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The Ballad of the Blue Wolf #1
The Blue Wolf
Dragon Age meets The Wheel of Time in this richly imagined epic fantasy. Lush worldbuilding, complex characters, and court intrigue abound in the first installment of The Ballad of the Blue Wolf.
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She was supposed to restore her family’s dynasty. But her blood is common, her power is weak, and darkness marshals to rot her nation…
After years of rigorous training in the northern tundra, Jackson J'alnaryn Shield returns home. She is the firstborn child of the great fire-wielding Queen Matilda, one of the most revered heroes of the Deathless War. Jackson is an unparalleled swordswoman, a brilliant combat tactician, and heir to the dragon-throne of Tein. She is a beacon of renewal and hope for her once-endangered dynasty.
And she is a massive disappointment to everyone, save her mother.
Because Jackson has none of her mother’s power—only a weak peasant's affinity, inherited from her father.
The Court whispers that she's unfit to be heir. That the House of Shield will be irreparably soiled by her common blood.
Jackson pretends not to care. She throws herself into her new duties as heir to the realm, determined to at least do right by her mother and her people.
And there is much to do. Upon her return to Tein, Jackson encounters a strange sickness plaguing the realm and causing the dead to rise from their graves.
Left in charge when her parents leave to track down the illness’s origins, Jackson struggles to keep the peace as fear over the disease rises to a dangerous fervor. And while an enemy stealthily infiltrates her city, Jackson labors to stop the spread of chaos…and the reappearance of an ancient foe intent on her kingdom’s destruction.
And Jackson, with her peasant's magic, may be all that stands against the coming darkness.
But how can one unremarkable girl, royal though she is, save an entire people?
The Blue Wolf is the first book in The Ballad of the Blue Wolf epic fantasy adventure series. If you like compelling characters, rising tension, and fantastic worldbuilding, then you’ll love Shayda Leigh Bakhshi’s gathering storm.
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She was supposed to restore her family’s dynasty. But her blood is common, her power is weak, and darkness marshals to rot her nation…
After years of rigorous training in the northern tundra, Jackson J'alnaryn Shield returns home. She is the firstborn child of the great fire-wielding Queen Matilda, one of the most revered heroes of the Deathless War. Jackson is an unparalleled swordswoman, a brilliant combat tactician, and heir to the dragon-throne of Tein. She is a beacon of renewal and hope for her once-endangered dynasty.
And she is a massive disappointment to everyone, save her mother.
Because Jackson has none of her mother’s power—only a weak peasant's affinity, inherited from her father.
The Court whispers that she's unfit to be heir. That the House of Shield will be irreparably soiled by her common blood.
Jackson pretends not to care. She throws herself into her new duties as heir to the realm, determined to at least do right by her mother and her people.
And there is much to do. Upon her return to Tein, Jackson encounters a strange sickness plaguing the realm and causing the dead to rise from their graves.
Left in charge when her parents leave to track down the illness’s origins, Jackson struggles to keep the peace as fear over the disease rises to a dangerous fervor. And while an enemy stealthily infiltrates her city, Jackson labors to stop the spread of chaos…and the reappearance of an ancient foe intent on her kingdom’s destruction.
And Jackson, with her peasant's magic, may be all that stands against the coming darkness.
But how can one unremarkable girl, royal though she is, save an entire people?
The Blue Wolf is the first book in The Ballad of the Blue Wolf epic fantasy adventure series. If you like compelling characters, rising tension, and fantastic worldbuilding, then you’ll love Shayda Leigh Bakhshi’s gathering storm.
- GenresFantasy
774 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2023
128 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Shayda Leigh Bakhshi
5 books5 followersShayda Leigh Bakhshi is a speculative fiction author with a name that is exceedingly difficult for people to pronounce upon first reading. (SHAY-duh LEE BACK-shee. You’re welcome.)
She enjoys gaming, reading, and all manner of cute and nerdy accouterments. Most of her kitchenware is dinosaur- and/or unicorn-themed. She holds an MFA in writing.
She enjoys gaming, reading, and all manner of cute and nerdy accouterments. Most of her kitchenware is dinosaur- and/or unicorn-themed. She holds an MFA in writing.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 13, 2023
very well written epic fantasy
There are a few inconsistencies and some editing errors but I greatly enjoyed this. So many fantasists these day are in too great a hurry to explain their story. Not this author. She follow the approach of telling the story and letting the reader slowly come to understand the issues at hand. The story is dark and written for adults. The character development is excellent and the world building is not limited or rushed. I normally steer well clear of zombies and there are some zombies here but it seems to work. Highly recommended.
There are a few inconsistencies and some editing errors but I greatly enjoyed this. So many fantasists these day are in too great a hurry to explain their story. Not this author. She follow the approach of telling the story and letting the reader slowly come to understand the issues at hand. The story is dark and written for adults. The character development is excellent and the world building is not limited or rushed. I normally steer well clear of zombies and there are some zombies here but it seems to work. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2023
Suspenseful story with evil getting closer and closer. Such great characters including a deaf girl wise beyond her years and a puppy who is integral to the story. There are battles with evil spirits, dead who become undead and lots of palace intrigue. Can't wait for book 2!!!
June 11, 2024
sci-fi series
Obviously a setup as indicated by the book one title. A bit confusing with nothing really finished only dangling threads. I particularly disliked the death of the horse.
Obviously a setup as indicated by the book one title. A bit confusing with nothing really finished only dangling threads. I particularly disliked the death of the horse.
May 21, 2023
the Blue Wolf
A story filled with longing and melancholy. Very interesting characters set in time and place filled with unrest and tension. Looking forward to book two.
A story filled with longing and melancholy. Very interesting characters set in time and place filled with unrest and tension. Looking forward to book two.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews