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The Internment Chronicles #3
Broken Crowns
War rages everywhere and Morgan is caught in the middle in the haunting conclusion of The Internment Chronicles, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Chemical Garden trilogy.
The city is falling out of the sky…
Morgan always thought it was just a saying. A metaphor. The words of the dying. But as they look up at the floating island that was their home, Pen and Morgan make a horrible discovery—Internment is sinking.
And it’s all Morgan’s fault.
Corrupted from the inside by one terrible king and assailed from the outside for precious resources by another, Internment could be destroyed because Morgan couldn’t keep a secret. As two wars become one, Morgan must find a way to bring her two worlds together to stop the kings that wage them…
Or face the furthest fall yet.
The city is falling out of the sky…
Morgan always thought it was just a saying. A metaphor. The words of the dying. But as they look up at the floating island that was their home, Pen and Morgan make a horrible discovery—Internment is sinking.
And it’s all Morgan’s fault.
Corrupted from the inside by one terrible king and assailed from the outside for precious resources by another, Internment could be destroyed because Morgan couldn’t keep a secret. As two wars become one, Morgan must find a way to bring her two worlds together to stop the kings that wage them…
Or face the furthest fall yet.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2016
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4545 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 18, 2016
After the ending in book two, I was quite eager to see how it was all going to end. While this book was good, it wasn't even close to what I was expecting.
I've liked Morgan from the beginning and that didn't change here. My favorite has always been Basil and I absolutely adore him. Their relationship is {for me} one of the best parts of this story and I was a little disappointed to see that it felt like a place holder plot line. Obviously everything between them {including what happened in book 2} needed to be addressed, but how it was resolved felt like a cop out.
The main plot line was a slow burn. Even though there were tons of things in motion, it still seemed like nothing was happening. And the ending was more of a whimper than a bang.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but overall, the story lost the magic that book 1 had.
**Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster BFYR and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I've liked Morgan from the beginning and that didn't change here. My favorite has always been Basil and I absolutely adore him. Their relationship is {for me} one of the best parts of this story and I was a little disappointed to see that it felt like a place holder plot line. Obviously everything between them {including what happened in book 2} needed to be addressed, but how it was resolved felt like a cop out.
The main plot line was a slow burn. Even though there were tons of things in motion, it still seemed like nothing was happening. And the ending was more of a whimper than a bang.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but overall, the story lost the magic that book 1 had.
**Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster BFYR and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
April 3, 2016
(A couple plot points from first 2 books revealed, but nothing that would surprise you)
So there’s this Twitter that’s a parody of dystopian YAs written by the amusing Dana Schwartz. Let me give you some examples.
That is this book. I’m sorry to say it, because Lauren DeStefano is a pretty cool human, but it’s true. In particular, the “romance” between Basil/Morgan/Judas is cringeworthy. It’s a parody of itself.
Essentially, I really liked (not loved) Perfect Ruin, but spectacularly hated its sequel, so I was hoping for a sharp return to altitude here.
No such luck. Like DeStefano’s Chemical Gardens trilogy, the series makes an unmitigated nosedive.
At least the CG trilogy have a direction. Together, they are a beginning, a middle, and an end. But this trilogy… it’s all over the place.
In book 1, Morgan wants to escape from tyrant, so we leave Internment. Book 2, Morgan wants to… hmm, I’m not really clear on what Morgan wants in book 2 other than to chill. Get to know earth better. And now, book 3, we’re going to war? And we’re joining the tyrant we spent book 1 trying to get away from, because we hate this other tyrant more? K.
And there are sooo many cliches. The most irritating to me was
Based on this book, I think I’m done reading DeStefano unless and until I hear some really amazing reviews on future books from trusted friends. I’ve read two trilogies by her. She’s had six books to wow me, and she hasn’t. Her books are all mildly entertaining but never make my heart race fast.
I refuse to believe that seeking originality in YA books is futile, as one reviewer declared. I just read Six of Crows, and I can’t stop thinking about it, and the characters, and everything. Originality is rare but it exists, and we should always judge our books so harshly. We should always demand more from a book. If I have to settle for less than spectacular reads, I quit reading.
… probably not even then, but you get the point.
Anyway, this series, I am quickly realizing, just isn’t my cuppa. I don’t hate it, I don’t even dislike it, I might even err on the side of liking it if you put a gun to my head and asked me to choose. But that’s all, and that’s just not enough for me.
So there’s this Twitter that’s a parody of dystopian YAs written by the amusing Dana Schwartz. Let me give you some examples.
“What is a... book?" I ask. The word sounds strange.
Baelem smiles. "They were like your Screens, but made of paper from trees," he answers.
I have to make a choice: whether my love for Anthem is more important than the rebellion.
"But what about The System?" I whisper. "They want to keep us apart."
"I don't care about The System," Anthem scoffs. "I care about you."
"I love you Val. I love the way you never really smile or say anything original. I love how we've never actually talked much. I want you."
That is this book. I’m sorry to say it, because Lauren DeStefano is a pretty cool human, but it’s true. In particular, the “romance” between Basil/Morgan/Judas is cringeworthy. It’s a parody of itself.
Essentially, I really liked (not loved) Perfect Ruin, but spectacularly hated its sequel, so I was hoping for a sharp return to altitude here.
No such luck. Like DeStefano’s Chemical Gardens trilogy, the series makes an unmitigated nosedive.
At least the CG trilogy have a direction. Together, they are a beginning, a middle, and an end. But this trilogy… it’s all over the place.
In book 1, Morgan wants to escape from tyrant, so we leave Internment. Book 2, Morgan wants to… hmm, I’m not really clear on what Morgan wants in book 2 other than to chill. Get to know earth better. And now, book 3, we’re going to war? And we’re joining the tyrant we spent book 1 trying to get away from, because we hate this other tyrant more? K.
And there are sooo many cliches. The most irritating to me was
Based on this book, I think I’m done reading DeStefano unless and until I hear some really amazing reviews on future books from trusted friends. I’ve read two trilogies by her. She’s had six books to wow me, and she hasn’t. Her books are all mildly entertaining but never make my heart race fast.
I refuse to believe that seeking originality in YA books is futile, as one reviewer declared. I just read Six of Crows, and I can’t stop thinking about it, and the characters, and everything. Originality is rare but it exists, and we should always judge our books so harshly. We should always demand more from a book. If I have to settle for less than spectacular reads, I quit reading.
… probably not even then, but you get the point.
Anyway, this series, I am quickly realizing, just isn’t my cuppa. I don’t hate it, I don’t even dislike it, I might even err on the side of liking it if you put a gun to my head and asked me to choose. But that’s all, and that’s just not enough for me.
July 12, 2016
3.5 Stars
October 20, 2020
Sosyal mesajdan geçilmiyor kitap...YA distopya olarak başlayıp full kamu spotu olark tamamlamış yazar...bana göre heder edilen başka bir seri daha...
December 2, 2018
Reviews and more
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
Even though after the first book I was kind of expecting it, I feel really let down with this series ender. I found the plot messy and without structure and everything just felt kind of rushed in a way that wasn’t wholly believable.
I will say though the thing that annoyed me the most was the lack of world building in this ENTIRE series because in the first book the author managed to introduce us to a really intriguing world and people, I mean a city in the sky? Count me in! But none of that was ever explained and in this last book the whole belief system of the god in the sky was completely dropped despite there being zero explanation about how everything came to be. How did the city end up in the sky? Where did the sky god belief system come from? Why was everything so backward in technology? Was this set in our world or a fantasy world? What became of Morgan and Judas’ relationship? And what became of the war with the other kingdom on the ground? That just seemed to be pushed to one side and then thrown away completely in this finale, I mean surely just because peace has been achieved on Internment and the kingdom beneath it doesn’t mean that the neighbouring kingdom is going to suddenly forget about everything and their war, just saying.
I’m giving this book just over one star because of the writing which was still beautiful and captivating despite all the flaws of the plot and there is definitely a relaxing feel to DeStefano’s writing style which makes for a good calm read, but still with a pointless story 😛 I felt there were many ways in which to make this a really exciting science fiction adventure but it just felt like the author took the most boring route possible. There was hardly any action in this book or series and the ending didn’t really feel like that much of an accomplishment, which was such a shame with all the amazing build up the author did in the first book :/
Despite me liking the first book, I still must say on reading the second and third that I don’t really know how this series was published. I mean there has to be more than just beautiful writing in a story and if you’re going to only write a romance story then market it as that instead of gearing up a really intriguing idea and then letting it go flat. This is just my opinion but I don’t think books should be able to be published unless there’s proper world description at some point and all loose ends are somewhat tied up. None of that happened here leaving a very disappointing ending which was dry, boring and not very plausible.
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
Even though after the first book I was kind of expecting it, I feel really let down with this series ender. I found the plot messy and without structure and everything just felt kind of rushed in a way that wasn’t wholly believable.
I will say though the thing that annoyed me the most was the lack of world building in this ENTIRE series because in the first book the author managed to introduce us to a really intriguing world and people, I mean a city in the sky? Count me in! But none of that was ever explained and in this last book the whole belief system of the god in the sky was completely dropped despite there being zero explanation about how everything came to be. How did the city end up in the sky? Where did the sky god belief system come from? Why was everything so backward in technology? Was this set in our world or a fantasy world? What became of Morgan and Judas’ relationship? And what became of the war with the other kingdom on the ground? That just seemed to be pushed to one side and then thrown away completely in this finale, I mean surely just because peace has been achieved on Internment and the kingdom beneath it doesn’t mean that the neighbouring kingdom is going to suddenly forget about everything and their war, just saying.
I’m giving this book just over one star because of the writing which was still beautiful and captivating despite all the flaws of the plot and there is definitely a relaxing feel to DeStefano’s writing style which makes for a good calm read, but still with a pointless story 😛 I felt there were many ways in which to make this a really exciting science fiction adventure but it just felt like the author took the most boring route possible. There was hardly any action in this book or series and the ending didn’t really feel like that much of an accomplishment, which was such a shame with all the amazing build up the author did in the first book :/
Despite me liking the first book, I still must say on reading the second and third that I don’t really know how this series was published. I mean there has to be more than just beautiful writing in a story and if you’re going to only write a romance story then market it as that instead of gearing up a really intriguing idea and then letting it go flat. This is just my opinion but I don’t think books should be able to be published unless there’s proper world description at some point and all loose ends are somewhat tied up. None of that happened here leaving a very disappointing ending which was dry, boring and not very plausible.
July 8, 2018
Meine Meinung: Ein schönes und schlichtes Cover, dass aber meiner Meinung nach nicht do zur Story passt, ebenso wenig wie der Titel.
Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen, weswegen ich keine Schwierigkeiten hatte, alles zu verstehen. Dennoch waren die Kapitel oft viel zu lang, weswegen das Lesen schnell langweilig wurde.
Die ersten paar Seiten fingen spannend an und ich bin such wieder gut in die Story reingekommen, aufgrund der einfachen Handlung. Aber leider ging nach den ersten 50 Seiten die Handlung bergab. Es ist irgendwie nichts mehr wirklich Spannendes passiert und ich habe mich gelangweilt. Die Idee hinter der Story finde ich toll, wurde aber nicht gut von der Autorin umgesetzt, was ich sehr schade finde.
Dennoch war das Ende etwas besser und spannender als der Rest des Buches, weswegen ich dann nicht einen ganzen Stern abziehe, sondern nur einen halben.
Es gibt so vieles an dem Buch bzw. an der ganzen Reihe was mir nicht gefallen hat. Es ist die Idee, die nicht gut umgesetzt wurde, die Handlung die teilweise sehr lahm war und die Charaktere die viel zu oberflächlich waren. Schade drum. Eigentlich finde ich die Idee ja richtig cool, aber wie schon gesagt, sie wurde nicht gut umgesetzt.
Charaktere: Leider sind die Charaktere nicht so tiefgründig wie in den beiden Teilen davor, aber dafür entwickeln sie sich sehr gut. Morgan zum Beispiel wird eine sehr mutige Frau, die ihre Familie und ihre Freunde beschützen will. Sie ist außerdem sehr hilfsbereit, wie auch schon zuvor. Ihre Freunde bleiben eigentlich do wie sie sind und verändern sich nicht großartig.
Wenn ihr wissen wollt, wie mir die Charaktere in den ersten beiden Teilen gefallen haben, könnt ihr euch meine Rezensionen auch gerne anschauen😊.
Fazit: Leider der schwächste Band der Reihe. Es gab so einige Längen in dem Buch und leider waren auch die Charaktere nicht so tiefgründig wie in den vorherigen Teilen. Dennoch konnte mich das Ende des Buches überzeugen, welches auch voller Spannung war! 3,5/5🌟 Wer zuvor die beiden ersten Teile gelesen hat, sollte den letzten Band nicht verpassen!
*Vielen Dank für das Rezensionsexemplar an das Bloggerportal und an den Verlag!*
November 12, 2016
3.5 stars
Another trilogy I finally finished. It feels great. I had Perfect Ruin for over 3 years and haven't read it. And when I was able to get Burning Kingdoms and Broken Crowns on sale, I took a chance and read them. And here we are, done with the trilogy. And I'm glad I read them. It's an enjoyable trilogy with it's flaws. I know there are some people who might find flaws with it, but overall, it's a good trilogy. Not perfect, but good.
Broken Crowns is a good book. After what happened in book 2, I was wondering how the plot will progress in book 3. I'll admit, I was a bit worried seeing how this is the shortest book in the trilogy. Mainly because of how short it was and if the plot can be resolved. And it did. Though a few things could've changed.
Morgan is still a great character and likable even and the others are still great.
It's a good book, but I do wish some few things were different. First off, I'm not disappointed about the length, but if it was maybe 20 or 30 pages longer, it would've been good. Another thing is that the first half is a slow burning plot. It isn't until we get to the second half, that's when the plot starts picking up. Those were the only flaws I found.
Verdict
Even though it is a bit short and the slow burning beginning did bother me, Broken Crowns is a good finale. Not the best, but still good enough.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
Another trilogy I finally finished. It feels great. I had Perfect Ruin for over 3 years and haven't read it. And when I was able to get Burning Kingdoms and Broken Crowns on sale, I took a chance and read them. And here we are, done with the trilogy. And I'm glad I read them. It's an enjoyable trilogy with it's flaws. I know there are some people who might find flaws with it, but overall, it's a good trilogy. Not perfect, but good.
Broken Crowns is a good book. After what happened in book 2, I was wondering how the plot will progress in book 3. I'll admit, I was a bit worried seeing how this is the shortest book in the trilogy. Mainly because of how short it was and if the plot can be resolved. And it did. Though a few things could've changed.
Morgan is still a great character and likable even and the others are still great.
It's a good book, but I do wish some few things were different. First off, I'm not disappointed about the length, but if it was maybe 20 or 30 pages longer, it would've been good. Another thing is that the first half is a slow burning plot. It isn't until we get to the second half, that's when the plot starts picking up. Those were the only flaws I found.
Verdict
Even though it is a bit short and the slow burning beginning did bother me, Broken Crowns is a good finale. Not the best, but still good enough.
Thanks for reading my review!
-Cesar
August 28, 2016
I can't say i'm satysfied with this ending. Sure, it was nice but this series had potencial for so much more and my favorite character, Judas, wasn't in 98% of this book . He was merely used to cause disdain between Morgan and Basil and that was it for him. I'm not pleased by this. Also Basil bored me to death and Morgan was stucked in the Interment even when she was on earth. But Azure was a plesure to read.
In fact, of this series,it feels to me, the only book worth reading is the first one.
In fact, of this series,it feels to me, the only book worth reading is the first one.
March 17, 2016
3.5/5 stars
Broken Crowns is the final book in The Internment Chronicles trilogy. There will be some spoilers from the first two books.
This trilogy is narrated by Morgan, a teenage girl from Internment (the floating kingdom in the sky). She and her friends left their home and went to the ground (as they call it).
This book picks up right where the last book left off. On the ground there is still a war between the kingdoms of Havalais and Dastor. There is still no word from Internment (floating city in the sky). King Ingram (king of Havalais) left and took Princess Celeste with him. Pen had discovered that Internment's soil contained the Phosane the King needed.
In Broken Crowns Pen discovers something new and this discovery plays an important part in the final book.
When I started this final book I really wanted to know what was happening on Internment. It is hard when Morgan is the only narrator. Because everything we learn must come from her perspective. But I really could not wait to learn what had happened to Princess Celeste.
The story was a good conclusion. There were a lot of interesting twists and turns. I felt like the ending was hopeful, but a little sad. I would definitely like to find out what happened next. I wish that there had been an epilogue. But overall it was an interesting series. I love dystopia and found this series was extremely unique and original.
Thanks to edelweiss and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read this book.
Broken Crowns is the final book in The Internment Chronicles trilogy. There will be some spoilers from the first two books.
This trilogy is narrated by Morgan, a teenage girl from Internment (the floating kingdom in the sky). She and her friends left their home and went to the ground (as they call it).
This book picks up right where the last book left off. On the ground there is still a war between the kingdoms of Havalais and Dastor. There is still no word from Internment (floating city in the sky). King Ingram (king of Havalais) left and took Princess Celeste with him. Pen had discovered that Internment's soil contained the Phosane the King needed.
In Broken Crowns Pen discovers something new and this discovery plays an important part in the final book.
When I started this final book I really wanted to know what was happening on Internment. It is hard when Morgan is the only narrator. Because everything we learn must come from her perspective. But I really could not wait to learn what had happened to Princess Celeste.
The story was a good conclusion. There were a lot of interesting twists and turns. I felt like the ending was hopeful, but a little sad. I would definitely like to find out what happened next. I wish that there had been an epilogue. But overall it was an interesting series. I love dystopia and found this series was extremely unique and original.
Thanks to edelweiss and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read this book.
June 26, 2016
Broken Crowns, the final book of the Internment Chronicles by Lauren DeStefano, is a book I was both looking forward to but also dreading. I really enjoy this series and I am horrible with final books in a series mostly because I don’t want the good ones to end. On the other hand, of course I want to know all the things so…it is a balance.
The story picks back up shortly after Burning Kingdoms and we get to dive back into the world of the main characters, Morgan, Pen, Basil, and the rest of the group. As we get back into it, it is revealed that Internment is sinking and Morgan decides she is going to do what she can to stop it.
As far as characters go, Morgan is still interesting and wants what is best for those she loves but I really wanted her to be better to Basil. I loved him and thought he was lovely and no matter what wrong Morgan did, he was always willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
The story itself moved along well and the twists and turns made it interesting. I have to admit that this book didn’t keep me as engaged as book one – I have a feeling it is because I had to wait in between each book and tended to forget everything in between which meant I had to get caught back up each time I dove back in. With that said, I thought this was a solid series that might be a better experience if all the books are read back to back.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy!
The story picks back up shortly after Burning Kingdoms and we get to dive back into the world of the main characters, Morgan, Pen, Basil, and the rest of the group. As we get back into it, it is revealed that Internment is sinking and Morgan decides she is going to do what she can to stop it.
As far as characters go, Morgan is still interesting and wants what is best for those she loves but I really wanted her to be better to Basil. I loved him and thought he was lovely and no matter what wrong Morgan did, he was always willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
The story itself moved along well and the twists and turns made it interesting. I have to admit that this book didn’t keep me as engaged as book one – I have a feeling it is because I had to wait in between each book and tended to forget everything in between which meant I had to get caught back up each time I dove back in. With that said, I thought this was a solid series that might be a better experience if all the books are read back to back.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the review copy!
June 26, 2016
This was a lot better than book 2, but I still can't help feeling disappointed. It was too rushed, too lacking of any satisfaction. You know how in Eclipse the vampires are planning to fight the newborns, but instead of seeing the awesome battle we're stuck with Bella, her undead boyfriend, and a dog in a damn tent? Yeah, that was what happened here. Something major occurs down in Havalais, but instead of witnessing it firsthand we have to wait up in Internment alongside Morgan.
Battle. Tent. Which one is more interesting? (Apparently DeStefano thinks the tent is.)
262 pages was not enough to wrap up this story. I needed more. It's a shame when a series you were rooting for withers over time. I will forever read Perfect Ruin and enjoy the hell out of it. Books 2 and 3, however, I intend to push far back into the darkness of my bookshelf.
Battle. Tent. Which one is more interesting? (Apparently DeStefano thinks the tent is.)
262 pages was not enough to wrap up this story. I needed more. It's a shame when a series you were rooting for withers over time. I will forever read Perfect Ruin and enjoy the hell out of it. Books 2 and 3, however, I intend to push far back into the darkness of my bookshelf.
November 8, 2015
Lauren DeStefano could write a grocery list and I would give it 5 stars. The end of the book leaves things open for a totally new series and I hope this is the direction she goes in some day. 80% done with the book and I just about had a heart attack. I would love to have seen more from Judas, but maybe that's for another series. Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC!!!
June 4, 2016
Updated: 6/3/16
Rating: 4 Stars
Whenever I finish a book/series, I have this habit of reading other people's reviews after I finish it. This is partly because now that I know what happens and cannot be spoiled, I want to read why people both did/did not like the book/series, and be able to read their points and arguments and possibly counter them in my own review, and partly because I'm super nosy.
This is one of those times where I look at this book and read not-so-great reviews, and just have to wholeheartedly disagree.
I loved this series. The second book left something to be desired - honestly I can't even really remember it - but the first book - that glorious first book of the series with that original beautiful, perfect cover (that I also own, thank goodness) - inspired me. In every way.
Even reading this last book of the series, I have to say this is one of those few books that I read, and I get so submersed in the plot and characters that I just have this itch to go write something myself.
And this - this storyline, these beautiful characters that could not be 2-D if they tried.
A city in the sky? A train around the edge, jumpers who have tried to get to the ground but have become mutilated or dead in their attempts, betrothed matches given out like offerings whenever someone is born?
It's so hard to find characters that can fist their hands around my heart and pull like Pen and Morgan can. With their secrets and whispers to each other, this unabashed love between them, that may not shield them from hurting each other and maybe even betraying each other with the best of intentions meant, but a love that can surpass that without girlish jealously and forgiveness. There would never be someone else - no boy or anyone else - would would come before the other.
DeStefano has this way of making characters that are charming and lovely in their own way, and it would be enough as they are, but then something is subtlety snuck in.
Morgan, with her faked persona of never toeing the lines of Internment, never stepping out of line or being anything other than ordinary, but keeping hopes high and dreams large.
Pen, with her genius mind and blunt attitude and hurt past. Who only wants something safe and calm and reliable, but is too scared to take what may be so plainly offered.
Even though both girls have their betrothals - Basil for Morgan, Thomas for Pen - neither hate their match. It had been destined since they were born that they would marry that specific person.
And when they get to the ground below and suddenly they don't have to marry that one specific person, what choice do they make? They've always been with this one person who has been destined to be their match, and even if they've not been romantic with each other, they've been friends. They've accepted they'll marry and eventually have children together, and that was never an unhappy thought.
But now they have the choice.
I love that DeStefano didn't make this series into a love triangle. Judas plays a role in the first book, somewhat in the second, and then I think he had all of a couple of lines in the last book. He wasn't in the series to be a part of a triangle; he was there to be part of the catalyst to get them all to the ground, and then to be a part of Morgan's life in showing her that even though he's something different, something a bit mysterious, she'll always love Basil, with or without someone telling her he's her perfect match.
And the romance doesn't even play all that much of a role in the series. The reason I love Morgan and Basil so much together is that even though they're in love with each other - have always been in love with each other - they're best friends first.
Basil has no desire at any point to tell Morgan what to do, or dissuade her from doing things her way. And when Morgan makes a mistake, he might be upset, but he never leaves her. Never tells her he needs room. He's her best friend first, and if Morgan suddenly tells him she's going to go journey across the world, he'll say okay and decide if he wants to come with her or not. But either way, they love each other.
Pen might be one of my favorite female characters of all time. She's sassy and blunt and has a mind eager to learn everything. So often I read about these female characters who favorite pastime is painting or drawing, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I love seeing Pen, who's perfect at painting but who also loves physics and math and learning absolutely everything. She has an engineer's mind.
Add into that that all these characters somehow has these very subtle layers underneath them. There may not be some great backstory about them, but there's enough added in to get the picture.
__________________________________________________________
2016 you say?
Still that new cover design? To those who designed the new covers:
Find me here, where I also rant and angst over far off release dates (and review YA books, if anyone cares): https://obsessivereads.wordpress.com/
Rating: 4 Stars
Whenever I finish a book/series, I have this habit of reading other people's reviews after I finish it. This is partly because now that I know what happens and cannot be spoiled, I want to read why people both did/did not like the book/series, and be able to read their points and arguments and possibly counter them in my own review, and partly because I'm super nosy.
This is one of those times where I look at this book and read not-so-great reviews, and just have to wholeheartedly disagree.
I loved this series. The second book left something to be desired - honestly I can't even really remember it - but the first book - that glorious first book of the series with that original beautiful, perfect cover (that I also own, thank goodness) - inspired me. In every way.
Even reading this last book of the series, I have to say this is one of those few books that I read, and I get so submersed in the plot and characters that I just have this itch to go write something myself.
And this - this storyline, these beautiful characters that could not be 2-D if they tried.
A city in the sky? A train around the edge, jumpers who have tried to get to the ground but have become mutilated or dead in their attempts, betrothed matches given out like offerings whenever someone is born?
It's so hard to find characters that can fist their hands around my heart and pull like Pen and Morgan can. With their secrets and whispers to each other, this unabashed love between them, that may not shield them from hurting each other and maybe even betraying each other with the best of intentions meant, but a love that can surpass that without girlish jealously and forgiveness. There would never be someone else - no boy or anyone else - would would come before the other.
DeStefano has this way of making characters that are charming and lovely in their own way, and it would be enough as they are, but then something is subtlety snuck in.
Morgan, with her faked persona of never toeing the lines of Internment, never stepping out of line or being anything other than ordinary, but keeping hopes high and dreams large.
“I do question everything. But I want to have my questions. I want to have more thoughts than my mind can hold, so many that I have to write them in fragments like a madman.”
Pen, with her genius mind and blunt attitude and hurt past. Who only wants something safe and calm and reliable, but is too scared to take what may be so plainly offered.
Even though both girls have their betrothals - Basil for Morgan, Thomas for Pen - neither hate their match. It had been destined since they were born that they would marry that specific person.
And when they get to the ground below and suddenly they don't have to marry that one specific person, what choice do they make? They've always been with this one person who has been destined to be their match, and even if they've not been romantic with each other, they've been friends. They've accepted they'll marry and eventually have children together, and that was never an unhappy thought.
But now they have the choice.
I love that DeStefano didn't make this series into a love triangle. Judas plays a role in the first book, somewhat in the second, and then I think he had all of a couple of lines in the last book. He wasn't in the series to be a part of a triangle; he was there to be part of the catalyst to get them all to the ground, and then to be a part of Morgan's life in showing her that even though he's something different, something a bit mysterious, she'll always love Basil, with or without someone telling her he's her perfect match.
And the romance doesn't even play all that much of a role in the series. The reason I love Morgan and Basil so much together is that even though they're in love with each other - have always been in love with each other - they're best friends first.
Basil has no desire at any point to tell Morgan what to do, or dissuade her from doing things her way. And when Morgan makes a mistake, he might be upset, but he never leaves her. Never tells her he needs room. He's her best friend first, and if Morgan suddenly tells him she's going to go journey across the world, he'll say okay and decide if he wants to come with her or not. But either way, they love each other.
Pen might be one of my favorite female characters of all time. She's sassy and blunt and has a mind eager to learn everything. So often I read about these female characters who favorite pastime is painting or drawing, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I love seeing Pen, who's perfect at painting but who also loves physics and math and learning absolutely everything. She has an engineer's mind.
“A girl should never stop thinking," she says. "Otherwise we'll become what our world thinks of us.”
Add into that that all these characters somehow has these very subtle layers underneath them. There may not be some great backstory about them, but there's enough added in to get the picture.
__________________________________________________________
2016 you say?
Still that new cover design? To those who designed the new covers:
Find me here, where I also rant and angst over far off release dates (and review YA books, if anyone cares): https://obsessivereads.wordpress.com/
April 27, 2017
BLAAAAAND
October 28, 2020
It was a really good book, It kept you wanting to read more each chapter and you were able to see the changes each character went through.
March 22, 2016
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*MY Thoughts*
Broken Crowns is the third and final installment in The Internment Chronicles by author Lauren DeStefano. The story picks up right where Burning Kingdoms left off. The trilogy has been told in the first person narrative by Morgan Stockhour, a resident of the floating city of Internment. Morgan has discovered that sometimes, things aren't necessarily greener on the other side.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 03/22/2016*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: March 22nd 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*MY Thoughts*
Broken Crowns is the third and final installment in The Internment Chronicles by author Lauren DeStefano. The story picks up right where Burning Kingdoms left off. The trilogy has been told in the first person narrative by Morgan Stockhour, a resident of the floating city of Internment. Morgan has discovered that sometimes, things aren't necessarily greener on the other side.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 03/22/2016*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: March 22nd 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
November 11, 2023
ICH BIN DURCH 😭😭😭😭hallelujah
Dieses Buch war the best of both world (oder sollte ich sagen the worst)
Was habe ich erwartet? Nach den Vorreitern nicht viel. Aber es ist doch erstaunlich wie die spannenden Sachen oft um die Protagonistin herum passieren aber nie ihr. Versteh ich nicht so ganz aber kann man machen. Ich glaub n Sichtwechsel zwischendurch was „unten“ passiert, wäre cool gewesen. Aber was weiß ich schon.
Basil wieder eine Hülle deiner selbst und macht einfach was die Protagonistin will, BIS Achtung Spoiler: sie bumsen i guess. Intimität wurde so schwammig formuliert als hätte man Sehschwäche. Naja man konnte sich aber trotzdem denken UND DANACH GEHEN SIE GETRENNTE WEGE 😂😂 Ich will nicht verallgemeinern aber typisch Mann oder 🥴
Naja wenigstens macht er Progress in den letzten 10 Seiten er musste halt nur mal n Rohr verlegen. 👍🏻
PEN. Der nervigste Charakter. Selbst die Prinzessin war cooler. Wenigstens war sie in diesem Teil nicht dauernd besoffen. Stirbt aber im 2. Teil fast wegen dem Boden UMD JETZT WIEDER HIN ZU GEHEN?!?!? Apropos sterben 😭 ich dachte sie ist tot und ich hätte endlich die beste Stelle der Bücher gefunden, ABER DANN ÜBERLEBT DIE DAS AUCH NOCH?! Was zum fick. Ah übrigens bekommen wir ne background Story zu pen was uns vllt auch sinnvoll erscheinen lassen soll wieso sie so ist wie sie ist. Es ist aber wieder so „poetisch“ geschrieben, dass man es sich zusammenreimen muss. Und leider nimmt das jeder traurigen Story den halt.
Es gab wirklich Potential. Die Story an sich ist gut und interessant, bietet viel Konfliktpotenzial und man hätte so viele Ansätze nutzen können. Aber was daraus gemacht wurde war einfach nur flach. Aber vielleicht hat mich das auch am Ball gehalten. Ich werde es auf jeden Fall nie wieder lesen.
Btw auf dem Buchrücken steht „Bestsellerautorin“ ich zweifle daran, dass der Begriff geschützt ist.
Dieses Buch war the best of both world (oder sollte ich sagen the worst)
Was habe ich erwartet? Nach den Vorreitern nicht viel. Aber es ist doch erstaunlich wie die spannenden Sachen oft um die Protagonistin herum passieren aber nie ihr. Versteh ich nicht so ganz aber kann man machen. Ich glaub n Sichtwechsel zwischendurch was „unten“ passiert, wäre cool gewesen. Aber was weiß ich schon.
Basil wieder eine Hülle deiner selbst und macht einfach was die Protagonistin will, BIS Achtung Spoiler: sie bumsen i guess. Intimität wurde so schwammig formuliert als hätte man Sehschwäche. Naja man konnte sich aber trotzdem denken UND DANACH GEHEN SIE GETRENNTE WEGE 😂😂 Ich will nicht verallgemeinern aber typisch Mann oder 🥴
Naja wenigstens macht er Progress in den letzten 10 Seiten er musste halt nur mal n Rohr verlegen. 👍🏻
PEN. Der nervigste Charakter. Selbst die Prinzessin war cooler. Wenigstens war sie in diesem Teil nicht dauernd besoffen. Stirbt aber im 2. Teil fast wegen dem Boden UMD JETZT WIEDER HIN ZU GEHEN?!?!? Apropos sterben 😭 ich dachte sie ist tot und ich hätte endlich die beste Stelle der Bücher gefunden, ABER DANN ÜBERLEBT DIE DAS AUCH NOCH?! Was zum fick. Ah übrigens bekommen wir ne background Story zu pen was uns vllt auch sinnvoll erscheinen lassen soll wieso sie so ist wie sie ist. Es ist aber wieder so „poetisch“ geschrieben, dass man es sich zusammenreimen muss. Und leider nimmt das jeder traurigen Story den halt.
Es gab wirklich Potential. Die Story an sich ist gut und interessant, bietet viel Konfliktpotenzial und man hätte so viele Ansätze nutzen können. Aber was daraus gemacht wurde war einfach nur flach. Aber vielleicht hat mich das auch am Ball gehalten. Ich werde es auf jeden Fall nie wieder lesen.
Btw auf dem Buchrücken steht „Bestsellerautorin“ ich zweifle daran, dass der Begriff geschützt ist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2021
Lauren DeStefano’s books have always been some of my favorites. I picked up Wither in 2011 when Borders closed and ever since, I’ve been enamored by the worlds she creates, the stories she weaves, the characters she introduces us to.
I had followed the Internet Chronicles from the beginning and loved the first two books. I devoured each of those so quickly. When Broken Crowns was released, I bought it release day, but it sat on my bookshelf for years, unread. I had fallen in love with everything about Morgan and Pen, Basil and Celeste, Azure and Nim. I didn’t want the story to end and I wasn’t willing to say goodbye to anyone should they die.
Finally, this year, I decided to finish the series. And I can confidently say that it did absolutely make me cry and it was hard to say goodbye to Internment and Havalais.
10/10 would recommend
I had followed the Internet Chronicles from the beginning and loved the first two books. I devoured each of those so quickly. When Broken Crowns was released, I bought it release day, but it sat on my bookshelf for years, unread. I had fallen in love with everything about Morgan and Pen, Basil and Celeste, Azure and Nim. I didn’t want the story to end and I wasn’t willing to say goodbye to anyone should they die.
Finally, this year, I decided to finish the series. And I can confidently say that it did absolutely make me cry and it was hard to say goodbye to Internment and Havalais.
10/10 would recommend
June 12, 2016
I'm sad to see this series end, but I anticipate the next literary wonder from Lauren Destefano. Everything I've read of hers has been s favorite of mine. I've cried with her, laughed with her, and felt loss with her through her realistic and complex characters.
This was the final installment of the Internment Chronicles. I waited and eagerly anticipated each book's release, and I had to wait several months longer than I would've wished to get this book into my hands. The Chemical Garden trilogy was art. I knew the next set of books would be awesome, and she didn't disappoint. I cannot describe how amazing her writing is. It just is.
Morgan Stockhour is trying to save the world she was so desperate to escape from: once King Ingram from Havalais knows the secret of Internment's electricity, he is devious enough to get his hands on it. However, Internment is dying, falling slowly from the sky, and Morgan and Pen are desperate to save their home. Princess Celeste and Prince Azure a are completely at the mad king's mercy...but is King Ingram any different from King Furlow of Internment? Who can save the beautiful floating city from those who wish to exploit it? Can Morgan and Pen do anything now that they are on land?
I was sad to see it end. But happy with the ending. No spoilers...but I do hope that Basil and Morgan see their happily ever after. Destefano has a way of tying up loose ends, but leaving some loose to keep you guessing: I figure it's because in real life, nothing just ends. Every end is another beginning. It's almost like she leaves her novels open for those of us who like to imagine more from Internment and another book one day.
I don't know how long I can go without another new release date from Destefano. She makes Young Adult literature mature enough to be enjoyed for all ages; she helps the genre gain credibility as something separate from "children's books." I don't know what she has looming on the horizon, but whatever it is, I can guarantee this: it will be good. And worth the wait.
★★★★★. ★★★★★★★★★★ if I could rate all her books at once.
If you haven't read a book by Destefano...what ARE you waiting for? Hello!
This was the final installment of the Internment Chronicles. I waited and eagerly anticipated each book's release, and I had to wait several months longer than I would've wished to get this book into my hands. The Chemical Garden trilogy was art. I knew the next set of books would be awesome, and she didn't disappoint. I cannot describe how amazing her writing is. It just is.
Morgan Stockhour is trying to save the world she was so desperate to escape from: once King Ingram from Havalais knows the secret of Internment's electricity, he is devious enough to get his hands on it. However, Internment is dying, falling slowly from the sky, and Morgan and Pen are desperate to save their home. Princess Celeste and Prince Azure a are completely at the mad king's mercy...but is King Ingram any different from King Furlow of Internment? Who can save the beautiful floating city from those who wish to exploit it? Can Morgan and Pen do anything now that they are on land?
I was sad to see it end. But happy with the ending. No spoilers...but I do hope that Basil and Morgan see their happily ever after. Destefano has a way of tying up loose ends, but leaving some loose to keep you guessing: I figure it's because in real life, nothing just ends. Every end is another beginning. It's almost like she leaves her novels open for those of us who like to imagine more from Internment and another book one day.
I don't know how long I can go without another new release date from Destefano. She makes Young Adult literature mature enough to be enjoyed for all ages; she helps the genre gain credibility as something separate from "children's books." I don't know what she has looming on the horizon, but whatever it is, I can guarantee this: it will be good. And worth the wait.
★★★★★. ★★★★★★★★★★ if I could rate all her books at once.
If you haven't read a book by Destefano...what ARE you waiting for? Hello!
May 6, 2016
Ugh. That ending
July 26, 2016
I am very conflicted over either I like the last book of the trilogy or not...
I don't usually write as much about a book, but I had to share my opinion... because I had so much hope for this trilogy.
Unfortunately, it turned out not as good as I would've hope. I've never been this deceived by a book/trilogy that started so interesting.
Either I really didn't understand all the subtleties throughout the trilogy, or there are some major flaws in the plot line.
Maybe I'm getting too old, but I felt that there was a lack of complexity in the main plot. I mean don't get me wrong the world and setting are complex... The story and how it unfolds is not...
Most of the second book, we are waiting for something to happen, just like the characters in the story... yet nothing interesting enough happens. Then, something somewhat major happens and it gets somewhat exciting, I could see the prospect of some sort of interesting development...
Which led me to have some hope for the third book, but then in 275 pages...everything is solved with one snap of fingers... (Although, in that department, I must admit that Hunger Games and Divergent were not really better in my humble opinion)
My first impression from the first novel was : This is intriguing.
A mysterious floating city in a distant dystopic future. (which is actually a part of earth that has been detached from the planet over time...)
Up there, People of Internment live within the cities limit. There is one ruler, a King. (which year are we in... by the way?) The citizens passively live their daily lives without questioning or daring to question the strict set of rules and regulations which "help" the city function properly.
Ok, So far so good, it looks a bit like Divergent, the Setting, strict rules to dictate what your life should be, what your faith will be. Seems overall interesting enough.
Then, you have this teenage girl, Morgan, we read everything from her point of view (I always preferred POV). At first, she seems average, she actually really wants to fit in, to hide the fact that she, secretly, dreams of earth, of the unknown. She dreams of something more, something different, something beyond the borders of the city.
And, then, happens the miracle, something, more likely someone shatters her "perfect" life. She meets this mysterious (maybe murderer) young man, Judas, and finds him intriguing. And in a series of event, gets involved in an escape to the below….Earth is below and they found a way to reach it...
I believe(very personal opinion here) that major plot flaw is actually the main character... and her passive aggressive attitude towards what is actually going on.
I think her character is all over the place.
It's not that she is annoying or boring, she just doesn't really stand out. She’s definitely not a Katniss Everdeen or Tris Prior. She’s not a fighter, nor a hero which is acceptable to a certain extent. In the first book, she’s interesting enough. She seems to be one of the few individual who actually question life. she questions everything around her, which makes her NOT a robot, which is the case apparently of everyone in the city. Accepting their faith. Turning a blind eye to everything wrong with their perfect floating city.
When the second book starts, You, as a reader, basically understands that Morgan's character is either, only your eyes and thoughts to witness and understand the story unfolding itself... or you just realize, like I did that her character is too weak(poorly portrayed) to be the lead in the story.
I feel like she's really passive aggressive throughout the series.
There are too many characters. Which most of them fades in the background. She is the main character, but I feel like she's often overshadowed by basically everyone else. She falls into a crack and just let things happen, and for some reason, she's basically a nobody and accidently turns out to be the most important character (which by the way, she's not)
And then suddenly, there's a war, which she has no power over, but she's somehow involved and she’s the one everyone turns to for some reason…
Even the last sentence of the book (which is like the only decent thing she says in the last book-reminded me why I liked her in the first book) cannot make-up for the entire poor plot and turns of events.
Unlike the Second book, which was too slow, the third book 's pace is way too fast, over several months (almost 9 months I think) where nothing happen directly related the main character.
They decide to do a revolution and eliminate the problem of earth and Internment: the rulers, which isn't really a revolution, since everything that happens is not explained, only mentioned: "Oh yeah that happened so now all is good. now let's patch the broken pieces" I think this is really where the author totally lost me. I started writing this review even before reading the ending...
Nothing is really explained: The lack of technology on both earth and Internment, what happens to the other kingdoms? The too many love stories/betrothed relationships and seriously, isn't there any adult in this story?!? I mean, they either all die... or oh wait they all die... (I'm okay with the next generation leading the future... but it's unrealistic a bit, the non-existent adult presence in any decision making)
Although, it is not a real love story, there are some love scenes and emotions in the trilogy. I think the end game here is wrong. I would've prefer for her to end up alone or with Judas (who also completely fades in the background in the 3rd book. alone on earth) I believe he could have been a better suitor as he symbolizes the main things Morgan always craved for: freedom and passion. but once again, I felt that Morgan just accepted the fact that well Basil is her betrothed and she accepts that she should love him, therefore will remain with him "forever"
And, well, Basil...he seems perfect and sweet and nice and he loves her deeply because he was meant to... and all, but quite frankly, he is BORING and brings well, not much more to the table!!!
The plot is all over the place. There are some interesting themes here and there, some other themes seems to be only fillers, but also lot of missing substance. I don’t know… I had some high hopes but the third book just completely ruined it for me…
Maybe I should remind myself that I am no longer a teenager and therefore shouldn't be hoping for a more complex story...
I don't usually write as much about a book, but I had to share my opinion... because I had so much hope for this trilogy.
Unfortunately, it turned out not as good as I would've hope. I've never been this deceived by a book/trilogy that started so interesting.
Either I really didn't understand all the subtleties throughout the trilogy, or there are some major flaws in the plot line.
Maybe I'm getting too old, but I felt that there was a lack of complexity in the main plot. I mean don't get me wrong the world and setting are complex... The story and how it unfolds is not...
Most of the second book, we are waiting for something to happen, just like the characters in the story... yet nothing interesting enough happens. Then, something somewhat major happens and it gets somewhat exciting, I could see the prospect of some sort of interesting development...
Which led me to have some hope for the third book, but then in 275 pages...everything is solved with one snap of fingers... (Although, in that department, I must admit that Hunger Games and Divergent were not really better in my humble opinion)
My first impression from the first novel was : This is intriguing.
A mysterious floating city in a distant dystopic future. (which is actually a part of earth that has been detached from the planet over time...)
Up there, People of Internment live within the cities limit. There is one ruler, a King. (which year are we in... by the way?) The citizens passively live their daily lives without questioning or daring to question the strict set of rules and regulations which "help" the city function properly.
Ok, So far so good, it looks a bit like Divergent, the Setting, strict rules to dictate what your life should be, what your faith will be. Seems overall interesting enough.
Then, you have this teenage girl, Morgan, we read everything from her point of view (I always preferred POV). At first, she seems average, she actually really wants to fit in, to hide the fact that she, secretly, dreams of earth, of the unknown. She dreams of something more, something different, something beyond the borders of the city.
And, then, happens the miracle, something, more likely someone shatters her "perfect" life. She meets this mysterious (maybe murderer) young man, Judas, and finds him intriguing. And in a series of event, gets involved in an escape to the below….Earth is below and they found a way to reach it...
I believe(very personal opinion here) that major plot flaw is actually the main character... and her passive aggressive attitude towards what is actually going on.
I think her character is all over the place.
It's not that she is annoying or boring, she just doesn't really stand out. She’s definitely not a Katniss Everdeen or Tris Prior. She’s not a fighter, nor a hero which is acceptable to a certain extent. In the first book, she’s interesting enough. She seems to be one of the few individual who actually question life. she questions everything around her, which makes her NOT a robot, which is the case apparently of everyone in the city. Accepting their faith. Turning a blind eye to everything wrong with their perfect floating city.
When the second book starts, You, as a reader, basically understands that Morgan's character is either, only your eyes and thoughts to witness and understand the story unfolding itself... or you just realize, like I did that her character is too weak(poorly portrayed) to be the lead in the story.
I feel like she's really passive aggressive throughout the series.
There are too many characters. Which most of them fades in the background. She is the main character, but I feel like she's often overshadowed by basically everyone else. She falls into a crack and just let things happen, and for some reason, she's basically a nobody and accidently turns out to be the most important character (which by the way, she's not)
And then suddenly, there's a war, which she has no power over, but she's somehow involved and she’s the one everyone turns to for some reason…
Even the last sentence of the book (which is like the only decent thing she says in the last book-reminded me why I liked her in the first book) cannot make-up for the entire poor plot and turns of events.
Unlike the Second book, which was too slow, the third book 's pace is way too fast, over several months (almost 9 months I think) where nothing happen directly related the main character.
They decide to do a revolution and eliminate the problem of earth and Internment: the rulers, which isn't really a revolution, since everything that happens is not explained, only mentioned: "Oh yeah that happened so now all is good. now let's patch the broken pieces" I think this is really where the author totally lost me. I started writing this review even before reading the ending...
Nothing is really explained: The lack of technology on both earth and Internment, what happens to the other kingdoms? The too many love stories/betrothed relationships and seriously, isn't there any adult in this story?!? I mean, they either all die... or oh wait they all die... (I'm okay with the next generation leading the future... but it's unrealistic a bit, the non-existent adult presence in any decision making)
Although, it is not a real love story, there are some love scenes and emotions in the trilogy. I think the end game here is wrong. I would've prefer for her to end up alone or with Judas (who also completely fades in the background in the 3rd book. alone on earth) I believe he could have been a better suitor as he symbolizes the main things Morgan always craved for: freedom and passion. but once again, I felt that Morgan just accepted the fact that well Basil is her betrothed and she accepts that she should love him, therefore will remain with him "forever"
And, well, Basil...he seems perfect and sweet and nice and he loves her deeply because he was meant to... and all, but quite frankly, he is BORING and brings well, not much more to the table!!!
The plot is all over the place. There are some interesting themes here and there, some other themes seems to be only fillers, but also lot of missing substance. I don’t know… I had some high hopes but the third book just completely ruined it for me…
Maybe I should remind myself that I am no longer a teenager and therefore shouldn't be hoping for a more complex story...
January 11, 2019
I would give it 5 stars because it's my favorite book series. It has great characters and unique descriptions. It even had me crying when I thought Pen has died. ...twice. but the ending of this series was such a cliff hanger. What happens to Morgan and pen when they are on the ground again? We didnt even get any dialogue from Birdie after the explosion. It left me disappointed. Birdie is one of my favorite characters. And what happens to the ground? Do the internment and the ground ever actually unite? The development of Celeste's child would be interesting. I just have so many un answered questions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Overall, this series is a fun time. I still love the same characters as before. However, the magic I once felt with this as a young teen has faded a bit on the second re-read, simply because I now understand the concepts in this series much better than previously. However again, still loved it. The only reason this is three stars is because there weren't many stakes to it; fell flat at times.
1st read: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2nd read: ⭐⭐⭐
1st read: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2nd read: ⭐⭐⭐
July 22, 2021
A fine read but once again, nothing much really felt like it was happening. What I did enjoy about this series however, was that rather than it being about a bunch of teenagers trying to save the world, it was more about them trying to cope as things fall apart around them. They do their best, even if it is often misguided and doesn't always work out.
January 8, 2018
I’m so mad. I read this whole series. WHY? I’ll tell you why. It’s a great premise. Amazing idea. TERRIBLE STUPID STORY AND I MAKE BAD DECISIONS.
February 3, 2018
This was a solid read. I think I might have enjoyed it more if I had read it closer to when it had been released, but overall I'm glad I finished out this trilogy.
July 2, 2021
A better ending would have made this books 5 star worthy - but I found the ending to be weak.
January 31, 2017
“I wonder how many daughters and sisters and mothers wrote the stories that never made it onto paper.”
We started with Perfect Ruin, a slow moving, but ultimately lovely novel about a magical floating island in the sky and the people who wish to see the world below. Burning Kingdom then comes onto the scene as we see how the world is from down below. And…nothing really happens. Absolutely nothing. But there must be an end. And with this trilogy, Broken Crowns is meant to bring us a satisfying conclusion to the Internment Chronicles.
But does it?
In a sense, yes it does, but at the same time it doesn’t. In all honesty, I wasn’t really expecting much from Broken Crowns. After what happened with Burning Kingdom, I was worried that nothing would happen again. Thankfully, there’s tons of stuff that happens in this book. Tons! But a lot of it happens off screen. Plans are made by people not named Morgan. Actions take place, only Morgan isn’t around so we don’t see anything. Characters work towards finding peace for everyone, and Morgan…we’ll she just goes through the motions.
And I think that’s my main issue with the novel. Morgan is just there. We learn that Internment is sinking, but it’s not Morgan who discovers this. It’s Pen. And it’s also Pen who figures out why this is happening and what should be done to stop it. (The King from the ground isn’t smart enough to know how to turn the coal into something of value. But the people in Internment can do this.) It’s also Pen who has been thinking about this and working on this plan for months. As for Morgan? I have no idea what she’s doing. She’s just moseying around thinking about Judas’ kiss and how to tell Basil and stuff. I guess.
So the goal of this book is to save Internment from sinking and to save the people on the island and the people below it. Things happen and Morgan and Basil are tasked to head back to Internment. Why Morgan? It’s because Morgan and Basil are so in love with each other and people love seeing people in love. It brings hope. Those on the ground can see how love is done in the island. And those in the island can see that their ways are better.
Only, Basil is clearly in love with Morgan and I don’t get the feeling that Morgan feels the same way. Even though Pen and Thomas have their issues, I find that what Morgan did to Basil to be equally as cruel.
Judas and Morgan shared a kiss in the last novel, in an effort to have a love triangle but not really. Morgan finally tells this to Basil and instead of apologizing and doing what she can to make him feel loved, she basically admits that she fantasized about the kiss numerous times and enjoyed it. She didn’t regret the kiss, but she finds comfort in Basil so it should be okay. When he mentions that he thought their rings meant something, she throws it back that he was willing to give her the chance to end it, but she didn’t…even though she really liked the kiss.
Really?
And Basil, *sigh* he gets angry and then forgives her.
I get that he’s sweet and understanding, but the relationship is way too one sided that he comes off as nothing more than a cardboard cut out. I can’t root for a relationship when Morgan can’t even do half of the things Basil has done for her.
As for Judas, he served no purpose to the story. The same goes for Birdie, Amy, Alice, and Lex. At least the latter two had maybe a page of screen time. Birdie and Amy were not even in the novel.
The Princess is still amazing as is her brother. And Nim grew to be a great character as well. Pen’s story is developed more and even though she isn’t in this book as much as the others, she still did a lot more than Morgan did.
And that’s the thing. Morgan did nothing in the novel, except one thing that happened in the end. Pen, Celeste, Azure, and Nimble were the ones who took care of things and helped bring peace to both kingdoms. And because their names are not Morgan, most of these things happen off the screen.
It’s not that I dislike Morgan. When it came to Perfect Ruin and Burning Kingdom she was a great narrator, but here, in the final novel she was sort of there. Pen and Celeste were dynamic and wonderful, but Morgan just went through the motions. She didn’t think of grand plans in order to save everyone, nor did she play a role in conjuring them up. The other characters told her the plan and told her what she had to do. Which again, is completely fine, but considering that this is the final novel of the series and tons of stuff happens it would have been nice if Morgan was there too.
