pages. The repetition of Davor’s struggle to experience the new especially in the first half of the story made me wonder if the story would be even stronger being only 350-400 pages having allowed the reader to use their imagination to appreciate the significance of Davor’s struggle to change and resist the life he’s only known.
July 25, 2023
A note before you read: Spoilers for Greywolf's Heart in this review. You are warned. It's unavoidable. So if for some reason you haven't read that one already, go do it now and thank me later for recommending it to you because that book is just as wonderful and amazing as this one is.
Oh boy. How do I begin to write this review. I've been putting it off for days. DAYS. Because I can hardly find the words to put my emotions into comprehensible English.
A synopsis: In order to stop the corruption and bloodshed of his tribe, Davor must gain power and the chance comes when he is made second to his older half-brother who is their tribe's Battlelion. They ride off to war against the Greywolf tribe where this older brother is killed. Davor claims his place and plans to make changes to his tribe as much as he can, but a new opportunity arises that gives him even more power: That of becoming chief. Only there's one stipulation: He needs to marry. Only one woman is willing to marry him and to help make the changes she so desperately desires as well.
I absolutely loved this book, just as much, if not more than Greywolf's Heart. There are many moments that hit so hard and the friendship, the coming together of brothers, the sacrifices made is masterfully done. There is so much more in here than your typical love story--it is a love story of many different kinds. A romance, yes. But a love story also between friends and brothers and parents. Many of the characters have regrets and past sins and hurts that come back to haunt them but then there is healing that comes with it. Eventually.
By the end, these characters are drastically different from the way they start out, and we get to see how it all happens. And it is so so good. C.M. Banschbach is one of my new favorite authors. I've only read three of her books, it's true, Oath of the Outcast is a little too painful (am actually rereading it now because I now have courage to read Blood of the Seer after reading more of her books) and it's still hitting just as painful as I remembered.
Anyway, back to Saber's Pride. Favorite moments? All of them. Not even joking. Just go read it.
Oh boy. How do I begin to write this review. I've been putting it off for days. DAYS. Because I can hardly find the words to put my emotions into comprehensible English.
A synopsis: In order to stop the corruption and bloodshed of his tribe, Davor must gain power and the chance comes when he is made second to his older half-brother who is their tribe's Battlelion. They ride off to war against the Greywolf tribe where this older brother is killed. Davor claims his place and plans to make changes to his tribe as much as he can, but a new opportunity arises that gives him even more power: That of becoming chief. Only there's one stipulation: He needs to marry. Only one woman is willing to marry him and to help make the changes she so desperately desires as well.
I absolutely loved this book, just as much, if not more than Greywolf's Heart. There are many moments that hit so hard and the friendship, the coming together of brothers, the sacrifices made is masterfully done. There is so much more in here than your typical love story--it is a love story of many different kinds. A romance, yes. But a love story also between friends and brothers and parents. Many of the characters have regrets and past sins and hurts that come back to haunt them but then there is healing that comes with it. Eventually.
By the end, these characters are drastically different from the way they start out, and we get to see how it all happens. And it is so so good. C.M. Banschbach is one of my new favorite authors. I've only read three of her books, it's true, Oath of the Outcast is a little too painful (am actually rereading it now because I now have courage to read Blood of the Seer after reading more of her books) and it's still hitting just as painful as I remembered.
Anyway, back to Saber's Pride. Favorite moments? All of them. Not even joking. Just go read it.
July 19, 2023
Coming off of Greywolf's Heart, which was an absolute ride, I wasn't entirely ready to be convinced of Davor somehow turning into a hero. I saw the potential, but my heart was back with the Greywolf tribe. But boy, was I proved wrong. I was both surprised and impressed with the route the author took with Davor's character and the book itself. Once again, we have all the bro-ness. And I was eating it up.
As soon as Emil came "on-screen" I immediately latched onto a new favorite. He's stabby. I couldn't resist.
The brotherly moments were lovely and everything I was hoping for. The romance was very sweet and clean. I was thoroughly entranced.
That being said, the themes of the book are darker than Greywolf, which did not bother me, though it might bother some readers, so fair warning.
The only quibble I had (the same one I had with Greywolf) is that the religious system is very clearly Catholic based, which is a system I disagree with. However, as it is set up as a fantasy religion, I was able to easily recognize that and then move on.
In summary, I greatly enjoyed the book and am sad that we have no more books coming in this series. I would love to explore more in this world. The worldbuilding is so rich and I wouldn't mind revisiting there for another book or two.
I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review, positive or negative. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
As soon as Emil came "on-screen" I immediately latched onto a new favorite. He's stabby. I couldn't resist.
The brotherly moments were lovely and everything I was hoping for. The romance was very sweet and clean. I was thoroughly entranced.
That being said, the themes of the book are darker than Greywolf, which did not bother me, though it might bother some readers, so fair warning.
The only quibble I had (the same one I had with Greywolf) is that the religious system is very clearly Catholic based, which is a system I disagree with. However, as it is set up as a fantasy religion, I was able to easily recognize that and then move on.
In summary, I greatly enjoyed the book and am sad that we have no more books coming in this series. I would love to explore more in this world. The worldbuilding is so rich and I wouldn't mind revisiting there for another book or two.
I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review, positive or negative. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
March 21, 2024
A beautiful, raw, sometimes heart-wrenching story of cowardice and strength, cruelty and love, hatred and healing, violence and peace, redemption, and breaking generational cycles of abuse and trauma. Intricate and thoroughly enjoyable low fantasy worldbuilding with a little bit of Norse-meets-Native American flavor plus gigantic sabertooth cats and wolves and lynxes. Delightfully complex characters with satisfying slowburn arcs, an engaging and deep plot full of twists and reveals that gives the complicated themes and character development of the story the time to logically and beautifully unfold. Plus a subplot, very slow-burn, gentle marriage-of-convenience romance that is so sweet and rich and wonderful in its honesty. I just loved how it was centered around the characters' share valued and giving each other strength to do what's right. The MCd and side characters are all so rich and well developed. The themes of fighting for peace, making a stand to protect and treat others well even when it's risky, and finding a home and family and hope and healing were so well done. I'm a sucker for good enemies-to-brothers and friends-like-brothers stories and this gave me all the feels. I smiled, I chuckled, I teared up. Definitely recommend. See note at beginning of book for content.
July 4, 2023
Saber's Pride is both an excellent continuation of the story we learn in Greywolf's Heart as well as a phenomenal standalone in its own right. It had a compelling balance of character growth, relationship growth(both the romance and the brotherhood/friendships), and general plot that all weaved together rather perfectly.
The romance is subtle--present, and important to the story, but not the forefront plot thread. But it's arranged marriage at its finest, and I really enjoyed watching the relationship bloom.
Of equal importance was the growth of the brothers' relationships. I love a good bromance, and this one had multiple, each unique and just SO good.
This is a low fantasy of the truest order--the story world is not our own, with giant beasts who serve as companions and mounts for the tribes we meet in the story. There's no other magic, aside from some hints of spirits/gods beyond the mundane.
I loved this book. It's not a breakneck pace, and yet the tension is tight and kept me turning pages and staying up late reading past my bedtime.
I received an ARC, and all thoughts are my own.
The romance is subtle--present, and important to the story, but not the forefront plot thread. But it's arranged marriage at its finest, and I really enjoyed watching the relationship bloom.
Of equal importance was the growth of the brothers' relationships. I love a good bromance, and this one had multiple, each unique and just SO good.
This is a low fantasy of the truest order--the story world is not our own, with giant beasts who serve as companions and mounts for the tribes we meet in the story. There's no other magic, aside from some hints of spirits/gods beyond the mundane.
I loved this book. It's not a breakneck pace, and yet the tension is tight and kept me turning pages and staying up late reading past my bedtime.
I received an ARC, and all thoughts are my own.
December 19, 2023
I so loved this book! It’s so much more than a story about a marriage of convenience (which was itself done very well.) After reading Greywolf’s Heart I longed to go back to that ancient wilderness with its sweeping landscape, epic scope, and giant wolves and sabertoothed cats—but this time we get to see what was going on in the Sablecat tribe during and after the war with the Greywolves. And what a story of hardship and brokenness and courage and healing—of change! Banschbach doesn’t shy away from the hard things, but she addresses them in such a compassionate way that doesn’t glorify violence and offers hope and a road toward healing. And that’s exactly what this story is: a twice-shy man who finds the courage to put an end to his village’s cycle of violence and abuse and a skeptical woman who takes a chance on him in the hope of making a better life for her family. What follows is a heartacheing tale of fostering trust, responsibility in leadership, brotherhood, and the delicate balance between what is just and what is immediately effective.
Davor is a singed cinnamon roll that you can’t help but get behind and weep for because of how much he’s been hurt and still tries to do the right thing. Marta is a plucky girl with a heart for the home that I instantly connected with, and her courage to bind herself with a man she doesn’t initially care for for the greater good is admirable. Michal is precious and needs to be protected! And Emil, I gotta say, doesn’t get enough credit. I was gutted. The darkness those brothers come out of and the hope of what lies ahead will require tissues, I give you fair warning. It’s just an amazing and hopeful and well crafted story of triumph and I can hardly recommend it enough!
Davor is a singed cinnamon roll that you can’t help but get behind and weep for because of how much he’s been hurt and still tries to do the right thing. Marta is a plucky girl with a heart for the home that I instantly connected with, and her courage to bind herself with a man she doesn’t initially care for for the greater good is admirable. Michal is precious and needs to be protected! And Emil, I gotta say, doesn’t get enough credit. I was gutted. The darkness those brothers come out of and the hope of what lies ahead will require tissues, I give you fair warning. It’s just an amazing and hopeful and well crafted story of triumph and I can hardly recommend it enough!
November 5, 2025
C. M. Banschbach really said, hey I just wrote a super good book. What if I then wrote an even BETTER one. About the VILLAINS OF BOOK ONE. GETTING CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. AND CHOOSING TO CHANGE AND GROW. So, naturally, I have no choice but to be insane about it.
This book was INCREDIBLE. Davor's character arc through the whole book was absolutely BRILLIANT. I never thought I'd find myself relating to a grim, angsty, warrior, but then I was like, oh he's an INTROVERT. Now I get it.
EVERY character in this book had INSANELY GOOD development, and their dynamics were SO GOOD. Michal's growth was just. INCREDIBLE. And don't even get me started on Marta, she was absolutely amazing!!! Also. I literally stopped and turned the spoiler warning on so I could rant about him. Emil my beloved, you took me on a ROLLERCOASTER. I was sure he'd stay evil!!!!! But his arc was SO BEAUTIFUL I'm genuinely getting emotional just thinking about it. OH AND ALIK!!!! Alik was such a legend. He's the extrovert every introverts needs
In summary, I really loved this book, and everyone should read it
This book was INCREDIBLE. Davor's character arc through the whole book was absolutely BRILLIANT. I never thought I'd find myself relating to a grim, angsty, warrior, but then I was like, oh he's an INTROVERT. Now I get it.
EVERY character in this book had INSANELY GOOD development, and their dynamics were SO GOOD. Michal's growth was just. INCREDIBLE. And don't even get me started on Marta, she was absolutely amazing!!! Also. I literally stopped and turned the spoiler warning on so I could rant about him. Emil my beloved, you took me on a ROLLERCOASTER. I was sure he'd stay evil!!!!! But his arc was SO BEAUTIFUL I'm genuinely getting emotional just thinking about it. OH AND ALIK!!!! Alik was such a legend. He's the extrovert every introverts needs
In summary, I really loved this book, and everyone should read it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
This book took me an embarrasingly long time to pick up, let alone actually read. It's a very serious book, it tackles a lot of difficult topics, but it had a lot of excellent themes and Banschbach wove the story very well.
I only rated it such a low rating due to the fact I struggled to get through it. I liked the story, may read it again in future, but it didn't resonate with me like I was expecting, not as much as the first book did. But the book was still very good; it just wasn't the best fit for me. It felt very slow at times, but that just may have been me. I liked it, I just didn't love it, and it's merely a stylistic thing.
Emil though! T_T And then Marta and Davor! Banschbach did all their arcs so well!
I only rated it such a low rating due to the fact I struggled to get through it. I liked the story, may read it again in future, but it didn't resonate with me like I was expecting, not as much as the first book did. But the book was still very good; it just wasn't the best fit for me. It felt very slow at times, but that just may have been me. I liked it, I just didn't love it, and it's merely a stylistic thing.
Emil though! T_T And then Marta and Davor! Banschbach did all their arcs so well!
October 17, 2025
If I could give this more than five stars, I absolutely would.
Saber's Pride is one of my favourite books by Claire. I've read it several times now, and it's been so encouraging and inspiring to me---in my personal life, and with the books that I try to write.
The beating heart behind this book for me is about bravery, and having the sheer courageous audacity to try again, and again, and again, and keep trying.
As always, the enemies to brothers vibes are PEAK, and the slowburn romance is also totally gorgeous. It also features many different redemption arcs/stories, including some that come from unexpected places. 1,000% recommend! It's a chonky book you can get your teeth into, and so, so worth the read!
Saber's Pride is one of my favourite books by Claire. I've read it several times now, and it's been so encouraging and inspiring to me---in my personal life, and with the books that I try to write.
The beating heart behind this book for me is about bravery, and having the sheer courageous audacity to try again, and again, and again, and keep trying.
As always, the enemies to brothers vibes are PEAK, and the slowburn romance is also totally gorgeous. It also features many different redemption arcs/stories, including some that come from unexpected places. 1,000% recommend! It's a chonky book you can get your teeth into, and so, so worth the read!
July 18, 2023
Banschbach delivers yet again with Saber's Pride. I'm ngl I was intrigued by Davor with his introduction in Greywolf's Heart so I was excited to read this one. This story is as beautiful as it is tragic. Davor and Marta struggling to trust each other as they forge a new path and their slowburn but satisfying relationship. Banschbach takes horrible deeds and conflicts but honors the victims with delicacy and privacy in a heart wrenching manner. This story does not back away from abusive cycles, religious abuse, and trauma. It does include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as ptsd. Parents and younger readers take caution before reading this amazing sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2023
When the author first talked about doing a follow-up to Greywolf's Heart but with new main characters, I was really bummed. I wanted MORE of Comran and Etran! Who cares about some random, minor Davor character???
But I should know by now, ALWAYS TRUST BANSCHBACH.
This book is stunning. All the conflicted, angsty brother vibes I love that she does so well, but multiplied by a 1000. A lovely slow burn romance. Heartache. Healing. Choosing forgiveness of others and of yourself. Letting go.
It's just SO GOOD.
More of this world please, right now, and thank you.
But I should know by now, ALWAYS TRUST BANSCHBACH.
This book is stunning. All the conflicted, angsty brother vibes I love that she does so well, but multiplied by a 1000. A lovely slow burn romance. Heartache. Healing. Choosing forgiveness of others and of yourself. Letting go.
It's just SO GOOD.
More of this world please, right now, and thank you.
August 11, 2023
There are giant cats!
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