Born into a family of Guardians—extraordinarily gifted humans who protect mortal souls—seventeen-year-old Rose Kazin shows no signs of being blessed with the supernatural talents her family has used for generations to fight demons. When she and her father figure, an age old celestial Warrior, are horribly wounded in a demonic ambush, Rose awakens to find a younger Warrior, Ouriel, has volunteered to stand in as her protector. She rails against his presence—and her own heart—but Ouriel seems interested in only one thing: teaching Rose how to protect herself from the demons she was never supposed to fight.
Julia Joseph taught Theatre for nine years in Texas middle and high schools, where she wrote and produced three original plays for her students. In 2011, Joseph left teaching to devote all of her energy to her own children and to writing a novel. She earned her B. A. in English Literature and Language with a focus in Drama from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.
Joseph spends most of her free time reading, writing, and chauffeuring her kids between activities. She lives happily with her husband and two children wherever the Army happens to station them.
A highly enjoyable read! Julia Joseph takes a refreshing angle in this coming-of-age YA paranormal novel. She delves perfectly into the mind of a conflicted 17-year-old girl grappling with her destiny. Whether it is Rose's self-doubt or her feelings toward her protector, Joseph skillfully uses thoughts and dialogue to craft an intriguing protagonist. Rose feels completely real. As such, this character-driven story keeps the pages turning and the reader eager for the next installment!
I first encountered Julia Joseph’s work through a short story called Palomino Man. I was so happy to see two of the characters in The Broken.
A wonderful coming of destiny story of a young woman who thought she would contribute nothing to the struggle between good and evil. Rose accepts that in her family she is the only individual who is not supernaturally gifted, and she has made her peace with this fact.
When Ouriel comes into her life it changes completely. This young woman falls in love with her Warrior protector and the love is returned, but at a price which they may not be able to pay. Ouriel is wonderful. What’s not to love about someone who would give his own life for the woman he loves?
Ms. Joseph has written an engaging, emotional story. I’m looking forward to book two of the series.
Interesting storyline, a tad bit short for my likely, but well worth the time. Not pleased that we need to wait a year before the next book in the series. Be interested to see what happens between Rose and Ouri.