Science fiction and fantasy romance author Michelle Diener brings us a fourth in the Rising Wave series with TRUTH’S BLADE. This series continues to delight me with its magical world with plenty of evil-doers and military action. Diener’s worldbuilding always captivates, and it’s a pleasure to return to Kassia and Cervantes. The short novel TRUTH’S BLADE brings back queen Ava and her warlord Luc along with introducing their teenage daughter. Newcomers can easily enjoy TRUTH’S BLADE, however, before turning their attention to the rest of the engaging series.
Melodie is an imperiled young woman who has had to hide her ability to see spell work. She’s been stuck in Iloa and exploited by her boss and is restless at the chains that keep her stuck in her current situation. She stumbles across a man who has been caged in the shape of a goat and manages to free him, starting her on a path of burgeoning growth and valor. I really like Melodie- she’s patient in the face of adversity and creative in facing challenges.
Theo is the valiant warrior who was turned into a goat. He is tracking four abducted military trainees, including the royal princess when he runs afoul of a villain brimming with magical capabilities. Theo astutely asks Melodie to assist him in his quest, as she can see the spell work that he and the military trainees were unable to avoid in their spell-blindness. Theo is honorable and inexorable, and I root for him so hard here!
The dangers Theo and Melodie face together forge a strong bond, and I enjoy how they negotiate obstacles while at the same time navigating their deepening attraction. This fantasy hits all the right notes: an evil spellmaster, a plucky heroine, a stalwart hero, and plenty of dangers- both magical and mundane- to keep the pulse-pounding. Diener’s TRUTH’S BLADE satisfies, with true love and virtue triumphing over evil.
A warrior enslaved . . .
Theo has been bested. On the hunt for missing children, he encounters a man who has more magical weapons than Theo could ever believe existed. And their confrontation may have ended with Theo managing to wound the abductor, but it leaves him spelled in the shape of a goat.
A woman trapped . . .
Melodie has been living a half-life in Iloa—exploited by her boss, restless at the thought of continuing on her current path, she stumbles into a situation she knows will change her life. When her ability to see spell work, which has led to a life in the shadows, allows her to see a man caged by magic, she has no hesitation in releasing him.
A partnership made in desperation . . .
When Theo asks her to help him find missing children, to go up against a spell worker who sounds like everything her deceased father tried to protect her from, Melodie accepts. She is tired of keeping herself safe at the expense of the truth, and Theo swears he will be the blade at her back.
But neither of them know the danger they will be facing, and how deep a bond they will have to forge with each other to fight an opponent with a heart this dark.
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