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Spirit Knight #1
Spirit Blade: An urban fantasy adventure
Aaron Conner lives a quiet life. He waits tables at a local restaurant, helps keep the apartment building he lives in maintained, and is slowly beginning to realize the cute lawyer upstairs might see more in him than his handyman skills.
But he once walked a very different path. Strangeness at his new job wakes those old instincts, and the extraordinary breaches his carefully ordinary life once more.
He never meant to take up the blade again. He thought he never could. But when innocents are in danger, can he truly walk away?
But he once walked a very different path. Strangeness at his new job wakes those old instincts, and the extraordinary breaches his carefully ordinary life once more.
He never meant to take up the blade again. He thought he never could. But when innocents are in danger, can he truly walk away?
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2026
About the author
Glynn Stewart
114 books1,777 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 12, 2026
A good entry to the genre, well-paced, likable character, interesting plot. The story is well centered with an interesting cast of character that mange to be genuine and interesting at the same time. There is enough plot points in the story to expand the series, as there is a prompt closure in this book.
May 29, 2026
This one was a lot of fun! It's a great intro book, with an interesting and expansive world combined with writing that keeps the cast small and the plot moving. I really liked the pacing, which allowed us to have a lot of time getting to know the characters before the plot really caught fire. All in all, yet another excellent book from this author. I can't wait for the next one!
May 29, 2026
I quite enjoyed the story! Good characters! And as a fan of Ancient Aliens, I know about the Anunnaki!
June 1, 2026
Wow
Great start to a new series. Tons of history (semi-fantastical) and a ton of new Others with powers and problems. Aaron is a man trying to put his life back together after a crushing betrayal of faith. Trained as a warrior to protect humans from soul eating monsters, he has learned that all is not as it was presented. He is a man of deep honor and can no longer follow the directions of his teachers, but can not stop himself from serving and saving. This is his journey.
Great start to a new series. Tons of history (semi-fantastical) and a ton of new Others with powers and problems. Aaron is a man trying to put his life back together after a crushing betrayal of faith. Trained as a warrior to protect humans from soul eating monsters, he has learned that all is not as it was presented. He is a man of deep honor and can no longer follow the directions of his teachers, but can not stop himself from serving and saving. This is his journey.
May 24, 2026
This was a great book. There's so many things I want to add to this review but can't to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say that just like Aaron, the worldbuilding of the Spirit Knight universe is deeper than it appears at first glace. And it's well worth exploring.
Aaron, true to the author's brand, is a white knight in many senses of the phrase, although in this case he is also a disgraced knight from a former secreting Catholic demon hunting order. This history is an important part of Aaron's backstory but doesn't bog down the book; he's moved on as much as he dares given [spoilers] and the narrative only dwells when it's plot relevant.
The cat on the cover belongs to his neighbor / crush and plays an important role in the story, while the romantic subplot is sweet and adds to the plot. It's also closed door, and the fact they start bonding over a mutual appreciation of queer indie bands - particularly Magica Riot, a nod to Kara Buchanan's trans magical girl novels - was a lovely touch.
Aaron, true to the author's brand, is a white knight in many senses of the phrase, although in this case he is also a disgraced knight from a former secreting Catholic demon hunting order. This history is an important part of Aaron's backstory but doesn't bog down the book; he's moved on as much as he dares given [spoilers] and the narrative only dwells when it's plot relevant.
The cat on the cover belongs to his neighbor / crush and plays an important role in the story, while the romantic subplot is sweet and adds to the plot. It's also closed door, and the fact they start bonding over a mutual appreciation of queer indie bands - particularly Magica Riot, a nod to Kara Buchanan's trans magical girl novels - was a lovely touch.
May 23, 2026
Spirit Blade by Glenn Stewart
A book like this is proof Glenn Stewart has earned his place on my top 10 Favorite Authors list. I buy his books and read them often.
This is a well written story with believable characters and lots of action that carries the momentum of the plot. The world building and magic is intriguing and I look forward to the sequels.
A book like this is proof Glenn Stewart has earned his place on my top 10 Favorite Authors list. I buy his books and read them often.
This is a well written story with believable characters and lots of action that carries the momentum of the plot. The world building and magic is intriguing and I look forward to the sequels.
May 22, 2026
A strong return to Urban reality, far from the realm of Space drama. Glynn Stewart introduces us to Aaron Conner, a new cast of individual players and presented them in a seemingly normal city environment.
Arron lives a mundane existence that is far different from his past activities, until it isn’t… Not all around him is normal, as he is destined to find out. Circumstances escalate under the skilful penmanship and imagination of our author, who took me on this journey of discovery into an environment that kept me turning pages, as characters disclosed some alarming traits.
I enjoyed this opening chapter very much, the structure is solid and has the potential to make this new saga something special, I look forward to #2.
Arron lives a mundane existence that is far different from his past activities, until it isn’t… Not all around him is normal, as he is destined to find out. Circumstances escalate under the skilful penmanship and imagination of our author, who took me on this journey of discovery into an environment that kept me turning pages, as characters disclosed some alarming traits.
I enjoyed this opening chapter very much, the structure is solid and has the potential to make this new saga something special, I look forward to #2.
June 15, 2026
Spirit Blade won me over because the story has weight behind it.
Aaron is not a hero chasing destiny. He is someone trying to stay away from a past that already cost him too much. That makes his return to danger feel personal instead of predictable. His choices matter, and the people around him feel like more than pieces on a board.
The world is revealed at the right pace, with enough mystery to keep the pages moving and enough emotional grounding to make the stakes feel real. The magic and action are strong, but the character work is what gives the book its impact.
It also works well as a first book in a series. The story feels satisfying on its own, while still leaving plenty to look forward to.
Five stars. I am ready for the next one.
Aaron is not a hero chasing destiny. He is someone trying to stay away from a past that already cost him too much. That makes his return to danger feel personal instead of predictable. His choices matter, and the people around him feel like more than pieces on a board.
The world is revealed at the right pace, with enough mystery to keep the pages moving and enough emotional grounding to make the stakes feel real. The magic and action are strong, but the character work is what gives the book its impact.
It also works well as a first book in a series. The story feels satisfying on its own, while still leaving plenty to look forward to.
Five stars. I am ready for the next one.
July 31, 2026
Glynn Stewart has an urban fantasy tale that will probably have sequels. Aaron Conner was once a knight of a Catholic order fighting feeders from that dropped through a veil to our world. There are others from those worlds that don’t feed on human souls, and when the order attacked them, he lost his faith, and his Spirit Blade(paper from Faolan's Pen Publishing Inc.). Now he hides as a bartender. Then he takes a job at a private club, and happens on clients torturing a girl to death. After he rescues her, he is forced to reclaim faith and his blade.
Working with a sorceress and a Dwarf he has to fight an ancient feeder out for his blood. Very exciting.
Working with a sorceress and a Dwarf he has to fight an ancient feeder out for his blood. Very exciting.
Read
June 10, 2026So what do we have here...
- A 2 meter tall, British, black clad guy with a magic katana blade
- who works in bars
- and has a dark past
- and his former boss is Polish, named with all the correct diactric signs and a surname that actually looks properly Polish.
I'd love to think that my old juvenile work that I won't make a mistake of re-publishing ever again inspired someone to do better, but unfortunately there's about 1% of the chance since we all pull from the same sources.
Nice job, by the way.
- A 2 meter tall, British, black clad guy with a magic katana blade
- who works in bars
- and has a dark past
- and his former boss is Polish, named with all the correct diactric signs and a surname that actually looks properly Polish.
I'd love to think that my old juvenile work that I won't make a mistake of re-publishing ever again inspired someone to do better, but unfortunately there's about 1% of the chance since we all pull from the same sources.
Nice job, by the way.
June 20, 2026
Very different to the Starship Mage books
Having read the Starship Mage series I was expecting a similar premise. This is very different. It is set in Canada for a start. Spirit Blade was very enjoyable, with a great protagonist who starts off appearing to be a little unsure of his role and where he has found himself. All of the characters are nicely finished and the story unfolds beautifully as expected from Glynn Stewart. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Having read the Starship Mage series I was expecting a similar premise. This is very different. It is set in Canada for a start. Spirit Blade was very enjoyable, with a great protagonist who starts off appearing to be a little unsure of his role and where he has found himself. All of the characters are nicely finished and the story unfolds beautifully as expected from Glynn Stewart. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A great read! This is like the author mixed his ONSET series with his Changeling Blood series, sprinkled in a little Starship's Mage, and added a strong dose of litrpg to create this. Fans of James E. Wisher's 72 Demons series need to read this!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
standard quality for the author
A entertaining read wth some cool mythology, but nothing groundbreaking or shocking. Pretty pridctable. If you’ve read this author before then you know what to expect. Some LGBTQ virtue signaling that adds nothing to the story that might trigger some.
A entertaining read wth some cool mythology, but nothing groundbreaking or shocking. Pretty pridctable. If you’ve read this author before then you know what to expect. Some LGBTQ virtue signaling that adds nothing to the story that might trigger some.
May 25, 2026
What a great read!!
This is an excellent story with loads of action and daringdo. If you are into fantasy fiction with great characters and background, this is a must for you. I couldn't put it down. This is book 1 in an obvious new series by one if the consistently gokd authors of the SciFi and Fantasy genres. Get it now. You will not be disappointed.
This is an excellent story with loads of action and daringdo. If you are into fantasy fiction with great characters and background, this is a must for you. I couldn't put it down. This is book 1 in an obvious new series by one if the consistently gokd authors of the SciFi and Fantasy genres. Get it now. You will not be disappointed.
June 5, 2026
Another great book by Glynn Stewart
Glynn Stewart has written another great book in a new genre. As usual, I stopped reading the other book I was reading when this one showed up in my Kindle library. The story is nice, the characters are interesting and likable. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
Glynn Stewart has written another great book in a new genre. As usual, I stopped reading the other book I was reading when this one showed up in my Kindle library. The story is nice, the characters are interesting and likable. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
June 18, 2026
works without faith
A former catholic Templar doing his thing in a little town of nowhere gets pulled back into the magical underworld.
Bit of loveable (lethal) rogue, bit of making fun of a white guy with a katana, and a lot of complexity regarding goodies and baddies and the gradual corruption of ideals.
A former catholic Templar doing his thing in a little town of nowhere gets pulled back into the magical underworld.
Bit of loveable (lethal) rogue, bit of making fun of a white guy with a katana, and a lot of complexity regarding goodies and baddies and the gradual corruption of ideals.
June 27, 2026
Excellent
Excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre, and to the author’s canon. Very interesting world building, or worlds building, I look forward to finding out more about how the systems work. Add a clever cat, and extremely Canadian setting, and the whole book was a delight.
Excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre, and to the author’s canon. Very interesting world building, or worlds building, I look forward to finding out more about how the systems work. Add a clever cat, and extremely Canadian setting, and the whole book was a delight.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the book as it was fun, intriguing and flowed nicely. The characters were very interesting and well developed as is usual for this author. I’m not sure if there will be another book, but I hope so.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2026
Excellent new world.
Glynn Stewart is a top notch story teller, and I appreciate that each of his worlds is different, and the storylines are unique. This is a great start to a new series, and a new world. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Glynn Stewart is a top notch story teller, and I appreciate that each of his worlds is different, and the storylines are unique. This is a great start to a new series, and a new world. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
May 25, 2026
Reminiscent of Serve and Protect
Love, love, loved it! Suspected some things through the progression, turned out correct, but wrong. Great read! Looking forward to next installment
Love, love, loved it! Suspected some things through the progression, turned out correct, but wrong. Great read! Looking forward to next installment
May 25, 2026
A little cozy
While it ended up in a spectacular battle, a lot of this book veered toward the retired mercenary turned bartender/tavern keeper trope. I will read the next one, interested to see how it develops.
While it ended up in a spectacular battle, a lot of this book veered toward the retired mercenary turned bartender/tavern keeper trope. I will read the next one, interested to see how it develops.
May 28, 2026
Pleasant surprise
The artwork & title didn't really grab me, but the blurb made it worth trying and I'm glad I did. Interesting worldbuilding without forcing you in, characters worth following and an interesting story. Bring on the next!
The artwork & title didn't really grab me, but the blurb made it worth trying and I'm glad I did. Interesting worldbuilding without forcing you in, characters worth following and an interesting story. Bring on the next!
Read
June 5, 2026I loved the first half of the book which felt like a supernatural thriller with some romance and mystery. The second half felt mostly like an action movie. I ended up skipping several of the later chapters and didn't feel like I missed anything important.
June 15, 2026
Amazing new hero in the supernatural realm
Mr. Stewart is an imaginative and capable teller of great stories and characters no matter what genre he turns his imagination towards. I hope he continues to write this character's ongoing story and offer more insight into his history.
Mr. Stewart is an imaginative and capable teller of great stories and characters no matter what genre he turns his imagination towards. I hope he continues to write this character's ongoing story and offer more insight into his history.
June 16, 2026
Best one yet
I'm not going to explain anything about it because exploring the world, the story and the characters is best done by reading it.
It's a perfect story and no review can do it justice.
I'm not going to explain anything about it because exploring the world, the story and the characters is best done by reading it.
It's a perfect story and no review can do it justice.
June 22, 2026
Solid entertaining read
Solid storyline and entertaining read. It set a good foundation for the characters. Look forward to the future books. 4 stars but only because you have to reserve room for LOTR.
Solid storyline and entertaining read. It set a good foundation for the characters. Look forward to the future books. 4 stars but only because you have to reserve room for LOTR.
June 24, 2026
interesting story that kept me hooked
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little bit mystery, little bit romance, little bit fantasy and well written. Negative: There are quite a few typos that were distracting.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little bit mystery, little bit romance, little bit fantasy and well written. Negative: There are quite a few typos that were distracting.
June 29, 2026
great new world and characters
Very enjoyable. I enjoyed the starship maze series very much. This is completely different but also excellent.
I am hoping there will be a another book in the series available soon.
Very enjoyable. I enjoyed the starship maze series very much. This is completely different but also excellent.
I am hoping there will be a another book in the series available soon.
June 30, 2026
Loved it
World view is interesting. Definitely urban fantasy but with a moderate burn. Characters are good. The lead is stuck in his own head and needs friends to pull him out to f t. Just nice
World view is interesting. Definitely urban fantasy but with a moderate burn. Characters are good. The lead is stuck in his own head and needs friends to pull him out to f t. Just nice
July 14, 2026
Broke my reading slump!
This book was not like the others I have read from this author. However, the tone, and richness of his other works shines through in this book just as well, in a slightly new and exciting way. Can’t wait to see where this series goes!
This book was not like the others I have read from this author. However, the tone, and richness of his other works shines through in this book just as well, in a slightly new and exciting way. Can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews