We chat with author Mai Corland about Three Shattered Souls, which is the unmissable final conclusion to the epic Korean-inspired fantasy sensation, The Broken Blades trilogy.
Hi, Mai! Can you tell readers a bit about the Broken Blades trilogy and what readers can expect?
Thanks for having me! The Broken Blades series is about five of the most dangerous liars in the kingdom coming together to try to kill the god king of Yusan. As the Blades form bonds and find love over the three books, there is also betrayal, loss, and enemies assembling from every corner of the four realms. Readers can expect a new adult fantasy best described as Kill Bill meets Ocean’s Eleven.
THREE SHATTERED SOULS is the final installment in the Broken Blades trilogy out July 15. If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Risk it all to win.
Can you tell us a bit about why you wanted your epic fantasy trilogy to feature such powerful female characters and why that was important to you?
The Broken Blades trilogy began with Sora, a poison maiden, who is an indentured servant and Aeri, a jewel thief who has been on her own from a young age. Too many times in epic fantasy, women are the vehicles for men’s ambitions and serve to further their stories without agency of their own. I wanted to change that. In this trilogy, Aeri and Sora finding their paths to freedom and embracing their strengths lies at the heart of the story.
What’s next for you?
I have a new series coming next year with Red Tower and I can’t wait to tell everyone about it! Although it is not formally announced, I can say that there will be a spinoff to the Broken Blades trilogy.
What books are you reading this summer?
I am lucky to have advanced copies of Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer, Strange Familiars by Keshe Chow, and Devious Prey by Scott Reintgen waiting for me! I’m excited to dive in once I’m off deadline.
