This book certainly does justice to the storyline of the five blades and their quest. Throughout the book we see them fighting to overcome any lingering distrust to forge a bond that will save them in this game of political scheming and powerful men lusting for more power. The pacing of the book is interesting in that you can feel it and the characters accelerating to almost a frenetic pace.

I very much lost myself in this story and would recommend to others who enjoy these kinds of series. We get to see the blades grow and change so much from when we first met our cast of liars, thieves, and assassins. I love these characters and hope to see more stories in this world!

Three Shattered Souls is a haunting, lyrical, and gut wrenching continuation of Mai Corland’s unforgettable series. Book 3 dives even deeper into the emotional wreckage left behind by war, love, betrayal, and survival. Corland continues to deliver with complex characters, raw interpersonal tension, and a poetic, slow burning unraveling of trauma and hope.

In this installment, the character arcs evolve with such emotional intensity that you’ll find yourself holding your breath during some of the most intimate and painful moments. Each of the protagonists faces a reckoning, not just with the world but with themselves. The writing is stunning, but sharp when it needs to cut and soft when it needs to heal.

If you haven’t started yet, prepare for a haunting journey through shattered hearts and hard earned redemption. I was able to read the preview and was then allowed to get the full arc - thank you!

Again, if you somehow missed to give this series a try - Now is the time!

Thank you to Mai Corland, Entanlged Publishing, LLC and Netgalley for shattering my soul once more!

I loved this trilogy from book one, and I'm thrilled to say that book three did not disappoint. This was a finale at its finest—nothing felt out of place, and the story was moving forward the entire time. The chapters were quick, and the alternating POVs made it super easy to keep reading. I was always waiting to see what would happen. I got so attached to these characters, and I'm sad to say goodbye to them. However, after that epilogue, I don't quite think we're done, and it makes me excited to see what Mai will do next. I also think this fits more into the fantasy category than romantasy, but I love the world Mai created and the adventure we went on as readers. I loved this one from start to finish.

📚 SIX. STARS. IS. NOT. ENOUGH.
This book wrecked me in the best way possible. Thank you to Mai Corland and Red Tower Books for letting me follow this journey from the very beginning. I had the chance to read all three books in The Broken Blades series as ARCs, and Three Shattered Souls is the final blow. Honestly? It should’ve been called Four Shattered Souls, because I’m the extra one lying in pieces.

Going into this finale, I couldn’t imagine how our crew would survive without serious damage. I was right. This book pulls no punches. Every twist, every heartbreak, every moment of hard-earned victory hits.

The adventure? Ruthless.
The battles? Brutal.
The magic? Unmatched.
The romance? Just chef’s kiss.
The pain? Oh, it’s real.

I don’t know how Mai Corland got me so emotionally invested in such a ruthless group of characters, but here we are. Turns out, good people can make brutal choices for the right reasons and still have you rooting for them the whole way.

The multiple POVs kept the tension cranked the entire time. Just when you thought you’d get a moment to breathe, the POV switches and you’re emotionally demolished from a whole new angle.

This series isn’t just a favorite. It’s an all-time favorite. I’ll be coming back to this world, no question. And yes, I will continue yelling about it to anyone who will listen.

The final instalment in the Broken Blades trilogy exemplifies the pinnacle of a finale.
If you think that our beloved characters, Sora, Royo, Euyn, Mikail, Aeri, and Tiyung, have endured every possible challenge, then it can always get worse. There is no rest in the Korean mythology-inspired world filled with politics, betrayal, and deceit. The heartbreak and action from previous parts continue in this story. The fast pacing, high-stakes action, and multiple pov's leave you on the edge of your seat.

You should take your time, though, because this is quite the heavy story. Both emotionally as well as plot-wise. With the many characters, twists and turns, it is at times hard to follow. Thus, you must keep your attention while reading. However, I believe that it is worth your time and energy (note that there is a map and lists of characters with pronunciation to clarify everything).
One of the main reasons is its political intrigue and found family aspect. While most of the time the world looks grim and dark, the small light-hearted moments shared between the characters really stand out. Emphasising the strong connection between the broken blades, despite their differences.
Many times, I second-guessed myself as to how to story would unfold. Previously, it has been made clear that Mai Corland is not afraid to wrench our hearts with surprising turns of events.
Moreover, the way Corland describes the scenery, action, dialogue, and entourage immerses you into the story. With cultural and sexual representation, she has fabricated a diverse and fantastical story about loss, grief, love, politics, and morals. Despite the lack of very spicy scenes, the romance is still evident in the way all characters treat each other. Not only romantically, but there is love on other levels as well. Hence, the found family aspect. It makes you think about the definition of family and morality. There is duty and there is love. There is darkness, and there is hope for a better future with the right people beside you. I felt like there were fewer cultural references than in previous books. Which was a bit unfortunate and maybe contributed to my confession at times as to where to place myself in the story. However, I didn't mind because there was so much going on that I just went with the events.

Conclusion: come for the dark fantasy politics and found family, and leave with heartbreak and emotions. Which, I might add, I think are justified. Meaning that I felt at peace with the emotional trauma this conclusion had left me. Still, kinda hurt, but a beautiful story to keep with me in my heart.

Thank you, Entagled Publishing, NetGalley, and Mai Corland for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Three Shattered Souls is the conclusion to The Broken Blades trilogy. I read the entire series back to back, and I had such an amazing time with it. This trilogy is packed with complex characters and rich world-building. The people in this story are flawed, jaded, brutal, some are downright evil and it's all about survival. The greed for power, wealth, possession, and fame can make a man the most brutal of all, and the author masterfully uses that to shape this world.

I’m not going into the synopsis because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything. What I will say is that six misfits come together to kill powerful rulers of the realm. But trust doesn't come easy, and in a world where they are the most hunted people alive, the question is, can they really succeed while staying alive.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The only thing I would note is that in Three Shattered Souls, some of the action sequences can get a bit confusing, especially if you're not paying close attention as there's a lot going on. There’s a bit of romance too, but I wouldn’t exactly call this a romantasy. There is, however, an insta-love trope. One of my favorite elements found family and it is done really well throughout the trilogy. I genuinely hope we get more stories from this world.

Thank you to Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing, LLC Publishing for the egalley of Three Shattered Souls.

This was the series finale I’ve been waiting for. Corland masterfully concludes this series tying up so many loose ends while still keeping readers on the edge of their seat from the first page until the last page. There’s everything we’ve come to know in this series while still feeling fresh and new in Three Shattered Souls. Readers can expect more betrayals, more battles, more mind-blowing revelations, intense political machinations, magical relics, and incredible found family and friendships. I especially love that Corland explored different types of relationships between the characters and how they can love each other without it always being romantic love. Corland crafts her characters in such a way you can’t help but love and root for them. When they’re hurting, you hurt with them. I also love that three books in and we’re still getting world building expansions as the characters visit different locations and learn more about their own pasts. I also felt that the ending was fitting for these characters even if I was secretly hoping for different (unrealistic) outcomes. I especially loved the epilogue and possible hints of what may come next. I can’t recommend this book and series enough.

I was so excited when I saw the preview of this book up on NetGalley, and then when I was given a link to review the full book I couldn’t believe it!

Mai Corland’s writing and storytelling just get better and better with each book she writes.

I love how fast paced this story was. It’s full of twists and betrayals, as usual. It’s also heartbreaking and the ending… is this the last book or are there more??

If you enjoyed the first two books then I think you’ll love this one as well. I will say, I have my favorite POVs (Mikhail and Sora) and I devoured their chapters. I appreciate how there is romance but it doesn’t take a front seat with these two characters.

This book was everything I hoped it would be, and I know I’ll be going back to reread the entire series start-to-finish very soon.

The book strikes a delicate balance between action and character, and the ability for each character to have a distinct voice, complete character arc, and growth journey within such a complex and fast-paced plot is really commendable.

Even more impressive is the world building. Mai Corland has built such a distinct universe – for as many places as our Blades visit, each one is rich with detail and easy to visualize.

While the ending simultaneously broke my heart and gave me hope, it was a very moving, meaningful way to conclude this adventure. And with that epilogue, I can’t wait to for our next journey in this universe to commence…

Thank you to Red Tower for my gifted eARC while I not so patiently wait for my pre-ordered copy to arrive.
Tagline: Some betrayals cut deeper than blades.

Read this for:
- fast paced adventure
- betrayal at all levels
- everyone lies
- addicting story

My thoughts: I binge read this in a single day, this book may have actual addictive stuff in it, I ignored all of my responsibilities to read the story because I NEEDED to know what happened next.
After the events of the end of book 2, I knew I needed book 3 like my body needs air. And so when offered a chance to read it early I didn’t hesitate I immediately said yes and thank you and started that weekend. The characters are united with three of the Dragon Lord relics, but will they be enough to face the four realms that are uniting today face them? Not without a lot of sacrifices upon each and every single one of them. No spoilers but… oh my god, I screamed, yelled, cried, sobbed, wanted to beg Mai for answers… and maybe request that she help pay my therapist. Honestly I loved this journey that I’ve gone on for the past 13 months since the release of the first book. I grew extremely attached to these damaged characters, and I would love to deep dive into this world all over again.

Highly recommend that you read this series.
The Broken Blades series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Five Broken Blades
Book #2 Four Ruined Realms
Book #3 Three Shattered Souls

Spoiler alert: I was one of the three shattered souls after finishing this

I was incredibly nervous coming into this because we’d already lost one of our blades and I was afraid we’d lose the rest. Mai kept me guessing as to where the story was going until about 60% and then I had an inkling but was hoping I was wrong. I ended up crying through the last 15%. It was a great ride and ended in the best way possible. I also love that the ending was a bit open, so *fingers crossed* we can get more stories set in this world.

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for the eARC of this book!

I have been absolutely blown away with this epic series! It took me on an amazing adventure and I never wanted it to end. This book wrapped up the story very well. It was definitely the best finale I've read in a long time! If you liked the other books in the series then I just know you'll love this amazing conclusion. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨

In Three Shattered Souls, we pick up immediately following the devastating events in Four Ruined Realms. Long buried truths, shocking betrayals, and heart shattering loss haunt our tortured heroes.

War is here and the fate of the realms hinges on the Blades. Their hunt for the Dragon Lord’s relics turns desperate as foes from all sides converge. To take the crown, they must be willing to risk it all.

Tropes:
👀 Multi POV
🩶 Morally grey MCs
🏰 Political intrigue
💕 Multiple romances
🫂 Forced proximity
💔 Revenge & redemption
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
💫 Magical artifacts
📜 Korean mythology

The journey of 5 strangers, liars, and thieves united in a common mission comes to an end, back to where it all began. And what a voyage this has been. This series is one that does not hold back on doling out anguish, intrigue, and devious twists. I grew so attached to these characters throughout the series and loved exploring their motivations, fears, and vulnerabilities. They are resilient, clever, and eventually became a family. But the stakes have never been higher now that they have something to lose.

In Three Shattered Souls, the author crafts a jaw-dropping conclusion that’s fast-paced, gloriously brutal, and remarkably emotional. If you’re looking for a plot and character driven fantasy romance that will keep your mind reeling and heart thundering in your chest, you need to read this five-star series!

So grateful to the author, Entangled Publishing, Red Tower Books, and Netgalley for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Starting this off by saying thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for reaching out after my preview review and letting me get my grubby little hands on an early copy — this book is one of my most anticipated releases for 2025, and I feel so lucky to be one of those who got to experience this before release. Not only did it not disappoint, but you will have to retitle it to Four Shattered Souls since one of them is most definitely mine.

This book is so beautifully devastating, what a way to end an incredible year for Mai with this trilogy no matter how broken my heart may be. Every time this series is mentioned I find myself so happy that someone is getting to discover the world for the first time, but now to prepare for what emotions they are about to experience during it.

It cemented to me that the world building in this is just so top tier, with every page it felt as though I was entering the mind of each character and could understand them completely even when there were times they couldn’t do that for one another. The format of shorter chapters switching between characters had me hanging on to every word, telling myself “just one more” to then tear through this whole book in less than 48 hours.

For the last 15% or so I’m fully convinced I cried through it entirely, my heart aching for how much the blades have come to love one another and see each other as the family they each deserved in their young lives. Their development has felt so special to watch unfold, knowing they have experienced so much loss and uncertainty in times of war.

This is a series I will be recommending to anyone who listens and that I think about for years to come. Thank you so much Mai for the world you've built, you deserve every bit of love and praise that comes your way!!!!

"I didn’t survive to stop now” 😭

5/5 stars

This book DESTROYED me.

Picking right off from where the second book ended, we follow our 4 blades as they rest up before preparing for the inevitable war lingering on the horizon.

The bond between these characters, their willingness to die for one another; it's absolutely beautiful. All of these characters have had so much growth since the first book. They are all so much more than they realize, and they all make each other better. They make sacrifice after sacrifice for those they love. But will it ever truly be enough?

Mai, I will absolutely read anything you ever write. I can't wait to see what happens with the spinoff series you're planning (she confirmed this on Instagram, and I freaked out). I can't wait to support all your future projects because this series both broke and fixed me in the best and worst ways.

A few of my highlights (no spoilers):
"This isn't an alliance—this is a family. One to live for and die with."
"So much for playing the hero. Let's go and be villains."
"It has to be you. Or nothing changes."
"Thank you for loving me."
"I'll love you for tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow."
"Together, with the people we loved, we changed the world. Now, we'll make it worth those we lost."

Thank you, Red Tower, Entangled Publishing, and Mai Corland, for the e-ARC copy of this book. I am beyond grateful. This is my most anticipated release of the summer.

This series just keeps getting better. I do believe this is the final book in the series. I loved watching Mai Corland grow as an author throughout the series. Three Shattered Souls had all the things. It kept me entertained, the story flowed perfectly, and the characters became my friends. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to read this early.

Thank you so much to entangled publishing who sent me an e-arc through NetGalley.
This book picks up right where we left in book 2. This was an emotional rollercoaster. The beautiful world that Mai Cortland created is coming to an end. This was very satisfactory. The writing is still so smooth and enjoyable. What started as a journey of revenge turned out to be so much more. People were lost but other connections emerged. The ending also made me so emotional.
If you love fantasy with romance, a lot of political intrigues, betrayal and high stakes, you should definitely read this trilogy

In a series of betrayal and deception; I love the relationships that have been formed. They are complex and evolving, as true relationships should be whether they are familial or romantic. The best and most difficult parts to read discussed the consequences of leadership and one’s ability to conquer versus rule. Now I understand this was the conclusion to the trilogy but I’m going to need more…

“You think I don’t understand suffering and the way it scratches and gnaws at your mind? It is a weight that constantly pulls at your neck, and it can drown you on dry land if you’re not careful.”

I'm not crying. It's raining inside my house and I have a roof leak. Stop getting attached to fictional characters ESPECIALLY with the possibility of reading them go through the wringer.

Did I hope this series was going to be longer than a trilogy? Yes. But im selfish and im never ready to stop reading about characters. Mai does such a great job at tying up loose ends. Here's to hoping we get a spin off.

A worthy finale for the series.
I wasn't sure if I would continue after the last book, because I didn't see the point after the death of my favorite character. However, I now understand it was necessary for the plot, I'm still heartbroken but I accepted it. Plus, this book was filled with sadness and heartbreak, so I'm used to it.
I still love these characters with all my heart, they all managed to make an impression and I know they will stay with me. I can't say I am happy with the ending, but it couldn't be any other way.
I was afraid it wouldn't be as good because it is coming out only a few months after four ruined realms, but my doubts were unfounded.
This series is perfect for people that are still mourning the ending of six of crows. It is a lot bloodier, though, but you will love these characters just as much.
I'm still recovering from a scene towards the end, it will take some time for me to stop wanting to scream about it.
Overall, I would highly recommend this trilogy. You can find reviews for each book in my gr profile if you want.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for reaching out and offering me the ARC in exchange for an honest review!