This was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from the description and cover, it was everything that I was hoping for and was invested in the world and characters. It was everything that I wanted from the genre and thought worked overall feel worked together to tell the storyline. Andrew P Meritt has a strong writing style and glad I got to read this.

Ballad of the Blade was a thrilling read! I was fully engaged from start to finished. Andrew Meritt's characters are each unique and brought this dark fantasy to life. I was initially drawn in by the promise of multi-character POV and a not so happy ending, which Meritt delivered!
I can't pick just one favorite character, they each have their own voice and quirks that make them relatable and lovable.
Every battle was an immersive experience where I felt every hit and dodge of the characters, their heartbreak was my heartbreak, and I laughed right alongside them. The character development and worldbuilding were fantastic, and I was enthralled by how complex of a plot Meritt crafted.
I truly cannot wait for the second installment to follow these characters on their journeys to new lands.

Thanks for the opportunity to read, Ballad of the blade by Andrew meritt.

This graphic, story is split into chapters that develops each person's story from their perspective. Each chapter moves quickly and in some instances, quite gorily to tell their tale.

In the vain of Joe Abercrombie, the story can be brutal at times, but it adds.to the tone and realism.

While relatively short, its worth a look

This book was a thrilling ride of magic, companionship, violence, and courage. There was never a dull moment; it was consistently entertaining. With a multi-POV structure, it was impossible to be bored. The characters had so much substance, there was no way to hate any of them. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or be horrified, this is the book for you.

Ballad of the Blade is a mult- POV fantasy that I couldn't put down! The characters are rich in description, had me laughing, crying, and had me wanting to know what was in store for them. The world-building is top-notch, and the action felt fresh and exciting. I can’t wait to see more from this author and see what’s next in book 2!

Ballad of the Blade is an action-packed fantasy with plot twists that will make you throw the book at the wall only to immediately pick it back up. I wasn't a fan of the amout of POV-switching at first, but I got used to it quickly. The plot is compelling and intense from page 1, and it is well-written, with fun and relatable characters and clear stakes. I can't wait for book two!

I couldn't put the book down! At first, I was worried the multi-POV style would be confusing, but the author did an amazing job of giving each character such a distinct voice, I would have known who was speaking without the name being put at the beginning of the chapter. Andrew has created a world and cast of characters that feel real, allowing the reader to be fully immersed in the story. The characters touch your heart and then rip it in two, just to glue it back together again. I laughed, cried, and almost threw the book across the room in frustration multiple times reading this. Since reading Ballad of the Blade for the first time, I have thought about it often, wishing for the sequel to be written already! You won't regret reading this book. You'll make friends and enemies, experience love and loss, and I guarantee you'll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment!

From the very first chapter, Ballad of the Blade pulled me in completely. The writing is sharp, emotional, and full of energy. I was so drawn in that I ended up reading passages aloud just to share the excitement. It is rare to find a fantasy novel that feels both fresh and classic, but this one manages it effortlessly. I never got bored while reading. If anything, I had to pace myself to make the experience last longer. The plot made sense and had a natural flow, with enough unanswered questions to build momentum for the next installment. The story length felt just right, with no scenes that dragged or felt unnecessary. The characters are vivid and distinct, each with their own strong presence and voice. This book reminded me of why I fell in love with the fantasy genre in the first place. After a long stretch of reading for work or turning to lighter books for escape, Ballad of the Blade rekindled that old spark. It is emotional, exciting, and beautifully written from start to finish. If you are looking for a story with strong characters, immersive worldbuilding, and a plot that keeps you hooked, this is absolutely worth picking up. I cannot wait to read and own the full series.