I didn’t know much about what was supposed to happen other than the basic “five liars want to kill the king.” Cool, ok, I’m in. But oh is it so much more! If you are a fan of SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo, this one is a can’t-miss! It starts out with the gruff, street-savvy strongman Royo who gets a mysterious invitation to a job offer. Next you meet Euyn[3], the deposed prince whose been in hiding. Then there’s Sora who was trained by a regional count to be his poison maiden, someone trained to be immune to poisons to be able to poison others with a kiss. Aeri, it turns out, is the mysterious employer looking to hire Roya as a bodyguard. Oh, and I can’t forget Tisung who is Sora’s count’s son sent to watch after her. Last but certainly not least, Mikail is the King’s spymaster who is bringing them all together in a plot to kill King Joon of Yusan. Big goals. Of course, along the way they find that they are willing and wanting to protect and kill for each other. But they still don’t know if they can trust anyone. Cue: narrative tension.

I loved the complex world Mai Corland created. It was a Korean-based fantasy world and very original. Magic doesn’t exist by itself, but it does within certain object, like the King’s crown that makes him, God-King Joon, appear to be immortal. I didn’t end up giving this one five stars only because the relationships seemed a little rushed. Well, Royo and Aeri’s in particular; it could have been a more subtle build. Mikail and Euyn’s relationship was tense right off the bat, which was perfect for them. And Tisung’s opinions of Sora were revealed the first time he narrates a chapter. But the heist style of the plot was wonderful, and the characters are wonderfully flawed and none of them are mary-janes.[4] I also love the way the series is titles: Five Broken Blades, Four Ruined Realms, Three Shattered Souls. It really gives an eerie feel of a countdown of doom. I cannot wait to open the next one![5]

[1] *booktok but for Millenials

[2] Yes, I judged a book by it’s cover. So sue me.

[3] Don’t ask me how to pronounce it, I don’t know. I mostly said ‘Ewan’ in my head.

[4] A character who seems to be good at everything they do.

[5] Which, of course, I already bought so I didn’t miss the gorgeous art. Looking to get the third soon!