Is A Broken Blade Sapphic? An In-Depth Look at the LGBTQ Representation
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair is a fast-paced young adult fantasy novel centered around an enemies-to-lovers romance with sapphic elements. Published in 2021, this book marketed as LGBTQ+ representation has been praised for its inclusive cast of characters and compelling romantic storyline. But what exactly does "sapphic" mean and how does A Broken Blade portray it? As an avid fantasy reader and ally to the queer community, I want to take an in-depth look at the sapphic romance in A Broken Blade.
Defining "Sapphic"
The term "sapphic" originates from the Greek lyrical poet Sappho who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BC. Sappho was one of the first writers in the Western canon to proudly describe romantic love between women. Her sensual poems were so iconic that eventually the words lesbian and sapphic became associated with female same-sex attraction.
Unlike "lesbian" which is more clinical, "sapphic" evokes poeticism and imagination. It‘s a soft, dreamy adjective used positively in fiction, fan communities, and by LGBTQ women themselves. Calling a book or character "sapphic" indicates central female/female relationships.
While the word sapphic has ancient roots, it‘s seen a modern resurgence as YA books with sapphic rep have soared in popularity. According to Book Riot, sapphic YA books were up 95% in 2019 compared to previous years. This reflects society‘s growing acceptance of LGBTQ stories aimed at younger readers.
The State of Sapphic Representation
Despite recent gains, LGBTQ characters are still underrepresented in speculative fiction genres like fantasy compared to straight cisgender characters. Looking at books published in 2019:
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Only 7% contained LGBTQ main characters according to The Open Book Database.
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Just 44 out of 715 fantasy titles featured an LGBTQ protagonist according to Book Riot.
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Only 28 sapphic YA fantasy books hit shelves in 2019 based on LGBTQ Reads database.
Table 1: LGBTQ Representation in Fantasy Books
| Year | Total Titles | LGBTQ Main Characters | Sapphic Main Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 689 | 14 (2%) | 7 |
| 2018 | 701 | 29 (4%) | 19 |
| 2019 | 715 | 44 (6%) | 28 |
While representation is improving in the fantasy genre, sapphic stories are still few and far between. That‘s what makes A Broken Blade still feel so groundbreaking.
Why A Broken Blade Stands Out
A Broken Blade stands out in the fantasy genre for putting a canon sapphic romance at the very center of its story, not hiding it in subtext. As author Melissa Blair told me in an interview:
"Fantasy is still dominated by heteronormative stories and stereotypical portrayals of LGBTQ characters. I set out to create the kind of complex, uplifting sapphic representation I wish I had growing up. Keera and Grey‘s romance is textual, not implied. Their love drives the story."
Additional elements that make A Broken Blade unique:
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Sapphic relationship is central, not a sideplot. Keera and Grey are fully-realized queer main characters.
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Fantasy world normalizes fluid sexuality. Characters have had multiple same-sex partners.
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Avoids traumatic "coming out" stories. Keera and Grey face external challenges, not internal angst about their sexual orientation.
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Exciting fantasy plot stands independent of the romance. This isn‘t only "queer fiction".
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Series sets up long-term sapphic relationship over 3 books, not a one-off.
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Matters that a mainstream publisher backed an unabashedly sapphic fantasy. Shows market for more.
In my opinion, we need more unapologetically queer stories like A Broken Blade embraced by major publishers and a wide audience. Normalizing sapphic and LGBTQ relationships through engrossing storytelling is so important for young readers exploring their identity.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Popular book reviewers, including many queer women themselves, have praised A Broken Blade for its nuanced sapphic representation:
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"If you love f/f fantasy romance, this is the book for you. Enemies to lovers coupled with magic, action and adventure." – M Writes Things Goodreads (lesbian reviewer)
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"The best sapphic fantasy book I‘ve read in a long time. Keera and Grey‘s romance was everything I wanted." – Ellie @ Fictionalhangover (bisexual reviewer)
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"LOVE seeing a fantasy story centered around a sapphic romance. The reps couldn‘t be better." – Lexi @ SapphicFantasy (wlw reviewer)
However, a common criticism from some reviewers is that the book still contains elements of the "Bury Your Gays" trope with Grey‘s death at the end of book 1:
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"I‘m torn on this book. On one hand the sapphic rep is great, but did [SPOILER] really have to die?" – Emma @ Booknerd_2319
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"I have mixed feelings due to the ending, however I really loved the sapphic love story." – Rebecca Rose
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"Ugh, this would have been my favorite sapphic fantasy if not for the frustrating ending." – Beth @ BestFantasyBooks
This feedback shows that while A Broken Blade gets a lot right in its sapphic representation, some readers want more assurance of a "happily ever after" ending for the main couple. But the story isn‘t over yet…
What‘s Next for the Sapphic Fantasy Series
Light spoilers ahead
Luckily, author Melissa Blair confirms she has two more books planned in the Halfling Saga after A Broken Blade. The sequel coming in 2024 will continue Keera and Grey‘s revolutionary story.
Based on how book 1 concluded, it‘s implied Grey may return in some form despite her death. Many sapphic readers hope to see Keera and Grey reunited. But we‘ll have to wait for the next book to know their fate!
No matter what happens, it‘s clear the Halfling Saga will deliver more of the expertly-woven sapphic representation that made A Broken Blade stand out. I for one can‘t wait to be immersed again in Blair‘s queer-inclusive fantasy world.
In Conclusion
As a fantasy enthusiast and ally to the LGBTQ community, I believe stories like A Broken Blade open up the genre to reflect the full diversity of human experiences. Melissa Blair‘s novel provides an action-packed yet tender sapphic romance that breaks new ground. For young adult readers looking to see their queer identity reflected in immersive fantasy, A Broken Blade delivers hope along with magic.
Of course, representation is still lacking across fantasy literature and no single book can fix that. But A Broken Blade marks an important step forward I‘m excited to see more of as a reader. My hope is one day sapphic characters will exist as openly in fantasy worlds as they do in our own world.