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Shattered Promises #2
Fractured Souls
The second installment in the steamy Shattered Promises series, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jessica Sorensen Gemma thought she had said her good-byes and had felt every possible emotion she could before her soul was detached again. Deep down inside, she hoped she'd never wake up from it because, in her eyes, life without emotion and memories isn't worth living. But she does wake up and discovers she can still feel and remember everything she experienced over the last few months. Alex is also telling her that everything's okay, that he didn't betray her, and that what she thought happened really didn't. Gemma isn't sure if she can trust Alex, so she tries to keep her distance from him, even though the electric connection and her desire make it nearly impossible. The only person she can trust is Laylen, but even that becomes complicated when the lines of their friendship begin to blur. While Gemma struggles with her emotions and relationships, she searches for her mother, entering a dangerous world of secrets, seduction, and evil. The further she digs into her mother's secrets and past, the more she wonders what waits for her at the end of her search and if maybe some things are better left in the dark.
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First published June 30, 2013
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About the author
Jessica Sorensen
421 books20.1k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
July 14, 2013
4 stars!
Gemma’s emotions are back and stronger than ever. She is struggling with them. After spending most of her life detached from the world, ‘feeling’ is still new and strange to her.
After all that went down in the last book, Gemma isn’t sure if she can trust Alex. She wants to, but for now she is keeping her distance. It’s hard for her. She has all these feelings for Alex that she has never experienced before.
Alex doesn’t like the distance at all. He is willing to do whatever it takes to let Gemma know he can be trusted, he only wants what is best for her. He would do anything to keep her safe, and it is killing him to be apart from her.
And then there is Laylen. Laylen has been a friend to Gemma, someone she knows she can trust. He is willing to help her anyway he can. Then their relationship starts to become a little... complicated.
Hot mess of a paranormal love triangle. I absolutely adore Laylen AND Alex, but I am 100% rooting for Alex.
I can’t even give a good summary of this book. There is too much going on, I would be here all day. If I were smart (and I’m obviously not) I would have done a quick re-read or re-cap of ‘Shattered Promises’. It took me a while to get into this one. Maybe because as I said before, there is just SO MUCH going on, I wasn’t refreshed and it was a little confusing at times. Once started remembering everything, it got much better. Jessica Sorensen is an amazing writer, and this is a very well written book. This is not YA like her other paranormal books, this series is very much NA... which means hot and steamy! The ending was another f’n cliffhanger, so I’m really hoping book 3 comes out very soon! IF you are looking for a good PNR series with some steam, I would recommend picking up ‘Shattered Promises’ and then reading this one! A solid 4 star read for me!
Gemma’s emotions are back and stronger than ever. She is struggling with them. After spending most of her life detached from the world, ‘feeling’ is still new and strange to her.
After all that went down in the last book, Gemma isn’t sure if she can trust Alex. She wants to, but for now she is keeping her distance. It’s hard for her. She has all these feelings for Alex that she has never experienced before.
Alex doesn’t like the distance at all. He is willing to do whatever it takes to let Gemma know he can be trusted, he only wants what is best for her. He would do anything to keep her safe, and it is killing him to be apart from her.
And then there is Laylen. Laylen has been a friend to Gemma, someone she knows she can trust. He is willing to help her anyway he can. Then their relationship starts to become a little... complicated.
Hot mess of a paranormal love triangle. I absolutely adore Laylen AND Alex, but I am 100% rooting for Alex.
I can’t even give a good summary of this book. There is too much going on, I would be here all day. If I were smart (and I’m obviously not) I would have done a quick re-read or re-cap of ‘Shattered Promises’. It took me a while to get into this one. Maybe because as I said before, there is just SO MUCH going on, I wasn’t refreshed and it was a little confusing at times. Once started remembering everything, it got much better. Jessica Sorensen is an amazing writer, and this is a very well written book. This is not YA like her other paranormal books, this series is very much NA... which means hot and steamy! The ending was another f’n cliffhanger, so I’m really hoping book 3 comes out very soon! IF you are looking for a good PNR series with some steam, I would recommend picking up ‘Shattered Promises’ and then reading this one! A solid 4 star read for me!
May 7, 2014
4.5 Stars!!!
“Being away from you… it gets harder and harder… I swear to God it actually feels like I’m dying.”
Wow...what a ride! The story gets more and more interesting with every new page. It’s seriously hard to put it down. But the worst thing about series like this one is that they will eventually end...and I don’t want it to end! :(
So...Gemma thinks Alex had betrayed her. She is not sure she can trust him despite the fact he tries to explain everything countless times. Gemma is too insecure and feels lost. However they have bigger problems than her feelings- like how exactly to save Gemma’s mother from The Underworld(and is she even alive)?!?
“There are things in life that happen that change who we are, things that are hard to come back from, and in the end we never really are the same.”
The story continues to amaze me. I still love it. My only problem is the heroine!!! I seriously cannot understand Gemma and this is a bit frustrating.
The chemistry between Alex and Gemma is unbelievable! There are some seriously hot moments in this book!!
I hope the next books in the series are as good as this one (fingers crossed)!!! I am starting book 2.5 immediately ;)
For more reviews check our book blog: The Blue Owlary
“Being away from you… it gets harder and harder… I swear to God it actually feels like I’m dying.”
Wow...what a ride! The story gets more and more interesting with every new page. It’s seriously hard to put it down. But the worst thing about series like this one is that they will eventually end...and I don’t want it to end! :(
So...Gemma thinks Alex had betrayed her. She is not sure she can trust him despite the fact he tries to explain everything countless times. Gemma is too insecure and feels lost. However they have bigger problems than her feelings- like how exactly to save Gemma’s mother from The Underworld(and is she even alive)?!?
“There are things in life that happen that change who we are, things that are hard to come back from, and in the end we never really are the same.”
The story continues to amaze me. I still love it. My only problem is the heroine!!! I seriously cannot understand Gemma and this is a bit frustrating.
The chemistry between Alex and Gemma is unbelievable! There are some seriously hot moments in this book!!
I hope the next books in the series are as good as this one (fingers crossed)!!! I am starting book 2.5 immediately ;)
For more reviews check our book blog: The Blue Owlary
March 30, 2017
Reread. I have to say it's amazing how my opinions and things I notice in books have changed over time. I LOVED this the first time around when she first put them out. I'm kinda struggling with them now =/
July 23, 2015
Holy moly, this book was soo much incredibly better than the first book. It was so intense, hot, sad, mysterious, thrilling, exciting, etc. So many different emotions and I felt a ton of them while reading this book. In the second book a ton happens and I mean a ton, while reading this story there isn’t one spot that is slow you are always on edge wondering what is going to happen next and you are always second guessing the characters. Meaning you are asking are you really going to do that, what do you think you are doing, please don’t do that, etc, etc, etc. In this book unlike the first book you do get a lot more answers and a lot more contradicting situations which really made this book so much more entertaining to grasp onto.
The main character Gemma goes through a lot more in this book, not just experiences but the emotions that she is still trying to get a grasp on, meaning how she is dealing with them. I really do like how in this book she doesn’t step down and she is trying to do so much and proof so much as well, though it is confusing who she is trying to proof things to whether herself or someone else. But at the same time I can’t fault her for that because it is a difficult position to be put into. In this book she is a very strong and determined individual, but at the same time you feel so bad for her because all she wants to do is the right thing and save the world and everyone that is good in it.
Gemma is put through many situations in this book and everything that does happen really does proof that type of person she is and it’s hard not to understand her or connect with her, because you know if you were in her situation you would probably make the same decisions, even the ones that seem a little crazy.
After the way things ended in book two, I definitely cannot wait to read the novella and book three, though I’m very intrigued as to what is going to happen in the novella (hence because it is a novella), we shall see!
The main character Gemma goes through a lot more in this book, not just experiences but the emotions that she is still trying to get a grasp on, meaning how she is dealing with them. I really do like how in this book she doesn’t step down and she is trying to do so much and proof so much as well, though it is confusing who she is trying to proof things to whether herself or someone else. But at the same time I can’t fault her for that because it is a difficult position to be put into. In this book she is a very strong and determined individual, but at the same time you feel so bad for her because all she wants to do is the right thing and save the world and everyone that is good in it.
Gemma is put through many situations in this book and everything that does happen really does proof that type of person she is and it’s hard not to understand her or connect with her, because you know if you were in her situation you would probably make the same decisions, even the ones that seem a little crazy.
After the way things ended in book two, I definitely cannot wait to read the novella and book three, though I’m very intrigued as to what is going to happen in the novella (hence because it is a novella), we shall see!
July 8, 2013
Oh my word! This book was amazing! If you have not read the first one, I highly suggest you start there because a whole lot started before this book begins. It is free now on Amazon. Not only does this book takes us to places that the original YA series did not (*swoon Laylen swoon*), but it also has plot twists I did not see coming. I am still wrapping my mind around all of the things that happened. I love some characters I used to kind of like and hate one I was always kind of cheering on. It is craziness. If you have not read the YA version, no worries. This series a reimagining, so they can be read in complete isolation. If you like Shattered Promises, you need to read this book. Yes, I said need. The adventure continues, emotions are explored, Laylen gets more swoon worthy, and evil makes its presence known. Good Stuff.
July 10, 2013
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
OMG, I was up until 2am this morning reading because I just couldn't put this book down. Gemma and Alex...WOW!!! Now I know why you feel the sparks and electricity every time you are together. Poor Laylen...I think he has realised now that you guys are MEANT TO BE!!!
FUCK!!! What the hell was that at the end....DAM YOU NICHOLAS you fucked up fairy boy and FUCK YOU Stephan you deluded fucking power freak. I really hope you get whats coming to you.....
OMG, I was up until 2am this morning reading because I just couldn't put this book down. Gemma and Alex...WOW!!! Now I know why you feel the sparks and electricity every time you are together. Poor Laylen...I think he has realised now that you guys are MEANT TO BE!!!
FUCK!!! What the hell was that at the end....DAM YOU NICHOLAS you fucked up fairy boy and FUCK YOU Stephan you deluded fucking power freak. I really hope you get whats coming to you.....
July 2, 2013
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July 1, 2013
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I LOVED Shattered Promises (Shattered Promises #1) and even gave it 5 stars. I was super excited to read Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) and continue the story of Gemma. I loved her and Alex together and couldn’t wait to further their relationship and continue with the world of vampires, Keepers, Death Walkers, and many other things in the paranormal world they live in.
It had been awhile since I read Shattered Promises and was a bit confused going into Fractured Souls. I recommend re-reading or freshen up on the first book in the series so you do not get confused. There is not really a “recap” of events that occurred in Shattered Promises and I had forgotten who was who. The book goes right back into the story, so make sure you remember events and people from book one.
I still LOVE Alex but I also loved Laylen! They were so different but I loved them both and what they brought to the book and how they interacted with Gemma. I always knew Laylen and Gemma would hook up somehow with their flirtatious behavior in Shattered Promises. As much as I love Alex & Gemma together I also enjoyed Laylen & Gemma. Layleen is just so sexy, in some punk vampire way.
I was a bit confused in Fractured Souls most of the time. The story moved quickly bringing in many different characters. Sometimes I would be reading the book and be totally confused on what just happened, I had to go back and reread paragraphs to see if I missed anything. Maybe it was just me but I did feel a little lost at times, especially near the end.
My favorite thing about the Shattered Promises series is the awesome characters. Gemma, Alex, and Laylen are great characters who bring a lot to the book. I was happy a love triangle formed between the them. Fractured Promises is definitely adult and I love a good paranormal book that is aimed for adults and not young adults. I really love the series and characters, the first book is amazing! I just didn’t love Fractured Souls AS MUCH as I did Shattered Promises.
I give Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) 3.5 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
I LOVED Shattered Promises (Shattered Promises #1) and even gave it 5 stars. I was super excited to read Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) and continue the story of Gemma. I loved her and Alex together and couldn’t wait to further their relationship and continue with the world of vampires, Keepers, Death Walkers, and many other things in the paranormal world they live in.
It had been awhile since I read Shattered Promises and was a bit confused going into Fractured Souls. I recommend re-reading or freshen up on the first book in the series so you do not get confused. There is not really a “recap” of events that occurred in Shattered Promises and I had forgotten who was who. The book goes right back into the story, so make sure you remember events and people from book one.
I still LOVE Alex but I also loved Laylen! They were so different but I loved them both and what they brought to the book and how they interacted with Gemma. I always knew Laylen and Gemma would hook up somehow with their flirtatious behavior in Shattered Promises. As much as I love Alex & Gemma together I also enjoyed Laylen & Gemma. Layleen is just so sexy, in some punk vampire way.
