Reviews - Blade Breaker | The StoryGraph

1.28k reviews for:

Blade Breaker

Victoria Aveyard

3.99 AVERAGE

cherry_reads's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

smorrison4's review against another edition

4.0

medium-paced

I enjoyed the second book more than the first book, I assume that this is because Victoria completes the world building in book #1 and we were able to just jump in to the story in Blade Breaker. I also liked the pace in this book, this book was able to keep me engaged throughout.

Now I need to borrow my daughter's Red Queen series and read more of Victoria's writing.

carleeiigh's review against another edition

5.0

While I didn't entirely LOVE Realm Breaker, I was totally invested in the sequel! Definitely had a GoT vibe (to the point where there are "wolves in the north" vs the "lions" of the capital, smh) but as I love ASOIAF, this was definitely for me!

I personally love books that take time to let the characters breathe, interact and really explore their emotions, so this is right up my alley. The action is definitely more in the back half, but I loved getting to know our merry band and ESPECIALLY more of our villains. I'm an unapologetic Erida stan because I support women's rights and women's wrongs.

I must say I think Corayne and Sigil are the weakest characters. Charlie is also just kinda there but he had charm to him. Sigil is just along for the ride which I can appreciate. Corayne is simply a tool that others need to protect so the world doesn't literally end. I did love the moments where she really feels the weight of the world on her shoulders, and despite it all still has that curiosity, but I just don't think she has a stand out personality.

Meanwhile Sorasa has this entire Black Widow-esque past to her that she is constantly struggling with. Her decision to officially split from the Amhara was so powerful, badass and sad at the same time. I felt for her. And her banter with Dom is still great, they are the Friend Group Parents and if Dom can let himself be vulnerable around her, they're totally getting it lol

Erida is probably my favorite character with a POV - she's disturbed by what she's doing but still so determined. Scared of Taristan but is drawn to his power and his respect. Hates the court but knows how the play the game. I love how she holds herself, and pushes through the doubt to get what she wants. And how she's into Taristan's real freaky shit lol I support Women's Wrongs!!

The side characters are also so fun. The nonbinary heir in the south Ibal, the raider queen that has a thing with Ridha, Erida's confidant Bella who is also pretty disturbed by everything but supports Erida anyway, and Oskovo the prince of the North who is a wilder version of Jon Snow. Ronin the wizard is perfectly creepy as always.

The action-packed last 100 pages or so was very well done. I was cheering and honestly a little nervous for some of the characters. A pretty dramatic turn was taken (think Empire Strikes Back without any I am Your Fathers) that I honestly was not expecting, and I want to see what happens next!!