Reviews with content warning for Slavery - A Broken Blade

A solid middle-of-the-road rating of 2.5 seems appropriate. The beginning of this book was a definite 1 or 2; I almost DNF'd a few times within the first 10 chapters. But after that it got a little better. And then the second half of the book was a solid 4 stars, for me.

This is very evidently a debut novel, and I believe better editing would have significantly helped this book. The writing is, for the most part, good, and the premise is amazing. The tropes and themes and representation in this book are fantastic. I just wish the introduction to all of it had been better laid out.

The flow of the writing was super choppy in the beginning; it was almost hard to read because there was no natural cadence to adjacent lines. This did get much better as the book progressed. I think this choppiness came from the content; there was a LOT of info-dumping in the first 10 or so chapters. In order to get the information needed about this fantasy world into the readers' minds, the main character was put into situations and events occurred that didn't make a lot of logical sense, purely so we could get relevant worldbuilding info. That definitely could have been done better. There was also a lot of repetition of a specific plot point in the beginning, which eventually led to huge character development later on, but it was hammered in way too much.

The characterization of the main character, Keera, in the beginning was all over the place. Keera vacillated between being this deadpan, badass assassin who cares for no one and doesn't give a crap about anything to being a devoted friend desperately trying to help to being a clumsy, giggly girl in front of most men she encountered. I understand that people have layers, facets...and Keera was perhaps all of these things, but it honestly felt like I was reading about two different people; she was a completely different person with each character she interacted with. I needed more synchronicity between these different personalities, and given this is written in first person, that should have been easier. I definitely felt like Keera's character was more cohesive in the second half of the book. After more supporting characters were introduced and plot points became more fleshed out, Keera came into her own more; I could actually buy the things she was saying out loud as things she would actually say. There was also great character development of Keera as the book progressed.

There were plot-holes and inconsistencies throughout this book, which I again think would have benefited significantly from better editing. I'm also still not totally sure on some of the worldbuilding points. What is the difference between Elves and Fae? Still not sure, despite all of the info-dumping in the beginning. Hopefully more to come in the following book; I can see how that could become a relevant plot point in the sequel.

I did really enjoy the premise of the book, and the plot in the second half of the book was tense and exciting! I liked the mystery and intrigue involved in who was who and who was involved in what and the risks being taken, and I am excited to read the next book. I also liked the enemies-to-lovers romance aspect, although I did feel like things were a tad rushed, with the enemy going from hating Keera one second to completely falling for her 3 minutes later. There were lots of tropes I love (including THERE'S ONLY ONE BED and WHO DID THIS TO YOU?). There was the classic romance aspect of boy meets girl and girl can't imagine her life without boy, which I don't love, but that's a romance plot for you.

Overall, this is a debut novel with a great premise, a very interesting fantasy world (although one I wish had been fleshed out more without so much info-dumping), great characters with fantastic development and growth, and a very intriguing ending that draws you in to the sequel, but also a book that could have done with some more content editing in the first half to clear up some plot-holes and inconsistencies, adjust the flow of the writing, and cement some characterizations and worldbuilding! I will definitely be picking up the next book, and I imagine it can only get better from here.

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alexaaschenbeck's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-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? Yes

3.5

Great book reminiscent of favorites like ACOTR and FBAA. Well written with a fast plot. Predictable, but in a way that leaves the reader satisfied. This is a romance book that isn’t overly graphic and is medium-burn enemies to lovers. Can’t wait for the sequel!

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beckyyreadss's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I wanted to read this book due to the hype that was all over Booktok in 2021. It took me a while to get around to read it but I'm glad I've read it now with the sequel coming out this year, because that cliff hanger left me wanting more.

Keera is a killer. As the King’s Blade, she is the most talented spy in the Kingdom and the King’s favourite assassin. When a mysterious figure called the Shadow starts making moves against the Crown, Keera is forced to hunt the masked figure down. She crosses into the magical land of the Fae, trying to discern if the enemy is Mortal, Elf or a Halfling like her. But the Faeland is nothing to what it seems, and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she discovers and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is – Is it the King that destroyed her people? The Prince that tortures them? Or the Shadow that threatens her place at court? As Keera searches for an answer, she is haunted by a promise she made a long time ago. A promise not to save herself but an entire kingdom.

This book is thrilling, details and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love the idea of this book and I love how it was executed. You wouldn’t think that this book was a debut novel. It was so good. I love Keera, I'm scared of her, and I want to be her, and she can hit me as much as she wants, and I would say thank you. I love the found family aspect of this and the storyline and it was an enjoyable read. I just wanted more. I'm so glad that there is a sequel – June cannot come quick enough. I liked the mystery in this book and you constantly wondering what the promise what that she made and who the connection is. I wouldn’t say it was a weakness, but I would have loved more of a mystery of the Shadow, I understand why they were revealed when they were, but I would have loved more of a build-up on who the Shadow was. After we find out who the Shadow is, I feel like it was very fast-paced and a lot of action.

I really enjoyed this debut novel of Melissa Blair’s and I cannot wait for the sequel and to see more of Keera kick some ass.

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catnaps's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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starrysteph's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A Broken Blade was a playful yet powerful start to a fantasy series! I love the Booktok love. :)

Keera is an assassin working for the crown; and as the Blade she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. When a mysterious figure called the Shadow starts making moves against the King, he becomes Keera’s next target. But things aren’t as they seem, and Keera starts to question her loyalty and who her enemy truly is.

This is a first person narration, and Keera is a very compelling, morally gray protagonist. As an orphaned Halfling (half elf and half human), she has no rights and is “owned” by the Crown. She’s constantly torn between her own survival, trying to help her fellow oppressed people, and bitter self loathing. Keera struggles with alcoholism, and I thought this aspect of the story was written with care.

I enjoyed Keera’s journey and her character development. Without sharing spoilers, she learns how to let others in and stand up for her people - something she was unable to do before, without the support of a community. She grapples with her ethics and with her copic mechanisms. She makes tough decisions, but is ultimately quite likable.

This is a story about oppression. The leaders of this world hold all the privilege and all the power, and those beneath them are struggling to adapt and survive in any way they can. A good chunk of A Broken Blade is slower-paced worldbuilding and setup which lingers on this abuse and trauma, but this is the first in a series - a reshaping of the world is in order (starting with book 2?!). The content can be heavy at times, and Blair (who is an Anishinaabekwe author) doesn’t shy away from her themes of colonialism and systemic violence.

At the same time - this book was dedicated to Booktok, and it playfully engages with many of the tropes that Booktok tends to favor. You’ll see a slowburn enemies to lovers romance, an “only one bed” scene, Fae, etc. There are lots of classic fantasy elements, but also some unique storytelling and great representation (many - most? - of the characters are POC and queer).

The ending was a pretty big cliffhanger, and there were also some interesting plot points with unanswered questions. I’m looking forward to the next book!

CW: murder, racism, violence, gore, alcoholism, sexual content (18+), assault, colonialism, slavery, war, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, self harm, vomit

(I received a free review copy of this book; this is my honest review.)

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themoonphoenix's review

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A few centuries ago, in the Kingdom of Elverath King Aemon decreed that there are only two species, mortals and dark fae. Halflings and elves were either destroyed or owned by the crown.

A Broken Blade is the first book of a new high fantasy saga, some of the tropes are:
• Morally grey characters
• The Evil Overlord
• Political Intrigue
• Enemies to lovers

Keera is the blade of the kingdom and has been for the last few decades, her work is to find Halflings and kill them, she is a complex character that feels guilty about her work and resorts to drinking to mitigate the guilt. You will root for Keera, even if you haven't lived her experiences, you will understand her and want to support her cause, I enjoy her character development.

There is a lot of action, and blade scenes (love it) Keera will join a group of diverse characters for the fall of the king and his horrible government. They are great characters, morally grey too, sarcastic, and loyal.
There is romance too, specifically Enemies to lovers, the tension here is 🔥, my favorite part is the communication part, the trust in each other.

Is a good debut, I was hooked, it’s fast-paced, the world-building is interesting, and I want to know more about the differences between the species and their magic. Also, the story touches on many topics like alcoholism, self-harm, violence, and colonialism.

I don't know how many books there will be but this ends in a cliffhanger, I need info about the second book ASAP. If you like books like a throne of glass or six crowns I think you will enjoy this.

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ali_k0's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

There were 2 (count em! 2!) instances in which there was only one bed. Need I say more? (Okay but seriously this is a beautiful book with an amazing plot that does a great job at integrating all your favorite tropes.)

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soniajoy98's review

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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