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Vengeance Has No Sound: The Silent Retribution Series
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jan 26Three thousand years ago, seven heroes defeated the Blood Queen—a monster capable of reducing entire nations to ash—and sealed her away. Barriers rose. Peace returned. The land of Nyxaria survived.
But time erodes all things.
The barriers are failing and the monsters are returning—stronger, hungrier, and driven by something far darker than instinct.
To uncover the cause, the Order assembles a team of specialists. Among them is Novalius—deaf, an outcast, and powerless to wield vitapars—the building material of all things. To everyone else, he’s a mistake. To fate, he’s a spark waiting to ignite.
When Novalius crosses paths with a forgotten creature, the truth buried beneath centuries of myth begins to surface. Lies fracture. Legends bleed. And what he uncovers will force him to
Will he fight to preserve the world that cast him aside—
Or let it burn to reveal the truth it tried to hide?
But time erodes all things.
The barriers are failing and the monsters are returning—stronger, hungrier, and driven by something far darker than instinct.
To uncover the cause, the Order assembles a team of specialists. Among them is Novalius—deaf, an outcast, and powerless to wield vitapars—the building material of all things. To everyone else, he’s a mistake. To fate, he’s a spark waiting to ignite.
When Novalius crosses paths with a forgotten creature, the truth buried beneath centuries of myth begins to surface. Lies fracture. Legends bleed. And what he uncovers will force him to
Will he fight to preserve the world that cast him aside—
Or let it burn to reveal the truth it tried to hide?
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 31, 2026
4 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 12, 2025
Holy shit! Vengeance may not have sound but I sure do. I am screaming for more! This was a phenomenal read all around. I adored the magic system, the world and character-building are top notch, and the representation….hello! Not only do we get diverse characters, we get deaf and hard of hearing representation. I am just in love with Barakah Smith and this series. (Also, uh, ma’am…. Book 2 pls?)
Pick this one up when it releases Jan 10, you’ll be glad you did.
Huge thank you to the author for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own. (My opinion is you need this book. Kthxbai.)
Pick this one up when it releases Jan 10, you’ll be glad you did.
Huge thank you to the author for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own. (My opinion is you need this book. Kthxbai.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vengeance Has No Sound
Barakah Smith
Vengeance Has No Sound is the first installment in a series about a Deaf man named Nova and his adventures in a distinctly unique magical realm.
Since I've been reviewing a lot of romantasy, I want to make it clear that this book is regular fantasy! Honestly, that was kind of a nice breather for me.
Barakah Smith's worldbuilding is exquisite and mysterious. The magical creatures our main characters face are uniquely interesting and Nova himself is an enigma. In a world where some humans develop the ability to use a form of magic that is, essentially, manipulating atoms, he is one of them who does not develop the ability innately. As the book goes on, he learns that there is more to himself than he ever realised -- as do the prejudiced townsfolk who underestimated him due to his Deafness.
This book is quick-moving, but a thoughtful take on prejudice and segregation even on a "small" scale.
I found myself absolutely fascinated with the lore, realm, creatures, and magic system in this story. Smith weaves a very fascinating portrait of a young man who is just discovering who he is, in a realm that is in desperate need of change. Nova's adventures and the several main characters' arcs will leave you begging for the next installment.
Thank you to Barakah Smith for the eARC ❤️✨
Vengeance Has No Sound
Barakah Smith
Vengeance Has No Sound is the first installment in a series about a Deaf man named Nova and his adventures in a distinctly unique magical realm.
Since I've been reviewing a lot of romantasy, I want to make it clear that this book is regular fantasy! Honestly, that was kind of a nice breather for me.
Barakah Smith's worldbuilding is exquisite and mysterious. The magical creatures our main characters face are uniquely interesting and Nova himself is an enigma. In a world where some humans develop the ability to use a form of magic that is, essentially, manipulating atoms, he is one of them who does not develop the ability innately. As the book goes on, he learns that there is more to himself than he ever realised -- as do the prejudiced townsfolk who underestimated him due to his Deafness.
This book is quick-moving, but a thoughtful take on prejudice and segregation even on a "small" scale.
I found myself absolutely fascinated with the lore, realm, creatures, and magic system in this story. Smith weaves a very fascinating portrait of a young man who is just discovering who he is, in a realm that is in desperate need of change. Nova's adventures and the several main characters' arcs will leave you begging for the next installment.
Thank you to Barakah Smith for the eARC ❤️✨
December 23, 2025
ARC Review
Vengeance Has No Sound delivers a richly imagined fantasy world filled with secrets, myths, and legends waiting to be uncovered. The deeper the story goes, the more layers are revealed, making the world-building both immersive and intriguing.
Nova, who is considered “useless” by others because he is deaf, stands at the center of everything unfolding and his journey is powerful. I loved how the story highlights the deaf community, proving that no one is useless. A disability does not make someone less than; instead, it offers unique perspectives and strengths that become essential to the story.
I was especially grateful for the glossary at the beginning. Breaking down the terminology, key characters, divisions, and creatures made the world easier to navigate and helped me stay fully engaged without confusion.
This was a strong start to The Silent Retribution Series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next books.
Vengeance Has No Sound delivers a richly imagined fantasy world filled with secrets, myths, and legends waiting to be uncovered. The deeper the story goes, the more layers are revealed, making the world-building both immersive and intriguing.
Nova, who is considered “useless” by others because he is deaf, stands at the center of everything unfolding and his journey is powerful. I loved how the story highlights the deaf community, proving that no one is useless. A disability does not make someone less than; instead, it offers unique perspectives and strengths that become essential to the story.
I was especially grateful for the glossary at the beginning. Breaking down the terminology, key characters, divisions, and creatures made the world easier to navigate and helped me stay fully engaged without confusion.
This was a strong start to The Silent Retribution Series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG, this book was an absolutely amazing read! Barakah Smith is a true master of world-building and character development. You can’t help but fall in love with Nova as the MMC; he’s complex, captivating, and impossible to forget. And let’s not forget Vox! He’s so adorable that if I weren’t allergic to cats, I’d absolutely want one to travel alongside me too!One of the things I loved most was the inclusion of characters with disabilities. While some in the story may treat them differently, Smith writes them as powerful, capable leaders, never defined by their limitations but celebrated for their strength and intelligence. It’s refreshing and empowering to see such representation handled so beautifully.Bravo, Barakah Smith! You’ve created a universe I never want to leave. I cannot wait for the second installment to drop!
December 18, 2025
I was not prepared for the emotional depth! Nova is special to me. I didn’t know that I would love him the way that I do. I myself was very ignorant to the Deaf & hard of hearing community. I feel educated and I’m not even sure that was the author’s intent. I’m happy that I read this, but I’m so incredibly sad. First off I adore the MCs family and found family. I adore the way that they treat him with love and respect and how his disability is nothing more than a different ability to them. I’m trying so hard not to give anything away, by chapter 22 I was a puddle on the floor of my apartment. You can tell from the cover art that it’s not meant to be a lighthearted story, but I definitely did not prepare myself. Well, I need the author to get busy on the sequel immediately, I’m not even kidding.
December 17, 2025
Thanks so much to Barakah Smith for allowing me to be a part of this as an ARC reader!! Even so my thoughts are my own! This book was such a breath of fresh air! Very different than a lot of stories we’ve got going on these days! The representation and vivid imagery was wonderful! A deaf and very human very relatable MMC and so many representatives for POC! A magic system that’s simple to understand but complex in action! A late bloomer! And a flying cat??? Who wouldn’t want to read this! I can’t wait to see what our MC Nova and his posse get up to in the next book! The shifting POVs were a bit jarring for me but I can overlook that stuff!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
December 4, 2025"Legends bleed" oooh this sounds intriguing! Can't wait until it's released.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review!! The world building is easy to keep up and follow. A great storyline and I enjoyed this book. The book follows Nova, his friends & commanders on a journey to save the barriers. Nova is deaf surrounded by hearing people. They counted him out and thinks he is a burden. He is proven them otherwise! Bodin, Zuri and his dad never counted him out! Glad to see Elara views on him changed. Happy that he found a moment to have community with others like him. I’m excited to see what is next for Nova and Vox!!! I’m already eager for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know a book is going to be good when it starts with a glossary! I loved the world building and the magic system in this book. When it comes to names in fantasy there is a fine line between being whimsy enough to fit the setting and just being silly. No name in this book was silly and I really appreciate that. Also the fact that the magical elements don’t just slap the word mana on itself and call it a day was so nice. It really helped show all the thought, time, and effort that went into crafting the story.
The pacing of this book was perfect. I hate when books have lulls that don’t add anything to the plot or are slow for the first 90% just to finish when it picks up. There is no wasted time in the plot as the “downtime” is used to set up the next big point, to teach an important skill to someone, or to explain something plot relevant.
All of the characters bring something to the table. The women are strong and don’t rely on their male counterparts if they have one. Everyone has depth to their character and I cannot wait to see more of them. Even Ephraim, though he could eat rocks and I would cheer. Also, I would burn the world down for Vox in a heart beat. Nova, our main man, has my heart as well. Characters with a disability always get me but he just hit different. I love how sign language was handled in the dialogue and in the world. I actually got a little teary eyed when he went to Haven Crest and the Wimbo wa Watu.
Every part of this story was well thought out and kept me interested in both the world and the characters. I devoured this book so fast and already want more. I highly highly recommend this to everyone!
The pacing of this book was perfect. I hate when books have lulls that don’t add anything to the plot or are slow for the first 90% just to finish when it picks up. There is no wasted time in the plot as the “downtime” is used to set up the next big point, to teach an important skill to someone, or to explain something plot relevant.
All of the characters bring something to the table. The women are strong and don’t rely on their male counterparts if they have one. Everyone has depth to their character and I cannot wait to see more of them. Even Ephraim, though he could eat rocks and I would cheer. Also, I would burn the world down for Vox in a heart beat. Nova, our main man, has my heart as well. Characters with a disability always get me but he just hit different. I love how sign language was handled in the dialogue and in the world. I actually got a little teary eyed when he went to Haven Crest and the Wimbo wa Watu.
Every part of this story was well thought out and kept me interested in both the world and the characters. I devoured this book so fast and already want more. I highly highly recommend this to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Vengeance Has No Sound is the first of a truly magical new book series written by Barakah Smith. Set in Nyxaria, where ancient barriers are crumbling, we follow Novalius—a deaf "outcast" unaware of the journey he's about to venture on. Although Nova can't wield vitapars like everyone else, he proves to be an irreplaceable member of the specialist team he's assigned to, and a certified cinnamon roll in my heart. Barakah knows how to write characters exceptionally well; there were characters I either loved (Elara, Bodin, Zuri), wanted to throw hands with (Ephraim, count your days my man), or would protect at all costs (Nova and precious Vox are truly the best), and as a blerd, I immensely enjoyed the diverse representation.
I had an absolute blast reading this book but especially appreciated the glossary and prologue at the beginning that established this new world I'm dying to further explore in the next book. What hooked me initially was the intrigue of Fenwick and Nova's intros, but what kept me invested were the complexities of each character and how much emotion Barakah packed into the writing. The pacing kept me turning pages, and that reveal at the end? Absolutely did not see it coming and aching for the next entry in this series!
Thank you again, Barakah Smith, for the ARC and I can't wait to read what comes next!
Vengeance Has No Sound is the first of a truly magical new book series written by Barakah Smith. Set in Nyxaria, where ancient barriers are crumbling, we follow Novalius—a deaf "outcast" unaware of the journey he's about to venture on. Although Nova can't wield vitapars like everyone else, he proves to be an irreplaceable member of the specialist team he's assigned to, and a certified cinnamon roll in my heart. Barakah knows how to write characters exceptionally well; there were characters I either loved (Elara, Bodin, Zuri), wanted to throw hands with (Ephraim, count your days my man), or would protect at all costs (Nova and precious Vox are truly the best), and as a blerd, I immensely enjoyed the diverse representation.
I had an absolute blast reading this book but especially appreciated the glossary and prologue at the beginning that established this new world I'm dying to further explore in the next book. What hooked me initially was the intrigue of Fenwick and Nova's intros, but what kept me invested were the complexities of each character and how much emotion Barakah packed into the writing. The pacing kept me turning pages, and that reveal at the end? Absolutely did not see it coming and aching for the next entry in this series!
Thank you again, Barakah Smith, for the ARC and I can't wait to read what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vengeance Has No Sound blew me away. I absolutely loved this fantasy—it's fresh, fast-paced, and full of surprises. 5 star read for me and I don't give them out that often.
Nova is such a unique main character. He’s not the typical macho, muscle-bound hero; he’s reserved and a little timid, but he has a real presence and he also plays the violin! I loved that he’s deaf—it's written as a strength, not a limitation, and it feels like his superpower. He’s not a warrior in the usual sense, but he becomes the kind of hero you root for.
The world-building is fantastic—I could picture every scene so clearly. Nova’s banter with his friend Bodin is fun and grounded, and the different monsters are detailed and creepy in all the right ways. One of those creatures, in particular, is set up to be a major player going forward. So it has great bones for a perfect fantasy tale!
The story moves quickly but doesn’t feel rushed; the pacing works. And the twists—wow—most of them caught me off guard. I could not put it down!
One line that stuck with me was:
“Most think vengeance is thunderous with wrath, but in truth, it moves in silence—its echo is felt, never heard. Vengeance has no sound, and that is terrifying.”
For me, this book is a standout! I cant wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nova is such a unique main character. He’s not the typical macho, muscle-bound hero; he’s reserved and a little timid, but he has a real presence and he also plays the violin! I loved that he’s deaf—it's written as a strength, not a limitation, and it feels like his superpower. He’s not a warrior in the usual sense, but he becomes the kind of hero you root for.
The world-building is fantastic—I could picture every scene so clearly. Nova’s banter with his friend Bodin is fun and grounded, and the different monsters are detailed and creepy in all the right ways. One of those creatures, in particular, is set up to be a major player going forward. So it has great bones for a perfect fantasy tale!
The story moves quickly but doesn’t feel rushed; the pacing works. And the twists—wow—most of them caught me off guard. I could not put it down!
One line that stuck with me was:
“Most think vengeance is thunderous with wrath, but in truth, it moves in silence—its echo is felt, never heard. Vengeance has no sound, and that is terrifying.”
For me, this book is a standout! I cant wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Reader* 4.75 ⭐️
The story of this book is really good, I’m so very invested on how these next books are going to progress.
The main character, Nova is a deaf black man who is working as a stable hand in a world of magic (actualizing) that he’s never been able to do himself. This and a combination of him being deaf really affects him in his future prospects which leads him to being looked over. His connections with creatures in the stables he works at shows a glimpse of how much more capable he is.
All the characters are so interesting and I like their development so far. The story feelings like a mix of the sunbearer trails duology and Brandon Sanderson style world building. The world building is much easier to follow in this book though.
I really can’t wait for the next book to see where this goes!! My only real gripe is the perspective jumping can be kind of abrupt. There’s not often a cue that a perspective is going to change to another character and you can get a few people’s perspective in one page sometimes.
This is a really cool book and if you like a fantasy book with representation I would really suggest you pick this up.
The story of this book is really good, I’m so very invested on how these next books are going to progress.
The main character, Nova is a deaf black man who is working as a stable hand in a world of magic (actualizing) that he’s never been able to do himself. This and a combination of him being deaf really affects him in his future prospects which leads him to being looked over. His connections with creatures in the stables he works at shows a glimpse of how much more capable he is.
All the characters are so interesting and I like their development so far. The story feelings like a mix of the sunbearer trails duology and Brandon Sanderson style world building. The world building is much easier to follow in this book though.
I really can’t wait for the next book to see where this goes!! My only real gripe is the perspective jumping can be kind of abrupt. There’s not often a cue that a perspective is going to change to another character and you can get a few people’s perspective in one page sometimes.
This is a really cool book and if you like a fantasy book with representation I would really suggest you pick this up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The first I'd seen of this author was when they put out a call for ARC readers and I was clicking through based on nothing but the cover in the video. Because there's nothing about the cover that isn't fantastic. The book itself didn't disappoint in the slightest.
It's what you'd expect from the genre - a magic/magic adjacent system, fascinating beasties, creeping catastrophe, famous historical heroes shrouded in new mysteries, a quest to be completed, and a journey to go on.
You know what else it's got? A distinct voice.
There is a significant Deaf and hard of hearing community and I absolutely love the way Deafness and disability were handled in this book. A lot of fantasy media will hand wave and magic the disability out of a disability, but Barakah Smith added layers that were incredibly refreshing, without watering down the challenge the MC faces or overpowering him to compensate.
I was honestly legitimately upset as I neared the end and realized I couldn't immediately start reading the rest of the series.
The first I'd seen of this author was when they put out a call for ARC readers and I was clicking through based on nothing but the cover in the video. Because there's nothing about the cover that isn't fantastic. The book itself didn't disappoint in the slightest.
