Scan barcode
shotz87's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE the author's writing, especially their dialogue. I don't often find books that are written this well (stylistically). The characters were fun to follow, and they had dynamic personalities. My only issue with this book was that I never really got hooked, and I ended up being bored with the storyline. Unfortunately this impacted how much I enjoyed the book. Regardless, i'd encourage other readers to pick this up, because I think this was just a personal preference on my part.
I LOVE the author's writing, especially their dialogue. I don't often find books that are written this well (stylistically). The characters were fun to follow, and they had dynamic personalities. My only issue with this book was that I never really got hooked, and I ended up being bored with the storyline. Unfortunately this impacted how much I enjoyed the book. Regardless, i'd encourage other readers to pick this up, because I think this was just a personal preference on my part.
candacemressler's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
literatimedium's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
atrailofpages's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh this book! I honestly don’t know how to explain how much I enjoyed this book! I received an advance review copy for free(thank you Booksirens!), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had read a previous book by Robin D Mahle and loved it and I knew I had to read another by them. This book definitely met my expectations and more.
This story follows Adelaide(Addie) who comes into possession of an ancient artifact(reluctantly) and then proceeds to be hunted by literally everyone who wants this artifact to harness its power. Enter Clark(and his reluctant brothers) who kidnap her to take the necklace, and then all this craziness happens with them trying to remove the artifact from her neck, and also avoid enemies, while also trying to find out who is on whose side. So many twists and turns, it was fantastic!
I’ve only ever really read one or two other steampunk style books, but I love steampunk, so I was all for it! The world actually reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle(which is my favorite book ever) so that was a plus for me. The world was lovely. I wish there was a bit more world building, but the glimpses I got were enough to satisfy my imagination, as well as the fashion
I had read a previous book by Robin D Mahle and loved it and I knew I had to read another by them. This book definitely met my expectations and more.
This story follows Adelaide(Addie) who comes into possession of an ancient artifact(reluctantly) and then proceeds to be hunted by literally everyone who wants this artifact to harness its power. Enter Clark(and his reluctant brothers) who kidnap her to take the necklace, and then all this craziness happens with them trying to remove the artifact from her neck, and also avoid enemies, while also trying to find out who is on whose side. So many twists and turns, it was fantastic!
I’ve only ever really read one or two other steampunk style books, but I love steampunk, so I was all for it! The world actually reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle(which is my favorite book ever) so that was a plus for me. The world was lovely. I wish there was a bit more world building, but the glimpses I got were enough to satisfy my imagination, as well as the fashion
ninjaack3rmans's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
taythegreat's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm really excited to see where this story goes!
Who's the bad guys? Who's the good guys? Is steampunk my new favorite genre? I need answers!!
Who's the bad guys? Who's the good guys? Is steampunk my new favorite genre? I need answers!!
alyssadanielson's review
4.0
3.5 Stars - This book hovered between "I liked it" and "I loved it," so I'm rounding to 4 stars. I joined a Facebook group that provides ARCs in exchange for honest reviews. The author is releasing book 3 and wanted readers, but she offered to give us the beginning of the series to catch up with the story. I'm totally nerding out on the fact that authors are emailing me books!
Anyway, The Fractured Empire was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. There were elements of the world that I had definitely experienced before (Peace Keepers, for example), but overall, I thought the ideas were pretty original. Even after reading the first book, I'm still not sure what to think of their world! It's interesting how it feels both current and historical at the same time. There were times when I didn't quite understand what was happening, but if I kept reading, it eventually became clear. The big reveal at the end, didn't have a huge impact on me because, honestly, I kind of forgot who the guy was. I'm also really confused by Xavier's ending. Still, I enjoyed the way the book finished up.
At one point, I was reading about our main character's outfit (a leather corset over her dress, a metal locket with gears on the front), and I was confused by the random details. Then I saw this book was tagged as Steampunk. After a Google search, the world began to make a little more sense to me. I also appreciated how the Steampunk elements were not over-done. I think it would have lost me if that were the case.
For me, the purpose of reading is to let myself be transported into a story and get lost for a few moments. The Fractured Empire was entertaining enough to do that for me. It doesn't have to be the most impactful literature, it just has to suck me in enough for me to keep going. I want to keep reading books 2 and 3 to see what happens to Addie, Clark, Locke, and Gunther (my favorites). If you're looking for a fast-paced, witty adventure in a slightly different, glamorous world, grab a copy of The Fractured Empire.
Anyway, The Fractured Empire was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. There were elements of the world that I had definitely experienced before (Peace Keepers, for example), but overall, I thought the ideas were pretty original. Even after reading the first book, I'm still not sure what to think of their world! It's interesting how it feels both current and historical at the same time. There were times when I didn't quite understand what was happening, but if I kept reading, it eventually became clear. The big reveal at the end,
Spoiler
Jayce being the man who almost killed Clark in the flashback scenesAt one point, I was reading about our main character's outfit (a leather corset over her dress, a metal locket with gears on the front), and I was confused by the random details. Then I saw this book was tagged as Steampunk. After a Google search, the world began to make a little more sense to me. I also appreciated how the Steampunk elements were not over-done. I think it would have lost me if that were the case.
For me, the purpose of reading is to let myself be transported into a story and get lost for a few moments. The Fractured Empire was entertaining enough to do that for me. It doesn't have to be the most impactful literature, it just has to suck me in enough for me to keep going. I want to keep reading books 2 and 3 to see what happens to Addie, Clark, Locke, and Gunther (my favorites). If you're looking for a fast-paced, witty adventure in a slightly different, glamorous world, grab a copy of The Fractured Empire.
kparish's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
_camk_'s review
3.0
This book is 322 page but it felt much shorter since it was an easy read.
Although the plot itself is a little lackluster, the characters are interesting and there is enough drama and action to keep the plot moving along nicely.
Although the plot itself is a little lackluster, the characters are interesting and there is enough drama and action to keep the plot moving along nicely.