The Reluctant Blade

by Gerrit Van Eck

Is the greater good worth losing yourself for?



Forced to live in hiding from people who would seek to make her a living weapon, Serennia has learned the hard way that good things are temporary. When she flees her abusive household and strikes out on her own, she finds herself in a cruel, unforgiving city that would be happy to tear her apart. Knowing that safety comes in numbers, she throws her lot in with the Sparrows, an underground network of thieves whose doors are always open to the willing. But her abilities can't stay hidden forever, and when the truth comes out she'll find herself torn between staying true to how she was raised, or doing whatever it takes to make the city a better place.

154 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2025

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read is a 2.5 for me, rounded to a 3 for star rating.

The Reluctant Blade is a shorter YA read involving the main character, Serennia. Serennia is forced to make some difficult decisions in order to survive and has to grapple with what the outcome of those decisions lead to.

For me, the book was not a bad read but I did not find it to be a compelling one. I felt like I was waiting for more, a climax that never really came. The plot did not continue to rouse my interest and there were some characters that I wished were addressed more. However, I do believe that there is great potential for this story to grow. The Reluctant Blade has so many characters and side stories that I would be interested in knowing more about. Even maybe a prequel, as part of Serennia's past is still a mystery. I can see a lot of building in this universe of characters because so many of them were introduced but not much more information about them was provided.

Overall, I think that I wanted a little more from this read, but I have no major complaints- it was okay.

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

[Alana Bursey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back of this book is what hooked me in right away, I wanted to read it. I wish the story was longer! Certain relationships didn't fully develop, or it felt like there was more to be told. Certain hints were dropped that alluded that there could be more to a certain character and then these hints didn't seem to lead anywhere. But it does leave you wanting to read more. Is there another book? Is this part of a series? I feel like there is more that needs to happen and so much more the main character can learn.
It is quite graphic and violent, but makes sense because of the main character's powers. I would be interested in more books from this author.

[Sara Shah · Rating 3 out of 5]

◇◇ ARC Review◇◇
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Rating: 3☆
Genre: YA Fantasy
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The Reluctant Blade by Gerrit Van Eck
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The Reluctant Blade is a short YA fantasy novel that follows the story Of Serrenia. It' an interesting short read portraying how someone can change and become capable of doing things they never imagined possible in the face of difficult situations. A quick good, fast paced read with an interesting cast of supporting characters.
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Thankyou Gerrit Van Eck for reaching out to me and sharing this book with me.
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I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Marlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the characters, and it was hard to put the book down. While I enjoyed that the book was short and fast paced (read it in an evening) I didn't like how I had so many unanswered questions at the end. I was introduced to many side characters who seemed to have intriguing back stories, but we are never told them and then they just disappear from the story. If this were in a series I would be buying the next one to seek answers, but as far as I know this is the only book. If the story continues on I would be interested.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Serrennia lost her benefactor, his nephew is a monster, and she finally escapes from the estate and Alcress. She ends up in Ruddreth and joins the Sparrows, who are trying to help everyone to have a better life. She kills a Knight sent by the Undying and takes his armor. Serrennia questions her actions as a sparrow and will make a decision that will change her life. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SamReadsAll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy. I found myself in between reading it wanting to go back and read another chapter. I like the growth Serennia’s story had and the supporting characters were very well thought out. I would love a longer version or a book two to see how Serennia continues to grow in her power and see the sparrows continue to grow.

[Mandy Brownson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only regret I have with this book is that I didn’t read it sooner!! It was such a great, quick read, and I felt engaged the entire time. The writing was beautiful and so easy to imagine thanks to the descriptive wording. I really enjoyed reading about Serennia’s journey. I hope to read more about her continued journey in the future — and maybe even her life beforehand?!
Easy 5 ⭐️s for me!!

[Heather Lappan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent young adult fantasy book, full of intrigue and plot twists as well as very descriptive language. Good for young adults, but also a fun and interesting read for adults. Highly recommend

[Sara L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good quick read, good pacing

Interesting to see what people can be capable of with the events life puts them through

[Kyle Mifflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reluctant Blade was a refreshing, fast-paced, yet detailed read. Detailed in the sense that it isn't bogged-down by anything, but the crisp and polished prose are supplemented by descriptive details. The story was interesting - I thought it moved quite fast from scene-to-scene, but it was connected, and constantly engaging. Great debut for this series.