sorenbluerose 's review for:

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

3.75

adventurous medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Its a fun enough adventure with morally grey characters and strong motivations that are compelling. My main gripe with it is how it handles its gay couple, especially in contrast with the straight romances in the book. The gay characters are the most sexualized of the entire cast, with every interaction between the two of them referencing something sexual, even if it hardly fits the scene. Not to mention, only the gay main character is misogynistic, which does make sense given who he is, but doesn't when set in contrast to the other (straight) male characters who similarly live in this very patriarchal society. It plays into stereotypes that gay men are overly sexual, and the more recent idea that misogynists are all just closeted gay men. I'm sure this wasn't the intent, but the impact was there. 

Additionally, I'm not sure I could call it a romance at all because there was very little reason given to why these two are even attracted to each other. They felt more "in lust" with each other than in love, and like they were paired together just to add some gay characters. And especially in comparison to the compelling straight romances, the inclusion felt underdeveloped, and reliant on harmful portrayals of queer men. 

Otherwise, a fun book. Would pick up the sequel.