Fragments of Perfection

Ballads of Bemond #1

by Amber Toro

Ofelia Grey had the perfect plan, her entire life mapped out, that is until a magical talisman turned her life upside down. With only the week of the Autumn Tide festival to figure out how to repair her fractured soul Ofelia is forced to team up with her academic rival to solve the mystery in time.

Genres: Fantasy

71 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[Hayley Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick-read novella with atmospheric world building, evolving friendships, and a sweet budding romance. Totally recommend for a light, enjoyable read!

[Dustin Ekman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice and short novelette, Fragments of Perfection was inhaled in one sitting. I had to buy it after reading Amber’s (still upcoming) Umbra, because I simply loved that novel and wanted more of Amber Toro’s words in my eyes.
This is a very different feel and tone from Umbra, taking a YA fantasy route rather than an adult sci-fi, but there are hallmarks in Umbra that I found here as well; epic world building, adventure, and romance being the main three. Excellent characters fill the pages and it is written with such pacing that I had no choice but to keep reading.
For now Amber has taken a (hopefully very short) break from her Ballads of Bemond series that Fragments of Perfection is the first story inside of, but like the second book in her Sentient Stars trilogy, I am waiting with the continuation with bated breath.

[RomiReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable story about finding yourself and accepting your imperfections.

This short novella by is a perfect cozy autumn read. Read it and finished it this morning while I was having a cup of coffee. Loved all the fall festivities vibes.

Ofelia Grey has a broken soul and tries to live up to anyone else's expectations. One day when she's shopping for one of the festivities traditions, she meets an older lady who sells her a very peculiar pendant. That night, something is about to change in her life and Ofelia finds herself on this short adventure of discovering her true self.

[Heather (life_is_booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute, novella about learning to accept yourself and all your imperfections.

Ofelia learns that she is living with a broken soul. She ends up working with the one girl she really doesn't want to in order to learn how to repair her soul. Over the course of a few days, Ofelia must learn to accept herself or her soul will remain broken forever.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this story. Enemies to friends, the fast paced brainstorming on how to fix Ophelia’s problem, and the cute friends to lovers relationship! The world building was fantastic. I was rooting for Ophelia to figure out a way to break the curse. I can’t wait to see what else happens in this perfect world!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this YA fantasy read about Ofelia, who is living with a broken soul. I loved the cozy fall feel of it, as well as the themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and first love. This is a short novella that can be read in one sitting. Very nicely done! 5/5 stars.

[Joanna Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and cozy read about finding yourself and accepting your imperfections.

I loved the dynamic between Ofelia and Anna

[KayCee K · Rating 3 out of 5]

short but sweet

This is a fun, sweet, quick read. I liked the characters, world building, and interesting magic. Full review coming soon.

[Des DeVivo]

Although this novella is short, it's packed with thoughtful emotion. Toro weaves an enchanting world of tradition and legend that keeps you turning the page. With friendships that grow and leap off the page, to an Alpine town that you can practically step into, Fragments of Perfection is a must read.

I especially loved the way the story was structured and how the introduction to the festival takes the reader by the hand and leads them through without any excessive exposition.