A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga)

A Broken Blade is a brilliant debut for Melissa Blair. This first step into her world was a page burner as it only took me a couple days of steady, not-putting-it-down reading to tear through the story.Her MC, Keera, is layered like an onion and the story evolves around peeling back those layers. Each revelation is both detailed and textured. The world itself is not quite as developed, but there is plenty of depth to it. Some of the other characters are a little flat, but even in that they also have their own depth- though Keera is dazzling in her fullness.No story giveaways in this review, the story itself is too good, but be aware it is part of a continued tale and that means if you want more you will need to follow along. It has been awhile since I have found a fantasy this good and it rivals my favorite authors- Nicholas Eames, Anthony Ryan and Brian McClellan in taking a wonderful ride.

Indigenous author. Indigenous way of writing where it is circular not linear. LGBTQIA rep. Enemies to loves. Betrayals. Found family. A deeply scarred main character who struggles to cope with what she has done to survive.All the comments about how it was written irked me. It is not written the way westerners write but how the indigenous tell stories which I found honestly lyrical and like I sat at the knee of a storyteller. I am buying the hard copy. Honestly this was magical.

In the moment of reading this book, I enjoyed it enough to finish it with ease. After finishing, I thought about some things a bit more and started to change my opinion. I can see why people have overall rated this book so high. It was easy to get through, had some quick pacing at times, and had lots of the tropes people really like.The representation of different types of people (I assume comparing to different races) was probably the most consistently well-done part of this book. It would make sense as this topic is important to the author and she is able to give an own-voice perspective to it. Some of the divisions of the different fae, humans, halflings, and elves was a bit confusing, but mostly well done.After learning the origin of this book, the over abundance of tropes makes sense. However, it feels like checking off tropes was more important than a cohesive plot. The book tried to stay lighthearted in some ways but also tackled some very sensitive subjects. It didn't feel like the author had personal experience with any of these tough topics, so the portrayal of them (alcoholism and self-harm) were very poorly done compared to the topic that did have importance to the author. It was a bit frustrating that the idea of self harm felt very surface level and then was completely abandoned by the time it was finally revealed to the love interest. In fact, it became something that made her more attractive. The internal thoughts of the character regarding her alcoholism were somewhat accurate but the outward portrayal was so unrealistic. Her addiction was given a literal magic potion to make it go away.The pacing of the book was so strange. Some things like travel and visits to elsewhere, that had potential for so much to happen, were quick and seemingly unimportant. But then whole chapters were devoted to planning things and discussion of crop economics. It was bizarre.I think this author has the potential to make a good second book considering it would be impossible to release it in the same way they did the first. I would hope that the author takes note of the critiques received because there really is potential for this world to improve.

This story sucks you in especially the strong character of Keera. Please keep her a strong women character. Like after the Prince Killian (Ha..) what's to be friends. Plz.. creeper. Keera should tell him in front of all those people that all those in the Order belong to her. Also that she wants all of her stuff back.. Knowing that they most likely pawed there crubby hands through her stuff. I would look at Syrra, Nikola and make sure they know that they betrayed me. And Collin knows that Keera is going to kill him for what he did to the young shade girls he abused. Riven gets the cold looks for betrayer her most of all. And set her up and using her for his own fun.. so PLEASE keep Keera strong and not becoming a easy forgiving women pawn..

I loved this book. The story never lagged it kept me enthralled the entire time. It was difficult to put down. I had a feeling Killian would be involved somehow. Looking forward to the next book. Great book Melissa

I started reading this book just thinking it was just like Throne of Glass but I was wrong. This whole story just blew me away! I didn't expect anything that took place. There were so many twists and turns. There was so much. I want book two now! I definitely say i do not compare it to TOG! Its so unique. A book well done for a first time author. Bravo!!!

Gorgeous book. Got it for husband- hasn’t read it yet

Melissa Blair has written a thrill ride of a fantasy with gorgeous world building and even more beautiful characters. Once you begin this tour d’ force, you will not put it down until you turn the last page. A must read for all fantasy lovers.

4.5/5✨1/5 🌶I loved this book so much and it caught me of guard as I did not expect it.It had a strong Throne of Glass vibes at the start turned into this amazing story with love, trauma, found family, plot twists and so much more!Not often does the first book in the series give so much as this one did and I am here for it! Definitely one of favourite reads on the year.

Worth every bit of lost sleep. The tension is amazing. I cannot wait to read them all!!!

Keera is the King's Blade, a killer and the most talented spy in the kingdom. When a mysterious enemy called the Shadow makes a move against the Crown, the King orders Keera to find them. Tracking the Shadow, she arrives in Faeland. There, she discovers a lot of things that will shatter her beliefs and sense of purpose. The Shadow is not who she expected and maybe they are not her true enemy either. Determined to fight for her tormented people and find the answers she seeks, Keera will have to fight if she wants to make it out alive.This book is everything I love. It has diversity, enemies to lovers slowburn, interesting and complex characters, a unique and fascinating world and perfect pacing. From the very first pages, I was hooked. And from that, I just couldn't put the book down. The writing is truly addictive, filled with emotions, secrets and authencity that made me feel for Keera every step of the way. I am absolutely in love with her (and about half of the characters as well). She is an amazing protagonist, morally-gray but very true and brave and strong. I loved everything about her. Riven is a very interesting character as well, although I had more trouble truly understanding him because we don't read from his point of view. I love him still and I can't wait to see how he evolves in the next book. I have a sore spot for Nikolai as well. His humour and malicious flirting had me smiling a lot and he is also a very touching person that I am eager to see more of. Protect him at all costs! The characters are truly a strength in this story and so well-written I feel like I know them. The plot was absolutely breathtaking and the plot twist at the end nearly killed me because of how intense it was. I have only one thought in my mind: I want to read the sequel!I HIGHLY recommend this amazing fantasy romance book with diversity, intensity and just the right amount of spice."Death is the only certainty in this life."TW: violence (physical and psychological), death, murder, blood, assault, torture, abuse (physical and psychological), sexual content, mutilation, selfharm