It's what you'd expect from the genre - a magic/magic adjacent system, fascinating beasties, creeping catastrophe, famous historical heroes shrouded in new mysteries, a quest to be completed, and a journey to go on.
You know what else it's got? A distinct voice.
There is a significant Deaf and hard of hearing community and I absolutely love the way Deafness and disability were handled in this book. A lot of fantasy media will hand wave and magic the disability out of a disability, but Barakah Smith added layers that were incredibly refreshing, without watering down the challenge the MC faces or overpowering him to compensate.
I was honestly legitimately upset as I neared the end and realized I couldn't immediately start reading the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my last book of 2025 and I got to read supporting a Black woman! I saw on Tiktok that she was looking for ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers so I jumped on the opportunity and I am so grateful because it opened my eyes to a new genre of books. This book is definitely something I would not pick up as I enjoy historical fiction books. However, after I got past the various names for animals and places and stepped into the world she created, I truly enjoyed this book. I love how she created a world of Black fantasy characters (which we do not normally see). The main character is deaf and underestimated as most people with disabilities are. We cast them aside, yet they have so much more to offer even if it is not typically what we think would be helpful. Smiths writing is very vivid and she uses all senses to describe the characters, the world she created and the events that take place. I can easily see this being adapted into a different form of media. This is the first of a series and I look forward to reading more of it.
December 24, 2025
I am not even sure where to start. This book is one of a kind, at first I didn’t know where it was taking me, but I loved it all. The story telling was phenomenal, the author was able to build a world without over explaining the background story. The culture was rich and the deaf community was represented respectfully, tactfully, it truly made me see their world from a different point of view. (Like I am ready to learn sign language)
I enjoyed that it had a bit of romance, but it wasn’t the main plot. Themes like friendship, self discovery, and self worth were highlighted throughout the story. I am not going to give any spoilers, but the cute creature in the cover is it!! Can’t wait for book two.
I enjoyed that it had a bit of romance, but it wasn’t the main plot. Themes like friendship, self discovery, and self worth were highlighted throughout the story. I am not going to give any spoilers, but the cute creature in the cover is it!! Can’t wait for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! The author used beautiful descriptive language to describe every person, animal and scene. I felt completely immersed in Nova's world. Some chapters were difficult to read, only because my heart ached for Nova. The plot literally keeps thickening as you read the book. Relationships and personalities are complex which all lead Nova's personal development. Again, the author did an amazing job describing all of this while smoothly coasting from one scene to the next. I truly enjoyed reading this, and I cannot wait for Book 2. I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book. *I received this an ARC read*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the first book I could not put down, in ages! The characters were all so real, the situations were vivid and moving, I wanted to know what happened every step of the way. I cheered for different things, cried, I laughed, and I wanted more! I cannot wait to see where this series goes, but am so honored I was able to read this story of inner strength and determination against all odds! I also especially appreciated the representation in this story and how beautiful it can be to be part of a community not many take the time to understand and appreciate, the way Barakah so clearly does!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The magic in this book is so well imagined and written that it feels familiar. I feel is if I myself am just a late bloomer to second sight 🤣.
I appreciate the realistic representation of inclusion AND rejection Nova experiences. This helped me identify with Nova's as tenacity and self validation. Barakah Smith is a truly gifted world builder and story teller (I grinned as a read the Wimbo we Watu scene). I am so excited to read the rest of the series.
I appreciate the realistic representation of inclusion AND rejection Nova experiences. This helped me identify with Nova's as tenacity and self validation. Barakah Smith is a truly gifted world builder and story teller (I grinned as a read the Wimbo we Watu scene). I am so excited to read the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was pure perfection! Music in the quiet undertones of humanity deep within a chorus of magic. The world-building, lore, creatures, and unique characters make for a compelling narrative. I did not want to put this down and I'm aching for more. Nova is on my list of all-time most interesting heroes. Well done, Barakah Smith. I look forward to the next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was great! I loved them unique magic system and representation with a deaf MMC. It was gripping and action packed, leaving you always curious about what was going to happen next.
I highly recommend checking this out when it comes out Jan 10!
I highly recommend checking this out when it comes out Jan 10!
Review of advance copy received from Author
No spoilers, but Nova is an amazing character. The world building is solid and immersive, the action scenes do not disappoint and the feelings are real. This was a great read and I'm so excited to continue the series! I'll be following the artist with bated breath.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews