Book Title: Blade Broken (The Echelon Book 1)
Author and Publisher: Niranjan
Cover Artist: Artscandre
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Pairing: MM (MF minor)
Tense/POV: Third person/past tense/alternating PoV
Genres: Sword and Sorcery, Political Fantasy
Tropes: Assassins, spies, political intrigue, Not a romance. Has secret siblings, former friends turned enemies becoming lovers again, but it’s just a part of the story
Themes: Political fantasy with morally grey and complex characters, themes of forgiveness, redemption, found family are present
Length: 75 504 words/335 pages
Heat Rating: No sexual content. Not a romance. Some kissing and fade to black
It is the first book in the series and is not a standalone book.
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A spy lurking in the shadows, a nation on the verge of an invasion, a man desperate to protect his home.
Blurb
Lucian is the Blade of Castrial–the kingdom’s spymaster and first line of defence, lauded for his success in repelling an invasion from Garaner. But the war has left Castrial’s economy in shambles, and when the neighbouring kingdom of Sarian musters their armies and sends spies into Castrial, Lucian realises two things: they have a spy in their midst, and they can’t afford the cost of fighting off another invasion.
And if that wasn’t trouble enough, there is Alaric, the Shield of Castrial and the only man in the Echelon whose power is equal to Lucian’s. Returned from banishment like the vengeful spirit of their long-lost relationship, Alaric carries a deep-set grudge against Lucian, a grudge that may well be justified.
Lucian’s desire to protect his nation is nearly equal to his wish to reconcile with Alaric, but if he cannot get his act together and convince the Shield to work with him, Castrial will fall.
Blade Broken is a queer, sword-and-sorcery fantasy and the first book in The Echelon Series. If you love flawed characters, betrayals and redemption, and gritty worldbuilding with lots of political machinations, you will love this book.
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“Rise, young lord Giles,” the King said, and Sylvester rose, not without difficulty, wobbling a droplet before straightening and standing still, though he still kept his eyes lowered. He was discomfited by the use of his title but again schooled his expression to neutrality. “You may look at us,” the King added.
Sylvester raised his eyes and lowered them again. “I would ask what I can do for your majesties,” he said.
“Indulge us,” the queen said, taking one of the straight backed uncomfortable chairs in front of Lord Velenk’s desk. “Have a seat.”
Sylvester sat down, wary, as the King took the third chair, sandwiching Sylvester between the two rulers. He stayed silent, not asking anything more, keeping his gaze lowered despite the permission he had been so graciously given to look at them.
“We are curious,” the queen said contemplatively. “About why you are really here.”
“I’m part of Lord Velenk’s staff,” Sylvester said stiffly.
“We are aware,” the King said. “But you are the only son and heir of Lord Giles, I believe. You have a sizeable inheritance waiting for you in Castrial, and a life of luxury. Yet, you’re here.” He looked around the room, brows furrowing. “One might wonder why.”
Sylvester swallowed. “My father and I are estranged,” he said flatly. “We had some disagreements that are rather irreconcilable.”
“We’ve heard something of that,” the queen said delicately. “But would such disagreements be enough, we wonder, to drive a young man who had lived in the lap of luxury, someone who was born as a noble, to brave the difficulties of being a—forgive my plain speaking—glorified attendant to Lord Velenk in such inhospitable surroundings.”
“I enjoy my work,” Sylvester said, again stiffly. “I’m used to being here, and Garaner has never seemed inhospitable to me.”
“Of course,” the King murmured. “We are known for our hospitality. But still, we wonder, Sylvester—I may call you Sylvester, may I not?—why you prefer such drudgery over a life of luxury in Castrial?”
“This is important work,” Sylvester said coldly. “I’m helping the citizens of Castrial who live in Garaner and who may need help. It’s far more satisfying than a life of dissolution.”
“Admirable,” the queen purred. “Truly admirable. We are full of envy for Castrial that their nobles are so high minded. Ours aren’t so, you know. But you do know. You have been attending some of the parties thrown by those who seek—what did you call it—a life of dissolution. In fact, I hear you have even been in bed with my brother, for all your high minded talk of serving the citizens of Castrial.”
Her voice had sharpened at the last that they could have been daggers piercing his flesh and Sylvester had to fight hard to prevent himself from flinching.
“Lord Baldir and I are both adults who enjoyed each other for a night,” Sylvester said, striving to keep his voice steady. “I didn’t see any harm in it and neither did Lord Baldir. Even so, after Lord Gwayir’s interference, Lord Baldir and I have decided we would not repeat our dalliance.” He paused. “No emotions are involved on either of our parts anyway.”
“We’re aware,” the queen said. “Who my brother takes to bed is not my concern usually, but when it’s you… A man we suspect of spying for Castrial… We have to be cautious.”
Sylvester lifted his gaze to look her straight in the eye. “I’m no spy,” he asserted. “I’m only a diplomat who was trying to alleviate my boredom and loneliness for a night.”
“Sylvester,” the King said, sounding amused as he placed a hand on Sylvester’s shoulder. “Do you take us for fools? You who can sit here and look us in the face and instead of quaking, you’re calm, measured, each word spoken with thought. We’ve had many diplomats from various nations here. Even your ambassador would have quailed by now.”
“Maybe I’m just that reckless,” Sylvester said calmly. “Or fearless. Take your pick, Your Majesties.”
An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology.
When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fan-fiction.
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