Title: Five Broken Blades
Author: Mai Corland
Publication Date: August 18, 2026 (Paperback)
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Genre: Romantasy
A new romantasy series inspired by Korean mythology and culture? Five people willing to work together to kill a God King? Yes, yes, yes. Deciding to read Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland was an easy choice.
We’re introduced to five people who learn of and agree to assist with a plot to kill God King Joon, a ruler known for his coldness and cruelty. Each has a compelling reason to join the mission and equally compelling reasons not to trust the others. We follow this dysfunctional found family across the country to see whether they can accomplish what they set out to do.
The character and world-building in this book are outstanding. Corland brings five unique characters and perspectives, as well as an entire fantasy realm, to life. Deserts, monsoons, cities, border towns, and vicious creatures like samroc and iku fill the pages. The premise honestly had its talons in me before I even started reading, and the story never really let go. The romances are closed-door but still swoonworthy, and this first book lays a strong foundation for those relationships to deepen and evolve over the rest of the series.
At its heart, the story explores trust, betrayal, vengeance, freedom, and the possibility of redemption. Each character carries secrets, guilt, or past wounds that shape how they approach the mission and one another. Killing the king may unite them, but learning to trust after betrayal is the far greater challenge.
The chapters alternate narrators, moving among the full cast of five. Each chapter is clearly labeled with the character and location, so the only real risk of confusion comes when you have to bookmark the book midchapter. The prose favors short sentences, quick banter, and dry internal commentary over lush description. Each scene moves briskly, with focused details building the setting while the distinctive character voices and interactions carry most of the storytelling. The contemporary phrasing makes the fantasy easy to read, though it occasionally weakens the sense of immersion.
Five Broken Blades is one of the better fantasy books I’ve read in 2026, and I can’t wait to continue the series. It’s perfect for readers who enjoyed Six of Crows, The Gilded Wolves, and A Tempest of Tea, along with morally gray ensemble fantasies filled with assassins, romance, secrets, and betrayal.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— an addictive tale of treachery and trust
Click here to learn more about Five Broken Blades and Mai Corland.
Let’s Discuss:
Would you join forces with people you couldn’t trust if they were your only chance to defeat a cruel ruler?
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I read a digital copy made available by Entangled: Red Tower Books through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.