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Brimstone & Blades
3x Winner at the BookFest Awards, Fall 2025:
LGBTQ+ Fiction -- Winner
YA Fantasy -- Winner
YA Fiction -- Winner
It's 1689.
Sixteen-year-old Julie de Maupin is on the run in France with her boyfriend, a young swordmaster named Sérannes. They perform sword fights and songs in taverns to survive.
But when a diabolical creature kills Sérannes, it also injures Julie in the attack. Her devastating wound plunges her into the dangerous world of French magic. She learns the creature is controlled by a necromantic coven called the Shadow Holders. Defeated during the Affair of the Poisons, they've returned with more powerful allies to crush Louis XIV and terrorize France.
With her found family of magical and moggie misfits, Julie must use her sword, wit, and gender-bending wiles to send the threat back to Hell. Will they be enough?
Magic is illegal, and so is dueling. But that won't stop La Maupin.
An exciting new page-turner from multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Maria Alexander.
"A thrilling adventure."
BookLife, Editor's Pick
LGBTQ+ Fiction -- Winner
YA Fantasy -- Winner
YA Fiction -- Winner
It's 1689.
Sixteen-year-old Julie de Maupin is on the run in France with her boyfriend, a young swordmaster named Sérannes. They perform sword fights and songs in taverns to survive.
But when a diabolical creature kills Sérannes, it also injures Julie in the attack. Her devastating wound plunges her into the dangerous world of French magic. She learns the creature is controlled by a necromantic coven called the Shadow Holders. Defeated during the Affair of the Poisons, they've returned with more powerful allies to crush Louis XIV and terrorize France.
With her found family of magical and moggie misfits, Julie must use her sword, wit, and gender-bending wiles to send the threat back to Hell. Will they be enough?
Magic is illegal, and so is dueling. But that won't stop La Maupin.
An exciting new page-turner from multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Maria Alexander.
"A thrilling adventure."
BookLife, Editor's Pick
- GenresFantasy
359 pages, ebook
Published June 2, 2025
3 people are currently reading
4681 people want to read
About the author
Maria Alexander
34 books129 followersMaria Alexander is an award-winning author of YA and adult fiction. Her debut novel, MR. WICKER, won the 2014 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her debut YA novel, SNOWED, both won the 2016 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel and was nominated for the 2017 Anthony Award for Best Children's/Young Adult Novel.
When she’s not stabbing people with her foil, she’s being outrageously spooky or writing Doctor Who filk. She lives in Los Angeles with two ungrateful cats, a Jewish Christmas caroler, and a purse called Trog.
When she’s not stabbing people with her foil, she’s being outrageously spooky or writing Doctor Who filk. She lives in Los Angeles with two ungrateful cats, a Jewish Christmas caroler, and a purse called Trog.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 20, 2025
Brimstone & Blades was a delightful twist of historical fantasy and nonstop adventure! Julie de Maupin was a real person whose story was already begging to be told, and the fantastical elements that Maria Alexander added to her story served to fuel the thrilling adventure. Get ready for nefarious villains, death-defying swordfights, conspiracies, unlikely allies, and one incredible heroine!
July 15, 2025
Fencer, singer, adventurer, bisexual, and Frenchwoman during the reign of Louis XIV—all this is said to be true of Julie d’Aubigny, later known as La Maupin. Her real-life story is so full uncertainty, swashbuckling adventure, and probably apocryphal exaggeration that it was about time someone used her as the heroine in a supernatural YA novel. Thank author Maria Alexander that this need has now been filled in Brimstone and Blade, hie thee hence to your local bookseller—with dispatch, knave—and read her book. Adventure, romance, mystery, spell-casting, duels with despicable men, and battles with demons await. The perfect escape from day-to-day drudgery, summer boredom, or anytime blues, grab your sword and scabbard, fill your tankard, be seated at your favorite oaken table, and read it!
August 13, 2025
Historical fantasy, but make it light and easy to read.
I really enjoyed the setting and especially the heroine Julie. She is strong and fierce in a time when women are not supposed to be like that. Also her being queer was a nice turn.
But what was disappointing to me was the pacing: it’s just way too quick. There is not enough worldbuilding, the magic feels thrown in but not matched to the story. Don’t get me wrong; the story is a firework of action and I read it in one sitting but the story could have been much more complex and better developed. 17th century with its problems especially from a feminist point of view could have been much more detailed and especially the connection to the magic lacked logic and depth.
For my taste the story would have been better separated into 2 books and a bit more detailed and slower paced.
None the less, if you like a quick and easy read in between two more complex fantasy books without needing to change genre: this book might be for you.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!
I really enjoyed the setting and especially the heroine Julie. She is strong and fierce in a time when women are not supposed to be like that. Also her being queer was a nice turn.
But what was disappointing to me was the pacing: it’s just way too quick. There is not enough worldbuilding, the magic feels thrown in but not matched to the story. Don’t get me wrong; the story is a firework of action and I read it in one sitting but the story could have been much more complex and better developed. 17th century with its problems especially from a feminist point of view could have been much more detailed and especially the connection to the magic lacked logic and depth.
For my taste the story would have been better separated into 2 books and a bit more detailed and slower paced.
None the less, if you like a quick and easy read in between two more complex fantasy books without needing to change genre: this book might be for you.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC!
September 9, 2025
Action and tension pack every page as swords mix with necromancy and magic while a character to root for pushes all norms to succeed.
There's just enough of historical facts in this read to give it a tiny bit of grounding before shooting off into a rapid fire fantasy. Julie de Maupin is a force to be reckoned with and that at only sixteen. Her past highlights struggles women faced during the time period, while this fantastical tale lets her blossom and bloom. The author begins the entire read with a situation, which lays the groundwork for Julie in so many ways as the first sword dual takes place. Her determination, defiance of rules, desire to protect those she loves, and 'don't mess with me' personality make have her driving the plot the entire way through.
Action fans will appreciate the very quick pacing and web of secrets and danger Julia faces. The sword scenes come to life as does the magic and surroundings. But this never hits long descriptions or thought digestion. The world is rich, and yet, the depth, outside of Julia, doesn't run overly deep. Side characters remain on the surface, and any deeper thought about the time period steps aside for the gripping tale. With everything Julia is up against, this doesn't really bother, either. The evil is obvious, and the plot does take darker turns, at times. But there's also character growth as Julia learns to find her own type of family along the way.
Readers, who want a read that drives forward from beginning to end, will not be disappointed. Those who search soul depth will need to look somewhere else. But this is a delightful read to get lost in and enjoy.
There's just enough of historical facts in this read to give it a tiny bit of grounding before shooting off into a rapid fire fantasy. Julie de Maupin is a force to be reckoned with and that at only sixteen. Her past highlights struggles women faced during the time period, while this fantastical tale lets her blossom and bloom. The author begins the entire read with a situation, which lays the groundwork for Julie in so many ways as the first sword dual takes place. Her determination, defiance of rules, desire to protect those she loves, and 'don't mess with me' personality make have her driving the plot the entire way through.
Action fans will appreciate the very quick pacing and web of secrets and danger Julia faces. The sword scenes come to life as does the magic and surroundings. But this never hits long descriptions or thought digestion. The world is rich, and yet, the depth, outside of Julia, doesn't run overly deep. Side characters remain on the surface, and any deeper thought about the time period steps aside for the gripping tale. With everything Julia is up against, this doesn't really bother, either. The evil is obvious, and the plot does take darker turns, at times. But there's also character growth as Julia learns to find her own type of family along the way.
Readers, who want a read that drives forward from beginning to end, will not be disappointed. Those who search soul depth will need to look somewhere else. But this is a delightful read to get lost in and enjoy.
July 31, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Maria Alexander And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A fierce, fiery historical fantasy with magic, monsters, and a gender-defying heroine
Brimstone & Blades is a bold, imaginative ride through 17th-century France, blending real historical figures with fantasy in a way that feels both cinematic and fresh. Maria Alexander brings Julie d’Aubigny (aka La Maupin) to life with swagger, heart, and just enough recklessness to make you fall completely under her spell.
Julie is a standout heroine—queer, complex, and beautifully flawed. Her voice is sharp and modern without feeling anachronistic, and her journey from traveling performer to magical warrior is both emotionally grounded and wildly entertaining. The found family of magical allies adds warmth and humor, while the dark, necromantic threat of the Shadow Holders gives the plot real stakes.
Alexander’s world building is rich, with occult lore woven into historical detail, though at times the pacing stumbles under the weight of exposition or shifts in tone. A few side characters could’ve used more depth, and certain plot twists felt a touch rushed—but none of it seriously detracts from the overall experience.
If you enjoy historical fantasy with high stakes, queer rep, sword fights, and a protagonist who refuses to be tamed, Brimstone & Blades is well worth your time. It’s fierce, feminist, and just the right amount of fantastical.
Thank you to the author Maria Alexander And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A fierce, fiery historical fantasy with magic, monsters, and a gender-defying heroine
Brimstone & Blades is a bold, imaginative ride through 17th-century France, blending real historical figures with fantasy in a way that feels both cinematic and fresh. Maria Alexander brings Julie d’Aubigny (aka La Maupin) to life with swagger, heart, and just enough recklessness to make you fall completely under her spell.
Julie is a standout heroine—queer, complex, and beautifully flawed. Her voice is sharp and modern without feeling anachronistic, and her journey from traveling performer to magical warrior is both emotionally grounded and wildly entertaining. The found family of magical allies adds warmth and humor, while the dark, necromantic threat of the Shadow Holders gives the plot real stakes.
Alexander’s world building is rich, with occult lore woven into historical detail, though at times the pacing stumbles under the weight of exposition or shifts in tone. A few side characters could’ve used more depth, and certain plot twists felt a touch rushed—but none of it seriously detracts from the overall experience.
If you enjoy historical fantasy with high stakes, queer rep, sword fights, and a protagonist who refuses to be tamed, Brimstone & Blades is well worth your time. It’s fierce, feminist, and just the right amount of fantastical.
July 9, 2025
Some books cut, others burn, but this one? This one sings. Like a sword through silk. Like a soprano’s final note echoing through a haunted opera house.
From the moment I met sixteen-year-old Julie de Maupin, (based on the real person Julie de Maupin the first gender bend fencing opera singer)I knew I was in for something different. Something dangerous. She’s not just a character she’s a force. A firestorm in lace and steel. With her sword in one hand and defiance in the other, she dances through a France teetering on the edge of magic, madness, and monarchy.
And when tragedy strikes? When love is ripped from her arms and monsters crawl from the shadows? She doesn't break she becomes.
Maria Alexander doesn’t just tell a story she resurrects a legend, painting Julie’s world in blood, wit, and queer brilliance. The historical details sing, the action thrums, and the found family? Let’s just say I’d die for each and every one of them (and probably come back swinging).
This isn’t just about necromantic covens and secret wars under the glittering rot of Versailles. It’s about identity, rebellion, the courage to love wildly, and the audacity to exist exactly as you are even when the world would rather silence you.
Magic is outlawed. Dueling is forbidden. But Julie de Maupin? Oh, she was never one for rules.
I'm endlessly proud to have witnessed this story unfold and to be part of this journey, this roar. Maria Alexander, you didn’t write a book. You lit a fuse.
One of my favorite reads. One of my favorite heroines. One of those stories that lives in your chest long after you close the last page.
Vive La Maupin.
From the moment I met sixteen-year-old Julie de Maupin, (based on the real person Julie de Maupin the first gender bend fencing opera singer)I knew I was in for something different. Something dangerous. She’s not just a character she’s a force. A firestorm in lace and steel. With her sword in one hand and defiance in the other, she dances through a France teetering on the edge of magic, madness, and monarchy.
And when tragedy strikes? When love is ripped from her arms and monsters crawl from the shadows? She doesn't break she becomes.
Maria Alexander doesn’t just tell a story she resurrects a legend, painting Julie’s world in blood, wit, and queer brilliance. The historical details sing, the action thrums, and the found family? Let’s just say I’d die for each and every one of them (and probably come back swinging).
This isn’t just about necromantic covens and secret wars under the glittering rot of Versailles. It’s about identity, rebellion, the courage to love wildly, and the audacity to exist exactly as you are even when the world would rather silence you.
Magic is outlawed. Dueling is forbidden. But Julie de Maupin? Oh, she was never one for rules.
I'm endlessly proud to have witnessed this story unfold and to be part of this journey, this roar. Maria Alexander, you didn’t write a book. You lit a fuse.
One of my favorite reads. One of my favorite heroines. One of those stories that lives in your chest long after you close the last page.
Vive La Maupin.
September 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Author Maria Alexander, and Ghede Press for the eArc copy of Brimstone & Blades in exchange my honest and unfiltered review.
Author Maria Alexander has a beautiful historic fantasy set in 17th century France. Julia de Maupin faces a heartbreaking tragedy that catapults her through France. Necromancy, Monarchy, and Monsters test Julia at every turn.
Alexander writes in a very alluring way, crafting a concept and world that longs to be explored. She introduces us to a strong queer heroine that breaks apart the mold in her adventure. The only portion that fell flat to me was how surface level it felt at times. There is so much here that is amazing but parts of the execution felt more surface level. They left me wanting more or to see if the author would do more with them. Nonetheless it was a nice read and I think I will re-read this again in the future.
If you like Swordsmanship, Necromancy, 17th century France, and Strong Fierce Characters this book is for you.
Author Maria Alexander has a beautiful historic fantasy set in 17th century France. Julia de Maupin faces a heartbreaking tragedy that catapults her through France. Necromancy, Monarchy, and Monsters test Julia at every turn.
Alexander writes in a very alluring way, crafting a concept and world that longs to be explored. She introduces us to a strong queer heroine that breaks apart the mold in her adventure. The only portion that fell flat to me was how surface level it felt at times. There is so much here that is amazing but parts of the execution felt more surface level. They left me wanting more or to see if the author would do more with them. Nonetheless it was a nice read and I think I will re-read this again in the future.
If you like Swordsmanship, Necromancy, 17th century France, and Strong Fierce Characters this book is for you.
August 12, 2025
I recieved this ebook from Netgally for review.
I wasn't a huge fan. I really enjoyed the setting, but the overall tone and writing was flat and uninteresting. The characters were stale and one dimensional and I had a really hard time connecting with them or caring about their motivations.
There were moments of potential where I felt that urge to keep reading, but inevitably something would happen that would pull me right out of the flow, whether it was the fmc doing something glaringly stupid or character dialogue that felt somewhat forced or awkward.
There was also a disconnect for me between the period setting and the fantasy aspect. They just didn't integrate very well for me and I found it distracting at times.
I wasn't a huge fan. I really enjoyed the setting, but the overall tone and writing was flat and uninteresting. The characters were stale and one dimensional and I had a really hard time connecting with them or caring about their motivations.
There were moments of potential where I felt that urge to keep reading, but inevitably something would happen that would pull me right out of the flow, whether it was the fmc doing something glaringly stupid or character dialogue that felt somewhat forced or awkward.
There was also a disconnect for me between the period setting and the fantasy aspect. They just didn't integrate very well for me and I found it distracting at times.
July 25, 2025
*A big thanks to NetGalley, Maria Alexander, and Ghede Press for providing me with an ARC of this book; this in no way affects my honest review*
Discovering that this is inspired by the life of Julie d’Aubigny, I was instantly intrigued and wanted to read.
Absolutely loved this! Brimstone & Blades is everything I want in a book: fierce heroine, razor-sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of magic and mayhem. Maria Alexander’s writing is quick, clever, and immersive. I flew through it in a couple of sittings and didn’t want it to end.
If you’re into badass women with swords, this one’s for you. Instant favourite. Can’t wait for more!
Discovering that this is inspired by the life of Julie d’Aubigny, I was instantly intrigued and wanted to read.
Absolutely loved this! Brimstone & Blades is everything I want in a book: fierce heroine, razor-sharp dialogue, and just the right amount of magic and mayhem. Maria Alexander’s writing is quick, clever, and immersive. I flew through it in a couple of sittings and didn’t want it to end.
If you’re into badass women with swords, this one’s for you. Instant favourite. Can’t wait for more!
August 24, 2025
Another winner from Maria Alexander. Brimstone & Blades transported me to Medieval France in a delightful, yet gritty, dark, and realistic way. Heroine Julie de Maupin was well drawn and sympathetic, which made her struggles against foes both human, supernatural, and personal - and a culture that disparaged strong, independent women (other than Joan of Arc, if course) - all the more tense. The mix of Julie's coming of age romantic angst, great swordplay, and black magic made for a great read.
July 16, 2025
Brimstone & Blades delivers a vivid blend of swordplay and sorcery, weaving historical fantasy with a refreshing flair. The duels are sharply choreographed, brimming with tension and style, while the magic system, rooted in French necromancy and outlawed spells, adds an intriguing layer of danger and mystique. Julie de Maupin’s journey through a shadowy underworld of cursed creatures and covert casters is both darkly imaginative and rich in detail. While the concept and combat shine, the execution doesn’t quite match the novel's ambition in every aspect. Still, fans of swashbuckling heroines and forbidden magic will find plenty to enjoy in this daring tale.
September 3, 2025
delightful, fun, and interesting story about one of my favorite historical figures, La Maupin (Julie d'Aubigny). the intricacies of the magic system could have been explained more, but still in general great. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
April 30, 2025
Maria’s writing style will keep you turning pages long after you said, “just one more chapter”!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews