A Blade Among the Stars

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Magic survives on the galaxy’s Outer Fringe. And Saketa is one of the few to wield it.

As a Kalero Warden, it is her place to wield sword and cosmic energies against the evils of the galaxy. But walking between light and dark is a tough balance to maintain. A war ravages the Fringe, chaos spreads, and old evils are let loose. Pirates and warlords seize upon their chance like sharks in bloody water, but hidden in the shadows of it all are the sorcerers…

With the weight of power and duty pressing down on her, strange allies may be Saketa’s only hope.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2023
Author: Eli Freysson

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.4/ 5.0
Followers: 221
Views: 77,474

Reviews

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Community Reviews(5)

DBoddenRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm about seven chapters in and I'm enjoying it. The main character is like a jedi dropped into a Warhammer 40k planet where the humans and mutants are on the edge of tearing each other apart. The Warden--as they're called--uses a combination of mental and sword powers to take down bad guys and restore the peace, all with a Walker Texas Ranger "what were you thinking for attacking me" attitude.
There are some nice hints of Light Side/Dark Side of the Magic balancing issues, and the Warden's nature is the source of her woes, as she quickly finds herself having to help others because that's what Wardens do. In the meantime, there's a roided out worshipper of the Dark on the loose, and everything is moving toward an epic clash and a nice even pace.
In terms of style, it's probably 1/3 Dan Abnett and 2/3 Sandy Mitchell if that says anything to you. Looking forward to discovering more about the world and the wider galactic conflict that brought the Warden to this planet.
No real typos to speak of, nice clean job. There were a few places I might have phrased something differently but that's the beauty of not-being-the-author, I get to enjoy the story and get something I wouldn't have written. There were definitely some places where I was pleasantly surprised that the story didn't go down well-worn tropes and instead took a more rational approach.
Kameron HaleRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Note: I initially found this story via a comment swap. This review is not part of the swap agreement, however. I just like it so much that I wanted to review it.
This is a sci-fi story with a vast universe where a war is taking place, and the main character’s role and current quest are tied to that war. Right from the start, it feels very much like being set down in an existing world and plot that’s already in motion when you get there. I believe this is not the first story set in this world and that it’s of a prequel-ish nature, so that makes sense. But despite feeling like I’ve been plunked down in unfamiliar territory, I never feel lost—just excited to learn more about where I am. I have questions that make me want to keep reading to get the answers, but I never feel confused.
Also, there are plot twists. The good kind that genuinely surprise you but also make perfect sense in hindsight.
The writing style is very minimalist. You learn what you need to know, when you need to know it, for the most part. But at the same time, the author is dropping all kinds of world-building and plot foreshadowing into the ongoing action in that delicious way which keeps your curiosity whetted to learn more. There’s an almost clinical voice to the narrative, but then they’ll drop some amazing turn of phrase that’s poetic and/or thought-provoking.
Grammar is on point. No complaints.
The main character of Saketa very much matches the tone of the story—pragmatic to the point of seeming sometimes a bit emotionally detached. But then she’ll have a moment of such poignant introspection or do something so thoroughly human that you can’t help but get invested in her. She wields great power and is very good at what she does, but it never feels unearned. How hard she worked to get where she is and continues to work to do what she needs to do is always shown and believable. I love how her job often involves violence, but she constantly assesses not just her actions but her reasons for and fee
MinlettRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm not the best at reviews because I only really notice the things I don't like. I can't see or feel anything I don't like here. The book is well written and I really want to know more and see more about the main character Saketa and her story. We only see what our characters see, but a great job is done explaining the almost culture of some of these ethnic(?) groups in an organic way. It's a good story.
jmc5003Royal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
I love this author's writing and I very much enjoy the MC in this story. Characters are well written and relatable, action scenes and other descriptions are excellent. I enjoy stories that make me think, either introspectively or about the human condition and the universe at large. I also really enjoy getting to know the aliens that an author thinks up. This story contains all of those elements. Do stick out the first couple of chapters - they lay groundwork for the story and the story line picks up quickly.
Well worth the read.
Exile15Royal Road
★★ 2.0
The title say it all. These things should be mentioned in the title description or tags. They are not just mentioned in passing, there are crucial to the story. The whole second book doesn't even contain the main protagonist at all.
I read the whole first book and it was solid and nicely written. I skimmed the second book, since it didn't contain the protagonist.
It contained mind control used agaist the protagonist. And worse, she was even ok with it. It was explained later but it is still not a read for me.
So read only if you are fine with these two things.