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The Broken
Like most fourteen-year-olds, Link Hartkins doesn’t believe in monsters. So when he catches his little brother Ayden talking to an empty wall, Link doesn’t think much of it and simply asks for an introduction to Ayden’s imaginary friend. But even at four years old, Ayden knows the “moving dark” isn’t his friend. Monsters don’t have friends.
Link assumes his brother is probably imagining things, but after the recent death of their mother, Link vowed to keep Ayden safe at all costs. In his search for answers to explain Ayden’s disturbingly odd behavior, Link uncovers a camera hidden in their new house. Since talking to his brother is getting him nowhere, the next time Ayden claims to see a monster, Link decides to play along. He pretends to capture it inside the camera he found by taking its picture. As if by magic, Ayden returns to normal...at least for the remainder of the day. But soon after Link develops the film, he discovers that Ayden hasn’t been imagining things. The monsters haunting him are real.
With the camera accidentally revealed, the only thing remaining to prevent these monsters from invading the world of the living is the unbreakable bond between two brothers.
Link assumes his brother is probably imagining things, but after the recent death of their mother, Link vowed to keep Ayden safe at all costs. In his search for answers to explain Ayden’s disturbingly odd behavior, Link uncovers a camera hidden in their new house. Since talking to his brother is getting him nowhere, the next time Ayden claims to see a monster, Link decides to play along. He pretends to capture it inside the camera he found by taking its picture. As if by magic, Ayden returns to normal...at least for the remainder of the day. But soon after Link develops the film, he discovers that Ayden hasn’t been imagining things. The monsters haunting him are real.
With the camera accidentally revealed, the only thing remaining to prevent these monsters from invading the world of the living is the unbreakable bond between two brothers.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2014
22 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Sean Frawley
2 books36 followersSean Frawley grew up the youngest child in a family of four. He currently resides in Colorado where he works as a full-time writer, teacher, and chauffeur. He is married with three boys and the world’s largest lapdog.
As a dyslexic kid with ADD, Sean never discovered the joy of reading until high school. After devouring books by Tolkien and Rowling, he decided his goal in life was to become an elementary teacher focused on helping other reluctant readers like him. Since that time, he has created a generation of readers. Students in his 6th grade classes have averaged over 70 books a year for the last decade. This continued success at discovering the hidden reader inside all his students has earned him a Teacher of the Year Award and scores of devoted followers and grateful parents.
Over the past seven years, Sean diligently worked to convert his passion for finding books that his reluctant readers would enjoy into writing new ones for them. From humorous adventure tales, to bone-chilling stories of suspense, Sean has taken his natural gift for storytelling and infused it with his considerable experience at creating excited new readers. The result has been a new series of page-turning novels, filled with action, humor, and the sort of connection with his middle grade audience that could only come from years of working with them.
His book, The Broken, is available now at Amazon.
As a dyslexic kid with ADD, Sean never discovered the joy of reading until high school. After devouring books by Tolkien and Rowling, he decided his goal in life was to become an elementary teacher focused on helping other reluctant readers like him. Since that time, he has created a generation of readers. Students in his 6th grade classes have averaged over 70 books a year for the last decade. This continued success at discovering the hidden reader inside all his students has earned him a Teacher of the Year Award and scores of devoted followers and grateful parents.
Over the past seven years, Sean diligently worked to convert his passion for finding books that his reluctant readers would enjoy into writing new ones for them. From humorous adventure tales, to bone-chilling stories of suspense, Sean has taken his natural gift for storytelling and infused it with his considerable experience at creating excited new readers. The result has been a new series of page-turning novels, filled with action, humor, and the sort of connection with his middle grade audience that could only come from years of working with them.
His book, The Broken, is available now at Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 24, 2014
The Broken, by Sean Michael Frawley, is a tale of discovery that somehow manages to make a fun experience out of delving into the twisted realm of creepy things.
The story’s protagonist, Link Hartkins, is a fourteen-year-old boy dealing with the internal conflicts of relocating to a new town after the loss of his mother. His fierce loyalty to his baby brother provides the impetus for seeing the world through a younger pair of eyes, and as the story develops, this turns out to make all the difference. But as the paranormal adventure escalates, Link’s rational mind and well-developed sense of sarcasm attempt to keep him grounded in the very grown-up world of “reality.”
These dueling perspectives weave together inside a fascinating character, telling a story that is versatile enough to live on the shelves of middle-grade, young-adult, and adult fiction alike.
This eerie thriller is easy to read, with colorful and well-drawn characters that sparkle in the hands of a new author. Yet Frawley seems to have found that elusive “voice” that usually takes years of refinement to achieve. The Broken is an enticing glimpse into his creative mind, offering what—I can only hope—is the first of many more stories to come.
—Jason Tesar (author of the bestselling Awakened series)
The story’s protagonist, Link Hartkins, is a fourteen-year-old boy dealing with the internal conflicts of relocating to a new town after the loss of his mother. His fierce loyalty to his baby brother provides the impetus for seeing the world through a younger pair of eyes, and as the story develops, this turns out to make all the difference. But as the paranormal adventure escalates, Link’s rational mind and well-developed sense of sarcasm attempt to keep him grounded in the very grown-up world of “reality.”
These dueling perspectives weave together inside a fascinating character, telling a story that is versatile enough to live on the shelves of middle-grade, young-adult, and adult fiction alike.
This eerie thriller is easy to read, with colorful and well-drawn characters that sparkle in the hands of a new author. Yet Frawley seems to have found that elusive “voice” that usually takes years of refinement to achieve. The Broken is an enticing glimpse into his creative mind, offering what—I can only hope—is the first of many more stories to come.
—Jason Tesar (author of the bestselling Awakened series)
to-avoid
September 4, 2014Do you believe in monsters?
Neither does forty-something Dina. So when she notices otherwise unknown books/authors moving up to the top of several Listopia book lists, Dina doesn’t think much of it. But even a four-year-old knows the “moving dark” isn’t a friend. True evil doesn’t have friends.
While frantically searching for answers to Listopia's odd behavior, Dina uncovers a sleazy scheme concocted by cheaters and their sockpuppets, and discovers that she hasn’t been imagining things. The monsters stalking Listopia in the shadows are quite real. Now it is up to true readers to save Listopia before these monsters become powerful enough to crossover into our world.
Is there still time? Or will the darkness consume us all?
Neither does forty-something Dina. So when she notices otherwise unknown books/authors moving up to the top of several Listopia book lists, Dina doesn’t think much of it. But even a four-year-old knows the “moving dark” isn’t a friend. True evil doesn’t have friends.
While frantically searching for answers to Listopia's odd behavior, Dina uncovers a sleazy scheme concocted by cheaters and their sockpuppets, and discovers that she hasn’t been imagining things. The monsters stalking Listopia in the shadows are quite real. Now it is up to true readers to save Listopia before these monsters become powerful enough to crossover into our world.
Is there still time? Or will the darkness consume us all?
September 20, 2014
Wow.... "The Broken" was such a great book! I really enjoyed reading it! One of my favorite parts about this book was the character development. I really enjoyed getting to know Link and his little brother Ayden and wanted good things for them because they had already endured enough with having experienced the death of their mother. I also enjoyed the way Link looked out for Ayden, but at times it was really Ayden that was looking out for Link. Celia was the other character that I really liked. She was really hard not to like with her positive outlook on things even when there were times when things were really grim. Her incessant talking was entertaining and helped lighten up things in some of the more intense situations. And she also gets my vote because of the way she looks out for lil' Ayden when Link had his hands full with some crazy situations. The other thing I liked about this book was how easy it was to read. I usually don't enjoy reading scary books, but because of how easy it was to read and the comedic relief that was offered I could not put it down. Most chapters left me hanging and needing more that I had to read on to find out how the kids got out of their crazy situations or to see what was going to happen next. My twelve year old son is dying to read this book and I think he is going to love it!!! I would recommend this book to kids ages 12 and up and any adult that enjoys a good scary book that is full of adventure and some good laughs.
