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Shattered Birthright
For twenty-one years, Zarielle trained to rule. Across Draethera’s crumbling streets, her twin, Sorelle, learned to survive. Neither knew the other existed—until the dragons returned.
Their arrival awakens powers neither sister can control. Zari commands storms. Relle burns with wildfire.
But Draethera is unraveling. Dragon-touched children vanish. The temple’s grip weakens. An ancient darkness stirs.
One sister fights to save the realm. The other to burn it down.
But some winds won’t be tamed.
Some fires won’t die.
And some destinies refuse to be divided.
Their arrival awakens powers neither sister can control. Zari commands storms. Relle burns with wildfire.
But Draethera is unraveling. Dragon-touched children vanish. The temple’s grip weakens. An ancient darkness stirs.
One sister fights to save the realm. The other to burn it down.
But some winds won’t be tamed.
Some fires won’t die.
And some destinies refuse to be divided.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
About the author
Kate Seger
271 books152 followersKate is a book worm, dog mom, and world-builder, living on the banks of the Hudson River in NY. Her #lifegoal is to be kidnapped by the Fae or stumble into a portal and be transported to a magical land.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 11, 2025
again my heart couldn't stop crying with this lovely book
June 12, 2025
As someone who absolutely adores fantasy—especially with strong female main characters—I had high hopes for Shattered Birthright. The premise sounded promising: twin sisters with elemental powers, separated by fate and raised in completely different worlds, now reunited as their kingdom teeters on the edge of collapse. But unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
I only made it through about 65% of the story, and even that was a struggle. I pushed myself through because I have a personal rule to try and finish every book I start, but this time, I just couldn’t do it. I lost all motivation to continue. Despite the rich world-building and magic system, I found it hard to connect with the story or the characters.
Zarielle and Sorelle are both meant to be compelling in their own ways—one raised in privilege, the other in the streets—but neither managed to feel truly real or relatable to me. Their inner conflicts and emotional development felt distant, and the pacing dragged in parts where the plot should have taken off. I often found myself skimming pages just to get to something meaningful. The supposed tension and stakes never fully landed, and I didn’t feel invested in the outcome.
It’s always disappointing when a book with so much potential doesn’t deliver. Maybe it simply wasn’t for me, or maybe I’ve read too many fantasy novels with similar themes done better. Either way, Shattered Birthright left me feeling detached and unsatisfied.
I give it 2 stars—one for the concept and one for the effort—but I won’t be picking up the sequel.
I only made it through about 65% of the story, and even that was a struggle. I pushed myself through because I have a personal rule to try and finish every book I start, but this time, I just couldn’t do it. I lost all motivation to continue. Despite the rich world-building and magic system, I found it hard to connect with the story or the characters.
Zarielle and Sorelle are both meant to be compelling in their own ways—one raised in privilege, the other in the streets—but neither managed to feel truly real or relatable to me. Their inner conflicts and emotional development felt distant, and the pacing dragged in parts where the plot should have taken off. I often found myself skimming pages just to get to something meaningful. The supposed tension and stakes never fully landed, and I didn’t feel invested in the outcome.
It’s always disappointing when a book with so much potential doesn’t deliver. Maybe it simply wasn’t for me, or maybe I’ve read too many fantasy novels with similar themes done better. Either way, Shattered Birthright left me feeling detached and unsatisfied.
I give it 2 stars—one for the concept and one for the effort—but I won’t be picking up the sequel.
April 8, 2025
Twin sisters separated when their mother, the former queen, died. One sister, Sorelle, raised on the streets stealing to provide for those who can't provide for themselves. The other sister, Zarielle, raised in the temple of the old gods in a life of luxury. Neither sister knows of each other or who they truly are until one day dragons return and claim them. They go separate ways to lead 2 different rebellions in an effort to regain the throne.
I loved and identified more with Sorelle. She didn't really care about the throne, she just wanted to protect her found family and all those who had been mistreated under the current king.
I thoroughly disliked Zarielle. I felt like she was a pampered, entitled, stuck up brat. The first thing she thinks when she finds out she has a sister is she wasn't supposed to share the throne. I cant figure out if we as readers are supposed to like Zarielle and if she is the "good guy" but I do not like her lol.
I can't wait to find out how the story progresses and who ends up winning. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is the constant switching between sisters every chapter made it a little hard to follow with each storyline. You would just be getting into one storyline and then it switches to the other sister. Other than that I loved the book and highly recommend it.
I loved and identified more with Sorelle. She didn't really care about the throne, she just wanted to protect her found family and all those who had been mistreated under the current king.
I thoroughly disliked Zarielle. I felt like she was a pampered, entitled, stuck up brat. The first thing she thinks when she finds out she has a sister is she wasn't supposed to share the throne. I cant figure out if we as readers are supposed to like Zarielle and if she is the "good guy" but I do not like her lol.
I can't wait to find out how the story progresses and who ends up winning. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is the constant switching between sisters every chapter made it a little hard to follow with each storyline. You would just be getting into one storyline and then it switches to the other sister. Other than that I loved the book and highly recommend it.
May 7, 2025
Yall I'm back with another Kate Seger review because she's made a permanent fan out of meeeee.
We have two great FMCs, with complete opposing views (and upbringings) of life.
One FMC is a "street rat" who plays almost a Robin-Hood-esque role within the lowest class of their land. She steals and finagles to keep her street family fed and safe, while doing everything she can to assist the downtrodden folk of the land.
The other FMC has been raised as a proper lady, with the assumption that she will one day take a leadership role within the land.
When both girls are chosen by dragons as the next leaders of the land and revealed to be sisters, all hell breaks loose. Book two introduces a new, larger danger that causes the opposing sisters to work together to save everyone they care about.
The books are fantastic. They only improve the further into it you get. The characters are complex and ever-growing, and don't even get me started on the wise, helpful dragons. I love the dragons so much. There are children who are almost like oracles, love and betrayal, and two completely opposite women learning to support one another.
We have two great FMCs, with complete opposing views (and upbringings) of life.
One FMC is a "street rat" who plays almost a Robin-Hood-esque role within the lowest class of their land. She steals and finagles to keep her street family fed and safe, while doing everything she can to assist the downtrodden folk of the land.
The other FMC has been raised as a proper lady, with the assumption that she will one day take a leadership role within the land.
When both girls are chosen by dragons as the next leaders of the land and revealed to be sisters, all hell breaks loose. Book two introduces a new, larger danger that causes the opposing sisters to work together to save everyone they care about.
The books are fantastic. They only improve the further into it you get. The characters are complex and ever-growing, and don't even get me started on the wise, helpful dragons. I love the dragons so much. There are children who are almost like oracles, love and betrayal, and two completely opposite women learning to support one another.
August 31, 2025
⭐ ⭐☆☆☆
I picked up *Shattered Birthright* because of all the hype I saw on Instagram, and honestly, I came away seriously disappointed. I usually have a habit of finishing every book I start, even if I don’t enjoy it, but this one was such a struggle that I couldn’t push myself to finish. That in itself says a lot.
The premise had potential, especially since I enjoy stories with strong female leads. I’ve read plenty of books with the same trope, and when done well, they can be empowering and immersive. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t the case here. The narration felt flat and disengaging, and instead of pulling me into the world, it kept creating distance. The writing style made it hard to feel invested in either the characters or their journey, which is a huge letdown given the promise of the concept.
It’s clear the book tried to deliver something dramatic and compelling, but the execution really missed the mark. Maybe with stronger character development and tighter storytelling it could have worked, but as it stands, it simply wasn’t for me. Overhyped—and not worth the struggle.
April 9, 2025
I am rating this one a 3.5 but am rounding up to a 4 since I can’t assign 1/2 a star. Overall I really enjoyed this story of twin girls separated at birth who come into powers as dragons return to their realm. There is fantasy, rebellion, action, and very slow burn romance with no real “spice.” The book chapters alternate between the twins - Sorelle (Relle) and Zarielle (Zari.)
It ends a bit abruptly; however, the sequel will be released in May, and I am sure it will pick back up with the storyline, so we can find out how everything wraps up.
The dialogue throughout the book was just missing something for me, and I would have loved a little more imagery and figurative language throughout.
I would recommend the book to those who love fantasy, dragons, and strong female main characters.
It ends a bit abruptly; however, the sequel will be released in May, and I am sure it will pick back up with the storyline, so we can find out how everything wraps up.
The dialogue throughout the book was just missing something for me, and I would have loved a little more imagery and figurative language throughout.
I would recommend the book to those who love fantasy, dragons, and strong female main characters.
October 21, 2025
Creative Fantasy with Heart and Imagination
Shattered Birthright by Kate Segar has a really engaging premise, two royal daughters raised in totally different worlds, one in poverty and one in devotion both dreaming of a different life. This contrast gives the story a lot of depth.
I really enjoyed the concept of dragons bonded with their humans allies. At times I wished for more details on this process, like how and when did they decide to use saddles and reins on the dragons, never being around them before. A more emotional connection between the characters and their dragons would have helped me enjoy it more.
Overall, a creative and interesting read, it will appeal to those who love fantasy worlds and contrast.
Shattered Birthright by Kate Segar has a really engaging premise, two royal daughters raised in totally different worlds, one in poverty and one in devotion both dreaming of a different life. This contrast gives the story a lot of depth.
I really enjoyed the concept of dragons bonded with their humans allies. At times I wished for more details on this process, like how and when did they decide to use saddles and reins on the dragons, never being around them before. A more emotional connection between the characters and their dragons would have helped me enjoy it more.
Overall, a creative and interesting read, it will appeal to those who love fantasy worlds and contrast.
December 19, 2025
This was such a good book. I loved everything about this and i need more. I need more themes and stories from this world. I need to see where the characters go in their lives. I adored this book, 100% recommend for others who like fantasy books with romance and action, and of course Dragons.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2025
I am in my dragon era so if a book has dragons I'm going to pick it up. I love the two main characters. Similar but different at the same time. It grabbed my attention and held my the entire book. I can't wait to read the next one
May 25, 2025
This was a pretty good fantasy book. death, destruction, a bit of love, heartache and everything in between.
I quite enjoyed reading this as 2 points of view (one from each sister) it was good to watch them grow and evolve.
I quite enjoyed reading this as 2 points of view (one from each sister) it was good to watch them grow and evolve.
April 28, 2025
Again loved this book so much as well
May 22, 2025
I can't believe this book doesn't get nore love. Twins & prophecies & secret heirs & princes of questionable loyalty... I love it
April 11, 2026
Narrated by an annoying AI voice.
April 19, 2025
This is a great story about two sisters. They come from two different places and it is their journeys of find who they are. They have to decide who they want to be. It will keep you and make you talk to your book. I loved every minute
May 22, 2025
4 ⭐️ Wow! This book really took me by surprise. This is my first book by Kate Seger and I absolutely enjoyed it! It was fast paced and kept me intrigued throughout the entire book. I enjoyed the dual pov of the FMC's who are twin sisters that did not know the other even existed until they were thrown into a whirlwind of chaos and rebellion. In this book you can expect, lots of action, a steady and interesting plot, bonded dragon companions, slow burn romance (no spice) and found family. I was immersed in the world, however, I found myself wanting a tad bit more when it came to the world building and overall back story to the dragons etc. Overall, I think this is a fantastic first book in an exciting fantasy series and I will absolutely be reading the next book in the series to see how the story unfolds. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an action packed fantasy book with an interesting story line and dragons!
September 25, 2025
Loved this so much
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews