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A review by frenchpb
Broken Bonds by J. Bree
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Dark poly/reverse harem series with a paranormal/fast twist are right up my allley. This book has a YA FMC, which isn’t my favorite but I’m willing to ride it out.
The books has a lot slow pacing but follows a day-to-day story telling format. I was expecting more world building but there are several unanswered questions and secrets and how this gifted community functions and the bonding process. It’s a struggle to have a MMMMF reverse harem romance and don’t have basic information about the characters beside their disparate but equally brooding personalities. We really don’t know any of the ages of the bonded except for Oleander. It’s clear that some of her bonded are closer to her age (Atlas, Gabe) while others appear to be older (Nox, North, Gryphon), but what exactly is the age difference if Oleander found out she was bonded at the age of 14 and met them 5 years late? How come we don’t at least know a little about ANY of their gifts when the presence of gifts is such a central plot point for this world? The main characters have the same energy throughout 80% of the book, and for me, it got really frustrating for there to be seemingly no budge, give, or shift.
I have to remind myself that the FMC is 19 and has been on her on for 5 years at the start of the book. Oleander as the FMC is very angst, stubborn, bratty, and secretive. As a result her personality is insistently bratty, and I don’t find her to be likeable (maybe that will chance since this series has 6 books).
Four of the five of her bonds are no better. All of them seem to be operating with a lot of frustration, projections, and mistrust that fuel each other’s disdain. At this point, I don’t find anyone likeable or anyone to root for except for the best friend relationship between Oli and Sage. Everyone else can keep it. I’m going to stick with this series because the end of the book delivered with the build up. BUT I’m worried about the pacing and what I predict will be some stagnation between the character development and thus the plot.
Writing 3/5 - some grammatical trip ups and continuity issues with details and plot points. It’s as if the author forgot about some of the details mentioned earlier and slightly rewrote them in a later chapter. I would flip back to re-read and make sure I wasn’t missing something. Usually if I have to re-read a part, it’s a sign that there is an issue with the writing.
The books has a lot slow pacing but follows a day-to-day story telling format. I was expecting more world building but there are several unanswered questions and secrets and how this gifted community functions and the bonding process. It’s a struggle to have a MMMMF reverse harem romance and don’t have basic information about the characters beside their disparate but equally brooding personalities. We really don’t know any of the ages of the bonded except for Oleander. It’s clear that some of her bonded are closer to her age (Atlas, Gabe) while others appear to be older (Nox, North, Gryphon), but what exactly is the age difference if Oleander found out she was bonded at the age of 14 and met them 5 years late? How come we don’t at least know a little about ANY of their gifts when the presence of gifts is such a central plot point for this world? The main characters have the same energy throughout 80% of the book, and for me, it got really frustrating for there to be seemingly no budge, give, or shift.
I have to remind myself that the FMC is 19 and has been on her on for 5 years at the start of the book. Oleander as the FMC is very angst, stubborn, bratty, and secretive. As a result her personality is insistently bratty, and I don’t find her to be likeable (maybe that will chance since this series has 6 books).
Four of the five of her bonds are no better. All of them seem to be operating with a lot of frustration, projections, and mistrust that fuel each other’s disdain. At this point, I don’t find anyone likeable or anyone to root for except for the best friend relationship between Oli and Sage. Everyone else can keep it. I’m going to stick with this series because the end of the book delivered with the build up. BUT I’m worried about the pacing and what I predict will be some stagnation between the character development and thus the plot.
Writing 3/5 - some grammatical trip ups and continuity issues with details and plot points. It’s as if the author forgot about some of the details mentioned earlier and slightly rewrote them in a later chapter. I would flip back to re-read and make sure I wasn’t missing something. Usually if I have to re-read a part, it’s a sign that there is an issue with the writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent