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The Thresl Chronicles #4
Bonded Broken
Friln had always counted on his lover to be there when things go wrong. But when one brief moment of death breaks his bond with his Thresl mate, he loses the only thing in the world he needs to make him happy.
For the past ten years Friln, the king’s Captain of the Guard, has lived with and loved his Thresl mate Nelrin. When an assassination attempt catches Friln in the crossfire, he is killed. In the brief moment before he’s revived, the bond to his lover is shattered.
At Friln’s death Nelrin loses everything. Bereft of the only person he’s ever loved, Nelrin turns back into his cat form and runs away. Unfortunately he falls into the hands of a pair of scientists who have different plans than redemption for the Thresl race.
For the past ten years Friln, the king’s Captain of the Guard, has lived with and loved his Thresl mate Nelrin. When an assassination attempt catches Friln in the crossfire, he is killed. In the brief moment before he’s revived, the bond to his lover is shattered.
At Friln’s death Nelrin loses everything. Bereft of the only person he’s ever loved, Nelrin turns back into his cat form and runs away. Unfortunately he falls into the hands of a pair of scientists who have different plans than redemption for the Thresl race.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2013
15 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
175 books1,285 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 17, 2015
This fourth book of the fantastic 'Thresl Chronicles' series continues the ongoing story of the Thresl kingdom trying to reassert itself as an independent power. With the reincarnation of King Vohne in book one, the freeing of the king's brother in book two, and the uncovering of one, or more, interconnected evil plots to smuggle Thresls and make money off selling them in book three, the stage is set for a major thickening of said plot in this fourth book. With a sideways move away from the royals and high-placed diplomats, seeing events from the eyes of the captain of the guard, Friln, and his bonded mate, soldier Nelrin, was an interesting change of perspective that added some color and kept the story fresh for me.
Friln is the king's captain of the guard, a very loyal soldier, and deeply in love with his Thresl mate. They have been together for ten years, and the book opens on their very happy lives. Guarding King Vohne and his mate, Kres, may be stressful, but on the whole, neither Friln nor Nelrin can wish for a different or better life. Imagine my shock when disaster hits and Friln gets shot in an assassination attempt. As if this weren't bad enough, he is wounded so severely that he dies and the mate bond to Nelrin breaks.
Nelrin loves his mate to distraction and is totally devoted to him. When the bond is gone, in utter despair, he changes back to his Thresl form and runs. Straight into the hands of an evil scientist who is trying to find a way to stop Thresls from needing human mates. She may have good intentions, but her methods are more than questionable. Nelrin is pretty lost already, confused and grieving, and the experiments she does on him don’t help. He'll have to fight hard to find his way back to being who he is.
What follows is an intricate plot, containing spies and counter-agents, twists and turns of the story line, and quite a few surprises as to who might be behind the evil plot. Smugglers interested in the now rare Thresls play a role, as do scientists experimenting on them, even a duke is implicated. Through it all Friln and Nelrin struggle to discover what is really going on, despite their broken bond and Nelrin's apparent inability to change back into human form. More shenanigans are sure to follow in the next volume!
If you like stories that contain a mystery, evil villains, and paranormal elements, if you enjoy reading about alien cultures and other planets in the far future, and if you're looking for a hot read that is close to a thriller, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Friln is the king's captain of the guard, a very loyal soldier, and deeply in love with his Thresl mate. They have been together for ten years, and the book opens on their very happy lives. Guarding King Vohne and his mate, Kres, may be stressful, but on the whole, neither Friln nor Nelrin can wish for a different or better life. Imagine my shock when disaster hits and Friln gets shot in an assassination attempt. As if this weren't bad enough, he is wounded so severely that he dies and the mate bond to Nelrin breaks.
Nelrin loves his mate to distraction and is totally devoted to him. When the bond is gone, in utter despair, he changes back to his Thresl form and runs. Straight into the hands of an evil scientist who is trying to find a way to stop Thresls from needing human mates. She may have good intentions, but her methods are more than questionable. Nelrin is pretty lost already, confused and grieving, and the experiments she does on him don’t help. He'll have to fight hard to find his way back to being who he is.
What follows is an intricate plot, containing spies and counter-agents, twists and turns of the story line, and quite a few surprises as to who might be behind the evil plot. Smugglers interested in the now rare Thresls play a role, as do scientists experimenting on them, even a duke is implicated. Through it all Friln and Nelrin struggle to discover what is really going on, despite their broken bond and Nelrin's apparent inability to change back into human form. More shenanigans are sure to follow in the next volume!
If you like stories that contain a mystery, evil villains, and paranormal elements, if you enjoy reading about alien cultures and other planets in the far future, and if you're looking for a hot read that is close to a thriller, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 12, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
After following this chronicle, I see that there are great books and then there are the misses. For me, it was book 2 that disappointed but thankfully for all Thresl fans, author Amber Kell improved on this series considerably. However, I must state frankly that I love book #1 Soldier Mine (Thresl Chronicles, #1) over and above the rest. That said, where Book #3 frustrated me no end for all of the issues popping up all over the place and left where they popped up, here in Bonded Broken, there is a movement to the series plot. There are still so many things left unresolved, but there is an improvement.
This particular book deals with a bond that is broken when Friln dies for a few minutes after risking his life protecting his King Mate. That was a really moving moment for the story and when Nelrin got into cat form and undergoes a questionable surgical procedure, things loooked dire for a while. This was fixed right up front and a bit fast in my opinion but thinking back, if the author had played it out longer, it would have totally ruined it for me.
Once Nelrin gets back on track, just when things get interesting, the book ends. This was a downer. The upside is, we will get to know what happened to Saint and his search for the elusive mate. With that in mind, this book only managed to whet my appetite for more things Thresl and I am sure to look out what happens next.
After following this chronicle, I see that there are great books and then there are the misses. For me, it was book 2 that disappointed but thankfully for all Thresl fans, author Amber Kell improved on this series considerably. However, I must state frankly that I love book #1 Soldier Mine (Thresl Chronicles, #1) over and above the rest. That said, where Book #3 frustrated me no end for all of the issues popping up all over the place and left where they popped up, here in Bonded Broken, there is a movement to the series plot. There are still so many things left unresolved, but there is an improvement.
This particular book deals with a bond that is broken when Friln dies for a few minutes after risking his life protecting his King Mate. That was a really moving moment for the story and when Nelrin got into cat form and undergoes a questionable surgical procedure, things loooked dire for a while. This was fixed right up front and a bit fast in my opinion but thinking back, if the author had played it out longer, it would have totally ruined it for me.
Once Nelrin gets back on track, just when things get interesting, the book ends. This was a downer. The upside is, we will get to know what happened to Saint and his search for the elusive mate. With that in mind, this book only managed to whet my appetite for more things Thresl and I am sure to look out what happens next.
September 7, 2013
I liked the interplay between our two heroes. I really felt their pain when their bond was broken along with their joy when they were able to reconnect.
September 30, 2013
Friln and Nelrin are one of the couples that readers have followed from the very beginning of this interesting sci fi shifter romance series. They are two of the royal guards. Friln and Rin are also happily mated and have been for the past ten years. The fact that they are already mated allowed for the romance aspect to be present from the very beginning of this tale. The breaking of the bond allowed for readers to experience the sexy alphaness that is the Thresl trying to form the bond to his mate that will eventually allow him to shift into a fleshy bipedal human.
I read plenty of novella’s. I’m used to the shortness. That aspect is simply part of what it is. I felt there needed to be more time (days, not hours) between Friln finding a furry Thresl Rin and him losing it over his mate not transforming. Friln was completely losing his stuff and looking into taking some drastic measures all in the thoughts of Rin’s happiness. From what I’ve read of this series the transformation is something that takes time. Friln should know this better than anyone.
I’m getting to the point that I feel like Saint and the possibility of him getting a book and is a tease to string me along. Readers have already been introduced to his mate. That happened two books ago. I’m more than ready for this ornery old cats story.
I read plenty of novella’s. I’m used to the shortness. That aspect is simply part of what it is. I felt there needed to be more time (days, not hours) between Friln finding a furry Thresl Rin and him losing it over his mate not transforming. Friln was completely losing his stuff and looking into taking some drastic measures all in the thoughts of Rin’s happiness. From what I’ve read of this series the transformation is something that takes time. Friln should know this better than anyone.
I’m getting to the point that I feel like Saint and the possibility of him getting a book and is a tease to string me along. Readers have already been introduced to his mate. That happened two books ago. I’m more than ready for this ornery old cats story.
September 9, 2013
This is a step up from the last books in terms of having well penned characters and engaging turn of events. I was a little emotional for a while there when Nelrin felt the bond break! Looking forward to Saint's book!
September 16, 2013
Love this serie, just wished it was longer...
Can't wait for Sain't Book...
Can't wait for Sain't Book...
December 19, 2017
This is the first book I've ever read with the sentence 'I think my brain is growing back.'
April 5, 2022
I liked this one up until the end. It ended so abruptly and felt unfinished again. There was some angst and I actually teared up a bit. So it was mostly a good story. Rushed and unpolished though.
February 1, 2021
3.4 stars
October 21, 2013
I was prepared to be disappointed in this one even though I love the series because it wasn't Saint's book, but instead I truly enjoyed getting Friln and Rin's story.
Friln and Rin have been background characters since the first book as a bonded pair that represented the Captain of the King's Guard and soldiers in the castle tasked with protecting the King and King Mate. They have been a bonded pair for ten years, but in one moment when Friln takes a bullet meant for Kres, their bond is broken.
Rin thinks his human mate died when their connection is broken so he transforms back into his Thresl cat form. Friln doesn't die, but before he can find Rin, the big cat is kidnapped by scientists with a secret agenda. Even if he gets him back, Friln wonders if Rin would choose him a second time.
I enjoyed exploring the idea of a pair who are faced with the bonding question a second time. Their love and yet their doubts really drew me in and had me interested. I also liked seeing the plot advance with the attempt to overthrow the King. Its really heating up now. I enjoyed that little teaser about the Duke and the doctor and then finally a peek in with Saint.
It was a good installment to the series and I look forward to more.
Friln and Rin have been background characters since the first book as a bonded pair that represented the Captain of the King's Guard and soldiers in the castle tasked with protecting the King and King Mate. They have been a bonded pair for ten years, but in one moment when Friln takes a bullet meant for Kres, their bond is broken.
Rin thinks his human mate died when their connection is broken so he transforms back into his Thresl cat form. Friln doesn't die, but before he can find Rin, the big cat is kidnapped by scientists with a secret agenda. Even if he gets him back, Friln wonders if Rin would choose him a second time.
I enjoyed exploring the idea of a pair who are faced with the bonding question a second time. Their love and yet their doubts really drew me in and had me interested. I also liked seeing the plot advance with the attempt to overthrow the King. Its really heating up now. I enjoyed that little teaser about the Duke and the doctor and then finally a peek in with Saint.
It was a good installment to the series and I look forward to more.
July 13, 2015
Emptiness where once lived the bond to his mate. Friln’s death leaves Rin without his human anchor. How will he survive without the man who has been his one constant for the last ten years? In Bonded Broken by Amber Kell, Rin is forced to learn a lesson he would much rather avoid. Friln and Rin have been characters on the outskirts of previous stories in this series. They are mated and solid so I was surprised Ms. Kell decided to allow us such an intimate view into their world. But boy am I glad she did! The strength of their devotion to it other was strong enough to fight against death and come out on the other side all the stronger for the experience. I loved seeing a couple so grounded together, manage to grow and mature and fight to remain viable. Friln fights to return to Rin and continues to fight when Rin is missing. Rin needed time and that need became the enemy so to speak. Ms. Kell wove a wonderful story of love even as she moved along the story arc. We see Thresls as unique individuals and their bonding as more than a necessary imperative. We see that love and caring transcend even death and mutilation. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to Ms. Kell’s Thresl Chronicles and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
October 5, 2013
My favorite of the series so far. I had fun reading about Friln and Rin. The banter was good and it was fun to see what 10 years together looked like for these two. The emotional impact could have used a bit of work since I usually get teary eyed when one of the MC's is facing death (I did not for this one, shockingly...okay may not so shockingly since we all know how Mrs. Kell writes).
The things being revealed about Thresl anatomy was interesting (some might consider it a bit icky). I look forward to learning what other potential the thresl's hold after reading about what Saint did at the end.
The things being revealed about Thresl anatomy was interesting (some might consider it a bit icky). I look forward to learning what other potential the thresl's hold after reading about what Saint did at the end.
November 22, 2013
Another new chapter in the ongoing story of the Thresl. I enjoyed it but I would have preferred it to be Saint's book. Hopefully the next one out will be. Meanwhile the story here is about an established bonded couple who have to try and reconnect after one them dies for a few seconds and the bond gets broken. I loved the way the two men reacted to the loss of the bond as it was well written and heart breaking. Luckily there is as usual a happy ending so I wasn't left too unhappy (just unhappy about it not being Saint's story yet!)
November 30, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Oh damn, I think this is the best one of the series right after Soldier Mine. It was definitely better at plot solidity, better at action/romance balance, and how they unraveled. I remember the pace for the previous two was a bit hectic, not allowing much space to come to terms with the event and I was pleasantly surprised to see a complete lack of those flaws for this installment...
Read the rest of the review here
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Oh damn, I think this is the best one of the series right after Soldier Mine. It was definitely better at plot solidity, better at action/romance balance, and how they unraveled. I remember the pace for the previous two was a bit hectic, not allowing much space to come to terms with the event and I was pleasantly surprised to see a complete lack of those flaws for this installment...
Read the rest of the review here
Thommie
September 6, 2015
This was a cute story. It wasn't nearly as angsty as I thought it would be. The overall plot isn't too difficult to figure out, though there is a twist. The story line and characters are a bit shallow making the story a bit "fluffy". I enjoyed it as such.
April 17, 2015
Not bad. Not amazing tho. I kind of wish the distance or broken mate bond had been more of the focus. I think the broken bond was kind of over and done with really quickly and then the focus was on the science experiments etc.
November 16, 2015
I liked this world and the idea of Tresl species. What I didn't like was the fact that the problems were caused (again) by lack of communication and then they were conveniently resolved by a stroke of luck without much input from the characters.
September 22, 2013
I am SO in love with this series! I hope Saint's book is next!
September 6, 2013
3.5 stars
February 25, 2022
I just love this series!
September 25, 2013
I can't wait for Saint's story.
September 28, 2013
I enjoyed this story very much , where the previous one seemed to be missing something. Some sad parts and some loving moments.
December 18, 2013
Awesome!!
June 7, 2014
This one was the most emotional of them all. See final book in series for my opinion on this series :)
March 9, 2015
Bonded Broken (The Thresl Chronicles)
Loved it just as great as the first three can't wait to read the next one ........I know it will be just as good.
Loved it just as great as the first three can't wait to read the next one ........I know it will be just as good.
April 23, 2016
Amber did a great job on this one. More intrigue, evil scientists and an over reaching human military. The broken bond between really tore me up, poor Rin!
January 21, 2022
I'm loving this sci-fi universe series. A broken bond between mates doesn't necessarily mean broken love.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews