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Legend of Mist and Blade
In her mid-thirties, Gwen McMillan has it all. She enjoys being a cop, has a partner she trusts with her life, and gets to enjoy her downtime at the end of each shift in her cozy farmhouse. The best part is, she’s far from her parents’ control and the sheltered life of privilege they lead.
Despite the distance between her and her family, she’s honor-bound to keep their centuries-old secret hidden – protecting the fabled sword Excalibur until, as the legends foretold, King Arthur returns. Since becoming the blade’s guardian, Gwen’s had countless dreams about terrifying monsters, ancient kings, and mist-filled forests. And lately, these dreams center around an enigmatic, charming man she inexplicably feels drawn to.
But when Gwen and Excalibur are magically swept away to Avalon, she lands in the middle of a war between humans and monsters. Mordred, the tyrannical ruler of the fae, is determined to conquer Avalon and rule over Arthur’s castle, where a gateway to the human realm is hidden. Gwen joins the battle to save Camelot and protect the secret portal while trying to discover why she feels such a strong connection to Avalon’s magic.
That is, until Orin, one of Arthur’s knights, begins to pull at her heartstrings and her longstanding desire for a storybook kind of love. He’s handsome, he’s broody, and he feels eerily familiar to Gwen. Their magnetic attraction to one another is undeniable. Despite the ongoing war and Orin’s deep-seated fear of losing anyone else he loves, their romance blossoms.
Gwen and Orin fight alongside Arthur, his knights, and fae rebels to defend the realm against Mordred’s invasion. All hope for Camelot seems lost when the dark tyrant’s army draws closer to the castle gates. As Avalon’s champion, Gwen knows she holds the key to their salvation. But convincing Arthur to hand over Excalibur so she can use the blade to connect with Avalon’s magic – the only way to defeat Mordred and his army – proves difficult.
If Gwen can’t convince Arthur to hand over his fabled sword, she won’t be able to fulfill her destiny to protect Avalon. And if she can’t, Mordred will storm Camelot then conquer the entire mortal realm. Every human in Avalon will be slaughtered, and not only will Gwen and Orin’s love be lost to time and history, so will the legacy of King Arthur.
Tropes include: older characters, slow burn yearning, fade to black intimacy, widower, magic systems, Arthurian retelling, found family, grumpy x sunshine, portal fantasy, and reluctant chosen one.
Despite the distance between her and her family, she’s honor-bound to keep their centuries-old secret hidden – protecting the fabled sword Excalibur until, as the legends foretold, King Arthur returns. Since becoming the blade’s guardian, Gwen’s had countless dreams about terrifying monsters, ancient kings, and mist-filled forests. And lately, these dreams center around an enigmatic, charming man she inexplicably feels drawn to.
But when Gwen and Excalibur are magically swept away to Avalon, she lands in the middle of a war between humans and monsters. Mordred, the tyrannical ruler of the fae, is determined to conquer Avalon and rule over Arthur’s castle, where a gateway to the human realm is hidden. Gwen joins the battle to save Camelot and protect the secret portal while trying to discover why she feels such a strong connection to Avalon’s magic.
That is, until Orin, one of Arthur’s knights, begins to pull at her heartstrings and her longstanding desire for a storybook kind of love. He’s handsome, he’s broody, and he feels eerily familiar to Gwen. Their magnetic attraction to one another is undeniable. Despite the ongoing war and Orin’s deep-seated fear of losing anyone else he loves, their romance blossoms.
Gwen and Orin fight alongside Arthur, his knights, and fae rebels to defend the realm against Mordred’s invasion. All hope for Camelot seems lost when the dark tyrant’s army draws closer to the castle gates. As Avalon’s champion, Gwen knows she holds the key to their salvation. But convincing Arthur to hand over Excalibur so she can use the blade to connect with Avalon’s magic – the only way to defeat Mordred and his army – proves difficult.
If Gwen can’t convince Arthur to hand over his fabled sword, she won’t be able to fulfill her destiny to protect Avalon. And if she can’t, Mordred will storm Camelot then conquer the entire mortal realm. Every human in Avalon will be slaughtered, and not only will Gwen and Orin’s love be lost to time and history, so will the legacy of King Arthur.
Tropes include: older characters, slow burn yearning, fade to black intimacy, widower, magic systems, Arthurian retelling, found family, grumpy x sunshine, portal fantasy, and reluctant chosen one.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2025
12 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Read: Legend of Mist and Blade by A.M. Ross
If you’re craving beautifully written storytelling, immersive world-building that grabs you from page one, and characters who feel real, this indie gem belongs on your TBR. The emotional depth, lush descriptions, characters who are flawed (in the best, most relatable way), and perfectly paced plot make this an unforgettable fantasy adventure that was difficult to put down. A.M. Ross weaves a story that’s rich in atmosphere and heart-and gives us a lovable canine sidekick! I can't wait to see what comes next!
If you’re craving beautifully written storytelling, immersive world-building that grabs you from page one, and characters who feel real, this indie gem belongs on your TBR. The emotional depth, lush descriptions, characters who are flawed (in the best, most relatable way), and perfectly paced plot make this an unforgettable fantasy adventure that was difficult to put down. A.M. Ross weaves a story that’s rich in atmosphere and heart-and gives us a lovable canine sidekick! I can't wait to see what comes next!
March 22, 2026
I really loved this take on Avalon . Merging our time into the time of Arthurian legend with the fae. Thoroughly addictive with fantastic world building
March 4, 2026
This was a decent read with a good mix of magic and forgotten worlds.
Gwen comes from a long line of women who have been tasked with guarding the scared sword Excalibur, until one day Avalon (a realm in a parallel world) calls her to it to return the blade to the legendary King Arthur. Arthur is king of a stronghold against the fae: an outpost of humans barely surviving against the evil Fae prince Mordred who has taken over the realms and the (supposedly evil) Fae. Gwen has already fallen for love-interest Orin through her dreams, and ends up being pivitol in the war against Mordred as she fights to gain the trust of Arthur and his men.
This was a decent read though at times I felt that MC Gwen was a little too blasé about her life turning upside down and all the craziness that went along with it. She was kind of too perfect; trained in weaponry, fluent in languages, just so happened to have a poor relationship with both parents and no friends so no one would miss her on Earth, excellent with kids, drop-dead gorgeous… the usual. Her and Orin’s relationship could have had a bit more chemistry and I found Logan/Lancelot’s character a little confused at times—best friend turned spurned love-interest.
I don’t know what it is about modern fiction that seems to think love of coffee is a personality trait, but the first few pages of this novel read like an advert for “that beany goodness”.
The stakes are well established though I’d have liked a bit more world-building for the Fae. I’ll be reading the next book in this series and expect we’ll have more of that then.
3 stars!
Gwen comes from a long line of women who have been tasked with guarding the scared sword Excalibur, until one day Avalon (a realm in a parallel world) calls her to it to return the blade to the legendary King Arthur. Arthur is king of a stronghold against the fae: an outpost of humans barely surviving against the evil Fae prince Mordred who has taken over the realms and the (supposedly evil) Fae. Gwen has already fallen for love-interest Orin through her dreams, and ends up being pivitol in the war against Mordred as she fights to gain the trust of Arthur and his men.
This was a decent read though at times I felt that MC Gwen was a little too blasé about her life turning upside down and all the craziness that went along with it. She was kind of too perfect; trained in weaponry, fluent in languages, just so happened to have a poor relationship with both parents and no friends so no one would miss her on Earth, excellent with kids, drop-dead gorgeous… the usual. Her and Orin’s relationship could have had a bit more chemistry and I found Logan/Lancelot’s character a little confused at times—best friend turned spurned love-interest.
I don’t know what it is about modern fiction that seems to think love of coffee is a personality trait, but the first few pages of this novel read like an advert for “that beany goodness”.
The stakes are well established though I’d have liked a bit more world-building for the Fae. I’ll be reading the next book in this series and expect we’ll have more of that then.
3 stars!
March 21, 2026
A portal fantasy you don’t want to leave
I will always be down for a story inspired by mythology and A.M. Ross’ Legend of Mist and Blade did not disappoint. This story brings Arthurian legend to life in between the pages while introducing a unique spin on the characters and world. The cover is a perfect representation of the journey the reader will go on.
My favourite aspect of this story is the balance between worldbuilding details and organic character reactions within it. Above all, the reactions to the characters are genuine to the reader’s experience. I really felt as though I was going through the adventure with Gwen and Orin. These characters breathe life into the story, making the read all the more intriguing. I do wish I got to see more interactions with Mordred but Ross has established a strong foundation about the Mist lands. I am excited about Lancelot’s story and seeing this part of the world.
The reveals this book has, I was not expecting and I am here for it. I was laughing throughout the story. It is a slow burn but this one is worth it as Ross ties the plot together by the book’s end.
For readers looking for a reluctant chosen one, high-stakes action, worldbuilding lore, and fleshed out character development in a mythological setting, this story is for you.
I will always be down for a story inspired by mythology and A.M. Ross’ Legend of Mist and Blade did not disappoint. This story brings Arthurian legend to life in between the pages while introducing a unique spin on the characters and world. The cover is a perfect representation of the journey the reader will go on.
My favourite aspect of this story is the balance between worldbuilding details and organic character reactions within it. Above all, the reactions to the characters are genuine to the reader’s experience. I really felt as though I was going through the adventure with Gwen and Orin. These characters breathe life into the story, making the read all the more intriguing. I do wish I got to see more interactions with Mordred but Ross has established a strong foundation about the Mist lands. I am excited about Lancelot’s story and seeing this part of the world.
The reveals this book has, I was not expecting and I am here for it. I was laughing throughout the story. It is a slow burn but this one is worth it as Ross ties the plot together by the book’s end.
For readers looking for a reluctant chosen one, high-stakes action, worldbuilding lore, and fleshed out character development in a mythological setting, this story is for you.
December 13, 2025
A.M. Ross's debut novel was an incredible reimagining of the legends of King Arthur. Our FMC Gwen was a loveable, relatable character, and I particularly loved that she was not freshly 18, but had lived a bit of life and knew herself well. The story featured found family, paving your own way in life, a reluctant but capable "chosen one," and a loyal animal companion (Saxon was the best character by far!). The romantic subplot was a positive addition, and I felt it was balanced with the main storyline well.
Very small critiques I have would be that I did feel the pacing was off at the beginning and end, and there were a couple of small grammar/syntax issues, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. I would give this a 4.5/5 and rounding up to a 5 for how quickly I devoured the story.
From someone who loved Camelot as a child, this was such a fun way to return to those stories. I look forward to the second book!
Very small critiques I have would be that I did feel the pacing was off at the beginning and end, and there were a couple of small grammar/syntax issues, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. I would give this a 4.5/5 and rounding up to a 5 for how quickly I devoured the story.
From someone who loved Camelot as a child, this was such a fun way to return to those stories. I look forward to the second book!
October 11, 2025
This was such a wonderful romantic fantasy! The FMC Gwen was not your typical whiny twenty something. She was a take charge, late thirties, strong woman who dealt with all the insanity of being trapped in a fantasy world in a calm and rational manner.
The story was so well-written and a unique take on the King Arthur legend. Plus it's a standalone so if you want your fantasy fix without committing to a five book series then this is perfect!
Highly recommend for fans of fade to black romantasy!
The story was so well-written and a unique take on the King Arthur legend. Plus it's a standalone so if you want your fantasy fix without committing to a five book series then this is perfect!
Highly recommend for fans of fade to black romantasy!
October 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Legend of Mist and Blade by A.M. Ross
I always love finding an Indie Gem 💎
A beautifully written indie fantasy that completely swept me away.
The world-building is lush and immersive, the characters are flawed in the most human way, and the emotional depth kept me hooked from the first page.
A.M. Ross balances action, heart, and atmosphere perfectly. Perfect if you are looking for a classic retelling with twists and turns.
I can’t wait to see where Lances story takes us.
Legend of Mist and Blade by A.M. Ross
I always love finding an Indie Gem 💎
A beautifully written indie fantasy that completely swept me away.
The world-building is lush and immersive, the characters are flawed in the most human way, and the emotional depth kept me hooked from the first page.
A.M. Ross balances action, heart, and atmosphere perfectly. Perfect if you are looking for a classic retelling with twists and turns.
I can’t wait to see where Lances story takes us.
November 4, 2025
This was a really cozy read - the kind of story you want to read while bundled up with a warm beverage. The characters were lovable and relatable, and the magic atmosphere was immersive and creative. There was a comfort in knowing that the story would end happily for the characters I came to know and love.
Can't wait to read Lancelots story!
Can't wait to read Lancelots story!
September 20, 2025
A delightfully modern twist
If you like King Arthur and strong FMCs this is the book for you! I loved the world building and all the different mythical creatures. I felt so immersed!
If you like King Arthur and strong FMCs this is the book for you! I loved the world building and all the different mythical creatures. I felt so immersed!
October 10, 2025
With characters that aren’t teenagers this chosen one story was a breath of fresh air.
It felts nostalgic with a punch of magic and action!
Ross put so much heart into this story, and every page turned was an example of that. Well done!
It felts nostalgic with a punch of magic and action!
Ross put so much heart into this story, and every page turned was an example of that. Well done!
February 10, 2026
A must read.
March 23, 2026
I've enjoyed a lot this book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews