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With Kira injured and dying, Octavion's last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla's magic isn't free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he's fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara? Find out when BROKEN takes you on a journey into the savage and unpredictable world of Ophira.

365 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2012

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961 people want to read

About the author

C.K. Bryant

6 books252 followers

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5 stars
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443 (33%)
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187 (14%)
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31 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Ali Cross.
Author 26 books685 followers
June 5, 2012
I loved BOUND. I loved that Kira was a normal girl faced with an impossible turn of events. Loved the different take on fantasy (other worlds, a dangerous curse), and loved Bryant's fresh and readable voice.

But BROKEN.

Wow.

If BOUND was a five for me, BROKEN, is a seven, an eight . . . a TEN!

Reading it was like having someone grabbing my heart in their fist and squeezing it every few pages. Every time I thought I had it figured out and that such-and-such was going to happen (no spoilers here!) I was taken right to the edge and then . . . delivered a surprise.

The only bad thing I have to say is . . . I DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!
Profile Image for Megan.
376 reviews40 followers
June 9, 2012
How could they possibly leave us hanging like this! The anticipation for the next book will be the death of me! Kira can't be dead, I refuse to believe that. She is simply at Nigel's and he is nursing her back to health. I hope there won't be any love connection there, Octavion and Kira have enough problems as it is. And Lydia needs to return before I really lose it!

I love how long these books are. The story isn't perfectly organized and there are a lot of events that happen back to back, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Most of everything is unpredictable and its mind boggling to process sometimes. It seriously brought me out of the sci-fi fantasy box I've been stuck in. I really need the third one ASAP!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Auburn1975.
49 reviews
June 8, 2012
I really loved this beautiful new series; well written and exciting (heart still racing) from beginning of book one to very end of book two. I have hardly seen any author evolve their characters as does Ms Bryant. Can't wait for final book to be released to learn if the curse will be resolved, what all happens/who will live & where, what gifts will be lost and gained in the end. Oh, book two does have a huge cliff-hanger so you might want to wait to read the 3 books together.
Profile Image for Jessica.
160 reviews20 followers
August 3, 2012
Absolutely adore this series! My heart stopped at the end and i immidiately had to go to Ms. Bryant's website to find out if there was going to be a 3rd book! Broken picks up right where Bound left off and the story delves more into who Kira becomes, the progression of the crystors magic, and how her relationship with Octavian unfolds. You also learn more about Altaria, as well as Lydia and Octavian's family and heritage. This book def has more spunk and whit, but more emotion as well.
Profile Image for Ashly.
438 reviews27 followers
October 8, 2012
Wow these books just keep getting better and better. I cannot wait until 2013 to finally get the last book in the trilogy. Kira is one kick ass young woman and I cannot wait to see what is held in store for her next!
Profile Image for Velma.
3 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2012
Love the book so far - a real page turner. I wish I could read faster to find out what is going to happen next!!
Profile Image for Trisha Walton.
7 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2012
I cannot wait until book #3 comes out. This ended with a cliff hanger...what a great book!!!
Profile Image for T..
Author 2 books27 followers
December 31, 2014
1.5 stars

Back when I first read Bound, I knew I would like it, and for a long time I put it off simply so that I could give it the time and attention it needed. I did much of the same for Broken—which, in hindsight, was probably the worst thing I could’ve done. Not only had I spent so much time away from the story that I forgot all the important stuff (I thought I remembered, but boy was I wrong, and there are no reminders), but I also grew apart from it in a way that I never really regained. Bound and I got along splendidly. It surprised me with its awesomeness, truly. Broken left me hanging in the middle of the road without the hope of hitchhiking down Interested Highway.

Broken’s title is not a misleading one. It picks up right after the events of Bound, with Kira’s injuries having put her in a steep sickness and Octavion’s desperation to cure her of it, at any cost to himself. And this right here is the only reason I probably read this book—for Octavion, and his seriously unmatched love for Kira. He is so completely in love with her that he redeems every other cardboard, skim-worthy element of this book.

Whatever spark Bound had, Broken strips it away and throws it to the dogs. Glimmers of sweet banter between Octavion and Kira—even between Kira and Ussay, the commoner who lives in the Royal’s castle as a handmaiden, and Cade, who I thought should’ve been gay, and Nigel, who seemed incredibly sweet even for his brief air time. So, I guess, it boils down to the reason I read and completed this book was all because the characters.

Other than Kira herself, of course. The girl was mired in insecurity and insipidity the whole way through, and there isn’t a single pet peeve I hate more than a perfectly functional and totally workable relationship coming to ruins at the hands of a girl who, despite all signs pointing north, decides to head south instead. Like, really? The man clearly loves you. All it took was one second—maybe two, at the max—of her misreading a situation to undo everything she and Octavion worked for in their relationship. Besides which, she’s also morphed into this crazily vindictive, bullheaded, petty twerp of a nitpicker.

Coupled with the angle of absolutely nothing of import happening until the last, like, 100 pages, half of which I skimmed because what the fuck, Broken fell apart in more ways than one for me. It felt like an entirely different book than Bound, and, in many ways, you know, it totally is, but at the same time, that’s not exactly an improvement on its part. I really wanted to like this one—at least as much as I did its predecessor—and I even went into it without any preconceived notions of whether I’d like it or not to help boost my chances of enjoying it, but no. This one’s a big fat no for me.

Still interested in the third book, Beloved, though; if for nothing else, then to see how it all ends.
Profile Image for Christine.
653 reviews85 followers
June 29, 2012

Oh. My. Word. I don't even know how to begin this review because I have SOOOO many words of praise filling my mind right now. Alright, let me attempt to process this book and put together a review that won't be comparable to a teenage fan-girl's "O-M-G, I lurve you, Ms. Bryant" fanmail.

Alright, so if you haven't started this series, you have NO EXCUSE! Why?! Because Bound, book one, is free right now on Amazon for your Kindle or Kindle reading app. Just go to Bound on Amazon. Alright, now go, purchase this book, read it (it'll take you a day, because you won't be able to put it down), come back here and read this review. After you're done reading Bound and then this review, you'll, of course want to go purchase Broken. If you don't...Well, then, I guess you must not enjoy master storytelling, complicated-but-beautiful romance, otherworldly princes and princesses, strong heroines...Do I need to go on?

Broken took up right where Bound left off. And from the start this book was an emotional roller coaster for me. It starts with the desperation of both Kira and Lydia gravely wounded. And while knowing that these two front-burner characters are most-likely going to pull through, there is still an amazing strength behind Octavion's hopelessness that pulled me in. I felt his desperation.

Then, there's some happiness. Again, I was pulled in and drowned in the greatness of Octavion and Kira's complicated relationship.

About midway through the book, there was a scene. I won't even begin to tell you what it was about because it's not something that I can or should give away. It's a pivotal part of the story that deals with some fall-out. It's a scene that plays between Kira and Octavion. I'm going to be honest and say that RARELY does a book move me to tears. Rarely. But this scene was HEARTBREAKING. And I am so beyond impressed with Ms. Bryant's ability to take this story to the depths that she did. Simply amazing.

The book ends after a few more up and downs. The ending is most-assuredly a cliff-hanger. And it's one that will leave you anticipating Ms. Bryant's next installment in this series.

This series is on my list of MUST-READS. If you've been wanting to read this for awhile and haven't gotten to it, I implore you to wait no longer.

Christy @ Captivated Reading
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,031 reviews25.3k followers
November 18, 2015
With Kira injured and dying, Octavion's last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla's magic isn't free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he's fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara?

Octavian has taken Kira to his home of Xantara. Both she and his sister, Lydia, are gravely injured. Even after Kira has been healed, she is in constant danger from Octavian's other evil sister, Shandira. What I liked about this book is Kira's ease in adjusting to a completely new world without all the comforts we are so accustomed to. She even easily adjusts to the period style clothing they wear in this world. And the love she shares with Octavian is everything she could ever dream of. I liked the way that she stays independent, even in this new world, and even though Octavian is constantly trying to control things. She is so much stronger then she gives herself credit for.

What I didn't like about the book is that the whole sci-fi element was a little much for me. Octavian and his family are all shape shifters and the mere site of a spec of human blood can send them over the edge. His relationship with Kira is in constant peril because he can't always control himself. I just can't accept that they would be willing to love each other with this constant danger. And also, Kira at times got on my nerves with her doubts concerning Octavian.

The book ends on a huge cliff hanger, though, so C.K. Bryant did her job and left me wanting to know what happens next so I will definitely finish the series when the next book comes out.

Profile Image for Victoria W..
273 reviews28 followers
August 13, 2012
I'll confess I almost didn't read this series.

Someone compared it to Twilight and I cringed, put it down, and said not for me. Until I needed something to read and 4 hours later still hadn't put the book down, much to my husband's amusement.

The Crystor Series is not traditionally classic literature. It, most likely, will not be an enduring classic.
However, for those who like a good sci-fi with a female lead, The crystor series is a fun option.
If you're impatient, be warned, the third one comes out in 2013.

So dislikes . . .

Still not a huge fan of Octavian.
I understand he's a wounded, cut-off character but, every time I start to warm up to him, he goes and does something stupid. I'm also not a fan of the secret he chooses to keep from Kira in this section of the trilogy, no matter what his reasons.


Other dislike,

Sometimes the plot feels a bit cliche, usually around the royals interactions with the commoners.

Likes.

Kira, Lydia, pretty much any important female character. I'm fine with mousy female characters in literature, I know they exist in real life, therefore, they should exist in writing.
I love when characters grow in the story. Especially in YA feeling books, because it reflects real life, and these female characters are certainly wrestling with their lives.


The plot.
I hate reviews that give away plot. So, all I shall say is. . .
Is it 2013 yet?

Actually, I will give one thing away, it's a cliff-hanger ending so be warned. Still recommend the series.

Must . . . find . . . out . . . ending!
Profile Image for Andrea Heltsley.
Author 15 books325 followers
June 23, 2012
Before I read Broken, I had the pleasure of reading Bound. Bound is the first book in The Crystor Series. I loved Bound and was beyond thrilled when I found out the adventure would continue in Broken.

This book takes place in another world and Earth is left behind. I was a little unsure at first because I am more of an urban fantasy fan. I like a little fantasy in my real life, not a whole world of fantasy. I have to admit, this book was amazing and I was engrossed in it for the better part of a day.

Kira and Octavion made such a great couple, full of normal insecurities in a blooming relationship. I enjoyed seeing it from Octavion's point of view, even though I wasn't sure I would. Lydia isn't present in this book and for that I was a little bummed. Alteria was present for a short while though.

The author did such a great job pulling images from your imagination with her descriptive writing. I felt like I was there in Xantara. New friends were introduced, adding to a web of complex characters. I liked that intricacy she weaved.

I have finished both Bound and Broken with a frenzy. Now I am hoping for a third book in a speedy like fashion. I am dying to find out what happened.

If you like fantasy with some romance, then this series is for you. I highly recommend it, Bound and Broken are a great start to a new series.
Profile Image for Laura Bastian.
Author 60 books353 followers
July 27, 2012
Book 2 is awesome. If you liked Twilight, you'll love this. If you didn't like Twilight, I think you'll still like this. Though Kira is a human in love with a man who craves her blood *spoiler alert*(he's part wild cat from a different planet). Kira is a much stronger character and has lots of spunk. You see how she won't let Octavian control her. The only thing I found annoying about their relationship is that she kept doubting herself too much and doubting his feelings for her. The characters were totally in love, but the romantic scenes never went above a PG rating in my mind. They maintained decent interactions with each other, but I still felt the heat and steam. You don't need to have sex in a book to make it romantic and Mrs. Bryant knew how to make it romance without the smut.
I loved how Mrs. Bryant told the story from his and her viewpoints.
The characters were well developed. The trials and conflict of a new world were there and I loved being able to see this new world through Kira's eyes. The story kept me very engaged, but I almost felt like the main threat never materialized. I know it will come up in book 3 but it was sure forefront in my mind, and when it didn't deliver at the end I was only okay with it because of the way it did end. I seriously can't wait to get my hands on book 3.
Profile Image for Juana.
52 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2012
oh "Broken" is great Kira continues to grow now she is not the "mouse". In broken a lot of things happen to Kira and "Al" yes you have to read broken to find out who Al is. Octavio is force to ask for help in exchange of something that will affect him,his Family as well as Kira. Broken gives you a full view of how life in Xantara is, but to me it also left a lot of unanswered questions.I enjoy Broken more than bound it also has it's sad moments and happy moment. I hope that Kira and Dimples (Octavio) get 2 be happy at the end. Overall Broken is worth reading :).
Profile Image for Jillian.
488 reviews
December 21, 2012
I hate it when the character you're rooting for gains a whole bunch of kick-butt powers only to lose them all in book two! This girl can't even walk without hurting herself.

Broken is a perfect title for this slow, slightly letdown of a sequel. I'm holding out hope that Bryant will rally her troops and create a third book I'm proud to admit to reading.

I have to admit that, although I'm usually not a fan of reading from the POV of THE GUY, it was enlightening to hear this guy's thoughts while his girl was laying half-dead in the next room...for half the novel!

3 1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Heather.
3 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2012
Ahhhh-mazing. I stumbled upon the first in the Kindle store, it was a free download. I finished Bound in one night and then downloaded this book the next morning. This was better than the first. Such a unique take on the fantasy that has been out there recently. Does anyone know how many books will be in this series? I am dying to read book 3,, Beloved, but I believe it doesn't come out until 2013. =[
79 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2012
Better than Bound, I read it quickly. I don't usually like fantasy at all but this was good.
Profile Image for Andrea.
20 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2012
This book was rather good but left you hanging at the end. Ended a bit too abrupt and left you wondering if there is another one to come??
Profile Image for Melody.
47 reviews
September 25, 2025
The first book in this series ended with such a cliffhanger and this one didn't. I loved the rest of the book and was anticipating the end and forced myself to finish it even though I really needed to go to sleep, and I was disappointed in the ending. I'm hoping the last book is better.
Profile Image for Lisa Dickson.
361 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2020
If they would communicate more the story would be less interesting because they would understand things better but a great story
1,034 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2021
Excellent second book

The never ending saga continues with what seems like Kira’s death…but is it? She has proven she is more than she appears.
On to the finale!
94 reviews
October 16, 2021
Wow

Wow about sums it up. I can not wait for the next book. She is one awesome lady. I am not sure how her story will end.
Profile Image for Sarah Kalaitzidis.
186 reviews18 followers
June 28, 2012
This Sequel to “The Crystor Series” was packed with everything I like in a book. It takes place on Ophira, Octavion's home planet. It had romance, action scenes, and plot twists. I found it better then the first book. Things also heat up between Kira and Octavion, adding to the drama.

I found that Kira was more emotional then in the last book. After coming back from close to death she learns she’s not on earth any more, Altaria is still inside of her and she doesn't know how to get her to leave. The commoners and royalty are treating her like royalty, as everyone believes that Octavion will choose her as his princess. She loves Octavion more then anything, but everything is just so new to her. Something unexpected happens in a fight that leaves Kira feeling more depressed, but Octavion cousin’s family help her through it. It's clear how much she really does love him, but she feels very insecure.

Kira also meets a few new people in the kingdom who become her friends. The main two are Cole (Octavion's cousin and Luka's brother) and Ussay. Ussay is a childhood friend of Octavion, but she must act like a servant at all times. When Kira tells her to act normally with them, she kinds it hard to do so. Kira and her do become close friends, and Ussay helped Kira when the new moon phase appeared and all the normal people who weren’t royals had to go into hiding.

You learn more about Octavion's history in this book, and he shows his feelings towards Kira more. Kira learns about what really happens to him, and his connection with the two moons of Ophira. Octavion really stepped up his role of prince when he returned to Ophira. In the previous book you do know he’s prince, but it's not seriously grasped until he is back in his country. Kira does become angry with him with some princely things he does, such as not paying the people when the royals want something. Kira is able to make him pay for what he essentially stole. This isn't the only example of her influence over him, showing that he loves her enough to listen to her.

The romance between Kira and Octavion is slower in the book, but more fleshed out. Th events that they go through bring them closer, and less of a whirlwind romance. Though there was also a lot more drama in this book concerning them being together. Kira does become depressed, and a potential love rival is mentioned. It will be interesting to see if this rival is used more in a future book, or if she was just an extra to make a reader feel more sympathetic towards Kira.

Overall great Sequel and I loved it a lot more then the first.
Profile Image for JeanBookNerd.
321 reviews40 followers
August 10, 2012
Broken is the amazing continuation of The Crystor Series by C.K. Bryant. It picks up right where the first book, Bound, left off. Right from the beginning, Broken will take a hold of your attention and will not let go. The world and the characters that live in it are so engrossing that readers will find themselves going through this book rather quick.

Kira and Octavion have taken further steps into their relationship. Their connection felt real even if it takes place in another world. They have their normal insecurities but thrive on flourishing it. It was refreshing to get an insight of Octavion’s point of view which made the story more appealing and engaging.

The writing of C.K. is absolutely enthralling. She has a natural talent of putting words together and placing a vivid image into your imagination. Her style of writing made the reading fun, exciting, and easy. The plot progression is simply superb. Just as you think that you have figured out what is happening, C.K. pulls the rug right under your feet and take you on the edge of your seat and present something so unthinkably remarkable.

Broken continues to possess the elements that made Bound such a wonderful book. I do not see C.K. taking a step back and can only imagine what she will have in store for these unforgettable characters in the next installment. I know I will be one of the many who are waiting to see what is next.
45 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2014
4.5 Story & Characters are captivating.

4.5 Story & Characters are captivating.

Great series, great book, excellent characters. Wanted to keep reading!

This book really should be read immediately after reading Bound (book#1), or at least reviewing the end. It jumps right into the scenes as if immediately following.the.ending of Bound, and would probably be confusing otherwise. Some characters we don't see much of again, and new or other familiar faces are explored in depth. World-class building is excellent, and is entwined with the storyline seamlessly.

I would advise an editor, simple word exchanges began to really bother me part-way through the book. (ex:vile instead of vial) but those changes are simple to fix.

Really, I want to see the third book- tried to go buy it but although it was to be out in 2013 it appears to he unavailable yet. worth waiting for it, and worth buying them all!
Profile Image for Rai.
316 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2012
I read a few reviews on this comparing the series to Twilight. And I get it. It's not Twilight... but sometimes it feels like it's close. The couple that's madly in love and the overwhelming reference to smell being a predominate feature...

The big problem though with this book and the series concept is it takes us aware from Earth and onto some other planet. This sci-fi element is difficult to master. Creating a new universe is hard on the best of days... doing it while having the concept of modern earth is even more so. And sadly Bryant fails at it. The elements exist... class, society, religion, mythology, government... The execution is flawed in every manner possible. The characters don't feel real, they aren't sympathetic or relateable.

There's enough in this series to allow me to read the next book, but not enough that I'm pining over it's release.
1 review
December 18, 2013
The book Broken by C.K. Bryant is an awesome book in my opinion. I loved the book. I read the first book in the crystor series also which is called bound. I liked how Kara started out as a quiet young girl that was seen as the quiet mouse in the book but later changed into the wonderful girl not as afraid like in the beginning. The book was so good I felt as if I was one of the characters in the book. The book is a very good mystery book. This book was very original and thrilling to read. The book was very detailed in very easy to follow. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. This book was very hard to put down in my opinion. This book Broken was one of my favorite books that I have read. I am super excited for the third book to come out.
Profile Image for Jess Mahler.
Author 20 books13 followers
May 22, 2014
A very good book with engaging characters. Even picking up the second book in the series was easy to understand the world and everything that was going on. No info dumps, just good world building.
Highly recommended for fans of romantic fantasy who don't mind their series being serials. I will not be picking up more of this series because I do mind. While I understand not all stories can fit nearly within a single book, I much prefer each book to be a single arc of the story, and not have the book end on a cliffhanger. So I won't be picking up more of the series, but for those who enjoy this format, Broken (and I assume the rest of the series) is a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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