Oh my god. I’m absolutely devastated. I can’t bear this. Thank god there are more books. I’m desperate for more information and details. The battle of Infyrna at the end was absolutely gut-wrenching.
I want to be really careful about spoilers. I just don’t want to give anything away. I feel that I CAN say that I loved Corayne’s characterization and development. Sorasa, too. We found out so much more about her feelings and allegiances.

I see hope in Ibal and Valtik – possibly even the influence of a God - and I desperately hope for Ridha’s mom to step up and finally use her immortal rage. But other than that, I am left utterly lost and sad.
Notice the five stars though…this was quite the journey.

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I seriously can't get enough of this author and devour every page. While I do admit that the first book took awhlie for me to get into (largely due to the number of characters and the author's tendency to throw a lot of information at you right from the start), this follow-up did not have that problem. The sequel was even better than the first one ended up being because the plot is able to develop more quickly once everything has been introduced and explained. I can definitely anticipate a thrilling next book in the series due to how this one ended (no spoilers).

#BladeBreaker #NetGalley
Ms. Aveyard has created another amazing world of characters and background. The first one was a little hard to transition into after The Red Queen series. She is slowly creating another world I will one day fear its end. Great second book!

This was such a fun read! I absolutely loved the characters and the journeys they went through. The book was so engaging and full of twist and turns. I will be recommending this book to everyone!

An enthralling, adventurous sequel to Realm Breaker. A pirate's daughter, a former squire, an immortal, a disgraced assassin and a witch must come together to save the world from a deadly and evil force. They must rally their allies and stop Queen Erida and Taristan's hopes to rule the realm, along with a dark, supernatural power. A YA fantasy that is immensely enjoyable and intricate that is sure to be popular.

I had a trying time with book one but felt I should give the next installment a chance. I still couldn’t connect with the characters in a way that made me committed to finishing the saga. I have a feeling many of my students will feel otherwise, though, so I will be purchasing it for my library.

Oh that ending!!! Aveyard is such an amazing world builder and this only adds more layers and complexities to the first book. Eagerly anticipating the next book. This will be a hit in my library.

(4.5 stars, rounded up)

Content warnings: war violence, death, murder, zombies

The kingdoms of the Ward are preparing for war as Queen Erida of Galland and her prince consort Taristan invade Madrence. The Companions (pirate's daughter Corayne, squire Andry, assassin Soraya, immortal Elder Domacridhan, bounty hunter Sigil, Jydi witch Valtik, and forger/priest Charlie) are reeling after battling sea monsters and closing the Spindle in Realm Breaker.

The Companions must appeal to the rulers of the kingdoms of Allward (except the aggressor Galland) to stop Cor-blooded Prince Taristan from opening the Spindles and ruining their world and allowing What Waits (their version of the Dark One/Satan/devil) to access all worlds. Corayne also carries the old blood and is the hero the world needs, as she can close the Spindles Taristan forces open.

The novel's narration switches between the Companions and the evil Queen Erida. Erida uses Taristan's army of the undead to conquer a neighboring country. While Taristan only cares for finding more Spindles and bringing about the end of all worlds, Erida wants to become an empress of the myriad countries that sprang from Old Cor's once united lands.

Realm Breaker, the first novel in the series, was one of my favorite reads from 2021 and I have been patiently waiting for the series to continue. The novel picks up right where the first book in the series leaves off. The book has the feel of the middle book in a trilogy, where much of the plot is leading to an epic finale. The action ramps up to a battle worthy of a saga toward the end of the novel, which breaks the middle book mold. The final battle leaves the reader with mixed feelings of loss and triumph and leaves them wanting to know what happens to our heroes in the next installment.

I genuinely hope this series finds its readers because this epic fantasy delivers a diverse and interesting cast of characters and intriguing worldbuilding that lays the groundwork for it to be this generation's The Lord of the Rings.

Recommended for epic fantasy readers who love The Lord of the Rings or The Wheel of Time.

Representation: racially diverse characters, nonbinary, lesbian