It took a lot for me to not DNF this book. I really wanted to like it because the summary sounded intriguing and like it had a lot of potential.

I struggled with the cultural words and their meanings, especially when apostrophes were thrown in. The author didn’t provide much context when using these historical phrases/terms so I felt out of the loop (yes there is a thesaurus at the beginning, but on a digital novel that’s hard to go back to periodically).

I loved the idea of the gods, especially the Death God and T’Rayles background but overall the author didn’t dive into that much, just kind of dropped it on you and didn’t say much more.

The ending definitely fell flat as well. Just kind of ended with no enticement to want more or taut praise of how awesome the book was. Yes the main character kind of got closure for the death of her son, but it didn’t feel satisfying since so much of the novel was only introduced and not fleshed out.

I wish there was more overall.

I give it 3.5 stars and a 🤷‍♀️.

Maybe this is for someone, but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you NetGalley!

Seventhblade follows T’Rayles (pronounced Teh-rah-lees) as she seeks vengeance for the murder of her son, Jhune. Her journey leads her to her former home of Seventhblade, where she hopes to track down his killer. Along the way she runs into old friends and allies, and she must reckon with the choices she’s made and the changing power dynamics of the city.

Seventhblade captivated me from the beginning with T’Rayles’ fury and the mystery surrounding Jhune’s murder. I liked a lot of things about this book—the older protagonist, explorations of grief and revenge, complicated family relationships, action-packed scenes, interesting magic, and the inclusion of the Northern Michif language. But there are also several things that didn’t work for me and my interest began to wane about halfway through the book. I never fully understood the politics of the world, or who the different cultural groups are and their connections to each other, or how big the world is. I also didn’t fully understand the role of the gods and their significance to Seventhblade. The mystery of Jhune’s murder is a huge plot point that I was invested in but I was disappointed in the reason behind his murder. I wanted to love this book and I’m sad I didn’t.

I listened to the audiobook while following along with a physical copy and I enjoyed that experience. Thank you ECW Press for sending me an ARC to review.

Rating: 3.5/5

A very soft DNF with an "It's not you, it's me" because of "right book, wrong time".

I'll come back this this book, without a damn doubt. T'rayles' quest to avenge her son and seek justice for him amongst colonial interlopers. To do it, she must go to a city with uncertain allies and definite rivals, team up with a god she does not trust, and use a sword that may slowly destroy her. Set it among First Nations culture, and there's so very much more to come back to!

After T-Rayles' son is murdered, she decides to go after his killer. She's the daughter of a warrior, a member of the indigenous Ibinnas, and must deal with her colonizer husband's missteps, an exiled god, a organization founded by her warrior mother, but that has become corrupt, and the constant bigotry she encounters along her way and within Seventhblade, a colonized city.

The world is complex, as well as the relationships between characters, and the indigenous and colonizer cultures, and T'Rayles is sympathetic in her deep grief, and determination to get justice. Or revenge. The characters are flawed and occasionally frustrating, doing and saying things that only contributed to conflict, or exposed weaknesses and divisions.

I went back and forth between prose and audio, and liked Dani Cochrane's voicing of T'Rayles and others. The main character's grief and ferocity were beautifully invoked.

This is the sort of book that is catnip to me, and yet, I could not get into it, and kept finding my attention wandering. I badly wanted to enjoy this book, but could only appreciate it for its complexity and well-drawn characters.

I suspect this is a book that, when I eventually return to it, will work better on a reread.

Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

4.5⭐ Excellent Debut novel !! 😸

And the comp titles (N.K. Jemisin and Rebecca Roanhorse) are spot on, so if you like them, make sure you give it a try !

What shined the most here were the extensive world building, especially with its multilayered lore inspired by Indigenous culture, and the older female PoV. The years gave depth to the character and added a much needed perspective (as a mother-warrior-partner) to a somewhat classic revenge fantasy premise.

I'd like to read the next part of the adventure now, please ! 😇

Audiobook experience : 4.75⭐ Initially, I was a bit thrown off by the narrator's youthful voice and found that it was a missed opportunity to hear an older one. But I quickly changed my mind because they definitely have the gravitas needed to portray this epic FMC ! The narrator's delivery is honest and compelling and the passages in another tongue (Northern Michif) were beautifully moving to hear.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this audiobook ARC ☺️

My thanks to ECW Press and Net Galley for a free DRC of "Seventhblade" by Tonia Laird.
I was really interested in this Indigenous Fantasy because of the comparrision with N.K. Jemisin and Rebecca Roanhorse, two of my favorite authors.
The synopsis also promised a fast paced action - adventure. Unfortunately none of those promises were met.
This is a story about a mother's grief and desire for revenge. While it had some of the promised anti-colonial themes, the different factions were so confusing to keep a hold off.
I appreciated having the presence of gods and demigods walking among humans and the few instances where hunting and the indigenous connection with nature was revealed.
While I could not get invested in this story, I would love to try future works by this author.

When I first started reading Seventhblade, it was a bit of struggle. I couldnt get into it - though that ended up definitely being more me than the book, as by the end I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do think the lore and politics werent explained as well as they could have been at the start and it was a little hard to keep up with at points.
I really enjoyed the multi povs and the portrayl of rage, revenge and grief shown from the main character T'Rayles - it was also great to read a book with adult character rather than teen like in many of the YA books I usually read. The story was perfectly paced and crafted in a way that allowed for character development as well as steady plot progression, whilst also providing fantastic immersive world building.
Overall I very much enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
Thanks again for the opportunity to read this arc!

T'rayles comes home to discover her son has been killed. She doesn't believe in the story she's being fed of how it happened so she decides to discover the truth on her own. This starts her on an adventure of revenge, grief and self discovery.

This book starts off on a brisk pace and it feels like it never really slows down. That's certainly not a bad thing, I felt like I didn't want to put this book down because there was constantly a new development throwing a spin into the whole thing. The initial mystery is really engaging and for me it worked a lot better than the more chaotic parts of the later story. That's not to say later parts don't have their own strengths. I really enjoyed how the book delves into a grief of a parent who lost their child, and how it breaks their whole world down.

We also get a second PoV of a god. I enjoyed how he brought a certain sarcastic and lighter tone to the story. And his interactions with T'rayles were always fun, leaving me wondering who truly had the upper hand in this situation.

I very much look forward to the potential sequel and more snappy interactions between our main characters.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.

I tried my best to see this out, but at the end of the day, I just don’t care to. The world isn’t well explained. There are many different cultures with interchangeable names and no explanation of their history, the land they’re from, or even what makes them unique. At most, there’s a discussion of different hair colors. There’s talk of coming to, and being from, other lands, but there isn’t an elaboration of what each place is like or how distant locations are. It’s disappointing because the world seems so involved, but I didn’t get to feel like I was part of it.

There’s a significant religious component and a magic system, I think(?), but I do not understand either at all. The connection to colonization and the forced adaption of Christianity is apparent, Howe er I don’t know much of anything, other than T’Rayles hates them (which….yeah, that’s extremely reasonable).

Character-wise, unfortunately I just really don’t like T’Rayles. She starts out mean, she acknowledges that she’s mean, she’s mean to people before they even get to speak to her. I KNOW she’s grieving, but she was like this before she had a reason to. She’s also SO rude to her partner, and obviously they’ve got some problems going on, but it really frustrated me. The antagonist? Annoying. I don’t get him. I also can’t remember his name.

I’ve never DNF’d a book before, so this was a tough decision. I just don’t think I’m going to fully appreciate this work, therefore we both deserve better.

Tonia Laird's "Seventhblade" is a fantastic entry into the fantasy genre, offering a compelling blend of intricate world-building, engaging characters, and a plot that keeps you invested. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this rich and imaginative world.

The magic system in "Seventhblade" is particularly well-conceived, feeling both original and deeply integrated into the fabric of the society Laird has created. It’s clear a lot of thought went into its mechanics and implications, making for some genuinely exciting and innovative uses of power.

Our protagonist is a strong, determined individual whose journey of discovery and resilience is genuinely captivating. I found myself easily rooting for them as they navigated complex challenges and unearthed secrets. The supporting cast is also well-drawn, adding depth and personality to the narrative, and the relationships between characters feel authentic and impactful.

The pacing of the story is generally well-handled, with a good balance of action, mystery, and character development. There are moments of high tension and satisfying revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages. While the world is detailed, it's presented in a way that allows you to easily immerse yourself without feeling overwhelmed.

"Seventhblade" is a strong and promising start to a new series. It delivers on its premise with a vibrant world, memorable characters, and a story that leaves you eager for what comes next. Fans of intricate fantasy and character-driven narratives should definitely pick this one up!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. I did read this quite slowly early in the book because I felt like I would miss important details and this is true. The author did not feel the need to spell out and explain everything, rather, lots of inferencing was important while reading.
I agree that a map of relationships would help, again, I really slowed down to make sure I kept them straight.
Characterization was excellent, imagery was great, the story went back and forth between moving fast and bogging down.
If we want a fantasy, I can live with this, but for now, I have no room for it on my list.

This is a story of vengeance. For a mother who has lost her son and demands the retribution through those that have cause it. She gathers her allies of which she left behind decades ago, and her mothers sword of ancestors to bring it.

I wanted to DNF this at chapter 6. I didn’t understand why we were getting so many POVs of people I didn’t care about. I wanted a story of fighting, of justice. And I guess I did get it but in a different way.

The FMC I liked at the start, and then she faded a bit for me, her fighting spirit was there in words but not action and it kinda lost me. I’ve seen other reviews of a near found family and people coming together. I didn’t feel this. I felt like the FMC was alone most of the time with some help outwith but not truly with her, or with any loyalty (discount Kasanae because he was bloody great)

This is a 3 star to me because while I don’t always understand or like what was happening. I wanted it to succeed from the beginning because the start of the book provided so much that I wanted it to end well and if a place where I felt everyone get what they deserved (jhunes killers dead btw)

And if there was another book, then yeah I’d probably read it. I really do enjoy the FMC and her POVs. She just wants to fight for what’s right. Even if in my opinion she doesn’t fight as well as I thought she would.

Seventhblade is a fierce and emotionally layered fantasy that surprised me in all the best ways. What starts as a story about revenge slowly transforms into one about grief, memory, and unlikely loyalty. T’Rayles is a complex, flawed lead, and her bond with her adopted son — even after death — is the emotional anchor that kept me hooked. I loved how the team dynamic grew from chaos to something raw and real, messy and earned. The pacing dips a bit in the middle, and some parts over-explain, but the worldbuilding and character depth make up for it. A powerful, anti-colonial fantasy with teeth and heart.
Thanks NetGalley for opportunity to read that ARC in exchange for honest opinion!

Real Rating: 4.5* of five

Losing your child is torturous. Losing him but not having a way to achieve closure on your grief? Never think that will not turn any parent into a giant ball of rage.

T’Rayles uses that rage, and a unique bond with her sword's beinghood, to hatch revenge plots involving a god, a world of hurt, and the end of her people's colonial subjection. She's going to do it all with the directed participation of Elraiche, cost her and the world what it may.

Proof to me, all that, that the most fun-to-read stories are those that center people with super-clear motives, goals that do not admit of defeat, and the rizz to command the help they need. T'Rayles is morally grey in her quest for revenge, in her need to make the world over so what happened to her never happens again. Her deal with Elraiche does not get made innocently, she expects damage, as much of it collateral as is not...but the goal is paramount: Revenge.

At times Author Laird, a most eloquent writer with a solidly developed command of evocative imagery, uses it more freely than the demands of plot can support. Her other work in the comics and games industry makes that unsurprising. There are some combat scenes halfway through that do not move at the pace one hopes to find in those times (surprisingly). The first third has more of Elraiche than seems needed, you might wonder why we're getting his PoV as much as I did but trust Author Laird. The way he is included pays off at the end.

The ending is...impactful. I found myself putting my device down and just thinking through what I'd read. Looking for my emotional teeth after Author Laird pounded 'em outta me. Whatever issues I'd had, particularly around Elraiche and around Dellan (the dead son's father, who had very little time with the reader), failed to diminish my impressed appreciation for the complicated but inevitable resolution I was offered.

I'd offer a full five stars had I had a map of the world created for this story, especially since it's ripe for a sequel; and had it felt...fresher...less like a beautiful cart but one in a line of the many traveling revenge road.

The Indigenous inflections of the anti-colonial message put that half-star back. This story might not break new ground but it builds a beautiful new home on the Earth it occupies.

After the murder of her adopted son, T'Rayles, a half-soul, returns to the corrupt city of Seventhblade to hunt down the woman who hired the murderers. During the journey, she accidentally awakens the sleeping power in her mother's sword which heightens her already uncontrollable rage. As she fights to prevent the sword from taking over, she also has to contend with a mysterious god, Elraiche and reconnect with her own adopted family. Can she get the revenge she seeks before she is consumed by her own rage?

This book was really really good. At the beginning, I did struggle to get pulled into the story as it moved a little slow. However, by the time that I hit the 20% mark, the plot was firing on all cylinders and I was here for it. The story was perfectly paced and crafted in a way that allowed for character development as well as steady plot progression.

Laird has created a diverse and layered cast of characters that truly elevate this story. I appreciate that our female lead was actually middle aged (although she doesn't age since she's a demi-god). At first, T'Rayles can come across as unlikeable but the more time we spend in her head, the more relatable she becomes. Her rage and her grief are depicted so viscerally throughout the story that your heart will break for her at times.
Our other POV character, the god Elraiche was also a delight. Kudos to Laird for making him use the very human tactics of strategy and manipulation to get what he wants instead of just relying on whatever powers he has.

The world building was fantastic and done with only a few exposition dumps towards the beginning. Laird pulls from Canadian First Nation cultures for our lead and her people which is a welcome change from a Euro-centric fantasy genre.

All in all, a unique and well constructed fantasy revenge story with a lot of heart. We don't quite end on a cliffhanger but the story is left open enough that I'm excited to see the next stage of T'Rayle's journey. Highly recommend for any fantasy fans.

Reviews going live on Goodreads, Fable, Storygraph and Amazon on 6/17 and on Tiktok on 6/18.-

I really haven't enjoyed a fantasy novel in a while and then came Seventhblade. with a strong yet vulnerable mother at the forefront, Laird builds a story of family, colonial scarring, community, and love as we follow T'Rayles on her avenging journey. I felt all the fury, pain, anguish, and grief that dogged T'Rayles as she pushes herself towards a path that could consume who she is.

But there are other players who are interested in her and what her heritage could mean for their own power plays and advancement. These elements added more meat to the story and further fleshed out T'Rayles and the choices we gave come to understand that she made and continues to make.

Grounding her story with a very understandable human traits such as love and loss really kept me immersed in this world and kept me squarely in T'Rayles' corner. The action scenes were satisfying, her questioning her emerging abilities and her mother's own history only added deeper elements that enhanced my reading experience.

The conclusion made me cry and the possibility of seeing more of T'Rayles and company has made me happy.

At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to get into Seventhblade. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I found myself re-reading some pages to stay grounded in the world. (Also, not gonna lie - Google and I became real close friends trying to figure out how to pronounce half the names and terms.) But once things started clicking into place? I was hooked.

T’Rayles is such a fierce, layered character - driven by grief, fueled by vengeance, and carrying the weight of her people’s history on her back. I could feel her pain and rage, and I loved how unapologetically sharp she was. Watching her navigate a city teetering on the edge of chaos while unraveling the mystery of her son’s death had me flipping pages way past bedtime.

And the sword? The deeper the story went, the more intrigued I became. There’s something magnetic about that blade - its power, its history, the way it ties into T’Rayles’s identity and legacy. The way Laird wove in themes of colonialism, corrupted alliances, and divine manipulation gave the whole story so much weight beneath the action.

It’s gritty. It’s layered. And it’s not afraid to be uncomfortable or complex. I honestly can’t stop thinking about it, and now I desperately need the sequel. Please.

If you like your fantasy with morally complex characters, deep-rooted cultural tensions, and weapons with their own agendas, definitely give this one a shot. Just keep Google nearby for backup 😅

✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I DNFed this at 55%, and won't be posting my review outside of NetGalley. I found the prose and the heavy amount of backstory to be a chore to read, and since I'd rather cut my losses than press on and see if anything pulls it up to a three for me, I'm not going to share this wide.

I have been going crazy over the fact that a character was talking to T'Rayles a hundred pages or so before my DNF and said, "Hey, the knife your son was murdered over is PRETTY IMPORTANT. Would you like to know the story behind it?" and her response was essentially, "No, I'm too busy moving through this city and getting into fights with no plan whatsoever." I'm not sure what the goal is here---only revenge, I guess? And there's just so much navel-gazing, talking about worldbuilding we don't actually get to see.

The description of this book made it sound amazing, but I have enjoyed very little of the actual delivery once T'Rayles leaves her initial village. Thank you for the ARC; unfortunately, this one did not work out for me.

'Seventhblade' is a great book, with interesting world and magic.

During the first chapter, I was a bit confused. The world is not directly explained, you need to wait a couple of pages before understanding what was going on. I was also confused about Dellan, because I thought he was T'Railes' son. However, this confusion might also be because I wasn't totally mentally there for personal reasons.
The world, the magic, and the politics were so interesting.
I really liked that the first 30% of the book takes place in the Silver Leaf, giving us time to get acquainted with our main character, the idea of the world and of the magic, before throwing us into Seventhblade and all the politics and people of that place.
I very much enjoyed the plot, never knowing where it was going to go next.

In summary, I really liked this book.

I love a good vengeance female rage story. Coupled with an Indengious peoples raging against the machine of colonism, whew. T’Rayles is a grieving woman, who has turned her grief into rage. She’s no fainting daisy, she’s a hurricane. I will say grim and emotional, Laird definitely has talent as a storyteller.

That being said, I did have a hard time in the beginning. In fact I restarted multiple times trying to understand how and where different characters fit in the story or if they mattered to remember. I also had a few issues when the POV would swap, recognizing the shifts. It could be the formatting on the ebooks ARC playing into this however.