September 30, 2014
This book is very interesting. It has numerous reasons why it should be a best seller. Like for example, very captivating and interesting. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
March 10, 2015
The Broken by Sean Frawley is scary but yet it is so hard to put down!! I loved this book! Link an older brother of Ayden only has a dad and he keeps moving trying to find a good school. Ayden starts seeing shadows that Link plays along with because he doesnt believe they r real. Link suddenly finds out that the shadows r real and they want a single possesion that Link has. Will Link find out how to get rid of the shadows? I loved this book and i totally recommend this book to those who have lots of time to read because it is hard to put down. I would recommend not reading this at night because it is too scary. i was shaking when i was reading it at night! it is a totally awesome book though and it is scary, i recommend it to all!
September 16, 2014
Review of The Broken by Sean Frawley
“A Page-turner!”
I loved getting to know Link Hartkins! He’s a typical middle school boy, but has a more painful past than most boys his age, yet seems to handle it with conjured maturity and self-deprecating humor. I really felt like I got to know the depths of Link’s heart and soul, and felt empathy for his adolescent struggles. Seeing life through his eyes and walking in his hard-warn running shoes really brought me back to my own days in middle school, reminding me of all the awkwardness and confusion that accompanies just about every interaction with peers, adults, and family during that time. Sean Frawley brilliantly sets the tone of the story by drawing the reader into the self-absorbed thoughts, silly language, and complicated world of typical 7th-graders like Link, Celia, and Panch.
Lincoln Hartkins has tragically lost his mother, and walks around with the heavy, yet unnecessary, burden of guilt that he could have somehow saved her. As this is already an unbearable thought for an adolescent boy, he also must contend with moving to a strange new town, starting in a middle school as the red-haired “new kid,” dealing with the drama of a grieving father, shouldering the responsibility of his 4-year-old needy brother, and, to add insult to injury, discovering that he is the “chosen one” in a dark spiritual battle of forces that he never knew existed. A battle that involves scary creatures, brutal death, fear of every shadow and mirror, and distrust in even his kindest neighbors. That’s a tough path to walk, but Link is forced to boldly step up to the challenge and face his fears for the sake of his new friends, the family he has left, and the innocent world whose fate lies in his meager hands.
There’s no getting around it….this story can get scary, so it’s definitely designed for the preteen who has the ability to jump into the world of imagination and easily recognize it as such; however, the author does such an explicit job of weaving lighthearted comedy and heart-warming emotion into Link’s domain that it brings balance to the sometimes frightening images. I especially loved the sweet relationship between Link and his little brother Ayden. Sean Frawley does a remarkable job of showing a unique brotherly bond and invoking in the reader a “rooting for the underdog” emotion towards Link and the ones he holds dear.
I felt like I couldn’t put this book down! It was a very easy, quick read, and the end of each chapter certainly drew me into the next one. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a suspense-filled, heart-thumping ride (but maybe not just before turning out your night light!). This intriguing story moves along swiftly, and it definitely left me yearning to know more about Link’s future, the future of the Skia underworld, and the destiny of the Hartkins family. I look forward to seeing where Sean Frawley takes us next in future adventures that help to unravel the dark Skia mysteries.
“A Page-turner!”
I loved getting to know Link Hartkins! He’s a typical middle school boy, but has a more painful past than most boys his age, yet seems to handle it with conjured maturity and self-deprecating humor. I really felt like I got to know the depths of Link’s heart and soul, and felt empathy for his adolescent struggles. Seeing life through his eyes and walking in his hard-warn running shoes really brought me back to my own days in middle school, reminding me of all the awkwardness and confusion that accompanies just about every interaction with peers, adults, and family during that time. Sean Frawley brilliantly sets the tone of the story by drawing the reader into the self-absorbed thoughts, silly language, and complicated world of typical 7th-graders like Link, Celia, and Panch.
