Black Blade Blues

By: J.A. Pitts

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Sarah Beauhall has more on her plate than most 20-somethings: day job as a blacksmith, night job as a props manager for low-budget movies, and her free time is spent fighting in a medieval re-enactment group. The lead actor breaks Sarah's favorite one-of-a-kind sword, and to avoid reshooting scenes, Sarah agrees to repair the blade. One of the extras, who claims to be a dwarf, offers to help. And that's when things start to get weird.

Could the sword really be magic, as the "dwarf" claims? Are dragons really living among us as shapeshifters? And as if things weren't surreal enough, Sarah's girlfriend Katie breaks out the dreaded phrase... "I love you." As her life begins to fall apart, first her relationship with Katie, then her job at the movie studio, and finally her blacksmithing career, Sarah hits rock bottom. It is at this moment, when she has lost everything she has prized, that one of the dragons makes their move. And suddenly what was unthinkable becomes all too real... and Sarah will have to decide if she can reject what is safe and become the heroine who is needed to save her world.

©2010 John A. Pitts (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Nice change of pace

I was good to hear a fresh story. In what might have lagged in a traditional plot is intriguing to see how the author navigates a lesbian relationship w a badass lead.

Slow to start but catching?

I liked the main girl and it didn't take long for that to happen. I hesitate to say that the way the story builds up is a bit boring because that isn't quite the right word. I do appreciate good plot building but there just isn't that much action for a sword swinging, dragon slaying kick-ass woman, in my opinion. The introduction to characters was pretty natural and the flow of the story was overall quite good. I felt like I was listening to an author that has a lot of potential. The whole thing was alright as a short story. Though the end did have me wondering whether or not I wish to finish this tale... I think do want to know what happens next.

Great contemporary fantasy

Yep I struggled to get in to this, what with the endless female angst monologues. But then the story and the characters grab you and before you know it, you're seeing dragons in every sneer.
Brilliant.

Grind it out to set the second book.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The whole book is a grind till the last few chapters where the big battle takes place. Add a few fast paced events to teach the character. Help her learn and grow.

Any additional comments?

The length of this book should be a plus, but it beats your head against the wall trying to go no where. The young character has an inner fight going on that slows the whole book. Her struggle to find herself is always at the center no matter how much danger is threatening.

finally, a new profession

Would you listen to Black Blade Blues again? Why?

Definitely rereadable!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Black Blade Blues?

When Fredericks took over the movie company

What does Erin Bennett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings a voice not my own which changes my perspective

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My main reaction was: "What Next?" it kept me guessing.

Interesting Story

This is an interesting turn on a coming of age\introduction to the fantasy world story. I enjoyed both aspects of this story. The coming of age portion deals with when Sarah’s personal feelings go against the grain of long held societal prejudices. The “dragon hunter” bent of the fantasy portion is refreshing. It is a redemption of the cosplay community. All of that sword practice is redeemed by fighting actual dragons and giants!

My one complaint is the pace of the narrator. She tends to take a two count pause between every sentence. When a dramatic pause is taken, I find myself looking at my MP3 player to see if it shut off. The combination of the pauses and my A.D.D. meant I would get distracted, lose track of the story, and have to back it up to listen to what I missed. I have re-listened to portions of the story on fast speed, and it seems to help.

The character portrayal is very good. The voices and pronunciation are distinct and consistent.

All in all, this is a good start. I am buying next book now.

Great Expectations

I really enjoyed this book. While I agree with other reviewers in that the story could use some polish, the characters and their quirky lives make this a book series I look forward to with great expectations.
Some people may find this book a bit scatter shot and the personal growth the main character experiences is extensive; but I feel it creates a strong foundation that this series can build upon. I can't wait for the next installment.

good books

I hope that the author finishes the series. a fourth book would be delightful and would close the loose ends.

A nice twist on the hero myth

This is a good start to a series. A great idea, though the execution was spotty. it was in dire need of a good editor in some places for both language and pacing. I enjoyed it, but am not dying to read Book 2. I likely will, just not a high priority.

Despite errors and mispronunciation, a good read.

I wasn't expecting much from the book and it took awhile to get used to the narrator. I almost quit though when the author misnamed a the Olympic Peninsula as the Cascade Peninsula. A bit confusing as the author has spent time in the Pacific Northwest and knowing which mountain ranges are on the East and the West is something no one who lives here would not confuse. The narrator has also mispronounced a windy (as in winding, curvy) road as a windy (as in a gale is blowing) road and repeatedly mispronounces Scadians (Skadians ) as (S C Adians). Fortunately the story is strong enough to withstand these jarring moments. It is intriguing following the main character on her journey of self identification, exploring the shame and upbringing that is a part of who she is and is opposed to how she identifies. The protagonist seems more human and vulnerable and relatable, a welcome change from the misconception of heroes and women as heroes.