Realm Breaker
In Victoria Aveyard’s newest series, a strange darkness grows in Allward. Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea. She soon discovers the truth: she is the last of an ancient lineage—and the last hope to save the world from destruction. But she won’t be alone. Even as darkness falls, she is joined by a band of unlikely companions. Together they stand against a vicious opponent, invincible and determined to burn all kingdoms to ash, and an army unlike anything the realm has ever witnessed.
Realm Breaker is truly a stunning book. It reads like a classic high fantasy story, weaving together multiple points of view to create this incredible tale about a band of unlikely companions who join together to save their world from destruction. In addition to Corayne, you’ve got a squire forced to choose between home and honor; an immortal avenging a broken promise; an assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty; an ancient sorceress whose riddles hide an eerie foresight; a forger with a secret past; and a bounty hunter with a score to settle. You wouldn’t think this group would work together as well as they do, but I love how Aveyard created this motley crew, and I’m so excited to see what happens to them in the next book, and how their relationships with each other develop.
One of my favourite characters who I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did was Erida, the ambitious Queen of Galland. Upon first introduction, she seemed like a decent enough character; she’s a young ruler striving to keep her crown and bring glory to her country. The more chapters from her perspective I read, the more I liked her. I especially didn’t expect the twist she added to Corayne’s quest, and her pivot to becoming more of a villain than a benevolent ruler. I’m interested to see how she further develops in the next book, and how she and Corayne clash, as I’m sure they will.
My only (tiny) complaint was the lack of romance, but this is only the first book in the series, and I know Aveyard won’t disappoint. She already built some great potential in this book, and I’m eager to see if any of the three could-be couples do get together in a future book.
Realm Breaker is an exceptional book any lover of Tolkien will thoroughly enjoy.
Realm Breaker Rating: ★★★★★
Realm Breaker is truly a stunning book. It reads like a classic high fantasy story, weaving together multiple points of view to create this incredible tale about a band of unlikely companions who join together to save their world from destruction. In addition to Corayne, you’ve got a squire forced to choose between home and honor; an immortal avenging a broken promise; an assassin, exiled and bloodthirsty; an ancient sorceress whose riddles hide an eerie foresight; a forger with a secret past; and a bounty hunter with a score to settle. You wouldn’t think this group would work together as well as they do, but I love how Aveyard created this motley crew, and I’m so excited to see what happens to them in the next book, and how their relationships with each other develop.
One of my favourite characters who I did not expect to enjoy as much as I did was Erida, the ambitious Queen of Galland. Upon first introduction, she seemed like a decent enough character; she’s a young ruler striving to keep her crown and bring glory to her country. The more chapters from her perspective I read, the more I liked her. I especially didn’t expect the twist she added to Corayne’s quest, and her pivot to becoming more of a villain than a benevolent ruler. I’m interested to see how she further develops in the next book, and how she and Corayne clash, as I’m sure they will.
My only (tiny) complaint was the lack of romance, but this is only the first book in the series, and I know Aveyard won’t disappoint. She already built some great potential in this book, and I’m eager to see if any of the three could-be couples do get together in a future book.
Realm Breaker is an exceptional book any lover of Tolkien will thoroughly enjoy.
Realm Breaker Rating: ★★★★★