Shield & Blade

Fate of Eyrinthia #3.5

by Heather Frost

His to protect

When Vera broke Venn’s heart, he was shattered. When she was abducted by mercenaries, he vowed to tear Mortise apart to find her. Now, reunited, he is determined to keep her safe–and win back her heart. Of course, things are never that simple.

Hers to defend

Vera has regretted hurting Venn ever since that fateful night in Wexon, but finding the right time to tell him is proving difficult. Traveling with him to Duvan should give her the perfect opportunity, but things take an unexpected turn when they find young children abandoned near a roadside.

Theirs to save

Helping the children isn’t in question, but the detour leads Venn and Vera into the heart of a sinister mystery. The truth they fight to uncover could change everything in Eyrinthia–and may cost them their lives.

Shield & Blade is book 3.5 in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series. It is best enjoyed after reading Royal Captive.

Genres: Fantasy, Novella, Romance, Fiction, Second Chance, Young Adult Fantasy, Clean Romance

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2022

About the author

Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon Bestselling YA author who loves epic stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Her books have been Whitney Award Finalists and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com

Reviews

[Sarah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a mega fan of the Fate of Erynthia series I was beyond excited to be chosen as a receiver of an Advanced Reader Copy of Shield & Blade.
In this novella we finally learn what became of Venn and Vera after they went separate ways in Royal Captive. The wait was worth it! Our hearts have been tortured by the fracture in Venn and Vera's relationship for so long I NEEDED this book and can guarantee other fans will as well.
I don't want to give away any spoilers as the journey with these two characters is one you will want to go on yourself.
I will say the danger feels real, the hurts tore at my soul, and my heart was thoroughly tortured by author Frost who seems to love doing that to her readers! I already loved Venn and Vera, but they are even more cemented amongst some of my favorite characters of any story ever written.
I can say in all honesty that this series rates right up there with the Harry Potter series for me and I believe someday we will see this series on a big screen or as a series on HBO or other movie channel. I truly do believe it is that deserving of recognition.
If you haven't read this series, DO! Start with Royal Decoy and join this adventure! Maybe I will see you waiting in line at midnight for the next book in the series to be released!

[Renee Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading this novella! Without giving away any spoilers, it was an absolute treat on a number of levels both personally as a fan of certain characters and plot devices, and just as a reader overall!

Romance, intrigue, action, and a great deepening of harrowing plot points only glimpsed in ROYAL CAPTIVE, Heather Frost once again knocked it out of the park with this one! A great tide-me-over until ROYAL REBEL!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I need a minute to catch my breath. This book (novella) is quite amazing and hard to put down. As with Frost’s other books in this series, the characters leap off the page and the action is page turning. I loved Venn and Vera's journey back to each other and the children and the story that came from it was a wonderful addition. I didn’t want it to end but I had to know what happened! Trust me, read this series.

5 out of 5 stars. This series is amazing. I 100% recommend it.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shield and Blade is listed as a novella but this story is a regular novel length and I was so happy. I'd been waiting to find out what happened to Venn and Vera as events from the third book Royal Captive took place. These two side characters become the main characters in Shield and Blade. Their tragic love story comes full circle in the best way! Circumstances bring them back together and neither one at first knows how the other is feeling. It was so gratifying to see how this all played out.

I loved the addition of Venn and Vera finding the abandoned children that they took under their wings. They see each other in a new light as prospective parents and gives them a glimpse into a possible future together. The three children are Finn who is 7 or 8, Sarah that is 4, and a newborn baby girl, Rebecca. These children stole my heart. Finn was so brave and protective of his sisters. Cute little Sarah needed the love and reassurance that someone was there for her and her siblings. I loved how Sarah and Finn could see how Venn and Vera still felt about each other before even they did.

Shield and Blade has all the feels, stirring action showcasing the bravery and courage of Venn, Vera, and Finn, and a satisfying romance that comes to fruition with sweet kisses along the way. This whole series has been so good and I can't wait for book four. The Fate of Eyrinthia series really needs to be read from book one first. The world of Eyrinthia and the many characters are complex and you don't want to miss out on any of it by reading this in the wrong order. Make sure to continue reading my blog down below to read an Author Guest Post called, "10 Things I Love About Writing The Fate of Eyrinthia Series". I'm so happy to have learned even more about this series and its talented author, Heather Frost.

***This novel is a clean romance, with some violence but not graphic.***
https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot...

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fan of Frost's Fate of Eyrinthia series. I was fortunate to receive, first time ever, an ARC for my honest review . This novella focuses on Venn and Vera. So glad they were center stage in this. Their story is one filled with passion, tragedy, adventure, forgiveness, unconditional love, longing, defying the odds, internal and external obstacles and fighting to be with one another no matter what. Their funny, serious, heartbreaking and passionate moments all balance each other out. You get to see and "hear" all sides aspects surrounding their relationship with each other and also get to explore more about them individually. They are such a good team and source of strength for each other and other people, especially when they come across the (no spoilers) as they are traveling. Can we just take a moment to be in awe of just how well Venn interacts with their new companions? Vera and Venn taking on the task they did shows their hearts and made me love them even more. Such a good team. Perhaps we can meet Venns siblings/mom later on. Would love to see that meeting. Him introducing Vera to his mom/ him interacting with his sisters. Didnt see the twist coming when they arrived at the sanctuary. At all. Wondering how the result of that or, should i say, the making of that place will play out in the next book. Vera did show plenty of bravery in this, and her willingness to truly fight for what she wants. I cheered for her more than once. Venn, though, dang he is something fierce. His ability to fight/lethal skills and passion for Vera are both on par with each other. Love it. Thank you for allowing me to read this! This was a must read and didn't disappoint. Cannot wait for the next one!

[M.H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an ARC for this novella (book 3.5 in the series) when Heather Frost opened sign-ups. It unravels a mystery left dangling at the end of Royal Captive, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait long for answers!

The novella opens with familiar scenes from book 3, like a short recap from a fresh perspective. I didn’t find the recap tedious, but I was glad to move on to fully fresh content after the first four chapters. From there, the pace is good, the interactions are pure gold, and then the climax kicks into high gear.

Shield & Blade follows Venn and Vera—side characters in the main series—both of whom shine in these pages. I liked them before. I love them now! Venn is fun, brave, and heartwarming, while timid Vera proves her mettle as she’s forced to stretch herself. They make a great dynamic, and are perfect guardians to the children introduced in this adventure.

This novella does a great job of ramping up the tension in preparation for the upcoming fourth book, wetting my appetite even more for what’s to come. These politics, let me tell ya—masterfully handled. That said, I get the sense that one doesn’t *have* to read this to carry on with the main series, which is very good. It does its job well without becoming a crutch.

Definitely recommended to those who have read books 1-3 of the Fate of Eyrinthia!

Content: Clean romance. Torture, blood, deaths, and battles, but no gore. Zero strong language.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel that this novella is fairly crucial to the overall series, but then again, I haven't read the 4th book yet. This really reminded me of Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper and Protector of the Small series. I enjoyed the romance, and I think it ties in really nicely with the other books that I've read so far. I'm very curious about where this will lead us. I'm already dreading the fact that the series hasn't been finished yet!

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed.

I can't wait for the full length novel that will come soon. I was glad to read about what happened to Venn and Vera.

[Girl and Books]

I'm not gonna rate it because I don't care about the characters. It was just okay as a part of the series.

[V Bjorkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read the ARC of this new novella. If you are a fan of the Fate of Eyrinthia series such as I am.... You will love this novella! The author gives us further insight into Venn (bodyguard for the princess) and Vera (the princesses maid) and their budding romance. As always Frost draws you in with her storytelling. She is an expert in creating characters that you can't help but fall in love with. From the first page to the last it keeps you enthralled. As with all the books in this series you can expect adventure, intrigue, suspense and romance. Great read! If you haven't read the previous books in this series I totally recommend that you do.

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After you finish reading the third book in this exciting series, you are definitely left emotionally proved wondering about two characters in particular. So, thank Frost for this novella, where she finally reveals what happened to them during the events taking place in Royal Captive.

Vera and Venn are a couple of characters that readers come to grow close to and feel for them every book a bit more. Because of this, when dreadful events strike, it’s inevitable to feel the repercussions of those, and suffering together with such a beloved bodyguard and a dear royal maid just comes naturally. It’s truly amazing how the author manages to get us so attached to her secondary characters, and it’s outstanding how hard we keep falling for a few. Like for Venn. Seriously, he’s always been caring and charming—not to mention funny—but, after assisting to his interactions with the children in here, you’ll have to fight not to let your heart melt . . . How much strength do you have?

A lovely novella with heart-warming characters, a well-thought storyline, and intriguing discoveries . . . Beware, some tension might be lifted, but your mind could get even more twisted!

I received a free copy of this book from the Author for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shield & Blade is a novella in the young adult fantasy series, the Fate of Eyrinthia, by author Heather Frost. I think the Fate of Eyrinthia series is a total hidden gem that not enough people are reading. I love everything about this series, and I totally gobbled up this novella. It was great. Shield & Blade is best enjoyed after reading Royal Captive, which is book 3 of the series because this story is interwoven with certain events of the Royal Captive. I would not read this out of order.

This novella centers around Venn and Vera, two characters which I really love. Venn is the Princess' bodyguard and Vera is the Princess' maid. A lot is packed into this novella and I loved every second of their story. It made me want to go back and re-read the third book. I can't wait for this series to be done so I can binge re-read the whole thing.

The Fate of Eyrinthia series is a hidden gem that I want to shout from the rooftops that more people should read. If you are a fan of fantasy, this is a series that you need in your life. I love it so much! If you are a fan of fantasies featuring great characters and romance, an interesting complex plot told in multiple perspectives, fantastic world building and plenty of awesome political intrigue, then this is a series you NEED to check out.

[Heather Coombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shield & Blade (Fate of Eyrinthia #3.5)
If you are following the Fate of Eyrinthia series, I highly recommend reading this book! (And if you are not, WHY NOT?! You should go read them!) This book falls in just after the 3rd book in the series, Royal Captive. It takes you on an adventure with one of our favorite royal guards, Venn. --Insert swoons here-- We get to see Venn and Vera reunite, and their trust and communication blossom, along with a glimpse into what drove them apart. We get to meet some sweet children who had to grow up far too quickly, but Venn and Vera rise to the challenge, and help these sweet kids find their way. It also gives a terrifying look into the corrupt power Prince Grandeur wields, and the destruction that has followed. Of course, no FoE book is complete without a little romance. Just go read it already!

[Caylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once/if you've read the first three books in the series you need to get this novella when it comes out next week!!! Oh my goodness!!!! Intense much?!?!
In book 3 we got a taste of Venn and Vera but then they went a different way and you get to the end and go "what the heck?? Where are Venn and Vera!!!! They should have met up with everyone by now!!!!"
Well, let me tell you, Heather Frost did a phenomenal job AGAIN continuing her story and setting up book four (which I'm dying for and know I need to wait another year for!)
Not only do we see what happened to them to keep them away, we get a better look at them as people and into their relationship. Even more than that, we get some intense peeks into what conflicts we'll be dealing with in future books.
The only bad thing about this series is I chew on my thumb nails while I read them 🤷‍♀️ old habits come back when I read intense books I guess! And even though this is a novella, it is jam packed with intensity!
Anywho, if you've read the series, buckle up because you need to read this! If you haven't, drop all your TBR pile in the corner and get going! They just keep getting better and better! Do it! Read them all! Be prepared for this book and wait in suspense with me for the rest of the series!!!!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start this review I must say I usually HATE novellas and spin off books with side characters. I don't know why, I can just never get through them. That being said, Shield and Blade was everything I could have hoped for. It is the exception to my rule Venn and Vera's relationship is so beautiful. They are so hopelessly in love with each other and it drips off the page! I loved how as soon as the children showed up they postponed their mission without hesitation. I LOVE that they mutually agreed that the children were their first priority. It just speaks volumes of the moral fiber that these characters have. I just love them! The tension between characters was so well done and all their beautiful moments just made this book so good! There were some plot twists that I didn't expect and parts that had me sitting into he edge of my seat. This book answered some questions, but also introduced new conflicts that I am excited to see resolved! I am sooooooo interested to know what's happening in Zennor and I can't wait for the next book!!

[chaotic and aimless · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters are MY found family, honestly.

This book was all I’ve ever wanted for Venn and Vera.
I first picked up Royal Decoy because someone said it was a wild ride from start to finish. As a fan of Inception and any story that can keep me on the edge of my seat, I decided to give it a try.

And boy, did it deliver.

Heather Frost keeps her readers engaged with every book in this series. Her characters are complex, lovable, and grey — all in the best way. I wish I could hug every last one of them.

This tale of found family and dark conspiracies (not to mention the best kind of slow-burn romance!) will grip you by the shoulders and refuse to let you go. It has successfully turned me into a Venn and Vera fan for life.

If you like multiple POVs, royal conspiracies, clean romance, and characters you’ll think about for days after you’ve finished, this series is for you. Start with Royal Decoy and thank me later.

[Isabella Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!!! I had high expectations for Venn and Vera's story and it did not disappoint! Their characters are a few that I've loved and been interested in from the very start and this book just fulfilled so many of my dreams! It opened up even more drama for the next books to follow up on and I cannot wait to see what happens next for these characters and this story.

The drama and romantic buildup was absolutely perfect. I loved watching Venn and Vera's relationship with the children and each other. It was simply beautiful. I'm already impatiently waiting for book 4 to be released!!! So just in case there's any doubt, Heather Frost is a fabulous author and this book is a MUST read!!

[Travis Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab series EVER!!!

I have read these books and fell in love with them! They are not to fast or too slow and have the right amount of action. The heart breaking scenes are amazing and I definitely recommend this book and the whole series. I certainly do not have enough patience for the next book!

[Rosalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we find out what happened to Vera and Venn!!!!! What an adventure it was!!! I love reading Heathers stories and this one didn't disappoint. There were so many twists and turns that Vera and Venn went through in this book and I think the most dangerous one was the one involving their hearts. I LOVE this series and can't wait to see what happens next!!!!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy.

[Rorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As has been the case with each of the other books in this series, I was drawn in to the story right away. I appreciated the chance to get Venn and Vera's story of what happened from the time she was rescued to when they finally made their way back to everyone else.

There is a lot of heartache, terror, sadness and grief in this story. But there is also a lot of love, hope, goodness, and peace as well. Watching tough-guy Venn interact with the children was perfect for my mom heart.

The author really knows how to hit you right in the feels with each of her stories. This is a series that I can see myself reading over and over again. It definitely needs to be read in order, but I highly recommend it.

[S B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera and Venn

If you've read Royal Captive, and you definitely NEED to before reading this, you know Venn and Vera were long overdue at Duvan.

No one knew where they were or what happened to them. Shield and Blade tells us their story. And it's... intense, to say the least. Serene and Desfan are going to be furious when they find out. And they'll have to find a way to stop what Venn and Vera uncover.

Want to know what it is? You're going to have to read it for yourself!

There was are the usual elements you expect to find in Ms Frost's stories; action, intrigue, witty dialogue, and swoony moments to name a few. I adore Venn, and was thrilled to read a novella dedicated to him and his love!

[Shelby Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one night!

I have loved this series from the beginning. Each book that Heather writes is better than the last. Her writing gets better as the story deepens. It's really awesome to watch her grow as an author. When I got to the end of this book I was saddened to see the next one won't be out until next year. There is so much going on that I'm excited to see how she pulls it all together. I will patiently wait on the next book sucking my thumb like Sarah. This whole series gets an extra star from me because it's just awesome! 🌟

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm biased, but :) Venn and Vera will always have a special place in my hear!

[Candy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better with each new book and story that leads you deeper into the lives of the characters where you connect with them on a level that makes you want to stay in there world. True to the author's writing style this stoy has all the feels: romance, heartache, love,mystery, and adventure with trouble. When things go array Vera and Venn must find the truth but it may cost them more than they bargain for.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather does it again...

Capturing us again, with this story of Vera & Venn...brings heroic adventures, charging bravery and deep compassion. A story read a must with this series you don't wanna miss.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!!! Heather Frost is an amazing author. You will not want to miss out on this series!!!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books picks you up and takes you on an adventure right along with the characters. I loved the way the romance was handled—clean and sweet, but not lacking in any depth. And the tension and pacing were right on. It was cool to see what was happening with Venn and Vera during the events if Royal Captive!

[Laurie Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella!!🥰 I loved getting to read about Vera and Venn! Great addition to the series!

[Yvonne Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult book to put down

Heather Frost really makes her characters come alive. The action is non-stop and the mysteries good at being intriguing before being solved. Can’t wait for Book 4.

[Davrilah Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite

I have love this pairing from the start. This novella could have been 50 or 100 pages longer. I could read a whole novel on theor quiet moments alone. Add in the Holm's and you had me. Loved it. Need it to be 2023 already