“Two Crowns, Three Blades” by Robert A. Walker

Two Crowns, Three Blades    
Robert A. Walker
Fairytale Publishing (2025)
ISBN:  979-8988923251
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (12/2025)

It’s difficult to pick up the second book of a fantasy series and review it fairly when one hasn’t had the fortune to start from the beginning. After all, the world-building is done in the first book, and the majority of the characters are well established by the time book two opens. But it happens this way sometimes. Robert A. Walker, author of The Legends of Baelon series, made this easier than I expected with his fine writing and excellent characters in book two, Two Crowns, Three Blades.

This blazing sword and sorcery tale continues the story created in book one, Six Moons, Seven Gods, involving a peaceful realm with two monarchs, Baelon, and a ruthless territory known as The Lawless Lands that harbors the Guild of Takers (GOT). The Guild is made up of robbers, thieves, pickpockets, and miscreants who have created a powerful organization that protects them from the likes of the people of Baelon, those who believe in law and order.

While it’s evident that the world-building is supreme here and well fleshed out, it’s the characters that truly take up residence in your head in this tale. Sibil provides a strong and easily appreciated female lead. She’s not had the life that was promised to her family, and has recently lost her mother, a prescient. Sibil is considered a brooder –an odd young woman, by many. However, she discovered her soulmate, Tristan, in the first book and is now concerned for his well-being as he sets off on an errand to avenge the death of his twin. “Revenge is a temptress, full of promise, but she rarely satisfies… and almost always exacts payment.” We don’t see much of Tristan in this book, but we hear about him as Sibil begins her own quest to bring him safely home.

As one could imagine, these are not the only characters within this ensemble cast. As with most fantasies of this type, there are many, with most returning from book one. Rolft, for example, is a captivating character. He’s an aging warrior, a former member of the Royal Guard who has not accepted his fate as a retired soldier well. He has had a long relationship with Sibil as he watched her grow within the confines of Baelon. He knows her to be strong, intelligent, stubborn, and well-versed in hand-to-hand fighting. While she can take care of herself well, he cannot stomach the idea that she would journey to GOT in The Lawless Lands alone.

I am unabashedly a fan of this type of story. Sword & sorcery fantasy with royalty, spies, assassins, traitors, and a touch of romantasy will get my attention every time. I read more of them than the average fan, by far. There are plenty of them out there. But there are few truly remarkable ones. I’m late to the party when it comes to The Legends of Baelon series by Robert A. Walker. But Two Crowns, Three Blades has made me an instant fan. Having now experienced his fantastic world, I want more of it and will be stepping back into it to read the first book in the series. I want to make sure I’ve got all the nuances and history of these characters and lands so that when book three hits, I’m ready. That should give you an indication of how much I enjoyed this story with its fine characters, perfect pacing, and rich storyline.

If you enjoy fantasies, especially epic tales involving sword and sorcery and/or romantasy, this is not-to-be-missed reading. I would suggest that you add Two Crowns, Three Blades to your TBR list. But no, this one’s too good to languish on your list. Buy this one, or better yet, this series, today and begin your journey now! Five fully recommended stars for Mr. Walker’s world!