One month. That’s all the time King Joon of Yusan has given Aeri, Royo, Sora, Euyn, and Mikael to steal the Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord from his sister, the Queen of Khitan.  Each one has their unique talents, but the task seems impossible, especially with the distrust they have for one another. Can they rebuild the trust that was previously shattered to defeat King Joon’s plans and save their loved ones in the process?

FOUR RUINED REALMS is the second book in The Broken Blades series and picks up shortly after the events in the first book, Five Broken Blades. I highly suggest reading this series in order as we are learning the secrets of the main characters along the way, even as we meet new ones in this second entry. New readers of the series may miss the emotional impact of certain scenes without this prior knowledge. Besides, the series is just this darned good that it needs to be enjoyed and relished in its entirety!

As with the prior book, FOUR RUINED REALMS alternates viewpoints as we see the events unfolding from the different characters’ points of view. The attraction sparking between Royo, a hitman, and Aeri, a gem thief, has some roadblocks to overcome and it’s hard not to cheer for these two characters especially. Mikael, the Royal Spymaster, and Euyn, the banished crown prince of Yusan, have a long-term love affair that is being sorely tested as they see how power can corrupt and change people. However, as in the first book, Sora, a poison maiden, is my favorite character with Tiyung, the Count of Gain’s only son, being a close second. However, the more we learn about each character the more I fall in love with each one of them- even Euyn, who still bears the effects of being a one-time pampered prince.

I love how Mai Corland keeps expanding the boundaries of her world and the various realms! FOUR RUINED REALMS has some real surprises in store; I can’t share but one in particular is very heartwarming and still makes me smile thinking about it. We get bits and pieces of information as Mai Corland unveils secrets to us, little by little. I love each new revelation as it only adds to the enjoyment of the storyline!

FOUR RUINED REALMS is another stunning romantasy tale from Mai Corland. I’m anxiously awaiting the third book as I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us, especially with the ending bombshells dropped on us in FOUR RUINED REALMS. Romantasy and fantasy lovers, stop what you are doing and pick up Mia Corland’s series now- you won’t regret it!