AVAILABLE NOW!
from Debut author Andrew p. Meritt
book one of many in A serenade of smoke.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. This is a story of blood and bone, of love and loss, of rage and regret. Proceed with caution, for this is no fairy tale. Real stories seldom have happy endings, and I won’t promise you one here. The lines between good and evil are rarely easy to identify and usually a matter of perspective. Is this the type of tale for you? If so, then read on.
A thoroughly enjoyable and daunting read that had me laughing, screaming, kicking my feet, and sobbing myself into nausea. If you are a fan of novels such as Game of Thrones, this might just be your cup of tea (warning: you know what happens in GoT. No one is safe. Guts are everywhere. I mean it. Proceed with caution).
- Keanna-Mae Bartolome
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.
- Brittnie Smith
If you are looking for a book that will take you on an adventure, test your tolerance for gore, and rip your heart out all while providing a good helping of comic relief, this is the one for you! Turn off your phone and gather your snacks because when you sit down with this one, you aren’t getting back up until you’ve read it all!
- Aneva Holleran
See the story from every angle in this multi-POV fantasy epic. A heartbreaking tale of love and loss, pain and power, rage and regret, BB is one of a kind. Fight for freedom, love, and life itself alongside characters that will have you laughing out loud, crying, and throwing the book across the room.
- Aspen Gray
Meritt doesn't write for the meek—or for those craving a gleaming hero. He crafts Fantasy with grit, heart, and a raw human edge. His characters are deeply relatable and instantly memorable, but be warned: they will jar you. If you're ready for a storyline that breaks the mold, shifts the pace, and redefines what Fantasy can be, prepare to binge. The world-building is unique, the magic system original, and the character development nothing short of masterful. Meritt is poised to become a staple in the genre.
- Seth Brown
A fantastic book, full of interesting characters, gripping action, and a compelling story. Several, seemingly disparate plot threads all blend together to create an excellent climax and conclusion, with the perfect setup for a followup work. I would highly recommend it to any grimdark fantasy fan, no question.
- Robert DeGraaff
If you like an edge of horror in your high fantasy adventures and characters too complicated for straight labels of hero or villain, Ballad of the Blade won’t disappoint. Chilling monsters, fell magic, secret organisations, mysterious conspiracies, bloody battles, and the dream of throwing off the yoke of tyranny combine to deliver a high-stakes, fast-paced story you won’t soon forget.
- Julian K
Ballad of the Blade instantly pulled me into a world of elusive magic, epic combat, and emotional voyages. There are multiple points of view weaving the story together, with each character feeling fully-developed and unique as they journey through the unnerving land of Darin. The twists and turns kept me guessing and wanting to know more about this place and the people who inhabit it, and the characters’ individual stories evoked every kind of feeling imaginable. This is not a world of good and evil or right and wrong. It is survive or, in the case of many, do not. An excellent read for fans of dark fantasy series like Game of Thrones or The First Law.
- Cassidy Hood
5/5 A beautifully written story with love, death, and magic. Multiple storylines intercross in an action-packed adventure to discover the mysteries behind multiple magical occurrences. Unlikely love and friendship and the hauntings of grief left me emotionally wrecked and ready to learn more about this world. An instant hook with no time to rest, Meritt promises and commands an epic fantasy to rule them all.
- Katelyn Raney-Plourde
what readers are saying
Latest Update from Andrew
Things are moving along. The website is now live, chapter heading art is complete, and Ballad of the Blades final proofread is done. We are doing one final round of readers willing to experience the story on an e-reader to ensure nothing got messed up in the conversion process, and BOTB is still on track for publishing in October. We are commissioning a couple more pieces of art for the website and may also include them in a premium edition. The hunt for audiobook narrators continues as we search for the right talent within our budget. Book two is fully outlined, with ten chapters written. You can expect far more progress once Ballad of the Blade is 100% in your hands.
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