What do you think?
The Bladeborn Saga #2
Ghost of the Shadowfort
War rages in the north. As the Varin Knights march to join Tukor in their conflict against Rasalan, Elyon Daecar finds himself embroiled in a world of secrets and lies. Mutiny is threatened. Madness festers. Treachery is never far away.
Saska has one goal - assassinate Lord Kastor. Posing as a captured servant girl, she infiltrates the Kastor warcamp to face her demons, but before long finds herself hopelessly out of her depth. Enemies close in, old and new…and history has a habit of repeating itself.
Driven by the whispers of a long dead god, Jonik seeks a new purpose as he’s pursued by the order he betrayed. His journey will take him south, across the paths of men and monsters. Some seek to slay him; others to help guide him. And all the while his legend spreads.
With the Warrior King plotting to take full control of the north, sinister forces stir in the south. Some fight to stall war, others seek to incite it, as chaos and calamity threaten to engulf all the world. Kings will fall, champions will rise, secrets and prophesies will be unearthed.
The next great Renewal approaches, they say. But will it be the last?
Saska has one goal - assassinate Lord Kastor. Posing as a captured servant girl, she infiltrates the Kastor warcamp to face her demons, but before long finds herself hopelessly out of her depth. Enemies close in, old and new…and history has a habit of repeating itself.
Driven by the whispers of a long dead god, Jonik seeks a new purpose as he’s pursued by the order he betrayed. His journey will take him south, across the paths of men and monsters. Some seek to slay him; others to help guide him. And all the while his legend spreads.
With the Warrior King plotting to take full control of the north, sinister forces stir in the south. Some fight to stall war, others seek to incite it, as chaos and calamity threaten to engulf all the world. Kings will fall, champions will rise, secrets and prophesies will be unearthed.
The next great Renewal approaches, they say. But will it be the last?
778 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 15, 2022
3.5/5
Too less action and Too much drama.
Gone were the intrigues and mysteries present in the predecessor. I liked Jonik's POV in the first book and expected that I'll like him more since the book is named after him. But his POV were the least interesting one for me and isolated from the main conflict.
Even though this book is physically smaller compared the first one. It felt waaaayyyy too long IMO.
But the last 50 pages or so were quite interesting and set up for book 3 were really well done. Thinking about starting it soon. But I'm not so sure... Let's see ..
Too less action and Too much drama.
Gone were the intrigues and mysteries present in the predecessor. I liked Jonik's POV in the first book and expected that I'll like him more since the book is named after him. But his POV were the least interesting one for me and isolated from the main conflict.
Even though this book is physically smaller compared the first one. It felt waaaayyyy too long IMO.
But the last 50 pages or so were quite interesting and set up for book 3 were really well done. Thinking about starting it soon. But I'm not so sure... Let's see ..
August 11, 2022
3.5 stars
Bit of a step down from book one. Plot lines felt drawn out and stretched thin. Also didn’t feel like it was building to a big conclusion. Things just sort of set up for the next book. Still an entertaining series with good characters that is easy to read.
Bit of a step down from book one. Plot lines felt drawn out and stretched thin. Also didn’t feel like it was building to a big conclusion. Things just sort of set up for the next book. Still an entertaining series with good characters that is easy to read.
December 25, 2021
Really enjoying this trilogy! Great pacing, strong well written story.
Consistent, even pacing, a well written saga of eternal struggle in an epic series. Incredible action, hero’s, villains, action and intrigue, betrayals…all necessary elements for a great experience reading. Well done, sir well done. Onto the next, asap!
Consistent, even pacing, a well written saga of eternal struggle in an epic series. Incredible action, hero’s, villains, action and intrigue, betrayals…all necessary elements for a great experience reading. Well done, sir well done. Onto the next, asap!
February 9, 2022
This review will be repeated for the first three books of "The Bladeborn Saga". Essentially it is the story of a kingdom threatened with an expansive war driven by a power hungry king. There are multiple players as this drama expands but the story line is given a modest start with a powerful advisor to the king, his sons, and an assassin who actions alter the dynamics of a kingdom struggling to maintain a peace.
There is a classical theme presented involving the assassin taking the direction of his superiors without knowledge of great tragedy that may ensue should he become successful.
There is also a young maidservant girl, Saska, that had escaped her hateful master and begins a journey filled with surprises and challenges.
Other players are gradually introduced and the story line begins to jell more masterfully toward the middle of the first book.
The following 2 books are masterfully written and leaves the reader with several open questions that need to be addressed in book 4.
There is a classical theme presented involving the assassin taking the direction of his superiors without knowledge of great tragedy that may ensue should he become successful.
There is also a young maidservant girl, Saska, that had escaped her hateful master and begins a journey filled with surprises and challenges.
Other players are gradually introduced and the story line begins to jell more masterfully toward the middle of the first book.
The following 2 books are masterfully written and leaves the reader with several open questions that need to be addressed in book 4.
March 7, 2021
I really didn't like this book and don't think I'll read any other in the series. There was so much promiscuity and violence in it. I had to skip lots of pages since it was so prevalent.
June 12, 2021
Fantastic!
I love this series. I find myself totally immersed in the story and the characters. I cannot wait for the third installment in this series. Great job TC Edge!!!
I love this series. I find myself totally immersed in the story and the characters. I cannot wait for the third installment in this series. Great job TC Edge!!!
May 4, 2025
Aptuveni 20 gadus The Bladeborn Sāgas sērijas zemēs kopš iepriekšējā lielā kara starp ziemeļu un dienvidu kontinenta karalistēm ir valdījis trausls miers, bet vismaz ir savs gals, lai cik ļoti daži to nevēlētos. Vai varbūt tieši pretēji un kā Tukoras karalis Janala to alkst, būt par varoni, kam lemts pielikt punktu teiksmainajam pēdējam karu ciklam, apvienojot visus maģiskos Vandaras zobenus.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/05/04/t-...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/05/04/t-...
November 26, 2024
Ok...book one came out swinging and said, "I'm here, I'm epic, I'm a godsdamn banger and y'all best respect". But could book two carry that momentum? Oh boy, does it ever.
The world, that already lived and breathed after one book, came even further to life in this one. We got to see more of it, learn more of it's history, see more of the different societies populating it. So cool.
Characters grew and their paths/arcs remain compelling and leaving wondering "golly, what's next for ole (character name hete)". One character had the biggest growth and remains my least favorite; though I trust the author to win me over.
Plotwise, we get to see the bigger picture, the overarching conflict and I am here for it. Excited to see what part these characters that I have grown attached to will play in it.
The author has his own style, while also having nods to Jordan, Martin, and Gwynne. Can see this series ending up on my top 10 of all-time list.
Quick note - I love the meaning behind the book titles thusfar
add on after reread:
With the 8th and final Bladeborn book coming out this year, I've decided to reread the series. And oddly also decided to start with book 2? OK, Joe, pop off king.
I was so happy the whole time I read this. Though it's been just a bit over a year since first time through, it was so great to be back in this world with these characters. Jonick was a character I hated early on first time, so I was more engaged with his chapters this time; which was good, since he is a large chunk of this book. Lythian still a top-ten all-time character. Elyon not far behind him. Didn't remember so many secrets being unveiled this early either...
Again, so happy being back. Another self pub (well not so self pub these days...) epic fantasy series recently left a bad taste in my mouth and I needed this. Truly think this is the best large-scale, deep-history, epic self pub fantasy series that I have ever read.
The world, that already lived and breathed after one book, came even further to life in this one. We got to see more of it, learn more of it's history, see more of the different societies populating it. So cool.
Characters grew and their paths/arcs remain compelling and leaving wondering "golly, what's next for ole (character name hete)". One character had the biggest growth and remains my least favorite; though I trust the author to win me over.
Plotwise, we get to see the bigger picture, the overarching conflict and I am here for it. Excited to see what part these characters that I have grown attached to will play in it.
