Five Broken Blades has a great plot that immediately jumped out at me, and it didn't disappoint.  Lots of killing, very simplistic explanations and actions, but also in the interactions between some characters and the almost romance miss scenes. makes me think it read YA.  I guess new adult is the actual term.  There is some intimacy but all closed door or almost.  I would have liked more.  Also one character's speech threw me off.  He was kind of modern whereas I felt this book had an older feel to it.  Although, as the author said it is not historical and not any particular time period. Also he used lots of double negatives.  What's up with that!?

Book had 6 first person POVs with short chapters for each.  I actually didn't mind.  I was able to to keep track because each character was so unique and interesting.  I was rooting for each one as each had good back stories and writing was very heart felt.  They all got something hidden and I kept trying to figure what if was and who would betray.  I was half right on that front.  There was a lot of series themes so check triggers for addiction, sexual assault, violence, animal abuse, etc.  Book has a few.  Book was a quick enjoyable read despite being almost 500 pages.  I didn't realize it was going to be a duology before reading.  No legit cliff hanger, but it does leave open ended and def not resolved and some things were still a mystery.  I would have liked a more satisfying ending for in case I don't read the sequel.  Would I read the next book.  Not sure as I wouldn't mind more spice.  Sequel should be out beginning 2025 I believe.  Overall, I liked it but didn't love it.  Wouldn't mind knowing what happens in the next book though.