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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Shah S. Sahota’s Yaari: The First Blade, Yaari Lethira is the daughter of a fallen forge dynasty in Soletheum, a city ruled by twelve noble Houses beneath the protective Ember Veil. After General Dharnek Lethira dies, his House loses its forges as laws leave Yaari with no legal claim to her father’s estate. She enters the Festival of Blades carrying his embersteel sword, determined to place the Lethira name before the city again. During her duel, the weapon answers her with impossible light, drawing notice from a ruling class already watching her closely. Among those watching is Lennox Veynor, heir to a stormbound noble family whose stormglass legacy carries power of its own. With old laws closing around Lethira, Yaari must decide how far she will go to reclaim her House’s place.
Shah S. Sahota gives Yaari: The First Blade a heroine worthy of an epic fantasy this size. Yaari’s determination comes from fierce devotion to family, giving her ambition a rooted reason that feels natural. Her bond with Esmeray has an easy familiarity, which comes through at Esmeray’s birthday at Lethira Manor when Yaari lights the final lantern above the courtyard prepared for celebration. The world-building is as sophisticated as it is massive, especially in the visual differences between the noble Houses. House Elyth shows what that looks like, where checkered marble stretches beneath crystal chandeliers to give its aristocratic spectacle a gorgeous home that feels suited to its place in Soletheum. There is fire in this tale of Yaari, the rebellious heroine, matched by a fantasy kingdom built to carry her story. Very highly recommended.
