Step into the shadowy, spellbinding world of the Fallen Blade series by Kelly McCullough, where assassins wield magic, and redemption lurks in the darkest corners. This six-book epic fantasy saga follows Aral Kingslayer, a broken hero haunted by his past as a Blade of Namara, the goddess of justice. With a unique blend of gritty action, intricate world-building, and heartfelt character arcs, Fallen Blade is a hidden gem for fantasy fans craving adventure with a touch of mystery.
From its gripping opening in Broken Blade to its epic finale in Darkened Blade, the series invites readers into a vibrant world of political intrigue, magical familiars, and moral ambiguity. Whether you’re drawn to swashbuckling swordplay or the emotional journey of a fallen hero, Fallen Blade delivers a thrilling ride that’s hard to put down.
How Fallen Blade Began
Kelly McCullough, a former theater enthusiast turned fantasy author, crafted the Fallen Blade series as a departure from his tech-infused WebMage novels. Inspired by classic sword-and-sorcery tales and his love for complex characters, McCullough envisioned a world where assassins served a divine cause, only to face betrayal and loss. Published by Penguin/ACE, the series kicked off with Broken Blade in 2011, quickly earning praise for its fresh take on the assassin archetype and its Asian-inspired setting.
The Heart of Fallen Blade
The series begins with Broken Blade, where Aral Kingslayer, a drunken shadow jack, is pulled back into a life of danger when a mysterious woman hires him for a job. Paired with his Shade familiar, Triss—a living shadow—Aral navigates a city rife with corruption. Bared Blade escalates the stakes as Aral uncovers a stolen artifact and faces new allies and enemies. In Crossed Blades, he confronts the sinister forces behind Namara’s fall, while Darkened Blade caps the saga with a climactic battle for justice against Heaven’s Son.
Themes of redemption, loyalty, and identity weave through the series, set against a backdrop of a medieval Asian-inspired world with a unique magic system. Mages bond with familiars like Shades or gryphinxes, creating dynamic relationships that add depth to the narrative. McCullough’s fast-paced prose and morally gray characters keep readers hooked, while his avoidance of overused tropes—like predictable betrayals—ensures each book feels fresh. Fans on Goodreads praise the series for its “kick-ass fight scenes” and Aral’s emotional evolution, though some note repetitive themes as a minor flaw.
Why Fallen Blade Resonates
Fallen Blade stands out in epic fantasy for its intimate scale and character-driven storytelling. Unlike sprawling epics, it focuses on Aral’s personal journey, making it accessible for newcomers to the genre. Its inclusive elements, like the casual acceptance of bisexuality among the Blades, add a modern touch to the classic fantasy formula. The series has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, with Reddit users recommending it for its magical familiars and noir-detective vibe. While not a cultural juggernaut, Fallen Blade’s blend of action, intrigue, and heart ensures its lasting appeal.
- Publication Years: 2011–2015
- Number of Books: 6
- Genres: Epic Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Mystery
Dive into Broken Blade and lose yourself in the Fallen Blade series’ thrilling world of magic, mayhem, and redemption!