Two Crowns, Three Blades by Robert A. Walker
If you like imaginative fantasy with characters you’ll both love and love to hate, then this might just be the book for you.
“Revenge is a temptress … full of promise and difficult to deny … But she rarely satisfies, and almost always exacts payment.”
In Two Crowns, Three Blades, the second installment of the Legends of Baelon series, author Robert A. Walker crafts an epic fantasy adventure of vengeance and redemption. The novel follows the heroes — and villains — readers met in the previous book, Six Moons, Seven Gods, and brings their stories to a climactic and satisfying conclusion.
With the kingdoms of Aranox and Tegan at constant odds with the southern Lawless Lands, things reach a boiling point and only one option remains: war. King Axil of Aranox, still grieving the loss of his family, marches on the Guild of Takers (the GOT) to the south. Marschall Carson joins the king in his grief and rage-fueled quest for justice while the remaining cast of characters slowly find themselves heading toward the same enemy
War, Vengeance and Hidden Treasure
After the death of his twin brother, the young knight Sir Tristan sets off to find his brother’s killer and eke out justice. In his absence, Sibil Dunn, the childhood friend he secretly loves, grieves the loss of a loved one as she slowly becomes plagued by strange visions just like her mother.
Following in Tristan’s footsteps, Sibil starts out on her own quest for vengeance against the Magister, the leader of the GOT. Can she use her acquired skills with a blade to infiltrate their growing army, or will they kill her before she even makes it close to her target?
Meanwhile Rolft, the ever loyal, guilt-ridden Royal Guard, puts away his sword and enjoys a tranquil farm life after recovering from his wounds, until he hears of Sibil’s quest. Along with Sir Godfrey, Tristan’s father, Rolft joins King Axil’s army in their march south. But there’s more than just a rag-tag army awaiting them in the Lawless Lands.
Rounding out the ensemble, Reynard, the Guild Overseer saved from the gallows by the Magister, is offered a seat on the Guild’s High Order. But only if he kills the kings of Aranox and Tegan. Meanwhile, the loss of his friend Spiro still haunts him, and Reynard plans his own brand of justice. He makes unexpected allies and enemies as his journey leads him not toward the kings, but toward a hidden treasure trove.
The characters’ seemingly disparate paths are headed in the same direction, destined to collide — but who will survive the collision?
Imaginative and Captivating Fantasy Adventure
One of the defining characteristics of Two Crowns, Three Blades is its in-depth and imaginative worldbuilding. Author Robert A. Walker crafts a world that’s detailed yet not overly complicated, instead painting a vivid picture that allows readers to easily find their footing. This is an Arthurian-style fantasy world that feels real, with the various landscapes, people and cultures holding their own without overshadowing the plot.
In this series, Walker has proved his talent for unique worldbuilding that captures readers’ attention. Readers will surely find themselves enthralled by the cryptic ways of the Sisters of the Systalene and the ominous legends of the Wisperal, while the myths surrounding the Fekle Forest and the temptations of The Cauldron will pique readers’ interest.
Across these fantastical landscapes Walker weaves together complex, interconnected storylines and characters that are both clear and engaging. Sibil’s fear alongside her growth stands in contrast to King Axil’s journey of grief and anger, while Rolft’s guilt and loyalty set him on his own distinct path between the two. Despite Carson’s strategic mind and natural leadership, he holds his own trepidations about what his future now holds. And Raynard’s villainous scheming is undercut by a conflicted conscience — which manifests in a ghostly form.
Combine these captivating, intersecting stories with some high-stakes action and a dash of drama, magic and romance, and you’ve got an exciting adventure that’s well worth the read. If you like imaginative fantasy with characters you’ll both love and love to hate, then Two Crowns, Three Blades might just be the book for you.
Robert A. Walker grew up in Northwestern Massachusetts. After graduating college, he packed his scant belongings in a car with rusted-out floorboards and headed west. He’s lived in California ever since, and now resides along the Pacific Ocean with his wife and dogs, where he writes fantasy novels with hints of grim dark and romance.
His debut novel, Six Moons, Seven Gods, received several honors, including The Chrysalis BREW Project’s Readers’ Choice Award for June, 2024; Chick Lit Cafe’s Book Excellence Award for Best Medieval Fantasy, November, 2023; a Literary Titan Gold Book Award in December, 2023, and a Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award in 2024. When not fabricating stories, he can be found roaming local tennis courts or working on a never-ending list of DIY house projects.
Publish Date: 4/20/2025
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Author: Robert A. Walker
Page Count: 393 pages