Four Ruined Realms (Deluxe Limited Edition): A High-Stakes Assassin Romantic Fantasy (The Broken Blades, 2)

Wow, why did I wait so long to read this book??? It’s just as good as the first, the changing povs, the cast of characters, all are so compelling and amazing and make the story go by so fast. The plot is really thickening in this one and I love how the characters are so multilayered and so intelligent and also so traumatized to the point where he one thinks they know best and are always thinking about betraying each other while protecting each other. This was an amazing sequel to the first and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up in the next one!!

Story: 3.5⭐ (rounded up) Spice: .5 🌶️ Fade to black Narration: 4 ⭐ We have a full cast of 6 people narrating the different POVs. I really enjoyed that they castee a person for each character. This was a great plot with tons of action and a couple of ooohh moments. But even with those it just felt like it was missing something. I don't know maybe it's me 🤷‍♀️ You could really feel the mistrust from all the characters, and maybe that's the disconnect. But man the last 10% of the book really hits you hard. I will still be continuing the series

This was such a great sequel for Five Broken Blades! The story picked up right after FBB and we dove into action pretty quickly. I absolutely love the writing style for this series of bouncing between the six POVs constantly - there’s never time to get bored of anyone, we get different perspectives of the action and the fallout afterwards, and not knowing whose head you’re going to jump into next makes you want to keep going. My favorite character from FBB reigns in FRR - my girl Sora has been through some shit, but she’s still strong and loving and protective, and I never want anything bad to happen to her. We did get a number of new characters in this book, but it wasn’t overwhelming because the plot always kept moving. There was fun new world building and lore and politics and magic that I can’t wait to see play out in book 3 to close the trilogy. This is still one of my favorites to listen to on audio because of the full cast for all the POVs. The narrators are all great. Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ebook ARC! I purchased the audiobook myself, so I could go back and forth between the two while enjoying the stellar narration. I also participated in the Entangled Insiders Readalong discussion. This is my honest review.

Four Ruined Realms is an excellent example of a sequel that equals or exceeds book 1! The plot was unique to Five Broken Blades, which focuses on a coordinated plot to kill a corrupt king using assassins who meet and bond over their mission. FRR follows the same group as they search for a magical relic that will restore their freedom. As the plot progresses, we find out that the royals have a hidden agenda and stealing the relic isn’t as straightforward as it seems. I love the “found family” troupe and was especially excited to see how Aries character continued to develop.

“Our loved ones hang in the balance. If it can’t be trust, let vengeance bind us.” Our favorite band of liars and backstabbers are on yet another mission, after their failed attempt to kill the king. They’re still keeping secrets and they still aren’t sure who among them can be trusted. They’re still don’t really have a choice but to work together. Each of them has someone who will pay if they fail again. Often, the second book in a series isn’t as good as the first. That was definitely not the case with Four Ruined Realms. Their adventures, misdeeds, and secrets were even bigger than before. We learned more about their backstories and, even though we got each of their perspectives, they still managed to surprise me. Some questions were answered, while new ones were raised. I honestly cannot wait for book three because I am DYING for answers! One of the things that I truly enjoy is that the romance isn’t the primary focus of the story. While I enjoy a good love story as much as anyone does, sometimes it’s good to have the mission be the focus. I still love the found family aspect. Even when they aren’t sure whether to trust each other or how they feel about each other, they are still truly protective of each other. I loved how Aeri’s relationship with Royo progressed and the friendship she formed with Sora. I felt so bad for Ty while, also, really getting to like him as a character. Even with the circumstances he was facing, he still wanted to be a better person and do the right thing. His focus was still on the safety of those he loved. There is so much I want to say but I truly am struggling not to share anything that would be a spoiler. This really is the perfect story to continue after Five Broken Blades.

Great book

I love how the books always come perfectly packaged and wrapped in plastic.

Can’t stop reading!

Am excited to Read Book 3 such a thrilling heist

Amazing second instalment. Can't wait for book 3!!