The Swordman’s Descent is the third book (second if you don’t count the prequel novella) in the low fantasy series The Royal Champion, by the British author G.M. White. After loving the prequel, which shows us how Belasko gains his spot as Royal Champion of Villan, and really enjoying The Swordman’s Lament, it was just a matter of time to read this book; and honestly, at this point, being back at reading Belasko’s adventures is like having a beer with an old friend.

Our story starts with Belasko training with his pupils in the academy, preparing those new swordsmen when a Baskan challenger comes, and gets defeated easily by Belasko, showing how despite being older he’s still a really skilled fighter, even dueling disarmed. And even after defeating somebody who could have been defined as unpolite, he invites the challenger to join his academy and to train there, showing that Belasko is still a really good person, despite the time and all the difficulties he has experienced (do you remember Lament?). Shortly after, we can see how our protagonist is suffering from some complications derivated from a physical lesson, and that is shrinking him, which will force him to retire soon and nominate a successor.

Queen Lilliana and Belasko, among others, get invited to visit Bas, as the Baskan King wants to establish good relationships between Bas and Villan and forget what happened during the war (where Belasko became a hero), which will be the excuse to visit Bas and to travel there. The world that we know in The Royal Champion saga gets expanded in this book, finally showing the neighbour country, Bas, and even at some point introducing a little bit of religion and magic, showing us the mountain people. Criminal underworld from both sides make their apparition; and the internal politics of Bas marks the novel, as a conspiration from a certain side (not going to say much, I don’t want to spoil your experience) that will endanger Queen Liliana, forcing Belasko and the rest of the Villan expedition to live an adventure in Bas, surrounded by assassins that can appear in any corner.

Even near the end, the full cycle of the story of Belasko will metaphorically close, as we will be back at the Pass where everything started, where Belasko emerged as a hero. The elements that made me love this saga are again a part of this novel, such as the detailed and realistic sword fights, the political schemes, and to be fair, Belasko is an important reason why I love so much this saga; and G.M. does marvelous work of keeping them while adding new things to the world, showing us more places outside Villan.

I absolutely loved The Swordsman’s Lament, being the perfect continuation to a saga I really enjoy each time I read. It’s an absolute must for low fantasy fans, for those that look for a more optimistic fantasy but without magical elements. At this point, I can just hope that you all pick The Royal Champion saga, because it’s amazing, and I also hope that if we don’t have more Belasko, at least G.M. continues expanding the world shown in this saga.