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Ishtar's Legacy #1
Ishtar's Blade
The court of the gryphon king has ever been a dangerous and seductive place where Ishtar’s blessing is both the hot breath of passion and the cold kiss of steel.Yet as the childhood companion of King Ditanu, Iltani never doubted her place in either his kingdom or his heart. Then duty called her away to complete her training.Now, a woman grown and a sword-maiden to the goddess Ishtar, Iltani returns and takes up her sacred destiny to protect the royal line. But so much has changed.Ditanu most of all.The youth she knew is gone. A stoic, untouchable king now sits the throne.Does anything of their once deep bond survive?Iltani must swiftly find her place in a court where cunning governors plot treason, trusted advisors orchestrate deceptions, and noblewomen seek to beguile King Ditanu using methods both fair and foul.But the greatest threat of all is no mortal adversary. Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Underworld, desires to make Ditanu her consort and seize his kingdom for her own.Ishtar's Blade is a fantasy romance loosely based on ancient Sumerian and Akkadian mythology. It's book 1 of the Ishtar's Legacy series.Ishtar's Legacy Reading Ishtar's BladeA Blade's Beginning (short story)Blade's HonorBlade's DestinyThe Blade's ShadowFirst Queen of the GryphonsKing of the Anunnaki (Forthcoming)
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2016
722 people are currently reading
2462 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books312 followersLisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 3, 2016
Perhaps this book is more suited to teenagers and young adults.
The problem I have with Ishtar's Blade is the lack of character development throughout the entire book. The book has so many potential with its theme and setting: the gryphon-human race, set in a fantasy world, action-packed with magic and sword/blade fighting, and a political driven plot complicated by court intrigue. And yet, all there is to read was how horny and desperate Ishtar is for the gryphon king.
Overall, this is a predictable love story that has missed many opportunities to make this a great read.
The problem I have with Ishtar's Blade is the lack of character development throughout the entire book. The book has so many potential with its theme and setting: the gryphon-human race, set in a fantasy world, action-packed with magic and sword/blade fighting, and a political driven plot complicated by court intrigue. And yet, all there is to read was how horny and desperate Ishtar is for the gryphon king.
Overall, this is a predictable love story that has missed many opportunities to make this a great read.
Want to read
February 7, 2021I have no idea what this is about, I'm here for the cover.
February 17, 2018
The book Ishtar's Blade by Lisa Blackwood really had potential, but sadly wasn't used and ended up being a disappointing and shockingly sad love story.
It had an intriguing plot and an interesting magical world. The buildup was very good. But in the end it all crashed down by simplicity, rushed and a lack of the creativity shown in the beginning.
The heroine was the one part that ruined the whole book for me. First we got stuck too much in her head. The balance between inner monologues, plot and dialogues wasn't given in the first 50%. Although i was hooked at first by the twist of things. Secondly her character reminded my of a female growing up in a women oppressed, fanatical religious cult. For a 21th century writer i was baffled to read about a heroine who has no self-worth at all. I was actually appalled by her. I get that she loves him, and they have spent 17 years of their life's together. It would have been ok, if she craved him in secret but had the strength to not openly show it. The sacrifices she would endure and was willing to do just to be with him, in any way possible, which the reader gets to endure a lot in her inner monologues, are more than appalling, ancient and oppressed thinking. Given the situation and his supposedly decisions in the beginning. It is one of the weakest female characters when it comes to herself i have read in a long long time. And i am not talking about her fighting skills and loyalty to protect him as a warrior. He did not even fight for her, or showed any character trait or actions that he is worth any of her feelings for one. He just was. He did not grovel or showed any remorse in the end or respect for her feelings. And to tell me it was to protect her, is the silliest argument ever. He protected his consort, so he would have been able to protect her as well. They kept successfully secret that she is the kings blade but aren't able to keep successfully secret that they are mates? Then he goes in a grieving meltdown, about the death of his mate? Although we learn in the end that could not be possible as for one, the person wasn't his tue mate and for two he should have felt her through the link. So many inconsistencies in the reasoning, which in the end made the whole love story a farce and a shame for all what women have achieved all over the world for themselves in the last decades.
