You know those books that just unfold before your very eyes? That’s how I felt with A Broken Blade. Every time I thought I knew everything about the world, Blair delivered yet another revelation. I’d been seeing this on TikTok for a while now, but I’m so glad I read this one before the sequel! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
My body is made of scars,
some were done to me,
but most I did to myself.
Keera is a killer. As the King’s Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the king’s favored assassin. When a mysterious figure moves against the Crown, Keera is called upon to hunt down the so-called Shadow. She tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, but Faeland is not what it seems . . . and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she learns, and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is: the King that destroyed her people or the Shadow that threatens the peace?
As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago, one that will test her in every way. To keep her word, Keera must not only save herself, but an entire kingdom.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: alcoholism, addiction, depression, self-harm
You know those incredibly hyped books that you are so worried to start because you’re not sure if you will like it? Well that was how I felt before embarking on A Broken Blade, but I shouldn’t have worried. I was instantly intrigued not only by Keera who is a fascinating character struggling with addition, but also guilt. It’s a world full of prejudice and injustice, disdain and cruelty. Of spies, assassins and propped up stories. And Keera has become a weapon for the crown, for an unjust system.
There’s a disconnect between what the king wants and what makes sense when he wants more and more shades – and more power – but wants to also rush their training which will result in their deaths. These are the issues that face Keera and as a halfling herself she mourns the deaths she is forced to enact on other halflings. And that brings me to one of my favorite elements of A Broken Blade – the world.
I loved being introduced to the world of Fae and elves, not to mention whatever is in store! Plus the injustices make your rage boil as you find out that – predictably – those in power have twisted stories and situations to suit their purposes. Now on to Keera. I really liked Keera’s character and she reminded me a bit of Reign of the Fallen. There’s darkness, her own addiction and ways she has drowned the pain, but also lightness in her relationship with her best friend. But even within those, the scars of her past still linger.
Overall,
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Because she remembers all too well how people can be used against us, to hurt us, to hurt the ones we love. I was fated to love Keera not only because of her character journey, but I love a competent assassin warrior – it’s seriously everything I love all wrapped up in one. She’s also consumed with the guilt of what she has done to survive, while also trying to figure out what she can do with her power and skills. If you love a story about a MC struggling to find purpose, a story about rebellion, and fantasy, then you have to read this one. Find A Broken Blade on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.