Five Broken Blades

Darci’s Review 

Mai Corland’s epic fantasy novel Five Broken Blades is built on Korean heritage and folklore, and will captivate you with the mystery unfurling through each page.

The story is set in the country of Yusan, in which a long line of monarchs has ruled with the blessing of the ancient Dragon Lord, and is now led by the almighty and immortal God King Joon. But King Joon is unjust and his government corrupt, causing trauma for many of the country’s population, especially the poor. The plot shifts when an anonymous citizen recruits five of the country’s most ruthless assassins and thieves to help raise the standard of living, but problems arise because each assassin has a different agenda. Who will get to save the one they love? And will their own cause distract from the mission at hand? 

Mai Corland has written a stunning debut, joining the ranks of authors creating beautifully written storylines based on cultural folklore. This foundation is intrinsic to the world building of Yusan, and to our understanding of Yusan’s history and the novel’s main characters. Overall, a wonderful novel with a twist that will leave you wanting more. A solid 4 star read.

Publisher's Review 

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.