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Thrall #2
Broken
Spoiler-free, temporary After the events of Thrall, Shara finds herself in grave danger. She's been offered a help her enemies... or die. She never thought she'd be the person to change the world... but it's beginning to look like she's the only one with the power to make things right.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2024
699 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Riley
65 books552 followersK. A. Riley is a writer of speculative and science fiction, dedicated to creating worlds just different enough from our own to be entertaining, intriguing and a little frightening all at once. For Riley, writing isn't a job. It's a laboratory where readers can wander into a land of ideas; it's a playground where they can scamper around, giggling, gasping, and freaking out to their hearts' content.
Riley is the top-secret pen-name of a NYT and USA Today best-selling author.
Riley is the top-secret pen-name of a NYT and USA Today best-selling author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 5, 2025
The first book was decent, but this one was not. The entire book seems to be about how much Shara and Thorne want to screw each other. When it’s not that, it’s a weak plot that makes no sense. The set up is that Tethered have no rights and are basically slaves, no privacy, not allowed to touch people and absolutely no lover and yet somehow they manage to do all of these things. It’s more than can be explained by Thorne’s power or her Maude’s defection. They talk about all these supposedly life-or-death matters without any thought of being heard? Even after somehow someone always knows what they’re up to even when they think they’ve been careful? Not to mention, Shara has supposedly spent 19 years in the Tower, with no physical touching and treated as a subhuman, like that would cause some serious trauma, but yet she waltzes into the palace like she owns the place, no fear to show defiance, and telling people her secrets that she barely knows. I often think of her as childish and selfish and if it’s meant to show bravery it was done poorly bc it just came off as careless, entitled and at worst, idiotic. Lastly, there was a lot of needless repetition. For example, when Valira tells her what she does for Tallin, it made sense. Got it. Then a few pages later here we have Shara not understanding why she does it. Like lady she just explained it five pages ago. There was many incidences of this and I don’t really get it but I guess maybe the reader is just smarter than the fmc.
Anyway, it was slow and eye rolling and the plot was secondary to our heroes thinking about nothing but smashing their bodies together but I guess I’m in the minority. I saw this author is usually YA and this was a delve into NA so maybe all that means is YA with gratuitous sex bc that’s what this felt like. Not for me. The last 10 pages did pick up a bit but by that point I was so over it I couldn’t even summon any excitement.
Anyway, it was slow and eye rolling and the plot was secondary to our heroes thinking about nothing but smashing their bodies together but I guess I’m in the minority. I saw this author is usually YA and this was a delve into NA so maybe all that means is YA with gratuitous sex bc that’s what this felt like. Not for me. The last 10 pages did pick up a bit but by that point I was so over it I couldn’t even summon any excitement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2024
Welp, I did it again. I started reading Broken and didn’t stop until it was finished. I wonder if this is a thing with just the Thrall series, or if I’ll have this wonderful problem with all of K.A. Riley’s books. I’ll have to do some experimenting.
So, because this is a sequel and I want to stay away from spoilers, I can’t really touch on the plot a whole lot but I will say that I really like the direction the story has taken (and the one in which it seems to be headed).
My love for the characters has only grown and new characters were a welcome addition. I especially like Valira, a member of the Royal Guard. She’s interesting and has mysterious motivations, so her interactions with Shara were fun. One character in particular has a lot more depth than I was expecting, which was pleasantly surprising, and I’m hoping there will be more on that in the third book.
Of course, Shara and Thorne managed to spice it up a few times even though it is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. And I’m happy to report that once again, I was not thinking about ladies while I read the spice. I think my biggest takeaway from the fact that these spice scenes aren’t a turn off is that I really appreciate when the woman isn’t hyper-focused on how muscular the man is. I just don’t give a shit about muscles and man do they ever like to focus on muscles in a lot of the romance-type books I’ve tried. Anyway…
Shara got some answers in Broken, even to some questions she didn’t know she had, but she also ended up with even more questions that omg had better be answered in the next book, which can’t come soon enough! I need to know what happens next, I’m dyinggggg!
So, because this is a sequel and I want to stay away from spoilers, I can’t really touch on the plot a whole lot but I will say that I really like the direction the story has taken (and the one in which it seems to be headed).
My love for the characters has only grown and new characters were a welcome addition. I especially like Valira, a member of the Royal Guard. She’s interesting and has mysterious motivations, so her interactions with Shara were fun. One character in particular has a lot more depth than I was expecting, which was pleasantly surprising, and I’m hoping there will be more on that in the third book.
Of course, Shara and Thorne managed to spice it up a few times even though it is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. And I’m happy to report that once again, I was not thinking about ladies while I read the spice. I think my biggest takeaway from the fact that these spice scenes aren’t a turn off is that I really appreciate when the woman isn’t hyper-focused on how muscular the man is. I just don’t give a shit about muscles and man do they ever like to focus on muscles in a lot of the romance-type books I’ve tried. Anyway…
Shara got some answers in Broken, even to some questions she didn’t know she had, but she also ended up with even more questions that omg had better be answered in the next book, which can’t come soon enough! I need to know what happens next, I’m dyinggggg!
March 16, 2025
I decided early in this book to not finish this series. The writing is probably on a third grade level and I grew really bored of the childish thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
The author delighted in beating the dialogue into the ground repeatedly. The dialogue was the equivalent of a child asking its friend “ are you my best friend “ and the friend answering “yes I am” only to be asked the same question again and again. We get it! Let’s move past this issue!
The author delighted in beating the dialogue into the ground repeatedly. The dialogue was the equivalent of a child asking its friend “ are you my best friend “ and the friend answering “yes I am” only to be asked the same question again and again. We get it! Let’s move past this issue!
May 12, 2024
KA Riley has done it again!
Broken leaves off right where Thrall ended, so we are in immediate suspense and wondering how the characters we love so much and how they can possibly get out of this situation.
The raw emotion this book had my head spinning! The characters are so well layered and the trauma they endure that creates them fills me with sympathy.
The intricacies of the dystopian society and political games had me guessing the entire book.
My head was spinning and my heart bled the entire book, except maybe during the VERY well done spicy scenes.
This author has created a masterfully written world that completely immerses you. I highly recommend this series!
Broken leaves off right where Thrall ended, so we are in immediate suspense and wondering how the characters we love so much and how they can possibly get out of this situation.
The raw emotion this book had my head spinning! The characters are so well layered and the trauma they endure that creates them fills me with sympathy.
The intricacies of the dystopian society and political games had me guessing the entire book.
My head was spinning and my heart bled the entire book, except maybe during the VERY well done spicy scenes.
This author has created a masterfully written world that completely immerses you. I highly recommend this series!
May 30, 2024
This book had me guessing the entire way through! Is this “good”character actually good? Is this “bad” character actually bad?!
Phenomenal writing, character depth, emotion, and a bit of spice. I was hooked the whole way through, and I cannot wait for the next one!
Phenomenal writing, character depth, emotion, and a bit of spice. I was hooked the whole way through, and I cannot wait for the next one!
September 2, 2024
Intense ending! Very interested to see where the story goes in the next book.
April 21, 2025
Onto the 3rd book I go!
This series got so much more interesting with more secrets and and twists. Some of it was a bit predictable but there was always something that caught me off guard and made me go back and reread some sections to make sense of it all!
This series got so much more interesting with more secrets and and twists. Some of it was a bit predictable but there was always something that caught me off guard and made me go back and reread some sections to make sense of it all!
June 30, 2025
Unfortunately this book was worse than the first.
Shara and Thorne both have to be the dumbest main characters I’ve ever had the misfortune of reading about.
WHAT IS THEIR PLAN?! They act like children plotting to run away from their mean parents, but they have no jobs, no skills, and no thoughts in their heads.
The “smut” in this was awful. Thorne and Shara are madly in love after what? A month of knowing each other. And they can’t live an hour away from each other but the second they get together it’s solely for sex. They don’t love each other, Shara has never been able to touch other humans, she thinks any physical touch is love. They have no chemistry.
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE KING. I kept thinking “she can’t be this stupid can she?” SURPRISE. She is.
I will not be continuing the series because I truly hope Shara gets murdered. MOD is the only character I like
Shara and Thorne both have to be the dumbest main characters I’ve ever had the misfortune of reading about.
WHAT IS THEIR PLAN?! They act like children plotting to run away from their mean parents, but they have no jobs, no skills, and no thoughts in their heads.
The “smut” in this was awful. Thorne and Shara are madly in love after what? A month of knowing each other. And they can’t live an hour away from each other but the second they get together it’s solely for sex. They don’t love each other, Shara has never been able to touch other humans, she thinks any physical touch is love. They have no chemistry.
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE KING. I kept thinking “she can’t be this stupid can she?” SURPRISE. She is.
I will not be continuing the series because I truly hope Shara gets murdered. MOD is the only character I like
May 27, 2024
Same problem as 1st book
Great plot, but most of this book is 1: obsessed with the sex act. Pages and pages of it, which I scroll through as quickly as possible. 2: Shara spends an endless amount of time "thinking" about Thorne. This book could be half as long without those 2 things going on ad nauseum. When I learned to write a paper in college, I had a professor who helped me see all of the "fluff" that didn't belong there. He actually asked other students who were much smarter than me and went on to get multiple degrees, to read my paper. I had learned to simplify while most of the class added embellishments. That's what these books remind me of. I'm done with this series and author.
Great plot, but most of this book is 1: obsessed with the sex act. Pages and pages of it, which I scroll through as quickly as possible. 2: Shara spends an endless amount of time "thinking" about Thorne. This book could be half as long without those 2 things going on ad nauseum. When I learned to write a paper in college, I had a professor who helped me see all of the "fluff" that didn't belong there. He actually asked other students who were much smarter than me and went on to get multiple degrees, to read my paper. I had learned to simplify while most of the class added embellishments. That's what these books remind me of. I'm done with this series and author.
June 1, 2024
Well @authorkariley you hit another one out of the park!!! I cannot wait until the 3rd installment of the Thrall series!!
Broken picks up where Thrall left off with our beloved Shara and Thorne in a little bit of a pickle. Locked up for their "wrong-doings" against their Noble, and for basically falling in love.
The King has seen to it that Shara is to come serve him and pose as his son's fiancée. What is he really looking for? Her task is to identify other tethered that are posing as Nobels using her powers as a Hunter
Tallin is, how do I put this delicately, not very nice, and is very much entitled. Even though he manages to spring Thorne from the prison they were in, Thorne and Shara are forbidden from being together during their stay at the palace.
The book is a whirlwind ride of ups and downs during their time at the palace and the others they meet along the way. You meet people you want to hate, and end up really liking, as well as some you thought had redeeming qualities, but really don't. In the end, the book has the PERFECT title, because that's how it leaves you feeling.
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!! If you like a Distopian book with a love story (and a little sexy time) pick this one up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Broken picks up where Thrall left off with our beloved Shara and Thorne in a little bit of a pickle. Locked up for their "wrong-doings" against their Noble, and for basically falling in love.
The King has seen to it that Shara is to come serve him and pose as his son's fiancée. What is he really looking for? Her task is to identify other tethered that are posing as Nobels using her powers as a Hunter
Tallin is, how do I put this delicately, not very nice, and is very much entitled. Even though he manages to spring Thorne from the prison they were in, Thorne and Shara are forbidden from being together during their stay at the palace.
The book is a whirlwind ride of ups and downs during their time at the palace and the others they meet along the way. You meet people you want to hate, and end up really liking, as well as some you thought had redeeming qualities, but really don't. In the end, the book has the PERFECT title, because that's how it leaves you feeling.
I HIGHLY recommend this book!!! If you like a Distopian book with a love story (and a little sexy time) pick this one up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 18, 2025
Like every good fantasy genre, the last 20% of the book is a total mind-bender. Lots of twists and turns, especially as we neared the end. Fast read, good pacing, and difficult to put down!
My biggest disappointment in the book was that Tallin was fairly stagnant as a character until the end. While we learn more about him through Valira, I felt like his development was lacking- I wanted him to either be a hardcore villain or an actual good guy in disguise, and I don’t think he’s either, and he’s also not quite morally gray.
I didn’t love how the book started, mostly because I hate a previous book review. Like, if you don’t remember, then go look it up, the rest of us want to get to the plot!!! It seems weird to say, but I feel like they’re finding answers too easily, and I find it interesting that both Thorne and Shara mention this at one point, so I’m curious to see how that thread pans out in future books.
Loved the development with understanding powers and the relationships between tethered! The world building is top notch and I can say that even though this is following along the lines of dystopian fiction, it feels completely original and the twists of the books have caught me pretty off guard, which is not easy to do.
Again, overall, a great read!
My biggest disappointment in the book was that Tallin was fairly stagnant as a character until the end. While we learn more about him through Valira, I felt like his development was lacking- I wanted him to either be a hardcore villain or an actual good guy in disguise, and I don’t think he’s either, and he’s also not quite morally gray.
I didn’t love how the book started, mostly because I hate a previous book review. Like, if you don’t remember, then go look it up, the rest of us want to get to the plot!!! It seems weird to say, but I feel like they’re finding answers too easily, and I find it interesting that both Thorne and Shara mention this at one point, so I’m curious to see how that thread pans out in future books.
Loved the development with understanding powers and the relationships between tethered! The world building is top notch and I can say that even though this is following along the lines of dystopian fiction, it feels completely original and the twists of the books have caught me pretty off guard, which is not easy to do.
Again, overall, a great read!
December 20, 2024
3.5 stars
The story and the characters are interesting and I continued to love the world that Riley is building. However, Shara’s obsession (spoilers for the first book ahead) ...
...with her tethered mate was over the top imo. Some of their escapades felt unrealistic and her internal voice seemed unable to focus on more important things through much of the story. Perhaps I’m just not enough of a hopeless romantic for this one. I also felt the smut/spice was unnecessary and distracted from the story, but I’m not a big spice girl so this may not be a problem for everyone. Finally, I found her naivety/poor judgment of some characters really frustrating (although I won’t say specifics bc of spoilers). I did like some of the new characters that were introduced and continued development of ones from Thrall. Overall, I’m enjoying the story enough to pick up the next book in the series.
The story and the characters are interesting and I continued to love the world that Riley is building. However, Shara’s obsession (spoilers for the first book ahead) ...
...with her tethered mate was over the top imo. Some of their escapades felt unrealistic and her internal voice seemed unable to focus on more important things through much of the story. Perhaps I’m just not enough of a hopeless romantic for this one. I also felt the smut/spice was unnecessary and distracted from the story, but I’m not a big spice girl so this may not be a problem for everyone. Finally, I found her naivety/poor judgment of some characters really frustrating (although I won’t say specifics bc of spoilers). I did like some of the new characters that were introduced and continued development of ones from Thrall. Overall, I’m enjoying the story enough to pick up the next book in the series.
May 13, 2024
The second book in the Thrall series, picks up right after the shocking end of the first. Shara and Thorne are imprisoned. Shara is given a proposition to act as the princes betrothed and betray her people, or watch as the man she loved dies. Thrown into the word of nobles and royalty, Shara must use her newly discovered powers to try and find the truth and save herself, Thorne and her fellow people, the tethered. This was a great book, easy flow, some spice thrown in. Twists and turns. Angst. I really like this Canadian authors writing style, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out! (As we are left on another cliff hanger!)
August 28, 2024
The rise and fall of the realm reveals itself and I freaking LOVE when a dystopian world comes alive with its History! I tried to pace myself since the 3rd book does not come out until September, but I finished days early and will now be kept in torturous suspense.
This series reads with the ease of a YA dystopian novel, but crosses over into a steamy love story…
I’m all about the steamy stuff, but I will say that sometimes the placement is a bit awkward with disrupted flow.
It’s the guts that has me fully invested. I love the characters and the world building. The last few chapters of this book will give you heart palpitations.
This series reads with the ease of a YA dystopian novel, but crosses over into a steamy love story…
I’m all about the steamy stuff, but I will say that sometimes the placement is a bit awkward with disrupted flow.
It’s the guts that has me fully invested. I love the characters and the world building. The last few chapters of this book will give you heart palpitations.
May 9, 2024
Fabulous
I loved this book even better than the first one. I still think the sex scenes are more graphic than they need to be. It's too bad because it limits the audience to being a much more mature reader. This book never slows down and has a heart wrenching incident that I didn't expect. There was a twist that I guessed but it wasn't blatantly obvious and just added to the story. Bummer that I have to wait until September for the next book.
I loved this book even better than the first one. I still think the sex scenes are more graphic than they need to be. It's too bad because it limits the audience to being a much more mature reader. This book never slows down and has a heart wrenching incident that I didn't expect. There was a twist that I guessed but it wasn't blatantly obvious and just added to the story. Bummer that I have to wait until September for the next book.
June 11, 2024
Dystopian Romance, Mates, Powers, World Building, Cliff Hanger
Shara's power is more then just the Harmless she has been labelled. Powerful people know her secret and want to use her.
I love Shara and Thorn. This is an excellent 2nd book in the series. I cannot wait to read the 3rd.
I highly recommend this book. It made me like Characters who I thought were unredeemable, and changed my mind about those I thought were good.
Dont regret it . You need to read this series
Shara's power is more then just the Harmless she has been labelled. Powerful people know her secret and want to use her.
I love Shara and Thorn. This is an excellent 2nd book in the series. I cannot wait to read the 3rd.
I highly recommend this book. It made me like Characters who I thought were unredeemable, and changed my mind about those I thought were good.
Dont regret it . You need to read this series
October 6, 2024
An excellent addition to the thrall series. Having read the full arc no I would say this one was my least fav of the three. However it’s still fantastic and that only speaks to the quality of the other two. Shara is thrown into yet another new world and that she struggles to navigate but manages to find her way. The characters are complex and interesting. This series as a whole is an excellent read.
March 27, 2025
This could be so good if the characters would stop doing stupid things. The spice was stupid too. People who are in danger don’t have time for luxurious, lengthy encounters. Also, information would be traded first and then maybe a groping session. The parties these people went to and then were not missed from were also a suspension of reality. Cool powers, silly ending, I am not reaching for the next one.
May 1, 2024
OH MY GOODNESS!!!
Again, I couldn’t put it down. I live for this world, these characters, and their stories. I need more as soon as possible!! This one tugged so many heartstrings! It made me love people I never imagined and despise others I had faith in! I couldn’t recommend more!!
Again, I couldn’t put it down. I live for this world, these characters, and their stories. I need more as soon as possible!! This one tugged so many heartstrings! It made me love people I never imagined and despise others I had faith in! I couldn’t recommend more!!
February 19, 2025
Midway through, cannot finish. It's awful when the lead character keeps doing stupid things but when both of them do, it becomes a book I can't finish. The reading level is fine if you prefer 9th grade stuff, but I really couldn't abide it. The sci fi concept was great and I loved the story line, but the characters regressed miserably.
April 3, 2025
This book was better than the first one. There was a lot more happening with Shara and Thorne and the Prince than in the first book. I liked how she was there to find other people of her kind with her Thethered powers, but then it took some crazy twists that I wasn't expecting. I'm glad that this series, so far, has gotten better since the first book and I'm hoping that it continues!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Excellent read!
I am not happy to have to wait until September for the next book. I flew threw this one. The characters are phenomenal and I promise you that you won't see the end coming! Amazing!!!
I am not happy to have to wait until September for the next book. I flew threw this one. The characters are phenomenal and I promise you that you won't see the end coming! Amazing!!!
June 27, 2024
Awesome
I enjoyed the follow up book to thrall. It was exciting. Definitely more spicy than I usually read. I really enjoyed the character development of Tallin, it was nice to see what makes him the way he is. I can’t wait for the next one.
I enjoyed the follow up book to thrall. It was exciting. Definitely more spicy than I usually read. I really enjoyed the character development of Tallin, it was nice to see what makes him the way he is. I can’t wait for the next one.
July 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Playing The Part 👗
I liked this one enough to continue the series, but some of the decision making…drove me insane.
Shara + Thorne
A bond formed but illegal. Now they must both play the part, but at what cost and what end?
Have you read this one yet? What did you think?
Playing The Part 👗
I liked this one enough to continue the series, but some of the decision making…drove me insane.
Shara + Thorne
A bond formed but illegal. Now they must both play the part, but at what cost and what end?
Have you read this one yet? What did you think?
July 11, 2025
Terrible. Really all you can write about is two characters that all they think about is being inside each other. Love scenes can be okay for a story but the multiple scenes in this book are very unnecessary, out of place, horribly written. Very disappointing.
August 17, 2025
Surprising and empowering
I really like that this book is not something you can't anticipate around every chapter. Of course the cliffhanger is obvious if you read the snipet for "Queen".
I really like that this book is not something you can't anticipate around every chapter. Of course the cliffhanger is obvious if you read the snipet for "Queen".
September 4, 2025
A solid 3.5 ⭐️ for book 2, as well. The romance was slightly better but there were some slow moments that felt like fluff versus world building/character development. Still eager to see what happens next!
September 29, 2025
I was dead set on giving up on the series after this book, but the last chapter got me. The first half of this seemed very desperate to be cool and swear a ton and then moved super slowly. Seemed like a rushed attempt to follow up on the first and have some angst
April 29, 2024
So good, so worth the wait. I couldnt put it down.
May 6, 2024
I can't believe how quickly I read this book. So captivating and exciting. Loved it! Looking forward to book 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews