It is rare that I call a book perfect. I'm not sure if it comes from being an author myself, or my MFA, but while I will happily give books I love five-stars, I will not call a book perfect lightly. So when I say Four Ruined Realms is a perfect book, I truly mean it. Mai Corland took everything I loved about Five Broken Blades and created a book I know is going to end up being in my top ten reads for the year.
This book starts about a week after the first ends, and all the characters are still reeling from the multiple truth bombs that were dropped by the "God-King" Joon at the end of the first book. Everyone is hurt, and betrayed; and those who still have secrets are holding onto them with an iron grip. In addition, their already impossible task has gotten harder - as Queen Quilimar of Khitan recently had an attempt on her life, and will not be seen in public. The group not only needs to find a way to gain an audience in her but figure out how to steal the ring without being able to be anywhere near her. The result? Multiple heists, betrayals, and even more secrets the group must navigate through.
One of the things I loved about this book is it really upped the fantasy aspects compared to the first. And I think it was a wise decision. Four Ruined Realms had a lot to do with introducing the characters, plot, and planning the heist. There were still fantasy elements in the first, but they couldn't be at the forefront of the plot - especially as within the novel, so many characters were wrapping their reads around the fact Joon just had a magical crown instead of actually being a god. But this book? We got a better understanding of what these artifacts are and how they work more fascinating and terrifying creatures, and a prophecy in the making. I felt like upping the fantasy now helped with making the world feel developed. Our liars have been pieces in a game they don't understand, and this book helped them better understand exactly what the game they're playing is.
In addition, this book really was fascinating when it came to characterization. Most books use character development to make the characters better people, but Corland expertly made some of the characters worse. Euyn's development was especially fascinating, as he started making plans of what he would do when he replaced his brother Joon as King. As a result, everyone sees his true nature and slowly realizes their entire plan revolving around how Euyn would replace Joon was a terrible idea. It set up such a fascinating betrayal that ended up playing out differently than I expected. I also really enjoyed Aeri's arc, as she continued to be my favorite character, this book sets up a choice she's going to have to make between love and power. And I cannot wait to see how the consequences of the choice she didn't even realize she was actively making throughout this plot play out within the final book.
Four Ruined Realms also did something I felt was extraordinary in it completely changed the setting. The country of Khitan is incredibly different than Yusan. Women are considered equal, indentured servitude is illegal, and overall, it's painted as a much more progressive country than Yusan's culture will ever be. However, as you peel back the layers of Khitan, it's just as secretive as Yusan is. I personally felt like Khitan was a much more intriguing country, and I hope to get more of an idea of what it is like - despite the final twist sending us, once again, to a brand new setting.
Overall, I truly cannot recommend this book enough. It's such a unique take on the romantasy genre and I want nothing more than to read the series again and again. I hope with this stellar sequel, people will see these books are more than just their pretty covers and delightful sprayed edges. And I am already counting down for Three Ruined Realms - and ready for the final book in this trilogy to emotionally destroy me.