Ryan Kirk

Nightblades live by the sword

And nightblades live under grueling conditions, travel very long distances on foot, have many enemies searching for them all the time, and eat what they can scrounge. They have few opportunities to ever relax, and are able to own very few possessions. The many sword fights in this book usually end with people dying. The story has torture scenes. Might make a person appreciate modern life.

New genre for me

Nice to read something well written and not of my usual genres. I read this before, apparently, so this was a reread. It was more understandable this time as I was more prepared for the swords in the story. Old lady here! My first read was focused on following the general ideas, and this one allowed me to enjoy the book. Really, it had suffering characters who try their best but do not achieve their goals. On to the next in this trilogy.

Enjoyed the series, like his writing. Three short books. Deals with ‘gates’ that have power and how the different cultures deal with the gates until they have to band together to save their world from a very powerful demon

Another good story about a young boy who develops great dueling skills and reaps the violence associated with living by the sword. Fast paced and well written.