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The Power of Blood
Tare’Envel is a city on the edge of chaos.
The nobles thrive in wealth and luxury, while the Undercity is a maze of shadows ruled by cutthroats and gangs. With the King’s army locked in a brutal war for the past seven years, these factions have risen unchecked, twisting the thorn in the King’s side.
Kestus Quickhand has built a reputation as one of the city’s best thieves—skilled, precise, and bound to no gang, yet a named man nonetheless. When an offer comes to steal the Shiftscape Bracer, an artifact of unknown power from the King’s palace, Kestus sees more than just a payday—he sees a chance to leave his mark on history.
But this job is more than it seems. As Kestus delves deeper, he uncovers secrets that could unravel the city itself. The bracer’s power is both magnificent and cursed, and now, every faction in Tare’Envel wants it. The lines between ally and enemy blur, and Kestus finds himself hunted from all sides.
In a city where loyalty is paid in blood and survival is never guaranteed, Kestus must is the risk worth the reward—or will this be the job that finally costs him everything?
The nobles thrive in wealth and luxury, while the Undercity is a maze of shadows ruled by cutthroats and gangs. With the King’s army locked in a brutal war for the past seven years, these factions have risen unchecked, twisting the thorn in the King’s side.
Kestus Quickhand has built a reputation as one of the city’s best thieves—skilled, precise, and bound to no gang, yet a named man nonetheless. When an offer comes to steal the Shiftscape Bracer, an artifact of unknown power from the King’s palace, Kestus sees more than just a payday—he sees a chance to leave his mark on history.
But this job is more than it seems. As Kestus delves deeper, he uncovers secrets that could unravel the city itself. The bracer’s power is both magnificent and cursed, and now, every faction in Tare’Envel wants it. The lines between ally and enemy blur, and Kestus finds himself hunted from all sides.
In a city where loyalty is paid in blood and survival is never guaranteed, Kestus must is the risk worth the reward—or will this be the job that finally costs him everything?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2025
6 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 19, 2025
Incredibly descriptive, characters that you will fall for and a world unlike any other. I became immersed in this world very quickly and loved the dynamic between the characters.
June 19, 2025
This style of book isn’t my usual read, however thanks to the immersive world building and descriptive nature of the story I didn’t feel lost at any point.
I appreciate that I wasn’t required to be a seasoned fantasy-sci fi reader to enjoy or understand the book.
I think that’s a very important thing to have, especially coming from a debut novel.
The action quickly ramps up a few chapters into the story and was difficult to put down.
I really liked Jeret, his commentary was the most fun to read and he was easily my favourite character aside from Kestus, Rhyden and Tyven. I wish he had more “screen time.”
The descriptions of The Hushed were so well written that I could visually picture the horror of their appearance.
Book 1 ends with a clear setup for a larger war and a supernatural reckoning. I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us.
I appreciate that I wasn’t required to be a seasoned fantasy-sci fi reader to enjoy or understand the book.
I think that’s a very important thing to have, especially coming from a debut novel.
The action quickly ramps up a few chapters into the story and was difficult to put down.
I really liked Jeret, his commentary was the most fun to read and he was easily my favourite character aside from Kestus, Rhyden and Tyven. I wish he had more “screen time.”
The descriptions of The Hushed were so well written that I could visually picture the horror of their appearance.
Book 1 ends with a clear setup for a larger war and a supernatural reckoning. I’m excited to see where book 2 takes us.
June 23, 2025
An exciting supernatural heist
Premise: A thief is hired to steal a supernatural item from the heavily guarded tyrant King’s vault. What seems to be a ‘simple’ act of thievery starts of a path of destruction.
Fun ya fantasy with a lone thief who is unable to trust any but takes on a job for fun. The writing is good and the action scenes are written very well. I do wish there was more world building and more time spent of explaining and exploring the magic.
Premise: A thief is hired to steal a supernatural item from the heavily guarded tyrant King’s vault. What seems to be a ‘simple’ act of thievery starts of a path of destruction.
