Publisher: Independently published

Publication Date: July 6, 2025

Length: 642 pages

I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. This is a young adult book, fantasy, and the first of a planned series.

Imagine waking in a field and not remembering your life. A young man wakes up in a field in the Bladed Kingdom. He is found by a group of young adults on patrol for dangerous creatures. They ask him his name, where he is from, and why he is sleeping in the field. The only question that he can answer is his name. The group decides to help him, and he follows the group to safety while trying to access his memory. The members of this group explain to Kiridain that they are a group put together by a knight living in their town. Their goal is the protection of their town from predators. Each of the members wishes to become a knight someday.

As he learns about the country and region he is living in, Kiridain realizes he must travel to see if anything will prompt his memory to return. When his group of new friends is sent on a mission, Kiridain volunteers to accompany them. The trip is arduous. There are strange creatures, difficult terrain, slave traders, and an evil group of outcasts along the journey. After his friends defend him several times, Kiridain realizes that he must develop sword skills to assist his friends on the journey. Along the journey, Kiridain and his friends meet a legendary knight who encourages them to continue their quest. While his memory remains elusive, Kiridain becomes more confident and knows he must help save this kingdom.

This book is a YA novel; it should not be dismissed as being too young for adult readers. Creatures, kingdoms, knights, and evil are delightfully captivating in this first novel of the series. Nick Fetsch’s vivid imagination has crafted a world where danger can lurk around the next bend while enjoying a walk through the forest. Evil is on the rise, and good is trying hard to save the day. What makes a hero? Is it fearlessness? Good intentions? Kiridain and his friends have far to go to save the kingdom. It is entertaining and thrilling to see their journey unfold. Fans of Lord of the Rings, knights of the Round Table, and other fantasy will thoroughly enjoy this tale. This book would also be an excellet book for parents to read and discuss with their kids.

Thank you to Nick Fetsch for sending me this series debut. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻/5