Warning: This article contains spoilers for Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland.Mai Corlandconcludes herFive Broken BladesserieswithThree Shattered Souls, andthe fantasy finalelives up to its title. By the end of the novel, the characters won’t be the only ones feeling heartbroken — and that’s a testament to the author’s storytelling skill. After getting readers thoroughly attached to the Blades, Corland packs a punch in this last installment.
Three Shattered Soulswastes no time throwing readers back into the action, picking up whereFour Ruined Realmsleaves off. Even if you’re uncertain after the twists and turns of the second novel, it’s worth giving this one a shot. It handles the fallout of Quu Harbor exceptionally well, both in terms of the characters' reactions and what happens next.
With the Blades down a member and in possession of three relics of the Dragon Lord, they’re forced to go into hiding on Gaya. Of course, this doesn’t last very long. They’re quickly thrust back into the fight against two tyrants, and this time, they’re set on liberating Gayaandclaiming the serpent throne.
With Joon and Seok out for blood — and just about every supporting character harboring motives of their own — the Blades are forced to rely on each other more than ever. In that sense,Three Shattered Soulspays off the dynamics of the previous two books, making these characters and their bonds more compelling than ever, just before we bid farewell to them.
Three Shattered Souls Is A Stunning Exploration Of Grief
The Book Handles Difficult Topics With The Weight & Care They Deserve
Despite Corland’sFive Broken Bladesbooks progressing at a breakneck pace, the novel handles delicate topics with an incredible amount of care.This installment feels much heavier than the previous two, and it should; after all, the characters are going through a great deal of grief, especially Mikail and Sora.
Corland’s ability to unravel new sides of a character, three books in, is impressive.
Their grief is palpable throughout the narrative, and while Sora’s connection to Daysum could be unpacked in greater depth, it’s interesting to see the different ways the Blades grapple with loss. Mikail’s story feels like it’s a long time coming, and Corland’s ability to unravel new sides of a character, three books in, is impressive.
Even without Euyn physically present inThree Shattered Souls,Corland keeps the character front-of-mind. Whether it’s through Mikail’s thoughts, Royo’s skilled trap-setting, or Sora’s less-than-fond recollections, he remains a prominent part of the Blades. Those worried aboutFour Ruined Realms’big loss getting swept under the rug needn’t be.
Three Shattered Souls' balances the characters' personal grief with that of entire realms, layering the stakes nicely and driving home what the characters are sacrificing so much for. The book captures the massive loss of life, knowledge, and culture that accompanies colonialism, all while emphasizing the importance of breaking the cycle of violence.
Mai Corland Creates One Of Fantasy’s Best Found Families In This Trilogy
The Blades Are At Their Best In Three Shattered Souls
AlthoughThree Shattered Soulsis emotional and raw, the sequel balances its difficult subject matter with one of the best found-family dynamics in fantasy. The group’s uncertainty leaves them feeling paired off inFive Broken Blades,and their renewed distrust puts them at odds inFour Ruined Realms.However,the bonds between the remaining Blades are stronger than ever in the finale.
Sora and Mikail’s friendship is especially refreshing — and a great reminder that platonic bonds are just as powerful as romantic ones — though all the Blades have touching interactions in this novel. Aeri and Sora’s friendship directly leads to the change Yusan needs, and Royo and Mikail’s interactions are highlights ofThree Shattered Souls.
The great character dynamics make the Blades' send-off that much more crushing, and they’ll undoubtedly leave readers wanting more of this world.
The great character dynamics make the Blades' send-off that much more crushing, and they’ll undoubtedly leave readers wanting more of this world. It doesn’t help thatThree Shattered Soulshas one thing in common with the prior books: it’s so easy to devour in one sitting.
The Ending Feels A Bit Bleak, But Its Message Is Timely
Three Shattered Soulsis admittedly a little heavier to read in one sitting than its predecessors, but it contains so many action sequences and twists, you’ll be tempted to anyway. Corland juggles several major conflicts, and she resolves them in ways readers won’t be expecting. If you think you know what’s going to happen heading into this finale, rest assured: you probably don’t.
This subversion of expectations is another strength of Corland’s trilogy, which keeps the twists coming until the very end. Admittedly, the final chapters may be difficult for some readers to swallow — and the outcome of the Blades' story may feel a little bleak. There are certainly silver linings, but I found myself wishing we’d spent a bit more time on them at the end.
The notion that a better world is possible and worth fighting and dying for feels all too relevant asThree Shattered Soulshits shelves.
Even so, the notion that a better world is possible and worth fighting and dying for feels all too relevant asThree Shattered Soulshits shelves. And fortunately, Corland has teased a spinoff to herFive Broken Bladestrilogy on Instagram, withThree Shattered Soulsleaving the door open for it. A return to this world could help tie up loose ends and give further closure. I’ll certainly be seated for it.
