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The Royal Champion #2
The Swordsman's Descent
Lost in a foreign city. Assassins around every corner. No allies in sight.
Survival is key, when enemies are all around.
Belasko, the Royal Champion, war hero, legendary swordsman, has distanced himself from the trappings of court life and toils at his academy. Searching for his successor.
When a general Belasko defeated long ago stages a coup to place himself upon the Baskan throne, Queen Lilliana’s desire to negotiate a permanent peace takes them into a vipers nest of intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal.
When blades are drawn, and all seems lost, can Belasko save the lives of those he loves the most?
Survival is key, when enemies are all around.
Belasko, the Royal Champion, war hero, legendary swordsman, has distanced himself from the trappings of court life and toils at his academy. Searching for his successor.
When a general Belasko defeated long ago stages a coup to place himself upon the Baskan throne, Queen Lilliana’s desire to negotiate a permanent peace takes them into a vipers nest of intrigue, suspicion, and betrayal.
When blades are drawn, and all seems lost, can Belasko save the lives of those he loves the most?
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
G.M. White
3 books25 followersG.M. White has always been an avid reader, a love of the written word instilled in him by his parents at an early age. This may or may not have something to do with the fact that he was a very talkative child and the only time he was quiet was when he had his head in a book. Anyway, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one.
A lifelong daydreamer he finally decided to put his imagination to good use and set pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard) and started to write down the worlds that he carried with him in his head. The Swordsman's Lament is his first novel.
He has also had the typical author's chequered job history. He has been at various times an actor, a performer at The London Dungeons, a theatre usher and box office clerk, a ticketing systems specialist working at the Ambassador Theatre Group, National Theatre, and Royal Albert Hall, and played drums in a variety of rock bands.
After thirteen years living and working in London he and his wife gave up the rat race, and moved to St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly, where they continue to live.
You can find him online and sign up to his newsletter at https://gmwhite.co.uk
A lifelong daydreamer he finally decided to put his imagination to good use and set pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard) and started to write down the worlds that he carried with him in his head. The Swordsman's Lament is his first novel.
He has also had the typical author's chequered job history. He has been at various times an actor, a performer at The London Dungeons, a theatre usher and box office clerk, a ticketing systems specialist working at the Ambassador Theatre Group, National Theatre, and Royal Albert Hall, and played drums in a variety of rock bands.
After thirteen years living and working in London he and his wife gave up the rat race, and moved to St. Martin's in the Isles of Scilly, where they continue to live.
You can find him online and sign up to his newsletter at https://gmwhite.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 13, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this return to Villan and a first foray into Bas as the world of The Royal Champion is expanded from what we previously got to see. The characters are likeable and it’s an engaging story, if a little predictable in places. We get a brief look at shamanic magic in this instalment, showing an extra facet of the worldbuilding, beyond the physical and political geography of two nations living in an uneasy peace.
The writing is good and the pages turn pretty quickly, and overall, I just think it’s a really solid novel in all departments. It’s good without threatening greatness, by which I mean no slight at all. Everything is neatly put together, with just a little extra oomph needed here and there to take it to the next level.
I enjoyed this return to Villan and a first foray into Bas as the world of The Royal Champion is expanded from what we previously got to see. The characters are likeable and it’s an engaging story, if a little predictable in places. We get a brief look at shamanic magic in this instalment, showing an extra facet of the worldbuilding, beyond the physical and political geography of two nations living in an uneasy peace.
The writing is good and the pages turn pretty quickly, and overall, I just think it’s a really solid novel in all departments. It’s good without threatening greatness, by which I mean no slight at all. Everything is neatly put together, with just a little extra oomph needed here and there to take it to the next level.
February 27, 2023
Review to come
January 23, 2023
The Swordsman's Descent by G.M.White is the latest in his Royal Champion books. In the Swordsman's Descent we join Bellasko and all the crew in their latest adventure.
The story is set a number of years following The Swordsman's Lament and we see a much different Belasko. He has focussed his time on his academy and has moved away from the court of Queen Lilianna and entered a time of self imposed exile away from rat race.
Meanwhile, we discover that there is some political intrigue with the Baskans, the country of Villan fought against and it was in this war that Belasko made his name.
This time though, the story is different as we see that the Baskan's are now under new leadership, a familiar face from Belasko's past. However, instead of the usual posturing for war, the Baskan's are brokering for peace.
What I loved about this book was that we get to see Belasko a number of years from the first story and get to see that instead of him being the usual Belasko, he is older and beset by that old villain - time. Yep, the main hero has aches and pains that affect him in a number of ways.
Now, when I read the first book in this series, I loved the buccaneering action in this story and gave it five stars, however, The Swordsman's Descent is a massive improvement upon the first and is a more contemplative tale than the first. Yes, it still has plenty of action and daring do, but the story is longer in length than the first tale and this not only gives a greater depth to the characters but it gives the story time to develop.
One of the things that is noticeable is that there is a vast improvement in G.M.White's writing, which is not to cast any aspersions towards the first book as, like I said I loved it, but there seems to be a confidence in his writing and storytelling abilities and it shines through, making The Swordsman's Descent that much better, and where this is more evident is in the quiet moments of the book, that lull in the story where the set pieces are not the main focus.
The other thing that we get to see is much more depth to Belasko himself. It is so nice to see a main character that is ageing and at a different stage of his life. We get to learn more about his own fears, insecurities and fallibilities. We get to see him having doubts about his own abilities and what the future will bring as he moves into the next stage of his life. We get to see that as Belasko is changing so are his goals. He has never had time for himself or accepting himself and his differences as we find out that Belasko is a gay man that has never really accepted himself. He has lived in a village where he felt that his sexuality was used against him. This has had a significant impact on him and has resulted in him believing that his family does not accept him, whereas the truth of the matter is that he has not accepted himself and transferred these insecurities onto others denying himself relationships with others, both personally and in his romantic relationships. It's quite heart warming to see him reuniting with both his family and a figure from his past who he previously had a relationship with.
For me, this book is mainly about transformation, transition and accepting yourself for who you are, and is a really good addition to the series.
The story is set a number of years following The Swordsman's Lament and we see a much different Belasko. He has focussed his time on his academy and has moved away from the court of Queen Lilianna and entered a time of self imposed exile away from rat race.
Meanwhile, we discover that there is some political intrigue with the Baskans, the country of Villan fought against and it was in this war that Belasko made his name.
This time though, the story is different as we see that the Baskan's are now under new leadership, a familiar face from Belasko's past. However, instead of the usual posturing for war, the Baskan's are brokering for peace.
What I loved about this book was that we get to see Belasko a number of years from the first story and get to see that instead of him being the usual Belasko, he is older and beset by that old villain - time. Yep, the main hero has aches and pains that affect him in a number of ways.
Now, when I read the first book in this series, I loved the buccaneering action in this story and gave it five stars, however, The Swordsman's Descent is a massive improvement upon the first and is a more contemplative tale than the first. Yes, it still has plenty of action and daring do, but the story is longer in length than the first tale and this not only gives a greater depth to the characters but it gives the story time to develop.
One of the things that is noticeable is that there is a vast improvement in G.M.White's writing, which is not to cast any aspersions towards the first book as, like I said I loved it, but there seems to be a confidence in his writing and storytelling abilities and it shines through, making The Swordsman's Descent that much better, and where this is more evident is in the quiet moments of the book, that lull in the story where the set pieces are not the main focus.
The other thing that we get to see is much more depth to Belasko himself. It is so nice to see a main character that is ageing and at a different stage of his life. We get to learn more about his own fears, insecurities and fallibilities. We get to see him having doubts about his own abilities and what the future will bring as he moves into the next stage of his life. We get to see that as Belasko is changing so are his goals. He has never had time for himself or accepting himself and his differences as we find out that Belasko is a gay man that has never really accepted himself. He has lived in a village where he felt that his sexuality was used against him. This has had a significant impact on him and has resulted in him believing that his family does not accept him, whereas the truth of the matter is that he has not accepted himself and transferred these insecurities onto others denying himself relationships with others, both personally and in his romantic relationships. It's quite heart warming to see him reuniting with both his family and a figure from his past who he previously had a relationship with.
For me, this book is mainly about transformation, transition and accepting yourself for who you are, and is a really good addition to the series.
October 25, 2022
Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (4.75 over 5 stars)
Full review text: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
The Swordman's Descent is the third book (second if you don't count the prequel novella) in the low fantasy series The Royal Champion, by the British author G.M. White. After loving the prequel, which shows us how Belasko gains his spot as Royal Champion of Villan, and really enjoying The Swordman's Lament, it was just a matter of time to read this book; and honestly, at this point, being back at reading Belasko's adventures is like having a beer with an old friend.
Our story starts with Belasko training with his pupils in the academy, preparing those new swordsmen when a Baskan challenger comes, and gets defeated easily by Belasko, showing how despite being older he's still a really skilled fighter, even dueling disarmed. And even after defeating somebody who could have been defined as unpolite, he invites the challenger to join his academy and to train there, showing that Belasko is still a really good person, despite the time and all the difficulties he has experienced (do you remember Lament?). Shortly after, we can see how our protagonist is suffering from some complications derivated from a physical lesson, and that is shrinking him, which will force him to retire soon and nominate a successor.
Queen Lilliana and Belasko, among others, get invited to visit Bas, as the Baskan King wants to establish good relationships between Bas and Villan and forget what happened during the war (where Belasko became a hero), which will be the excuse to visit Bas and to travel there. The world that we know in The Royal Champion saga gets expanded in this book, finally showing the neighbour country, Bas, and even at some point introducing a little bit of religion and magic, showing us the mountain people. Criminal underworld from both sides make their apparition; and the internal politics of Bas marks the novel, as a conspiration from a certain side (not going to say much, I don't want to spoil your experience) that will endanger Queen Liliana, forcing Belasko and the rest of the Villan expedition to live an adventure in Bas, surrounded by assassins that can appear in any corner.
Even near the end, the full cycle of the story of Belasko will metaphorically close, as we will be back at the Pass where everything started, where Belasko emerged as a hero. The elements that made me love this saga are again a part of this novel, such as the detailed and realistic sword fights, the political schemes, and to be fair, Belasko is an important reason why I love so much this saga; and G.M. does marvelous work of keeping them while adding new things to the world, showing us more places outside Villan.
I absolutely loved The Swordsman's Lament, being the perfect continuation to a saga I really enjoy each time I read. It's an absolute must for low fantasy fans, for those that look for a more optimistic fantasy but without magical elements. At this point, I can just hope that you all pick The Royal Champion saga, because it's amazing, and I also hope that if we don't have more Belasko, at least G.M. continues expanding the world shown in this saga.
Full review text: https://vueltaspodcast.wordpress.com/...
The Swordman's Descent is the third book (second if you don't count the prequel novella) in the low fantasy series The Royal Champion, by the British author G.M. White. After loving the prequel, which shows us how Belasko gains his spot as Royal Champion of Villan, and really enjoying The Swordman's Lament, it was just a matter of time to read this book; and honestly, at this point, being back at reading Belasko's adventures is like having a beer with an old friend.
Our story starts with Belasko training with his pupils in the academy, preparing those new swordsmen when a Baskan challenger comes, and gets defeated easily by Belasko, showing how despite being older he's still a really skilled fighter, even dueling disarmed. And even after defeating somebody who could have been defined as unpolite, he invites the challenger to join his academy and to train there, showing that Belasko is still a really good person, despite the time and all the difficulties he has experienced (do you remember Lament?). Shortly after, we can see how our protagonist is suffering from some complications derivated from a physical lesson, and that is shrinking him, which will force him to retire soon and nominate a successor.
Queen Lilliana and Belasko, among others, get invited to visit Bas, as the Baskan King wants to establish good relationships between Bas and Villan and forget what happened during the war (where Belasko became a hero), which will be the excuse to visit Bas and to travel there. The world that we know in The Royal Champion saga gets expanded in this book, finally showing the neighbour country, Bas, and even at some point introducing a little bit of religion and magic, showing us the mountain people. Criminal underworld from both sides make their apparition; and the internal politics of Bas marks the novel, as a conspiration from a certain side (not going to say much, I don't want to spoil your experience) that will endanger Queen Liliana, forcing Belasko and the rest of the Villan expedition to live an adventure in Bas, surrounded by assassins that can appear in any corner.
Even near the end, the full cycle of the story of Belasko will metaphorically close, as we will be back at the Pass where everything started, where Belasko emerged as a hero. The elements that made me love this saga are again a part of this novel, such as the detailed and realistic sword fights, the political schemes, and to be fair, Belasko is an important reason why I love so much this saga; and G.M. does marvelous work of keeping them while adding new things to the world, showing us more places outside Villan.
I absolutely loved The Swordsman's Lament, being the perfect continuation to a saga I really enjoy each time I read. It's an absolute must for low fantasy fans, for those that look for a more optimistic fantasy but without magical elements. At this point, I can just hope that you all pick The Royal Champion saga, because it's amazing, and I also hope that if we don't have more Belasko, at least G.M. continues expanding the world shown in this saga.
June 27, 2024
2.5 stars - plenty of potential here, but the dialogue felt off to me throughout the entire book. Many character actions and choices also felt forced or out of place. Those two elements kept pulling me out of the story.
July 17, 2022
Historical low fantasy Adventure
The second book in the Royal Champion Series by GM White. Belasko, an undefeated duelist, serves as the Queen’s Champion. He’s served the royal family for years but it’s time to pass on his mantle. As their neighboring former enemy kingdom invites them to sign peace accords, Belasko is once again thrown into the role of protector. He fights desperately to protect the lives of those he loves, hoping his own failing body will last long enough for him to do so. This story was an exciting adventure as the author widened the world and introduced new characters and struggles. The writing style is clean and very good, with just enough description to set the scenes but not overwhelm the senses. I’ve enjoyed all of the Royal Champion stories so far and look forward to more.
The second book in the Royal Champion Series by GM White. Belasko, an undefeated duelist, serves as the Queen’s Champion. He’s served the royal family for years but it’s time to pass on his mantle. As their neighboring former enemy kingdom invites them to sign peace accords, Belasko is once again thrown into the role of protector. He fights desperately to protect the lives of those he loves, hoping his own failing body will last long enough for him to do so. This story was an exciting adventure as the author widened the world and introduced new characters and struggles. The writing style is clean and very good, with just enough description to set the scenes but not overwhelm the senses. I’ve enjoyed all of the Royal Champion stories so far and look forward to more.
July 18, 2022
Huge fun and a pleasing mix of low fantasy, high action, good character development and most of all fun to read
Full review https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
July 11, 2022
its a simple fun story, continuing the tale of Belasko , the Royal Champion.
Well written and a page turner, it has heart and humour.
Not grimdark, actually its quite optimistic and is a good palate cleanser between grittier works.
Will be quietly waiting for more.
Well written and a page turner, it has heart and humour.
Not grimdark, actually its quite optimistic and is a good palate cleanser between grittier works.
Will be quietly waiting for more.
September 2, 2022
Introduction
The second book in The Royal Champion series, The Swordsman's Descent reintroduces us to several characters we first met in The Swordsman’s Lament. Not least Belasko, the Royal Champion himself, and Queen Lilliana, formerly Princess Lilliana, but I won’t spoil anything if you’re coming to this fresh. Being the second book in a series, having read the first gives us an understanding of Villan, the characters, and the trials through which they’ve already prevailed. It’s not essential though. White recaps the events of the previous book deftly, weaving it into dialogue and description until it merges seamlessly with the current narrative. If you’re looking for a quick summary, here it is. This is absolutely a book to get yourself comfy, grab a cup of tea and settle in with, because you won’t put it down.
The Story
(Warning: very minor spoilers for book one and two)
After clearing his name of murdering Prince Kellan, Belasko has retreated ti his accademy to focus on training his recruits, and indeed, finding his own successor for the role of Royal Champion. The intrigues of court life, something he never enjoyed even before they thought him capable of murder, he now actively avoids. He is Royal Champion by title and by his skill with the blade, but beyond that he is nothing but a teacher and a recluse. Even more ammunition for his detractors in court. Not that this stops challengers — mostly Balskans — from turning up at his door. They all leave with wounded pride at best, but a champion’s life is always balancing on the edge of a sword, especially when that champion’s body is beginning to fail him. When another challenger arrives at his academy, Belasko takes pity on the boy and, after beating him soundly, writes a letter of recommendation to the Baskan ambassador. After all, he had killed the lad’s father. With that particular distraction out of the way, Belasko can return to what he enjoys most. Until he receives a message from the Queen summoning him back to court. The Baskan king has died and a new ruler has been elected. A man Belasko knows well enough by reputation and history. General Edyard, now King Edyard. His foe at Dellan Pass but by all accounts an honourable man. He has invited Queen Lilliana to his capital to sign agreements between their two nations. Peace can only be a good thing, but can these ancient enemies really put aside the animosity of the past? Queen Lilliana thinks so and, amidst reservations from several members of her court, takes a diplomatic mission into Bask. The trip forces Belasko to face much from his past, from his relationship with his parents to the events of Dellan Pass that made his name all those years ago. Only with the help of friends, old and new, can Belasko and the Queen survive the mission and expose a cult that crosses borders, counts people at the highest offices as initiates, and won’t bat an eyelid at murdering royals to get what they want.
My Thoughts
The short version is that I absolutely loved this book. It feels comfy to read in an era where grimdark is still making a lot of movements. There are no world-ending stakes but that doesn��t make the story any less compelling. If you want a homely, character-driven read that still keeps you turning page after page, I highly recommend The Swordsman’s Descent and White’s other works in The Royal Champion series.
Now for the longer version. Multiple POVs and short chapters mean the pacing of this book is swift, effortlessly pulling us through the story. We’re never left wondering what certain characters are doing as we’re back with them in no time. Especially in the second half, I found myself not wanting to put this book down and push on to the end.
The plot itself is not high-stakes. Belasko and the others aren’t fighting to prevent the end of the world. Instead, it's a story contained to two countries, and really only a select few locations and people within those countries. The rest of the world is hinted at but at no point did I feel the story getting cramped by its restricted setting. Indeed, the settings are realised and detailed enough that I was perfectly content where we were without needing to see all those other exotic places.
White makes it easy to like the characters we are meant to like, and dislike the bad guys and most of the time it is easy to tell them apart. In some stories, this becomes predictable, but not here. There are several archetypal characters in the book, from master swordsman at the end of his career, to the young queen eager to prove herself, a criminal boss, honourable in his own way, and a foreign prince who’s willing to do what he must for his country. In White’s hands, none of these come across as stale, instead serving to entertain and carry the plot on.
One of White’s strengths is his dialogue. Almost every line feels natural and in keeping with the characters and their personalities. It conveys the right amount of information without being drawn out on one side or too direct on the other. The action and description contained within dialogue tags and additional sentences really brings out the colours and flavours of the characters.
Overall, you know what you’re getting from the first page. An exciting tale with well-formed characters who will guide you safely through the story. There are no left-field subversions that leave you wondering if you’re still reading the same book, nor is the world full of morally grey characters we’re not sure if we’re meant to like or not. Reading The Swordsman’s Descent is like getting into bed and sticking on an episode of your favourite show. G.M. White is an author I’ll be keeping an eye out for in the future.
Inkborn Rating - 8. 5/10
The second book in The Royal Champion series, The Swordsman's Descent reintroduces us to several characters we first met in The Swordsman’s Lament. Not least Belasko, the Royal Champion himself, and Queen Lilliana, formerly Princess Lilliana, but I won’t spoil anything if you’re coming to this fresh. Being the second book in a series, having read the first gives us an understanding of Villan, the characters, and the trials through which they’ve already prevailed. It’s not essential though. White recaps the events of the previous book deftly, weaving it into dialogue and description until it merges seamlessly with the current narrative. If you’re looking for a quick summary, here it is. This is absolutely a book to get yourself comfy, grab a cup of tea and settle in with, because you won’t put it down.
The Story
(Warning: very minor spoilers for book one and two)
After clearing his name of murdering Prince Kellan, Belasko has retreated ti his accademy to focus on training his recruits, and indeed, finding his own successor for the role of Royal Champion. The intrigues of court life, something he never enjoyed even before they thought him capable of murder, he now actively avoids. He is Royal Champion by title and by his skill with the blade, but beyond that he is nothing but a teacher and a recluse. Even more ammunition for his detractors in court. Not that this stops challengers — mostly Balskans — from turning up at his door. They all leave with wounded pride at best, but a champion’s life is always balancing on the edge of a sword, especially when that champion’s body is beginning to fail him. When another challenger arrives at his academy, Belasko takes pity on the boy and, after beating him soundly, writes a letter of recommendation to the Baskan ambassador. After all, he had killed the lad’s father. With that particular distraction out of the way, Belasko can return to what he enjoys most. Until he receives a message from the Queen summoning him back to court. The Baskan king has died and a new ruler has been elected. A man Belasko knows well enough by reputation and history. General Edyard, now King Edyard. His foe at Dellan Pass but by all accounts an honourable man. He has invited Queen Lilliana to his capital to sign agreements between their two nations. Peace can only be a good thing, but can these ancient enemies really put aside the animosity of the past? Queen Lilliana thinks so and, amidst reservations from several members of her court, takes a diplomatic mission into Bask. The trip forces Belasko to face much from his past, from his relationship with his parents to the events of Dellan Pass that made his name all those years ago. Only with the help of friends, old and new, can Belasko and the Queen survive the mission and expose a cult that crosses borders, counts people at the highest offices as initiates, and won’t bat an eyelid at murdering royals to get what they want.
My Thoughts
The short version is that I absolutely loved this book. It feels comfy to read in an era where grimdark is still making a lot of movements. There are no world-ending stakes but that doesn��t make the story any less compelling. If you want a homely, character-driven read that still keeps you turning page after page, I highly recommend The Swordsman’s Descent and White’s other works in The Royal Champion series.
Now for the longer version. Multiple POVs and short chapters mean the pacing of this book is swift, effortlessly pulling us through the story. We’re never left wondering what certain characters are doing as we’re back with them in no time. Especially in the second half, I found myself not wanting to put this book down and push on to the end.
The plot itself is not high-stakes. Belasko and the others aren’t fighting to prevent the end of the world. Instead, it's a story contained to two countries, and really only a select few locations and people within those countries. The rest of the world is hinted at but at no point did I feel the story getting cramped by its restricted setting. Indeed, the settings are realised and detailed enough that I was perfectly content where we were without needing to see all those other exotic places.
White makes it easy to like the characters we are meant to like, and dislike the bad guys and most of the time it is easy to tell them apart. In some stories, this becomes predictable, but not here. There are several archetypal characters in the book, from master swordsman at the end of his career, to the young queen eager to prove herself, a criminal boss, honourable in his own way, and a foreign prince who’s willing to do what he must for his country. In White’s hands, none of these come across as stale, instead serving to entertain and carry the plot on.
One of White’s strengths is his dialogue. Almost every line feels natural and in keeping with the characters and their personalities. It conveys the right amount of information without being drawn out on one side or too direct on the other. The action and description contained within dialogue tags and additional sentences really brings out the colours and flavours of the characters.
Overall, you know what you’re getting from the first page. An exciting tale with well-formed characters who will guide you safely through the story. There are no left-field subversions that leave you wondering if you’re still reading the same book, nor is the world full of morally grey characters we’re not sure if we’re meant to like or not. Reading The Swordsman’s Descent is like getting into bed and sticking on an episode of your favourite show. G.M. White is an author I’ll be keeping an eye out for in the future.
Inkborn Rating - 8. 5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
I like the 2 ones but this not a cup of tea
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews