Where do I even begin?

Ballad of the Blade isn’t like anything I’ve read in a really long time. It follows multiple characters in the same world as they battle the struggles, injustices, and unknown. Ballad of the Blade is fast paced and the mystery of it all drew me in from the start. I can truly say I was surprised as pieces started to come together in the book. As someone who can usually predict the outcome of novels, I wasn’t able to predict where a lot of this book was going and what was going to happen next.

On top of all of that, it was really well written. I found myself immersed in the world and never got pulled out due to the writing style or dialogue.

If you are a fan of The Witcher, you might like Ballad of the Blade.

I truly think this is going to be one of the next high fantasy internet sensations!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

In a world filled with violence and betrayal at every turn, a few brave souls learn how to persevere and hold onto hope in the face of loss and heartbreak. A heart stopping and emotional page turner, I couldn't put this one down!

Great read! I don't always get on with multiple POVs but it really worked for this story, helping with the general character descriptions and world building. The pacing was perfect, I don't think there was one but that I thought wasn't needed. This will definitely be re read at some point in prep for the next one!

The plot was well thought out and engaging, the characters were all unique and interesting, the world-building was great, and the dialogue was witty with good banter between characters. The dark humor really made me enjoy this story, even in its most intense parts.

This book gripped me with the first sentence. Magic is dead but this book is full of twists and turns that has me guessing until the very end!
The characters are so captivating and interesting and you are just waiting with bayted breath to see what will happen to them next!
The magic system is unlike anything I have read before and made me excited to dive into this book!
Love that Gothic feel? Love a gripping plot? This book is for you!

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.

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

Ballad of the Blade is a gripping dive into dark fantasy—one that blends morally ambiguous characters, a richly layered world, and pulse-pounding intrigue. The novel introduces a cast so vividly drawn that it's easy to find someone to root for, even when they’re far from heroic. An assassin haunted by shadows, a debt-ridden bard, and a gladiator bound by chains—all converge in a realm where magic is feared, structures are crumbling, and survival hinges on wit as much as strength.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its ability to deliver a compelling narrative from the very first page. Readers describe it as so engaging that they were drawn into page-turning sessions and reluctant to stop. Meritt’s use of multiple points of view enhances the sense of an epic tapestry weaving together disparate threads into a unified journey. Though at first the POV-switching unsettles, the distinctiveness of each voice quickly brings clarity and immersion.
The world-building is revealed gradually and effectively, each chapter folding more complexity into the setting and the hidden magic running underneath its surface . If you're drawn to dark fantasy with gothic undertones—featuring shadowy conspiracies, chilling monsters, and emotional stakes—Ballad of the Blade delivers in spades
At times, the sheer number of characters and shifting perspectives can feel overwhelming or dilute narrative focus. One reviewer reflected that the story sometimes lacks a cohesive “red line,” making it feel like a crowded tapestry without a single thread to follow. However, that complexity is also part of the novel’s strength—for readers who savor layered storytelling, the payoff is worth the effort.
Final Thoughts

Ballad of the Blade is an electrifying introduction to Andrew P. Meritt’s Serenade of Smoke series, brimming with morally gray protagonists, dark magic, and ruthless intrigue. Its narrative structure may demand patience, but the worldbuilding, action, and emotional depth more than compensate.

I’m happy to award it four stars—a darkly enchanting fantasy that sets up anticipation and excitement for Book Two.

Andrew Meritt’s Ballad of the Blade is a dark fantasy epic that fulfills its promise of being a story of blood and bone. The novel has a wide cast of morally gray characters, including an assassin, a debt-ridden bard, and an enslaved gladiator. The immersive world building is revealed piece by piece. The plot has lots of action, shocking twists, and betrayals. Fans of dark fantasy will enjoy this first installment in the series A Serenade of Smoke.

First of all… that title and cover? Stunning. I was already intrigued before page one, and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down.

If you love:
⚔️ assassins, slaves, justiseers, musicians & men with no memory
✨ multiple POVs that actually work
🌍 immersive world-building
🔥 an epic debut that leaves you begging for more
…then Ballad of the Blade is exactly what you’re looking for!!

This is easily one of the best fantasy books I’ve read this year. It’s intriguing from the very first page, and while the POV shifts threw me off a little at the start, once I found my footing, the story pulled me in completely. Every character feels essential, their journeys distinct but beautifully woven together, each chasing the truth about magic in their own way.

The writing is rich and detailed, with world-building that feels alive and layered. Perfect groundwork for what promises to be an incredible series. And the banter between the characters? Sharp, witty, and the perfect balance to the darker themes. It gave me so much life in between the tension and bloodshed.

My only complaint? Having to wait for the next book after that ending. Cruel. Brilliant. Heartbreaking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — captivating, addictive, and an incredible debut. I needed the sequel yesterday.

Wow this book utterly shocked me! I dove into it with no expectations and finished it absolutely hooked with this storyline and the characters. I enjoyed the systems and the world that Andrew built in this book, the reader gets thrown into the world and immediately we're drawn into this adventure.

There wasn't a moment where something wasn't happening in this book, it was perfectly paced without feeling like it was dragging on or slowing down.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Ballad of the Blade was a breath of fresh air among the numerous fantasy books that exist today. I loved that the plot was unique, the world-building was first rate, and the characters were detailed and well done. This book grabs you from the start and makes it difficult to go back to reality. I read this book in one sitting and now I am in need of more. I loved the multiple POVs, it let you get into each characters head and build that attachment the author will use against you later on.

Ballad of the Blade is the kind of grimdark fantasy that makes you want to thank the author for the emotional trauma. This isn't just a book; it's a chiropractor's dream, leaving you gripping the pages so tightly you'll need an emergency back adjustment. 💆‍♀️
On World-Building & Tone 🗺️
Meritt doesn't just build a world; he builds a sandbox full of broken glass and then shoves his characters' faces in it. The tone is less "epic adventure" and more "everyone is probably going to die a terrible, brutal death." 💀 It's a deliciously bleak setting where magic is a source of chaos and the gods are more concerned with their own squabbles than helping anyone. 😠 The political intrigue is as sharp as the blades 🔪, and it makes you feel deeply for every poor soul trying to navigate this mess.
On Characters & Plot 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
This book's cast is a delightful band of misfits, ranging from a professional stab-enthusiast to a guy who apparently forgot to write down his past in his diary. 🤷‍♂️ Their stories intertwine with the kind of reckless abandon that suggests the author had a "How many bad things can I make happen?" checklist. ✅ The plot is a relentless rollercoaster of misery, betrayal, and very sharp objects. It moves at a breakneck pace 🚄, leaving you utterly exhausted but desperate for the next chapter. If you enjoy your fantasy with a healthy dose of suffering and zero happily-ever-afters, this is the book for you. Just make sure you've got a good therapist on speed dial. 🛋️

What. A. Debut!

I haven't read anything like this in a while, dark, gritty and utterly captivating!
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A story told from multiple POV's that drip feeds the reader with tidbits of information and mystery in each chapter, which all comes together in an epic, mind bending, conclusion.
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This is a dark epic fantasy, there's action, gore, and a plethora of rather inventive expletives, with a sprinkling of dark, witty humour mixed in.
All the characters are morally grey, there's no 'good' or 'bad' and I loved the unlikely friendships that were formed from that.
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The ONLY reason, and it hurts, that I couldn't give it full 5 stars was because it took me a minute to get used to the multiple POV's. However, once I had, it flowed seamlessly and I really had so much fun reading this!
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Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this early and rekindling my love for epic fantasy...and somehow also making me love a moose..!




Thank you @netgalley for the eARC.

A different kind of fantasy that is very immersive and actioned packed. Following multiple characters on their journeys through all sorts of terrain and encounters. The author has thought about every detail, giving you a very 3D view of his book.

It is hard to follow at first with the multiple character angles but once you get used to changing between them you look forward to the next chapter.
It is also not the sort of book you can read a few pages and then put it down for a while, you need to concentrate and remember who is doing what where. I think we all expect happy endings but aren't tragic ones also enjoyable? In this case the ending was different to what I expected and it wasn't happy but I still loved it.

It is well written and very descriptive, you really do get a sense of the setting and what each character is like/looks like, I loved the details it really kept me wanting to know more. Fantasy books tend to be lengthy, so it didn't surprise me that this book is also on the thick size, I would normally shy away but I think it just means you get a good story that doesn't feel rushed or crammed into fewer pages.

I hope the author has made a start on the next instalment.

4.7/5

This is not my usual but, from the beginning it kept pulling me into it further. There have been a few humorous jokes in the dialogue that had me laughing and lingering the entire day that really kept me coming back because of the character. There are multiple characters to follow along with and at some point they come back together. I found it most intriguing about the moons and what more they could do; following along with the story line, it made sense. This storyline is in no way predictable the moment you think you know what is going to happen, it switches up; I love it. The world building is top tier, dialogue never dry, and the descriptive writing is all the way there. I felt as if I was right in front of the scenes that unfolded. I want another book. I feel like I’m no longer a dark fantasy virgin anymore.

Thank you NetGalley and mostly Andrew for this read. Keep going. 🫶🏽