A big thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Came for the cover, stayed for the vibes.

The Silverblood Promise by James Logan is a fantasy novel set in a city of traders and thieves, and monsters and murderers. Lukan Gardova is a cardsharp, academy dropout, and—thanks to a duel that ended badly—the disgraced heir to an ancient noble house. His days consist of cheap wine, rigged card games, and wondering how he might win back the life he threw away. When Lukan discovers that his estranged father has been murdered in strange circumstances, he finds fresh purpose. Deprived of his chance to make amends for his mistakes, he vows to unravel the mystery behind his father's death. His search for answers leads him to Saphrona, fabled city of merchant princes, where anything can be bought if one has the coin. Lukan only seeks the truth, but instead he finds danger and secrets in every shadow. For in Saphrona, everything has a price—and the price of truth is the deadliest of all.

This is your classic run of the mill epic fantasy, with a spunky main character. This book gave me plenty of Lies of Locke Lamora vibes, and I was all here for it.

The fantasy novel “The Silverblood Promise'' by James Logan is the first installment in “The Last Legacy” series that follows the protagonist Lukan Gardova on his quest to uncover the mysteries around his estranged fathers murder. To accomplish this he has to sail to an unfamiliar city and team up with unlikely allies to uncover the political web in the city of Sephrona.

This book was FANTASTIC! A fantasy book with a mystery at its core always captivates me but this book also had great characters. The protagonist’s backstory is interesting and parts of it are a mystery in itself which I can't wait to uncover. The most prominent side character was an amazing choice since they pose a great contrast to Lucan and the dynamic between them was entertaining and heartwarming. Furthermore there were also a number of other really memorable side characters that had interesting personalities and backstories.

So on top of a great plot and characters there is also the wonderful world building and writing style. I'm honestly shocked this is a debut since it seems so polished in many aspects. The way the city of Sephrona unfolded with its political intrigue and different factions was captivating. I also enjoyed the interesting magical aspects and unique creatures that were mentioned.

I had the pleasure to listen to this on audiobook and the narrator Brennock O’Connor did an amazing job. I hope he will continue to narrate the series because he was perfect for Lucan in my opinion!

In addition I would like to point out the beautiful cover artwork by Jeff Brown. The style and mood of the piece perfectly capture the tone of the book!

So if you like political intrigue, mystery, heists, magic and unique characters don't hesitate to pick this up!

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.25 stars.
Audiobook is very well read.

First, I hate the main character. The sidekick(s) are absolutely delightful and the story is a fairly fast- paced, fun adventure to save the world (or at least prevent a war). It’s definitely a well-written book.

Compared to the average urban fantasy adventure, the world-building is great. Each piece of the puzzle slides into a perfectly-shaped space held for it. There are levels upon levels. Ten years ago (before I knew that so much more was both possible and available), I might have loved this book wholeheartedly.

But here’s the thing, writers holding great privilege in our culture always seem to bring the systemic failures that keep everyone else marginalized, along into the worlds they create. Sure, there are loads of strong, capable women in this story…. But why create a whole new world that brings deep-seated patriarchy, late-stage capitalism, racism, ableism into it? Why does every white, male author always drag the worst parts of our society into the worlds they build? Why do they attempt to demonstrate equality with a handful of strong female characters, but ensure that women have fleeting influence and that most social constructs in their worlds ultimately denote obvious constraints against them? Why relegate all females outside if the few great characters to either sex objects or domestics? It’s so utterly boring, unimaginative and aimed at a certain audience.

Why can I pick up a fantasy or sci.fi written by someone of another gender, or from the Global Majority, or by a disabled and/or queer author, and be immersed into a TRULY different world?

Ok. Now, the main character is abrasive, nauseatingly patriarchal and always either drunk or hungover. It’s vile. As much as I adore the side characters who aid him in this adventure, I would have given up this audiobook prior to finishing it had I not been reading an AudioARC. We don’t need another James Bond or macho amateur PI. This story could have worked just as well (better) with an inclusive, not drunk, semi-lost/confused main who actually showed some character development. Honestly, I would have been incredibly excited for the next book in that case.

Ultimately, this book is a textbook urban fantasy, well-written AND maintaining each and every stereotype, trope and social injustice that makes our own world so difficult for so very many. The main character uses wine as therapy.

Huge gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Audio for the generous gift of this AudioARC, in exchange for my overbearingly honest review.

The story had some fun elements but overall, it wasn't reinventing the wheel of epic fantasy. Still, very solid story. Brenock O'Connor was the true stand out. Each character was interesting and unique under his voice acting. The scenes felt cinematic in scope. He employed small techniques that proved he understands how to turn words on a page into something visual (i.e. a character looks over his shoulder to yell behind him and O'Connor moves slightly away from the mic to create distance for the listener). It was masterful.

Summary:
Lukan Gardova, once hailed as a promising student, now treads a darker path as a skilled gambler. His reputation is further tarnished by a duel gone awry, and he now bears the weight of disgrace as the failed heir to an ancient noble lineage. He longs for redemption, wondering how to reclaim the life he squandered. A glimmer of purpose emerges when news of his estranged father's mysterious murder reaches him. Lukan decides to find the truth of the murderous plot father's demise. His quest for truth leads him to Saphrona, where wealth and fortunes easily change hands. Lukan confronts peril at every turn and doesn't know who to trust.

Review:
OMG! That doesn't give it justice. It was beautiful, great, excellent, and all the words of a job well done. I was immediately pulled into this story and felt the high stakes of every situation Luken got himself into. He was one of many characters written exceptionally well. Each character was intriguing, and their personality and flaws were so fitting. I loved Flea and her brazenness and bravery. This book was like riding a rollercoaster. I can't wait to get to the next book.

I received an audio version of this book. The narrator, Brenock O'Conner, was like a chef kiss. The emotion in the characters' voices was one of the best audiobooks I have listened to in quite some time. I can't say enough good things about the narrator's choice. It elevated the story to the next level.

In exchange for my honest review, I received an ARC copy of the audiobook from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. Thank you for the opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley and James Logan for the audiobook format of the Silverblood Promise.

It's safe to say that I adored this book, the camaraderie, the found family, the jabs are immaculate. I absolutely adore flea, she really made the book for me. Just this brave, loyal girl has stolen my heart, and the fact that I get her in books to come is golden. That being said...Mr. Logan if you kill her off I will come for you, do not touch that girl.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! My only complaint is that in some of the situations that Lukan got himself into, he got himself out of by convenient plot measures, especially when it came to his imprisonment by the twice-crowned king. I found that, and some of Lukan just being a plain idiot, to be the less enjoyable parts of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

Firstly, this book was a fairly solid and enjoyable debut. However, it is a book that I feel like I have read a hundred times; the plot and character archetypes are basic, and not overly imaginative.

The story follows Lukan who is a disgraced noble on a quest to figure out his father’s killer, and on this journey he joins forces with a variety of figures, to uncover a coo. This sounds great—it does—but the issue is how predictable it gets, there feels like there is very little major issues, because of how the author makes it to where things conveniently occur. This comes across as a bit lazy in my opinion, but it is a debut so maybe I should lower my overall expectations.

I did like this book enough though to continue with the series, because I do think there is promise. But I fear that the author will fall back on the same predictable structure.

Overall, I give this book a 3.5 rounded

Logan delivered an absorbing epic fantasy entrenched with mystery. There are so many chess pieces at play, the reader is constantly gathering new intel and reestablishing theories. The world is dynamic and vivid without overly heavy descriptions that bog the read down. There is danger, grit and conspiring murders. This is balanced with brilliantly finessed humor and banter. The narration for the audiobook delivered. I was engrossed in this world and devoured the story as fast as I could. As it’s book 1 of the series, know you won’t get all of the answers you’re looking for by the end. I can’t wait for book 2.

Audiobook arc provided by NetGalley, James Logan and Macmillian audio - thank you!

The world building was excellent in this one. It was incorporated meaningfully in the dialogue and exposition throughout the book, creating an immersive and strong world. The characters were also strongly written in general. There were several secondary characters that quickly became favorites of mine. I also appreciated how often/well the author incorporated women throughout the book, something that is often lacking in more traditional fantasy written by men. While the plot was somewhat linear in the first half, the political intrigue quickly picked up and made for a strong ending.

Over the course of the book, I became a little frustrated by a couple of things. The first was that Lukan’s character development devolved into essentially just being belligerent and drunk. While it wasn’t an issue at first, it almost became like he couldn’t have an adult conversation without temper issues, which did become old. The second thing was how Lukan got out of everything, No matter how dire the circumstances, no matter the odds, there was always some coincidence or lucky thing that happened that left Lukan triumphant and unscathed. I know that sometimes these things must happen, especially when the characters are involved in such dangerous situations, but for every encounter in a long book to go this way became unsatisfying.

If you’re interested in fantasy that focuses on political intrigue with strong worldbuilding, then this one is worth checking out. The narrator was also excellent and added much to the experience. This was a wonderful debut that set up for a strong book two, and I look forward to reading more by this author. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Centered around Lukas Gardova, The Silverblood Promise follows the main character on a journey across an ocean in pursuit of answers after his estranged father's death. Lukas himself, a failed academy student, generally successful card player, reasonably good swordsman, has been wandering through life without direction up until this point. But a his father's final note, written in his dying blood, send him to Saphrona to try to find out why his father died.
A little bit murder mystery, a fantasy setting, an absolutely amazing cast of characters... I'm not sure I could have loved this book more. There was adventure, friendship, betrayal, the creepy Faceless, unlikely heroes
And of course the amazing child thief Flea!
While it, thankfully, did not end on a cliffhanger, it set up the next book beautifully, and I cannot wait to enjoy it.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 (𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚, #1) 𝒃𝒚 𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒈𝒂𝒏

Release Date: May 7, 2024

5⭐️0🌶

I cannot believe that this is the debut novel for James Logan! This book is truly a masterwork. It's complex world building and cheeky characters left me wanting more! The politics and characters reminded me of Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, but if Mistborn was a murder mystery revenge story.

Lukan has been estranged from his father for quite sometime. When he learns of his fathers death, he feels cheated of his opportunity to reunite with him. His father was brutally murdered and left a one word message. The message could mean anything. It could be his father's killer or a friend meant to help him figure out why his father was murder. Either way, Lukan goes on a great journey through a massive and strange city to find out who killed his father.

Along the way he meets Flea, who is a scrappy 11 year old girl who never takes "no" as an answer. Her witty come backs and ability to put Lukan in his place made her my favorite character by far.

I would definitely recommend this series for all Brandon Sanderson or Epic Fantasy fans.

The Silverblood Promise is James Logan’s impressive debut and hopefully marks only the start to a new voice in Epic Fantasy. The Silverblood Promise tells the story of Lukan Gardova. Due to an incident that occurred when he was studying at the academy he dropped out and ended up estranged from his father. Now he’s a cardsharp and when we first meet him he’s at the tables playing. It’s a great intro, allowing us to get to a feel for his character. When word reaches him with news of his father’s death, his murder to be more accurate, Lukan is left with a cryptic note his father managed to scrawl in his final moments. And it’s this note that sends him upon his new path. I enjoyed the heck out of this adventure. Lukan himself is a great character, but then so are many of the others we meet along the way, especially Flea. I enjoyed the world building. Logan paints a fascinating world without getting too bogged down, revealing new aspects of the world here and there rather than all at once. The story is multi-layered, with intrigue woven throughout. Mystery, action, politics, and plenty of deception. Brenock O’Connor’s narration is excellent, he truly breathes life into the entire cast of characters. This is a stellar debut and I look forward to reading more from James Logan for years to come. I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an review an advanced copy of the audio version of The Silverblood Promise.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FIZSA9XX17U0/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Thank you so much to James Logan, Tor Books, MacMillan Audio, and Netgalley for my advanced copies of this book! All opinions are my own.

I was really hoping to receive this book/really excited to read it because I saw a friend here had marked it as Uncharted meets The Lies of Locke Lamora, and I was really hoping I would love it too.

I DID.

I thought this was a really great story, and I enjoyed how everything flowed. I loved that we were on a quest to find out who killed Lukan's father, and along the way we discovered an entire plot to overthrow the government with sorcerer beings only heard from in children's tales. I loved that women were held in such high esteem in this story, often holding places of so much power or rank that men cowered in their presence - you just don't see that much in epic fantasy and it was a breath of fresh air for me. I did think there were a lot of repetitions, particularly with Lukan's backstory, some of the main plot points, and the phrases, "I can see that," and "ladies blood," but it wasn't so bad that I didn't ultimately not enjoy the overall story.

I am so glad that we have teamed up at the end and I cannot wait to see where this team goes in the next story. Overall rating 4.5 stars

Thanks to #netgalley for this audio version.

I really enjoyed this experience. The narrator does voices well as long as you can tolerate or enjoy voice actors that do fantasy. The drama is high. But, it works well in this version. The characters are fun and new. The problems the character finds himself facing are unexpected and almost like if horror and high fantasy combined which was refreshing. The intrigue also lends another level of interest. Overall, this was a very satisfying read. The 4 starts instead of 5 stars is much more likely to my reading too much fantasy and maybe being too much of a "mood reader." Also, I think I prefer my fantasy in tangible book rather than audio.

I love a good high-fantasy series and this one fits the bill! It is twisty and turny and full of world building and fun characters. While some parts of the story were predictable for any tried and true fantasy reader, there was a lot of it that was fresh and new.

This has it all, it is fantasy mixed with a murder mystery. There is magic and the occasional pun that made me audibly giggle. This story is fueled by our MC, Lukan, basically going on a quest to find out what happened to his father. It's low-key giving Indiana Jones but with magic and portals and monsters.

