by Anna Haas ’23

Up and coming young adult author, Tricia Levenseller, released her fifth book and first in a duology, on May 4, with the next book coming out in the spring of 2022. Levenseller’s previous fantasy novels have been filled with action, romance, and independent female characters, and “Blade of Secrets” is no exception. “Blade of Secrets,” however, sheds light on a condition many people have: social anxiety. 

Set in a medieval fantasy world, Ziva, an 18 year old bladesmith, has the ability to infuse magic into her weapons. She is high in renown in her area and is quickly increasing in popularity throughout her country. Everyone wants to meet the magical bladesmith and own a Zivan blade. The problem? She has crippling social anxiety and can hardly stomach eating out at dinner with her sister. When Ziva receives a commission for a blade from a powerful warlord, at first she is ecstatic. She puts everything she has into the commission, and the result is a blade that can tell its wielder the secrets of anyone it cuts. When Ziva learns that the warlord wants to use the blade for world domination, she takes the blade and her sister and flees. 

Much to Ziva’s discomfort, she and her sister, Temra, are accompanied by a scholar named Petrik and a mercenary named Kellyn. Ziva is less than ecstatic about this at first, particularly because of her discomfort around anyone but her sister. However, the group become friends as they get through challenge after challenge that is thrown their way. 

Staying true to her style, Levenseller incorporates a double romance in “Blade of Secrets.” Ziva and Kellyn’s romance is the most developed one of the two in this novel, seeing as the book is told from Ziva’s point of view. 

One of the major focal points of “Blade of Secrets” is Ziva’s intense social anxiety. Though representation on anxiety is increasing, Levenseller’s novel is distinctive and appreciated, especially to those who suffer from anxiety. Levenseller has social anxiety as well, so Ziva’s experiences and trials with it are very realistic and relatable. Circling back to Ziva and Kellyn’s romance, Levenseller by no means makes it a natural occurrence. They both have to work to understand each other and Ziva’s anxiety. 

Social anxiety is a very real condition that many people suffer from. Unfortunately, there is not much talk or information about it, which causes those with it to feel like outcasts. Though it is primarily a fantasy, YA, and adventure work, Levenseller’s book helps those with social anxiety know that they are not alone, and that anxiety doesn’t have to dictate their lives. Having a main character with social anxiety gives others with the condition a character to relate and look up to. 

Grade: A