Dark Blade

Whispers of the Gods #1

by Steve Feasey

Lann knows nothing of his mysterious past, but by his fifteenth birthday he will come face to face with destiny. For Lann must wield the Dreadblade, an ancient sword forged to defeat terrible monsters.

Across the mountains a King has been murdered. His daughter, Astrid, is a warrior with no desire to bear the crown. Only she can uncover her father's killer before her brother is framed for the crime.

Evil is stirring. Lann and Astrid are the kingdom's last defence. Together, they must face the greatest darkness their world has ever known.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Magic, Middle Grade

337 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2019

About the author

Steve Feasey was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, UK in 1968. From a modest background, he found escape in books, and spent much of his time in his local library. Always an avid reader, he only began writing in his late thirties, but was fortunate to land a publishing deal for his very first book, Changeling.

Reviews

[Sebastien Castell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this upcoming YA fantasy novel pre-publication (one of the perks of being a fantasy author).

Dark Blade brings together loads of classic sword and sorcery adventure elements that I read voraciously as a kid. Full of nordic-style warriors and mages both daring and dastardly, with kings dying and conspiracies unfolding all around, I can imagine fans of Rick Riordan and John Flanagan enjoying themselves thoroughly.

[Ellie]

"We are leaves being blown around on the breath of gods.”

This is definitely a slightly younger YA, perfect for fans of Taran Matharu and Rick Riordan.

DARK BLADE feels very much like a stepping-stone fantasy, allowing younger readers to test the waters of the genre and then encouraging them to explore further. It combines the best aspects of traditional fantasy and I really enjoyed it. It’s got magical swords and smart warrior princesses and gods and it’s all pretty cool. I know it’s perfect for teens who want something to get invested in but are intimidated by Tolkien.

[Adah Udechukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Blade is a fast and enjoyable read. I breezed through the novel. Its that good.

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I enjoyed this book and loved the ideas and especially the dreadblade which was a fantastic idea. The story could have been epic but sadly it just fell short for me. I don't think the scenes were detailed enough to build up tension and really hook me to the story. Then at other times detail was given to pretty boring parts. It all in general was quite simplistic.
That being said, I did enjoy it in the end!

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that don't exactly hook you from the beginning, but end up being worthwhile in the end. It's hard to say why I was so uninterested when the premise was being set up, but from reading other reviews after I finished I saw that I was not alone. It might be because this is geared towards a younger audience, but seems to pick and choose exactly when it wants this to be. It has monsters being hacked up, but steers clear of other taboo topics. It is also occasionally written in this oddly stilted way, as if it's trying to be simple, but then jumps into world building and adding depth. Made for a very hard and unusual read!

But I did enjoy the fantasy (ignore the 'marketing' on this one, it has nothing to do with either books it's being compared to) and just enjoy it for a chosen one story about preventing the end of the world. The ending has set up book two well, and yes, I'll probably read it eventually. Four stars.

[Aakanksha Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Blade, the first in the Whispers of the Gods series by Steve Feasey, is a gripping young adult fantasy that follows Lann, a farm boy whose life changes when he discovers he’s part of an ancient prophecy.

Forced to flee before his sixteenth birthday, Lann makes a deal with an Old God and receives the cursed Dreadblade—unknowingly stepping into a world of monsters, magic, and destiny.

Accompanied by Fleya, a witch, and Astrid, a warrior princess with a personal vendetta, Lann’s journey is filled with fast-paced action, dark secrets, and godly powers.

Steve Feasey masterfully blends mythology and adventure, creating characters that feel authentic and emotionally grounded.

While some fantasy tropes are familiar, the story remains fresh and exciting. I especially appreciated the well-paced character development.

I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel, Dark Art. A thrilling, immersive read perfect for fantasy lovers seeking an engaging weekend escape.

Read the detailed review here: Books Chharming

[Petter Nielsen Glad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Den var bra, ble bedre utover i boken
Litt Percy Jackson vibe
Majik😐

[Bridget · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up because it's been a while since I've seen a newer YA/middle grade fantasy with a boy as the leading character, and it's something we often get requests for. Unfortunately, I didn't like it at all, and I probably won't bring it on school visits. It might work for a different reader, but there were a few things that bothered me about it and it read very flat to me. Like there wasn't a feel of suspense or drama, just a recitation of actions the characters were taking. That said, I'm not the target audience, so that might just be a consequence of being an adult who's read lots of fantasy.

My two issues with the story itself are why I won't be bringing it on school visits. First, one of our main characters is blinded in the first few chapters. Then his sight is magically healed. This post by author V.S. Holmes lays out a number of reasons the magical healing trope is frustrating and not good representation. This actually reminded me a little of Graceling where there's a similar situation with a blinded character, and it wasn't until years after I first read that book that I started to learn about why this trope is so prevalent and so frustrating to encounter for disabled readers looking for representation. So I'm not saying Dark Blade is the worst thing ever or that it's even unique in using this trope, but I've learned a lot since I first read Graceling and I want YA books to do better.

Later in the story there's an evil queen character who has "gone crazy" because of all the evil things she's done. There's a pretty clear link between her mental health and doing horrible things: characters repeatedly make the connection that her mental health has deteriorated because she's a bad/evil person. Both of these tropes together are enough for me to leave this to the side for school visits. There are few enough portrayals of disabled characters in YA, I'd rather bring good rep than stuff like this book.

If you're looking for more information about harmful tropes I found this Mythcreants post that does a nice job of explaining different abelist takes. I'm still learning/unlearning things like this, and I really appreciate reviews that take the time to explain ableism in detail.

[ThatBookGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If someone ever asked me what would be a good introduction to High Fantasy, I would definitely recommend Dark Blade. It has all the elements, and the twists and turns of an epic fantasy series, without the massive underlying complexities. The chapters are also much shorter than a typical novel in this genre, which makes it a really friendly and gentle introduction to what to expect from other such books.

Lann's journey to discover his true identity and purpose was smooth. There were no lulls in the writing, each exciting thing that happened led on to the next, with plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep you reading. I liked that a lot of the political moves happened in the background, and a lot of the action was condensed to just a line or two, it made everything move along at a much faster pace than I'm used to, and it was just what I wanted from this particular read.

The characters themselves were well rounded, and as soon as Astrid popped up, I just started picturing her and Lann and the main characters from How to Train your Dragon, which I'm never going to complain about because they are adorable. I loved the villains story arc, from the first we meet him to his descent into full blown evil, it was just the right amount of crazy. Fleya was of course the standout, she was compassionate and intelligent, whilst being a secret bad ass, I absolutely loved every passage she featured in.

There are nods to lots of my favourite fantasy series here, with heavy Norse vibes. I hope Feasey keeps things as simple with the next book, as this is shaping up to be a great little series.

*** Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for my review copy, in exchange for an honest review ***

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice)]

I'm in the minority of readers here, but Dark Blade was sadly not for me! With an interesting YA Fantasy plotline that promised adventure, I did make it to the 1/3 point before deciding that there wasn't enough to keep me interested in reading on!

DNF.

[joy (elend’s version - semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always feel so bad rating books one star. My main issue with this one is that the characters didn’t have any personality and were indistinguishable. But I also didn’t like how the protagonist, Lann—who became blind as a child from a head injury—is miraculously healed when he gets the Dreadblade. Why did he need to be healed? It just kind of left a bad taste in my mouth that he had to be healed. I think it would have been way more awesome if he had learned to wield the Dreadblade without the sword healing him. To me it just kind of felt like it was reinforcing the notion that anybody with a disability or who has special needs needs to be “fixed” before they can accomplish or do anything.

Additionally, the plot was also weird and so convenient. Everything just works out too easily. I need characters to be challenged, and everything just kind of happened without any hiccups whatsoever.

Sadly, and I really hate to say this, but this is probably the worst fantasy I have ever read.

CONTENT WARNINGS:
(Scale of 0-5)
Language: 0 - one use of hell.
Violence: 2 - Some fighting and blood; a monster is disemboweled; a cow’s body is found with its heart torn out.
Alcohol/Addictive Substances: 1 - One character turns to alcoholism after the death of his wife but is only present briefly in the beginning of the story:
Sexual content: 0 - No sexual content present. It is vaguely implied that two characters go “to bed,” but is not described further than that.
Trigger Warnings: Blood, death, alcoholism.
Age rating: 12+*
*All content and age ratings are based off of my personal opinions.

[Lexi // libraryoflexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The first half of the book I struggled through. It felt slow but I could see all the ground work being laid so I pushed through. The writing never lulled. It was working more towards a build up.
And I did enjoy the second half of the book. There was a point about half way where a switch flipped and I was like ‘ohshitthisisgood’
I definitely think the next book will be better again. Fantasy books generally need a lot of set up but I’m really excited to see where the second book takes me. Yes it was a slow start but it’s better than being rushed with no idea what happened.

I want to dive into the history of this world a bit more as well and see the villain of the story truely expand into their role. And I have to say I loved the insight into their life while growing up. You don’t always get that. Is it bad that I like the journey of how someone gets to be the villain and not just someone thrown into the role because the story needs a bad guy?

And Lann. Oh Lanniboo. I like you. I can’t wait to read more about you. I get some cute How To Train Your Dragon vibes from you but in a much bloodier world. So yes I need more.
I think another favourite aspect of mine in the fact he literally knows nothing about combat but our main girl Astrid is just a queen in all things warrior based. Love a strong female lead. I am looking forward to some kickass fighting scenes from her in the next book. YAS.

[The Nerd Daily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Annie Deo

Dark Blade is the first book in the Whisper of the Gods series and it is the perfect introduction to epic fantasy for younger readers. In my early teens, I was obsessed with The Belgariad series by David Eddings and this follows the same tried-and-true path in which a simple farm boy finds himself caught up in an epic quest to defeat true evil, a task which only he is qualified for (despite his inexperience) due to the whims of destiny and meddling gods.

Many of these books take place in pseudo-English settings, but Dark Blade sets itself apart from the pack by taking inspiration from Viking history and mythology instead. The story begins in Stromgard amongst the Volken people and focuses on Lann, the aforementioned farm boy, who is a likable young lad, honest and hardworking and respectful. He has a sensible head on his shoulders, which is a welcome change from many of the hot-headed protagonists in fantasy who are prone to charge off at a moment’s notice without thinking!

“No,” Lan said, speaking out into the darkness. “I will not seek out danger. Not now.” A conflict raged inside his head, and it took all his effort to push the words out as the sword and he fought for dominance. “There will be enough of that in the days and weeks ahead without our going to look for it.”

Anyone who says that it’s impossible to tell a good story without characters making stupid decisions could learn a thing or two here! There is more than enough adventure and action going around, but while Lan may be impulsive at times, he is always willing to listen to good advice and prioritize his quest for the greater good. It’s also pleasing to note the distinct lack of concern for stereotypical gender roles – Lan is skilled in combat only when the Dreadblade works through him, but his own interests and skills lean more towards nurturing and healing. It’s his companion, Astrid, who is the real warrior between the two teenagers.

While in many ways Dark Blade is a throwback to the traditional swords-and-sorcery epics, the author has a modern sensibility that shows in his subversion of the usual dynamics. The farm boy and the princess is a time-honored trope which is given a nod here with Astrid being a princess from the Rivengeld bloodline. But in a more unpredictable and delightful turn, the Viking shield maidens from folklore are also incorporated into this story so that Astrid is allowed greater nuance than just a royal heritage, she’s also depicted as a superb warrior who leads the elite female fighting force of Stromgard!

Astrid’s knowledge of the martial arts was inexhaustible, and she was equally comfortable with the sword as she was with the axe and spear. He knew this from bitter experience, and his body bore the cuts and bruises to prove it.

“How good are you with that?” he said, nodding at the horn bow.

“Better than you.”

“That would not be difficult.”

“It’s my favorite weapon.”

“How about a demonstration?”

“Are you just trying to get out of any more training?”

“Yep.”

The final main player on Team Greater Good is Fleya, a witch who fulfils the wise mentor role. Her warmth and compassion as well as her great magical abilities drive a lot of the story, and her interactions with Lan are particularly sweet. It does feel like she’s a little too all-knowing and powerful at times as she very easily solves thorny dilemmas and seemingly insurmountable problems, but it makes sense if the intended audience is the younger subset of the YA market.

Dark Blade is written in third person narration with Lan having the most POV chapters, but Astrid, Fleya and a few other characters also have chapters from their perspective to broaden our understanding of their personalities and actions. Again this feels like a deliberate choice to avoid the male-dominated perspective in classic fantasy by giving the female characters a major presence alongside Lan, and it’s much appreciated. And while I may be reading too much into this, it also seems as if the choice of villain is a commentary on toxic masculinity, given that the villain’s course could be seen as the result of imposing a strict definition of manhood and treating any men who stray outside these norms as weak and inferior. Of course it’s no justification for trying to bring about mass murder and destruction, but it’s an interesting villain backstory!

This is a must-read for younger fans of fantasy as the simple concise writing is easy to follow and effectively conveys the relatively small cast of characters and world they inhabit without the distraction of wordy prose, complicated family trees and labyrinthine alliances. I’d also recommend it to readers who aren’t familiar with fantasy and need a gentle introduction to the genre. It probably won’t appeal as much to more mature or genre-savvy readers who are used to intricate politics and plotting along the lines of Game of Thrones, especially given how the obstacles facing our heroes can seem superficial when they’re so easily overcome. However if you’ve come off a densely written door-stopper epic and need a light, entertaining alternative, this is the equivalent of a fun blockbuster action movie that may be predictable, but is fun and enjoyable nonetheless.

[Jenny (Bookbookowl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Kurum-na Murt” “Death is coming”

Lann grew up happily planting seeds on his family’s farm, until tragedy struck. After being attacked by something that should never be part of this world, he is taken in by a witch. Although she is an unfailing support to him, she can not return what was taken from him, so when he is offered a special sword in exchange for being cured, he jumps at the chance (whether the bargain is a risky one or not.) From that moment on he finds himself on a path with destiny, with the whispering sword by his side.

Dark Blade was a fantastic fantasy book that didn’t feel like I was slogging through an overloaded info dump, as so many epic fantasy books do. There was plenty of magic, evil creatures, royalty and dangerous quests that just seemed to seamlessly flow into a fast paced and exciting story. I loved the inclusion of the old gods and their back stories and enjoyed the way they were interspersed into the general population of people. The battle scenes had me tearing through the pages, not wanting to blink, making it both a tense and fun journey. I found the writing to be easy to read, it didn’t have too much heavy, wordy language, making it a great story for younger readers as well as adults. I think the adventurer type quality to the storyline would really appeal to lovers of books like Percy Jackson. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

[No One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and adventurous fantasy featuring a Witch, A farm boy wielding a deadly blade and a princess who is quick with a bow.

This was such a great book to read honestly the plot and characters were brilliant and I have absolutely nothing negative to say about it. I just wished it was longer to make the fantasy more deep but I think the quick scenes and quick pace allows the reader to quickly enjoy a unique fantasy world without being bogged down with politics and fantasy names that are impossible to pronounce. It’s a brilliant book for people who are exploring Fantasy for the first time and it’s something I would recommend to all new readers and even current ones. This book was such a breath of fresh air into an interesting new world with such loveable characters. I can’t wait to continue this series and read more about the lore of the Gods and the blade and have more adventures with Lann and Astrid.

[Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Blade is the first in a new fantasy series by Steve Feasey and what a strong start it is. I read Dark Blade in just 2 sittings as the world drew me in so completely. The story is constantly driving forward through short and cliffhanger style chapters that made me need to keep turning the pages.  I just had to find out what happened next. Whilst the opening chapters set the tone as high fantasy with it's prose, it soon becomes an easy read as I was fed only the information needed to progress the story rather than getting bogged down in lore and family heirachys that so much high fantasy falls prey too. However by not taking a step back to breathe every now and then I did feel it missed the opportunity to set the scenes at times.

It is very much a character driven piece though and what it lacks in traditional world building it makes up for in spades with attention to detail to those that I was sharing the pages with. Lann is a breath of fresh air in a genre somewhat saturated with female protagonists and I loved being able to get into a different mindset through his character.  That's not to say that Dark Blade lacks strong female representation, far from it - the might of Astrid and the magic of Fleya confidently walk side by side with Lann's calling. Honestly, Fleya is my favourite character, full of wit and wisdom and with more than a few tricks to spare, she is the centrepiece to many of my favourite scenes within the story.

With touches of American Gods and Game of Thrones, it's a world full of old Gods and the new and whilst there were plenty of dramatic moments and large set pieces, the story had thoughtful moments too. I really liked how the author took the time to really explore the impact of being responsible for taking a life for the first time, not only for that character but also the sensitive way that the other characters reacted too. The story is wrapped up well, without any unanswered questions and it's setting things up nicely for future books in the series. I really enjoyed Dark Blade and I want to thank Bloomsbury publishing for sending me this advanced copy.

[Ankita Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Blade was a fun read and I would've finished it a LOT sooner if I hadn't got caught up in the Heroes of Olympus series. 😅

Either way, I finally got around to finishing this entertaining read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. There was not a single dull moment. 

I loved watching Lann's character develop as the story progressed, as each hardship brought forward a new side of him. 

The quick narration was one of my favourite things about the book. There was no time (or pages) wasted on lengthy descriptions and there wasn't a moment to catch ones breath as things kept happening. 

Overall, I absolutely loved the book and I'll be looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 

(Thanks to Bloomsbury India for the ARC)

[Bertram Balogh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
This book is brilliant in my opinion!
Very easy to read and understand for people like me who's first language isn't English.
I loved the world it was set in. I was always really fond of the Greek Mythology and this book being based on the Norse Mythology was just perfect.
Loved the different characters I encountered in the book and the vitality of strange and very interesting places.
10/10, would recommend! :)
But on a serious note, I can't wait for the second book!
The ending was great although predicted for a Fleya, it was still sad.
I am looking forward to Astrid and Lanns' adventures and how their relationship will form.

[Latkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging children's fantasy adventure featuring a warrior race and plenty of magic. As it's the first in a new series, I look forward to more adventures with Lannigon and Astrid.

[scout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I read it as a proof copy and the fact that I was one of the first people to read it made me love it even more! The only reason I didn’t put 5 stars is because fantasy isn’t really my genre but I found this such a good book for a genre I don’t usually enjoy!
Anna

[Molly Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dreadblade speaks the language of the old Gods, a weapon forged to eradicate monsters and evil from the world. Once wielded to destroy the darkness brought upon the world, a warrior consumed by the power of the black sword attempted to kill the gods, drowned for his bloodthirst and greed.

Lannigon Fetlanger is a farm boy but rather than working the land, Lannigon immerses himself in books, knowledge instilled in him by his late mother. Since her passing, Lannigon's father has becoming increasingly volatile, a drunkard who mourns his wife after she passed giving birth to his stillborn son. When his father is slaughtered by a monster, Lannigon barely escaped with his life, losing his sight during the attack as he lay crumpled on the forest floor.

Lannigon is taken in by Fleya, a witch versed in old magik and craft, teaching the now vision impaired boy about botany. Lannigon seeking solace in the rich earth tending to his seedlings. As Fleya is needed in a neighbouring town, Lannigon is awoken by a man offering to restore his sight if he chooses to wield the blade drenched in blood, a weapon as fierce as it is frightening and Lannigon agrees to the offer.

Lannigon Fetlanger is an intriguing young man, gentle and considerate, still grieving the loss of his mother. Escaping the monster who slain his father, Lannigon falls and a sharp blow to the head results in his vision impairment, engulfed by darkness as he finds himself alone. Fleya is a witch and healer, tending to the local community with her homegrown medicinal elixirs. She offers to take Lanningon in while farmhands manage the family farm, teaching him about botany and how to care and grow ingredients within her small garden. Seeking solace in the rich soil, Lannigon feels at ease within the her presence and although Fleya appears to be a youthful and beautiful woman, it isn't until he takes possession of the Dreadblade that he sees the world for what it truly is, Fleya included.

The Dreadblade itself has a long, sorrowful history. Forged and last wielded by a man who had planned to kill the Gods, Lannigon unaware of the blade's history upon accepting the position of sword keeper, the Dreadblade is bloodthirsty and acts of its own accord. A war is brewing, a thin veil separating Lannigon's world and a world of hideous monsters unleashed by a mere boy, a young man determined to make the world suffer for his own grief and the hand he's been dealt. Dabbling in necromancy and dark magik.

Across the Kingdom, the King has been slain. Astrid Rivengeld is the daughter of the slain King, her brother ascending the throne until he is held captive, assumed responsible for the death of their father. Astrid has no desire to attend court as a Princess, she's a Shield Maiden and the first royal of her kind. Sharing the same goal as Lannigon and along with Fleya, the three set off across the Kingdom to save the throne and stop the rift into the netherworld from opening. I loved Astrid, such a formidable young lady and although her character is a stark contrast to Lannigon, the two compliment each other wonderfully and forge a tentative friendship.

Dark Blade draws upon the Viking civilisations and mythology, fictional Nordic Gods and monsters crossing a divide between worlds. The world was beautifully imagined and wonderfully portrayed. Absolutely loved it!

[Patrick Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a very enjoyable book to read, fit in nicely to the fantasy genre while maintaining that same pattern while also feeling fresh and new through its likeable characters and wonderful world. An enjoyable and familiarly structured book with a healthy dose of freshness and originality.

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I was expecting some classic sword and sorcery fun but it just felt so bland, I had to force myself to finish it. The setting is ostensibly Viking inspired but the only thing that really informs this is the naming of characters and places, there was very little other world building and it seems to be a weakness of the author who doesn`t fill in such details and writes things like `wagons filled with agricultural goods` and a character feeling sad they `wouldn`t hear her father call her by her pet name` rather that actually saying what these things were. I feel like these small details would have really helped bring the story and world to life.
The storytelling felt a lot like `they did this, and then they went here, and then they did this` and there was very little suspense, or build up, and new plots points were over almost as soon as they were introduced, such as the subplot with the evil queen towards the end of the story. I do think this would make it a quick and easy read which would be good for younger readers however!

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're set up to expect something interesting by the prologue wherein a farmer's wife finds a babe in her barn and tells her husband in no uncertain terms they'll raise the child. When she dies, years later in childbirth, her husband's anger, grief and long held in resentment leave the boy, Lann, no choice but to stay as far away from the man as often as possible. His avoidance lands him with a witch after he's blinded by a monster. Enter a sword filled with dark magic. It restores his vision, but at what price? Follow Lann, Fleya the witch and Dreadblade, the dark sword as they go forth to find the source of growing evil upon the lands. I liked it very much and ordered the sequel as soon as I was done.

[Museofnyxmares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog Post: https://museofnyxmares.wordpress.com/...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museofnyxma...

4.5/5 stars

*I was provided with a finished copy of this book by the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I think that this book is perfect for younger readers who have a thirst for epic fantasy adventures that are interesting, but aren’t overly complicated. Having said that, this story can be enjoyed by everyone, because it’s just a good story, that has likeable characters, a clear plot and some fantastic fantasy elements – such as gods and witches. The writing allows for easy reading, conveying great emotion and worldbuilding, without being wordy or too dense, and I think that’s something that every reader can appreciate. I would even say that this would be a great book to pick up if you’ve been reading heavier fantasy books and still want to read something in the genre, but without having to work too hard as a reader. It was a story that was both multilayered and had enough depth to it, but was still easy to get through.

We had a rather small cast of characters in this, compared to other fantasy books, but I liked this a lot and found it quite refreshing. The main characters were Lann, Fleya, Astrid and Kelewulf. I think that each of their characters added something different to the story and I appreciated the roles that they were given. Lann was such a kind hearted soul, that was comfortable in his own existence, not wanting more for himself in anyway, and probably thinking that more for himself was not even possible. Fleya was my favourite character, I just adored her, she was mysterious, yet so warm and open and full of witchy knowledge and tales of the old gods. For me, her and Lann’s relationship was one of the best things about this, I just loved the progression of their relationship and the fierce, protective love that they had for one another. Astrid was a princess in Stromgard and was a great potential love interest. She was strong minded, intelligent, ferociously loyal and was training as a shield-maiden. There were sweet moments between her and Lann, but I’m glad it wasn’t a heavy focus. Last but not least was Kelewulf, who was an interesting antagonist, as through his backstory you could see the precise moment when everything went wrong and his path was set. What he went through in his backstory really helped to humanise him as a character though, who in the present seemed to have lost all of his humanity. So you felt sorrow for his past, but never forgiveness for his present actions. I truly enjoyed all the foreshadowing of his character and how Astrid’s suspicions of him grew over time, as the novel spans different time periods, documenting three different kings on the Stromgardian throne.

Like I previously mentioned, I really appreciated the worldbuilding in this and had a great time learning about this world. It had a very Viking feel to it, with the shield-maidens and the descriptions of the Volken people themselves and I Will always be happy with anything resembling Viking’s. The expectations placed on the typical Viking/Volken male was also briefly explored in Kelewulf’s strained relationship with his father, as his father wanted him to fight, but he preferred reading and thinking. One of the reasons I loved Fleya so much is because of the magic that she did, it was beautifully described and had an ancient, pagan and more natural feel to it, which was brilliant, as was the magic in general in this. The Gods were also a favourite aspect of mine, as like in Norse Mythology, their gods could take on different forms and walk amongst the people if they so choose to. They tended to talk in riddles and though they weren’t described as physically superior, the author managed to create this marked presence for each of them. The story of the old gods and the dread blade was fascinating and I really liked its inclusion and it made me want to learn more about the history of the gods .

This was actually quite a nicely paced story, it felt like things were constantly happening and consequently, the plot was able to flow much more smoothly. There just seemed to be the right balance between spotlighting the characters, the worldbuilding and the plot. This isn’t a particularly long story in itself but it felt like a lot of things happened and you actually felt like you’d been on a journey with these characters, in every sense of the word. Again, the different time frames in this helped to show just how much everyone and everything can and had changed over time. Lann’s personal growth was extraordinary, as he’d been through so much, learning about his origins, going blind and adapting accordingly, making a rash decision in hopes of seeing again and then accepting and meeting his destiny. He was such a great protagonist and I really warmed to him. Now, in complete contrast, you have Kelewulf, who was being consumed by his hatred and need to prove himself, until he became worse than any monster anyone could summon.

Dark Blade is the first book in the Whispers of The Gods series and it was a brilliant start. Something happens at the end of the book that broke my heart, but I still can’t wait to see where this story is going and what is in store for these characters. Lann is left with a very important task on his hands and now has some very important information about his past, that I hope we get to explore more of. Again, this is the perfect book for younger readers who are fantasy hungry, but intimated by those bigger fantasy offerings or for those of any age who just want to experience a good fantasy story, with a brilliant set of characters, imaginative worldbuilding and strong writing. I would definitely recommend Dark Blade to any and everyone.

[Annie Deo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at my blog.

--

Dark Blade is the first book in the Whisper of the Gods series and is the perfect introduction to epic fantasy for younger readers. In my early teens, I was obsessed with The Belgariad series by David Eddings and this follows the same tried-and-true path in which a simple farm boy finds himself caught up in an epic quest to defeat true evil, a task which only he is qualified for (despite his inexperience) due to the whims of destiny and meddling gods.

Many of these books take place in pseudo-English settings, but Dark Blade sets itself apart from the pack by taking inspiration from Viking history and mythology instead. The story begins in Stromgard amongst the Volken people and focuses on Lann, the aforementioned farm boy, who is a likable young lad, honest and hardworking and respectful. He has a sensible head on his shoulders, which is a welcome change from many of the hot-headed protagonists in fantasy who are prone to charge off at a moment's notice without thinking!

--
"No," Lan said, speaking out into the darkness. "I will not seek out danger. Not now." A conflict raged inside his head, and it took all his effort to push the words out as the sword and he fought for dominance. "There will be enough of that in the days and weeks ahead without our going to look for it."
--

Anyone who says that it's impossible to tell a good story without characters making stupid decisions could learn a thing or two here! There is more than enough adventure and action going around, but while Lan may be impulsive at times, he is always willing to listen to good advice and prioritize his quest for the greater good. It's also pleasing to note the distinct lack of concern for stereotypical gender roles - Lan is skilled in combat only when the Dreadblade works through him, but his own interests and skills lean more towards nurturing and healing. It's his companion, Astrid, who is the real warrior between the two teenagers.

While in many ways Dark Blade is a throwback to the traditional swords-and-sorcery epics, the author has a modern sensibility that shows in his subversion of the usual dynamics. The farm boy and the princess is a time-honored trope which is given a nod here with Astrid being a princess from the Rivengeld bloodline. But in a more unpredictable and delightful turn, the Viking shield maidens from folklore are also incorporated into this story so that Astrid is allowed greater nuance than just a royal heritage, she's also depicted as a superb warrior who leads the elite female fighting force of Stromgard!

--
Astrid's knowledge of the martial arts was inexhaustible, and she was equally comfortable wiht the sword as she was with the axe and spear. He knew this from bitter experience, and his body bore the cuts and bruises to prove it.
"How good are you with that?" he said, nodding at the horn bow.
"Better than you."
"That would not be difficult."
"It's my favorite weapon."
"How about a demonstration?"
"Are you just trying to get out of any more training?"
"Yep."
--

The final main player on Team Greater Good is Fleya, a witch who fulfills the wise mentor role. Her warmth and compassion as well as her great magical abilities drive a lot of the story, and her interactions with Lan are particularly sweet. It does feel like she's a little too all-knowing and powerful at times as she very easily solves thorny dilemmas and seemingly insurmountable problems, but it makes sense if the intended audience is the younger subset of the YA market.

Dark Blade is written in third person narration with Lan having the most POV chapters, but Astrid, Fleya and a few other characters also have chapters from their perspective to broaden our understanding of their personalities and actions. Again this feels like a deliberate choice to avoid the male-dominated perspective in classic fantasy by giving the female characters a major presence alongside Lan, and it's much appreciated. And while I may be reading too much into this, it also seems as if the choice of villain is a commentary on toxic masculinity, given that the villain's course could be seen as the result of imposing a strict definition of manhood and treating any men who stray outside these norms as weak and inferior. Of course it's no justification for trying to bring about mass murder and destruction, but it's an interesting villain backstory!

This is a must-read for younger fans of fantasy as the simple concise writing is easy to follow and effectively conveys the relatively small cast of characters and world they inhabit without the distraction of wordy prose, complicated family trees and labyrinthine alliances. I'd also recommend it to readers who aren't familiar with fantasy and need a gentle introduction to the genre. It probably won't appeal as much to more mature or genre-savvy readers who are used to intricate politics and plotting along the lines of Game of Thrones, especially given how the obstacles facing our heroes can seem superficial when they're so easily overcome.

However if you've come off a densely written door-stopper epic and need a light, entertaining alternative, this is the equivalent of a fun blockbuster action movie that may be predictable, but is fun and enjoyable nonetheless.

--

Disclaimer: Physical copy provided by publisher free for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emily Gurgens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the general plot and characters. However they are several inconsistencies with character behavior that I do not think is due to the interaction of Lann and the sword. Maybe the author progressed the character too far at certain points then had to reign him back in? Loved Fleya and the badass Astrid. They were great characters, but I think Feasey may have overthought Lann a bit too much. I wish that the book had stated that it was part of a series before I read it, as I prefer to have all books in a series before I read it. I gave it 3.5 stars.

[Iiris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh!

The description sounded amazing so I picked this up. What followed was disappointment.

This does not feel like a finished book. Language is too simple and there is not much description of the world, characters or even events. The plot rolls forward way too fast and the characters don't feel "real" ifyouknowwhatimean.

I just don't care what happens anymore so to the DNF pile it goes.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dark Blade is a middle-grade high-fantasy and i appreciate what it was trying to do. It just didn't work for me. The writing style was pretty easy to read but the world-building was all over the place and the character was interesting at best and outright boring at worst. Kinda in the middle most of the time (mediocre, is what I'm trying to say).