Book Review: Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

Book Pub Day:  May 7, 2024.

Genres: Romance Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction

• It incorporates elements of mystery, thriller, and romance.

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Trying not to be on any blocked list, I am writing TW like that. I hope you don’t have an issue reading it.

• Viol€nce,
• Bl00d
• D*ath (loved ones, animal death – includes dog death, children, incarcerated people, poisoning)
• Alc0hol use
• Substanc€ abus€,
• Animal abus€
• S*icidal id€ation
• G€nocide.

MY THOUGHTS

With book two finally out, I couldn’t wait to dive in on my Kindle to read it—though my stunning physical copy is arriving next week, and I’m so excited to get my hands on it!

Let’s talk about book one, Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland.

I was obsessed!

I went in not knowing what to expect—except that there are six POVs—but wow, this book completely blew me away, and this was Corland’s debut novel. And can we just take a moment to look at the aesthetics? 

The cover, the jacket, the map, the stenciled/sprayed edges—absolutely STUNNING! 

Book two is just the same. You can check my review of the second book here.

While the twisty, unpredictable plot of Five Broken Blades is a major highlight, the real heart of the story lies in its unforgettable characters. 

Mai Corland has crafted six incredibly complex protagonists, each with a tragic backstory that shapes the course of the book. 

The story doesn’t just revolve around them—it’s driven by their personal journeys, their motivations, and the tangled relationships they share. Understanding their pasts and choices is crucial to unraveling the many twists this book delivers.

Anyway, each character brought something unique to the table.

Main Characters:

Royo— the grumpy but soft-hearted strongman. Royo, the hardened street thug with a deep need for redemption, serves as the emotional core of the story. His tragic past and yearning for atonement make him a character you can’t help but root for. 

Sora— a master of poisons, driven by her devotion to her sister. Every action is calculated, and every risk is worth it. She was forced into the role of a poison maiden—a woman whose body is a literal weapon—Sora’s life is one of death, sacrifice, and longing for freedom. Every move she makes is to protect her sister, even if it means risking her own life.

Tiyung—The unassuming count’s son who quietly becomes indispensable as the story unfolds. He is sincere and surprisingly pivotal.

Aeri— The joyful thief with quick fingers and a heart of gold, just trying to earn her father’s approval. I thought her character was great, and probably the one I enjoyed and surprised by the most.

Euyn— the banished prince with a major attitude- managed to grow on me (eventually). The former crown prince of Yusan is a deeply flawed character who’s been shaped by both privilege and tragedy. His years of exile have given him a new perspective, but his ambition to reclaim the throne is as sharp as ever. 

Mikail— the cunning royal spymaster and Euyn’s former lover- is the ultimate wild card. He’s manipulative, charming, and endlessly entertaining, constantly keeping everyone—including the prince—on their toes.

— You need to meet these characters!

And that twist at the end? Mai Corland, you got me good—I’m still recovering! 🤯👏

I was counting down the days until Four Ruined Realms was released because I needed to know what would happen next. It looks like it picks up right where book one left off, so I can’t wait to read it. 🙌

What will you find:

✨ Enemies to lovers (with actual sparks flying)

✨ Slow burn (and I mean sloooow)

✨ Forced proximity

✨ LGBTQ rep.

✨ Mystery

✨ Found family vibes

…this Korean-inspired story, as the fantasy world within the book draws heavily from Korean mythology and history, NEEDS to be on your TBR! 

Just a heads-up, though—there are some intense moments, so make sure to check the trigger warnings.

Here’s a list of different genres that fit the story’s intense and dark themes:

“Control” by Halsey

• It is a haunting, powerful track about inner chaos and control, perfectly capturing the complex personalities and motives of the five characters.

“Seven Devils” by Florence + The Machine

• Dark and atmospheric, this song mirrors the themes of treachery, vengeance, and the high stakes of their mission.

“Warriors” by Imagine Dragons

• An anthem for rebellion, this song reflects the characters’ determination to take down the immortal God King.

“The Devil in I” by Slipknot

• Heavy and intense, this track captures the darkness, distrust, and inner demons of each character as they navigate their treacherous alliance.

“Sweet Sacrifice” by Evanescence

• This song is perfect for the themes of revenge and the cost of their quest. Its raw, emotional energy matches the stakes and personal sacrifices each character faces.

“Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones or Ciara

• A classic with a dark edge, this song’s themes of loss, vengeance, and darkness fit the story’s tone beautifully.

“Kill This Love” by BLACKPINK

• Bold and fierce, this K-pop hit ties into the Korean-inspired setting and the characters’ fiery determination to destroy something oppressive.

“Hail to the King” by Avenged Sevenfold

• With lyrics about power, corruption, and control, this track perfectly fits the God King Joon’s reign and the group’s mission to end it.

These songs bring a mix of genres to the table, offering dark, emotional, and high-energy vibes that reflect the book’s thrilling and treacherous narrative.Five Broken Blades by Mai Corlandz

Description

The king of Yusan must die.

The five most dangerous liars in the land have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill the god King Joon.

He has it coming. Under his merciless immortal hand, the nobles flourish, while the poor and innocent are imprisoned, ruined…or sold.

And now each of the five blades will come for him. Each has tasted bitterness—from the hired hitman seeking atonement, a lovely assassin who seeks freedom, or even the prince banished for his cruel crimes. None can resist the sweet, icy lure of vengeance.

They can agree on murder.

They can agree on treachery.

But for these five killers—each versed in deception, lies, and betrayal—it’s not enough to forge an alliance. To survive, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other…but only one can take the crown.

Let the best liar win.

Quotes:

“Loving somebody is needing two hearts to live instead of just one.”

“The second he touches me, a feeling rushes through me. Our hands fit together like a lock and key, but it’s more than that. He feels like home.

About The Author: