Fifteen-year-old Tam knows only the harshness of rigorous Ranger training at the hands of her reclusive, unloving father. Alcandhor, her clan's thane, recruits her as a spy, but is he wise to trust an untried girl for such an important task?
Alcandhor needs to discover who the traitors are before they assassinate key leaders and start a war. Tam is perfect for the job—but will her inexperience and youth endanger not only her mission, but her own life?
L.S. King has worked as a submissions editor and a copy editor on several magazines and was a founding editor of the online magazine, Ray Gun Revival, now on hiatus. Currently, she has several works in progress.
She has books published in two series: Deuces Wild and the Sword's Edge Chronicles. Her short stories have been published in Deep Magic, The Sword Review, Dragons, Knights & Angels, Digital Dragon Magazine, Residential Aliens, and Ray Gun Revival. The fact that several of the publications which have released her stories are now defunct has nothing to do with her. Honest.
I don't like starting book series before they are completed. This principle has served me well for decades, sparing me that excruciating, protracted wait between volumes.
Then along comes L.S. King, who happens to be a longtime online friend of mine. "My book! My new book! Read it, read it, pleeeeeeeease!"
I intended to remain firm. But how to tactfully turn down a friend? Besides, the cover art was enticing. I figured, light YA space opera with medieval trappings, couple of days in my spare time to support a fellow artist and super nice person--painless and move on, everybody's happy
And then I started reading. Three hours of full immersion later, panic set in as I realized I'd come to the end of the book. Having violated my own Law of the Series, I must now pay the penalty of living in agonized speculation until the next episode is available.
The story is well-paced, masterfully crafted, and delivers on every level. I want more. I need more. I shall pant and obsess wildly and fill the author's social networking pages with demands for MORE, MORE, MORE!
Sword's Edge is a science fiction tale that reads like a fantasy, full of interesting characters, humor, surprises, and all the good guys and villains your could want, with journeys and battles and discoveries and the promise of more to come. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Tam and her rowdy Ranger relatives.
And, wow, are there a lot of them! To be honest, I lost track sometimes, but because King has constructed their names in such a way that readers know, "Oh, yeah, he must be one of the Ranger clan" or "He's one of the lords," she never loses us. As long as I can trust the author to know what's going on and who's who, I don't need to remember every last detail about every character. I can just relax and go along for the ride.
And what a fun ride it is! My favorite characters are Haladhon and Marcalan. They're the clan clowns, but don't be mistaken by their smiles -- these guys are deadly, too.
Recommended reading for anyone who loves science fiction, fantasy, or a dang good yarn.
Sword’s Edge launches The Sword’s Edge Chronicles with a sharp, fast-moving blend of fantasy, intrigue, and coming-of-age stakes. L.S. King drops readers straight into danger as fifteen-year-old Tam is torn from her home and forced to navigate conspiracies that threaten her family’s survival. The story balances emotional weight and momentum well—personal loss fuels Tam’s transformation from a frightened girl into a determined, resourceful protagonist.
The introduction of a mysterious alien relic adds an unexpected, intriguing twist that elevates the narrative beyond traditional fantasy, widening the scope while keeping the focus firmly on character and consequence. With assassins closing in and grief pressing hard, Tam’s rescue mission becomes as much about resilience and courage as it is about survival.
Tightly plotted and emotionally grounded, Sword’s Edge is a strong opening installment that will appeal to readers who enjoy young heroes, high-stakes treachery, and genre-blending fantasy with heart.
L.S. King captured my imagination work this wonderful story. The main character Tam, is sweet and innocent, yet brave and strong. She is loyal and faces every challenge courageously. I look forward to reading more of her story.
LS King takes you into her fantasy world with Tam, the naive talented girl almost to womanhood, whose father trained her but did not teach her. Now you and she discover the life of a Ranger together. I liked the fast action, the mysteries, and the clear and effective way King brings you the tale with Tam. Check it out.