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Broken: The Prequel
396 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2024
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 30, 2024
I thought I had gone through all the emotions in L.R. Douglas' books preceding Broken, (although Broken is where it all started) namely; The Incantenato Series - Locked, Chained, Tied and Bound. It is best to read in the published order, although you might get hung up on what an egotistical 🍑🕳️ Lockey is, and make the mistake of putting down these amazing books. I implore you to keep going.
One minute I wanted to hug Lockey, and the next I wanted to boot him in the ⚽. There I was feeling 🥺 for him after Chapter 22, and then he spoils it by spreading himself across the pages like marmite, making me mutter "you f*cking dick head" numerous times I may add! Most chapters more or less follow this pattern, but if that's the only way I can get my fill of this insufferable man, then so be it!
These books take you on such an addictive journey and reading Broken, just makes me want to re-read the whole series to not only refresh my memory, but to also pick up on areas I've felt I've missed.
If you're a fan of reading dual and even multi POV, captivating and interesting reads, a realistic introduction to the darker side of dark, captivating plot, childhood traumatic experiences that dictate future decisions made, more appropriate consent and safe conversations, amazing plot and lots of spicy spice 🥵🔥❤️🔥then make the time to inhale these books. And read Broken when you've read books 1-4. You'll see why Lockey navigated through life the way his eventfully unfurled. Even though things got pretty bad and without his self preservation skills, let's be honest, things could have gone down an even harder path for him.
L.R. Douglas I applaud you. I've cried, laughed, moaned, threw things, cried some more, been exasperated, scared, excited, happy, sad, angry, disgusted, been fearful, anxious, surprised and in awe. Very few books have brought so many emotions to the surface in the way you do.
Edited to add:
Reading through my review after I've posted it makes me realise I don't think I put enough about how Broken was such a phenomenal, but hard to read at times book. I felt broken for Lockey in parts. And not only him, but the people whom he ambushed as he waded through his tough times. (I don't mean ambushed as in he put on camouflage and slathered his face in war paint). Actually maybe he should have 😅😅😅 because that boy did have one heck of a journey! But we wouldn't have had the Incantenato Series without him. Again my applause goes to the author. You're one belter of an author 👌🖤🥀❤️🔥🔥🫶
One minute I wanted to hug Lockey, and the next I wanted to boot him in the ⚽. There I was feeling 🥺 for him after Chapter 22, and then he spoils it by spreading himself across the pages like marmite, making me mutter "you f*cking dick head" numerous times I may add! Most chapters more or less follow this pattern, but if that's the only way I can get my fill of this insufferable man, then so be it!
These books take you on such an addictive journey and reading Broken, just makes me want to re-read the whole series to not only refresh my memory, but to also pick up on areas I've felt I've missed.
If you're a fan of reading dual and even multi POV, captivating and interesting reads, a realistic introduction to the darker side of dark, captivating plot, childhood traumatic experiences that dictate future decisions made, more appropriate consent and safe conversations, amazing plot and lots of spicy spice 🥵🔥❤️🔥then make the time to inhale these books. And read Broken when you've read books 1-4. You'll see why Lockey navigated through life the way his eventfully unfurled. Even though things got pretty bad and without his self preservation skills, let's be honest, things could have gone down an even harder path for him.
L.R. Douglas I applaud you. I've cried, laughed, moaned, threw things, cried some more, been exasperated, scared, excited, happy, sad, angry, disgusted, been fearful, anxious, surprised and in awe. Very few books have brought so many emotions to the surface in the way you do.
Edited to add:
Reading through my review after I've posted it makes me realise I don't think I put enough about how Broken was such a phenomenal, but hard to read at times book. I felt broken for Lockey in parts. And not only him, but the people whom he ambushed as he waded through his tough times. (I don't mean ambushed as in he put on camouflage and slathered his face in war paint). Actually maybe he should have 😅😅😅 because that boy did have one heck of a journey! But we wouldn't have had the Incantenato Series without him. Again my applause goes to the author. You're one belter of an author 👌🖤🥀❤️🔥🔥🫶
July 7, 2024
Is this Lockey’s redemption arc? Eh, kinda? The thing with Lockey is, he’s self-aware. Unlike most narcissists, he is very aware that he is a narcissist and he’s unapologetically himself. He doesn’t necessarily aim to hurt others, but will (emotionally, at least) if it furthers his aim. He knows this, and does it anyway. Because he’s cheeky, and charming and they’re consenting to what they think he offers, he feels no reason not to use that to further his own whims and desires.
So is it his redemption arc? Kinda, but not really. Because I don’t think Lockey truly feels he needs redemption for how he acts. For some of the fall-out? Maybe. Would he make similar choices again though? He’d probably say no, but you and I would probably argue otherwise. He’s self serving and self centred, and I can’t imagine he’s even capable of not acting in his own interests first. But still, it’s an explanation if not a redemption exactly. And understanding someone’s motives is really all you need to really humanise and empathise with their reasoning, and isn’t that the first step to redeeming them in your mind?
This has been easily my favourite of the incantenato series. Layla has managed to quite masterfully have me rooting for Lockey in spite of myself. He’s charming and likeable even if he’s not remotely a ‘good’ person. His past explains him even whilst it doesn’t excuse him, and gives a more thoroughly rounded image of the man I’ve come to like/loathe over the rest of the series. He’s still a proper dick though 😂
So is it his redemption arc? Kinda, but not really. Because I don’t think Lockey truly feels he needs redemption for how he acts. For some of the fall-out? Maybe. Would he make similar choices again though? He’d probably say no, but you and I would probably argue otherwise. He’s self serving and self centred, and I can’t imagine he’s even capable of not acting in his own interests first. But still, it’s an explanation if not a redemption exactly. And understanding someone’s motives is really all you need to really humanise and empathise with their reasoning, and isn’t that the first step to redeeming them in your mind?
This has been easily my favourite of the incantenato series. Layla has managed to quite masterfully have me rooting for Lockey in spite of myself. He’s charming and likeable even if he’s not remotely a ‘good’ person. His past explains him even whilst it doesn’t excuse him, and gives a more thoroughly rounded image of the man I’ve come to like/loathe over the rest of the series. He’s still a proper dick though 😂
July 7, 2024
Wow! This whole series captured my attention from the very beginning.
This book has had my emotions all over the place, I’ve felt every high and every low. I finished book 4-bound, needing more Lockey and this has delivered perfectly!
L.R Douglas, Thank you so much for giving us more! 🧡
This book has had my emotions all over the place, I’ve felt every high and every low. I finished book 4-bound, needing more Lockey and this has delivered perfectly!
L.R Douglas, Thank you so much for giving us more! 🧡
August 18, 2024
Brilliantly written and I feel like I understand the MMC more now. I went through every single feeling reading this
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews