Five Broken Blades

I really wanted to like this book. The premises sounded interesting, but they just did not deliver. Five assassins, plot to kill god king, the plotting, lies and treachery, what not to like?

A lot as it seems.

If you want a book with a good heist/plot that will make you question your sanity - go read "The lies of Locke Lamora".

Will say it here. The writing is not bad. The story flows, it is an easy page turner, has really interesting bits of story building. Have no idea how the world functions as we seem to go from expensive places to gang infested, no rules cities, but it doesn't break the immersion.

But it isn't what the blurb says. The main plot is barely noticeable for most of the book.

At some point this book became romance tiktok tropes bingo. Check if you can find it:

• One bed,
• Sunshine-grumpy
• Enemies to lovers
• The Double-Cross
• Forced Proximity
• Forbidden Love
• Incapable of Love
• Miscomunication

There is too many POV and they are just blending with each other as only two of them have unique voice and third one just drops a lot of f words to show how hardcore, street he is.

The plot is weak, nobody asks questions and in world that is described I laughed every time that character without doubt accepted explanation of somebody else behaviour. Because you know hardcore killers and liars are known for only telling the real version of the story.

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Things that annoyed me so much:

- How come a street wise, hand for hire pledges his sword without hesitation because the prince tells him he will be good and do all this nice things, just give him power. This guy suffered under rules of nobles, he seen how little they care about people and still just drops to his knees to pledge alliance...

- Why did Sora not leave as soon as she found out her indenture was burned? Heck why was it with the Ty in a first place. The logical thing to do was poison him, burn it herself (if they were stupid enough to send it with her), find her sister and kill the S guy.

- The prince is useless. The revelation of hunting people isn't maybe as innocent as I though... This is ladies and gentlemen the new bright future of the kingdom

- If his daughter can stop time, why don't she just go into palace and steal the ring. I know the whole price thing, but that would be a one off and no need for the whole elaborated plot.

- The never ending repetition of scene from different perspectives....

- The whole plot and their co-conspirators is just so unbelievable with the world that has been presented.

If you like Romance than this books will be a 4 star book, I am not a fan for romance, after reading the inside of the book to tell me what this books is about, I was on board no where romance was talked about. The first 150 pages was great, the this slow burn of romance started with every character.. 6 POV characters.. There will be a 2nd book and it’s a No for me.

Kindle Unlimited Gem

The last month of the year is officially here, and I’m using December to finish books I meant to read this year and take chances on Kindle Unlimited authors who aren’t usually on my radar. That’s how I stumbled upon Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland. This book was a thrilling surprise, taking me out of my comfort zone and leaving me craving more.

While the synopsis hints at the group's ultimate goal, the real magic lies in their perilous journey to the king. The short chapters kept the pace brisk, and each twist and turn had me on the edge of my seat. You truly never knew what danger lurked around the next corner.

I was captivated by the rich worldbuilding and the complex characters. Each member of the group brought their unique strengths and flaws to the table, creating a dynamic and fascinating ensemble. As they navigated treacherous landscapes and faced deadly foes, I found myself questioning their every move, fully immersed in their world.

My only minor complaint is the slightly slow start, particularly in the first 30%. However, once the story found its footing, it was a non-stop thrill ride. I couldn’t put it down, eager to discover what new challenges and surprises awaited the group.

If you enjoy dark fantasy with unpredictable twists and turns, I highly recommend Five Broken Blades. It's a captivating read with unforgettable characters and a world that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this book.

It may not be for everyone, especially the fact they're all constantly horny for each other which some people don't like, but it didn't bother me personally.

The book was never boring, thank the universe it wasn't. I wanted to try and finish as many of my in-the-middle-of-reading books, so I kinda needed to force myself and read most of this book in around 3/4 days, but it was still very much enjoyable!

I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book