Black Blade,
Book 1
Synopsis: There Be Monsters Here. . .
It’s not as great as you’d think, living in a tourist town that’s known as “the most magical place in America.” Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power.
I try to keep out of it. I’ve got my mom’s bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick.
But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend’s pawn shop, and I have to make a call–get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn’t. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I’m stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I’m going to end up just like her. . .
Review: I’m a little late compared to most people, but now, I made it, I finally did read this new novel by Jennifer Estep. I was impatient to get into this new story because besides the beautiful reviews that I had discovered everywhere, Jennifer Estep never disappoints for now. Her Mythos Academy series was very nice and even though I have not finished (yes I only did read the first volume) her urban fantasy series, I enjoyed everything. So it is with great hope that I started this new series and I can tell you that I was also very charmed by the novel and I am now very curious to read more.
I enjoyed the world that the author has created here, families that evolve while hating each other, sharing gifts and privileges that others do not have. In itself this kind of universe is not really original because it is a theme that can be easily found in some books, but Jennifer Estep manages to draw us and interest us about the events and all the details that her world contains. So yes, even if at the first glance we could already find something like that, the author manages to perfectly bring a touch of originality. But of course this is not all because we also have the characters, and they are a delight to explore and see evolve.
Lila didn’t have an easy life, she doesn’t know her father and mother died trying to save the child of one of the families. Since then, our heroine tries to live without attracting any attention, away from families and anyone but the old friend of her mother. But this anonymity is about to end when Lila is faced with a terrible choice: to save the trio who is interesting her friend’s store or to stay back and wait for everything to be over. Alas, even if it is not the best for her, our beloved thief finds herself embarked on a whole new life. Indeed, this act will force her to become the new Devon’s bodyguard, heir to one of the most powerful families, but also the boy that her mother died for a few years earlier. More than that, it would appear that someone is desperate to kill the boy and Lila remains the last bulwark to keep him alive.
I loved to follow our two heroes. They hide both some big secrets and it’s true that it’s very easy to attach to them and to understand them. Even if she doesn’t think she has a place there, Lila will focus on her new clients, or rather on her new client more than what she should. It was quite nice to see a link forge them even if we understand the mistrust of our heroine. It’s funny because for once it is rather the boy’s side that is innocent and naive but also why it is interesting to see him evolving and realizing that he can not always be kind to everyone.
It was a very good story that I loved to follow with many surprises throughout the chapters. As I said I can not wait to read more now.
blodeuedd
I have heard only good things so far 🙂
Melliane
yes me too!
Silvia
I can understand your excitement because I’ve been hearing only amazing things about this book! Your review is just a further proof of how great this is so, I’d better add it once and for all to my list!
Melliane
Yes right? It sounded so good and I’m glad I tried it.
Kirsty-Marie
You’re ahead of me, haven’t read any of hers, or this, though it sounds awesome, and love that you got attached to the characters quickly. 🙂
Melliane
yes me too!
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
I feel like I’m the only one who hasn’t tried her yet. Eeps! One day I’m going to have to try her out. Sounds like a fantastic read.
Melliane
yes it was really nice, you should try one of hers.
Tracy Terry
Sounds like it was a read well worth waiting for. Reading lots of positive things about this book, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Melliane
Yes I’m happy about it.
kindlemom1
I’m so excited about this new series, I really enjoyed book one as well and can’t wait for two!
Melliane
I’m so curious about it!
Emma @ Never Judge a Book by its Cover
I haven’t read anything by this author but I have heard such great things about her novel and I think it was about I actually read one. I love the sound of the world that she creates. Great review! 🙂
Melliane
it was interesting to have de different universe like that.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I’ve never read anything by Jennifer Estep, but wouldn’t mind checking her stuff out. Is this a good place to start, do you think? It’s a book one and also young adult, so I figure it’ll be a pretty light read. I think she also has a couple YA books out, right? Thanks for the review!
Melliane
You can try with this one yes. Like that it’s still the beginning. Yes the Mythos Academy is YA but more YA than this one.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
YAY MELLIANE!!! I’m so glad you loved this book too and that you’re joining the Jennifer Estep fan club:) I think you’ll love the rest of the Mythos books, I think they get better as they go, and I have little doubt this series will be the same way. So excited for more Lila!
Melliane
Yes really good book! As I said I already read all her Mythos book, it’s just her UF one that I haven’t finished
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
Seriously, Estep can so no wrong. I still need to read this one though. So happy the hype was right.
Melliane
I so agree.
Lily
I’m so happy the hype was well deserved and that you loved this one!
Melliane
yes it was great!
Molly Mortensen
I was interested in this one. I’m glad to hear it’s good. I didn’t realize the main character was a thief. That is unique to have the man be the innocent one. I can’t wait to read this one!
Melliane
yes that was interesting to have something different like that.
Ramona
It’s rare to come across a book that almost everyone liked, but this seems to be one of those rare ones. It’s on my list too. I understand that the world she built is amazingly detailed and very absorbing. Can’t wait 🙂 As always, an excellent review!
Melliane
yes it’s so interesting!
Heidi
I am glad you finally took the plunge and read this one. I am excited for more. I loved the world as well. I hope you get a chance to finish the Mythos Academy series.
Melliane
I don’t know if I didn’t say it right, but I did finish the mythos series.
Brandi Breathes Books
The heros do sound great! I have heard a lot about Estep and need to read some of her books.
MIchelle @ Book Briefs
I really liked this one too. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Lupdilup
You just made me even more excited about this book! And my wait even more difficult, I hope they hurry up and plush this on audio soon!
Great review Melliane 🙂
Melliane
I really hope you’ll have it soon!
Joy (Joyousreads)
It’s great when you discover new series to follow! Honestly, I’m a little familiar with this author’s work so it doesn’t come as a surprise. 🙂
braine
i was half expecting Gin to make an appearance here. Its definitely in the same universe!
Melliane
Oh I didn’t know that, don’t remember book 1 that much
kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad you enjoyed this as well. I love the setting and magic!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one too! I really had fun with this book and I can’t wait for the next as well!
Lorna
I haven’t read anything by her yet but I really want to. Sounds like this would be a good one to start with. Thank you!