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A review by utopiastateofmind
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
4.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: depression
You know those incredibly hyped books that you are so worried to start because you're not sure if you will like it? Well that was how I felt before embarking on A Broken Blade, but I shouldn't have worried. I was instantly intrigued not only by Keera who is a fascinating character struggling with addition, but also guilt. It's a world full of prejudice and injustice, disdain and cruelty. Of spies, assassins and propped up stories. And Keera has become a weapon for the crown, for an unjust system.
There's a disconnect between what the king wants and what makes sense when he wants more and more shades - and more power - but wants to also rush their training which will result in their deaths. These are the issues that face Keera and as a halfling herself she mourns the deaths she is forced to enact on other halflings. And that brings me to one of my favorite elements of A Broken Blade - the world.
TW: depression
You know those incredibly hyped books that you are so worried to start because you're not sure if you will like it? Well that was how I felt before embarking on A Broken Blade, but I shouldn't have worried. I was instantly intrigued not only by Keera who is a fascinating character struggling with addition, but also guilt. It's a world full of prejudice and injustice, disdain and cruelty. Of spies, assassins and propped up stories. And Keera has become a weapon for the crown, for an unjust system.
There's a disconnect between what the king wants and what makes sense when he wants more and more shades - and more power - but wants to also rush their training which will result in their deaths. These are the issues that face Keera and as a halfling herself she mourns the deaths she is forced to enact on other halflings. And that brings me to one of my favorite elements of A Broken Blade - the world.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Self harm