utopiastateofmind's review
3.0
This is more like a 3.5 for me. I enjoyed the school aspects, as well as the blend of mythology and the present day. But I felt confused by a great deal of this, partly because the narrator himself is confused and kept in the dark. But it felt a tiny bit like the blind leading the blind. That being said, if you like mythology about the dead, a YA setting, and a boarding school background - this could be for you!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-broken-circle-j-l-powers/
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-broken-circle-j-l-powers/
belladonna624's review
4.0
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts in any way.
Adam is a 15 year old who doesn’t sleep for fear of falling into his bad dream. He is sent to a boarding school to learn how to take over the family business, which is a mystery to him. I really liked this book. The story was so different from anything else I’ve read. Adam was a likable character and didn’t feel forced into a teenager mold. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
Adam is a 15 year old who doesn’t sleep for fear of falling into his bad dream. He is sent to a boarding school to learn how to take over the family business, which is a mystery to him. I really liked this book. The story was so different from anything else I’ve read. Adam was a likable character and didn’t feel forced into a teenager mold. I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
jennifermreads's review
4.0
Received advanced reader copy from author. Review is honest and unsolicited.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
When Adam’s dad sends him to a boarding school so he can “take over the family business,” Adam has his suspicions what that business is but he isn’t completely certain. He is certain that nearly every time he falls asleep, he is haunted by a monster that stalks and attempts to attack him. Will boarding school help with that?
What a fantastic & unique premise to this start of a series {it will be a series, Jessica & Matt, right?!?!? Well, you did let drop when I got the ARC that more were planned!}. When I sat down to think about read-alikes for this book, because I will be asked for “something like Broken Circle” while anxious readers await the next installment, I had a hard time coming up with something. Life, death, the great in-between, guides to lead you here & there, and then toss in a boarding school to learn about it all? A wildly, wonderful new story with, as far as I can tell, not a similar story in sight!
I must say though, I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book. But, I had the distinct feeling that I was supposed to be confused so that I could identify with the chaos going through Adam’s mind.
Where I felt like the novel could use a little bit more attention was in the character development. I do not feel like I really got to know Sean, Tomás, and Zachary well enough to follow the leap to them becoming friends with Adam – especially after Dad told Adam “trust no one.” With an admonishment like that, I need some serious convincing that a character is okay to count as “on Adam’s side.” I do feel like I got to know Rachel and Liliana a bit better than the others. Both of those gals have me thoroughly intrigued and I’m eager to know more about their pasts and futures.
Full disclosure: Jessica is an author local to me and she graciously gives a good chunk of time to my library as a volunteer. But she gave me this ARC without any conditions. The passion I feel for the premise and the eagerness I have to read more is purely mine.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
When Adam’s dad sends him to a boarding school so he can “take over the family business,” Adam has his suspicions what that business is but he isn’t completely certain. He is certain that nearly every time he falls asleep, he is haunted by a monster that stalks and attempts to attack him. Will boarding school help with that?
What a fantastic & unique premise to this start of a series {it will be a series, Jessica & Matt, right?!?!? Well, you did let drop when I got the ARC that more were planned!}. When I sat down to think about read-alikes for this book, because I will be asked for “something like Broken Circle” while anxious readers await the next installment, I had a hard time coming up with something. Life, death, the great in-between, guides to lead you here & there, and then toss in a boarding school to learn about it all? A wildly, wonderful new story with, as far as I can tell, not a similar story in sight!
I must say though, I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book. But, I had the distinct feeling that I was supposed to be confused so that I could identify with the chaos going through Adam’s mind.
Where I felt like the novel could use a little bit more attention was in the character development. I do not feel like I really got to know Sean, Tomás, and Zachary well enough to follow the leap to them becoming friends with Adam – especially after Dad told Adam “trust no one.” With an admonishment like that, I need some serious convincing that a character is okay to count as “on Adam’s side.” I do feel like I got to know Rachel and Liliana a bit better than the others. Both of those gals have me thoroughly intrigued and I’m eager to know more about their pasts and futures.
Full disclosure: Jessica is an author local to me and she graciously gives a good chunk of time to my library as a volunteer. But she gave me this ARC without any conditions. The passion I feel for the premise and the eagerness I have to read more is purely mine.
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