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Beauty is a Blade
There is no force more compelling on Earth or in the parallel realms than forbidden love. It beguiles and inevitably self fulfills. It finds a way. Right or wrong, forbidden love can be a very beautiful thing, but that beauty is a blade, and it has a razor's edge.
Impossibly, love blooms amidst a savage gender war that has raged for millions of years within a parallel realm. The Pentavi shapeshifters - an all female clan, and the Sinteverete sorcerers - an all male clan, were sworn enemies; divided and forced to fight by their insatiable and conspiratory Elders; they were forbidden to procreate, but made ageless by magic. The two genders were only vulnerable to death during battle, and battle was all they knew.
Layluna, a hardened Pentavi warrior, starts to suspect her Elders voracious appetite for war is a ruse. She and her mate, Maysiff are determined to uncover The Elders true designs, and end the never ending war that has plagued the clans since the dawn of time. Unbelievably, they are joined by Vasser, a true immortal Sinteverete sorcerer, and head of the undying Nevuscar. He too shares their suspicions surrounding The Elders, and the three of them embark on an epic mission of bloody satisfaction.
Forbidden love writes itself into the story, and proffers a child of incredible power. She may be the only way to end the war, unite the clans, and eliminate The Elders, but she would have to survive first.
Impossibly, love blooms amidst a savage gender war that has raged for millions of years within a parallel realm. The Pentavi shapeshifters - an all female clan, and the Sinteverete sorcerers - an all male clan, were sworn enemies; divided and forced to fight by their insatiable and conspiratory Elders; they were forbidden to procreate, but made ageless by magic. The two genders were only vulnerable to death during battle, and battle was all they knew.
Layluna, a hardened Pentavi warrior, starts to suspect her Elders voracious appetite for war is a ruse. She and her mate, Maysiff are determined to uncover The Elders true designs, and end the never ending war that has plagued the clans since the dawn of time. Unbelievably, they are joined by Vasser, a true immortal Sinteverete sorcerer, and head of the undying Nevuscar. He too shares their suspicions surrounding The Elders, and the three of them embark on an epic mission of bloody satisfaction.
Forbidden love writes itself into the story, and proffers a child of incredible power. She may be the only way to end the war, unite the clans, and eliminate The Elders, but she would have to survive first.
- GenresFantasy
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
22 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 5, 2022
I loved the characters and the world building in this book. The author did a wonderful job in describing the different realm, interesting characters, and the various monsters within the realm. While there is a significant amount of violence within the story due to the warring clans, it is beautifully and artfully done with a twisted sense of romance. While not a traditional romance there is plenty of steam in this story and nice to see the relationships evolve within the story. I can't wait to see what is next in the series!
October 3, 2023
This read like a horny teenager’s fantasy: all over the place, 2 women and 1 man (who tasted like honey?? get out), sex during battles, an very very unbelievable sex at other moments, which just reinforced the male fantasy feeling I got. The book started of so interesting with Mina and then it “gave a little backstory” and the book was full of backstory. The worldbuilding was decent, but the characters were cliché and weird. To be honest, I don’t really understand what I’ve just read, but I kinda wish I never had.
October 4, 2022
The characters were complicated and captivating with very interesting back story and great world-building. This book is a fabulous beginning of a very promising series. Thrilling and exciting and I was hooked. What a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. It was very different to what I normally read but it had a great story line and the author gave such great detail to explain the scenes. The romance was off the charts good and the fight scenes were amazing to read. Looking forward to reading the next book to discover more of Layluna’s life.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this paranormal romance novel, it was a unique concept in this genre. I enjoyed the plot of the book and thought the romance was really well done. The characters were interesting and it did what it was suppose to do.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 30, 2023
Not what I expected and I was disappointed.
September 26, 2022
She captures the true meaning and duality of Beauty. She is beautiful, yes, but she is also deadly. She is love and life, as well as sadness and death. She is indeed a beauty, and Beauty is a blade.
Let me first give you a slight warning, this book is dark and has a lot of violence in it. If you are expecting a boy meets girl, girl finds out boy is a paranormal being, they fall in love and live happy ever after, then perhaps this book isn't for you. However, if you want to read an out of the norm paranormal start of what sounds like an awesome series, then this book is definitely for you.
The story starts off with us meeting the main character of the series, Mina. The offspring of two warriors from opposing ancient clans. A child born out of love but despised and renounced by the two clans. In fact, they want her dead. She has lived a long life, over two hundred years, and she has never found real love. Always finding someone who cheats and lies to her, which is where our story starts.
We then go into the back story of how Mina came to be and how the two clans separated. I won't tell you too much about any of it as it really will spoil things for you. I just suggest you read the book to find out.
I loved this book. The violence is quite heavy going at times, but it did not put me off from reading it. It was needed to set the scene of how Mina's parents came together and to tell us why she is the way she is. As I have said there isn't that much of a love story to this book, but that doesn't mean we don't get some steamy scenes. We nearly get it all here, some FF, MF and FMF fun, all of which is written beautifully.
Jason has written an amazing beginning to the series here in Beauty is a Blade and I cannot wait to see what happens going forward in the series.
Let me first give you a slight warning, this book is dark and has a lot of violence in it. If you are expecting a boy meets girl, girl finds out boy is a paranormal being, they fall in love and live happy ever after, then perhaps this book isn't for you. However, if you want to read an out of the norm paranormal start of what sounds like an awesome series, then this book is definitely for you.
The story starts off with us meeting the main character of the series, Mina. The offspring of two warriors from opposing ancient clans. A child born out of love but despised and renounced by the two clans. In fact, they want her dead. She has lived a long life, over two hundred years, and she has never found real love. Always finding someone who cheats and lies to her, which is where our story starts.
We then go into the back story of how Mina came to be and how the two clans separated. I won't tell you too much about any of it as it really will spoil things for you. I just suggest you read the book to find out.
I loved this book. The violence is quite heavy going at times, but it did not put me off from reading it. It was needed to set the scene of how Mina's parents came together and to tell us why she is the way she is. As I have said there isn't that much of a love story to this book, but that doesn't mean we don't get some steamy scenes. We nearly get it all here, some FF, MF and FMF fun, all of which is written beautifully.
Jason has written an amazing beginning to the series here in Beauty is a Blade and I cannot wait to see what happens going forward in the series.
March 25, 2023
Are you looking for a short read with lots of action? Because that is precisely what this book offers. This is book one in the series and is only 174 pages long. I was pleasantly surprised at how much information and action was packed into the short read.
The book starts off with Mina, the daughter of Vasser and Layluna, in the modern day. However, the book quickly shifts into a back story of the Pentavi and Sinteverete warriors. The back story is action-packed with love and war. It explains how the two tribes of warriors came to be, why they are fighting, and how Layluna and Vasser fell in love.
The book starts off with Mina, the daughter of Vasser and Layluna, in the modern day. However, the book quickly shifts into a back story of the Pentavi and Sinteverete warriors. The back story is action-packed with love and war. It explains how the two tribes of warriors came to be, why they are fighting, and how Layluna and Vasser fell in love.
October 7, 2022
I love an author who can effortlessly switch between genres and Justin is a master at that. This is the second book I’ve read from him, and he does not disappoint. Written in first person, multiple POV, this is the beginning of a dark fantasy series. Unlike anything I’ve read before, Justin does an amazing job detailing every scene, and there is a ton of steamy parts mixed in with the violent ones. If you’re into horror and steam, this is definitely the beginning to a great series. Looking forward to seeing where it goes.
November 18, 2022
After reading Beau Laid, I was so excited to read this book and what a surprise! I love when an author can weave in and out of genres like Justin does. This book is packed with steam and horror. It’s a novella setting the stage for a series, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment of this story!
January 5, 2024
The first chapter is almost entirely irrelevant to the rest of the book, and yet somehow it's the best part. Best in the same way that yesterday's leftover soup is the best part of a teeming dumpster full of garbage.
This honestly was so poorly written, at times I thought that the author must have just forgot to number the pages and just recompiled them in whatever order he grabbed them in when he picked them back up. So many unintelligible faux-fantasy words strewn in as well as what seems to be a virgin teenage boys' take on what makes a "sexy fantasy romance" story. To add to the above, the fantasy names and words chosen were overused and even misspelled frequently.
This book sorely needed an editor and serves as a shining example of why self publishing is not the road to success.
Do not bother reading, unless you want to read about an elderly man stacking up two women by the vagina so he could penetrate them each one thrust after another and make them climax at the same time, before blowing his honey flavoured jizz all over them. Oh and the two women are lesbians that also love this old man. But it's ok because there's contraception magic that
This honestly was so poorly written, at times I thought that the author must have just forgot to number the pages and just recompiled them in whatever order he grabbed them in when he picked them back up. So many unintelligible faux-fantasy words strewn in as well as what seems to be a virgin teenage boys' take on what makes a "sexy fantasy romance" story. To add to the above, the fantasy names and words chosen were overused and even misspelled frequently.
This book sorely needed an editor and serves as a shining example of why self publishing is not the road to success.
Do not bother reading, unless you want to read about an elderly man stacking up two women by the vagina so he could penetrate them each one thrust after another and make them climax at the same time, before blowing his honey flavoured jizz all over them. Oh and the two women are lesbians that also love this old man. But it's ok because there's contraception magic that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
I want more!
Beauty is a blade follows the journey of LayLuna and Maysiff, proud warriors of the all female Pentavi Clan as the declare war on the Sinteverete, all male clan. A war that may last hundreds of years but to what end? Something doesn't feel right this time, a sentiment shared by Vasser, a Sineverete man. The story takes us on a quest to uncover the truth.
Before endeavouring on this novella, a word to the cautious. The writing in this book is graphic both in the writing of the violence scenes and the sex scenes as well. This is not a book for the faint hearted.
Beauty is a Blade is a 3 star read for me. Why I hear you ask? Because I wanted so much more. I liked the writing, I liked the story but it all felt so rushed. The world building was ok but there was very little character development. It felt like the author just wanted to get it over and done with when it could have been nurtured and grown into something so much grander. It was fast paced but jumped from bit to bit so quickly I found myself having to go back to and re-read sections. This story would have been flesh out out so much more. There could have been two to three novels in this alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Beauty is a blade follows the journey of LayLuna and Maysiff, proud warriors of the all female Pentavi Clan as the declare war on the Sinteverete, all male clan. A war that may last hundreds of years but to what end? Something doesn't feel right this time, a sentiment shared by Vasser, a Sineverete man. The story takes us on a quest to uncover the truth.
Before endeavouring on this novella, a word to the cautious. The writing in this book is graphic both in the writing of the violence scenes and the sex scenes as well. This is not a book for the faint hearted.
Beauty is a Blade is a 3 star read for me. Why I hear you ask? Because I wanted so much more. I liked the writing, I liked the story but it all felt so rushed. The world building was ok but there was very little character development. It felt like the author just wanted to get it over and done with when it could have been nurtured and grown into something so much grander. It was fast paced but jumped from bit to bit so quickly I found myself having to go back to and re-read sections. This story would have been flesh out out so much more. There could have been two to three novels in this alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2022
Maybe I'm just greedy?
This was such a good read but fell just short of epic for me
I can't say I needed more details because the author did a solid job of providing the groundwork and getting me engaged in the story
The world-building and back history were so well laid out
The clash of beliefs, greed, and manipulation all blended flawlessly with the strong traditions of both warring clans
Add in the elaborate graphic battle scenes - some felt real enough I looked away - yeah I know I had to eventually look back -
All of this made for an engaging read
IMO the romance was secondary to the clan war
However the sensual interactions between the MCs?
Off the charts hot
Despite how much I enjoyed this I would have liked a deeper connection to the characters
I am excited to see where the author takes this
A great blend of paranormal and fantasy
This was such a good read but fell just short of epic for me
I can't say I needed more details because the author did a solid job of providing the groundwork and getting me engaged in the story
The world-building and back history were so well laid out
The clash of beliefs, greed, and manipulation all blended flawlessly with the strong traditions of both warring clans
Add in the elaborate graphic battle scenes - some felt real enough I looked away - yeah I know I had to eventually look back -
All of this made for an engaging read
IMO the romance was secondary to the clan war
However the sensual interactions between the MCs?
Off the charts hot
Despite how much I enjoyed this I would have liked a deeper connection to the characters
I am excited to see where the author takes this
A great blend of paranormal and fantasy
September 30, 2023
Don’t let the opening chapter deceive you.
This is an erotic dark fantasy story.
It serves as… okay, I feel like we’re gonna have to back pedal here a bit…
So, we’re introduce to a character, in what I can only assume is present day. But. She isn’t particularly “normal”. This will theoretically be the main character for the series.
Then, we’re thrown back to a time and a place that is not the present.
This book both serves as an introduction to our protagonist, as well as a precursor to the main story line, including the entire lore of the universe it is set.
All in all, although it felt a bit repetitive/over deceptive at times, it was a really enjoyable read
This is an erotic dark fantasy story.
It serves as… okay, I feel like we’re gonna have to back pedal here a bit…
So, we’re introduce to a character, in what I can only assume is present day. But. She isn’t particularly “normal”. This will theoretically be the main character for the series.
Then, we’re thrown back to a time and a place that is not the present.
This book both serves as an introduction to our protagonist, as well as a precursor to the main story line, including the entire lore of the universe it is set.
All in all, although it felt a bit repetitive/over deceptive at times, it was a really enjoyable read
October 6, 2024
Beautiful but deadly. An extremely interesting, boys vs. girls, Romeo and Juliet forbidden love story. The history kept me engaged, but holy moly am I desperate to learn more about Mina! The beginning will leave you reeling and begging for book number two (and hero worshipping a completely badass woman)!
February 9, 2025
While this book was out of my norm for what I usually read, it kept me turning the page and engaged in the story the entire time. The world-building was amazing, the characterization wonderful, and the plot engaging. Be warned, there is a lot of violence, but then it is a war story, so it is to be expected. I can't wait to read the next book!
October 8, 2022
This is a different kind of sci-fi book. It is easy to read and has good flow. The book is very graphic, violent and depicts the true nature of war between immortal entities that live on a different realm. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
October 10, 2022
Beauty is a Blade has complex world building, intriguing characters, and warring clans. It’s a great start to what I’m sure will be a very exciting series.
There is lots of explicit violence, so be warned in case that’s not for you.
There is lots of explicit violence, so be warned in case that’s not for you.
February 6, 2023
Fun and evocative storytelling!
Action, fantasy, and erotic romance are blended in a fun and witty universe that couples incredible and fantastic landscapes with relatable human conditions. Looking forward to more!
Action, fantasy, and erotic romance are blended in a fun and witty universe that couples incredible and fantastic landscapes with relatable human conditions. Looking forward to more!
March 7, 2023
This is a tumultuous tale of how the two sides of a gender war are being manipulated into extinction. The world and character building is well done, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 11, 2024
I like how Justin’s books aren’t your normal romance book but still fit into the genre. Great world building like others have said and a must read if you like fantasy and books that make you think.
January 6, 2026
Dnf 4%. This is the worst book I’ve read in about 20 years…… I’m only 25…. I genuinely can’t remember a worse book than this.
March 16, 2023
Interesting world
The story of how Mina comes to be. I liked how Vasser and The Pentavi women form a bond. Great foundation for what's to come!
The story of how Mina comes to be. I liked how Vasser and The Pentavi women form a bond. Great foundation for what's to come!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews