Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes

Acclaimed author Sam Sykes returns with a brilliant new epic fantasy that introduces an unforgettable outcast mage caught between two warring empires. Her magic was stolen. She was left for dead. Betrayed by those she trusts most and her magic ripped from her, all Sal the Cacophony has left is her name, her story, and the weapon she used to carve both. But she has a will stronger than magic, and knows exactly where to go. The Scar, a land torn between powerful empires, where rogue mages go to disappear, disgraced soldiers go to die and Sal went with a blade, a gun, and a list of seven names. Revenge will be its own reward. For more from Sam Sykes, check out: The Affinity for Steel TrilogyTome of the UndergatesBlack HaloThe Skybound Sea Bring Down HeavenThe City Stained RedThe Mortal TallyGod's Last Breath

This book was fantastic! See my full spoiler-free review here - https://youtu.be/3YvQHYlnWtI

Recommended for anyone who loved Kings of the Wyld, Kingkiller Chronicles, unbeatable smart-ass-overconfident ass-kicking characters.

Damn! That was a great book. Roll on part 2.

It was one of those that when you are reading you are engaged but the moment you put it down you don't have the urge to pick it back up. But it might be because I didn't get that far into it.
Hoping to try again some time soon.

Seven Blades in Black is violent, messy fantasy with a surprising emotional core. Fast-paced is an understatement. This book is an action movie over and over, and nothing every goes easy for the characters. I wouldn't normally pick this book up from the description, but the magic system is great and Sal is a ruthless, pragmatic, and yet deeply sympathetic anti-hero. Sam Sykes said that he was partially inspired by Rin from The Poppy War, and I can definitely see it. The single-minded protagonist, even when they are aware of the damage their actions cause. The other interesting piece here is that Sal is bisexual and has relationships either shown or alluded to with men and women, and this does not feel forced in the way that 90% of the lesbian/bi women in stories written by straight men do. Sal and Liette's relationship is deep, tragic, and easy to invest in. Sal and Jindu's is more mysterious, but still very real. Sal's relationship with Cavric is subtle, platonic, but still emotionally invested. In short, Sal is not defined by her sexuality, but it is an important note in a very nuanced character. While again, the actual story is not to my typical tastes, the character study of it kept me reading to the end, and I'd be interested to read the next book.