Corthie has been brought against his will as a new champion, using his unique abilities to defend the city. Aila is a demigod who despises the gods and demigods and fights on behalf of the people who are wrongly oppressed by their divine rulers. Nineteen-year-old Maddie has been kicked out of numerous battalions for insubordination, and as her final chance, finds herself caring for an enslaved dragon that few know even exists. And Daniel Aurelian, the last of a long line of nobility, wonders if he will ever be the strong leader his family expects him to be. Told from the vantage of these four characters, The Mortal Blade tells the story of a land rescued by the gods who have since been fighting for power. It could be anyone's win.

I enjoyed the book. I particularly liked the relationship between Maddie and her dragon friend (they are both an utter mess, and yet it works beautifully). I suspect Daniel may be the most complicated and interesting character moving forward, and I dearly hope he becomes more than just a pawn in the games all the more powerful people around him are playing. Overall, this was a fascinating read.

I received a free ARC from the author and have reviewed it willingly. ( )