Allegiance Sworn

The Light Blade #3

by Kylie Griffin

There is no mercy in the demon realm. No escape. In this place of desperation and conflict, anyone who is not purebred is virtually powerless. Until a demon leader seeks to unify the races…

With the alliance of the humans and the half-blood Na’Chi forged, the demon Na’Reish prepare for war by seizing human blood-slaves. Captured during a rescue mission-gone-wrong, Light Blade warrior Arek Barial finds himself claimed by a Na’Reishi female who offers him an unexpected choice.

Raised in the elite ranks of a society she abhors, Imhara Kaal lives a dangerous double life as a Na’Reish Clan-leader and an advocate for a caste-free life that honors the Old Ways. Openly rebelling against the Na’Reish would mean her death, unless she can find an emissary willing to present her petition to the human Blade council.

But Arek isn’t about to blindly follow a demon—despite the intense attraction growing between them. And while hatred for the Na’Reish is all he has ever known, Arek must learn to trust Imhara, or risk the destruction of all three races…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Demons, Enemies To Lovers

401 pages, Trade Paperback

First published April 2, 2013

About the author

Kylie Griffin’s addiction to all things paranormal started at an early age when she imagined the jacaranda tree in her front yard was a spaceship or castle tower used to defend the world from hordes of invading enemies. Writing stories seemed like a natural extension.

By day she’s a primary school teacher but at night she writes paranormal romances for the Berkley Sensation line. She credits two wonderful English high school teachers, three writing organizations (RWAustralia, RWNew Zealand and RWAmerica), one supportive writing group (the BILD ladies) and the unlimited consumption of chocolate for her growth and success as a writer.

In her “spare” time Kylie’s a volunteer fire fighter, ambulance officer and member of the NSW State Emergency Service. She lives in a small rural village in outback New South Wales, Australia.

To contact or find out more about her, you can visit her website at www.kyliegriffin.com

Reviews

[Story_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: This is not the end of the series! The author intends on writing atleast 3 more books in the series. Let's hope they get released soon. Can't wait to read more of this world. Thankfully the books don't end on cliffhangers

ORIGINAL REVIEW

Wait.....that was the end? Of the entire series? What??!! I'm feeling so stumped right now!

I fully turned the page expecting to go to the next chapter and the book just...ended.

***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS***

Well anyway... The book was certainly a good follow up to the series. The story follows Arek who was captured at the end of book 2.
Even before I read the blurb on this book.. I was thinking that one of the characters in this book must be a NaReish. Otherwise I couldn't see the story progressing.

The story is engaging and I'm in love with Imhara's character! She sets a whole new benchmark for the strong able female lead. It isn't easy to make the female lead a full blooded demon and the male lead a human and still keep the story and characters appealing. But the writer fully managed to do so. Arek and Imhara's romance has enough steam to set the pages on fire. Forget all those alpha males who make a woman's heart flutter. Here is a female who will keep a man on his toes and make the women proud to call her of their own gender. I now have a girl crush on Imhara!

[Bec McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite of the series, which is saying something, because I loved the other two! But I found that both Arek and Imhara were fantastic characters and Imhara is one of my favourite types of heroines. For a woman in a patriarchal society she is so strong; bowing her head when she needs to, manipulating, plotting, thinking a couple of steps ahead of her enemy. As for Arek, he stole the show for me the second he walked into the room in Alliance Forged. And his story delivered! Some smoking-hot tension, but I also like how when Imhara challenged his perceptions he actually thought about it, worked his way through it and was then man enough to say, "You know, I may be wrong here."

Also, the love-hate romance was done really well. It's one of my favourite plot lines but too often authors throw their characters straight into bed. I liked how at the start, Imhara used the blood-bond between them to keep him prisoner - and what could of been just another sexy scene was instead a thousand times more emotional because Arek didn't agree with what she did to him and made that clear. He might have enjoyed it, but he didn't immediately switch his feelings on the matter.

Highly recommend to any fantasy or paranormal romance lovers out there!

[Sara Reads (mostly) Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY MOTHERFUCKING SHIT THIS WAS A FREAKING MASTERPIECE




I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS SERIES ISN'T MORE POPULAR THIS IS THE BEST ONE SO FAR. COMPLEX CHARACTERS AND WORLD BUILDING I ACTUALLY WANT TO CRY

AREK AND IMHARA WERE SO AMAZING TOGETHER I LITERALLY CAN'T THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS EXPLOSIVE AND SEXY AND AMAZING



HELP IM GOING INSANE IF I COULD RE READ THIS AGAIN I WOULD ITS SO FUCKING GOOOOODOWIE JROWINEFO


JUST FYI:: THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. IT IS AN ADULT NOVEL. 18++ ALMOST ALL OF MY REVIEWS ARE 18++. SMALL CHILDREN DO NOT CORRUPT YO INNOCENT MINDS BY READING ADULT NOVELS PLEAASSSSEEEE.

SO, HERE'S THE GIST OF IT, WITHOUT MAKING IT TOO SPOILERY

Arek has been captured, you would know this if you've read the first two, by the other Na'Reish race. A clan whom he regards as the enemy. From the first page of this book I was just enthralled by the complex narrative by Arek over why he hates them so much, but also questioning this hatred because of the events in the previous novels. So, he is captured and eventually ends up in Imhara's clan.

Arek was amazing. While he was judgemental and hostile at first, he had reason to be, but once I got to know him he became my favorite hero in the series. She strong, and brave, a little impulsive, but within reason. And sexy AF. There was one scene that just set me on fire it was

Enter: Imhara

I found this pic online, this is how I imagined her



HOLY FUCKING BADASS MOTHERFUCKING FEMALE AMAZON WARRIOR QUEEN ALL HAIL THIS FUCKING BADDIIEEE

I FUCKING LOVED IMHARA. She is my new favorite literary heroine. I actually have never met one as strong as her, with leadership skills to die for. She's a fighter. She's also sexy as hell. Something Arek hates admitting.

Their romance, from the beginning, was explosive. Even with them trying to hate each other. But, it didn't work because their personalities were so great and they both admired and respected each other from the start. I was so freaking satisfied with this all. Showing both of their character flaws, as well as the decisions that a leader has to make under pressure, with sacrifices. The politics in this world was insane and realistic. I can't deal. I love this so much

The concept of their deity, The Lady, is fascinating to me as well. I have a religion of my own and I love to study and respect other religions, and the concept and reasoning the characters in this book use, their faith in their Goddess, is amazing. I'm so impressed.

Really sad to see the author hasn't released more in the series yet. I think she's been having personal problems and her publisher dropped her WHO THE FUCK KNOWS WHY THIS BOOK IS AMAZING

READ IT
READ IT NOWWW

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was finally able to take my mind off of coronavirus long enough to finish this book. I want to start by saying I absolutely adore Imhara. What a character! Okay, synonpis:

Arek had been extremely lucky. In the last installment he was taken down by some Na'Hord and presumed dead. However, he had a few players and the lady on his side because instead of killing him, they kept him to become a feeder and then Imhara and her clan were able to swoop in and save him.

Imhara is Na of a Na'Reish clan and Arek's mortal enemy. She knows he's a light blade and wants to include him in her plans to kill Savyr. She and her clan have been living a double life. She saved slaves when she cans but she has to put on the face of an evil Na'Reish so that her lands don't get invaded by Savyr and his ilk. Her lands are desirable because they border human territory and Savyr wants war while Imhara wants to embrace the Old Ways.

The plan is for Arek to pretend to be Imhara's blood slave at the Enclave. It took a lot of coaxing and Arek making mistakes because he's so blinded by hatred. But eventually they're mostly able to pass even intense scrutiny. What either of them did not expect however is the attraction and let me tell you it's explosive. So now you have feelings involved while racing go stop or at least slow down a war that will have catastrophic consequences.

So why not 5 stars? Because as long as this book was, as well built up the sexual tension was, I got one sex scene in the entire book and I didn't get to fully enjoy it because an ambush happened immediately after. I also felt as if one third of the middle could have been cut out and I was a bit surprised to see Imhara's personality change by the end. She's a strong character and I get grief changes things but she almost seemed overly dramatic sometimes.

Overall, great series. It's 2020 and no new book but I hope Kylie Griffin hasn't given up cause I would love to see how this war plays out in the end

[Book Chatter-Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew what was going to happen in this, the third instalment of The Light Blade series. I thought I knew where this story was going, where the twists and turns would take me - oh how wrong was I!

Forget all you think you know when reading Allegiance Sworn, because Kylie Griffin has changed it up; her characters take a direction that I didn't see coming and it's an adventurous ride indeed! From start to finish, I experienced the gamut of emotions, my preconceived ideas of this book obliterated with every turn of the page.

I didn't take any notes while reading Allegiance Sworn but I did write a rather fangirly email to the author once I was finished! So to give you an idea of how I was feeling, here's a small snippet of that gleeful email...

"You have kept me up late into the night, (I'm currently inhaling coffee to stay awake lol!!) you have dashed my hopes of stealing Arek away from Imhara!! and you have left me wanting more!!!"

"I can not believe I have to wait until who-knows-when to find out what comes next!! You, Miss Kylie are a gigantic tease LOL!!!"

Embarrassingly, you can see I was and still am, very emotionally invested in these characters and I have been blown away with the sheer honesty and believability that Kylie is able to bring to them, most especially in Allegiance Sworn. Kylie's writing is smooth, enveloping and addictive, leaving me in a state of book withdrawal that has yet to be slated.

A fantastic continuation of a story that has well and truly captured my heart. 5 stars ~<;]

[Johnny Carruthers]

Patiently waiting for this book to be published.

Okay, maybe NOT so patiently.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allegiance Sworn by Kylie Griffin is the third book in her Light Blade series. For those of you who may not have read my reviews on the first two books, this is Urban Fantasy Romance. In this world created by Griffin, we have Humans, Na’Reish (demons), and Na’Chi (half demons). The series premise is built around the Light Blade warriors, and their battle against the Na’Reish demons. In the first two books, Kalan, the Light Blade Chosen, and his sister, Kymora, who is the Priestess, had their stories told, and we knew Arek, the third member of this close friendship would be next.

Kylie Griffin does a wonderful job continuing this series so smoothly in to the next storyline, where we pick up with Arek now being held by the Na’Reish as a prisoner. Arek makes such a wonderful and damaged hero, not to mention the hottest one yet. I loved Arek, with all his hotness, and his issues he must learn to deal with, but more about him later.

Arek has met his match, when he meets a female Na’Reish leader, Imhara. As much as I loved Kymora the best female in this series, I totally adored Imhara. She is a great kickass heroine, who is perfect to battle Arek and his Na’Reish hatred. Imhara, as the Clan leader, is not a true Na’Reish, as she comes from the old ways, believing in the Lady, and helping humans survive against the violent demons. Imhara has planned for many years to try to form an alliance with the Light Blade humans, and work with them to destroy the leader of the Na’Reish, Savyn.

It is Imhara’s warriors who rescue Arek, but he is ready to kill Imhara and her warriors, since to him they are demons, and not to be trusted. What follows is a wonderful story, of Imhara and her people breaking down Arek’s damaged barriers and getting him to learn to trust them. The chemistry between them was awesome, even if it was a match that could never work, but slowly the barrier and trust between them breaks down. Arek had to face his own demons of the past, and find a way to help Imhara and her team destroy the enemy.

This was such an enjoyable read; I could not put the book down. Besides a great couple like Arek and Imhara, Griffin has created some wonderful secondary characters throughout this series, and in this book, Rassan is excellent. Watching Imhara work on Arek to open his eyes, and heart, and eventually finding herself totally falling for him, and his fighting off his own attraction was wonderfully done. The main villain in this series continues to appear, but the new villain, Yur, was despicable. I loved how Imhara handled him and the other Na’Reish warriors who look down on woman, especially a strong and fierce woman like Imhara. The ensuing battle to attempt to defeat the enemy was filled with excitement, adventure in a dangerous climax. At the end it was great to meet up with Kalan, Annika, Kymora, and Varian. However, Griffin though resolving everything in this story, leaves things open to continue this series, and I for one hope she does. We need more of this Light Blade series, and the world she has created. I also love Kylie Griffin’s writing style. I highly recommend that you read this book, but please start with the first book.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Sarah Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I think it's my favourite in the series. Imhara is such a strong and amazing character. I want more 😭

[Eleni Konstantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment in The Light Blade series. In fact, I actually think I enjoyed this one the best as we see inside of the Na’Reish society. We learn more about this world and there's surprises in store as our hero Arek finds out.