It is a happy ending at the end, but I would have liked to see more from Lex, Alice, and Amy.
Overall, it was okay. It's not as bad as Broken Kingdom, but it's not that great either.... I do find it funny how my feelings sort of mirror the Chemical Garden series.
Oh, I should mention that the writing is still wonderful. DeStefano is a talented writer and I'll probably read more books by her, I just hope that they don't start off great and exciting, only to stumble down to a meh ending.
We started with Perfect Ruin, a slow moving, but ultimately lovely novel about a magical floating island in the sky and the people who wish to see the world below. Burning Kingdom then comes onto the scene as we see how the world is from down below. And…nothing really happens. Absolutely nothing. But there must be an end. And with this trilogy, Broken Crowns is meant to bring us a satisfying conclusion to the Internment Chronicles.
But does it?
In a sense, yes it does, but at the same time it doesn’t. In all honesty, I wasn’t really expecting much from Broken Crowns. After what happened with Burning Kingdom, I was worried that nothing would happen again. Thankfully, there’s tons of stuff that happens in this book. Tons! But a lot of it happens off screen. Plans are made by people not named Morgan. Actions take place, only Morgan isn’t around so we don’t see anything. Characters work towards finding peace for everyone, and Morgan…we’ll she just goes through the motions.
And I think that’s my main issue with the novel. Morgan is just there. We learn that Internment is sinking, but it’s not Morgan who discovers this. It’s Pen. And it’s also Pen who figures out why this is happening and what should be done to stop it. (The King from the ground isn’t smart enough to know how to turn the coal into something of value. But the people in Internment can do this.) It’s also Pen who has been thinking about this and working on this plan for months. As for Morgan? I have no idea what she’s doing. She’s just moseying around thinking about Judas’ kiss and how to tell Basil and stuff. I guess.
So the goal of this book is to save Internment from sinking and to save the people on the island and the people below it. Things happen and Morgan and Basil are tasked to head back to Internment. Why Morgan? It’s because Morgan and Basil are so in love with each other and people love seeing people in love. It brings hope. Those on the ground can see how love is done in the island. And those in the island can see that their ways are better.
Only, Basil is clearly in love with Morgan and I don’t get the feeling that Morgan feels the same way. Even though Pen and Thomas have their issues, I find that what Morgan did to Basil to be equally as cruel.
Judas and Morgan shared a kiss in the last novel, in an effort to have a love triangle but not really. Morgan finally tells this to Basil and instead of apologizing and doing what she can to make him feel loved, she basically admits that she fantasized about the kiss numerous times and enjoyed it. She didn’t regret the kiss, but she finds comfort in Basil so it should be okay. When he mentions that he thought their rings meant something, she throws it back that he was willing to give her the chance to end it, but she didn’t…even though she really liked the kiss.
Really?
And Basil, *sigh* he gets angry and then forgives her.
I get that he’s sweet and understanding, but the relationship is way too one sided that he comes off as nothing more than a cardboard cut out. I can’t root for a relationship when Morgan can’t even do half of the things Basil has done for her.
As for Judas, he served no purpose to the story. The same goes for Birdie, Amy, Alice, and Lex. At least the latter two had maybe a page of screen time. Birdie and Amy were not even in the novel.
The Princess is still amazing as is her brother. And Nim grew to be a great character as well. Pen’s story is developed more and even though she isn’t in this book as much as the others, she still did a lot more than Morgan did.
And that’s the thing. Morgan did nothing in the novel, except one thing that happened in the end. Pen, Celeste, Azure, and Nimble were the ones who took care of things and helped bring peace to both kingdoms. And because their names are not Morgan, most of these things happen off the screen.
It’s not that I dislike Morgan. When it came to Perfect Ruin and Burning Kingdom she was a great narrator, but here, in the final novel she was sort of there. Pen and Celeste were dynamic and wonderful, but Morgan just went through the motions. She didn’t think of grand plans in order to save everyone, nor did she play a role in conjuring them up. The other characters told her the plan and told her what she had to do. Which again, is completely fine, but considering that this is the final novel of the series and tons of stuff happens it would have been nice if Morgan was there too.
It is a happy ending at the end, but I would have liked to see more from Lex, Alice, and Amy.
Overall, it was okay. It's not as bad as Broken Kingdom, but it's not that great either.... I do find it funny how my feelings sort of mirror the Chemical Garden series.
Oh, I should mention that the writing is still wonderful. DeStefano is a talented writer and I'll probably read more books by her, I just hope that they don't start off great and exciting, only to stumble down to a meh ending.
May 31, 2021
This was a really solid conclusion to the series. As I've been saying throughout this series, the strongest aspect of these books is the various relationships. The romantic relationships are well written and I particularly liked the use of a love triangle in this. It wasn't to add a new love interest or to up the tension, rather it enabled Morgan to realize she had no doubts about who she truly loved. I also adore Morgan and Pen's friendship. It's incredibly well written. My only complaint is that I wish we got a few more interactions between Pen and Thomas in this book. As for the plot of this book, it was good, although a little rushed towards the end. New plot lines kept being introduced, which was somewhat stressful being that this is such a short conclusion to the trilogy. Still, I liked this book's ended. Overall, this series isn't perfect, but I really love it. It's got a great prose with some truly incredible character dynamics, but it's also just a breath of fresh air in the genre of YA Dystopians. Time and time again it would present a trope, but rather than taking the easy route, it would completely defy my expectations, which I applaud. Overall, 4 stars for the series.
September 2, 2016
What do you do when both kings love their country, to the point of taking drastic measures such as MURDER to keep their home the way it's always been? "Broken Crowns" picks up where "Burning Kingdoms" left off- Morgan and her friends who escaped to the ground are realizing the horrors of two combating kingdoms and everyone is trying to plan how to remedy the situation. I really didn't care for the second book, and I didn't think I would ever finish this one-it was SO slow moving but the turning point happened when Basil and Morgan finally make it back to Interment from the ground and find Celeste...(no spoilers!) I thought Celeste's plan to unite the two kingdoms was very brave and seemed exactly the kind of decision she would make!
The character's were very well thought out, as they have been from book one. No one is boring or flat, and every character offers something to the point of the novel, they aren't just fillers. Pen was my least favorite character in book two, but I absolutely loved her in "Broken Crowns." She is brilliant, stubborn, loyal, and thinks for herself. While on the ground, Pen calculates that Internment is sinking slightly each time the jet from Havalais travels back and forth, which could eventually cause serious problems for Internment. My favorite quote in the book came from her: " A girl should never stop thinking...otherwise we'll become what our world thinks of us....dull, simple creatures that must belong to someone lest we hurt ourselves" (p. 224)
Although it took me some time to get really in to it, "Broken Crowns" is full of shockers and twists you don't see coming. DeStefano created such imaginative worlds with impressive characters that really draw you in to the story. I felt it was the perfect wrap up to this trilogy.
The character's were very well thought out, as they have been from book one. No one is boring or flat, and every character offers something to the point of the novel, they aren't just fillers. Pen was my least favorite character in book two, but I absolutely loved her in "Broken Crowns." She is brilliant, stubborn, loyal, and thinks for herself. While on the ground, Pen calculates that Internment is sinking slightly each time the jet from Havalais travels back and forth, which could eventually cause serious problems for Internment. My favorite quote in the book came from her: " A girl should never stop thinking...otherwise we'll become what our world thinks of us....dull, simple creatures that must belong to someone lest we hurt ourselves" (p. 224)
Although it took me some time to get really in to it, "Broken Crowns" is full of shockers and twists you don't see coming. DeStefano created such imaginative worlds with impressive characters that really draw you in to the story. I felt it was the perfect wrap up to this trilogy.
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