Once I started it, I immediately knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything else until I reached the end. I love that this one is part of a series and I cant want to get my hands on the next installment. I'll be thinking of Lukan and his story for a long while now… solid debut, James Logan!

The Silverblood Promise by James Logan is a murder mystery set in a fantasy world with plenty of action and adventure. I'd say it would appeal to older teens and young adults.
The story follows Lucan Gardova. He is a sarcastic young man with a past he's bitter about. He's been spending his days drinking too much and gambling when he gets news of his father's murder. His father's last message to him sends him on an adventure in the foreign country of Saphrona.
I enjoyed the episodic feel of this story.
One adventure leads into another to an overarching story. There were times when I wished for more in certain areas with certain characters. Especially with characters like the Twice Crowned King and the faceless. I'm hoping sequels will have more of these.
Lucan as a character tends to run his mouth when he's under stress. Everything he goes through shapes him to be a better person than he starts out as. He steps up to help others and even when he doesn't have to
His relationship with Flea was really cute. He steps into a parental role with her and becomes very protective
I like the narrator. This audiobook especially the action sequences. It reminded me of listening to a sports broadcast.
I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and McMillan Audio for this arc. This review was written voluntarily.

Swords, Sorcery, and Science

“Defeat the villain.
Save the city.
Free the prince.”

Thoughts💡
This was a fast paced and exciting adventure to solve a mysterious crime, I loved the story even if it took me a minute to appreciate Lukan. The side characters though, those ladies were epic, especially Flea and The Shadow Queen. And they all helped Lukan develop into an endearing character that I was rooting for by the end.
The plot was filled with magic, was fast paced, and loaded with a lot of the setbacks that the characters had to navigate. The city and its monsters gave me Stargate vibes (the OG movie); and the rich world building brought it alive. It made all the challenges and setbacks the characters faced exciting and tense.
The audio was a lot of fun to listen to because Brenock has a very deep voice with clear pronunciations and a fast pace. All of it combined to make some epic storytelling that I want more of.

Why It’s Fun
⚜️ Endearing Characters
⚜️ Epic Plot Twists & Challenges
⚜️ Very Cool Ancient Civilization
⚜️ Magic is Science and Science is Magic
⚜️ Badass, Accomplished Women Getting Shit Done, (and one very cool dude leading the charge)

✨Note:✨This is book one in the series, but comes to a nice conclusion that sets up the next book.

⚠️Content Warning⚠️
loss of a parent,violence, murder, blood, gore,🍺,🚬,💊, imprisonment, torture

Stats📊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ ❌🌶️ (no romance)
Characters: 💙💙💙💙💙
Audio & Narrator: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Sci-fi Fantasy: swords & sorcery, mysterious crime, exiled son, chasing a legacy, wild adventure, rag tag team, ancient civilization, aliens and magic, monsters, political machinations, corruption
Third Person, Past Tense, Multi POV
(but mostly just the MC’s POV)

Wow! What a fantastic epic fantasy! If this is James Logan's debut novel, then sign me up for everything that he writes in the future!

In this book you are following Lukan, who makes a Silverblood Promise, that takes him on a journey to a far away city to complete his quest and satisfy his promise.

This book has everything I look for in a fantasy novel. It has an epic adventure, pirates, shady taverns, odd executions where a prisoner could survive, gambling dens, found family, clever characters, and of course, the writing is fantastic!

I thought this was very good 😄
I was fascinated with the ongoing mysteries and all the effort and questioning and sometimes action it took for the MC to figure out who was framing an innocent woman!🫨
Turned out, there was more to it than just her case and it ran deeper than he thought.
Love the dynamic between Lukan and his companion too! Their growing friendship was fun to read 😊
The book was slow at the beginning, but once the investigation starts rolling, it get more and more interesting! It reads very much like a historical fiction novel; one that takes place around the Papal Rome dark ages era. I happen to like historical fiction so I didn't mind haha
Overall, pretty good worldbuilding, characters I found myself rooting for, and interesting enough mystery and plot twists 👍👍

WOW. What a whirlwind. Upon reading this, I actually looked into the author, certain that he was a well accomplished, highly acclaimed, awarded, YADA YADA, individual. Only to find this to be his first book. I’m sorry… WHAT!?

This story was exquisitely written, beautifully realized. There is not a false note anywhere.

The main characters are compelling, and the only thing more enticing than this, may be the very real world that Logan has brought for us, out of the depths of his creativity. I’ve always felt that in some cases, an author is given a story that already exists, to put down on paper. This is one of those times. A+++++.

On the audiobook portion of this - audiobooks can be quite difficult to get into, let alone stay caught up with. Not the case here! I was excited the whole way through.

I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the publishers and all involved in providing this!