Again we see truths lain bare, conspiracies, power struggles, and of course a growing attraction between the Light Blade Arek and the Clan leader, Imhara. This is a well written story that takes you on a deeper journey into this fantasy world. It's a brutal world but we've seen before that love can still exist despite this.

Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this doesn't affect the star rating.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, but this one took it to a whole new level. It's dark, edgy, and oh so hot. I love this couple. Arek has been a favorite from the beginning. Oddly enough, I had it in my head that Liselle was the lucky girl in this book. I was several chapters in before I realized that couldn't be the case. Had to go look it up. Glad I was wrong. Imhara is hands down my favorite heroine yet in the Light Blade series. I suspect one of my favorites in any series.

This book, being amongst the Na'Reish, was much grittier, darker. I'm not sure I would have seen it as something Griffin could or would write (silly since I'm basing that on 2 books and I don't know her.) Writing Imhara as someone who could bring headstrong Arek to heel was impressive. I pretty much read this book in a day because the dynamic between those 2 was delicious.

I doubt I've said it, but I really like how Griffin writes villains. We aren't forced to sit in their POVs the way many do. If we are with them, it's time well spent. They make you ache to put a Light Blade enhanced dagger in them (by way of Arek's hands will do nicely.)

Overall, our epic plot continues, moving nicely forward with this installment. I care about how the overall plot plays out as much as I care about the individual couples featured. That is certainly not always the case in many series where the overarching plot is clearly secondary to the romantic elements. This series has both.

Bottom line: I would have read the first 2 to get to this one even if I didn't care for them as much as I did. Hell, I would've read this one freestanding, even lost on the overall plot line. If you enjoy romantic fantasy, don't miss this one.

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a complex world Griffin has created and when I started it I thought it would be a simple human vs. Na’Reish plot line. But it’s so much more than that and I commend Griffin for the varying personalities and “species” she offers. I can’t fully express how much I love this series and everything it offers.

Arek was a great hero and I’m glad to finally have his story. Finding out his grandfather raised him on hatred and lies has been hard for Arek but I like that he knows he has to change and he’s really trying. Arek has so much conflict inside and Kylie Griffin does a great job of balancing his character. He doesn’t trust immediately but he also uses his head and doesn’t hate blindly.

Imhara was a perfect match for Arek and I was so happy to see such a unique pairing. I love the addition of the Kaal Clan because they practice the Old Ways. She lives a tight rope of a life as she protects her people but also puts up the image of a ruthless Kaal. She’s pretty badass but the more time she spends with Arek the more she lets down her guard. Imhara is tough but she knows how to be vulnerable. Physically, Imhara is more powerful than Arek but there’s never any resentment on Arek’s part. He has no problem with a strong woman.

Just out of personal interest, I would have loved to see more of Kaal Clan and how they brought in new humans. We see Imhara get slaves from the traders at Whitewater Crossing when she gets Arek as well as at the Enclave when she purchases some children and then some slaves from the Isha auction. Knowing Arek’s feelings and situation I was interested in how other humans adapted as well. We see some of Kaal Clan and how they interact and run things but I find them so fascinating that I want more!

[Carien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable read.

It may be the third book in a series, but it's perfectly readable as a standalone. As far as I understand it these books are connected because of the overall storylines, but each book is focused on a different couple.

The world building was very intriguing. The idea of the different demon clans and castes was interesting and lend itself well for a suspenseful story. The setting alone would have been enough to keep me reading to find out more, luckily the story and romance were really good as well.

I loved the setup of the romance: instead of a vulnerable heroine it's the hero who is put in the vulnerable position and it's Imhara who has the upperhand in their relationship. I loved the interaction between Imhara and Arek. Both have to learn to trust and the tension between them was well written.

It's clear that the things that are happening in the action storyline will have their consequences in future books, but the ending of this book isn't a cliffhanger, it's rounded enough that you can put the book away feeling content about the story instead of frustrated. It does make you curious about what might happen next though.

All in all this is a delicious Fantasy Romance with a really cool action storyline as well. I will try to get my hands on the earlier books in this series, because I want to read more about this intriguing world.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every novel in the Light Blade series and this one didn't leave me hanging. It was an easy read that pulled you along for the ride. I was never bored, and if I didn't have to work I would have been able to finish it even faster.

Imhara was an incredibly strong female lead. Her character was straight awesome. Her attitude, decisions, beliefs, she was well created and easy to sympathize with. Her situation is terrible and she takes it with a stunning amount of grace.

Arek was an equally strong male lead, but was forced into a submissive situation and watching him struggle and grow and become a better person who wasn't blatantly prejudiced was all very well done.

There was a healthy blend of action, scorching romance and character development. Also the plot was moved a good amount. Now there is a blend of humans, Na'Chi and Na'Reish thrown together. We shall see now that war is upon everyone what happens next.

I'm thinking there will perhaps be a novel about Rassan in the near future. >3 I look forward to it.

[The Window Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that there is a clear pattern in series books. Either Book One or Book Two get bogged down in world building. Fortunately, by Book Three everything is usually full steam ahead! Allegiance Sworn is the third book in the Light Blade series - full steam! :)

Arek Barrial has had a rough year. He found out he had a demon half sister, his grandfather tried to kill said half sister (who is together with his best friend), he was part of a botched rescue mission where many of his friends were hurt, and to top it all off, he was captured by the demons himself while still trying hard to process all of this. When the demon traders finally sell him, it is to a most unusual woman. One so unexpected, that poor Arek can't even begin to trust her or the world she says her people live in.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...

[Rachel-RN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book, the second one dragged a bit, but this one? From the get-go it held my attention with multiple things going on. I adored Imhara. She was smart, strong when she needed to be, and gave a little when she needed too. Arek was another strong, enjoyable character. I enjoyed seeing his transformation from angry and bitter to someone loving and trusting. Imhara and Arek's relationship is believable and very well done.
I liked several of the side characters and am curious if they will get their own stories too.
Of note- this is definitely NOT a trilogy even though there are only 3 published books. It looks like these 3 were the only contracted books with a publisher. Book 4 is currently being written and might be self-published; anyway, I signed up for the newsletter so I know when next book will be available. (And I suppose there's a chance it may never be)
Recommended for romantic fantasy fans.

[Imelda Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very keen to get this latest installment in the Light Blade series and I wasn't disappointed. It's all go in this one, with danger at every turn and a sizzling central relationship. The only reason it didn't get five stars is that the middle one is still my favourite. And because there is something that the bloodthirsty part of me wanted to happen in this one that didn't. Can't say more for fear of spoilers, but you'd better sort that in the next one, Griffin, or there will be words!

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, I just want to state how much I enjoyed this instalment. Well handled characters and an overarching plot, it was well handled and well written.

A really enjoyable book, with some well thought out characters.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This series is getting better each book. I think the author is definitely in her groove with this one. A real shame there is NO news on when the next Light Blade book is out.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was abrupt, but I enjoyed this - unexpectedly so.
What I adore about older authors who have been in the industry for some time, they do know how to write a good story + plot with characters that reel you in. They don't rely heavily on sex or smut to create an emotional connection. This story only has less than 3 drawn out sex scenes, but I still freaking adored the MCs for their personalities.

I'm not a femdom fan but, this story gave off some of the vibes seeing how AREK was captured by the demons and coerced to work together with his enemy to take down the final boss - meaning, he had to play human slave frequently (insert sexual innuendo). Sadly, it won't be as spicy as you assume it would be. Not like the smutty trash we have these days.

It's a tricky power balance between Arek and Imhara. Both were dominant beings, but somehow and thankfully the author had a gift of allowing me to enjoy their power play without being put off, since I'm not into femdom.

OVERALL it's a HEA for now for these duo, but I'm still curious about how the war between demons and humans would come about.

[Everybody’s a Critic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

I am surprised that this did not finish the series, especially since no new books have been published in a while. It even ended on a cliffhanger. But then again, I've never written any books, so who am I to judge?

I did skim parts of this story--it just didn't capture my interest as well as the first book did. I think I was also naturally just coming to an end with my desire to keep going on the journey with the characters. Again I appreciated the issue of race and racism being brought up, but I am ashamed to admit it took three books for me to notice that these issues were brought up without having a single Person of Color in the novel. This is a weakness of the series and potentially undercuts some of the serious themes that Griffin is trying to take on, which is a shame.

All in all I am appreciate of the way Griffin writes and tries to expand the romance genre by taking on deeper themes, while simultaneously building a relatively healthy romance that isn't commandeered by societal gender roles.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning, the middle slowed down. It was so repetitive with thoughts and emotions being repeated constantly. It drove me nuts.
Imhara and Arek are great, along with the world they live in. Well, there is a lot of cruelty going on in the clans. The story was great. I see a lot of great reviews, so I think this just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Lourdes Bejarano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book though the first one is still my favorite. Though the romance wasn't as satisfying, it was still good and the world building was excellent. Hope the writer continues with the series as I'd love to find out how it all turns out.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope Kylie writes more of this series someday! I love it!

[MJ4S · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, Imhara and Arek! Wow! I was a little bit skeptical about how this story would go, but I really enjoyed it! The world Kylie Griffin has created is amazing - I hope there will be more books.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I'm sad that the author has not written anything since 2013.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted when I discovered Kylie Griffin to be an Australian author writing in the paranormal fantasy genre. Published by Berkley in the US (and distributed by Penguin in Australia), Allegiance Sworn is the third book in Griffin's Light Blade series featuring the conflict between a brutal demonkind called the Na'Reish and the Light Blade warriors who protect the human race.

In Vengeance Born we were introduced to Annika, the half-blood daughter of the Na'Reish king desperate to escape her father's cruel regime. When a Light Blade warrior, Kalan, is captured during a demon ambush, Annika offers to free him in exchange for sanctuary in the human territory. To escape the Na'Reish and overcome the Council objections, the pair must learn to trust each other with their lives, and their hearts.

In Alliance Forged Kalan and Annika are stunned when a party of Na’Chi, half-bloods just like Annika, appear at Sacred Lake seeking refuge, and offering an alliance in the coming war against the Na'Reish. While the Lady, the human's deity, has told temple priestess Kymora that the coalition is vital in order to defeat the Na'Reish, not everyone is willing to put their prejudice aside. Hoping to promote acceptance of the Na'Chi, Kymora offers to work closely with them and their fierce leader, Varian but when rebel Light Blades attack the camp the fragile treaty is in danger of collapsing. In order to ensure it survives, Kymora must convince Varian to trust her, and himself.

In Allegiance Sworn, war is imminent and during a Na'Reish attack in human territory, Light Blade warrior, Arek is captured. Sold on as a blood slave, Arek would rather die than serve a Na'Reish but Clan-leader Imhara Kaal surprises him. She is an advocate for the Old Ways and wants to put an end to the Na'Reish King's plans for war. Arek isn't sure he can trust the she-demon but unless he learns to, he risks losing everything.

Set in an imaginative world where humans and demons are on the brink of war, Griffin combines romance, action, intrigue and magic in each book of her Light Blade series. I eagerly read one after another, enjoying an escape into the fantasy of warriors and heroines falling in love and fighting for peace.

The Na'Reish are a demon race with characteristics not unlike vampires in that they feed from from humans. They treat humans much like cattle and despise the Na'Chi, mixed bloods, who are usually killed at birth. They live in clans and fight amongst themselves for power and status but are led by a King, Savyn.
The humans live in a feudal type society, led by the Council of Light Blades who respects the teachings of the Lady, their deity. Some humans are blessed with abilities that vary including the power to heal, and in the case of some Light Blade warriors, the power to kill with a touch.
Griffin has done a wonderful job of developing the political and social structure of both societies over the three books and teasing out the intriguing connection between them. The world is detailed, vivid and interesting, with elements that are both familiar and unique.

I love that we don't lose touch with characters even as the books moves on. In Allegiance Sworn, Annika, Kalan, Kymora and Varian all have roles to play though Arek and Imhara are the featured couple.

Trust is always a major obstacle to love between Griffin's pairings, and in Allegiance Sworn, Arek, a Light Blade warrior whose mother was killed by the Na'Reish, struggles with believing Imhara is not the blood thirsty, violent creature he is familiar with. To survive, Imhara must make an ally of Arek but earning his trust is a difficult task, complicated by the attraction that grows between them.

While the books in the Light Blade series feature romance there is plenty of action, adventure and intrigue to entertain the reader. Corruption in the Council, secret enclaves of Na'Chi, skirmishes between enemies and the impending war creates scenes of tension and excitement.

This is a fantasy series that offers more than romance and I have really enjoyed the first three books of the Light Blade. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Kylie Griffin and she told me she has around four more books planned to finish out the series. I hope that we see them on the shelves soon.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted At: Riverina Romantics
Rating: 5 out of 5 *
Romance Rating: 4 out of 5 <3

To say I was blown away by this book is an understatement. This was everything I love about a romance novel and more. All the necessities were there--captivating story, amazing characters, hot sex—but what I wasn’t expecting was the depth and entrancement of the world this book took place in. I felt like I was in a completely different existence where I not only feared for the characters, but I feared for myself as a human being. It’s very rare for book to have such a phenomenal world where it engrosses me so completely that I am taken away by it. Hands-down, the world alone is amazing.

In just like the world, the characters captured me to. Arek was like crack to me. I couldn’t get enough of him. Everything about him called to me as a woman and damn it was amazing! He had a loyalty that I don’t think we’ll ever be matched by anyone. Was so dedicated to his mission, to his beliefs, to his hatred that he was such a strong character. He never backed down from a challenge. He used them to make him better. Everything that was thrown at him he tried his best to adapt and overcome. Throughout the course of the story, not only was he tested, but he overcame a prejudice so ingrained in him that it turned his entire universe upside down. He grew so much as a man during his time with Imhara and her people. He started seeing things in a new light. And his attraction to Imhara, which in the beginning disgusted and horrified him, turned into such a deep understanding that his love for her was untouchable.

Imhara was an amazingly strong heroine, she had to be. Being deceitful and hiding right under the noses of though she despised is a difficult thing to do, especially as the only female clan leader in a hierarchy that is all men. And she was not like the others of her kind, and had the most difficult time trying to convince Arek of that. But she never gave up. She completely understood were his hatred of her and her people came from. She took everything is a came to her. She showed him she was different, and she let her people show them they were different. She surrounded him in this world that he had only begun to experience for himself. But in order to protect him, she had to keep him close— so close that he ends up not only becoming a reliable friend, but a passion and all-consuming love for. They were connected in a way so intricately, so destined to be, but they were overwhelmed and locked together by the love in their hearts.

Words honestly cannot express how much I loved this book. Everything was so incredibly deep that I felt it to the depths of my soul and then some. I was consumed by the characters, by the world, but the purest of love between them. My heart broke when there’s did. I held my breath and they did. I felt like I was living the story with some, and I treasured every single moment of it.

**ARC Provided by Kylie Griffin and Berkley Sensation.

[Fafiliebe ♥ Warner ♥ Raffe ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think 4.3 stars...

so the story begins with Arek captured as a prisoner for the Na'reisch.. but he was captured with them not knowing he was a light blade, rather a normal human with no gift..

Arek... i LOved his character from the 1st book.. he is stubborn, loyal... and soooooo cute... loved loved LOVED him.. and he have a huge prejudice... he was raised to hate the Na'reisch, seeing that his mother was captured and killed by them.. and his father suicidal after her death.. and to make it worse, Annika appeared after all these years, so now Arek knows that his mother was abused by savyr...

I.HATE.SAVYR. THE ARROGANT BAS**RD... hate him..i hate him hate.hate.hate.

sooo... to continue.. therefore whaen i knew that the story is about Arek falling for a Na'reisch ,, i had to see it.. i wanted to know how .. and what will happen for him to let go of his former ideas and restraints..

However.. the book was mostly action.. and i loved that it occurred on the Na'reisch territory, also we get to meet Savyr, hate him ...

Arek was so cute..

when Arek reaches the Na'reisch territory, he is taken by the clan Kaal as a slave, but that is not true, he isn't a slave, he was taken bcz his gift was sensed and he was discovered as a light blade by one of the clan members..
we then meet the Na of the clan Kaal, a woman.. Imhara..i really liked her. she is emotional and strong all at once.. she and her ppl lives with the old ways. with no demon pride,, where the Na'reish marry humans.. even feeds from them, but not as their blood slaves.. where we discover that there is no such a thing.. it was twisted over the years.. where the feeding is mutually beneficial, the Na'reish get to feed, and as they feed they strengthen the gift of their mate..

so clan Kaal is a group of mixed ppl, there arte Na'reish, Na'chi, and humans.. all living peacefully together.. but they live in secret from the Na'reish.. Imhara protects her ppl.. she is an amazing leader.. she loves all 3 sections of her ppl equally.. and it is good to some how see some good Na'reish .. but she craves a truce with the humans.. and needs arek to back her and her ppl up, to lead them to sacred lake and into the human territory to live peacefully away from the Na'reish.

the book was like 80% action.. the Romance is cute.. to see how Arek and Imhara struggle to trust each other.

The last seen was soooooooooo GOOD and CUTE and LOVELY... the way he asked her to be his Mate .. AKA wife ... AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!






I made 2 some how long skips, there are also other scattered minor things i skipped.. but other than that, the book was good and it was mostly focused on the action..

[prk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arek Barial is a Light Blade warrior, sworn by the Lady to defend humanity and kill all the demon Na’Reish who prey on them for slaves and food. When Arek is captured, he hides his abilities and masquerades as a farmer, attempting to penetrate the Na’Reish strongholds as a slave and kill as many highborn as possible.

Imhara Kaal is the only female Na’Reishi leader, of a clan which secretly follows the Old Ways of the Lady, with humans, half breeds and Na'Reish living together peacefully. However her leadership is under threat as Savyr, commander of all the Na’Reishi, wants Imhara married off, so her husband can assume her titles and land, then launch an all out war on the humans.

Desperate to protect her clan, Arek's presence seems like the Lady's Blessing to Imhara - a Light Blade masquerading as a slave has a chance of killing Savyr, saving her clan, and preventing a war. But can Arek trust Imhara and play the part of her blood slave well enough to get a chance at Savyr?

This is a well written paranormal romance which was an enjoyable read.

Despite being book three in a series, it was quite readable as a standalone, with previous events hinted at to give the reader a sufficient gist.

The world building is good with the various races well fleshed out in history, religion and conflicts, both internal and external. Likewise the plot was fairly solid - two characters need to put aside their differences and mistrust to team up to take care of a mutual enemy - and carried out well.

Characterisation was good, as is usually the case in paranormal romances, with alternating point of views giving us good insight into both Imhara and Arek, and the way they, and their relationship develops over time.

Overall, this was a good paranormal romance with some nice world building and characterisation. I'll probably go back and chase up the first two when I get a chance. If you like paranormal romance, give this a try and you may be pleasantly surprised.

prk.

Disclaimer: Whilst I read this as a judge for the 2013 Aurealis Awards, this review is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging co-ordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Light Blade has been a solid fantasy romance series. The world building is interesting and I like the fact that each subsequent book has built on the main conflict between the humans (and their new allies, the Na'Chi) and the Na’Reish.

What I've liked so far about this series is the world building in it. Griffin creates a fairly unique world with two races that are constantly clashing with one another. This long standing war has been complicated by the appearance of the Na'Chi (who are part-human and part-Na'Reish), this leads the humans to form alliances that they would have never considered before.

While this world building and epic battle take a central role in the novels, I think readers should be aware that this series is fantasy romance, so romance is a central part of each book. Griffin's style of romance is very internal with the reader being aware of what is going on in the head of each character that central to the specific book in the series. The emotional angst was well done in each book of the series.

My complaint with the series is that I find it a little bit repetitive. I will admit that I read the first three books in the series in three days, and reading each book that close together has changed how I view the book; however, I did find that there were some things and phrases that I would pick up in each book contributing to my feeling that the characters were a little inter-changeable. To date, I found Alliance Forged to be the most unique out of the three.

Overall, I have enjoyed the series, and I think the over reaching arch of the coming war with the Na'Reish will keep me reading the series.