Don't get me wrong, i love my alpha heros. But this, this is bloody sad to read. The first night they sleep together and they are not even in their own bodies and minds.
For the plot i mentioned, before my rant. There was such an intriguing and compelling build up and in the end, they literally stumble over the bad guys by accident.
It had an intriguing plot and an interesting magical world. The buildup was very good. But in the end it all crashed down by simplicity, rushed and a lack of the creativity shown in the beginning.
The heroine was the one part that ruined the whole book for me. First we got stuck too much in her head. The balance between inner monologues, plot and dialogues wasn't given in the first 50%. Although i was hooked at first by the twist of things. Secondly her character reminded my of a female growing up in a women oppressed, fanatical religious cult. For a 21th century writer i was baffled to read about a heroine who has no self-worth at all. I was actually appalled by her. I get that she loves him, and they have spent 17 years of their life's together. It would have been ok, if she craved him in secret but had the strength to not openly show it. The sacrifices she would endure and was willing to do just to be with him, in any way possible, which the reader gets to endure a lot in her inner monologues, are more than appalling, ancient and oppressed thinking. Given the situation and his supposedly decisions in the beginning. It is one of the weakest female characters when it comes to herself i have read in a long long time. And i am not talking about her fighting skills and loyalty to protect him as a warrior. He did not even fight for her, or showed any character trait or actions that he is worth any of her feelings for one. He just was. He did not grovel or showed any remorse in the end or respect for her feelings. And to tell me it was to protect her, is the silliest argument ever. He protected his consort, so he would have been able to protect her as well. They kept successfully secret that she is the kings blade but aren't able to keep successfully secret that they are mates? Then he goes in a grieving meltdown, about the death of his mate? Although we learn in the end that could not be possible as for one, the person wasn't his tue mate and for two he should have felt her through the link. So many inconsistencies in the reasoning, which in the end made the whole love story a farce and a shame for all what women have achieved all over the world for themselves in the last decades.
Don't get me wrong, i love my alpha heros. But this, this is bloody sad to read. The first night they sleep together and they are not even in their own bodies and minds.
For the plot i mentioned, before my rant. There was such an intriguing and compelling build up and in the end, they literally stumble over the bad guys by accident.
February 16, 2019
When I picked up this book I really didnt know what to expect. Obviously, I was intrigued, but I've come across quite a few hit and misses lately.
Ishtar's Blade was fabulous. Blackwood created a unique world that instantly captures your interests. The characters were unique and strong. The solid storyline provides a lovely escape into a beautiful world.
Ishtar's Blade was fabulous. Blackwood created a unique world that instantly captures your interests. The characters were unique and strong. The solid storyline provides a lovely escape into a beautiful world.
April 1, 2016
I honestly really enjoyed this book.
It's a mildly mature young adult novel.
It has an amazing plot and story line.
I wish it was a series or trilogy to be able to finish the story.
I did feel there was build up on things that were never finished or elaborated on.
I felt it ended very abruptly and didn't close out some of the story lines that were made into important matters through out the book.
Also, there were times when big events would happen and important people were suddenly ignored, or were suddenly unimportant to the story.
Sometimes it felt like the author wanted to focus on the whole of the story and then suddenly wanted all the side characters out of the way, (even though some of the side characters were an important part to the story) and didn't want to elaborate or discuss any outside stories.
It took away some from the story, as some of the side characters MADE the story more intricate and interesting.
Other than that, the plot and the story line kept me entranced and wanting more.
I could not put the book down and even dreamed of the story when I slept.
I can only wish one day I will be able to find a similar story with that takes more than a day to end.
I'm honestly sad the book ended so quickly and now I'm desperately trying to find a replacement!
Happy Reading :)
It's a mildly mature young adult novel.
It has an amazing plot and story line.
I wish it was a series or trilogy to be able to finish the story.
I did feel there was build up on things that were never finished or elaborated on.
I felt it ended very abruptly and didn't close out some of the story lines that were made into important matters through out the book.
Also, there were times when big events would happen and important people were suddenly ignored, or were suddenly unimportant to the story.
Sometimes it felt like the author wanted to focus on the whole of the story and then suddenly wanted all the side characters out of the way, (even though some of the side characters were an important part to the story) and didn't want to elaborate or discuss any outside stories.
It took away some from the story, as some of the side characters MADE the story more intricate and interesting.
Other than that, the plot and the story line kept me entranced and wanting more.
I could not put the book down and even dreamed of the story when I slept.
I can only wish one day I will be able to find a similar story with that takes more than a day to end.
I'm honestly sad the book ended so quickly and now I'm desperately trying to find a replacement!
Happy Reading :)
November 26, 2017
A shitty romance plot with the heroine in love with a mated / married hero, whose wife is a traitor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2019)! 🎁
April 5, 2016
I wasn't expecting much when I picked this up for a late night read. I didn't want anything too heavy, and boy, did it come through on the "light" side of light reading. I'm pretty torrent of godaweful characterisation when it's the wee hours, but this takes it too far. Our shallow leading lady has no backbone and her only interest is getting laid. We have some cute background but the relationship itself is entirely sex based with little evidence of any real bond though we get reminded of its supposed existence often enough. The lead lady isn't the only one to suffer from complete lack of characterisation. Everyone does. One, two notes at best. Nothing interesting. And there was so much potential.
Our lead man is only there to be in love with our lead lady. Of and pretext his babies. Which the author has no qualms about killing off after doing her best to objectify them. But it's ok because that aren't human looking. Such is why we are going to casually kill toddlers in our light reading romance novel. Eugh.
Oh yes, and the lead lady is also horrifically stupid. I get the author wants us to know things she doesn't for dramatic tension but there are limits, after which the main character is just bring stupid and not paying attention. Probably because she wants to get laid so very badly.
Awful waste of time. Dint even recommend it for guilty pleasure reading.
Our lead man is only there to be in love with our lead lady. Of and pretext his babies. Which the author has no qualms about killing off after doing her best to objectify them. But it's ok because that aren't human looking. Such is why we are going to casually kill toddlers in our light reading romance novel. Eugh.
Oh yes, and the lead lady is also horrifically stupid. I get the author wants us to know things she doesn't for dramatic tension but there are limits, after which the main character is just bring stupid and not paying attention. Probably because she wants to get laid so very badly.
Awful waste of time. Dint even recommend it for guilty pleasure reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Ishtar's Blade begins when Iltani is finally to return home after four years of training to be the king's blade. However, once home it's a lot different than she imagined, and it seems the king, his wife, and their oldest friend are all keeping secrets from her.
Iltani has a lot to learn before she can take on this fight, but along the way she gets the help of her best friend and the man she's been in love with for years.
This book was very good. The heroine was very strong, and courage. And I really enjoyed her and the king's relationship. However, some parts of the book where somewhat confusing, but it explains itself in the end, and it turns out a lot better.
This ended with a pretty happy ending, and I really enjoyed it. Even though I really didn't like the fact that the king had a "wife" it still works out in the end. This was a very interesting fantasy read with lots of action, and some romance.
Iltani has a lot to learn before she can take on this fight, but along the way she gets the help of her best friend and the man she's been in love with for years.
This book was very good. The heroine was very strong, and courage. And I really enjoyed her and the king's relationship. However, some parts of the book where somewhat confusing, but it explains itself in the end, and it turns out a lot better.
This ended with a pretty happy ending, and I really enjoyed it. Even though I really didn't like the fact that the king had a "wife" it still works out in the end. This was a very interesting fantasy read with lots of action, and some romance.
May 18, 2016
So Iltani has the marking of the goddess that keeps her at the king's side. She quickly comes to power, uncovers the plot, saves four lives, and talks or thinks nonstop of how much she loves her king and finds him attractive. There is one heck of a convoluted love triangle happening in this book that I think you probably need to be inebriated to understand.
Here's what I liked: the lore.
Here's what I didn't like: Iltani thinking; spoilers it's about the king. Always. Ishtar is way overpowered, but then the way the author nerfed (for lack of a better term) Iltani was weird. The explanation of the Consort and how Ditanu got around that. That's just the first things that pop into my mind. This book suffers from poor editing and grammatical errors. This could be a great story, but it was executed poorly.
Here's what I liked: the lore.
Here's what I didn't like: Iltani thinking; spoilers it's about the king. Always. Ishtar is way overpowered, but then the way the author nerfed (for lack of a better term) Iltani was weird. The explanation of the Consort and how Ditanu got around that. That's just the first things that pop into my mind. This book suffers from poor editing and grammatical errors. This could be a great story, but it was executed poorly.
March 1, 2016
Unique, suspenseful with just dab of mystery.
I loved the characters and their strong relationship.
I know I loved this book because I stayed up until 3 am reading it!! Lisa Blackwood strikes another one out of the park with this book.
I loved the characters and their strong relationship.
I know I loved this book because I stayed up until 3 am reading it!! Lisa Blackwood strikes another one out of the park with this book.
May 21, 2019
Loved it!!!!
Can't wait to read the next book in this series. The characters were believable. I loved the back story of this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with romance and intrigue.
Can't wait to read the next book in this series. The characters were believable. I loved the back story of this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy with romance and intrigue.
March 1, 2022
Heart-breaking in places
June 17, 2016
Like a lot of other reviewers I loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down, but when I got to the end I felt a little underwhelmed. The romance aspect of the story is wrapped up nicely, but the rest of the story needs to be finished. We are given a glimpse of this amazing fantasy world, where gryphons have a human form, and Goddess' come and go as they please. There is court intrigue, and betrayal, and the main characters have to navigate their way through it to find out who is loyal to the crown, and who wants to take it for themselves. It all seems to start rather well, but then seems to end abruptly. They find some of the traitors, but not all, and I was left with more questions than answers. There seems to be no indication that there will be more to this story, but as it just came out in February 2016, I have hopes that there will be more. I gave it 4 stars for now, because of the unfinished feel, but I will change my rating to 5 stars later on if we get more to the story, and it feels a little more finished.
April 15, 2016
So torn... 3.5
Man, I enjoyed this book enough to stay up until 1 AM reading it . I loved the concept, the cultures were interesting, and I enjoyed the characters. A caution, there were some steamy bits that I ended up skimming/skipping so just a heads up. Not much and easy to spot, but if you're sensitive to that you would want to know there will be a few scenes.
The thing to really be aware of, though, is that if you read this on Kindle, the book actually ends at 80%. The last part is an excerpt from another book. This is important because I got to what was supposed to be the final battle and resolution and had no idea. I expected another set of twists and complications because I still had 20% left. I turned the page and suddenly saw "the end" and it was a let down. If you know ahead of time, you can appreciate the climax. The immediate resolution to final battle feels a little fast but it's still good.
Man, I enjoyed this book enough to stay up until 1 AM reading it . I loved the concept, the cultures were interesting, and I enjoyed the characters. A caution, there were some steamy bits that I ended up skimming/skipping so just a heads up. Not much and easy to spot, but if you're sensitive to that you would want to know there will be a few scenes.
The thing to really be aware of, though, is that if you read this on Kindle, the book actually ends at 80%. The last part is an excerpt from another book. This is important because I got to what was supposed to be the final battle and resolution and had no idea. I expected another set of twists and complications because I still had 20% left. I turned the page and suddenly saw "the end" and it was a let down. If you know ahead of time, you can appreciate the climax. The immediate resolution to final battle feels a little fast but it's still good.
March 10, 2016
This was a great "my brain is on vacation" read. I stayed up a bit past my bedtime reading it, which is a good indicator I enjoyed the plot and pacing. I wish there could have been more character development. Or rather, I think this story could be made longer and juicer if it were two books. We could then spend some quality time with each character, and there could be a bit more depth to them.
It is unclear if there will be more books to come following these characters. Fingers are crossed Blackwood will consider it. Bottom line: if you enjoy light fantasy and need something fun to read, I would recommend this book.
It is unclear if there will be more books to come following these characters. Fingers are crossed Blackwood will consider it. Bottom line: if you enjoy light fantasy and need something fun to read, I would recommend this book.
April 25, 2016
I was surprised by this book. It came out of nowhere for me. I ended up spending time I was supposed to be working to finish reading this book. The world building is fairly detailed though some of the descriptions are a little too detailed for me. Overall, I liked the character of Iltani, though I got a little tired of her self sacrificing by the end. I liked how she did a lot of the saving and wished she'd brought some of that fire to her personal life. The relationship between her and Ditanu was sweet and kept me interested even with all that was going on. I was hoping for the direction it went. This book did a good job of making me laugh, cry and smile.
March 16, 2016
A light fluffy read with an interesting plot, good action, and pretty solid world building. Also has lamassu creatures that I am all about.
The main character is a odd mix of mature and innocent who was occasionally annoying in her naïveté but was still very likable. The king was perhaps my favorite character.
A nice vacation read or a lounge on the couch and forget it all type book.
The main character is a odd mix of mature and innocent who was occasionally annoying in her naïveté but was still very likable. The king was perhaps my favorite character.
A nice vacation read or a lounge on the couch and forget it all type book.
March 20, 2016
Romance was a little meh but the action and political intrigue made it all the more worth it. Really kept me guessing all the way through.
Final Thoughts: Read/Pass
Final Thoughts: Read/Pass
March 26, 2016
This has got to have a sequel right? Cos I still have some questions
October 17, 2016
Iltani left her island home a girl of seventeen, when Burrukan - Leader of the King’s Shadows - chose her for his apprentice. Born into the life of a protector Iltani returns a woman of twenty-one, to again take her position in Nineveh, the ruling seat of the then Gryphon King: King Ditanu. If he chooses to have her still, she'll again become his ever present shadow, ready to give her life for his.
Well that is, if she was just any other King's Shadow, the elitely trained warriors as the last line of defense. At birth however she was chosen by the Goddess Ishtar's (Queen of the Night) to be her Blade. Years of waiting for all that entails to be raised in proof of the birthmark spanning her spine; which just that morning finally glittered with soft gold and indigo power. Now she would start her time as the reflection of an eight millenia old pact between the Goddess and the Gryphon Kings.
If not for the wisdom and patience of her mentors, Burrukan and Ishtar's High Priestess Kammani, she would never have continued believing she was the Blade. For if truth be known it wasn't the wait to see if her birthright would be born that was hardest to contend with, it was the question of whether Ditanu still held her aloft within his heart that worried her without relief. Growing together their first seventeen years had forged room for only one man in Iltani's heart; even as she read his letter of having been mated she stubbornly held out hope that her longing wasn't solitary.
With this in mind but temporarily forgotten, she cannot grasp the turn of events when upon their arrival and before disembarking for the throne room, Burrukan finally breaks his silence. Before she can even step off their little skiff to take the stairs to what her heart has cried out silently for the past four years, her mentor hands her two stacks of letters with declarations of his potential treason. These unopened letters dating as far back as her departure for the island of her training must inevitably contain the information that would put the King at risk for her mentor to have withheld them. In the second betrayal she comes to realise she could not possibly examine them before her timely meeting with the king.
Upon entry to the throne room it is the king who last establishes his "little shadow's" return has come. As Iltani takes in the now adult form of her boy king, as she last remembers him from the night of his coronation, the last time she saw him, he wraps her in his arms showing the friendly affection he'd always shown toward her. As Iltani takes in the obvious love his consort has toward Ditanu, she is bombarded by the affection of his three brooding cubs.
Finally coming to realise the rightness of the match and growing family of gryphon rulers, her mind starts to wrap around why it must be so; even if her heart is unwilling to follow. Never in the thousands of years of the gryphon kings and dynasties has there been more than a symbolic marriage between a gryphon ruler and goddess's blade. As the cubs scent and mark her with obvious affection, Iltani's emotions slowly settle sufficiently enough for her to enjoy the reunion. Just these small sentiments are enough for her to realise that regardless of it all, the royal family have all entered the field of her protection, even the royal consort as her goddess gifts allow her to see the quality of her soul.
Following a meal of renewed bonds the court is once more returned to session. As her mentor and her king debate the suitable time for her blooding ceremony, bonding her by blood to her king and renewing once again the goddess's support of succession of the gryphon kings, readers are informed of the rarity of blades within the history of the kings. Iltani is the first in half a millennia and only one of several in the last few thousand years.
Since her birth and the fateful night she was made orphan only four people have been trusted with the truth of her existence. It seems that in the history of gryphon rulers, where assassinations and coupes are far from uncommon, being Ishtar's Blade has always painted a target on those birthmarked with his or her destiny. Just as her mentor, the only fatherly role she's ever known, cautions for time to settle her in before instigating the target on her shoulders, her king and ultimate decision-maker pushes for the ceremony at the soonest opportunity.
Thus Iltani's true destined existence is set to be publicly sanctioned in less than forty-eight hours of her return. That there is a very real and historically proven threat is exemplified by the fact that just nineteen years ago the current king's family, his mother and siblings, Iltani's parents, and most of the then King's Shadows were all killed in one fateful night by multiple assassins who breached the royal palace. Ditanu's father later dying from his grief as his gryphon self slipped into the madness of mated gryphon's grief when one of the bonded pair passes into the afterlife. Whether Iltani's training and burgeoning magic will be up to par for the role she was fated to perform will undoubtedly come into question.
Planned for the same day is the much anticipated formal sanctioning of the chosen heir and regent should the king and his consort die before the chosen heir reaches the age of succession. The sanctioned rule of the gryphon kings (or queens) must be protected if the pact between goddess and ruler of the ten-city's is to maintain it's place throughout the ten lands. Hidden away by magic and faith in their gods and goddesses the ten lands existed in peace and seclusion within a dome of what should've been impenetrable magic.
But just as the naming of the heir apparent and the ceremonial blooding is complete Ishtar's magic warns and confirms the seemingly impossible has happened: the temple and ceremonies come under the direst of attacks. Endless numbers of cutt-throats and pirates have obtained land and harbour. As the kingdom's entourage and celebrants, which should've been a prosperous turning point for current generation, begin to fall twisted and torn in death, the undoubted targets also begin to fall in battle. Much takes place to assure the lineage is not fully broken but just who will be alive to successfully retreat will turn planned joy to heartbreak and grief.
A detailed society mixed with the splendours of mythology and an ancient Egyptian way of life brings wonder and glory to a plot thick with magic and battle. Rage contrast with subtle tenderness, duty with betrayal, power with hopelessnes, the dichotomies of the storylines make for a complete indulgence in a mystical plot which captivates your imagination. Fluent narration and dialogue bring the characters to life. The enjoyment from Lisa Blackwood's paranormal and urban fantasy endeavours extend to this more traditional kind of fantasy. A rare standalone amongst her growing library Ishtar's Blade is amongst the most notable of Lisa's titles. Its always fulfilling to sink into worthy sagas but a well completed and rounded story can achieve as much with less effort; if its done well, as herein.
Well that is, if she was just any other King's Shadow, the elitely trained warriors as the last line of defense. At birth however she was chosen by the Goddess Ishtar's (Queen of the Night) to be her Blade. Years of waiting for all that entails to be raised in proof of the birthmark spanning her spine; which just that morning finally glittered with soft gold and indigo power. Now she would start her time as the reflection of an eight millenia old pact between the Goddess and the Gryphon Kings.
If not for the wisdom and patience of her mentors, Burrukan and Ishtar's High Priestess Kammani, she would never have continued believing she was the Blade. For if truth be known it wasn't the wait to see if her birthright would be born that was hardest to contend with, it was the question of whether Ditanu still held her aloft within his heart that worried her without relief. Growing together their first seventeen years had forged room for only one man in Iltani's heart; even as she read his letter of having been mated she stubbornly held out hope that her longing wasn't solitary.
With this in mind but temporarily forgotten, she cannot grasp the turn of events when upon their arrival and before disembarking for the throne room, Burrukan finally breaks his silence. Before she can even step off their little skiff to take the stairs to what her heart has cried out silently for the past four years, her mentor hands her two stacks of letters with declarations of his potential treason. These unopened letters dating as far back as her departure for the island of her training must inevitably contain the information that would put the King at risk for her mentor to have withheld them. In the second betrayal she comes to realise she could not possibly examine them before her timely meeting with the king.
Upon entry to the throne room it is the king who last establishes his "little shadow's" return has come. As Iltani takes in the now adult form of her boy king, as she last remembers him from the night of his coronation, the last time she saw him, he wraps her in his arms showing the friendly affection he'd always shown toward her. As Iltani takes in the obvious love his consort has toward Ditanu, she is bombarded by the affection of his three brooding cubs.
Finally coming to realise the rightness of the match and growing family of gryphon rulers, her mind starts to wrap around why it must be so; even if her heart is unwilling to follow. Never in the thousands of years of the gryphon kings and dynasties has there been more than a symbolic marriage between a gryphon ruler and goddess's blade. As the cubs scent and mark her with obvious affection, Iltani's emotions slowly settle sufficiently enough for her to enjoy the reunion. Just these small sentiments are enough for her to realise that regardless of it all, the royal family have all entered the field of her protection, even the royal consort as her goddess gifts allow her to see the quality of her soul.
Following a meal of renewed bonds the court is once more returned to session. As her mentor and her king debate the suitable time for her blooding ceremony, bonding her by blood to her king and renewing once again the goddess's support of succession of the gryphon kings, readers are informed of the rarity of blades within the history of the kings. Iltani is the first in half a millennia and only one of several in the last few thousand years.
Since her birth and the fateful night she was made orphan only four people have been trusted with the truth of her existence. It seems that in the history of gryphon rulers, where assassinations and coupes are far from uncommon, being Ishtar's Blade has always painted a target on those birthmarked with his or her destiny. Just as her mentor, the only fatherly role she's ever known, cautions for time to settle her in before instigating the target on her shoulders, her king and ultimate decision-maker pushes for the ceremony at the soonest opportunity.
Thus Iltani's true destined existence is set to be publicly sanctioned in less than forty-eight hours of her return. That there is a very real and historically proven threat is exemplified by the fact that just nineteen years ago the current king's family, his mother and siblings, Iltani's parents, and most of the then King's Shadows were all killed in one fateful night by multiple assassins who breached the royal palace. Ditanu's father later dying from his grief as his gryphon self slipped into the madness of mated gryphon's grief when one of the bonded pair passes into the afterlife. Whether Iltani's training and burgeoning magic will be up to par for the role she was fated to perform will undoubtedly come into question.
Planned for the same day is the much anticipated formal sanctioning of the chosen heir and regent should the king and his consort die before the chosen heir reaches the age of succession. The sanctioned rule of the gryphon kings (or queens) must be protected if the pact between goddess and ruler of the ten-city's is to maintain it's place throughout the ten lands. Hidden away by magic and faith in their gods and goddesses the ten lands existed in peace and seclusion within a dome of what should've been impenetrable magic.
But just as the naming of the heir apparent and the ceremonial blooding is complete Ishtar's magic warns and confirms the seemingly impossible has happened: the temple and ceremonies come under the direst of attacks. Endless numbers of cutt-throats and pirates have obtained land and harbour. As the kingdom's entourage and celebrants, which should've been a prosperous turning point for current generation, begin to fall twisted and torn in death, the undoubted targets also begin to fall in battle. Much takes place to assure the lineage is not fully broken but just who will be alive to successfully retreat will turn planned joy to heartbreak and grief.
A detailed society mixed with the splendours of mythology and an ancient Egyptian way of life brings wonder and glory to a plot thick with magic and battle. Rage contrast with subtle tenderness, duty with betrayal, power with hopelessnes, the dichotomies of the storylines make for a complete indulgence in a mystical plot which captivates your imagination. Fluent narration and dialogue bring the characters to life. The enjoyment from Lisa Blackwood's paranormal and urban fantasy endeavours extend to this more traditional kind of fantasy. A rare standalone amongst her growing library Ishtar's Blade is amongst the most notable of Lisa's titles. Its always fulfilling to sink into worthy sagas but a well completed and rounded story can achieve as much with less effort; if its done well, as herein.
January 2, 2019
This is part of a series but can also be read as a stand alone book. I have read other books by Lisa Blackwood and always enjoyed them.
