Carole's Sunday: The Bladesmith by Megan Grooms

Author:  Megan Grooms

Title: The Bladesmith (The Fayhaven Trilogy Book 1)

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: ebook

Published:  March 29th 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

As a female bladesmith Lena is barely making ends meet. Upon learning the castle is hiring a new Master Bladesmith she decides she cannot miss the opportunity. Can she get them to look past her gender and see her abilities? Once she meets Zander and he accepts her without question, hope builds within her. When secrets are revealed and Lena learns the truth about her family’s history, she isn’t sure what will happen. Will Lena get everything she has ever wanted, an adoring man and a position she loves, or will her life be forever changed by the truth that has been kept from her?

The cover was what caught my attention right away. It is just so cool and I can't look away. 

The story follows Lena who has taken over her father's sword store after he passed. He trained her and she is naturally skilled, but she is a woman so men stink and are mean to her. This causes her to barely making ends meet. She decides she has to take the chance to apply to the new Master Bladesmith position at the castle for the royals. She meets Zander who looks past her gender and only sees her skill and her kind heart. 

Poor Lena. I felt so bad for her. Men stink!!! She is good at her job and she has a passion that equals any man!! I'm so glad Zander was smart and realized talent where it is. I liked Zander a lot due to that. I still liked him even though his big secret was revealed. I get WHY he lied. But I also get Lena's POV on this. 

The story did seem to drag a little bit and was really slow-paced, but this really was focusing on Lena, Zander, and the world. I do wish there had been more action, but I get it. I do think we needed this slower start. There was some drama that kept everything moving, so that helped. 

OH that ending! I had guessed it, but I was still shocked! So good. I am SO curious to read book 2. HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS AUTHOR!!?!?!?!?! GAH!

But yes, overall, I did enjoy this story. It had some drama for sure, but it was slow-paced since it was just opening up the world and characters. I liked both Lena and Zander a lot. I cannot wait for book 2! I'll give this 4 stars.