A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair [Book #1]

Content Tags: Alcoholism, Self-Harm, Genocide, Abuse, Murder, Addiction, Colonialism, Depression, Systemic Violence

Description from the back of the book:

Keera is a killer. As the king's Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the king's favored assassin. When a mysterious figure moves against the Crown, Keera is called upon to hunt down the so-called Shadow. 

She tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, but Faeland is not what it seems... and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she learns, and can't help but wonder who her enemy truly is: the king that destroyed her people... or the Shadow that threatens the peace?

As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago, one that will test her in every way. To keep her word, Keera must not only save herself, but an entire kingdom.

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This is another book I've read this year that really drives home that some books are way more impactful and deserving of 5 stars than others. Melissa Blair is an author I learned about through TikTok and I have had A Broken Blade on my TBR for a little while now. And hell, I should've read this way sooner! (But also I'm glad I didn't because then I would've had to wait way longer to start the second book.)

The book is set in a fantasy realm in the region of Elverath that addresses a lot of very real-world issues. The pacing, development, detail, and every little thing with the writing and storytelling of this first installment of The Halfling Saga was brilliant. Little pieces of detail would be dropped and just when I was starting to wonder if it would be relevant or come back up, it would be explained and tie so much together. The characters are so nuanced and genuine. Too many times, characters are kind of flat or one-dimensional. Or are written as if life is very binary. But Melissa Blair explores the gray areas with her characters. Keera is a killer. But that's not all she is. That's not all that defines her.

I was so emotional throughout this whole book ranging from the sweetest, happiest feelings to the lowest, most soul-crushing feelings. And none of it felt manipulated or as if the writing was trying too hard to convince me I should feel connected to the characters.

Excellent book, all around. There are absolutely some heavy themes, so a content warning is included:

"This book is a fantasy romance that explores themes of alcoholism, addiction, colonialism, depression, and systemic violence. While it is not the focus of this book or depicted graphically on the page, some content may be triggering for readers who have experienced self-harm, assault, depression, or suicidal ideation. Please read with care."

Book Reflection Wrap-up:

Which character or moment prompted the strongest emotional reaction for you? Why?

The moments that made me the most emotional were when people understood or respected someone else's trauma or experiences, no questions asked. That's how it should be. Someone shouldn't need to justify why they want to keep their scars - physical or emotional - to themselves. Respect of someone's feelings and boundaries should be respected. The End.

Were there times you disagreed with a character's actions? What would you have done differently?

Usually I'd say absolutely yes to a question like this. But even the actions that I did not like, there was clearly a valid reason that the character felt that was the best choice. (Other than the villains. Fuck the villains.) That was one of the best elements of the writing. The motivation was clearly there. The characters weren't thoughtless or reckless with their choices. Everything is deliberately done.

Added to TBR: March 2023 

Removed from TBR: August 2023

August Book Club Book