This is fast paced fantasy, with the usual fight between good and evil and love story intertwined. Great characters and well written.
This is fast paced fantasy, with the usual fight between good and evil and love story intertwined. Great characters and well written.
September 28, 2024
It's alright. Better than most. Too much unnecessary romance. Mostly from her side. I'd prefer to give it a 2.5 stars.. but I've read some crap of late, so am feeling generous.
July 21, 2025
DNF 50%
How you gonna spring a pregnancy on me like that
Immediate nope
How you gonna spring a pregnancy on me like that
Immediate nope
March 8, 2023
#9 of 2023
March 19, 2016
This is one of those rare finds that, if possible, would get more than five stars. It's the first book I've read by Lisa Blackwood, who has just a handful of offerings in the Kindle bookstore, and it is definitely a winner, a standalone with an HEA. I read it through KU Library, but loved it so much I purchased a copy for my e-library.
Set in a kingdom hidden away from the rest of the world by magic, where humans and gryphons live side by side, a Shadow Warrior chosen by the goddess Ishtar to be her Avenging Blade is returning home to protect her childhood friend and King, Ditanu, after four years of training in seclusion. When they were very young, an attack on the crown killed both of their parents and the threat continues. But much has changed since Iltani has been away and even as Istar's chosen, she knows it will be her greatest challenge to protect her king, the friend she grew to love, who mated someone else and fathered cubs while she was away. With her Shadow training and Ishtar's Blade, however, she will be a formidable foe to anyone who attempts to harm her charges. Hers to protect.
Set in a kingdom hidden away from the rest of the world by magic, where humans and gryphons live side by side, a Shadow Warrior chosen by the goddess Ishtar to be her Avenging Blade is returning home to protect her childhood friend and King, Ditanu, after four years of training in seclusion. When they were very young, an attack on the crown killed both of their parents and the threat continues. But much has changed since Iltani has been away and even as Istar's chosen, she knows it will be her greatest challenge to protect her king, the friend she grew to love, who mated someone else and fathered cubs while she was away. With her Shadow training and Ishtar's Blade, however, she will be a formidable foe to anyone who attempts to harm her charges. Hers to protect.
January 11, 2018
I love when fantasy/mythology novels look to sources other than Greco-Roman or Judeo-Christian. That’s precisely what Lisa Blackwood had provided on Ishtar's Blade, which loosely based on early Sumerian and Mesopotamian religion. That’s not enough, of course, as the book still needs to be good. This book more than satisfied that. It’s a totally fun fantasy with a plot full of adventure, thrills and, yes, even romance. The lead, Iltani, and King Ditanu and the remaining cast of characters - and the world they inhabit - are perfectly crafted. This is just a superbly enjoyable novel, and one that’s easy to strongly recommend. I can’t wait for the next book.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 16, 2016
I want more!
Loved the book. Could not put it down. The characters and relationships are well developed. The plot is engaging, with a bit of mystery and intrigue. The romance is nicely interwoven. I wish I could give this five stars, but it sort of ends on a psuedo cliffhanger and I can't tell if there will be another novel. I think this is stand alone. The ending doesn't feel like the end... The problem is not completely resolved, plus I'd like to know more about what happens with the romantic relationship. I totally recommend this page turner.
Loved the book. Could not put it down. The characters and relationships are well developed. The plot is engaging, with a bit of mystery and intrigue. The romance is nicely interwoven. I wish I could give this five stars, but it sort of ends on a psuedo cliffhanger and I can't tell if there will be another novel. I think this is stand alone. The ending doesn't feel like the end... The problem is not completely resolved, plus I'd like to know more about what happens with the romantic relationship. I totally recommend this page turner.
July 13, 2021
" even if the worst came to pass and every part of Ditanu’s heart belonged solely to his consort—which it probably did since gryphons mated for life—Iltani could endure as long as he still valued their friendship. It wouldn’t be easy, not with her heart desperately craving more, but her soul could live on whatever crumbs Ditanu might toss her."
WOW. and this is one of the first pages of the book. classic doormat heroine.
WOW. and this is one of the first pages of the book. classic doormat heroine.
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