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Goddess of the River is Vaishnavi Patel’s second novel, following her beautifully written reimagining of the story of the vilified titular queen from the Ramayana, Kaikeyi. Like her first novel, this gives a voice to a female character who had an important role but is often overlooked in texts and studies focusing on the original work: this time, by reimagining the story of the river goddess Ganga from the Mahabharata, particularly how being cursed to live as a mortal and a mother affected her, and in turn, impacted the kingdom of Hastinapur.

The novel opens long before the conflict of the Mahabharata, beginning with Ganga’s descent to earth in response to humans’ prayers for water. Bound to an area around a mountaintop by Shiva (also in response to mortals’ prayers when they feared her power would destroy their world), she observed humans and became fond of the company of the eight godlings known as the Vasus.

When the mischievous Vasus are cursed to live as mortals, Ganga’s attempts to intervene on their behalf result in her being cursed along with them: to live a mortal life of her own as their mother. Soon after becoming mortal, Ganga is found by a king, who is strangely eager to marry this random woman he found in a river, and the two are wed.

Once Ganga fulfills the conditions of her curse, she is restored to godhood and returns to her former life like the other godlings—except for the last Vasu. Forced to live as a mortal, her son takes an oath removing himself from the line of succession for the good of his father and kingdom, which eventually results in the war between the two branches of the royal family.

Nearly a third of Goddess of the River focuses solely on Ganga, culminating shortly after the birth of Devavrata, her son who later became known as Bhishma, and her return to godhood. After this, the novel alternates between her first-person perspective and Bhishma’s third-person perspective, as the author wanted “to imagine the interplay between her and her son all the way through the war and how they influenced each other.” Bhishma’s viewpoint begins when he is older, starting by showing the growing rift between the grandnephews who are like grandsons to him, and Ganga’s covers the time from her son’s childhood through the end of the war.

This is beautifully done, combining the sweeping events of an epic with a poignant tale of a goddess who is changed through her time as a mortal and her inability to escape human concerns in large part because of her love for the son who continues to live among them. It also tackles a lot of themes: how everything is connected, how duty and honor may not be the same as justice, the horrors of war, and the necessity of change, to name a few that particularly stood out to me.

Like Vaishnavi Patel’s debut novel, Goddess of the River is a lovely mythic story, and I think this is even a little stronger than her first with more dimensional main characters. In fact, this is one of my two favorite 2024 releases so far, largely because of the goddess’s unique perspective and views on humanity, as well as the novel’s thoughtful exploration of its major themes and focus on knowing and doing what is right.

As much as I love the epic-ness of stories with lots of gods and those aspects of this one, my favorite part was the two main characters at its heart. In particular, I enjoyed how otherworldly Ganga’s viewpoint was as a goddess and a river, despite her ability to experience things relatable to us, like loneliness, rage, sorrow, and love. When she became mortal, she went from being larger than life to contained in a single small form, leaving her baffled at human senses and her sudden inability to hold so many ideas at once. I appreciated her wry observations about humanity and its rules—particularly those that they attributed to the gods though they were, in fact, the inventions of mortals—and how she was transformed throughout the story because she had a mortal life.

Bhishma’s perspective was also wonderfully done, especially because I completely understood both the other characters’ frustration with him for holding so tightly to his vows as well as why he did so. Though he certainly had flaws and made mistakes, he also was truly trying to do what he thought was right, having internalized that he had a responsibility to be dutiful (as a prince) and that he should hold himself to a higher standard than others (as the son of a god). It was tragic that he strove so hard to be fair and impartial when following his heart may have been the best thing he could have done, and personally, I loved this.

The main reason I’m not giving this the highest rating possible is that I would have actually liked a bit more exploration of the big questions being asked and more narrative subtlety since this is a book that lays out what the main characters are thinking and feeling. This is, of course, my preference and I can also understand why it may have been seen as necessary to thoroughly explain Ganga’s views given that she is so different as a goddess and a river. It was also a bit difficult at times to keep track of all the characters involved in the war, but I cared enough to keep going back to the family tree graphic to figure out how everyone fit in so this is a heads up for potential readers rather than something I considered negative, especially since that’s due to my not having more familiarity with the Mahabharata. (Also, for those who want to avoid certain content, there are warnings at the beginning of the book as well as on the author’s post on Goodreads.)