The author has his own style, while also having nods to Jordan, Martin, and Gwynne. Can see this series ending up on my top 10 of all-time list.
Quick note - I love the meaning behind the book titles thusfar
add on after reread:
With the 8th and final Bladeborn book coming out this year, I've decided to reread the series. And oddly also decided to start with book 2? OK, Joe, pop off king.
I was so happy the whole time I read this. Though it's been just a bit over a year since first time through, it was so great to be back in this world with these characters. Jonick was a character I hated early on first time, so I was more engaged with his chapters this time; which was good, since he is a large chunk of this book. Lythian still a top-ten all-time character. Elyon not far behind him. Didn't remember so many secrets being unveiled this early either...
Again, so happy being back. Another self pub (well not so self pub these days...) epic fantasy series recently left a bad taste in my mouth and I needed this. Truly think this is the best large-scale, deep-history, epic self pub fantasy series that I have ever read.
March 17, 2021
This is the second book in the series and it is turning out to be an epic fantasy saga. Reminiscent of Tolkien in its depth and ability to suck you into the story so thoroughly.
The characters are equally deep and well developed. The book is packed full of action and intrigue, and very hard to put down until the end.
I loved the first book and find that I love the second one even more.
I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
The characters are equally deep and well developed. The book is packed full of action and intrigue, and very hard to put down until the end.
I loved the first book and find that I love the second one even more.
I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2021
Excellent second instalment of the saga. Plenty of nods to Game of Thrones but so much originality in the world and characters that TC Edge has created. Deepening of the characters moving on from the first book, and a few more breadcrumbs about the wider story arc. Plus a few reveals to stop you feeling frustrated! Excellent writing again from Toby. Bring on the 3rd instalment!
April 18, 2021
Highly entertaining
Character building in the first book set up perfectly for this one. So much going on with all the characters and their growth. Twists and turns I read it very slowly, and enjoyed it . Definitely looking forward to the next one. Thank you, Toby!
Character building in the first book set up perfectly for this one. So much going on with all the characters and their growth. Twists and turns I read it very slowly, and enjoyed it . Definitely looking forward to the next one. Thank you, Toby!
May 3, 2021
Great second book.
I am looking forward to the next book in this awesome series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I am looking forward to the next book in this awesome series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.
July 4, 2025
If you are a fan of engrossing fantasy tales filled with mystery, magic, and unforgettable characters, "Ghost of the Shadowfort" by T.C. Edge is an absolute must-read. This novel is a masterful blend of intricate world-building, compelling storytelling, and vivid character development that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. From the very first page, Edge’s impeccably crafted prose draws you into the eerie and enchanting world of Shadowfort. The atmosphere is rich with tension and anticipation, making you feel as though you are walking alongside the characters as they navigate the treacherous paths and dark secrets of the fort. The protagonist's journey is nothing short of epic. They face unimaginable challenges, each test pushing them to their limits and revealing deeper layers of their personality. Edge's ability to create multi-dimensional characters is truly impressive, allowing readers to connect with them on a profound level. Their struggles, triumphs, and evolution throughout the story are portrayed with such authenticity that you can’t help but be invested in their fate. One of the standout aspects of "Ghost of the Shadowfort" is its plot. It is intricately woven with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have figured out what will happen next, Edge throws in a surprise that leaves you eagerly turning the pages. The balance between action, suspense, and emotional depth is perfectly struck, ensuring that there is never a dull moment. The world-building in this novel is nothing short of extraordinary. Edge has created a universe that is both fantastical and believable, filled with its own unique rules, histories, and cultures. The descriptions are so vivid and detailed that you can almost see the Shadowfort rising ominously against the horizon, feel the chill of the shadows, and hear the whispers of ancient secrets. Beyond its captivating plot and rich setting, "Ghost of the Shadowfort" explores themes of courage, friendship, and the quest for identity. These universal themes resonate deeply, adding an additional layer of depth to the story. Edge’s exploration of these themes is nuanced and thought-provoking, making you reflect on your own life and experiences. In conclusion, "Ghost of the Shadowfort" by T.C. Edge is a phenomenal novel that deserves every one of its five stars. It is a testament to Edge's talent as a storyteller and his ability to craft a narrative that is both entertaining and meaningful. Whether you are a die-hard fantasy fan or a newcomer to the genre, this book promises an unforgettable literary journey that will leave you yearning for more.
December 18, 2025
In the world of sprawling sagas, there are unspoken rules; the first is that the opening book serves as an introduction—to hook the reader and make every page turn feel like a test worth passing. Another rule is that the second book has to grip the reader's interest with an iron fist, like Words of Radiance or Howling Dark. Ghost of the Shadowfort failed: it didn't live up to that rule.
With how competitive the industry is these days, you can't test the reader's patience in the second book. What I mean is that not much happened in this novel. The pieces moved, yes, but only really at the end. The advantage—and disadvantage—of multiple POVs is that one might hook you while you dismiss the others. Curiously, the ones I enjoyed most were those involving the villains. With the exception of Lythian (whose screen time was short), none of the heroes truly mattered to me. Maybe that's what happens when the villains are diligent in their plans, while the heroes stumble around blindly, waiting for the author to save them.
Another thing I didn't like is that it didn't fix the problem from the previous novel. The Bladeborn Saga has really fun elements like divine swords (godsteel), magical artifacts, animals that can be controlled, and other things yet to be revealed... and yet it does nothing with them. It wastes them in favor of developing drama and political intrigue. It's like if in Stormlight Archive the Radiants used their shardblades only once, and solely to fight another shardblade, turning it into a normal duel. A very serious mistake.
As Grok told me at the time, this is considered the worst book in the saga, so maybe I should swallow my bitterness and give the third one another chance, but I doubt it. I'll wait a while for my mind to process this book in the long term, and then we'll see if I want to continue. But based on how I feel right now, this is the end of the road for me in the Bladeborn Saga.
With how competitive the industry is these days, you can't test the reader's patience in the second book. What I mean is that not much happened in this novel. The pieces moved, yes, but only really at the end. The advantage—and disadvantage—of multiple POVs is that one might hook you while you dismiss the others. Curiously, the ones I enjoyed most were those involving the villains. With the exception of Lythian (whose screen time was short), none of the heroes truly mattered to me. Maybe that's what happens when the villains are diligent in their plans, while the heroes stumble around blindly, waiting for the author to save them.
Another thing I didn't like is that it didn't fix the problem from the previous novel. The Bladeborn Saga has really fun elements like divine swords (godsteel), magical artifacts, animals that can be controlled, and other things yet to be revealed... and yet it does nothing with them. It wastes them in favor of developing drama and political intrigue. It's like if in Stormlight Archive the Radiants used their shardblades only once, and solely to fight another shardblade, turning it into a normal duel. A very serious mistake.
As Grok told me at the time, this is considered the worst book in the saga, so maybe I should swallow my bitterness and give the third one another chance, but I doubt it. I'll wait a while for my mind to process this book in the long term, and then we'll see if I want to continue. But based on how I feel right now, this is the end of the road for me in the Bladeborn Saga.
August 9, 2026
Somehow better than the first book, but I am not surprised.
I said in my review of book 1 that it was the best foundational book in an epic fantasy series I have read in a long time. That is still very much true. However, this book expands upon that building of the foundation for the story to come.
It is a slow build up with all of our characters "moving into position" for what is going to happen called a Cycle of Renewal. Essentially it's a world war, or apocalyptic type event that, as the name implies; renews the land. Whether that be resetting borders of kingdoms, or wiping out all of humanity. The Cycle of Renewal has happened multiple times as we find out, and this one is shaping up to be the biggest of the big, and quite possibly the last.
We infer this based on how the story is unfolding to us the reader, as well as prophecies stated by other characters. It is very exciting.
As before Edge does a splendid job of building up this world's history in an organic way that is easily digested rather than massive dictation blocks of words. The machinations of the people in power reach their own crescendo as the "little guys" are still trying to compose themselves. I won't go into too much detail, but by books end we are very much moving forward at quite a brisk pace.
I devoured this book in a matter of days, and from what I have seen & read online the series only gets better. I am looking forward [as always] to continuing my trip through these books [in due time].
I said in my review of book 1 that it was the best foundational book in an epic fantasy series I have read in a long time. That is still very much true. However, this book expands upon that building of the foundation for the story to come.
It is a slow build up with all of our characters "moving into position" for what is going to happen called a Cycle of Renewal. Essentially it's a world war, or apocalyptic type event that, as the name implies; renews the land. Whether that be resetting borders of kingdoms, or wiping out all of humanity. The Cycle of Renewal has happened multiple times as we find out, and this one is shaping up to be the biggest of the big, and quite possibly the last.
We infer this based on how the story is unfolding to us the reader, as well as prophecies stated by other characters. It is very exciting.
As before Edge does a splendid job of building up this world's history in an organic way that is easily digested rather than massive dictation blocks of words. The machinations of the people in power reach their own crescendo as the "little guys" are still trying to compose themselves. I won't go into too much detail, but by books end we are very much moving forward at quite a brisk pace.
I devoured this book in a matter of days, and from what I have seen & read online the series only gets better. I am looking forward [as always] to continuing my trip through these books [in due time].
October 5, 2024
Better character development in the second book. I started to care about the characters and what happened to them. I enjoyed this book because I felt like it was well written and well thought out and developed the characters better. Looking forward to see where the author goes in book 3. Looking at some of the other reviews, they said there wasn’t enough action in this book compared to the first one I thought the first one lacked action. And the action that was there I didn’t care as much as I do in the second book. I guess I just didn’t care about the characters in the first book and because of the character development I cared more about them in the second book, I agree, though we need to take this character development and lead it into some action
January 9, 2023
The storyline is absolutely fantastic....very well written, edge of your seat - can't put it down chapters one after another, strong characters who are realistic with faults and strengths both, with lots of moving pieces and sub-stories that are now converging into one epic drama. The multiple POV was a bit difficult at first, but quickly made sense when you went back to a character as the story progressed....one of the best I've read!
April 30, 2023
The best thing about this series is the cast of characters, who each make up the story into a whole. There are battles, but I liked how the characters dealt with their situations. There are plots and plots within plots, villains and heroes and those who decide to do their best. More dragons this time; always good in a fantasy of this sort.
Saska's journey is my favourite because I like to see women succeed...good ones, anyway.
Enjoyable and recommended.
Saska's journey is my favourite because I like to see women succeed...good ones, anyway.
Enjoyable and recommended.
July 18, 2023
This was waaayyyyyy too slow. Great writing, but it needed editing. The description of the world was marvelous and tedious at the same time.
Hey this is feedback. After you read a couple of Epic fantasy novels you sort of get the gist. No need to get into such exacting detail. The characters development actually suffered because of this.
Sometimes less is more mr Edge. Edited well this could have been a 5* read but for now 3.5*
Hey this is feedback. After you read a couple of Epic fantasy novels you sort of get the gist. No need to get into such exacting detail. The characters development actually suffered because of this.
Sometimes less is more mr Edge. Edited well this could have been a 5* read but for now 3.5*
August 20, 2026
A step up in regards to prose. If you have read the first book, you will understand what the title of this book means but unfortunately the character related to it did not do anything important but regardless, the other pov characters were incredible, and the world building is just top tier. Incredible ending, similar to how Sanderson or Robert Jordan like to end their books. I am very excited to read book 3!
October 29, 2021
Great Series!
I have enjoyed this series as much as any I have read. Various well written sub plots, great characters. I was looking forward to seeing it all pulled together in the third book and then learned that it is not a trilogy. Several books to follow. The author is doing a great job!
I have enjoyed this series as much as any I have read. Various well written sub plots, great characters. I was looking forward to seeing it all pulled together in the third book and then learned that it is not a trilogy. Several books to follow. The author is doing a great job!
March 1, 2023
Innovative and thought provoking.
So many schemes at play. They feel separate at this point, but theres a reason drawing all the disparate pieces together. I wasnt sure I like the story-telling. But I'm hooked now and want to see all the twists that bring this story to its conclusion.
So many schemes at play. They feel separate at this point, but theres a reason drawing all the disparate pieces together. I wasnt sure I like the story-telling. But I'm hooked now and want to see all the twists that bring this story to its conclusion.
May 24, 2023
Surprisingly good
I started this series without much by way of expectation. I knew it was part of Kindle unlimited, and so just didn’t expect much. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by this series so far. The writer is good, the plot is well developed, and the story is well-told.
I started this series without much by way of expectation. I knew it was part of Kindle unlimited, and so just didn’t expect much. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by this series so far. The writer is good, the plot is well developed, and the story is well-told.
November 4, 2024
Plots within plots
A great readl many players.Heros and villains abound all seeking to win a war. Sprinkled with a hint of love, honor, deceit and gallantry! Easy to get started and hard to put down! The map and bookmarks give the ability to easily go back and forth to understand the geography adding another dimension!
Can't wait to start the next book .
Thanks TC
A great readl many players.Heros and villains abound all seeking to win a war. Sprinkled with a hint of love, honor, deceit and gallantry! Easy to get started and hard to put down! The map and bookmarks give the ability to easily go back and forth to understand the geography adding another dimension!
Can't wait to start the next book .
Thanks TC
April 13, 2025
I wasn't in the headspace to read anything these past 48hrs but im glad i made the effort, its difficult especially when the book starts to slow but I'm glad I made the push because reading this is like watching puzzle pieces fall into place perfectly 👌. Especially after all the cliffhangers from the last book.
April 19, 2025
So very wordy!
I remain enthralled with this world! The women and men have me gripping the edge of my seat. However it does drag on but just as my eyes begin to roll back, the next character entertains again. This author’s vocabulary keeps my mind sharp and the dictionary close by lol.
I remain enthralled with this world! The women and men have me gripping the edge of my seat. However it does drag on but just as my eyes begin to roll back, the next character entertains again. This author’s vocabulary keeps my mind sharp and the dictionary close by lol.
January 1, 2026
An improvement over the first book in the series. I still think the political intrigue is lacking and Saska's POV is the weakest of them all. The two Daekar's and Lithians POV have been rather good, as well as the plot development across the board.
I'm highly interested in seeing where this series goes from here.
Regards,
I'm highly interested in seeing where this series goes from here.
Regards,
February 15, 2026
Really like the world and books, but two issues with this book and the series in general. First, I need a little more action as the suspense and intrigue are great, but need more action. We go off to war in the book and there's barely any fighting. Second, too many major characters as we jump around a lot. I know it's common with the genre, but I felt this was a little too much.
May 30, 2026
Very well written, but nothing really happens
The story continues, but there are no plot resolutions in this book; it is a setup for the next instalment in the series. Nothing is explained, nothing gets resolved.
It is still fun to read, and I will still read the next book in the series, if nothing else, to get some resolution.
The story continues, but there are no plot resolutions in this book; it is a setup for the next instalment in the series. Nothing is explained, nothing gets resolved.
It is still fun to read, and I will still read the next book in the series, if nothing else, to get some resolution.
June 30, 2026
Well worth reading
I only had one or two very minor gripes. The author uses colloquial slang from Britain once or twice and also switched between meters and yards for size and distance measurements. To fit in the time period I'd personally choose yards but again, it's a petty quibble.
The story itself is fast paced and interesting and I highly recommend it.
I only had one or two very minor gripes. The author uses colloquial slang from Britain once or twice and also switched between meters and yards for size and distance measurements. To fit in the time period I'd personally choose yards but again, it's a petty quibble.
The story itself is fast paced and interesting and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews