“Five Broken Blades” Author Mai Corland to Publish Sequel to Bestselling Romantasy Novel (Exclusive)

‘Four Ruined Realms’ will hit bookstores next year

Fans of the New York Times bestselling novel Five Broken Blades are in for a treat — author Mai Corland is writing a sequel.

PEOPLE can exclusively reveal that the author will publish a sequel to the novel. Four Ruined Realms will be published by Entangled Publishing early next year.

"From international bestseller lists to indie staff picks, I’m so grateful to every reader who has picked up Five Broken Blades,” Corland tells PEOPLE. “I am thrilled to continue the series with the absolutely stunning cover, art and edges for Four Ruined Realms. Our killers continue on their quests for freedom and revenge but the lies have only just begun.”

Corland’s debut Five Broken Blades hit #3 on the New York Times bestseller list in May 2024, and is one of this summer’s most anticipated books on TikTok. The novel takes place in the mysterious land of Yusan, where the country’s five most dangerous liars are mysteriously summoned with one objective: to kill the country’s ruler, god king Joon.

The king is set to die at the hands of the assassins — including a hit man on the search for atonement, a killer seeking freedom and a prince who was previously banished for a horrible crime. And while all five killers can agree on getting rid of their target, they must learn to trust each other first if they are to accomplish anything.

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Four Ruined Realms picks off where the last book left off, and will include a story in which “the lies are bigger and the plots more treacherous when your favorite backstabbers return,” per the book’s official description.

Corland previously spoke about writing her debut with Publishers Weekly, and touched upon some of the benefits and challenges that came with writing Five Broken Blades.

Related: Melissa Blair Announces Final Book in Her Romantasy Halfling Saga (Exclusive)

“With six narrators, I’ve been able to explore love, friendship, quests and intrigue in a way that may not be considered romantasy but is deeply romantic,” the author said. “I love the excitement that comes from none of the characters being assured a happy ending, which I think gives more flexibility as an author and leads to tension for the reader.”

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Four Ruined Realms will be published on Jan. 7, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.

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