A review by sundragonscrolls
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Tropes:
*assassination plot
*reluctant allies
*secret identity
*found family
*revenge 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10 or 3.5/5 stars
plot: 1                       
pacing: 1
themes: 1                 
setting: 1                
originality: 1           
characters: .5          
writing style: .5     
emotional impact:0 
ending: 1                     
overall enjoyment: .5

Spice: 2.5/5 (BL) (Fade to black)
Language: yes, alot

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland is an exciting first installment in a new dark fantasy series that grips you from the start. The book centers around a group of damaged, morally gray characters who band together for a dangerous mission. Each character has a haunting past, making their interactions full of depth and emotional complexity.

The plot moves at a fast pace, filled with action, intrigue, and a dash of magic. Corlandā€™s world-building is vivid, immersing readers in a dark, gritty setting where survival is never guaranteed. Themes of loyalty, redemption, and sacrifice are woven throughout the story, making it much more than just a fantasy epic. The story's intensity builds towards a thrilling conclusion, leaving readers eager for the next book.

This novel will appeal to fans of dark fantasy, found family, and action-packed adventures. If you enjoy complex characters, brutal worlds, and emotional stakes, Five Broken Blades is a must-read.

Very well done plot twist at the end.