A Blade Through Time

A Grimdark Progression Fantasy

By: Louis Kalman

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

A young man with magical gifts is caught in an immortal battle between demons and demigods in the first book of this grimdark fantasy series.

Leones Ansteri was only sixteen when they came to kill him for the heresies his father had committed against the Archons—the mighty demigods who keep the peace in the Civilized Lands and prevent the evil Goetia from enslaving all of humanity. But even as the flames of the Magisters burned everything Leones knew to the ground, they awakened in him a power he didn’t know he possessed: the ability to manipulate time.

Alone and on the run, Leones finds refuge in the city of Odena, seeking out the opportunity to apprentice with the philosophers and build his skills in magic, mental manipulation, and swordsmanship. But as Leones grows more confident in his temporal abilities, he realizes all is not well in Odena.

Demons, long thought to be banished, have been spotted in the city, and Leones soon discovers he can’t trust his friends, his teachers, even his own memories. For unbeknownst to him, he’s become embroiled in a desperate battle for domination that will alter not only his own fate but the destiny of the entire world . . .

Effortlessly blending elements of horror, grimdark, and progression fantasy, A Blade Through Time launches an irresistible series from a captivating new voice in the genre.

The first volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with almost 500,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2022 Louis Kalman (P)2022 Podium Audio

Philosophy for dummies

Makes some interesting points in an interesting way. Loved the book, excited for more. Thanks.

Philosophy, Grimdark, Demons.

This was fantastic. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book. I love that you can tell he was influenced by Gene Wolf

Slow and Boring

struggled to even get halfway, didn't finish it
5 hours in and nothing happens, and all he does is whine about people avoiding him. would get a refund if I could

Suprise gem!

I was unfamiliar with this series and author when I found this book, however, this book is great. It has interesting characters, great world-building and really cool magics. This book really nails grimdark, it felt perfect for the story. I greatly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for more in the series.

Definitely going to follow this authors future work.

Grimdark Sci-Fi YA Romp

I really enjoyed this performance! The narration was easy to follow for the most part and the only complaint I have is how piecemeal he says “ichor”, but that’s my own preference. Overall, a great listen!

As for the story itself, I feel that this is something for those who truly enjoy YA science fiction and fantasy smashed together. Lots of juicy world building, interesting—if a little expected—theological structure, and a relatable, if somewhat too mature, 16-year-old lead. I can tell you I did not expect the ending, although I can say the signs were there. I guessed much of the climaxes, just not necessarily how we would get there, but I’ve been a writer for a long time, and have read much of this genre.

It was fun! And I look forward to the next installation. Mostly because I wonder where our author intends to go after such a climatic ending. Lots of bows tied, so it’ll be fun to see which loose strings get plucked, or what bows get untied!

Amazing beginning to a new series!

Loved the ride of this book. The world building is A+ and this book has some unique aspects that are a breathe of fresh air.

good start but convoluted end.

the first half of the story was great. but about half way through things start flying in from left field with no time or reason. then it gets very strange and convoluted in the extreme. I will def not be getting the next book. the narrator was on point though. his voices and tempo was protect.

Very nice

I hope there is a second book. My kids and I loved this one! So interesting.

Loses its way

Starts off strong, really loses its way and just about jumps off the rails near the end.

I need more please!

Awesome writing style and concepts! I also really enjoyed the plot twist at the end!