Review: Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes

Hey all, Dani here.

Why yes, I did just finish this book over the weekend but I already have a review ready because I absolutely must talk about this book. Also, yay my work week is over. My weekend shall be filled with reading, blogging, and D&D. Good times.

Okay, let’s talk books. It’s review time.

Summary

Acclaimed author Sam Sykes returns with a brilliant new epic fantasy that introduces an unforgettable outcast mage caught between two warring empires.

Her magic was stolen. She was left for dead.

Betrayed by those she trusts most and her magic ripped from her, all Sal the Cacophony has left is her name, her story, and the weapon she used to carve both. But she has a will stronger than magic, and knows exactly where to go.

The Scar, a land torn between powerful empires, where rogue mages go to disappear, disgraced soldiers go to die and Sal went with a blade, a gun, and a list of seven names.

Revenge will be its own reward.

My Thoughts

Rating: 5 stars

This story is set up with Sal the Cacophany in custody telling her story to the General Militant before her execution. So most of the story is in first person from Sal’s POV, but interspersed throughout are the occasional 3rd person POV set in the present whenever there is a break in the story telling. Honestly, I love this setup.

This book has a gritty Western style feel to it, with outlaws and magic guns and duels. The magic users versus the non-magic users is also a story I’m interested in. Throw in gods, politics, grudges, and secrets and this book was just outstanding.

Oh, also Sal’s gun, called the Cacophany, is definitely more than it initially seems. At times it acts almost sentient, and I actually think it is wholly sentient and just biding its time to awaken and do…whatever it is planning. I am impatiently waiting the sequel because this book completely swept me away.

Where to Buy

You can pick up your own copy of this book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or your local independent bookstore.