Parents' Guide to

Realm Breaker: Realm Breaker, Book 1

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Slow-starting but riveting quest has potential to turn epic.

Book Victoria Aveyard Fantasy 2021
Realm Breaker: Realm Breaker, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

REALM BREAKER is the first book in best-selling author Victoria Aveyard's The Red Queen quadrology) second multiple-perspective fantasy series. Realm Breaker is more of a Fellowship story than a Chosen One story and follows a group of unexpected allies who must work together to save their universe from a seemingly insurmountable evil force. It's difficult to condense the intricate world-building plot, but it's Tolkienesque in nature. In the fantasy universe of Allward, there's a dark force growing across the lands, causing kingdoms to blame each other when really there's a Bad Guy opening portals into dangerous other dimensions thanks to his Corblood and use of a magical Spindle (which very few people can wield). Seventeen-year-old Corayne an-Amarat thinks she's the daughter of one of the most devious pirates on the seas and a deadbeat dad, but it turns out she's also a Corblood (a descendant of human travelers from another realm) who can wield Spindleblade that can stop the villains. Naturally sheltered Corayne can't do anything alone, so she's on the mission with help from Andry, the young squire who witnessed the horrors of what happens when the Spindles are used; immortal Elder Prince Dom who was her father's companion/father figure; Sorasa an exiled assassin; and three other misfits that join them along the way on their Fellowship of the Ring-like quest to stop the villain Taristan and his Rasputin-like wizard.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (2 ):

Despite a slow beginning and overlong plot, this series starter benefits from compelling characters, extensive world-building, and the promise of an even more interesting sequel. Author Victoria Aveyard knows how to build a world, but there's almost too much exposition to follow in a seamless way. Adding to the almost convoluted nature of the plot is the multiple points of view. Aveyard knows how to balance the large ensemble, but readers will still enjoy some points of view more than others. One of the villain's chapters, while disturbing, is refreshing for how frank she is about her ruthless ambition. Another stand-out perspective is the female assassin Sorasa, who has been exiled from her guild and keeps to her own morally gray code of honor. Andry defies expectations as Corayne's probable love interest. He's no six-pack-sporting alpha male; he's a soft-hearted, thoughtful, and loving squire-turned-rebel.

One of the more surprising parts of the story is that it doesn't focus on romance. The Red Queen saga was downright messy with its various romantic entanglements, so it's unexpected that Aveyard chose to focus on the character-building and plot without an overt central love story (for now). The potential is there for a few different "ships," but this is more about the Lord of the Rings-style fellowship than some overarching one true love. Those who prefer more romance in their fantasies may need to wait until the next installment, but there's more than enough flirty banter to keep readers invested about who will get together. It may take some readers a while to keep the many threads of the story straight, but once the crew is assembled and the action picks up, this book will ultimately feel unputdownable.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Realm Breaker. Why is it necessary to the story? Does realistic violence disturb you more than fantasy violence, or is it the same?

  • Discuss how this is an example of the "ragtag group of misfits" story arc? Can you name other examples of motley crew's on a mission?

  • How is romance handled in the book? Are you surprised there's not more of it? Which pairings are you rooting will get together in the next installment?

  • Do you think multiple-point-of-view narratives impact readers differently than single-POV novels? Which characters' perspectives do you like most? Are there any characters whose chapters you wish weren't included?

Book Details

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