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"Five Broken Blades" - Five Killers, One Crown, and a Web of Deception
Manage episode 484133248 series 3567771
Betrayal has never been so tantalizing as in Maya Corland's "Five Broken Blades," where five deadly assassins must form an uneasy alliance against an immortal tyrant—if they don't kill each other first.
When a mysterious summons brings together the most dangerous liars in the land, their mission seems straightforward: assassinate the God-King Jun who rules with immortal cruelty. Yet nothing about this alliance is simple. Royo, the hired hitman haunted by past mistakes; Sora, the poison maiden whose very touch brings death; Prince Ewan, banished for alleged crimes; and two equally lethal companions must navigate a labyrinth of deception where trust itself becomes a weapon.
We dive deep into this Asian-inspired fantasy world with its fascinating magical artifacts and rich cultural elements. The poison maidens concept draws from ancient folklore, while the magical relics—each carrying their own terrible price—add layers of intrigue to an already complex plot. Our hosts offer conflicting perspectives on Corland's multi-POV storytelling approach, with some finding it immersive and others feeling overwhelmed by the constant perspective shifts.
The romantic elements woven throughout the narrative sparked particular interest. Taeyang's willingness to risk death just for a chance to kiss the poison-laced Sora creates a poignant forbidden romance, while Royo's grumpy-sunshine dynamic with Ari provides moments of tenderness amid danger. These relationships aren't mere subplots but crucial elements that fundamentally alter the characters' motivations and choices.
Whether you're seeking political intrigue, complex character studies, or slow-burn romance in your fantasy, "Five Broken Blades" offers a taste of each—though you'll have to decide for yourself if this blend of deadly missions and blossoming feelings hits the mark. Listen as we unravel the many layers of betrayal, redemption, and unexpected connection in the first installment of Corland's captivating trilogy.
- Links from the News Segment and Show:
- Million Lives Book Festival fiasco - the Fyre Festival of the book world
- Lots of new indie authors affected
- An event coordinator’s take on why it failed
- Another News Article
- Affected authors info
- Kendare Blake has a new book coming out
- A Feast of Thorns and Roses Cookbook
- Amazon Link - $20.99
- Devney Perry’s romantasy debut Shield of Sparrows to be made into a movie with MGM/Amazon
- Hannah Nicole Maehrer will be at Romantasy BookCon in Orlando, Oct 23-25 2025
- Bridgerton season 4 coming in 2026 and season 5 and 6 have been picked up
- Million Lives Book Festival fiasco - the Fyre Festival of the book world
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Instagram - @ofswordsandsoulmates
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Chapters
1. Podcast Introduction and Disclaimer (00:00:00)
2. Host Introductions (00:00:42)
3. Book News: Million Lives Festival Fiasco (00:04:52)
4. Authors Affected and Festival Breakdown (00:09:15)
5. More Book News and Announcements (00:21:14)
6. Five Broken Blades Discussion Begins (00:27:51)
7. World Building and Character Analysis (00:35:08)
8. Romance Elements Discussion (00:48:55)
9. Spice Rating and Final Thoughts (00:54:50)
10. Podcast Wrap-Up and Next Episode Preview (00:56:40)
34 episodes
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