A review by qdbibliophile
Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King

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