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Lost Blades
As the world ends once more, the goddess chooses who she will wield against Abomination
In Lyndiniam: A street thief attempts a heist far more ambitious than anything he has done before, but due to circumstances outside his control, finds himself locked up for crimes he both did and did not commit. A strange woman with abilities Jamirh does not understand breaks him out, and he finds himself on the run - fleeing to Romanii, a country he thought no longer existed.
In Ni Fon: A shinobi is banished by the Empress for killing her daughter and his fiancée, Princess Hotaru. This is a ploy, however - Takeshi is still working for Ni Fon despite the murder, trying to learn information about a rebellion against the Rose Empire that Ni Fon will be able to leverage to regain their own freedom.
Though thousands of miles apart, both Jamirh and Takeshi find themselves pulled into an ancient struggle between forces far beyond anything they have ever dreamed of, whether they want to be or not.
In Lyndiniam: A street thief attempts a heist far more ambitious than anything he has done before, but due to circumstances outside his control, finds himself locked up for crimes he both did and did not commit. A strange woman with abilities Jamirh does not understand breaks him out, and he finds himself on the run - fleeing to Romanii, a country he thought no longer existed.
In Ni Fon: A shinobi is banished by the Empress for killing her daughter and his fiancée, Princess Hotaru. This is a ploy, however - Takeshi is still working for Ni Fon despite the murder, trying to learn information about a rebellion against the Rose Empire that Ni Fon will be able to leverage to regain their own freedom.
Though thousands of miles apart, both Jamirh and Takeshi find themselves pulled into an ancient struggle between forces far beyond anything they have ever dreamed of, whether they want to be or not.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
507 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1422 people want to read
About the author
Liz Sauco
6 books27 followersI’ve always loved stories. The more fantastical, the better. Unicorns were an early favorite of mine; I must have watched The Last Unicorn a thousand times as a child, driving my parents to near insanity. I journeyed with Bilbo and Frodo to their respective mountains, flew with the dragonriders of Pern, rode with the Heralds of Valdemar (and desperately wanted a Companion. Or a dragon. Any talking animal friend, really). I devoured every book I could get my hands on – trips to Barnes and Noble were hotly anticipated.
Anime (thanks, Toonami!) and video games were other favorites. I watched Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Gundam Wing, played Zelda and Mario. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my parents play A Link to the Past and Mario 64. A Link to the Past was the first game I ever finished. I found myself endlessly fascinated with how the Zelda games fit together. Mythology also grabbed me, made me think of how other cultures viewed the world.
And then I made up stories for myself when I ran out of media to consume.
In college, I decided I was going to write a book. NoNoWriMo was popular, and I had a few other friends who wrote a bit, so I decided I would give it a try in Nov of 2010. I outlined and outlined. My outline was almost twenty pages long (and only about three-quarters of the way through the story) when I decided it was not actually what I wanted to write. It was too much like a video game. I scrapped it, and went back to the drawing board. Then I realized – what if I told the story that came after that one? That would be more interesting.
(I missed that NaNoWriMo deadline by quite a bit.)
So I started again, worldbuilding with what would have happened in the thousand years between the two stories. I drew maps. I made races. I fleshed out my characters, some of whom were the same – the benefits of writing immortals. By the time NaNoWriMo 2011 came around, I was ready.
I wrote three and a half chapters. In that fourth chapter, I introduced my pirate characters – and writing their speech exhausted me so much that I just… stopped. The story sat in the back of my mind for almost a decade, untouched by any actual writing, but living and growing anyway. I consumed more media, more stories. Marvel, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones dominated conversations around me (I mentioned I’m a nerd, right? If not, you could probably tell). I started crocheting little cute plushies. I got a job teaching Latin.
Then came 2020. Everyone was staying at home. A friend of mine brought up a book she had been writing some time ago, and I mentioned mine. We decided to give them both another go, offering critique and support to each other as we went.
And this time, I successfully wrote Lost Blades, kicking off my journey as an author.
Nowadays, Destiny 2 and Genshin Impact make up the majority of my gaming, both franchises with lore-rich worlds ripe for theorycrafting. Go ahead, ask me anything about either of those, but be prepared for a dissertation in response. I still crochet plushies, and fantasy still makes up the majority of my world. I’m excited to embark on this publishing journey, and I’m glad you stopped by to check in! For more information on my books, or just getting to know me better in general, I hope you’ll take some time to explore my website, read my blog, or even send me a message.
Cheers!
Anime (thanks, Toonami!) and video games were other favorites. I watched Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Gundam Wing, played Zelda and Mario. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my parents play A Link to the Past and Mario 64. A Link to the Past was the first game I ever finished. I found myself endlessly fascinated with how the Zelda games fit together. Mythology also grabbed me, made me think of how other cultures viewed the world.
And then I made up stories for myself when I ran out of media to consume.
In college, I decided I was going to write a book. NoNoWriMo was popular, and I had a few other friends who wrote a bit, so I decided I would give it a try in Nov of 2010. I outlined and outlined. My outline was almost twenty pages long (and only about three-quarters of the way through the story) when I decided it was not actually what I wanted to write. It was too much like a video game. I scrapped it, and went back to the drawing board. Then I realized – what if I told the story that came after that one? That would be more interesting.
(I missed that NaNoWriMo deadline by quite a bit.)
So I started again, worldbuilding with what would have happened in the thousand years between the two stories. I drew maps. I made races. I fleshed out my characters, some of whom were the same – the benefits of writing immortals. By the time NaNoWriMo 2011 came around, I was ready.
I wrote three and a half chapters. In that fourth chapter, I introduced my pirate characters – and writing their speech exhausted me so much that I just… stopped. The story sat in the back of my mind for almost a decade, untouched by any actual writing, but living and growing anyway. I consumed more media, more stories. Marvel, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones dominated conversations around me (I mentioned I’m a nerd, right? If not, you could probably tell). I started crocheting little cute plushies. I got a job teaching Latin.
Then came 2020. Everyone was staying at home. A friend of mine brought up a book she had been writing some time ago, and I mentioned mine. We decided to give them both another go, offering critique and support to each other as we went.
And this time, I successfully wrote Lost Blades, kicking off my journey as an author.
Nowadays, Destiny 2 and Genshin Impact make up the majority of my gaming, both franchises with lore-rich worlds ripe for theorycrafting. Go ahead, ask me anything about either of those, but be prepared for a dissertation in response. I still crochet plushies, and fantasy still makes up the majority of my world. I’m excited to embark on this publishing journey, and I’m glad you stopped by to check in! For more information on my books, or just getting to know me better in general, I hope you’ll take some time to explore my website, read my blog, or even send me a message.
Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 3, 2023
First time reading a book by this author and it was worth it!! I feel like there was so much going on and so action packed that I could not put it down. I was halfway through the book and did not even realize it!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.
August 29, 2023
A chosen thief, a mysterious mage, and a banished assassin must unite for the Goddess of Death to save the world and finally end a prophecy.
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy of this book did not in any way affect my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Long before Jamirh, a thief born to an underdog race that is subservient to humans, is falsely accused of assaulting a nobleman's daughter (and thrown in prison for it), a powerful prophecy surrounding goddesses, vengeances, and eternal war began spinning.
When Jamirh finds freedom with the help of a mysterious fellow prisoner, he must leave his life behind in hopes that a new home in the wastelands beyond the safety of his country's walls will be waiting for him. But what he finds is anything but safe--truth lies beyond the walls, in the hands of Vampires, Wargs, shifters, and even the goddess of Death herself.
Caught up in a prophecy that is bigger than any of the three main characters in this story, the thief's lot is thrown onto a celestial gameboard of sorts alongside an exiled shadow assassin who has been sent on a secret mission to the other side of his world.
But can the three of them finally overcome obstacles that may have stopped would-be heroes of old in resolving a prophecy that until now has only held death in its wake?
Lost Blades is a powerful, page-turning epic fantasy with mythological influences that turn Greek mythology on its head in a whole new inventive way. While at first this piece struck me as a potential for a dark fantasy, it really ended up taking on a noblebright air, with hope for true change and a new potential for the 'chosen one' trope that left me wanting to read more of the series.
The page time in this book is split pretty evenly between Jamirh (the thief) and Takeshi (the assassin), with some other small side-scenes here and there.
From pirates to vampires and warriors to mages, this clean epic fantasy has a bit of everything fantasy lovers will enjoy. The story is unpredictable, but powerfully approaches several deep themes as well, such as overcoming fear to achieve one's highest potential, bearing the weight of consequences that are not our own in a way that can still bring honor and purpose to our lives, and finding hope in both living and dying for what's right, even if no one else will.
Sauco has woven a wonderful first-in-series tale with Lost Blades, with nods to classic epic fantasy tropes in a creative new light.
I am excited to see what will happen next for the heroes in this journey!
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy of this book did not in any way affect my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Long before Jamirh, a thief born to an underdog race that is subservient to humans, is falsely accused of assaulting a nobleman's daughter (and thrown in prison for it), a powerful prophecy surrounding goddesses, vengeances, and eternal war began spinning.
When Jamirh finds freedom with the help of a mysterious fellow prisoner, he must leave his life behind in hopes that a new home in the wastelands beyond the safety of his country's walls will be waiting for him. But what he finds is anything but safe--truth lies beyond the walls, in the hands of Vampires, Wargs, shifters, and even the goddess of Death herself.
Caught up in a prophecy that is bigger than any of the three main characters in this story, the thief's lot is thrown onto a celestial gameboard of sorts alongside an exiled shadow assassin who has been sent on a secret mission to the other side of his world.
But can the three of them finally overcome obstacles that may have stopped would-be heroes of old in resolving a prophecy that until now has only held death in its wake?
Lost Blades is a powerful, page-turning epic fantasy with mythological influences that turn Greek mythology on its head in a whole new inventive way. While at first this piece struck me as a potential for a dark fantasy, it really ended up taking on a noblebright air, with hope for true change and a new potential for the 'chosen one' trope that left me wanting to read more of the series.
The page time in this book is split pretty evenly between Jamirh (the thief) and Takeshi (the assassin), with some other small side-scenes here and there.
From pirates to vampires and warriors to mages, this clean epic fantasy has a bit of everything fantasy lovers will enjoy. The story is unpredictable, but powerfully approaches several deep themes as well, such as overcoming fear to achieve one's highest potential, bearing the weight of consequences that are not our own in a way that can still bring honor and purpose to our lives, and finding hope in both living and dying for what's right, even if no one else will.
Sauco has woven a wonderful first-in-series tale with Lost Blades, with nods to classic epic fantasy tropes in a creative new light.
I am excited to see what will happen next for the heroes in this journey!
August 16, 2023
Lost Blades is an excellent escape and a great introduction to the world for readers. It has enough room and lays enough ground work to allow for a sprawling story across several books, or even a whole pile of stories written in this world that don't have to be part of the main story. I'm reminded of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse or the way Jim Butcher's Dresden Files have a wide open world.
Magic, living gods, international politics and culture shifts. Twists around every corner.
It's a great read. I look forward to book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Magic, living gods, international politics and culture shifts. Twists around every corner.
It's a great read. I look forward to book 2!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2023
Boy gets pulled into a magical world he didn’t know existed, responds “What the hell is this!?” and then promptly faints. Exactly as he should. In too many books the so-called ‘chosen one’ will not be overly shocked at the magical world because it explains why they were ‘different than everyone else’. Not in this book!
If not anything else, that alone made me like the main character. In fact, ALL the characters of the story are beautifully developed. Consistently mentions were made about small traits such as the Avari’s ears twitching, drooping, etc. I would absolutely LOVE to see these characters brought to life!!! OH! And the names. The variety of names was amazing!
In the narration there were little nuance details about unimportant things that gave the world more character - but not too much where it was distracting or boring. Just the right amount. The same can be said about the dash of mythology. Not too much to be confusing. Just enough to add a bit of interest and development to the world. I also noted it read very smoothly. Even through the switching of perspectives, which sometimes I can find quite confusing, I never felt lost or disconnected. Furthermore the absence of an overarching romance (which I would normally like, but was surprisingly comforted to not find) left room for the reader to fully enjoy the story they are being immersed in. Which, by all accounts was a lot more interesting than any romance would have been.
All this made the book a very enjoyable read! I eagerly anticipate the next book!
Verdict:
An extremely well-developed world, with a compelling cast of characters (I want to SEE them!!). It will pull you into the fantasy magic and mythology but not overwhelm you like a high-fantasy or heavy mythology novel might. And … it has a sequel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If not anything else, that alone made me like the main character. In fact, ALL the characters of the story are beautifully developed. Consistently mentions were made about small traits such as the Avari’s ears twitching, drooping, etc. I would absolutely LOVE to see these characters brought to life!!! OH! And the names. The variety of names was amazing!
In the narration there were little nuance details about unimportant things that gave the world more character - but not too much where it was distracting or boring. Just the right amount. The same can be said about the dash of mythology. Not too much to be confusing. Just enough to add a bit of interest and development to the world. I also noted it read very smoothly. Even through the switching of perspectives, which sometimes I can find quite confusing, I never felt lost or disconnected. Furthermore the absence of an overarching romance (which I would normally like, but was surprisingly comforted to not find) left room for the reader to fully enjoy the story they are being immersed in. Which, by all accounts was a lot more interesting than any romance would have been.
All this made the book a very enjoyable read! I eagerly anticipate the next book!
Verdict:
An extremely well-developed world, with a compelling cast of characters (I want to SEE them!!). It will pull you into the fantasy magic and mythology but not overwhelm you like a high-fantasy or heavy mythology novel might. And … it has a sequel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 6, 2023
Lost Blades is a high fantasy with sci-fi elements, magic, technology, gods/goddesses, a reluctant hero, a ninja like mage and many more fun aspects.
The book is VERY slow-paced, as someone who prefers a more fast-medium type of pace, it was too slow for me. That said, the potential of the book, the storyline, the magic and all other above mentioned elements is what kept me going and I don't regret it. The book also has dual POV's, of Jamirh and Takeshi.
It took me a while to warm up to Jamirh, whereas I ADORED Hel and Jeri, the Pirates and Takeshi from the start. Another charm of this book is how you can follow the journey of the characters on the maps, I absolutely loved doing that. The storyline is well thought out and the book in general has a lot of depth, and with fun twists as well.
The book is VERY slow-paced, as someone who prefers a more fast-medium type of pace, it was too slow for me. That said, the potential of the book, the storyline, the magic and all other above mentioned elements is what kept me going and I don't regret it. The book also has dual POV's, of Jamirh and Takeshi.
It took me a while to warm up to Jamirh, whereas I ADORED Hel and Jeri, the Pirates and Takeshi from the start. Another charm of this book is how you can follow the journey of the characters on the maps, I absolutely loved doing that. The storyline is well thought out and the book in general has a lot of depth, and with fun twists as well.
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this books and I'm excited to continue on with the series.
The world building was fantastic and the story really drew me in. The story was well written and detailed enough to vivid and immersive without being a slog to get through. The characters were extremely likeable and well rounded, particularly Takeshi. I am a sucker for multiple POVs which really helped pull me into the story.
Overall a read I would highly recommend!
The world building was fantastic and the story really drew me in. The story was well written and detailed enough to vivid and immersive without being a slog to get through. The characters were extremely likeable and well rounded, particularly Takeshi. I am a sucker for multiple POVs which really helped pull me into the story.
Overall a read I would highly recommend!
August 26, 2023
This is an ARC provided by BookSirens. This review is provided voluntarily.
I loved every minute of the world building. It was intricate, delicate, mesmerizing, and yet captivating. I was hooked five minutes into this story. I wanted more the minute I finished it. I'm excited about the next installment
I loved every minute of the world building. It was intricate, delicate, mesmerizing, and yet captivating. I was hooked five minutes into this story. I wanted more the minute I finished it. I'm excited about the next installment
September 10, 2023
The ending? Amazing. I LOVE Hel and I'm very interested to see where the plot leads from here.
The reason why this book only gets 3 stars is because it took the entire first 70% of the book to actually get good...
I'm kind of impatient, so having to wait that long for the plot to pick up is pretty difficult for me.
The reason why this book only gets 3 stars is because it took the entire first 70% of the book to actually get good...
I'm kind of impatient, so having to wait that long for the plot to pick up is pretty difficult for me.
November 2, 2023
Jamirh is a young Avari who is desperately lost. He is a member of a humanoid race that has been pushed to the outskirts of society by the human ruling class, and has been pushed into a solitary, impoverished life. When he is wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit, a mysterious Avari woman named Hel breaks his bonds and liberates him from human oppression. When he learns everything he knew may not be true, he begins to question what his role in the world will be.
T is a disgraced assassin of sorts. Part of an elite group of a masked police force, he is implicated in the murder of his empire's princess and exiled as punishment for his crimes. Equipped with nothing but his waning magic and his wits, he is his own master for the first time in his life. Presented with the opportunity to remain loyal to his empire, or forge his path, T wonders if everything is as it seems.
This book includes:
- magic weaving
- supernatural races
- spunky supporting characters
- concealed identities
- pirates
- insurgency
- re-incarnation and fate
"Lost Blades" is a compelling concept. The tension between humans and Avari has the capacity to be interesting, and I enjoyed T's journey. Unfortunately, I thought the pace dragged too much to get my full attention and I never connected to either of the protagonists. Hel, Jamirh's liberator, was an Alice Cullen-type quirky, superpowerful, and a bit flighty supporting character and she was the best part of the cast.
While this story just really wasn't for me. I would still say that it's well written and the world-building is well executed. The woven magic system is very cool and I think a lot of readers could find themselves drawn in by the plot. I recommend this book to fans of "the Unseen" as they have similar paces and both have a wide cast of characters.
I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
T is a disgraced assassin of sorts. Part of an elite group of a masked police force, he is implicated in the murder of his empire's princess and exiled as punishment for his crimes. Equipped with nothing but his waning magic and his wits, he is his own master for the first time in his life. Presented with the opportunity to remain loyal to his empire, or forge his path, T wonders if everything is as it seems.
This book includes:
- magic weaving
- supernatural races
- spunky supporting characters
- concealed identities
- pirates
- insurgency
- re-incarnation and fate
"Lost Blades" is a compelling concept. The tension between humans and Avari has the capacity to be interesting, and I enjoyed T's journey. Unfortunately, I thought the pace dragged too much to get my full attention and I never connected to either of the protagonists. Hel, Jamirh's liberator, was an Alice Cullen-type quirky, superpowerful, and a bit flighty supporting character and she was the best part of the cast.
While this story just really wasn't for me. I would still say that it's well written and the world-building is well executed. The woven magic system is very cool and I think a lot of readers could find themselves drawn in by the plot. I recommend this book to fans of "the Unseen" as they have similar paces and both have a wide cast of characters.
I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
September 11, 2023
Lost Blades by Liz Sauco
Release Date: September 12th
3/5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Waters Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
I was drawn to Lost Blades for two main reasons: I am trying to expand my reading material and the mention of goddesses. I have a mild obsession with Greek myths and gods, so I thought to give this one a try.
Jamirh is a street thief and Avari; nothing he does will ever change those things. So when he finds himself in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, this feels like it was fate. Until he meets Hel. Hel is a mysterious women who only gives ambiguous answers, and helps him escape from jail, starting Jamirh on an unexpected path. Meanwhile, Takeshi is from another land, recently banished for murdering his princess fiancée. Unbeknownst to most, Takeshi acted on the queen’s orders. Now, he finds himself honor bound to complete a mission he doesn’t fully understand. Jamirh and Takeshi are on paths towards each other and will need to combine forces to save the mortal world.
I want to start by saying, this is not the typical genre that I read. I want to get more into fantasy books, but I am a novice. With that said, this one was not my favorite. Each timeline felt different, and I cared more about one over the other, which made half the book feel slow to me. I felt the ending was both drawn out and then cut short. However, the world was fully fleshed out and realized. I don’t know that I will read the next book in the series, but I’m open to it!
Release Date: September 12th
3/5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Waters Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
I was drawn to Lost Blades for two main reasons: I am trying to expand my reading material and the mention of goddesses. I have a mild obsession with Greek myths and gods, so I thought to give this one a try.
Jamirh is a street thief and Avari; nothing he does will ever change those things. So when he finds himself in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, this feels like it was fate. Until he meets Hel. Hel is a mysterious women who only gives ambiguous answers, and helps him escape from jail, starting Jamirh on an unexpected path. Meanwhile, Takeshi is from another land, recently banished for murdering his princess fiancée. Unbeknownst to most, Takeshi acted on the queen’s orders. Now, he finds himself honor bound to complete a mission he doesn’t fully understand. Jamirh and Takeshi are on paths towards each other and will need to combine forces to save the mortal world.
I want to start by saying, this is not the typical genre that I read. I want to get more into fantasy books, but I am a novice. With that said, this one was not my favorite. Each timeline felt different, and I cared more about one over the other, which made half the book feel slow to me. I felt the ending was both drawn out and then cut short. However, the world was fully fleshed out and realized. I don’t know that I will read the next book in the series, but I’m open to it!
October 16, 2024
I will be honest. When I chose this book for review there was something about the blurb that attracted me but when it was time to actually sit down to read and review, I was apathetic. That blurb no longer attracted me but since I was committed I was determined to give LOST BLADES a fair review. Boy am I glad that I made that decision. It only took two pages for me to fall in love with one of the main characters and the world.
LOST BLADES is an a way a tale about magic versus technology. The Rose Empire is all about technology and it has managed to convince its citizens that magic, or other countries that use magic, does not exist. In doing so, they might just tear reality apart. That is if two unlikely heroes don't manage to stop them.
Like I said, I fell absolutely in love with Jamihr when I first met him. He's a street thief from a persecuted race who is just trying to survive. And then you add in Takeshi who was convicted of killing his fiancé and banished. Again just trying to survive his banishment. And let's not forget the vampires and the random Goddess! LOST SOULS is fast paced with witty dialogue and characters that are far too easy to love. What more is there is to say?
I recommend this start to a new series to any readers who enjoy epic fantasy. There is some violence but very little for this genre. And no sex at all for readers who are concerned about that aspect. Good for young adult readers and up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
LOST BLADES is an a way a tale about magic versus technology. The Rose Empire is all about technology and it has managed to convince its citizens that magic, or other countries that use magic, does not exist. In doing so, they might just tear reality apart. That is if two unlikely heroes don't manage to stop them.
Like I said, I fell absolutely in love with Jamihr when I first met him. He's a street thief from a persecuted race who is just trying to survive. And then you add in Takeshi who was convicted of killing his fiancé and banished. Again just trying to survive his banishment. And let's not forget the vampires and the random Goddess! LOST SOULS is fast paced with witty dialogue and characters that are far too easy to love. What more is there is to say?
I recommend this start to a new series to any readers who enjoy epic fantasy. There is some violence but very little for this genre. And no sex at all for readers who are concerned about that aspect. Good for young adult readers and up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2023
*slight spoilers ahead*
I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
Lost Blades introduces such a dizzying area of characters and concepts, and I mean that in the absolute best way. Reluctant heroes, ninja assassins, super-powered cops, pirates, vampires, giant wolves, cyborgs, steampunk trains, sentient architecture. I'm being a bit glib listing them all out like that, but the worldbuilding is so fantastic that all of these elements fit together seamlessly. Instead of things coming out of left field, the setting is lovingly crafted in a way that each new development makes perfect sense. Not to mention multiple form of magic and spell-casting that have been clearly thought out and well-defined, always a plus for me.
I've talked a lot about the world, but the characters are also delightful. Jamirh is a reluctant hero, but also completely in over his head and realistically overwhelmed. Takeshi is a reserved assassin, but between his internal struggles and his gradual softening, he's not the one-dimensional stereotype he easily could have fallen into. Hel, Jeri, Ander, Vlad, the pirates. Each character has a unique voice and I loved spending time with all of them.
I'm glad that future installments are already in the works, because I devoured this and absolutely cannot wait for more!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel.
Lost Blades introduces such a dizzying area of characters and concepts, and I mean that in the absolute best way. Reluctant heroes, ninja assassins, super-powered cops, pirates, vampires, giant wolves, cyborgs, steampunk trains, sentient architecture. I'm being a bit glib listing them all out like that, but the worldbuilding is so fantastic that all of these elements fit together seamlessly. Instead of things coming out of left field, the setting is lovingly crafted in a way that each new development makes perfect sense. Not to mention multiple form of magic and spell-casting that have been clearly thought out and well-defined, always a plus for me.
I've talked a lot about the world, but the characters are also delightful. Jamirh is a reluctant hero, but also completely in over his head and realistically overwhelmed. Takeshi is a reserved assassin, but between his internal struggles and his gradual softening, he's not the one-dimensional stereotype he easily could have fallen into. Hel, Jeri, Ander, Vlad, the pirates. Each character has a unique voice and I loved spending time with all of them.
I'm glad that future installments are already in the works, because I devoured this and absolutely cannot wait for more!
August 15, 2023
The Review
This was such a compelling and exhilarating read. The author did an incredible job of creating a rich and vastly developed fantasy world. The detail the author went into when developing these lands and the scenes in each chapter really made the action and character interactions that developed feel much more vivid and alive on the page.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the dynamic character development and incredible mythology the author developed. The way the author was able to infuse so many elements of sci-fi, high fantasy, and urban fantasy all at once made this book so gripping in its delivery. The various cultures and backgrounds that these characters come from and the way each protagonist plays into this ancient battle of wills will instantly draw the reader into the story.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and enthralling, author Liz Sauco’s “Lost Blades is a must-read high fantasy novel of 2023. The chilling yet engaging nature of the larger elements of destiny and fate that play into the character’s journey and the incredible depth of world-building and mythos that made this world feel alive and new all at once will have readers eager for the next entry in this brand new fantasy series.
This was such a compelling and exhilarating read. The author did an incredible job of creating a rich and vastly developed fantasy world. The detail the author went into when developing these lands and the scenes in each chapter really made the action and character interactions that developed feel much more vivid and alive on the page.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the dynamic character development and incredible mythology the author developed. The way the author was able to infuse so many elements of sci-fi, high fantasy, and urban fantasy all at once made this book so gripping in its delivery. The various cultures and backgrounds that these characters come from and the way each protagonist plays into this ancient battle of wills will instantly draw the reader into the story.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and enthralling, author Liz Sauco’s “Lost Blades is a must-read high fantasy novel of 2023. The chilling yet engaging nature of the larger elements of destiny and fate that play into the character’s journey and the incredible depth of world-building and mythos that made this world feel alive and new all at once will have readers eager for the next entry in this brand new fantasy series.
September 11, 2023
Lost Blades by Liz Sauco is the first book in the Blades by the Goddess series. It is a perfect blend of Fantasy and Fiction, with a little mythology, a lot of magic and some modern day technology.
It is as much a statement of how modern day technology has all but obliterated the belief in magic and how the coexistence of both is a struggle at the least, and how the struggles of finding oneself and walking the path laid out for you, where even though it sometimes feels like you have no options, there is always a choice.
I loved this book, the writing style, elaborate world and character building and love the mentions of small nuances and traits, like the ears of an Avari showing the emotion the person is feeling, they droop, twitch, perk up, etc. There is a switching of perspectives every few chapters between Takeshi and Jamirh, our MMC’s, but it is not confusing or distracting. The story lines slowly weave together and I really like how you get involved and taken through their journeys with them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for the second one. It’s a five star read for me!
Thanks to the author Liz Sauco for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC, my opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily.
Https://bookalyptic.com
It is as much a statement of how modern day technology has all but obliterated the belief in magic and how the coexistence of both is a struggle at the least, and how the struggles of finding oneself and walking the path laid out for you, where even though it sometimes feels like you have no options, there is always a choice.
I loved this book, the writing style, elaborate world and character building and love the mentions of small nuances and traits, like the ears of an Avari showing the emotion the person is feeling, they droop, twitch, perk up, etc. There is a switching of perspectives every few chapters between Takeshi and Jamirh, our MMC’s, but it is not confusing or distracting. The story lines slowly weave together and I really like how you get involved and taken through their journeys with them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for the second one. It’s a five star read for me!
Thanks to the author Liz Sauco for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC, my opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily.
Https://bookalyptic.com
December 4, 2024
I love this book.
The story is fresh and engaging, packed with energetic descriptions and a fun cast of characters. The duality between Jamirh and Hel made me root for them like they were old friends of mine, and seeing how Hel challenged Jamirh's worldview had a pleasant reminiscence of Miyazaki films, where the women are strong and independent, with a touch of fantastical whimsey that distinguishes them from everyone else.
Hel's strength lies in her ability to propel Jamirh to new heights while remaining a distinct individual with her own rich culture, history, and family—a refreshing departure from characters whose lives solely revolve around the main protagonist.
Takeshi is another protagonist, and his sense of duty-bound honor is reminiscent of Wolf from Sekiro, a rich narrative filled with loyalty to his people, regret, longing, and compelling violence. While Takeshi's honor guides his way, Jamirh struggles to come to terms with his destiny, the duality between what others want and what he wants from himself.
If you're in search of a fantasy novel infused with intrigue and featuring compelling characters, your next captivating read awaits you at Lost Blades.
The story is fresh and engaging, packed with energetic descriptions and a fun cast of characters. The duality between Jamirh and Hel made me root for them like they were old friends of mine, and seeing how Hel challenged Jamirh's worldview had a pleasant reminiscence of Miyazaki films, where the women are strong and independent, with a touch of fantastical whimsey that distinguishes them from everyone else.
Hel's strength lies in her ability to propel Jamirh to new heights while remaining a distinct individual with her own rich culture, history, and family—a refreshing departure from characters whose lives solely revolve around the main protagonist.
Takeshi is another protagonist, and his sense of duty-bound honor is reminiscent of Wolf from Sekiro, a rich narrative filled with loyalty to his people, regret, longing, and compelling violence. While Takeshi's honor guides his way, Jamirh struggles to come to terms with his destiny, the duality between what others want and what he wants from himself.
If you're in search of a fantasy novel infused with intrigue and featuring compelling characters, your next captivating read awaits you at Lost Blades.
April 10, 2024
I received a Kindle edition of this as a Goodreads giveaway, a big thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read a new author and series.
First book by Liz Sauco that I have read, and I will be digging into more!
This is the 1st in a series- the second was released in January of 2024 and immediately went to the top of my TBR.
It's a slow burn fantasy, because the world building and character building is done PERFECTLY.
What I loved:
-Multiple POV (if you're not a fan, this isn't for you)
-An underdog and a mystery woman with no initial connection? Aha- the weaving of the these characters stories is a saga!
-A combination of steampunk elements and supernatural creatures (think pirates, werewolves AND edison-esque trains and buildings)
It's really fun to go into this not knowing much.