Fun ya fantasy with a lone thief who is unable to trust any but takes on a job for fun. The writing is good and the action scenes are written very well. I do wish there was more world building and more time spent of explaining and exploring the magic.
June 12, 2025
Non-stop action
The Power of Blood is an exciting read with non-stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
The Power of Blood is an exciting read with non-stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
June 4, 2025
this was a trip! so much description, and a main character that you couldn't help but cheer for!
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed The Power of Blood! Sami Youseff has created a captivating world with rich characters and a storyline that pulled me in right away. The pacing was solid, the tension kept building, and I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen next.
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth behind the action…there’s more to the story than just twists and battles. It feels like the beginning of something much bigger, and I’m so curious to see where things go from here.
Definitely a strong start to what looks like a promising series. I’m already looking forward to the next release!
What stood out most to me was the emotional depth behind the action…there’s more to the story than just twists and battles. It feels like the beginning of something much bigger, and I’m so curious to see where things go from here.
Definitely a strong start to what looks like a promising series. I’m already looking forward to the next release!
April 6, 2025
The Power of Blood is a bite size epic fantasy ride. The author has given me just a taste of the immersive world of Tare'Envel and the trials of Kestus Quickhand. Rich characters and the dialogue between them makes this series stand out from other fantasies. I felt all the depth of Kestus' suffering and the weight of the decisions he must make. This novella has beautiful world building, epic battles, a hint of magic, and terrifying creatures that are sure to give me nightmares. I'm fully invested in the legend that is Kestus Quickhand and I cannot wait to go on more journeys with him.
May 4, 2025
This was a really great book and I highly recommend it! I was surprised by how well the authors details and descriptions were of everything. It was a fast read and brought joy to read it!
December 19, 2025
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book, this is my honest review.
This was fast paced and engaged me from the beginning. It was a fantastic start to what I'm sure will prove to be a much bigger series. I loved the magic systems used in this, they felt fresh and different to others. I connected with the main character Kestus Quick hand, a renowned thief. I liked the vulnerability he displays when he's talking to himself and having doubts about his actions or plans.
There's tension in the city that is palpable with the poorer areas divided amongst rival gangs and the rich living in luxury cocooned from it all. Kestus is hired for a seemingly impossible job, to steal the Shiftscape bracer, a powerful artifact, from the heavily guarded king's vault. Secrets and rival gang politics begin to spill out as the job progresses and Kestus is forced to make difficult choices to escape with his life whilst trying to avoid being hunted down by very powerful enemies.
If you enjoy fantasy reads with magic systems and enemies galore then this is a book for you.
This was fast paced and engaged me from the beginning. It was a fantastic start to what I'm sure will prove to be a much bigger series. I loved the magic systems used in this, they felt fresh and different to others. I connected with the main character Kestus Quick hand, a renowned thief. I liked the vulnerability he displays when he's talking to himself and having doubts about his actions or plans.
There's tension in the city that is palpable with the poorer areas divided amongst rival gangs and the rich living in luxury cocooned from it all. Kestus is hired for a seemingly impossible job, to steal the Shiftscape bracer, a powerful artifact, from the heavily guarded king's vault. Secrets and rival gang politics begin to spill out as the job progresses and Kestus is forced to make difficult choices to escape with his life whilst trying to avoid being hunted down by very powerful enemies.
If you enjoy fantasy reads with magic systems and enemies galore then this is a book for you.
November 14, 2025
This series is off to a strong start! Kestus is such an interesting character and I can't wait to see how the story unfolds from here. I liked the different factions in the underworld and the magic was surprising and fun. The book ended with a clear direction forward and book 2 is sure to be incredible.
August 4, 2025
Loved Mr.Quickhand. Can’t wait to read more of this beautifully crafted world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
I throughout enjoyed this book! It felt like a combination of Patrick Rothfuss and LOTR but much more quick paced! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews