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The Oncoming Storm #6

A Storm of Blood and Swords

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What is more important to you?
Wealth? Peace? Freedom?


With her powers finally under control, the Oncoming Storm returns to Pernula. But not everything is as she left it. There is a new King of the Underworld and he is out for blood. And submission. The Oncoming Storm has no intention of bending the knee to anyone but she is still reluctant to enter yet another power struggle.

However, not getting involved turns out to be impossible when her enemy can turn every single underworlder against her. Staying on the sidelines has always been the way she survives, but now the Oncoming Storm might have to step out of the shadows and become something else. A leader.

In this fight, the Oncoming Storm will have to draw on everything she has. Skills, wits, friends, and old contacts. And maybe a wicked knife or two. She is determined to win this battle by herself, but her enemy has the Underworld in an iron grip and breaking it on her own sounds more like a desperate dream. Maybe it is time to accept that sometimes, even an arrogant selfish thief must bow to someone?

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2021

83 people are currently reading
877 people want to read

About the author

Marion Blackwood

33 books1,643 followers
Marion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for ShannaBanana✨.
548 reviews40 followers
February 24, 2021
These books never disappoint! The only thing I was missing in this one was young King Edward. Hopefully he shows up in the next book considering it’s the final one which makes me sad. I assume he will since he is Shade’s little brother.

Sooo much action. Storm is so badass and almost never needs help when she’s in a bind. Her final battle with the Rat King was epic! It was brilliant.

I looove Elaran so much and can we please give him a happy ending? ☺️ I just want to squeeze him ♥️

5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Max.
200 reviews10 followers
February 17, 2021
TITLE: A Storm of Blood and Swords
AUTHOR: Marion Blackwood
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GENRE: YA Fantasy
SERIES: The Oncoming Storm - 6/7
CAWPILE: 9.00

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC! I am so grateful that I get to experience these stories before release!

Another masterful installment in this thrilling and action packed series. Marion Blackwood does not disappoint with this sequel - now 6 books in and never once losts its steam. I highly recommend this series to anyone and it makes for a great read.

Storm is a wonderful main character. Can she be cocky and arrogant? Yes, but who doesn’t love a flawed, morally grey character. And that is 100% Storm, as well as Shade who I also love. Their relationship has evolved so much, but I’m still dying for some more scenes between them.

The plot never slowed and always had the break neck pace which I loved and I feel benefits the story alot, as the life of Storm, a theif in the dark underworld, come across more realistic and even more thrilling.

This installment sets up perfectly for the finale, which I am dying to get my hands on. I’m sure Marion won’t disappoint so I’m extra excited! (no pressure marion teehee)
Profile Image for thebookish_maze.
192 reviews17 followers
February 21, 2021
I’m deeply in love with this story and it’s so sad it’s coming to an end. As always, this story follows our black hearted thief Storm in her life journey to save her people and never bow to anyone until one day things change in Pernula when a new king appears and risks everything she has been working for.

I am truly speechless by how amazingly Blackwood captures everything in her books, how she manages to describe the world and the characters in the best way possible. And goddamn, she really delivered us the best power couple in a plate! And this time, their scenes were everything I’ve been looking for and more!!

Once again, I have no words about this author’s writing style!! She’s an absolute queen who never fails to amaze me! Thank you for another amazing part of Storm and Shade’s story! Can’t wait for the 7th and final book!!

Note: Thank you to the author for providing me an early e-arc of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Cat Bowser.
Author 6 books43 followers
February 23, 2021
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Well, God damn that was a trip. I swear I don’t know how the author does it but the way she somehow makes each book better than the last is a work of beauty. This one has become my favorite.

Storm’s adventures continue and she is forced to look at whether is meant to be a leader. With all her complicated relationships, this means maneuvering a lot of difficult politics while also still figuring out what she WANTS. It’s done brilliantly and you believe every step of the journey!

Plot twists continue and as always, they’re wonderful to see. Well planned, well executed and they serve the story well! All things you want in a good plot twist. I am envious of the author’s skill with them.

The final book in Storm’s quest is approaching and as much as I weep to lose her, I am on pins and needles waiting to see how it ends up!
Profile Image for Read2escape  M.
251 reviews11 followers
April 19, 2022
a favorite

Between the 1st book and this one I now have a absolute favorite so much action , fighting , scheming and villainy but also deeper friendship, new family , and love absolutely adore this book
Profile Image for Books with Lotte.
46 reviews8 followers
February 15, 2021
My dear lord, this book had my emotions going all over the place! I was happy that we focused on Pernula and how our friends are preparing for the big end battle with the Star Elves. I loved the entire book and MY QUEEN AND KING ARE FINALLY TOGETHER!! I can’t wait for the the last book in this epic series 😍

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson.
714 reviews55 followers
March 23, 2021
Not to bad

Ok better then some of the other books. Not bad. One thing for sure its about time those two hooked up.
Profile Image for Amma.
294 reviews
August 31, 2023
Storm
She lost her power somehow after just spending months learning to use it.

Shade offers to kill the Rat King for her. She's says it wouldn't solve anything because his 2nd would take over. "I could kill all of them for you."

'Who in the world would ever want flowers and pretty jewelry... when you could have the Master of the Assassin's Guild offer to kill your enemies for you?'

What is distinct about her story is that he never once had to save her. Maybe he turned up after she beat the threat, but he's never had to intervene on her fight, and further, he's never tried to. In a way, he understands what she's capable of and isn't worried about her being capable of handling what or who is attacking her. I know he cares about her and wants her to be well, but he also trusts her in a way.

I LoVE that the tables have turned. He walks into her bar, and she gets to tease him about releasing his weapons and sitting with his back to her people. '"You do remember that I am the High King of Pernula, right? I have an army at my command." I raised my arms in a cocky gesture at the room full of armed underworlders, " Where's your army now?"'

This book is going by pretty fast. It's more focused than book 5 and maybe more enjoyable for that reason. I'm also realizing, given the speed and upcoming events that I'm aware of that this book will be the fight with the rat king, then the final book will be the fight with the star elves queen. It's all building up towards that, but thankfully, not in a pushed in my face kind of way. I can just enjoy the story without every page being about the end game.

Storm and Shade, the world just kind of slows down when they are alone together. There is more of a somber tone. They're both carefully trying to figure out what they are, but he also doesn't hold back from showing his affection for her. It's when they are both most vulnerable. It's tender in a way. this is by far the slowest I've ever slowed...

Yeah, her infiltration into the Rat Kings headquarters and basement and then her escape was pretty epic. Well done.

The first time, after defeating the rat king, finally that she explained, to me, the reader the plan. It was kinda fun to actually see that.

"Before his lips reached mine, I stopped them by placing the cold edge of steel against his throat. “If you ever betray me, I will kill you.” “I know.” His black eyes glittered as he reached up and, with a firm grip on my wrist, moved the blade back against my own throat. “And same.” After exchanging a knowing look, we both let out a dark chuckle because only a thief and an assassin could find death threats romantic.
Another 5 starts. They confessed their love for each other. What will be in the last book? How will it all be over after that. Such and long and great story.."

5

Ranking

Book 1 for the introduction to her and her world. Still tops. She meets Shade and the Elves, and kills the king.

Book 4 for the star elves, the emotional manipulation, and her and Shade, finally! The Queen tries to manipulate her into giving up her magic and her pain.

Book 5 the fight with the Rat King and they finally confess their love for each other.

Book 3 and 5 could be tied but book 3 was so long ago I can't remember all of it.

Book 3 for just an enjoyable story. The plot for Shade to become general. Intro to Pernula. Shade is the lost prince.

Book 2 slightly lower because her adventures around her own city were slightly less interesting than the other locations. Someone unknown is trying to kill her. She kills innocents to save Liam.

Book 5 because so much happened and yet so little relational development... Someone unknown is trying to kill the group, the city is overtaken by the Queen who removes pain.
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
925 reviews43 followers
April 19, 2023
⚔️🌀A Storm of Blood and Swords - Oncoming Storm book #6 - Review🌀⚔️

Couple: Storm and Shade

Author: Marion Blackwood

Tropes: frenemy to lover, PNR, epic quests, fantasy romance, guild romance, spy-thieves-assassins

Review: We return to Pernula with Storm just finishing up her Stromcaster training and promptly being blindsided by the Rat King who took over the Underworld while she was gone. I felt like this set the stage for the entire conflict for this book. I was also super excited to finally get to read about Storm becoming more powerful and finally, FINALLY admitting she did not like to take orders from others and wanted to be in charge.

I don't know where Storm would be without her 'OG' Pernula duo she met when she first arrived with Shade back in book 3. We finally see Storm get the push into power through this duo and they eventually get her in the right mid frame of how much better she is as a leader and how true her loyalty is to those she surrounds herself with. This was major in this book since Storm's self doubt had been her main draw back for me.

In book 6, we see the Star Elves closing in and we also get to see many old faces return from the 'Lost Island' in the form of Edward and the Wood Elves. We get to see how the worlds begin to merge and how much the elves have grown on Storm since being away.

🌀⚔️SPOLIERS⚔️🌀

⚔️A HUGE Spoiler in book 7 is Storm losing her powers if only temporarily to the Rat King after being attacked. This was HUGE because we saw how strong she was even after losing them and how she overcame the 'loss' and gained friends and her own gang essentially powerless.

🌀YASS!! We finally see Storm become the Underworld QUEEN on Pernula! This was the biggest highlight of the book and with her taking over from the Rat King and ending his tyranny she finally gets her happy ending (this far) with Shade. Another big spoiler in this book is....Shade admitting he will do ANYTHING for Storm (which c'mon we all knew)! Lastly, Liam and Norah are adorable and goals for an ex-thief.

Rating: 100+/10; Storm is QUEEN (:
20 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
OMG OMG OMG

I have no words to describe the amazing-ness of Marion Blackwood has created. I cant believe we are coming to an end of our journey with Storm. Another flawless masterpiece has been created here and the story continues, and we are reaching the ultimate war and preparations are well and truly under well.

The Oncoming Storm, my oh my has she really found who she is. She is more confident, more sarcastic and more deadly than ever before, she is at peace with who she is now and has accepted that in her heart. She has mastered her Ashaana powers and no longer has that hole in her heart. The power struggle for the Underworld is of course where she finds herself and I mean who better to rule that the greatest thief of all time.

We have been screaming and shouting from the rooftops for Blackwood to give us more of our favorite power couple and she certainly did not disappoint. Shade is still his powerful self, but he has become more protective and dare I say........ Affectionate..... and I am living for it !!!!

I did miss the usual elves content as they have played massive roles in the previous books that we would almost consider them main characters, but they took a back seat in this one, letting Storm do her thing, that does not mean they were absent they sure as hell were present and what they did do was in true Elf nature, keeping Storm out of Deaths door.

I cannot praise this enough and I am Truly saddened at the respect of this story ending soon, but all great tales must come to an end unfortunately. I am going to be waiting impatiently for the seventh book to drop and see where my beloved Storm takes us next.

I once again was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
346 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2022
TLDR - probably my new favourite in the series or tied with glass and stars -

The plot for this book is amazing and eventhough the time jump had me nervous it all worked out for Storm and her friends. Once again I felt like there was so much self discovery and growing for Storm. Honestly each book is just finding new ways to make me love her.

I have noticed that now that I’m almost done that Storm schemes a lot but sometimes (for reader shock factor) the emotions she says she’s feeling aren’t true because she actually has a plan in place. I like to think she tricks herself into thinking her feelings are true so she doesn’t give anything away to her opponents but that’s definitely a stretch because we’re pretty much in her head for the POV so we should know these things. I will let it slide though because I love Storm and the writing of these books and maybe she instead treats us as her voice on her shoulder so for her truely elaborate schemes she doesn’t even tell us, or have time to.

The banter between her and Shade is still absolutely amazing and I still love him so much. He’s perfect somehow. My somehow comes from the fact that I don’t trust him fully still.

I love all of her friends although i definitely had a soft spot for Elaran and Haela for almost completely opposite reasons. I like that she’s branching out though especially when we know she started the series with just Liam

I’m so excited for the finale and also a little sad it will be over but definitely a favourite
Profile Image for Jennifer Soucy.
Author 9 books45 followers
February 22, 2021
Who's back? Our favorite sassy thief, of course -- The Oncoming Storm!

She's back from the Ashaana Mountain Camp, flush with power and ready to set herself up in Pernula, but if you've read this far in the series you know things can't be that easy. Storm is almost instantly confronted again by an enemy we've seen before, The Rat King -- except this time, he's officially ensconced himself as King of the Underworld. He's proven himself a royal jackass, at least, in previous encounters, so what's any self-respecting thief to do? Well, naturally, she's got to knock this would-be tyrant down a peg or two.

If you love this series already, this will be a fun and satisfying ride. Storm really works her mojo in this one, keeping the reader riveted throughout. We see more of her awesome friends -- Shade (of course!), Elaran and the Elves, Liam and Norah, Zaina, and the newer companions, Yngvild and Vania -- and, as with any book in this series, we meet some new and exciting characters as well.

I didn't realize until the afterword, that this is the penultimate book in the series! Based on the teaser about the final book, I'm super excited of course, but I will be sad to see this saga end. If you love dark fantasy, black-hearted thieves and cold-hearted assassins (except they're really so loveable, aren't they?), then start this series ASAP!
Profile Image for Laura.
19 reviews
February 12, 2021
Let me just get all my internal screaming out of the way first!

Book six was a whirlwind of a ride and I could not put it down and I didn’t want to!

Following to Storm return to Pernula things immediately go south with Storm’s “welcome home” from our favourite annoying underworlder The Rat King. In this book we step away from the Star-Elves (but oh they are definitely not forgotten) and focus on the Underworld of Pernula which I LOVED!

We see all our favourite elves, assassins, smugglers and thieves return in this book and they are all incredible characters! Old names and faces re-appear and it is action packed!

The fight scenes are incredibly crafted and kept me on the edge of my seat! And let me tell you, there are A LOT of brutal fights and I am here for it!

Let us also not forget the sprinkle of romance between Shade and Storm and holy hells it was HOT!! If anything happens to my boy Shade in the next book Marion knows what’s coming!

10/10, 5 stars, all the hugs! This series is amazing and epic and I can’t recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Laura Maybrooke.
Author 6 books75 followers
May 13, 2021
An excellent addition to the series – and what a roller coaster, to boot! Back from studying/practicing with the other Ashaana, Storm returns to Pernula – and we got ourselves a book full of action. Storm cannot keep out of trouble, and sooner than we know it, the Underworld is caught in a power struggle. The Rat King is back and wants Storm to submit to his rule. But the sassy, take-no-prisoners, black-hearted thief of ours is having none of it.

What follows is - as I feel it - some of the most exciting action sequences. The final scenes are downright epic. I’m calling it a roller coaster for a reason. Storm shows growth in this book and the struggle for the Underworld’s dominion turns deadly. And bloody. But highly entertaining.
With the added appearances from old faces I loved to see again, the book held my interest throughout.

This series is coming a close; it’s sad to know, even if at the same time I’m excited to see how Storm’s story will conclude. The war with the Star Elves is almost here, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all ends.
Profile Image for Sabrina Davidson.
18 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2021
I was super stoked for this one since the last book left me wanting more. So this was definitely a classic Storm story and getting us really set up for the war to come in the next book. That being said I did feel like this one had a few down points but the last 50 or so pages things real heated up. At that point I didn't want to put it down.

I love the tension between Shade and Storm. I totally want more of these two together. They are a great couple.

Overall I would recommended this book specially if your fan of Shade and Storm. Plus this one is really getting us set up for the final book in the series and the war to come with that. I want to say thank you to Marion Blackwood for sending me this book as an ARC. It was great and I can't wait for the final one A Storm of Light and Darkness.

Full review with spoilers on my blog: https://brinadancer.blogspot.com/2021...
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 2 books26 followers
April 14, 2021
Back from her training with the other Ashaana in the mountains, Storm has returned to Pernula to reconnect with her old friends and plot out her next moves. But no sooner than having set foot in the city, Storm finds herself face to face with the Rat King – who has declared himself the ruler of all Underworlders. Of course, our sassy thief / Ashaana can’t turn down a fight, and the battle for the Pernulan Underworld begins.

As always, Blackwood does an amazing job with fighting details, scenery, and surprises! Moving away from the Star Elves, we see the characters dive back into political maneuvering, and I loved how we explored more of what Pernula became in Storm’s absence. And…. THE HIGH KING AND QUEEN YESSSSSS! Seriously, I have so much fun reading each installment in this series, that I’m so sad it’s coming to an end. No doubt we’re all in for some grand reveals and unforgettable battles but it will be sad to say goodbye to these dear characters.
Profile Image for Gabby.
45 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2021
A Storm of Blood and Swords definitely lived up to the title it was given. Damn, I felt like I was in a badass action movie, the quality of the scheming/fighting/loyalty was amazing. Somehow each book manages to top the one before it and constantly leaves me mind blown staring at the wall wondering how I’m going to get over this book hangover now. Marion Blackwood did such a great job with this series and continues to create Storms dynamic story with such ease it really feels like Storms going to pop out the pages with a blade to my throat, but I’d prefer Shade appear ;) anyway 5 stars for A Storm of Blood and Swords, I can’t wait for A Storm of Light and Darkness.
Profile Image for Cathy P.
1,788 reviews9 followers
June 15, 2022
Great series addition

Finally! If you have been following the series, you know what this is about. Storm has come back from the mountains to find much has changed. She refuses to bow to anyone. Within moments of getting back to the city, she is attacked by the Rat King. A war is waged and there can only be one leader of the underworld. There is also a timeline in which a clear resolution must be reached. The star elves will attack soon. I loved the ending of this book. Sometimes Storm is a little too clever for her own good. On to the final bok on the series. I have really enjoyed it so far.
Profile Image for Francesca Ryde.
11 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2021
Book 6. The penultimate book and just wow where do i start and what can i say. So following Storm again and she is back in Pernula and this book follows her continuing evolution and facing new challenges and greater changes.
I've been with this series from the beginning and I absolutely love it. I cry, i laugh, i scream and want to throw the book but most importantly i seriously love and connect with the characters. They are 3 dimensional and multifaceted and beautifully flawed. Marion you've done it again. Now book 7 let's have you.
86 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2021
I have to say, six books into a series and I'm still just as obsessed as I was at book one, that's really impressive feat. I cannot say it enough, Marion Blackwood's works are literal masterpieces. They latch onto you fully and absorb you, compelling you to turn the page and continue. If you had to ask me the one thing I didn't like about this book, I can answer that easily - that it had to end! I am looking forward to book 7, but am dreading the moment I have to say goodbye to Storm, she feels like part of me by this point.
7 reviews
Read
February 20, 2021
A Struggle of One’s Own

Storm comes back to Pernula after months of training to see the Rat King has taken the new underworld and turned gang member against gang member as everyone fights to maintain their status.

It is so satisfying to watch Storm finally take down the Rat King who has had it out for her ever since she first came to Pernula.

Blackwood created a terrific tale of intrigue with plenty of twists and actions to make it an unputdownable read!
Profile Image for Eileen Hammond.
Author 10 books28 followers
February 27, 2021
Strong female character who comes into her own. Another great book in the Oncoming Storm series. Smuggling, thieving, conniving, and outrageous fight scenes. All we’ve come to expect from our heroine, Storm. She comes back to Pernula stronger than ever, and when the Rat King demands fealty, he gets far more than he bargained for. If you love a book you can’t put down and twists and turns every few pages, this one is for you. Highly recommend!
2 reviews
March 30, 2021
Can't put it down

This book series OH MY GOSH.
I love it. I absolutely love it. It isn't the cliche, quirky female who eventually everyone falls in love with. No it's like 100% adventure with someone who doesn't change to mold with everyone else.
At first the commentary was a little hard,. In the first book it was much more forced and then it just flows and that's who Storm IS. I WISH THESE WERE LONGER so I could just read on forever.
53 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2022
Rollercoaster series

This whole series has been a rollercoaster. So many different locales. So many different characters. So many plots and schemes and twists. But it WORKS! I was a little apprehensive halfway through the book thinking about the whole underworld power struggle plot and having no star elves at all in this book. But I get it. What happened needed to happen. I'm all on board for the last book.
Profile Image for Orsika.
96 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2021
Storm gets to rise to new heights. Probably my favorite book in the series so far. Full of adventures, tasks, new friends, new enemies and a very satisfying ending that leads up to the grand finale.
If you are a fan of the witty, scheming and fun thief, you will love this one.I for sure am counting the days until the next book.
24 reviews
February 23, 2021
Yesss!!

Another great adventure with Storm and crew, I loved it! It was great to see her kicking ass with magic or without, a lot of the time I wonder if a character would be capable of that. Some fantasy novels depend entirely on the magic, and forget the core of the person who has it. No one can say that about Storm, great writing! Can’t wait for the next one!!
4 reviews
April 16, 2021
Fabulous

I have read all six books and will be sitting non-patiently for the final 7th book. You writing has kept me at the edge of my seat and not able to put it down. And the best part you have kept me guessing and held my attention. Absolutely love when I can’t predict the ending!
Profile Image for a.erika.e.
104 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2022
Another great adventure with the Oncoming Storm and her people.

As the villain she wants to be free and therefore powerful. That's what this book is all about. Some things goes according to plan, others don't. Relationships evolve and it's just so funny and clever. A bit slow at times but building it up for the ending of the series. The seventh and last book will most likely be epic.
Profile Image for Fabee.
197 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2021
Did I read this in one sitting?
You bet your stiletto blades I did!!!!
Ahhhhh I don’t know how I can handle there only being one book left to read!!!!

I loved the constant unravelling of this and I will never have enough of Storm and shade!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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