I was a bit confused in Fractured Souls most of the time. The story moved quickly bringing in many different characters. Sometimes I would be reading the book and be totally confused on what just happened, I had to go back and reread paragraphs to see if I missed anything. Maybe it was just me but I did feel a little lost at times, especially near the end.
My favorite thing about the Shattered Promises series is the awesome characters. Gemma, Alex, and Laylen are great characters who bring a lot to the book. I was happy a love triangle formed between the them. Fractured Promises is definitely adult and I love a good paranormal book that is aimed for adults and not young adults. I really love the series and characters, the first book is amazing! I just didn’t love Fractured Souls AS MUCH as I did Shattered Promises.
I give Fractured Souls (Shattered Promises #2) 3.5 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
February 24, 2019
2.5 stars
I had a hard time connecting with this one, which is a bummer because I LOVE jessica sorensen. Part of my issue might be i didn't reread the first one and god, its been years since I've read it, so I had forgotten everything. There was a lot of back and forth, a little love triangle, not in a bad way, I felt badly for laylen and alex really. I didn't find Gemma particularly likable and there was more than one character that needed killin in this. Gemma passed out and woke up and was disoriented and asked where she was. A lot. Like almost every chapter, so that got kind of tiresome. Doubt I will continue this series.
If you are looking for something awesome by this author, I recommend:
The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden
Awakening You
I had a hard time connecting with this one, which is a bummer because I LOVE jessica sorensen. Part of my issue might be i didn't reread the first one and god, its been years since I've read it, so I had forgotten everything. There was a lot of back and forth, a little love triangle, not in a bad way, I felt badly for laylen and alex really. I didn't find Gemma particularly likable and there was more than one character that needed killin in this. Gemma passed out and woke up and was disoriented and asked where she was. A lot. Like almost every chapter, so that got kind of tiresome. Doubt I will continue this series.
If you are looking for something awesome by this author, I recommend:
The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden
Awakening You
July 13, 2013
see review and teaser for Book 3 - Broken Visions at www.shhmomsreading.com on 7/14
I LOVE Alex,Laylen and Gemma and couldn’t wait to dive right back into the Shattered Promises Series.
Fractured Souls picks up where Shattered Promises left off where Alex and Gemma have escaped from his father Stephen to Las Vegas to hide out. At first, I am skeptical of Alex’s intentions and question whether I trust him or not because of things that happened in book 1. But Alex immediately puts my anxiety to rest as he reveals that he lied to Gemma to protect her. Gemma will take some time to recover from the betrayal as she has been through a lot and has a lot of trust issues and I not only understand how she feels but sympathize with her as well because she has never really had anyone she can rely on in her life.
Fractured Souls continues Gemma’s story in finding out the truth and most importantly her mother who was taken to the Underworld. Gemma will encounter many obstacles in finding her mom, namely Nicholas the devious Fairie and Stephen’s continued pursuit of her and her friends.
So Jessica knows how to write love and sex and the scenes in this book are NO JOKE! There is a love triangle with Alex, Gemma and Laylen and I can’t even tell you how damn HOT some of these scenes were. Though I do feel that the relationship between Alex and Gemma is the one based on love, feelings, and connections – there is something between Laylen and Gemma that you can’t deny. All parties in this love triangle bring something to the table and ultimately I wonder who Gemma will choose and just hope that no one gets hurt in the process.
What exactly is Stephen after and what is his plan for them? Will Gemma be able to find her mom in the Underworld and rescue her? And what will become of this love triangle – will anything ever be resolved for these three?
Well you will have to read this book to find out! Yes, this is a cliffhanger – it was suspenseful and entertaining and the love was magnificent – I could feel it through my kindle. The ending filled me with such powerful emotions and doom and book 3 – Broken Visions can’t come soon enough! Jessica has provided us with a teaser for book 3 that will hold us for a bit – so enjoy it below!
Great job as always!!! <3
I LOVE Alex,Laylen and Gemma and couldn’t wait to dive right back into the Shattered Promises Series.
Fractured Souls picks up where Shattered Promises left off where Alex and Gemma have escaped from his father Stephen to Las Vegas to hide out. At first, I am skeptical of Alex’s intentions and question whether I trust him or not because of things that happened in book 1. But Alex immediately puts my anxiety to rest as he reveals that he lied to Gemma to protect her. Gemma will take some time to recover from the betrayal as she has been through a lot and has a lot of trust issues and I not only understand how she feels but sympathize with her as well because she has never really had anyone she can rely on in her life.
Fractured Souls continues Gemma’s story in finding out the truth and most importantly her mother who was taken to the Underworld. Gemma will encounter many obstacles in finding her mom, namely Nicholas the devious Fairie and Stephen’s continued pursuit of her and her friends.
So Jessica knows how to write love and sex and the scenes in this book are NO JOKE! There is a love triangle with Alex, Gemma and Laylen and I can’t even tell you how damn HOT some of these scenes were. Though I do feel that the relationship between Alex and Gemma is the one based on love, feelings, and connections – there is something between Laylen and Gemma that you can’t deny. All parties in this love triangle bring something to the table and ultimately I wonder who Gemma will choose and just hope that no one gets hurt in the process.
What exactly is Stephen after and what is his plan for them? Will Gemma be able to find her mom in the Underworld and rescue her? And what will become of this love triangle – will anything ever be resolved for these three?
Well you will have to read this book to find out! Yes, this is a cliffhanger – it was suspenseful and entertaining and the love was magnificent – I could feel it through my kindle. The ending filled me with such powerful emotions and doom and book 3 – Broken Visions can’t come soon enough! Jessica has provided us with a teaser for book 3 that will hold us for a bit – so enjoy it below!
Great job as always!!! <3
December 1, 2013
Ahhh, what a cliff hanger! I mean, I'm not one to normally bitch and complain about cliff hangers...okay, maybe I do sometimes, but not all the time. Nevertheless, this is twice now that this series has totally just built you up soooo much and then BAM! over the side you, just dangling there grasping for something to give you a clue as to what will happen next. Unfortunately, you won't know until you read the next book.
Wow, I was totally shocked at what happened between Laylen and Gemma. I mean, I know it was going to happen at some point in the series but I just didn't expect it to happen quite like that. Nor did I expect it to have such last, confusing effects either.
And then there is the bombshell at the end of the book regarding all four (4) main characters: Gemma, Alex, Aislin, and Laylen. I mean, HOLY COW!
Okay, so in my opinion, it's a bit hard to write this review because let's face it, you just have the urge to write about something or someone and it's a big event in the story so you can't be a spoiler because it would just totally ruin the book (maybe, probably not) for other readers. But, I hate having to give spoilers in order to give a proper review.
I read this book in one day because it was just, that good! It's definitely a book that you MUST read in sequence otherwise you will be completely lost on the small details and the overall events that are happening.
Again, I'm not normally one to be drooling over paranormal series but this series has definitely gripped me and sucked me in to the dark side.
Wow, I was totally shocked at what happened between Laylen and Gemma. I mean, I know it was going to happen at some point in the series but I just didn't expect it to happen quite like that. Nor did I expect it to have such last, confusing effects either.
And then there is the bombshell at the end of the book regarding all four (4) main characters: Gemma, Alex, Aislin, and Laylen. I mean, HOLY COW!
Okay, so in my opinion, it's a bit hard to write this review because let's face it, you just have the urge to write about something or someone and it's a big event in the story so you can't be a spoiler because it would just totally ruin the book (maybe, probably not) for other readers. But, I hate having to give spoilers in order to give a proper review.
I read this book in one day because it was just, that good! It's definitely a book that you MUST read in sequence otherwise you will be completely lost on the small details and the overall events that are happening.
Again, I'm not normally one to be drooling over paranormal series but this series has definitely gripped me and sucked me in to the dark side.
July 4, 2013
I can't explain just how excited I was for this book. I absolutely loved Shattered Promises. I guess maybe my expectations were just too high for this one. Sure, it was good... but good is not great. It doesn't come close to living up to the first one IMHO. It just felt rushed to me. I needed and expected more.
The longer I read trilogies, the more I'm realizing that the second books are often the weakest. Hopefully when the third comes out, it will wrap everything up nicely and I'll be happy. :)
The longer I read trilogies, the more I'm realizing that the second books are often the weakest. Hopefully when the third comes out, it will wrap everything up nicely and I'll be happy. :)
June 19, 2013
I really liked reading this book. The story line was great. It has a way of keeping you wanting to read through the end. The characters are an array of unique beings. This was a well written book. However, the ending left me clueless. Maybe I missed some thing, but I do not have any idea what happened. I still think it's a book to add to your tbr list. Recommended
July 24, 2013
Liked this one even more than the first. More questions were answered and I just could follow along easier. Love Gemma and Alex, also love Laylen but Gemma is meant to be with Alex. Not thrilled with how it ended, darn that Stephen. Can't wait to read the next one and hope good and love can conquer all.
Still hope Nicholas gets what is coming to him.
Still hope Nicholas gets what is coming to him.
January 20, 2014
OMG I just finished this and I can't believe it just strands you at the end! I am so wanting Gemma and Alex to work it out now. The story is intriguing and unique and I want more. Now I have to wait for the next one to come out! Grrrr...
July 9, 2013
This book seemed like it was all over the place. It was very confusing and hard to understand. I really liked the first book but this one wasn't what I was expecting.
July 6, 2013
Jessica Sorensen and her dang cliff hangers kill me every time!
November 8, 2020
I described the first book like a dumpster truck on fire; bad, but fascinating to look at. But now it’s no longer fascinating and this book is just plainly bad.
Gemma needs to save her mother from the Underworld, that’s all this book is about. And a love triangle, which I felt nothing for. It’s also really immature of Gemma to jump from one guy to the next. Just make up your mind. And then it’s “resolved”? Suddenly, she doesn’t feel anything for Laylen, because “they talked”? What was the point in even adding the triangle in the first place? Filler when you can’t figure out an actual story?
Or to show how *much* Alex cares for her, by showing him as a jealous prick? Like when Gemma offers Laylen blood to save his life and Alex bolts.
“Where are you going?” I call out. He pauses with his back to me, rain showering down his body, droplets beading across his back muscles. “I... I can’t watch you like that... with him...”
It’s just to save his life? But of course, make them feel bad about it. It goes really well with his anger issues.
“Alex shakes his head and then storms over to the wall, slamming his fist through the drywall”
Girl, red fucking flag right there. Another fine quality Alex carries on with in this book is the controlling of Gemma. *But only because he cares*
”I need you... I need you close to me. I can barley concentrate because all I keep thinking about is that something is going to happen to you.”
It’s been a theme in many YA book to portray this as romantic, but it need to stop. Need is something very selfish and stems from what the other person can give to you. It’s not supposed to be the root of a relationship. It’s toxic, just as controlling another person is. Just no.
This book tries to make a point that Gemma is really powerful. But she doesn’t actually do anything that indicates it. She makes stupid, impulsive decisions and spends much of the book crying or passed out. She’s also dependent on other persons to do her bidding.
”And the only reason you’re still sitting here is because I need you to help me get into the Underworld, otherwise I would have told Alex to kick your ass. ”
But darling, if you’re so powerful. Kick his ass yourself. I’m so tired of women being portrayed as weak and only a guy can defend them. And that view is really strengthen by Alex.
”He already paid for it... I beat him up really badly” .... “That’s kind of hard to believe”
Way to go Alex! That’s how you empower a woman! Gold star! But given how daft and immature Gemma acts at times, I sort of understand. She wouldn’t last a minute by herself.
”I start to run around the tree trunk and dive headfirst into the madness, not caring about anything but making sure that Laylen’s okay.”
Way to get yourself killed too, maybe try to use your brain? Or when powerful immortal creatures act like they want and Gemma tries to put them in place.
”That’s bullshit!” I cry, “You can’t do that!”
Oh, okay. If you say so. Of course they will listen to you now and scrap all the plans for ending the world. Gemma describes herself as the worst hero of all time, but hero is kinda of an oversell. A hero actually do something that helps people.
The writing is also really stiff and feels inexperienced. Especially when Gemma recaps what happened afterwards. But maybe that’s because the author didn’t really bother with this book. The timeline from the original book is left, without being updated to the re-imagining. They say that Gemma’s mother has been gone for 14 years. But she disappeared when Gemma was 4 and she is 21 now, so that would be 17 years. If the author is going to bother with this series, neither am I.
Gemma needs to save her mother from the Underworld, that’s all this book is about. And a love triangle, which I felt nothing for. It’s also really immature of Gemma to jump from one guy to the next. Just make up your mind. And then it’s “resolved”? Suddenly, she doesn’t feel anything for Laylen, because “they talked”? What was the point in even adding the triangle in the first place? Filler when you can’t figure out an actual story?
Or to show how *much* Alex cares for her, by showing him as a jealous prick? Like when Gemma offers Laylen blood to save his life and Alex bolts.
“Where are you going?” I call out. He pauses with his back to me, rain showering down his body, droplets beading across his back muscles. “I... I can’t watch you like that... with him...”
It’s just to save his life? But of course, make them feel bad about it. It goes really well with his anger issues.
“Alex shakes his head and then storms over to the wall, slamming his fist through the drywall”
Girl, red fucking flag right there. Another fine quality Alex carries on with in this book is the controlling of Gemma. *But only because he cares*
”I need you... I need you close to me. I can barley concentrate because all I keep thinking about is that something is going to happen to you.”
It’s been a theme in many YA book to portray this as romantic, but it need to stop. Need is something very selfish and stems from what the other person can give to you. It’s not supposed to be the root of a relationship. It’s toxic, just as controlling another person is. Just no.
This book tries to make a point that Gemma is really powerful. But she doesn’t actually do anything that indicates it. She makes stupid, impulsive decisions and spends much of the book crying or passed out. She’s also dependent on other persons to do her bidding.
”And the only reason you’re still sitting here is because I need you to help me get into the Underworld, otherwise I would have told Alex to kick your ass. ”
But darling, if you’re so powerful. Kick his ass yourself. I’m so tired of women being portrayed as weak and only a guy can defend them. And that view is really strengthen by Alex.
”He already paid for it... I beat him up really badly” .... “That’s kind of hard to believe”
Way to go Alex! That’s how you empower a woman! Gold star! But given how daft and immature Gemma acts at times, I sort of understand. She wouldn’t last a minute by herself.
”I start to run around the tree trunk and dive headfirst into the madness, not caring about anything but making sure that Laylen’s okay.”
Way to get yourself killed too, maybe try to use your brain? Or when powerful immortal creatures act like they want and Gemma tries to put them in place.
”That’s bullshit!” I cry, “You can’t do that!”
Oh, okay. If you say so. Of course they will listen to you now and scrap all the plans for ending the world. Gemma describes herself as the worst hero of all time, but hero is kinda of an oversell. A hero actually do something that helps people.
The writing is also really stiff and feels inexperienced. Especially when Gemma recaps what happened afterwards. But maybe that’s because the author didn’t really bother with this book. The timeline from the original book is left, without being updated to the re-imagining. They say that Gemma’s mother has been gone for 14 years. But she disappeared when Gemma was 4 and she is 21 now, so that would be 17 years. If the author is going to bother with this series, neither am I.
November 17, 2020
And the plot thickens...
This has been a great series so far, book 1 I almost set down at the beginning cause I couldnt seem to connect with the character, but as I’ve continued reading, I’ve got to say I’m hooked! It keeps getting more and more complex and the character development seems to be growing more and more, I’m excited for book 3.
This has been a great series so far, book 1 I almost set down at the beginning cause I couldnt seem to connect with the character, but as I’ve continued reading, I’ve got to say I’m hooked! It keeps getting more and more complex and the character development seems to be growing more and more, I’m excited for book 3.
January 16, 2018
Just amazing! Suspenseful, and mind trapping. The bickering between Alex, Gemma, Laylen, Aislin, and Nicholas is comical, the fight scenes are amazing and the intimacy is astounding!
September 21, 2018
I listened to this as an audiobook and wanted to take a red pen to it and edit. Interesting story, a lot of promise, but needs a good editor to polish it up
October 20, 2018
Good read
Book was good reading not short or too long.
Keeps you wanting to read more.
It would be best for adults.
Book was good reading not short or too long.
Keeps you wanting to read more.
It would be best for adults.
April 1, 2020
Love it
Amazing, every page is something exciting you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I read these books in about 2 days
Amazing, every page is something exciting you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I read these books in about 2 days
January 4, 2021
Excellent book
I love the Shattered Promise series! Jessica Sorenson is an amazing author. I highly recommend this series for everyone to read.
I love the Shattered Promise series! Jessica Sorenson is an amazing author. I highly recommend this series for everyone to read.
May 7, 2021
Ugh. Why did I keep reading? And there will be more? I'll probably read that too. *sigh*
January 4, 2023
loved this book!!
January 23, 2023
Read this series while I was breast feeding.
Was a great series to get me though the long nights.
Was a great series to get me though the long nights.
May 8, 2024
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 10, 2025
DNF'd
Just...no.
Just...no.
March 18, 2025
the endings kill me every time. like actually wdym
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