Five Broken Blades

Plot Summary: In the land of Yusan, the God King Joon rules mercilessly. Under his immortal hand, nobles thrive while the poor and innocent suffer, imprisoned, ruined, or sold. Now, five of the most dangerous liars in the realm have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill God King Joon. He has it coming.

The novel weaves dark themes, unexpected twists, and a propulsive narrative. Wonderfully developed characters, each with their own own unique voices, embark on an impossible heist—an assassination plot that will test their loyalties, secrets, and

Main Characters

Certainly! In “Five Broken Blades” by Mai Corland, the main characters are:

The Hired Hitman (Unnamed): Seeking atonement for past sins, this mysterious assassin is driven by a chance at redemption. Their blade is stained with blood, and their resolve is unwavering. But can they trust their fellow killers?
The Lovely Assassin (Unnamed): A woman whose beauty conceals a deadly purpose. She yearns for freedom from her life as a killer, and her blade sings of release. Her secrets run deep, and her loyalty remains uncertain.
The Banished Prince (Unnamed): Once a noble, now an outcast due to cruel crimes. His thirst for vengeance against God, King Joon, knows no bounds. His blade is both a a weapon and symbol—a reminder of his lost birthright.

Setting

Certainly! 📚 “Five Broken Blades” by Mai Corland is set in a world inspired by Korean history and legend. The story unfolds in Yusan, a land where the immortal God King Joon rules with merciless authority. Let me delve into the details:

Yusan: The kingdom where the novel takes place. Under God King Joon’s rule, nobles thrive while the poor and innocent suffer. The setting is richly textured, drawing inspiration from Korean culture and mythology.Mountain Passes, Marketplaces, Villas, Gardens, Backstreets, and Waterfronts:
Readers follow the five blades through these diverse locations as they navigate their mission. Each setting adds depth to the story, from bustling marketplaces to secluded gardens.Corland deftly establishes the atmosphere, conflict, and stakes, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative¹.

The Palace

Vengeance and Redemption:
- Each of the five blades harbors bitterness and seeks vengeance against the merciless God, King Joon. Their pasts are stained with blood, and their quest for redemption drives them forward.
- The desire for revenge propels the characters, but redemption offers a glimmer of hope. Can they find absolution through their deadly mission?
Trust and Betrayal:
- The unlikely alliance formed by these killers pushes the boundaries of trust. They can agree on murder and treachery, but forging a genuine alliance requires more.
- As they navigate secrets, lies, and hidden agendas, trust becomes both their weapon and their vulnerability.

Conclusion

Romance Amidst Danger:
- Despite the darkness, there are lighter moments of humor, camaraderie, and romance. The characters’ interactions add depth to the story.
- The lovely assassin seeking freedom and the prince banished for cruel crimes find unexpected connections amidst the chaos.
Flawless Execution and Twists:
- The author’s impressive execution—first-person present multi-POV—keeps readers engaged. The pacing, rotation of perspectives, and doling out of twists are masterfully done.