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Blade of Two Faces
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26Never send a man to do a woman's job. Mulan meets Gladiator in this explosive why-choose romantasy!
When I fled from the rotting kingdom of Mador, there was only one thought on my mind—revenge.
For too long the king, my brother, has kept me underneath his iron rule, and I’m hellbent on getting justice for the years I’ve spent as his captive. But the outside world is on the brink of a complete upheaval.
The world’s provinces are colliding in the Imperial Trials—offering men a chance to compete for their mate… and the crown.
If there’s any hope for my plans, I’ll need to put myself right in the middle of it.
My greatest threats? Four ruthless heirs, each with a hidden agenda of their own. Not that it matters.
I’ll enjoy being their ruin.
May the most cunning and ruthless candidate win—or die trying.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
When I fled from the rotting kingdom of Mador, there was only one thought on my mind—revenge.
For too long the king, my brother, has kept me underneath his iron rule, and I’m hellbent on getting justice for the years I’ve spent as his captive. But the outside world is on the brink of a complete upheaval.
The world’s provinces are colliding in the Imperial Trials—offering men a chance to compete for their mate… and the crown.
If there’s any hope for my plans, I’ll need to put myself right in the middle of it.
My greatest threats? Four ruthless heirs, each with a hidden agenda of their own. Not that it matters.
I’ll enjoy being their ruin.
May the most cunning and ruthless candidate win—or die trying.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Blake Blessing
43 books532 followersBlake Blessing is just a working mom that loves art in all forms, and all genres of romance. Although she enjoys writing romance of the steamier variety.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
More now please. This one had me hooked in from the start. Oh, I knew it was going to be good. I would already be in the second book if I had it.
The first 10%~ had some strong sexual assault going on so check your TW. Then it's mostly just bullying.
We have our princess being abused, escape into the monster riddled woods as her last resort. When she thinks she'll die from her lack of survival skills, she's found and saved by a familiar!! (maybe my fave relationship in the book!), and he helps her get to a town to wash up. Seeing how women aren't treated any better in this new world, she decides she'll try life out as a man til she figures out how to get started in this new land. Of course, this is the same time the kingdom/s are starting a mandatory trial for the crown!! (or get thrown to the mines, or die trying, whatever comes first). Also, then there's going to be Mating Trials, so all the women are around flaunting their wares trying to catch a higher status with their snatch..
Our girl makes it through the trials by her wits and quick thinking, making enemies all along the way. The four (princes) of the regions of this realm have a secret alliance among themselves but she is convinced they're no better than anyone else and shouldn't win either, or catch any feminine suitors. Her new powers help her survive, and her enact her petty antics. She makes some friends, gets stuck under some blackmail, keeps getting cornered and bullied by the men, only to turn around and defend them when they're getting bullied. As the men get more focused on her (to destroy her, of course), they aren't all immune to the magnetic pull when they touch.. OH THE TENSION! Everyone thinks everyone else is evil, they want the other put in their place, no one wants to admit the attraction brewing, her male disguise causes even more hesitation on that front, but not completely!! So good.
Killian, the nutter, is of course my fave man. The crazies always pull me in.
This book one had no spice between our main characters (just tension and murdery vibes). But I ain't even mad cuz that plot was good!!
So glad I went for this ARC, thank you Netgalley! The ARC still had some minor typos/misspellings but not enough to think it wasn't edited or be too distracted. Some Elis vs Ellis, blueishbluish, a blut vs but. Minor things.
The first 10%~ had some strong sexual assault going on so check your TW. Then it's mostly just bullying.
We have our princess being abused, escape into the monster riddled woods as her last resort. When she thinks she'll die from her lack of survival skills, she's found and saved by a familiar!! (maybe my fave relationship in the book!), and he helps her get to a town to wash up. Seeing how women aren't treated any better in this new world, she decides she'll try life out as a man til she figures out how to get started in this new land. Of course, this is the same time the kingdom/s are starting a mandatory trial for the crown!! (or get thrown to the mines, or die trying, whatever comes first). Also, then there's going to be Mating Trials, so all the women are around flaunting their wares trying to catch a higher status with their snatch..
Our girl makes it through the trials by her wits and quick thinking, making enemies all along the way. The four (princes) of the regions of this realm have a secret alliance among themselves but she is convinced they're no better than anyone else and shouldn't win either, or catch any feminine suitors. Her new powers help her survive, and her enact her petty antics. She makes some friends, gets stuck under some blackmail, keeps getting cornered and bullied by the men, only to turn around and defend them when they're getting bullied. As the men get more focused on her (to destroy her, of course), they aren't all immune to the magnetic pull when they touch.. OH THE TENSION! Everyone thinks everyone else is evil, they want the other put in their place, no one wants to admit the attraction brewing, her male disguise causes even more hesitation on that front, but not completely!! So good.
Killian, the nutter, is of course my fave man. The crazies always pull me in.
This book one had no spice between our main characters (just tension and murdery vibes). But I ain't even mad cuz that plot was good!!
So glad I went for this ARC, thank you Netgalley! The ARC still had some minor typos/misspellings but not enough to think it wasn't edited or be too distracted. Some Elis vs Ellis, blueishbluish, a blut vs but. Minor things.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A strong FMC, distinct MMCs (finally!), and a unique world full of mysteries. This one hooked me, and I’m impatiently waiting for more.
Once I saw that this book was being compared to Mulan and Gladiator, I had a feeling I would enjoy it. For some reason, I thought this was going to be a standalone, and I’m glad it’s not. There is still a lot that needs to happen in the story, especially a lot of groveling when it comes to the romance. Actually, there needs to be a start to the romance.
For those with triggers, I would recommend reviewing them before going into the book. I didn’t personally find it dark, but there are some descriptions and actions that could be triggering for some readers.
There are a multitude of different elements in this world, along with mysteries surrounding how things came to be. I’m sure this will be explored more in the next books, and we’ll begin to understand why things are the way they are. Some aspects were a little confusing, but I think that’s because we don’t have all the information just yet.
The FMC is strong and brave, and I liked her. As for the MMCs, I really, really appreciate that we can tell them apart. I know that seems like a small thing, but in many RH novels, they tend to blend together. Here, each character has a distinct personality, so you always know who is who.
The concept of familiars is also included in this book, and I like that they aren’t just there for comic relief. There are some quips, but they serve a purpose. They’re also a bit of a mystery, which makes them even more interesting.
Since this was an advanced copy, there were a few inconsistencies, but I’m sure those will be sorted out by the time it’s released. They didn’t affect my overall enjoyment, although they did pull me out of the story once or twice. Not a big deal, and it didn’t impact my rating. I still very much enjoyed the characters and this world. However, I am very upset that this isn’t being released sooner because now I have to wait even longer for book two.
4.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Once I saw that this book was being compared to Mulan and Gladiator, I had a feeling I would enjoy it. For some reason, I thought this was going to be a standalone, and I’m glad it’s not. There is still a lot that needs to happen in the story, especially a lot of groveling when it comes to the romance. Actually, there needs to be a start to the romance.
For those with triggers, I would recommend reviewing them before going into the book. I didn’t personally find it dark, but there are some descriptions and actions that could be triggering for some readers.
There are a multitude of different elements in this world, along with mysteries surrounding how things came to be. I’m sure this will be explored more in the next books, and we’ll begin to understand why things are the way they are. Some aspects were a little confusing, but I think that’s because we don’t have all the information just yet.
The FMC is strong and brave, and I liked her. As for the MMCs, I really, really appreciate that we can tell them apart. I know that seems like a small thing, but in many RH novels, they tend to blend together. Here, each character has a distinct personality, so you always know who is who.
The concept of familiars is also included in this book, and I like that they aren’t just there for comic relief. There are some quips, but they serve a purpose. They’re also a bit of a mystery, which makes them even more interesting.
Since this was an advanced copy, there were a few inconsistencies, but I’m sure those will be sorted out by the time it’s released. They didn’t affect my overall enjoyment, although they did pull me out of the story once or twice. Not a big deal, and it didn’t impact my rating. I still very much enjoyed the characters and this world. However, I am very upset that this isn’t being released sooner because now I have to wait even longer for book two.
4.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
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May 25, 2026Blade of Two Faces is a bold and emotionally intense romantasy that masterfully blends revenge, political intrigue, fierce competition, and compelling relationship dynamics into an addictive reading experience. Blake Blessing crafts a story filled with tension, ambition, and high stakes conflict, creating a fantasy world that feels immersive, dangerous, and impossible to look away from.
What makes the novel especially compelling is its fiercely driven protagonist and the constant emotional and political tension surrounding her journey. Her determination for revenge and freedom gives the narrative strong momentum, while the Imperial Trials create a gripping atmosphere of danger, strategy, and survival. The balance between ruthless ambition and emotional vulnerability adds depth to both the character arcs and the evolving relationships throughout the story.
The worldbuilding and pacing also stand out remarkably well. The clash between kingdoms, hidden agendas, deadly competition, and layered character dynamics create a cinematic reading experience filled with suspense and emotional intensity. Blake Blessing balances fantasy action, romance, intrigue, and emotional development with confidence, delivering a story that feels both epic and deeply engaging.
Fast paced, emotionally gripping, and filled with tension, Blade of Two Faces is a standout romantasy that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy powerful heroines, political fantasy, high stakes competition, and emotionally driven fantasy romance.
What makes the novel especially compelling is its fiercely driven protagonist and the constant emotional and political tension surrounding her journey. Her determination for revenge and freedom gives the narrative strong momentum, while the Imperial Trials create a gripping atmosphere of danger, strategy, and survival. The balance between ruthless ambition and emotional vulnerability adds depth to both the character arcs and the evolving relationships throughout the story.
The worldbuilding and pacing also stand out remarkably well. The clash between kingdoms, hidden agendas, deadly competition, and layered character dynamics create a cinematic reading experience filled with suspense and emotional intensity. Blake Blessing balances fantasy action, romance, intrigue, and emotional development with confidence, delivering a story that feels both epic and deeply engaging.
Fast paced, emotionally gripping, and filled with tension, Blade of Two Faces is a standout romantasy that will strongly resonate with readers who enjoy powerful heroines, political fantasy, high stakes competition, and emotionally driven fantasy romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blade of Two Faces is an engaging and atmospheric start to a new fantasy series that hooked me right away. The world building is rich without ever feeling overwhelming, and the multi POV structure adds a lot of depth, each perspective brings new layers of tension, secrets, and emotional weight to the story. It’s one of those books where every character feels like they’re carrying their own agenda, and watching those threads slowly collide is half the fun.
One of my favorite elements is the animal familiar, which adds both charm and heart to the darker moments. It gives the story a grounded emotional anchor and makes the bond between characters feel even more meaningful.
The pacing is sharp, the magic intriguing, and the character dynamics are full of conflict and chemistry. And just when everything starts to come together, the book ends on a cliffhanger that guarantees you’ll want the next book immediately.
A strong fantasy with great character work and a world you want to spend more time in. Solid 4 stars.
One of my favorite elements is the animal familiar, which adds both charm and heart to the darker moments. It gives the story a grounded emotional anchor and makes the bond between characters feel even more meaningful.
The pacing is sharp, the magic intriguing, and the character dynamics are full of conflict and chemistry. And just when everything starts to come together, the book ends on a cliffhanger that guarantees you’ll want the next book immediately.
A strong fantasy with great character work and a world you want to spend more time in. Solid 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was terribly fun and propulsive - the introductory chapters were a bit rough thematically (very much reminded me of Perrault's Donkeyskin) and with some of the POV switches and my sense of Ellis' sense of the worldbuilding (if that makes sense - purposefully jarring the reader to mirror the main character), and then the narrative hit the ground running. I cannot say how SEATED I am for the sequel. Like, ridiculously here for it.
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May 27, 2026what did I just read?? RTC.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews