Format: 409 pages, Kindle Edition
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Epic Fantasy
The King of Yusan may be the greatest liar of them all.
His sister’s ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants. Even manipulating the five blades to steal it...
Bonded by a common enemy, then divided by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon’s pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.
A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another, even though their lives, their families, and the realms depend on it.
They can all agree on one thing: the king can’t win. But can they beat him at his own game?
Because for the blades, this time it’s not just personal, it’s revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but now vengeance will bring them together.
His sister’s ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants. Even manipulating the five blades to steal it...
Bonded by a common enemy, then divided by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon’s pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.
A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another, even though their lives, their families, and the realms depend on it.
They can all agree on one thing: the king can’t win. But can they beat him at his own game?
Because for the blades, this time it’s not just personal, it’s revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but now vengeance will bring them together.
Four Ruined Realms, by Mai Corland, is the Second installment in author Mai Corland's The Broken Blades series. This story alternates between Aeri, daughter of King Joon; Sora, poison maiden; Royu, bodyguard; Tiyung, Count's Son; Euyan, Crown Prince; and Mikail, Spymaster. This novel dives deeper into the richly imagined world inspired by Korean mythology and history, delivering a fast-paced, emotionally charged narrative filled with political intrigue, high-stakes heists, and complex character dynamics.
Four Ruined Realms picks up immediately after the dramatic cliffhanger ending of Five Broken Blades, where the group of morally gray protagonists—known as the Blades—discovered they were manipulated by the tyrannical King Joon of Yusan. The Blades are now tasked with a new, seemingly impossible mission: steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord from Queen Quilimar of Khitan, King Joon’s sister, within one month. Their motivations are personal—vengeance against Joon, who betrayed them, and the protection of their families and realms—but trust among the group is fractured due to the lies and secrets revealed in the first book.
The story unfolds in the new setting of Khitan, a realm steeped in political tension and danger, where a recent assassination attempt has put the royal family on high alert. Corland expands the worldbuilding significantly, introducing new regions, cultures, and creatures like zaybears and nightmare birds, which add vibrancy and depth to the narrative. The novel’s plot centers on the heist, interwoven with subplots involving espionage, personal vendettas, and a larger conspiracy that hints at Joon’s true intentions.
The pacing is generally breakneck, with cliffhangers at the end of many chapters. However, the second half accelerates, delivering twists that keep readers on edge, culminating in an epic, blindsiding ending that sets up the trilogy’s conclusion.
Aeri: Revealed as King Joon’s daughter in the first book, Aeri struggles with the group’s distrust, particularly from Royo, with whom she shares a hesitant romantic connection. Her chapters shine with emotional depth, and her arc is a standout for many readers, showcasing growth and resilience. Aeri continued to hold a key secret to what really happened to her, and why she is so good at being a thief.
Royo: The muscle of the group, Royo’s quest for forgiveness and his evolving chemistry with Aeri are highlights. However, his arc hampered by the miscommunication trope, which may frustrate those hoping for resolution. In the end, his frustration in absolutely deserved after what happens in this book.
Sora: Driven to free her sister, Daysum, from indentured servitude, finds that things are even more disheartening than previously thought. Her determination and emotional stakes anchor her narrative. Her chapters blend action with poignant moments of vulnerability.
Mikail: The former spymaster’s cunning draws comparisons to Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows, and his closely guarded secrets add intrigue. His POVs are packed with political maneuvering and deception. Of all the characters, he is definitely the most dangerous.
Euyn: The exiled prince’s ambition and irritability in this installment are more aggravating than in the first book. His past is rooted in doing some terrible things which Sora discovers later early in the story.
Tiyung: Elevated to a more prominent POV role, Tiyung emerges as one of my favorites because of where he begins this story and the woman who visits him. His scholarly perspective and unexpected depth make him a standout, with Corland using him effectively to tie together plot threads.
I sometimes ask myself why I continue a series that I have already come to dislike. My answer varies, but underneath it all, if I like the premise, it's always with the hope that it will emerge from the later books. I just can't bring myself to stop in the middle of a series, even if that means skipping over pages quickly to get to the final chapters.
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