The only set back I had was wishing I had a physical copy so I could view the maps a little easier, Kindle is not my first chosen option for reading, so the 2nd will definitely be a physical copy.
First book by Liz Sauco that I have read, and I will be digging into more!
This is the 1st in a series- the second was released in January of 2024 and immediately went to the top of my TBR.
It's a slow burn fantasy, because the world building and character building is done PERFECTLY.
What I loved:
-Multiple POV (if you're not a fan, this isn't for you)
-An underdog and a mystery woman with no initial connection? Aha- the weaving of the these characters stories is a saga!
-A combination of steampunk elements and supernatural creatures (think pirates, werewolves AND edison-esque trains and buildings)
It's really fun to go into this not knowing much.
The only set back I had was wishing I had a physical copy so I could view the maps a little easier, Kindle is not my first chosen option for reading, so the 2nd will definitely be a physical copy.
September 29, 2024
A great introduction to a new world.
A bit big for an introduction. There are two stories wich allows the writter to show differents points of view about the world, politic relationships, believes and ways to live.
Religion and magic crashing against technology.
As a fantasy story seems clear what will prevail, though all three could coexist.
The main characters are in play, though they don't want to be heroes.
The great danger has showed itself, though the exact source is to be located yet.
The board is ready for an epic adventure.
The book could seem a bit slow at the beginning, but deploys the characters, countries and relationships of a wide world clearly.
The magic system is coherent, with three "branches".
There's plenty of action at the end of the book, and yet nothing is solved.
The story has possibilities to become a good epic adventure, though one of the problems the heroes will need to solve is clear just in the title of the books.
There are very interesting inner conflicts to solve too.
A bit big for an introduction. There are two stories wich allows the writter to show differents points of view about the world, politic relationships, believes and ways to live.
Religion and magic crashing against technology.
As a fantasy story seems clear what will prevail, though all three could coexist.
The main characters are in play, though they don't want to be heroes.
The great danger has showed itself, though the exact source is to be located yet.
The board is ready for an epic adventure.
The book could seem a bit slow at the beginning, but deploys the characters, countries and relationships of a wide world clearly.
The magic system is coherent, with three "branches".
There's plenty of action at the end of the book, and yet nothing is solved.
The story has possibilities to become a good epic adventure, though one of the problems the heroes will need to solve is clear just in the title of the books.
There are very interesting inner conflicts to solve too.
June 28, 2024
** 4 stars **
This is an epic fantasy about the journey that Jamirh, an Avari boy, has to take to fulfil an ancient prophesy.
Fleeing his home in Lyndinium, he has to find Romanii, a land that was thought to no longer exist. Along the way across the wasteland, the young Avari encountered Vampires, Shifters, Wargs and the Wall.
Thousand of miles away in Ni Fon, Takashi, a one-time leader of the noble Shinobi guards, is banished for the murder he committed of Princess Hotaru.
His perilous journey on the high seas took him to a Pirate Ship and it became apparent that all is not what it seems.
A book of dark fantasy with many interwoven elements: magic, prophesy, vampires, pirates, assassin, Goddess, priests and even an ancient sword, it is an engrossing tale of high adventure and pure escapism.
I very much enjoyed this first instalment and it has drawn me in for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an epic fantasy about the journey that Jamirh, an Avari boy, has to take to fulfil an ancient prophesy.
Fleeing his home in Lyndinium, he has to find Romanii, a land that was thought to no longer exist. Along the way across the wasteland, the young Avari encountered Vampires, Shifters, Wargs and the Wall.
Thousand of miles away in Ni Fon, Takashi, a one-time leader of the noble Shinobi guards, is banished for the murder he committed of Princess Hotaru.
His perilous journey on the high seas took him to a Pirate Ship and it became apparent that all is not what it seems.
A book of dark fantasy with many interwoven elements: magic, prophesy, vampires, pirates, assassin, Goddess, priests and even an ancient sword, it is an engrossing tale of high adventure and pure escapism.
I very much enjoyed this first instalment and it has drawn me in for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
Epic fantasy with futuristic elements, an immersive world and a compelling story that easily draws the reader in and moves at exactly the right pace to allow one to absorb what is going on while keeping one glued to the page all the way through - to put it quite simply: This series is off to a very promising start!
The author handles the switching POVs very well, and both Jamirh's and Takeshi's parts of the plot proved equally intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing these two story threads to come together in the next book.
This book lays a lot of the groundwork and puts pieces into place for what I can only assume is going to be an awesome, epic ride going forward - I for one can't wait to see where all this is going!
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
The author handles the switching POVs very well, and both Jamirh's and Takeshi's parts of the plot proved equally intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing these two story threads to come together in the next book.
This book lays a lot of the groundwork and puts pieces into place for what I can only assume is going to be an awesome, epic ride going forward - I for one can't wait to see where all this is going!
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
September 9, 2023
📖Review: (ARC) 4.7⭐️
This was the authors debut and I can’t quite believe it.
This was a a really really well built actualised science fantasy world and plot. Two very different main characters to get invested in. I loved that the author didn’t have both pov’s from the beginning. I’ve not seen this commonly and it really helped me get my head around the characters background/relationships/world rather than constantly switching.
You know the books you read that you keep thinking about after - a hangover. This. This does that. Loved it.
📖Release September 12, 2023
*please note I received this ARC for free but voluntarily left a review, I also rarely give 5*s
#netgallery #arc
This was the authors debut and I can’t quite believe it.
This was a a really really well built actualised science fantasy world and plot. Two very different main characters to get invested in. I loved that the author didn’t have both pov’s from the beginning. I’ve not seen this commonly and it really helped me get my head around the characters background/relationships/world rather than constantly switching.
You know the books you read that you keep thinking about after - a hangover. This. This does that. Loved it.
📖Release September 12, 2023
*please note I received this ARC for free but voluntarily left a review, I also rarely give 5*s
#netgallery #arc
August 31, 2023
This story goes back and forth between several lovely characters that ultimately regard a young man named Jamirh. The story is about a struggle to find out who he truly is as he is being hunted by those who believe he is the man they seek. It's a struggle for survival that is filled with magic, cunning characters, and incredible detail. Liz Sauco has a gift when it comes to describing every detail, down to the last piece. While it wasn't a book I totally got lost in, it was a good short read. I highly recommend you read it for yourself and decide how you feel about it!
September 12, 2023
This book had some fun and unique world building. It was a bit of a mix of dystopian-feeling futuristic vibes but also old world and magical if that makes sense. To me, it also felt very character-driven, which was fun since it was sort of a convergence of different storylines coming together, something I do typically enjoy. Overall I really enjoyed it though it did feel a little slow moving at times. But I was pretty easily invested in the characters from the beginning and there were enough "oh my gosh" moments to move things along nicely.
September 27, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Dark Water Publishing for the ARC of Lost Blades.
I took me a while to get into this book. The world building and seemingly disconnected stories were off putting. I almost DNF a couple of times. I don't know if I would have finished if I hadn't been taking a trip and read on the plane.
Takeshi's story was far more intriguing than Jamirh, who honestly seemed a little whiny. The supporting characters are what made me get through Jamirh's chapters.
While the plot is interesting, I am not sure if I will read the second book.
I took me a while to get into this book. The world building and seemingly disconnected stories were off putting. I almost DNF a couple of times. I don't know if I would have finished if I hadn't been taking a trip and read on the plane.
Takeshi's story was far more intriguing than Jamirh, who honestly seemed a little whiny. The supporting characters are what made me get through Jamirh's chapters.
While the plot is interesting, I am not sure if I will read the second book.
October 5, 2023
It took a bit to work my brain around all the intricacies of how the magic worked and what the species were meant to look like- somehow I feel like I still screwed the visuals up 😂. Once you work out who is who and where they fit in the scheme of the world and story you fully enjoy the story. This was a hard one for me to place I am not sure if this is fantasy or Sci fi because there were elements of both and I think that is what also made this enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2023
First time reading a book by this author and it was worth it!! The world building was fantastic and the story really drew me in, multiple POV and character types. The story was well written and detailed enough to get a good visualization of the people and world. The characters were extremely likeable and well rounded, particularly the Ninja -all me need is pirates 😊 Overall a read I would highly recommend! I really enjoyed this books and I'm excited to continue on with the series. I got this as an ARC and my thoughts are my own. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early !!
August 25, 2024
A thief, a disgraced Shinobi, and a Goddess. This book kicks off what sounds like it's going to be a great series of heroism, redemption, and justice.
This first book introduces you to the world and its lore, from a tech obsessed empire to far off lands with magic. Stories of heroes and stories of abominations. It's a great start to what I hope is a great series.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters and starting the adventure. And I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This first book introduces you to the world and its lore, from a tech obsessed empire to far off lands with magic. Stories of heroes and stories of abominations. It's a great start to what I hope is a great series.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters and starting the adventure. And I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book was a nice and easy read with likable characters. We meet the main MCs who are at different stages and life experiences, who each undertake an interesting journey that changes their lives. Under circumstances being controlled by others, they must overcome obstacles in this dystopian type, magical world. If you like magical fantasy books, where the characters have separate povs and motivations, then give this one a try.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
This book was a nice and easy read with likable characters. We meet the main MCs who are at different stages and life experiences, who each undertake an interesting journey that changes their lives. Under circumstances being controlled by others, they must overcome obstacles in this dystopian type, magical world. If you like magical fantasy books, where the characters have separate povs and motivations, then give this one a try.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
March 1, 2024
I really loved the world building in this book. It is a mix of fantasy, sci-fi with a reluctant hero and a ninja who also casts magic.
I really enjoyed the two POVs: Jamirh and Takeshi. It kept my interest going and it helped flesh out the plot and the world.
I can't wait to start reading the next book in this series.
Thank you BookSirens for the e-ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the two POVs: Jamirh and Takeshi. It kept my interest going and it helped flesh out the plot and the world.
I can't wait to start reading the next book in this series.
Thank you BookSirens for the e-ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 31, 2024
Wonderful book! I enjoyed it way more than I thought. I was completely immersed in Takeshi's part of the story. The way tech and magic work, plus how they interact was really awesome to see, great worldbuilding. The parts with Jamirh were the slower bits, but understandably as the author fleshed out the characters. It still kept me engaged. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next two books.
November 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book. I would have liked for the chapters to specify when it was switching perspectives because I would get a little tangled up in the beginning, but it was fairly easy to sort out once I got going on the next section. The world building was really fun and still easy to follow. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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