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A review by lunaviolet
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
4.5
Initial Thoughts: This author knew the story she wanted to tell and how to tell it. I look forward to seeing more of the stories she has to tell.
Full Review:
Melissa Blair knew what story she wanted to tell and told it well. I could not put this book down.
The world was so immersive and well thought out. I felt like this book hit the perfect balance between fantastical and realistic world building. It was grounded in reality despite being set in an entirely different world. The exploration of social structures and colonialist societies was grounded in reality while the fantastical settings lifted the text out of the real world, allowing for a facade of surface level escapism.
The main character's internal dialogue and struggles with morality and identity is where the book (and Blair's writing) really shine. Her self-hatred and internal conflict felt very realistic and well written.
If you enjoy high-fantasy novels exploring the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and dipping into the politics of a colonized land, you'll love this book.
Full Review:
Melissa Blair knew what story she wanted to tell and told it well. I could not put this book down.
The world was so immersive and well thought out. I felt like this book hit the perfect balance between fantastical and realistic world building. It was grounded in reality despite being set in an entirely different world. The exploration of social structures and colonialist societies was grounded in reality while the fantastical settings lifted the text out of the real world, allowing for a facade of surface level escapism.
The main character's internal dialogue and struggles with morality and identity is where the book (and Blair's writing) really shine. Her self-hatred and internal conflict felt very realistic and well written.
If you enjoy high-fantasy novels exploring the aftermath of ethnic cleansing and dipping into the politics of a colonized land, you'll love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Alcoholism
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Death and Genocide
Aftermath of ethnic cleansing and colonialism