erinarkin20's review against another edition
3.0
Review to comeBefore the Broken Star is the first book of The Evermore Chronicles by Emily R. King. I picked this one up on a whim as I was drawn in by the idea of this character with a clockwork heart. From the start, this story grabbed my attention and I found it to be a fairly quick read.
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. As the only survivor of her family’s assassination, she is determined to confront the person responsible for taking everything from her. As she finds herself on a cursed island uncovering secrets and finding things she never expected, Everley must figure out if revenge is really the most important thing. As a character, I loved her determination and willingness to sacrifice what she wants for the safety of those around her.
The story and the world building are done well by King and helped get me into the right frame of mind. I know this sounds weird, but I was immediately interested in this idea that women who were arrested were being sent to this penal colony (what is believed to be a cursed island) to essentially marry and populate the island in support of the Kingdom. The idea that these forced marriages would be a positive thing set my teeth on edge and then Everley finds herself married to a man she hardly knows. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Jamison had the right intentions, but it was definitely not what she wanted.
I like the relationship that developed between Everley and Jamison. They definitely don’t fully trust one another but there is something there between them from the very beginning and although they hit some bumps along the way, they do begin to build something.
There is plenty of action in this book to move the story along and quite a few twists that kept me turning the pages. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely check out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. As the only survivor of her family’s assassination, she is determined to confront the person responsible for taking everything from her. As she finds herself on a cursed island uncovering secrets and finding things she never expected, Everley must figure out if revenge is really the most important thing. As a character, I loved her determination and willingness to sacrifice what she wants for the safety of those around her.
The story and the world building are done well by King and helped get me into the right frame of mind. I know this sounds weird, but I was immediately interested in this idea that women who were arrested were being sent to this penal colony (what is believed to be a cursed island) to essentially marry and populate the island in support of the Kingdom. The idea that these forced marriages would be a positive thing set my teeth on edge and then Everley finds herself married to a man she hardly knows. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Jamison had the right intentions, but it was definitely not what she wanted.
I like the relationship that developed between Everley and Jamison. They definitely don’t fully trust one another but there is something there between them from the very beginning and although they hit some bumps along the way, they do begin to build something.
There is plenty of action in this book to move the story along and quite a few twists that kept me turning the pages. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely check out the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
illidia316's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a unique story! I love the idea behind a character with a clock for a heart. The author’s writing style is very easy to read and the characters are all great. There are definitely plot twists that came from out of nowhere. Emily King is a new to me author, and I definitely will read more of her books!
alyram4's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read any of this author's books, but I've been meaning to. I actually chose this as my Amazon First Reads, and then I ended up receiving an ARC for this as well.
So, here we are.
Honestly, I didn't particularly like this one as much as I thought. The summary sounded good, but to be honest the summary didn't catch my eye much either. I went into this with pretty much a neutral expectation. I wasn't expecting anything amazing or expecting to hate it. In the end, my thoughts are pretty much the same. I thought it was alright, but it just didn't fully reach my and get me interested in the story.
I thought the flow of the story was pretty simple and clean. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary or something so cliche. It was just...average. Characters developed pretty well, but there's definitely a lot more room for improvement, which I assume will happen in the next books. I didn't get attached to any of the characters though, not even Everyley.
Honestly, if you love the summary, go ahead and give it a shot. If you hate the summary, just give this one a pass. If you aren't exactly sure how you feel about the summary, maybe waiting for a library hold or a kindle sale may work out better. or even go to the bookstore and read a couple chapters. I think the blurb will really tell on how you may enjoy this book.
ARC provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
So, here we are.
Honestly, I didn't particularly like this one as much as I thought. The summary sounded good, but to be honest the summary didn't catch my eye much either. I went into this with pretty much a neutral expectation. I wasn't expecting anything amazing or expecting to hate it. In the end, my thoughts are pretty much the same. I thought it was alright, but it just didn't fully reach my and get me interested in the story.
I thought the flow of the story was pretty simple and clean. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary or something so cliche. It was just...average. Characters developed pretty well, but there's definitely a lot more room for improvement, which I assume will happen in the next books. I didn't get attached to any of the characters though, not even Everyley.
Honestly, if you love the summary, go ahead and give it a shot. If you hate the summary, just give this one a pass. If you aren't exactly sure how you feel about the summary, maybe waiting for a library hold or a kindle sale may work out better. or even go to the bookstore and read a couple chapters. I think the blurb will really tell on how you may enjoy this book.
ARC provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
millennialbookreview's review against another edition
1.0
Before the Broken Star didn't really impress me. The ideas were there and the author had plenty of opportunity to create an interesting story, but failed to deliver. The novel suffered from poor pacing and not really knowing what it wanted to be about. The author has a very unique style and knows how to create a scene, but struggles to weave together a compelling plot.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
qdbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
~REVIEW🖋~
The Quick and Dirty:
Compelling characters - ✅
Complex and vivid world building - ✅
Strong story arc complete with plot twists - ✅
Revenge storyline, strong female characters, epic sword battles, monstrous sea beasts & a quest into a fabled land where trees have the power of creation, all while fighting against time - ✅✅✅✅✅✅
Everley is a girl whose family was murdered by her father's partner, Markham. She was thought dead but her uncle saved her by fashioning her a clock heart to replace her beating one. When she learns Markham is in town but about to set sail for Dagger Island, she finds a way onto his ship, intent on exacting her pound of flesh. Fate has bigger plans for her than just revenge though. Everley learns Markham's true identity and finds herself on an epic journey that will test her wit, her resolve and the strength of her heart.
I love Emily King's world building. Her descriptions are always vibrant and so vivid that you can easily imagine yourself as a bystander, watching the action unfold before your eyes. My only qualm was how badly poor Jamison was treated. I hope Everley realizes what an asset he is in the next book! There were also moments where he felt more like an ancillary character or an after thought than part of the main cast, though after the last chapter in this book, I anticipate that will change. Can't wait to read Into the Hourglass!
Overall: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Steam: 💋make out only
Feels: 😫😆😲😰😬😤
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: Yes
Location: Various, including Wyeth/Dorestand, Dagger Island, The Everwoods
Character age range: late teens/early 20s
Lead: Everley/Evie Donovan
Love interest(s): Jamison Callahan
HEA: No - cliff hanger
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audible: Yes - Narrated by Lauren Ezzo
Series: Yes - The Evermore Chronicles - Book 1
1. Before the Broken Star - released 6/1/19
2. Into the Hourglass - releasing 8/20/19
~QD~🔥
Sex/kink type: None, kissing only
Possible triggers: murder, betrayal, mention of rape
cmsemonco's review against another edition
5.0
First off, I adore a good #genderbender. And second, twists on fairytales are my weakness. The girl with the clockwork heart. Steampunk Pinocchio. I loved this character because she was flawed. She made poor decisions fueled by revenge above all else. The love interest isn’t quite a...love interest? I can’t say without spoiling but if you enjoy a well worked world, grab this up. I have the ebook but I’m ordering a hardback copy because IT IS GORGEOUS UNDER THAT DUST JACKET. I have an advance copy of the sequel, Into the Hourglass, thanks to #Netgalley and #Skyscape so I hope to finish that in the next day or two!
the_immortal_library's review against another edition
4.0
📚 review 📚 Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King.
....….........
After witnessing the murder of her family Everly O’Shae (Donovan) is saved by her uncle a clock shop worker, and has been training her whole life to take revenge. She is caught in a raid of an illegal fight and gets sent to an island full of convicts. This gets her closer to her mark. While on her way to the island she is married to the lieutenant. A young man with a hard past of his own. As she gets closer to her goal her world is shaken by magic and tales she believed weren’t true. One of these tales can bring about the end of her world. Can she save her friends and her world or will time run out on her?
.....................
This book was very entertaining, it took me a while to get used to Everly. She was very selfish and proud and headstrong. Revenge really played a strong part of her story, so much she risked her life for it. The premise that this world doesn’t necessarily posses magic but she lives when she shouldn’t is very interesting. Crossing worlds was also refreshing. Finding that old children stories are real was enjoyable. the sceneries are vivid, the villains are charming as treacherous, and the heroes lovable, strong and loyal. I really recommend this book if you like fantasy, plot twists, and chaos.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #Netgalley #beforethebrokenstar #emilyrking @emily_r_king
....….........
After witnessing the murder of her family Everly O’Shae (Donovan) is saved by her uncle a clock shop worker, and has been training her whole life to take revenge. She is caught in a raid of an illegal fight and gets sent to an island full of convicts. This gets her closer to her mark. While on her way to the island she is married to the lieutenant. A young man with a hard past of his own. As she gets closer to her goal her world is shaken by magic and tales she believed weren’t true. One of these tales can bring about the end of her world. Can she save her friends and her world or will time run out on her?
.....................
This book was very entertaining, it took me a while to get used to Everly. She was very selfish and proud and headstrong. Revenge really played a strong part of her story, so much she risked her life for it. The premise that this world doesn’t necessarily posses magic but she lives when she shouldn’t is very interesting. Crossing worlds was also refreshing. Finding that old children stories are real was enjoyable. the sceneries are vivid, the villains are charming as treacherous, and the heroes lovable, strong and loyal. I really recommend this book if you like fantasy, plot twists, and chaos.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #Netgalley #beforethebrokenstar #emilyrking @emily_r_king
the_immortal_library's review against another edition
4.0
📚 review 📚 Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King.
....….........
After witnessing the murder of her family Everly O’Shae (Donovan) is saved by her uncle a clock shop worker, and has been training her whole life to take revenge. She is caught in a raid of an illegal fight and gets sent to an island full of convicts. This gets her closer to her mark. While on her way to the island she is married to the lieutenant. A young man with a hard past of his own. As she gets closer to her goal her world is shaken by magic and tales she believed weren’t true. One of these tales can bring about the end of her world. Can she save her friends and her world or will time run out on her?
.....................
This book was very entertaining, it took me a while to get used to Everly. She was very selfish and proud and headstrong. Revenge really played a strong part of her story, so much she risked her life for it. The premise that this world doesn’t necessarily posses magic but she lives when she shouldn’t is very interesting. Crossing worlds was also refreshing. Finding that old children stories are real was enjoyable. the sceneries are vivid, the villains are charming as treacherous, and the heroes lovable, strong and loyal. I really recommend this book if you like fantasy, plot twists, and chaos.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #Netgalley #beforethebrokenstar #emilyrking @emily_r_king
Disclaimer: I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
....….........
After witnessing the murder of her family Everly O’Shae (Donovan) is saved by her uncle a clock shop worker, and has been training her whole life to take revenge. She is caught in a raid of an illegal fight and gets sent to an island full of convicts. This gets her closer to her mark. While on her way to the island she is married to the lieutenant. A young man with a hard past of his own. As she gets closer to her goal her world is shaken by magic and tales she believed weren’t true. One of these tales can bring about the end of her world. Can she save her friends and her world or will time run out on her?
.....................
This book was very entertaining, it took me a while to get used to Everly. She was very selfish and proud and headstrong. Revenge really played a strong part of her story, so much she risked her life for it. The premise that this world doesn’t necessarily posses magic but she lives when she shouldn’t is very interesting. Crossing worlds was also refreshing. Finding that old children stories are real was enjoyable. the sceneries are vivid, the villains are charming as treacherous, and the heroes lovable, strong and loyal. I really recommend this book if you like fantasy, plot twists, and chaos.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ #Netgalley #beforethebrokenstar #emilyrking @emily_r_king
Disclaimer: I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
whoaexedge's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
darbysbookland's review against another edition
4.0
Arc provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review -
4.5/5
Pirates and monsters, fairytales and clockmakers, a girl with a clock for a heart. What a wonderful combination! This book was full of intrigue and mystery, with so many twists and turns I didn't want to put it down!
Everley is living with her uncle - the man who gave her the clock in her chest where her heart should be, the clock that keeps her alive - when her world is turned upside down. She is a spunky, badass main character who doesn't let go of what she believes in or holds dear to her heart. Her frustration felt so real and I loved going on this adventure with her.
Some of the plot points were fairly predictable, and I guessed at a good few correctly, but some still had me staring at the page with my mouth wide open like a fish wondering how King's mind came up with this wonderful story. The magic is fairly well explained, though not the most flushed out. The world building was really well done, and the description was breathtaking.
All in all, this book was so much fun and I plan to purchase it to have on my shelf so I can reread when I need a pick-me-up.
4.5/5
Pirates and monsters, fairytales and clockmakers, a girl with a clock for a heart. What a wonderful combination! This book was full of intrigue and mystery, with so many twists and turns I didn't want to put it down!
Everley is living with her uncle - the man who gave her the clock in her chest where her heart should be, the clock that keeps her alive - when her world is turned upside down. She is a spunky, badass main character who doesn't let go of what she believes in or holds dear to her heart. Her frustration felt so real and I loved going on this adventure with her.
Some of the plot points were fairly predictable, and I guessed at a good few correctly, but some still had me staring at the page with my mouth wide open like a fish wondering how King's mind came up with this wonderful story. The magic is fairly well explained, though not the most flushed out. The world building was really well done, and the description was breathtaking.
All in all, this book was so much fun and I plan to purchase it to have on my shelf so I can reread when I need a pick-me-up.