Lincoln Hartkins has tragically lost his mother, and walks around with the heavy, yet unnecessary, burden of guilt that he could have somehow saved her. As this is already an unbearable thought for an adolescent boy, he also must contend with moving to a strange new town, starting in a middle school as the red-haired “new kid,” dealing with the drama of a grieving father, shouldering the responsibility of his 4-year-old needy brother, and, to add insult to injury, discovering that he is the “chosen one” in a dark spiritual battle of forces that he never knew existed. A battle that involves scary creatures, brutal death, fear of every shadow and mirror, and distrust in even his kindest neighbors. That’s a tough path to walk, but Link is forced to boldly step up to the challenge and face his fears for the sake of his new friends, the family he has left, and the innocent world whose fate lies in his meager hands.
There’s no getting around it….this story can get scary, so it’s definitely designed for the preteen who has the ability to jump into the world of imagination and easily recognize it as such; however, the author does such an explicit job of weaving lighthearted comedy and heart-warming emotion into Link’s domain that it brings balance to the sometimes frightening images. I especially loved the sweet relationship between Link and his little brother Ayden. Sean Frawley does a remarkable job of showing a unique brotherly bond and invoking in the reader a “rooting for the underdog” emotion towards Link and the ones he holds dear.
I felt like I couldn’t put this book down! It was a very easy, quick read, and the end of each chapter certainly drew me into the next one. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a suspense-filled, heart-thumping ride (but maybe not just before turning out your night light!). This intriguing story moves along swiftly, and it definitely left me yearning to know more about Link’s future, the future of the Skia underworld, and the destiny of the Hartkins family. I look forward to seeing where Sean Frawley takes us next in future adventures that help to unravel the dark Skia mysteries.
October 11, 2014
Loved it!!!! The ending was my favorite!!!
May 17, 2015
Definitely different
So glad to find an author that has such a great imagination. Finally a unique book with characters not copied from others. Love the story although almost too much detail. Thank you for so much fabulous writing! I couldn't put this one down till I hit the end.
So glad to find an author that has such a great imagination. Finally a unique book with characters not copied from others. Love the story although almost too much detail. Thank you for so much fabulous writing! I couldn't put this one down till I hit the end.
January 10, 2018
Very well written. I loved the characters, they really gave me a picture in my mind. The story progressed just as I like it, and it always led me feasting for more. The overall plot of the book amazed me, and I loved the setting. An eleven out of ten for me!
November 17, 2017
this book in my opinion was very good and the people and even the skias and broken were very well developed and I was tempted to read the next chapter as soon as I could. Also he surprised me at every turn even with things that in the books timeline already happened. The end was very good and I will have to get the next book as soon as it comes out due to the fact that he ended it with a cliff hanger!
But all and all it was a very exciting read and was extremely well written
But all and all it was a very exciting read and was extremely well written
March 20, 2018
Jumbled up science fiction that was hard to get through.
Ridiculous story line with too many elements: magic, time travel, super powers, an alternative world, spiritualism, etc. Not to mention unbelievable characters with some being almost cartoonish in nature. I didn't know if I was ever going to get through this one. And there are more books in this series? Yikes!
Ridiculous story line with too many elements: magic, time travel, super powers, an alternative world, spiritualism, etc. Not to mention unbelievable characters with some being almost cartoonish in nature. I didn't know if I was ever going to get through this one. And there are more books in this series? Yikes!
November 16, 2017
This book was quality writing, and the characters were well described. Each character had a unique backstory, and I felt a close relationship to them. As I read the book, I was continually surprised. The settings were well described and all in all the book was very well written.
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March 6, 2025Ebook
February 19, 2015
I'm sorry, but I just don't understand all the 5 star ratings on this book. It was a decent book, I don't feel like I wasted my time reading it. But it's hardly worth 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews