Chief Bladesinger

To Be Called #1

by Penny Johnston

Forged in Fire

Life seems intent on knocking Zon down, and this time, he’s not sure he’s got it in him to get back up again.
Without a recommendation from his cruel weapons teacher, he’ll never become a chief bladesinger.
Without understanding from someone who was once his friend, how can he find peace?
A fresh start ends in a deadly pursuit, and the young warrior is tested at every turn.
Hope seems an elusive thing, but when all is dark and grim, there may yet be sparks of light, shimmering like fireflies in the dark.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

About the author

When she’s not writing fantasy fiction or doing life with her two teenagers, Penny Johnston works as a medical office assistant. She is the author of the To Be Called series, and is currently writing the next book when no one is reading over her shoulder. Penny has been known to fangirl over swordfights, rangers, and rescue stories, and she loves slipping away to go camping at the lake. Her latest novel, Chief Bladesinger, was released on May 30, 2025.

Reviews

[Penny Johnston]

Linazon's backstory is almost here, and I'm so excited for it! Set to release on May 30, 2025!

[Janeen Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in to the world of fantasy created by the author. It is very well written, and kept me interested all the way through. Very descriptive and creative, and made me feel as though I was right there with the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy's Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, thank you, Penny Johnston, for the amazing chance to read Chief Bladesinger, book 1 of the To Be Called series. As always, I received this advanced copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily (and with much pleasure).

This book has officially made its way to my favorite read of the year. I love Zon's character development and how it's focused on faith, not only strength, and how the story threads being grateful and at peace even when the circumstances aren't the best (or going from bad to worse).

I'm a fan of fighting sequences and the training of the hero type of chapters, so thank you to the author for not making it less or skipping the training arc of Zon.

Likewise, I enjoyed the narrative; it gives touches of fantasy while showing the natural flow of reality, the bittersweet side of living and developing a much more mature perspective on it, of life and death, of love, and its grief, of joy and pain, how if one exists, it's because of the other's presence, and that's ok.

Also, Zon's character shows the process of healing as well as forgiving, so if you're a reader needing some of either, it gives you comfort and someone to relate to (even if it is a character).

I will give a warning; keep tissues by your side. Zon's story is not the classical hero or main character that solves the plot and happily ever after, but one of perseverance with faith.

If you're a reader that loves books like Narnia and Realm Breaker, with tropes like the hero's journey with a touch of romance (friends to lovers), this is a perfect mix to add and put on the top of your TBR pile. 

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Blade singer is Book 1 in To Be Called Series by Penny Johnson. I believe that Linazon (Zon) is a great main character. I found the journey in life that Zon takes is interesting and I thought this fantasy not to be missed. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Simone Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book SO much! Not only was it a great coming-of-age fantasy with swords, gruff-but-kind mentors, and some sweet romantasy elements, it also had spiritual depth. And the rare magic is a gift from the Maker, unlike in so many fantasy books.

I feel like the Zon is the mentor I didn't know I needed! 😄 He's the best, and I'd love to join his bladesinger training class!

Zon goes through so much, but he doesn't desert the Maker, and the Maker doesn't desert him. Part of the story reminded me of A Walk To Remember, in a way.

Overall, this was a grace-filled fantasy I'll never forget. My favorite read of the year! ♡

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again. You held my attention right from the start of the book. You ran away with my emotions from high to low and visa versa. I enjoyed your subtle hints to scripture. I'm looking forward to more from Penny Johnston.

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5⭐️. This book was fun, fast-paced but broad in its plot, from losing a friend to training in the woods and overcoming an unjust bladesinger, to hunting a cougar responsible for the death of a close friend, saving an abused girl in the woods, to moving towns and establishing a new position there, defeating the abuser that followed the girl, to marriage and peace to loss in childbirth, to raising a child alone, to forgiving an old pain and settling into the world once more. It was a lovely, complete tale, although it could have ended at multiple points, and by the end it felt overly long. It was a simple but effective story, action-packed, fast-paced and easy to read.

I liked the main character, his determination, his willingness to learn in the face of his own stubbornness, his ability to calm down in the face of his own anger. His sense of justice and fairness, his desire to teach, to inspire students that share his passion, rather than competing with them. His desire to be the best is not selfish, he steps back when needed, he settles, takes care of those he
loves. He is strong and blunt, steady following his wilder youth, determined and fair. I didn't love the other character perspectives, mostly because they felt randomly placed. His later romantic partner, an abused slave, who dreamed of being a 'lessonmaster', a teacher, of working with children. Her perspective adds to the narrative, giving insight into her situation and the context, which he saves her from, but it isn't necessary and it's not consistent. She is not the first random female pov, the MC's initial love interest, a childhood friend who blames him for her brother's death and leaves, has some narrative control. It's odd and unnecessary because she isn't a huge part of the narrative, she leaves almost immediately and then comes back at the end because she moved away to the town he goes to for work. She bakes him bread and asks for forgiveness in the end. There is a sequel about her son, so maybe this is the author's way of establishing a link? It wasn't needed and felt out of place.

Overall enjoyable, if long-winded, definitely action-packed and fun to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jedediah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read. I enjoyed the Godly twist. A fantasy Karen Kingsbury. You're a talented writer. "You're to old to learn any younger" - nice

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75🌟
Review to come later today or tomorrow I'm literally cryingggg😭😭😭 I just wrote the best review I've ever written and just as I was approaching the end my screen tilted and somehow that wiped the whole thing😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it was so long too... I'll have to redo it tomorrow 😢