In the fantasy kingdom of Joel Shepherd's Sasha, danger never far from the horizon. For Sashandra Lenayin, it's even something to be craved. When she was a child, Sasha revoked her claim to royalty in order to train under Kessligh Cronenverdt, the greatest war hero in recent history. Though she's slight, her use of svaalverd--a fighting style developed by the serrin themselves--makes her one of the deadliest swordsmen in the kingdom, and she knows it. But when her fiery temper lands her in a heap of trouble, this young warrior is suddenly faced with more responsibility than she knows what to do with. A great lord's life hangs on her decisions, while another seeks to destroy something she cares about deeply. If she's not careful, Lenayin could be split in two...and if it comes to war, Sasha has no idea which side she's on.
Lenayin, its provinces, and the surrounding kingdoms are exceptionally detailed. From the Valhanan countryside to the glorious capital city of Baen-Tar, the settings that serve as a backdrop for Sasha radiate life with every word. One could almost hear the thunder of hooves against turf, or see the swords clashing as brave warriors engage in battle. And there is Sasha, flowing between combatants like water, wreaking havoc with her ancient serrin blade. It's stunning, really, to realize just how well thought-out everything is. Even the primary religions, Goeren-yai and Verenthane, are much more than words to be tossed about. These are complex and realistic belief systems with their own histories and holy signs, and serve to advance the plot an uncountable number of times.
That's not to say the tale doesn't have its flaws. Despite the realistic world and elaborate political and religious systems, there are times when the pacing seems to trip over its own feet. For a while, all Sasha and her companions seem to do is debate politics, until--WHAM!--there is a duel, a battle, or a sports tournament to participate in, in which all honor is at stake. Then travel, more politics, and a few insults and skirmishes, a trend that continues on a ways before the next major conflict strikes. While the various power struggles can be interesting at times, the unevenness of the pacing causes certain points to drag out a tad too long.
Still, there's a lot to be said for the plot and its premise. Although the idea of a princess warrior is not a new one, Sasha is definitely a fresh take on the old stereotype. She fights with a style most humans despair of, despite its effectiveness, and thinks herself better than most knights and nobles she meets. And she's usually right. Yet Sashandra is young and untested, and when an enemy threatens to tear her kingdom apart, she will be forced into a position of authority in which she has no experience. This entire adventure is a chance for her to become stronger, wiser, and more self-assured than ever before, and that is one of the things that makes the novel great.
That being said, this is not exactly a kids' book. In this world of shifting political games, characters are constantly at each other's throats. Insults are traded regularly, and punches are rarely pulled. Crudeness, rudeness, and low blows are common. Verenthanes often refer to their Goeren-yai neighbors as "pagans", usually alongside some sort of derogatory adjective, and have been known to slaughter whole towns in attempts to "purify" their land. Serrin, elf-like creatures from the south, are generally considered to be demons. As Sasha struggles to hold her kingdom together, she explores both faiths in depth, knowing she must eventually make a decision as to which to follow. In battle, gore is to be expected, and though it's never quite over-the-top there are moments that may give readers pause.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a story about warriors, valor, torn loyalties, and a desperate attempt to save a fractured kingdom. Sashandra Lenayin is an intriguing heroine living in a complex world, and her adventures gradually shape her into someone to be admired. It will take hard work, determination, and a great deal of violence to rescue her beloved Lenayin from itself, but if Sasha can't pull this off, no one can. Readers willing to stomach a bit of crudeness and gore will find themselves thoroughly enjoying this first installment in Joel Shepherd's new series, entitled A Trial of Blood and Steel. For compelling characters, a strong plot, and lovely worldbuilding, Sasha deserves four stars.
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