House of Blades

The fighting styles felt so distinct and well-thought-out—I'm curious if they were inspired by real martial arts or entirely invented. What do you think led to these choices?

His struggle for identity and power felt very personal, but I wonder if others connected with his internal conflicts as much as I did.

Every detail about the setting and the political hierarchy seemed so layered—I'm curious whether the author mapped it all out beforehand or let it develop organically.