Scan barcode
A review by alyssadanielson
The Fractured Empire by Robin D. Mahle
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.