The pages of The House of Blades by Will Wight takes its readers on a riveting journey. Simon, the son of Kalman, finds himself thrust into an epic quest. Faced with the daunting task of saving his fellow villagers, Simon must navigate a treacherous path, seeking strength and courage in a world brimming with danger and intrigue. Join him in this enthralling adventure where every choice holds the key to the fate of his people.
The House of Blades is set in the Damascain Empire, where people who travel through magical Territories gain magic powers; these people are called Travelers. When Simon was young, a pair of travelers killed his father and made his mother insane before a mysterious swordsman saved him. Simon is a poor teenager doing his best to care for his mother. But Damascain forces demand nine tributes, and one of their Travelers does it by force, killing Simon’s mother in the process. It just so happens that Simon’s friend Allen is the chosen one and abandons Simon to go off and fulfill his destiny. Overwhelmed with grief, Simon heads out to find the swordsman who saved him and save his fellow villagers.
The magic system is the real bread and butter of The House of Blades. There are eleven magical Territories, each based on underworlds of myth; the two major ones are Elysia and Rangnerous. The eight minor Territories are Asphodel, Avernus, Endross, Helgard, Lirial, Ornheim, and Tartarus. However, there is one unknown one called Valinhall. People who travel these Territories and gain their powers are called Travelers.
Elysia, The City of Light, is a magical city that tests your worthiness. For bravery, the golden light to fight; for compassion, the rose light to heal; and for patience, the green light to protect; etc. Allen is the only known Elyleasin Traveler and is prophesied to end the Damascain tyranny.
Ragnerous, The Crimson Vault, relies on sacrifices. A Traveler can take weapons out of the vault, but they come with a price, for example, a crown that makes people obey a command for your ability to communicate through speech or other means. The only known Travelers of Ragnerous are the Damascain royal family.
Valinhal, The House of Blades, is ruled by one iron law: “You got what you earn, and you earned what you got” (Wight). A Traveler can gain powers by challenging rooms; for example, beating a steel skeleton would grant you access to his super strength. In Valinhall, survival must be earned by fending off janitors with chains.
Overall, House of Blades by Will Wight is a fantastic book with amazing characters, a compelling plot, and a fascinating magic system.
