A review by themoonphoenix
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair

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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