Small quibbles aside, Goddess of the River is an incredible novel that stands out as something different from the recent books I’ve read given its focus on a mother and son as central characters, its truly unique first-person perspective of a goddess, and its inclusion of a variety of themes and questions. It’s one of my 2024 highlights, and I’m excited for Vaishnavi Patel’s next novel (Ten Incarnations of Rebellion).

My Rating: 8.5/10

Where I got my reading copy: Finished copy from the publisher.

Read “Divorcing the Evil Stepmother” by Vaishnavi Patel from Women in SF&F Month 2022

The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This should have been featured last weekend, but I didn’t feel up to putting it together due to getting my flu and Covid vaccines the day before. (It wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be based on previous experience, but it still affected my arm for about a day.)

The latest book on my TBR is a retelling and the first book in a romantic fantasy duology.

Cover of The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao

The Legend of Meneka (The Divine Dancers Duology #1) by Kritika H. Rao

The first book in a new duology by The Surviving Sky author Kritika H. Rao will be released on January 21, 2025 (hardcover, ebook, audiobook).

The Legend of Meneka is a Hindu-inspired romantic fantasy novel reimagining the love story of the titular aspara and Sage Vishwamitra.

 

Kritika H. Rao weaves a luscious, exhilarating fantasy inspired by one of the most famous romances in Hindu mythology— the story of a celestial dancer tasked with seducing a human sage, but when she finds herself falling for her mark, she will be forced to choose between loyalties and being true to herself.

Across the mortal and immortal realms, celestial dancers known as apsaras are revered for their beauty, allure, and enchanting magic. But Meneka knows that is not all they are. Trained as a weapon—a warrior—Meneka despises leaving each of her marks in thrall to her potent illusions. With every seduction Lord Indra, king of heaven, demands of her for his political gain, she craves her freedom more and more.

When a mortal sage’s growing powers threaten Indra’s supremacy in his own realm, Meneka seizes a rare opportunity. She strikes a deal—if she can seduce this dangerous man, Indra will allow her to forgo future missions. But upon meeting the sage, Kaushika, Meneka finds herself captivated by his energy, ignited by his empathy and passion, even though he challenges everything she’s ever known. Can she overthrow the man who is—little by little—stealing her heart, or is Kaushika seducing her instead? As war looms in the skies, Meneka must choose between her duty to protect her home, and the sage who is showing her what true love can mean.

Romantic, spellbinding, and empowering, The Legend of Meneka breathes new life into Hindu mythology to weave a lustrous tale of a woman discovering the cosmic power within herself. Perfect for readers of Daughter of the Moon GoddessKaikeyi, and Circe, this first book in the Divine Dancers duology is a completely unputdownable adventure for lovers of romantasy and myth retellings.

The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

One new book showed up in the mail last week, and it’s one I’m particularly excited about since it was on my list of anticipated 2024 speculative fiction book releases!

Cover of The Phoenix Keeper by S. A. MacLean

The Phoenix Keeper by S. A. MacLean

This fantasy romance novel with a zoo filled with magical animals just came out in August (trade paperback, ebook, audiobook).

Orbit’s acquisition announcement for The Phoenix Keeper piqued my interest, describing it as follows:

This effervescent standalone is set in a magical zoo of mythical creatures and follows the academic rivals-to-lovers slow burn romance between socially anxious phoenix keeper Aila and hotshot fan-favorite griffin keeper Luciana.

Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy reads like Legends & Lattes and The Undertaking of Hart & MercyThe Phoenix Keeper is set in a world teeming with all your favorite mythical beasties, from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens. MacLean has drawn on her formidable decade of experience in researching and teaching ecology and environmental science to weave a story of hope, courage, and conservation that is, at its heart, an ode to queer joy.

I love animals and fantastical animal companions, so I’m rather interested in this novel’s focus on mythical creatures and seeing how the author weaves her experience in ecology and environmental science into it.

 

Set in a magical zoo teeming with mythical beasts from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens, The Phoenix Keeper is a fierce joy of a cozy fantasy novel with a soul-restoring queer romance at its heart, for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila’s childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There’s just one glaring caveat: her zoo’s breeding program hasn’t functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons… Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo’s most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who’s convinced that Aila’s beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila’s success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job…

She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species– and her love life– now rests on her shoulders.

The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Since I ended up making last-minute plans last weekend and didn’t have time to do a post, this includes books that normally would have been covered then. Last weekend’s post would have highlighted three book purchases, including a couple of books inspired by Greek mythology since I wanted more after reading The Song of Achilles. There are a lot of those to choose from so I bought the two with the beginnings I liked the best from some samples.

The book for this week is one I’ve been excited about for a while. Both this and one of my purchases appeared on my list of anticipated 2024 book releases!

Cover of Mistress of Lies by K. M. Enright

Mistress of Lies (The Age of Blood #1) by K. M. Enright

K. M. Enright’s dark romantic fantasy debut novel came out just a couple of weeks ago (trade paperback, ebook, audiobook). This is the first book in a trilogy.

The publisher has an excerpt from Mistress of Lies.

I’ve wanted to read this ever since seeing the description: “A villainous, bloodthirsty heroine finds herself plunged into the dangerous world of power, politics and murder in the court of the vampire king.” Court politics/power games and villainous characters are very much up my fictional alley, so this sounds excellent to me.

 

A villainous, bloodthirsty heroine finds herself plunged into the dangerous world of power, politics and murder in the court of the vampire king in this dark romantic fantasy debut.

Fate is a cruel mistress.

The daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker, Shan LeClaire has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Samuel Hutchinson is a bastard with a terrible gift. When he stumbles upon the first victim of a magical serial killer, he’s drawn into the world of magic and intrigue he’s worked so hard to avoid – and is pulled deeply into the ravenous and bloodthirsty court of the vampire king.

Tasked by the Eternal King to discover the identity of the killer cutting a bloody swath through the city, Samuel, Shan and mysterious Royal Blood Worker Isaac find themselves growing ever closer to each other. But Shan’s plans are treacherous, and as she lures Samuel into her complicated web of desire, treason and vengeance, he must decide if the good of their nation is worth the cost of his soul.

Fans of From Blood and Ash and Kingdom of the Wicked will devour this decadent, bloodthirsty debut.

Cover of Medea by Eilish Quin

Medea by Eilish Quin

This debut novel reimagining the story of Medea came out earlier this year (hardcover, ebook, audiobook). It will be coming out in trade paperback in January 2025.

The publisher’s website has an excerpt and audio sample from Medea.

I’m partial to myths and retellings, and I was especially interested in this one after reading this interview with Eilish Quin on The Nerd Daily and what she had to say about storytelling:

In my mind, the whole purpose of the retelling as a distinct genre is that it serves as a kind of radical reorientation. Retellings allow historically censored protagonists the space to break free from the contexts and biases which might have previously ensnared them, and permit readers the ability to exalt in novel forms of complexity. Retellings are meant to make us question the reliability of the narrators we are given, and consider the other elements of form which we might normally consume passively. I hope that my Medea makes people think critically about how storytelling, when proliferated in the interest of existing powers of oppression, can compound harm– that by doing something as simple as recentering a traditionally marginalized experience, exhilarating and vivacious narratives can spring up.

 

Discover the full story of the sorceress Medea, one of the most reviled and maligned women of Greek antiquity, in this “haunting, deeply moving” (Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author) debut in the tradition of CirceElektra, and Stone Blind.

Among the women of Greek mythology, the witch Medea may be the most despised. Known for the brutal act of killing her own children to exact vengeance on her deceitful husband, Jason, the leader of the Argonauts, Medea has carved out a singularly infamous niche in our histories.

But what if that isn’t the full story?

The daughter of a sea nymph and the granddaughter of a Titan, Medea is a paradox. She is at once rendered compelling by virtue of the divinity that flows through her bloodline and made powerless by the fact of her being a woman. As a child, she intuitively submerges herself in witchcraft and sorcery but soon finds her skills may not be a match for the prophecies that hang over her entire family like a shroud.

As Medea comes into her own as a woman and a witch, she also faces the arrival of the hero Jason, preordained by the gods to be not only her husband but also her lifeline to escape her isolated existence. Medea travels the treacherous seas with the Argonauts, battles demons she has never imagined, and falls in love with the man who may ultimately be her downfall in this fresh and propulsive “must-have” (Library Journal, starred review) read in which you will finally hear Medea’s side of the story through a fresh and feminist lens.

Cover of Ithaca by Claire North

Ithaca (Songs of Penelope #1) by Claire North

The first book in the Songs of Penelope trilogy is out now (hardcover, trade paperback, ebook, audiobook).

The publisher’s website has an excerpt from Ithaca.

This novel is followed by House of Odysseus and The Last Song of Penelope, which was just released in June.

 

From the multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men. It’s time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .

“North brings a powerful, fresh, and unflinching voice to ancient myth. Breathtaking.” Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne

Seventeen years ago, King Odysseus sailed to war with Troy, taking with him every man of fighting age from the island of Ithaca. None of them has returned, and the women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the kingdom.

Penelope was barely into womanhood when she wed Odysseus. While he lived, her position was secure. But now, years on, speculation is mounting that her husband is dead, and suitors are beginning to knock at her door.

No one man is strong enough to claim Odysseus’ empty throne—not yet. But  as everyone waits for the balance of power to tip, Penelope knows that any choice she makes could plunge Ithaca into bloody civil war.

This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca’s shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women—and their goddesses—that will change the course of the world.

Cover of The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This novel has been out for a few years and can be found in trade paperback, ebook, and audiobook.

The publisher’s website has an excerpt using the “Look Inside” feature.

I’ve heard a lot about this book and how weird it is with a great twist, so I finally decided to get a copy and read it. After finishing it last night, I’m still not entirely sure what to think. Maybe my expectations were just too high since I liked it well enough, but I didn’t love it or think the novel as a whole or the twist was all that amazing.

 

A missing God.
A library with the secrets to the universe.
A woman too busy to notice her heart slipping away.

Carolyn’s not so different from the other people around her. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. Clothes are a bit tricky, but everyone says nice things about her outfit with the Christmas sweater over the gold bicycle shorts.

After all, she was a normal American herself once.

That was a long time ago, of course. Before her parents died. Before she and the others were taken in by the man they called Father.

In the years since then, Carolyn hasn’t had a chance to get out much. Instead, she and her adopted siblings have been raised according to Father’s ancient customs. They’ve studied the books in his Library and learned some of the secrets of his power. And sometimes, they’ve wondered if their cruel tutor might secretly be God.

Now, Father is missing—perhaps even dead—and the Library that holds his secrets stands unguarded. And with it, control over all of creation.

As Carolyn gathers the tools she needs for the battle to come, fierce competitors for this prize align against her, all of them with powers that far exceed her own.

But Carolyn has accounted for this.

And Carolyn has a plan.

The only trouble is that in the war to make a new God, she’s forgotten to protect the things that make her human.

Populated by an unforgettable cast of characters and propelled by a plot that will shock you again and again, The Library at Mount Char is at once horrifying and hilarious, mind-blowingly alien and heartbreakingly human, sweepingly visionary and nail-bitingly thrilling—and signals the arrival of a major new voice in fantasy.

The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

I missed covering a book last weekend, but two more ARCs came in the mail recently that can join the previous week’s book. (The news here in the US also distracted me one weekend so I didn’t end up covering some books I purchased, but I decided to just stick to the recent arrivals since those are all well known book titles: the three books in the first Kushiel’s Legacy trilogy and The Song of Achilles, which was just as good as I’d heard.)

There has been one new book review since the last one of these features: Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland. Although I did like one of the characters, the prose, pacing, and lack of in-depth characterization and worldbuilding didn’t really work for me.

On to the latest books!

Cover of The Scarlet Throne by Amy Leow

The Scarlet Throne (False Goddess Trilogy #1) by Amy Leow

Amy Leow’s debut novel will be released on September 10 in the US and September 12 in the UK (paperback, ebook, audiobook).

The publisher’s website has an excerpt from The Scarlet Throne.

During Women in SF&F Month this past April, Amy Leow discussed her love of unhinged characters and her main character:

I wanted messy women. Batshit-crazy women. Women who don’t have to justify anything they do to others.

So I created Binsa, the main character of The Scarlet Throne. She is a vicious young girl who—while shaped by her circumstances and her mother’s questionable parenting choices—is very much ambitious of her own will, and will stop at nothing to get her way. I purposely wrote her as lacking a clear “motivation” for her villainy too: because just as some are altruistic in nature, some are wicked. In Binsa, I wanted to create a character who is utterly evil and irredeemable—and for her to thrive with those characteristics.

You can read her essay “Villains, Grey Areas, and What Women Can and Cannot Be” in its entirety here.

I’ve been looking forward to this one ever since I first saw its description, which mentions it is political epic fantasy with scheming, morally grey heroines, and talking cats—and I’m also intrigued by the peek I took at the beginning.

 

A dark, heart-thumping political epic fantasy by debut author Amy Leow—full of scheming demons, morally grey heroines, talking cats, and cut-throat priests, this delicious tale of power and corruption will captivate from beginning to end.

Binsa is a “living goddess,” chosen by the gods to dispense both mercy and punishment from her place on the Scarlet Throne. But her reign hides a deadly secret. Rather than channeling the wisdom of an immortal deity, she harbors a demon.

Though, one cannot remain a living goddess forever. When her temple’s priests decide that Binsa’s time in power has come to an end, a new girl, Medha, is selected to take over her position as goddess. But Binsa refuses to be discarded into a life of uncertainty as a young woman, and she strikes a deal with her demon: She will sacrifice her people’s lives in order to magnify his power, and in return, he will help her seize control from the priests once and for all.

But how much of her humanity is she willing to trade for the sake of ambition? Deals with demons are rarely so simple.

Cover of Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik

Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik

New York Times bestselling author Naomi Novik’s short story collection will be published on September 17 (hardcover, large print paperback, ebook, audiobook). This includes some stories related to her novels, as well as one set in the same world as her next epic fantasy series: Abandon, described as “a deserted continent populated only by silent and enigmatic architectural mysteries.”

I adored Naomi Novik’s standalone fairy-tale-like fantasy novel Uprooted, and I ended up really enjoying the Scholomance trilogy after I gave it a second chance so I’m excited about this one.

 

A thrilling collection of thirteen short stories that span the worlds of the New York Times bestselling author of the Scholomance trilogy, including a sneak peek at the land where her next novel will be set.

From the dragon-filled Temeraire series and the gothic magical halls of the Scholomance trilogy, through the realms next door to Spinning Silver and Uprooted, this stunning collection takes us from fairy tale to fantasy, myth to history, and mystery to science fiction as we travel through Naomi Novik’s most beloved stories. Here, among many others, we encounter:

• A mushroom witch who learns that sometimes the worst thing in the Scholomance can be your roommate.

• The start of the Dragon Corps in ancient Rome, after Mark Antony hatches a dragon’s egg and bonds with the hatchling.

• A young bride in the Middle Ages who finds herself gambling with Death for the highest of stakes.

• A delightful reimagining of Pride & Prejudice, in which Elizabeth Bennet captains a Longwing dragon.

• The first glimpse of the world of Abandon, the setting of Novik’s upcoming epic fantasy series—a deserted continent populated only by silent and enigmatic architectural mysteries.

Though the stories are vastly different, there is a unifying theme: wrestling with destiny, and the lengths some will go to find their own and fulfill its promise.

Cover of The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart

The Gods Below (The Hollow Covenant #1) by Andrea Stewart

The first book in Andrea Stewart’s new series will be released on September 3 (hardcover, ebook, audiobook).

If you’re looking forward to this novel, you might want to check out the preorder campaign and see if there’s a participating bookstore near you (as of right now, they are in Elk Grove, CA; Washington, DC; Lake Forest Park, WA; and Brookline, MA). The character bookmarks are pretty (and one of them includes a cat!).

The Drowning Empire, Andrea Stewart’s first series, was set in a fascinating world with bone shard magic and mysteries (plus one of the cutest animal companions ever!). Of course I was curious about her next series, especially since it features clashes between sisters and gods.

 

In this sweeping epic fantasy comes a story of magic, betrayal, love, and loyalty, where two sisters will clash on opposite sides of a war against the gods. 

A divine war shattered the world leaving humanity in ruins. Desperate for hope, they struck a deal with the devious god Kluehnn: He would restore the world to its former glory, but at a price so steep it would keep the mortals indebted to him for eternity. And, as each land was transformed, so too were its people changed into strange new forms – if they survived at all.

Hakara is not willing to pay such a price. Desperate to protect herself, and her sister Rasha, she flees her homeland for the safety of a neighboring kingdom. But when tragedy separates them, Hakara is forced to abandon her beloved sister to an unknown fate.

Alone and desperate for answers on the wrong side of the world, Hakara discovers she can channel the magic from the mysterious gems they are forced to mine for Kluehnn. With that discovery comes another: her sister is alive, and only the rebels plotting to destroy the God Pact can help rescue her.

But only if Hakara goes to war against a god.

 

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Description:

It’s the season
for treason…

The king of Yusan must die.

The five most dangerous liars in the land have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill the God King Joon.

He has it coming. Under his merciless immortal hand, the nobles flourish, while the poor and innocent are imprisoned, ruined…or sold.

And now each of the five blades will come for him. Each has tasted bitterness―from the hired hitman seeking atonement, a lovely assassin who seeks freedom, or even the prince banished for his cruel crimes. None can resist the sweet, icy lure of vengeance.

They can agree on murder.

They can agree on treachery.

But for these five killers―each versed in deception, lies, and betrayal―it’s not enough to forge an alliance. To survive, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other…but only one can take the crown.

Let the best liar win.

Five Broken Blades, the first book in The Broken Blades series, was one of my most anticipated 2024 book releases. It sounded rather promising as a fantasy novel inspired by Korean myths and legends featuring deceptive, morally gray characters who form an unstable alliance—and multiple romances involving these characters with their penchants for treachery and betrayal.

Unfortunately, I found Five Broken Blades underwhelming in the end, despite being intrigued by where it was going toward the beginning. It kept me just curious enough to finish it: it was a quick read with short chapters, I was at least somewhat interested in one main character, and I thought maybe the conclusion would make it worthwhile. (It didn’t. It dragged when leading up to the Big Heist/Assassination Scene that was promised, and then that was rushed and not nearly as exciting as I’d hoped.) Given its overall lack of in-depth worldbuilding and characterization and the fragmented prose style, this was not a book for me and I have no plans to read the sequel (Four Ruined Realms, scheduled for January 2025).

Despite the number in the title, Five Broken Blades actually follows six characters brought together by a plot to steal a MacGuffin and kill a supposedly immortal god king. They are neatly split into three pairs with some sort of romantic dynamic:

  • Instalove: The hardened hitman and the bubbly thief who hires the former as her bodyguard, who are immediately into each other.
  • Potential Second Chance: The exiled prince and his ex-boyfriend, the king’s spymaster, who still have feelings for each other.
  • Possible Enemies-to-Lovers (sort of, since it’s a bit one-sided and the milder, not-so-stabby version): The enslaved poison maiden and the son of the count who purchased and forged her, the latter of whom has been enchanted by the former for years while she sees him as a villain.

These all had potential to be interesting, but these first-person perspectives are all written in a choppy style that makes it easy to read but is bland since they’re similar. Furthermore, they lack nuance and the various characters’ traits become repetitive.

Sora, the poison maiden, was the only one of these characters I found at all compelling. She’s one of the few survivors of a group of girls who were created to literally kill with a kiss, able to wear lethal poisonous lipstick because of mithridatism, although the experience did leave her with hearing loss in one ear. An adult by the time the novel begins, she’s a courtesan/assassin who only remains obedient to the count who forced her into this role out of fear for her younger sister. Though Sora isn’t what I consider to be a terribly dimensional character, there is more to her than the others with her backstory, motivations, fierceness, and desire to create good where she can. (Plus I have a soft spot for characters who use being seen as harmless to their advantage.)

The other characters were a mix. Though he isn’t directly involved in the conspiracy and only gets chapters a bit later, I liked the count’s son well enough. His perspective meant more focus on Sora, and I’m also partial to characters like him: those who are under an authority figure’s control but try to find ways to keep things from being as bad as they could be under that person. The exiled prince and his ex-boyfriend were not all that memorable or compelling to me, even though they were interesting in theory between their past relationship and the added complications of one being the king’s brother and the other the king’s spymaster—and the secret one of them was hiding.

However, I much preferred them to the thief and her bodyguard, who started mentally drooling over each other about 10 seconds into their first encounter. Instalove is probably my least favorite romantic trope, and I also found the thief’s perspective irritating since it was not very graceful about the fact that she was leaving things out of her narrative. I love this sort of narration when it’s a bit tricky and less conspicuous, but I don’t like it when it draws attention to how mysterious it is that all these details are deliberately being omitted.

Five Broken Blades laid the foundation for a great novel given that it’s basically a heist story with a group of untrustworthy people who are supposed to work together to make it happen, and the characters and their dynamics are intriguing on the surface. However, it didn’t have enough in-depth characterization or worldbuilding for me as a reader, and I had problems with its pacing, narrative style, and lack of subtlety. Although I’d hoped the ending might make the rest worthwhile, it just convinced me I didn’t care to read the sequel when I was not even interested in most of the characters.

My Rating: 5/10 (only because of Sora)

Where I got my reading copy: ARC from a publicist.

Read an Excerpt from Five Broken Blades