Two Crowns, Three Blades
Author: Robert A. Walker
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B/B-
What I’m Talking About:
Picking up shortly after the conclusion of the first book, Two Crowns, Three Blades focuses on the fallout from the executions and deaths featured in the first story. Sibil, Tristan, and King Axil are each looking for revenge. The Magister and the Guild of Takers want to see the assassination of both kings of Baelon. Both sides recognize that a war is coming.
In my review of the first book I wrote, “Six Moons, Seven Gods is a story of happy accidents and about being in the right place at the right, or sometimes wrong, time.” There was humor and lightheartedness in the midst of an adventure. However, this time around, the mood is quite different; the humor is hard to find and the characters have become hardened and focused. Two Crowns, Three Blades is about revenge, and it is dark, even bleak at times. Also different from the first book where seemingly unrelated events all tie together, there is but a single focus that drives the plot of the story: to take down the Guild of Takers (GOT), and yet, at times the story felt confusing with multiple moving pieces.
Both King Axil and Sibil are driven to take down the Magister and his cronies. Each takes their own path to avenge their mutual losses, and ultimately find a way to work together. Without giving spoilers, I will comment that Two Crowns, Three Blades appears to have closed the door on this story arc that started with Six Moons, Seven Gods. I’m glad the author wove a tight plot over the two books rather than added prolonged adventures, especially as this one was so much darker than the first.
There is adventure, revenge, turmoil, redemption, tragedy, and triumph. Even though the immediate story arc is concluded, there is room for more tales from Baelon, and I for one hope that Walker is planning more.
My Rating: B/B-
Jen
About the Book:
Still grieving over the loss of his wife and daughter, King Axil of Aranox declares war on The Guild of Takers. The GOT’s High Order responds, strengthening its efforts to kill both of Baelon’s monarchs. Tristan Godfrey seeks his brother’s murderer, and true love is made to wait again as Sibil Dunn embarks on a solitary crusade. Saved from the guillotine, Overseer Reynard Rascall looks to avenge Spiro’s death, while retired Royal Guard, Rolft Aerns, recovers from his wounds and puts away his sword—until, that is, he learns of Sibil’s quest.
And all of Baelon hangs in the balance.
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Publisher: Fairytale Publishing
Series: The Legends of Baelon #2
Genre: Fantasy, adventure
Format(s): paperback (301 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Author