1. About the Author: Mai Corland
Mai Corland is a Korean-American author renowned for her contributions to modern fantasy literature. Known for her intricate world-building and culturally rich storytelling, she gained recognition with The Broken Blades series, where Four Ruined Realms is the second installment. Corland’s writing style is characterized by multi-layered characters, political tension, and a strong influence of East Asian mythology and history. Her work has attracted a large fan base among readers who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds blended with emotional depth and cultural nuance.
2. About the Narrators: Sophie Oda, Jaine Ye, Donald Chang, Zion Jang, Greg Chun, Roger Yeh
The audiobook edition of Four Ruined Realms features an exceptional ensemble cast: Sophie Oda, Jaine Ye, Donald Chang, Zion Jang, Greg Chun, and Roger Yeh. Each narrator voices a central character, bringing a rich, dynamic listening experience. Sophie Oda stands out with her sharp and emotionally resonant portrayal of Sora. Greg Chun and Roger Yeh, seasoned voice actors with credits on Netflix and Audible projects, lend professionalism and nuance to their roles. The varied vocal performances allow for clear character distinction, making the audiobook a standout in its genre.
3. Book Overview: Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland
Four Ruined Realms continues the journey from Five Broken Blades, following a group of assassins tasked with stealing the Golden Ring from Queen Quilimar — a mission that could shift the balance of power among four crumbling kingdoms. Deeply inspired by Korean mythology and political drama, the novel explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, redemption, and honor.
Genre: Fantasy – Action – Political Intrigue
Average Rating: 4.3/5 on Goodreads and NetGalley
Awards/Sales: No official awards or sales numbers disclosed, but it enjoys strong praise within fantasy communities for its storytelling depth.
4. Book Review
Four Ruined Realms is a brilliant continuation of the Broken Blades saga. Corland raises the stakes with intense political scheming, unpredictable twists, and layered character development. The strength of the book lies in its world-building — rich in cultural detail and filled with moral complexity.
Each character brings something unique to the narrative. Sora, Euyn, and Aeri evolve emotionally and psychologically, revealing inner conflicts and growing bonds. The multi-POV format enhances empathy and understanding, even toward antagonists.
A minor drawback is the complexity of relationships and politics, which may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with Five Broken Blades. However, for returning fans, the book delivers action, emotional depth, and philosophical reflection.
This fantasy novel is a must-read for fans of character-driven storytelling, Asian-inspired world-building, and high-stakes drama.
5. Audiobook Review
The Four Ruined Realms audiobook is a top-tier production featuring powerful voice acting and immersive delivery. The narrators do more than read — they perform, bringing characters to life with emotion and authenticity.
Sophie Oda’s voice work as Sora is especially compelling, blending strength with vulnerability. Zion Jang and Greg Chun masterfully convey inner conflict, ambition, and tension. The full-cast format enhances immersion, making listeners feel like they’re part of the unfolding drama.
One drawback noted by some listeners is the occasional inconsistency in name pronunciations across narrators, which may disrupt the flow for detail-oriented listeners.
Critical Rating: 4.5/5 on NetGalley and other audiobook platforms
This audiobook is praised for its energy, pacing, and professional narration — an excellent companion to the novel.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
Four Ruined Realms is perfect for:
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Fans of fantasy with political depth and action-packed sequences
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Readers interested in East Asian-inspired world-building
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Listeners who enjoy audiobooks with multi-cast narration
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Readers who love complex characters with emotional arcs
It’s an ideal pick for both audiobook enthusiasts and traditional readers looking for a gripping, intelligent fantasy tale.
7. Conclusion
Four Ruined Realms is a stellar work of fantasy fiction — featuring compelling characters, a richly imagined world, and a riveting plot filled with betrayal and redemption. The audiobook adaptation further elevates the experience with exceptional narration and emotional depth.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Broken Blades series or a newcomer looking for your next immersive listen, this title deserves a place on your reading (or listening) list.
8. Where to Listen
You can listen to the Four Ruined Realms audiobook on the following platforms:
Both services offer free trials and membership perks. Subscribe now to enjoy Four Ruined Realms anytime, anywhere — whether you’re driving, exercising, or relaxing.
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