Five Broken Blades - by Mai Corland (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The instant New York Times bestseller
An Amazon Best Book of 2024
A Goodreads Choice Award nominee, Readers' Favorite Fantasy
An Indigo Best Book of 2024
An Apple Best Book of 2024 (So Far)

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 hit man 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.

The Broken Blades series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Five Broken Blades
Book #2 Four Ruined Realms
Book #3 Three Shattered Souls

Review Quotes

"My first five star read of 2024. I started this one and could not put it down." --Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author of Black Sun

"This dazzling fantasy has it all: a richly developed world, a captivating ensemble cast, and a twisty, action-packed quest." --Karen M. McManus, #1 New York Times bestselling author of One of Us Is Lying

"The heist is suspenseful, the characters are well-shaded, and the world is richly imagined. Skillfully combining espionage, fantasy, romance, and a quest for justice, this marks Corland as an exciting new voice." --Publishers Weekly

"Five Broken Blades is daring, expansive and memorable. Although the protagonists are hardened criminals and professional killers, their vulnerability--and their struggles to be vulnerable--will have readers rooting for them from the beginning. This is a book to be consumed in one sitting, and will leave readers eager to hear more from a bold new voice." --BookPage

"Secrets are revealed, romance blossoms, passion is reignited, and blood is spilled... will keep readers turning the page." --Booklist

"With its six distinct POVs, Mai Corland makes each character just leap off the page with their unique voice, thoughts, secrets, and desires. This heist had me guessing until the very last page, and I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down!" --Nisha J. Tuli, bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"With vivid worldbuilding and unforgettable characters, Five Broken Blades is a gripping, unputdownable read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page!" --Lynette Noni, #1 bestselling author of The Poison Healer series

About the Author

​​Mai Corland is a New York Times and international bestselling author, born in Seoul and adopted into New York. She studied at Rollins College and the University of Miami. Due to a variety of questionable decisions, she currently lives in the cold again with her partner, children, and a goldfish who will outlive them all. When not writing, you can find her asleep or clutching her latte machine.