Pub Day: January 14, 2025

Genres: Sports Romance, General Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Toxic friendship/relationship, violence, bl00d, emotional abus€, b*llying, d€ath, injury/injury details, sexism, body shaming, gaslighting, etc.

My Thoughts:

The intensity! The drama! The ruthless world of competitive ice skating!

This book is a whirlwind of ambition, obsession, and scandal, and once I started, I could not stop. Layne Fargo crafts such a vivid story that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you’ll love the mix of first-person storytelling blended with documentary-style interviews—it makes everything feel real.

I listened to the audiobook, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal. The full-cast performance makes every rivalry, sacrifice, and gut-wrenching moment hit even harder. And yet… I hated every single character. Every. Single. One. But somehow, that made it even more addictive. I just had to know how it all unraveled.

Katarina and Heath’s relationship is a collision of love and ambition—childhood friends turned ice-dancing partners turned… something far more complicated. So complicated—for no reason!

Kat’s obsession with Olympic gold consumes her, while Heath, with his past and relentless drive, is right there beside her. Their journey, spanning decades, is filled with heartbreak, passion, betrayal, and redemption. I had to shake my head more than a few times.

I really wish we got Heath’s perspective—it would’ve added so much depth. By the end, I felt like I didn’t really know him. And speaking of the ending… it felt like a slap in the face. I had so many questions, which is why this wasn’t a 5-star read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either—even though I couldn’t stop listening.

It was like watching a slow-motion car crash. Miscommunication was a dealbreaker for me! I also couldn’t connect with the side characters—or Bella, for that matter. And Heath and Bella’s relationship? It made zero sense to me. But hey, life is messy and often irrational, which is probably why it all felt so real. And let’s be honest—this sport is brutal.

If you’re craving ice-skating drama, skip the fiction and watch “I, Tonya” instead—the biographical film about Tonya Harding starring Margot Robbie. Now if you love all the drama and ice skating, that’s a story worth watching.

Read if you’re into:

🏆 The Olympics & ice skating

⛸️ Friends-to-lovers

💕 Second chances

🎤 Documentary-style storytelling

🔥 All the drama & angst

🎧 Full-cast audiobooks

❤️‍🔥 Toxic relationships

📖 Retellings (Wuthering Heights)

😍 Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes

Layne Fargo absolutely nailed the tension and drama—if that’s your thing, add this to your list!

Songs:

— For the intense, obsessive, and dramatic vibe of The Favorites, here are rock and metal songs that capture its energy with some pop-ish exception:

• “Going Under” – Evanescence
• “The Beautiful People” – Marilyn Manson
• “My Curse” – Killswitch Engage
• “Love Bites (So Do I)” – Halestorm
• “Black Honey” – Thrice
• “Hurricane” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring
• “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish
• “The Kill” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “Take Me to Church” – Hozier (but the extreme rock cover by Starset)

Description: 

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

About the Author:

Layne Fargo has a background in theater, women’s studies, and library science, so it’s only fitting that she now writes deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories for a living. She’s the author of the novels The Favorites, They Never Learn, and Temper, as well as co-author of the bestselling Young Rich Widows series, and her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. Layne lives in Chicago with her partner, their pets, and an ever-expanding collection of books Author’s Website Instagram: @LayneFargo

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.

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: