Coming soon

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 fast-paced, violent story about people on the run from their pasts. It explores identity and life after loss, set in a vaguely medieval world. This is a multiple-POV story, with a host of interesting characters that all got their own character development. I was hooked the whole time!

- Megan F

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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

5/5 stars. 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.

- Rachel Froelich

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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

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This book was a thrilling ride of magic, companionship, violence, and courage. There was never a dull moment; it was consistently entertaining. 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.

- Alyssa Kelly

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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.