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The Sword and the Spark: Book One of The Order of the Silver Sword
In this Shakespeare-inspired tale of betrayal and murder, one man’s heroic quest becomes a battle for the soul of an empire—and his own. Mace Ealdor is a revered member of the Order of the Silver Sword, mortals who possess the Spark of the Celestials. For centuries, the Silver Swords have been the guardians of the empire of Danim, but when Mace embarks on a quest to right the wrongs of the monarchy amid a decades-long civil war, his noble ambitions soon threaten everything he seeks to protect. Friends become enemies, heroes become villains, and the only path to salvation rests in the will of the Stars themselves.
608 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2021
9 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Groom
2 books17 followersC. E. Groom is a working actor, personal trainer, screenwriter, marathon runner, teacher, and voice-over artist. After seeing the original Star Wars film in 1978 at a very tender and impressionable age, Groom decided that it was written in the stars to act and play in the strange worlds created by others, yet all the while dreaming of creating new and original strange worlds. Then, after decades spent appearing in Shakespeare tragedies and comedies, teaching Greek tragedy, writing apocalyptic comedy, and cosplaying Star Wars heroes and villains, a pandemic struck, life was put on pause, and this novel, and the world in which it takes place, was born.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 23, 2023
If Shakespeare's Macbeth and Star Wars had a baby, it would be this book
This is a SciFi fantasy retelling of Macbeth
But you do not need to know or have read the play to understand what is happening in the book
Many writes attempt to do a retelling but all they accomplish is using the same names and dangling little similar plot
However, Groom (an indie author) managed to do an excellent retelling and more
She gives us backstories and character developments with many strong Female leads
All the things I wanted in the original Macbeth
The story is easy to follow and fast paced with all the elements of drama
It shows how someone can change from being the hero to being the villian
I am reminded of Harvey saying " You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
The characters are diverse and interesting
The writing is polished with beautiful quotes and Shakespearean refrences
Loved this book and definitely would read the second
This is a SciFi fantasy retelling of Macbeth
But you do not need to know or have read the play to understand what is happening in the book
Many writes attempt to do a retelling but all they accomplish is using the same names and dangling little similar plot
However, Groom (an indie author) managed to do an excellent retelling and more
She gives us backstories and character developments with many strong Female leads
All the things I wanted in the original Macbeth
The story is easy to follow and fast paced with all the elements of drama
It shows how someone can change from being the hero to being the villian
I am reminded of Harvey saying " You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
The characters are diverse and interesting
The writing is polished with beautiful quotes and Shakespearean refrences
Loved this book and definitely would read the second
March 23, 2022
I am not a huge fan of sci-fi, and I'm even less of a fan of politics in my reading material. But when a friend suggested I give this a read, I was curious.
CE Groom IMMEDIATELY immersed me into a rich and well-thought-out fantasy world; a world so completely enveloping that I forgot that I wasn't a sci-fi nerd. Even the politics didn't throw me off - they were well described without being overly involved and I found that they really drove the plot without weighing it down.
However, where Groom REALLY wins is with her character development. Every relationship and interaction is rife with real-world possibilities and she'll keep you guessing whether you love your favorite characters or hate them. Many of her characters became like friends to me - so much so that I found that I've sincerely missed them since finishing my read-through and look forward to having a reunion soon!
I've heard she's working on a sequel and I'm anxiously waiting to get my hands on it! A phenomenal writer who is only beginning her traverse through the world of literature!
CE Groom IMMEDIATELY immersed me into a rich and well-thought-out fantasy world; a world so completely enveloping that I forgot that I wasn't a sci-fi nerd. Even the politics didn't throw me off - they were well described without being overly involved and I found that they really drove the plot without weighing it down.
However, where Groom REALLY wins is with her character development. Every relationship and interaction is rife with real-world possibilities and she'll keep you guessing whether you love your favorite characters or hate them. Many of her characters became like friends to me - so much so that I found that I've sincerely missed them since finishing my read-through and look forward to having a reunion soon!
I've heard she's working on a sequel and I'm anxiously waiting to get my hands on it! A phenomenal writer who is only beginning her traverse through the world of literature!
May 10, 2022
What an amazing story. I cannot believe Groom is a freshman author. Waiting eagerly for the next one.
January 2, 2022
My first instinct is to say “OMG. What a book! It’s like your geeky favorites Star Wars/ Firefly/ GOT had a baby with Shakespeare. Minus the Iambic pentameter.”
But The Sword and the Spark is a story filled with heroes that navigate the lies, deceit, misunderstandings, friendships, and trust in a world that feels like it belongs between a galaxy far away and a transport ship in the outer realm after a universal war trying to overcome those that bring darkness to the light and all those surrounding while observing the destruction of those (both physically and mentally) whose ambition is to seek power.
There are surprise twists and turns. Characters you grow an attachment to and wish you hadn’t. Delve into these pages as you will overthink every relationship and question everyones motives all the way to the last chapter. Trust your gut instincts as you are in for a ride. And what a ride it is.
Oh. And Stars light your way…
But The Sword and the Spark is a story filled with heroes that navigate the lies, deceit, misunderstandings, friendships, and trust in a world that feels like it belongs between a galaxy far away and a transport ship in the outer realm after a universal war trying to overcome those that bring darkness to the light and all those surrounding while observing the destruction of those (both physically and mentally) whose ambition is to seek power.
There are surprise twists and turns. Characters you grow an attachment to and wish you hadn’t. Delve into these pages as you will overthink every relationship and question everyones motives all the way to the last chapter. Trust your gut instincts as you are in for a ride. And what a ride it is.
Oh. And Stars light your way…
June 5, 2022
I decided to read this book on the recommendation of a friend, and being a fan of fantasy/sci-fi, I decided to give it a try. I’m not an avid reader an as such, if I am not drawn into the story by page 50, I put it down. Before I knew it, I was 100+ pages into The Sword and the Spark and realized I had been completely swept up by the world, the story and the characters. I found it to be a real page turner and I couldn’t put it down.
The story is realistic without being overly complex. The characters are diverse and multidimensional with lots of shades of gray, and I loved the lore surrounding the “spark” and the different abilities it may bestow on someone. I found myself feeling very close to these characters and wishing I could take them on my next RPG adventure! Personally, I could see this world and characters as an RPG Video game and/or a TV show with lots of possibilities.
Although the title says “Book 1”, don’t let that deter you. You won’t be left on a cliffhanger. It is a complete story with an ending, but I’m hopeful for the next installment in the near future! There are many choices out there, but if you are a fan of this genre, or just a good story, do yourself a favor and read this book. You won’t be disappointed. Stars light your way!
The story is realistic without being overly complex. The characters are diverse and multidimensional with lots of shades of gray, and I loved the lore surrounding the “spark” and the different abilities it may bestow on someone. I found myself feeling very close to these characters and wishing I could take them on my next RPG adventure! Personally, I could see this world and characters as an RPG Video game and/or a TV show with lots of possibilities.
Although the title says “Book 1”, don’t let that deter you. You won’t be left on a cliffhanger. It is a complete story with an ending, but I’m hopeful for the next installment in the near future! There are many choices out there, but if you are a fan of this genre, or just a good story, do yourself a favor and read this book. You won’t be disappointed. Stars light your way!
March 19, 2024
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book! It took me a while to get through, because, you know, life, and also it's long, but definitely doesn't feel that way. If Star Wars and Shakespeare had a love child, this would be it. The world-building created by the author is rich and immersive and the character development and diversity is some of the best I've seen. The action is fast-paced, with plot twists aplenty and the characters who you're rooting for in the beginning may not be the ones you're rooting for by the end. Likewise, some of the characters who seemed unlikeable in the extreme at first, will grow on you as the story develops and ultimately steal your heart. Oh, and don't get too attached to your darlings, because Groom may end up killing them at some point. No spoilers, but ouch, some of those deaths hurt!
Just a fantastic read that I could definitely envision as a movie or limited series at some point. There's a second book in the works, and I, for one, can't wait!
Just a fantastic read that I could definitely envision as a movie or limited series at some point. There's a second book in the works, and I, for one, can't wait!
November 28, 2023
C.E. Groom is an impressive writer with a vision all her own. I think my favorite thing going into this book was that I could tell she had this whole world vividly pictured from page to page and conveyed it quite well.
Some of the setup toward the end felt like it could've used a little more foreshadowing, and it was a few too many different POVs for me. I would've really liked a tighter focus on one or two viewpoints to prevent some ambling that happens. The parts that really build on the story are very well crafted and have some surprises in store to keep you heading to the next page.
There's a lot going on here, and I think some readers will pick and choose which parts to focus on. I won't say it's fun for the whole family (particularly the Thanis/Ealdor family) but it's a book I feel like most people can cozy up with and enjoy. If I could wish for two things in the sequels it'd be a lot more Casey and a lot more space!
Some of the setup toward the end felt like it could've used a little more foreshadowing, and it was a few too many different POVs for me. I would've really liked a tighter focus on one or two viewpoints to prevent some ambling that happens. The parts that really build on the story are very well crafted and have some surprises in store to keep you heading to the next page.
There's a lot going on here, and I think some readers will pick and choose which parts to focus on. I won't say it's fun for the whole family (particularly the Thanis/Ealdor family) but it's a book I feel like most people can cozy up with and enjoy. If I could wish for two things in the sequels it'd be a lot more Casey and a lot more space!
December 31, 2024
A referencial sci-fantasy in a wonderful new world
CE Groom's engaging epic has clear inspirations from wonderful sources (Shakespeare, Star Wars, Wheel of Time) without being derivative. She has created her own unique world that pulled me in immediately with real characters, wholly rounded people whose internal conflicts and flaws are relatable sometimes heartbreaking. The cast of characters is representative of a real world, diverse in all its beauty, and Groom handles this diversity with dignity and respect. Action is gripping and banter is delightful. She also pulled me into political intrigue without bogging me down in an overbearing level of world-building. Groom lays out the foundations and details of her world in a perfectly comfortable pace, establishing what is necessary then giving nibbles of more as we go building out a magnificent universe.
I have already purchased the sequel "Song of the Starborn" and I am excited to see where this epic series goes onward.
CE Groom's engaging epic has clear inspirations from wonderful sources (Shakespeare, Star Wars, Wheel of Time) without being derivative. She has created her own unique world that pulled me in immediately with real characters, wholly rounded people whose internal conflicts and flaws are relatable sometimes heartbreaking. The cast of characters is representative of a real world, diverse in all its beauty, and Groom handles this diversity with dignity and respect. Action is gripping and banter is delightful. She also pulled me into political intrigue without bogging me down in an overbearing level of world-building. Groom lays out the foundations and details of her world in a perfectly comfortable pace, establishing what is necessary then giving nibbles of more as we go building out a magnificent universe.
I have already purchased the sequel "Song of the Starborn" and I am excited to see where this epic series goes onward.
August 11, 2022
I haven't finished a paper book in literally years. I picked this book up to take a peek when I was visiting my parents (confession: the author is my cousin) and I expected to just get a feel for it, maybe buy it myself at some point. Instead I became engrossed and had to take it with me on the plane home and then on my subsequent vacation. I was reading a quick chapter as reward between work tasks and was so sad when I finished it.
The plot is definitely compelling, the world/universe creation is fabulous, and the character development is really interesting. The author skillfully moves the reader's empathy from character to character in ways that highlight our shared humanity. Some of the plot twists I saw coming (but in a fun way, not an annoying predictable way) and others I was totally surprised.
I can't wait for the next one!
The plot is definitely compelling, the world/universe creation is fabulous, and the character development is really interesting. The author skillfully moves the reader's empathy from character to character in ways that highlight our shared humanity. Some of the plot twists I saw coming (but in a fun way, not an annoying predictable way) and others I was totally surprised.
I can't wait for the next one!
July 19, 2023
I’ve been a fan of C.E. Groom—the author and follow-friend—for a while, so I was thrilled when The Sword and the Spark was as delightful a read as C.E. is a person. This exciting adventure novel drew me into its story immediately, and held my joyful attention for all 500+ pages. With its mix of Shakespearean references, Star Wars nods, and sci-fi ingenuity, I highly recommend The Sword and the Spark to anyone who loves captivating storytelling. C.E.’s characters are personable, realistic, and inspiring; her world is intricate and interesting; and her writing style makes the page disappear as her words come alive. I’m looking forward to the second book in C.E.’s series: may stars light her way.
May 28, 2025
I will start this by saying I don’t read a lot of fantasy and this book has been on my tbr for a while.
However immediately after starting I knew this wasn’t just another fantasy book. I fell hard for the first few characters and even after the story progressed and I learned more I fell hard for the next set and then the next until my heart was in a puddle on the floor.
The way CE Groom writes her characters is out of this world. The way she pulls you in and then guts you makes you keep coming back for more.
Whether you are a fan of the genre or usually not, this book is not to be missed!
However immediately after starting I knew this wasn’t just another fantasy book. I fell hard for the first few characters and even after the story progressed and I learned more I fell hard for the next set and then the next until my heart was in a puddle on the floor.
The way CE Groom writes her characters is out of this world. The way she pulls you in and then guts you makes you keep coming back for more.
Whether you are a fan of the genre or usually not, this book is not to be missed!
April 2, 2024
For lovers of Shakespeare, this book follows the path of "The Tragedy of MacBeth" in a futuristic society. A young waif discovers the secrets of her existence while surviving a hostile atmosphere. A good and honorable man allows passion combined with hubris to add to his downfall. There are not witches but there are characters who have special powers that enable them to protect the kingdom.
A myriad of characters try to find the truth and the light amid darkness and chaos.
It is a tale that helps to find a place for this generation.
A myriad of characters try to find the truth and the light amid darkness and chaos.
It is a tale that helps to find a place for this generation.
July 12, 2025
The great thing about book clubs is they introduce you to books you wouldn't normally consider. This is the case for this book, and when I finished, I was glad I read it. Part Star Wars with the unflinching violence of Game of Thrones, the plot line keeps moving through space, people, and politics. No one is safe from the author's pen which works as a guillotine knife. The only thing I struggled with were the amount of characters in the story. So many! It was difficult to keep them all straight. Good thing a lot of them didn't make it. Ha!
July 20, 2023
This book has everything. Sci fi fantasy. Adventure. Betrayal. Love. Murder. War. Plot Twists/Surprises. Diversity of characters! If Star Wars had a baby with Shakespeare this would be it. You need this book. You need this book. And one more time. You need this book! I got the kindle version but I'm going to also buy a physical copy because I need to have the trophy on my shelf. Stars light your way!
March 28, 2022
Wow! I read this book one chapter a day because it is something to savor. An intriguing story with Machiavellian twists. Tight writing and a neo-classic story told with modern elements make this a fun book that rekindled my love of reading. Well done Ms. Groom!
August 19, 2022
Christina is an exceptional writer. She's created a universe that's Shakespearean in scope, and there's so much juicy drama and well developed characters on every page. Do yourself a favor, escape the present for a bit and give this a read.
December 18, 2022
We are proud to announce that THE SWORD AND THE SPARK: Book One of the Order of the Silver Sword by C.E. Groom has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
December 10, 2022
Great story. I enjoyed the world created. Prologue was spot on. I would read this author again.
March 19, 2023
This was a good setup of Scifi and Shakespeare. Very nicely building different characters and even brought in a couple of surprises.
Waiting for the second book ;)
Waiting for the second book ;)
June 26, 2023
Fun page turner that merges humor and tragedy well. Unpredictable (in a good way) and rich character development. Anxiously awaiting book two!
July 19, 2023
The author creates complex characters and brings you into an original plot of this book which is a thrill ride of intrigue and drama.
January 27, 2025
Your TikTok was so fun about this, I had to add to my TBR 😅
October 16, 2025
The characters I liked at the beginning, I did NOT like at the end!!! Twists and turns throughout. A great read!! I cant wait to read the second one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews