Mythblade: The Department of Dangerous Things, Book 1

by Austin J. Bailey

Welcome to the Department of Dangerous Things…“Out of her left eye, she cried tears of joy for her new love, and out of her right eye, tears of sorrow.”

In a distant realm, a reckless young prodigy plumbs the depths of lost magic and dreams of restoring her family's honor by resurrecting the forbidden art of Mythblade forging. Her plan is unthinkable, her will, unstoppable. Her name is Lorelei.

Meanwhile, back on earth, a smart-mouth teen gets a second chance at life as the caretaker of a dangerous magical storehouse. A storehouse whose most dangerous artifact happens to be the key to mythblade forging. His name is Sam.

When Sam and Lorelei's worlds collide, will they be enemies or friends? When their dreams unleash an ancient danger, will they fall with their predecessor or rise as heroes to face it?

In Mythblade, the first installment of The Department of Dangerous Things, unlikely friends pass through danger and love to save the world from the unintended magical consequences of their teenage hubris. There will be vows, honor, betrayal, love, swordplay, and heartbreak, but the real adventure is to endure, and one day find a home in each other.

If you enjoyed Simon Fayter or the Magemother series, you'll love Austin J. Bailey's new YA fantasy!

Audible Audio

Published August 14, 2024

Reviews

[Eileen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mythblade is an amazing adventure for two people in vastly different worlds. Sam is a bored boy waiting for his sister to wake up. Lorelei is a young woman who believes only she can restore the honor of their house and bring her father the happiness she knows he deserves,
Together they work to find their individual solutions and wind up with more than either one alone could have managed.
I loved this book so much I went through it a second time. Although I received it as an advance reader in return for an honest review, I definitely would have bought it because Austin J. Bailey is that kind of author. His books resonate with something deep inside many of us.
Take a chance. Read the book. You will be glad you did.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic adventure! You cannot go wrong with this author and he proves it again. Friendship, adventure, heartache all across the spectrum of emotions and he pulls you along so you feel like you’re there. I loved it so much even though I’d received an advanced copy I purchased the published one and one for my kids. I’m also recommending it to my Children's Literature class. I love that I enjoyed it and that I know my kids will and it’s another great start to a series we will enjoy together cannot wait for the next one to come.

[M Moff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Bailey always writes top notch books for teens or adults. Myth blade is no exception. He gets you interested then keeps the adventure moving right along. I definitely would recommend this book.

[Brandee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok honest review right here. I struggled with the beginning. I can't quite even tell you why I did. Maybe for me it was because we were introduced to so many magical mythical creatures wham bam and I couldn't process it but anyway my recommendation is KEEP READING! I don't know at what point I was hooked but I was in deep! The story is beautiful written and captivating and you become truly invested in the characters. I enjoyed the back story that weaves it's way in throughout and want to know more! Oh and the humor! I love the quick whit! I enjoy most books through listening and this was no different. Audible was A+! The author is so talented and the artistic capabilities far surpassed my expectations. Recommend for 8-14 or those mythical lovers. Adults can definitely enjoy too!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love all books written by Austin J. Bailey, who though some might think he writes for children I think he writes for readers of all ages especially those who are still young at heart, who love magic and adventure, and who would enjoy going on a massive adventure with our young protagonist Sam. Sam and his sister Jane are orphaned, and they end up applying for a job in a wizard’s house, a house which turns out to be like no other, and where Sam ends up becoming the steward in charge of the department of dangerous artifacts which need to be held safe from falling in the wrong hands. He had three guardians to help him, and a giant wolf called Fenrod to protect him. However he messes up right from the start through not doing his prep work diligently, and ends up in a different world altogether when their most treasured artifact got stolen from the Skyvault, He had lost Windshear, the sword of creation used by God himself. In Seven Swords he meets Lorelei, the young thief and sword master who steals from him with good intent, and who ends up stealing his heart. Cyprus and Gambit, two of the guardians travel with Sam on their biggest adventure ever! I loved, this book so much, found it totally captivating and heart stopping at times. I love the feelings budding between Lorelei and Sam as well as the characters of the guardians, yes even that of Gambit the trickster jinn. I am looking forward to reading further about Lorelei and Sam in book 2. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Billieanne McLellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book!
Engaging from the very beginning. The action and dialog keep the story progressing at a nice pace. Great for tweens or older, or anyone who enjoys clean fantasy/ adventure.
This is a nice tangent from the Simon Fayter series. If you haven’t read those books I highly recommend them. They are not required reading for this book. But the author likes to weave in characters from his other series (Magemother was also very good!) so the more you read his books the more you will appreciate the crossovers.
Mythblade centers around teenagers in a magical world who make big mistakes, put themselves and others in grave danger, and still just want to do the right thing. There are strong positive family relationships, consequences for disobedience, and honor in keeping your word.
I super excited
For the book! And of course now I need to know what happened in the library!!!

[Anna Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started this and I'm so glad i did! Honestly, though im quite an old lady this fantasy novel is enthralling. The imagination is wonderful, but i really enjoy the descriptive style of this author. Not overdone as some authors do just to manifest their vocabulary Intel. But just enough that you become embedded within the story. Sensing what each character is at each moment. Sometimes I'll find myself saying out loud, "No, that's a dumb mistake! " as if they really could hear me, 🤨!
Read and you will see....

[Crystal Anne Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is yet another great fantasy book set in the same universe as Simon Fayter. It has a nice balance of silliness and seriousness. It's great to see the characters grow through their adventure. I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Lillian Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading Austin J. Bailey's books for a while now, and they are always interesting, different, and extremely enjoyable to read. Each series he writes is better than the last, and I enjoyed reading this book just as much as I'd hoped! I highly recommend it! It's suitable for anyone middleschool/highschool and older.

[MaKynzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It was beautifully powerful and simply incredible to read. Not only was it endlessly entertaining, the underlying themes and messages brought light to the pages. The banter between characters was hilarious and made them come to life. I cannot wait to see more of this world and series.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin has a remarkable talent in creating a fictional world that absorbs the reader directly into the fantasy. I read the book in instalments, and have felt compelled to continue reading even when fatigued. I genuinely recommend this book to all who love a fast paced adventure!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Loved the book! I started reading it with my 11 year old and he loves it too. Such a wonderful imagination and creativity in the world Austin creates in this book! I can't wait to see what will happen next!

[Lane J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure for teens and adults! Rich and detailed imagery and delightful character development. A well thought out plot! Read this in two days! Looking for the next in the series.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

great audio book. I enjoyed listening to it.

[Beth Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started and couldn’t stop thru the last page! Once the story starts it builds and builds. So many nuances to the characters and surprises as the tale evolves. I cannot wait for the next one!

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good world building and great characters. The characters are a joy to follow on their journey.

[Shirlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin Bailey, You have done it again!! Myth Blade was So much fun I could hardly stand it!!! Wanted to savor every single word!!! Listen, absolutely everyone will be swept away in this fast and, well, furious adventuring of wonderfully magical dangerous creatures and artifacts…! Sam & Lorelei are so totally different, yet it all seems to work for, well, if you haven’t read it yet… 😉 Let’s just say,
“Read this book while the forge is hot!”
Thanks again Austin, I guess I was ready for this next adventure and you are the master!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved Mythblade!!!

Lorelei and Sam are from different worlds and yet have so much in common.

The story is well told, of two teens trying to do the best they can in the circumstances that they find themselves in.

Lorelei is trying to restore her father and his house to his place of honor.

Sam is trying to get by with the minimum effort in his new job of being the Stewart of the dangerous things. As the Stewart he has three assistants to help him in his job and to help protect “Windshear” The Sword of God.

I don’t want to say more and spoil any of the story. I have read and enjoyed all of Austin J. Bailey’s books, yet this book is just “Wow”. I loved it and am anxiously awaiting the next book.

This story unfolds with many twists and turns that will keep you turning pages to see how the adventure ends.

This story along with all of Austin Bailey’s books are well worth the time to read. I believe you will enjoy this adventure, I know I did!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Austin's books. I have ADHD and it's super hard for me to focus on things, but his books always keep me engaged and I love how there's always something unique from the typical fantasy tropes to help set them apart from other books in the same genre. I genuinely don't understand how he's not on some best seller lists. I like how there's a contrast between the two main characters and how you'd never think they'd make it work lol. Also - why can't a job like this fall into my lap 😫 Anyways - this book has it all adventure, comedy, mystery, love - what's not to like? I also want to point out I'm 41 - and even though this is geared towards a younger audience, I love it!

[Zete · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teen fantasy adventure full of action, quests, magic and mystery!!! You can feel the friendship and the heartbreaking moments of the main characters!!! A book that you can't put it out until the end!

[Julius Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant start from Austin. Get stuck into this. It a good one.