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Fractured Conclave #3
A Lost Treasure
How do you find something no one wants to admit even exists?
With her life turned upside down, it's almost a relief for Hallie to be asked to work a case. She is tasked with helping the Conclave Investigators follow up on a suspected theft, and also help track down one of their own - Special Investigator Girard Abbott has gone missing.
But nothing is straightforward. The supposed victim of the theft doesn't seem interested in helping with the investigation. No one seems to know what's been stolen. Girard may not just be missing, but also injured - or worse. And then Hallie senses the stirring of ancient magic, powerful enough to threaten her entire city.
Hallie will need all of her resources, from her own magic to the allies and friends she's gathered over the years, to try and save her city from ruin.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
A Lost Treasure continues Hallie's story which start in A Usual Suspect.
With her life turned upside down, it's almost a relief for Hallie to be asked to work a case. She is tasked with helping the Conclave Investigators follow up on a suspected theft, and also help track down one of their own - Special Investigator Girard Abbott has gone missing.
But nothing is straightforward. The supposed victim of the theft doesn't seem interested in helping with the investigation. No one seems to know what's been stolen. Girard may not just be missing, but also injured - or worse. And then Hallie senses the stirring of ancient magic, powerful enough to threaten her entire city.
Hallie will need all of her resources, from her own magic to the allies and friends she's gathered over the years, to try and save her city from ruin.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
A Lost Treasure continues Hallie's story which start in A Usual Suspect.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2025
188 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books419 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 1, 2025
*Sigh*
Yep, that’s three stars. Nope, not a mistake. Yep, I rated the previous two books 4 and 5 stars. I love them both and was SO anticipating this third book because Hallie had finally broken free from her horrific family, she had promising opportunities, a good working relationship with the hochlan investigators (well, the ones that matter) with the prospect of a romance brewing with Girard. Sadly that fantastic set-up dwindles to nowheresville. Seriously. While her family are not involved at all in this story, all the other aspects are there and ready…. But absolutely nothing happens. No growth whatsoever - just a so-so side trip kinda mystery. There is really nothing that furthers or deepens the story, the relationships, the understanding, the progress at all! *double sigh*
Aw well, can’t win ‘em all.
Yep, that’s three stars. Nope, not a mistake. Yep, I rated the previous two books 4 and 5 stars. I love them both and was SO anticipating this third book because Hallie had finally broken free from her horrific family, she had promising opportunities, a good working relationship with the hochlan investigators (well, the ones that matter) with the prospect of a romance brewing with Girard. Sadly that fantastic set-up dwindles to nowheresville. Seriously. While her family are not involved at all in this story, all the other aspects are there and ready…. But absolutely nothing happens. No growth whatsoever - just a so-so side trip kinda mystery. There is really nothing that furthers or deepens the story, the relationships, the understanding, the progress at all! *double sigh*
Aw well, can’t win ‘em all.
April 8, 2025
Well, this one gets a "meh" from me, which is sad as I generally love this author.
It wasn't a bad book, but it felt kind of like filler. Like they were off on a side quest for a bit.
Though that got me to pondering: IS there an overall arc for this series? I've just been assuming there is, but maybe it's a serial "case of the week" kind of story. Because if there is an overall plot, I literally don't see it. Each book gives us a little more info about Hallie, but that's not unusual for a case of the week kind of series - the draw to these kinds of serials is that as you continue, your main characters get a little more depth. They're kind of the bait that draws you forward, alongside uncovering whatever new mystery is going on. For example: Law & Order, ER, (any other cop or hospital show), the In Death series.
Because the only thing that seems to be a theme across all the books so far is that the hochlen (ruling class) are fucking evil and need to be wiped out. In every book, not only is the villain(s) ultimately revealed to be hochlen, but we also have a bunch of encounters with other douchebags of that class who prove to be narcissistic bags of shit who view anyone not of their ruling class to be worth less than shit on their shoe. As far as I'm concerned, it is way past time for people to rise up and splatter all these assholes across the pavement. And if the author doesn't want me to feel that way, I need her to give me more than 1 or 2 nice ones in the whole series (Girard, obviously, though he was a piece of shit in book 1, and maaaaaaaybe that chick on their forensics team, though we haven't seen enough of her to know for sure). Everyone else treats her like a second-class citizen, at best, and so they're all on the list for roadkill imo.
So that's where I'm at. If the goal is to be a serial, it just isn't working for me, because I don't care about the cases. Like "Oh no, a hochlen killed another hochlen! We must get to the bottom of this!" Haha, no. More like "Oh look, a hochlen killed another hochlen! 10 points to Slytherin! Do you wanna get some lunch?" because if there was a person killing those douchebags, I'd just make some popcorn.
And if there's an overall plot, as I said above, I just don't see it so it feels like a nothingburger.
It wasn't a bad book, but it felt kind of like filler. Like they were off on a side quest for a bit.
Though that got me to pondering: IS there an overall arc for this series? I've just been assuming there is, but maybe it's a serial "case of the week" kind of story. Because if there is an overall plot, I literally don't see it. Each book gives us a little more info about Hallie, but that's not unusual for a case of the week kind of series - the draw to these kinds of serials is that as you continue, your main characters get a little more depth. They're kind of the bait that draws you forward, alongside uncovering whatever new mystery is going on. For example: Law & Order, ER, (any other cop or hospital show), the In Death series.
Because the only thing that seems to be a theme across all the books so far is that the hochlen (ruling class) are fucking evil and need to be wiped out. In every book, not only is the villain(s) ultimately revealed to be hochlen, but we also have a bunch of encounters with other douchebags of that class who prove to be narcissistic bags of shit who view anyone not of their ruling class to be worth less than shit on their shoe. As far as I'm concerned, it is way past time for people to rise up and splatter all these assholes across the pavement. And if the author doesn't want me to feel that way, I need her to give me more than 1 or 2 nice ones in the whole series (Girard, obviously, though he was a piece of shit in book 1, and maaaaaaaybe that chick on their forensics team, though we haven't seen enough of her to know for sure). Everyone else treats her like a second-class citizen, at best, and so they're all on the list for roadkill imo.
So that's where I'm at. If the goal is to be a serial, it just isn't working for me, because I don't care about the cases. Like "Oh no, a hochlen killed another hochlen! We must get to the bottom of this!" Haha, no. More like "Oh look, a hochlen killed another hochlen! 10 points to Slytherin! Do you wanna get some lunch?" because if there was a person killing those douchebags, I'd just make some popcorn.
And if there's an overall plot, as I said above, I just don't see it so it feels like a nothingburger.
September 14, 2025
3.5
I still wish for a better worlbuilding, but it has definitely improved from book 1. Not a fan of the romance thread though, as it seems to start more from the fact he's the only half decent person than anything else 🙄
Not sure what happened in book 2 either and why it wasn't either explained nor used
I still wish for a better worlbuilding, but it has definitely improved from book 1. Not a fan of the romance thread though, as it seems to start more from the fact he's the only half decent person than anything else 🙄
Not sure what happened in book 2 either and why it wasn't either explained nor used
March 31, 2025
It was okay -- it started with Hallie having a little break from skip tracing job by way of helping Rosalia with her new bakery, and then she was asked to help find missing Girard. Then when she found him, apparently there was a whole other secret of the old world that they also found.
I am not a visual reader - meaning books with description, whether it describes a person's physical traits, places, objects... usually just passed me by because I couldn't imagine it. I work better with books that offer conversations, sharing of thoughts, sharing of emotions, rather that descriptive paragraphs. This one has quite a lot of that, especially when Hallie was looking for Girard. So I got a bit bored.
There was a nice update on Hallie's and Girard's relationship though and a HUGE update on Hallie's family by the end of the book
I am not a visual reader - meaning books with description, whether it describes a person's physical traits, places, objects... usually just passed me by because I couldn't imagine it. I work better with books that offer conversations, sharing of thoughts, sharing of emotions, rather that descriptive paragraphs. This one has quite a lot of that, especially when Hallie was looking for Girard. So I got a bit bored.
There was a nice update on Hallie's and Girard's relationship though and a HUGE update on Hallie's family by the end of the book
October 10, 2025
I hate to say it, I hope I don’t sound ridiculous-
Wow what a redemption arc for this series!
Sorry the mystery aspect was stupid af but the romance evolved and we FINALLLLYYYY have some living and not just surviving.
Like yes girl, please go buy a dress and some boots, re washing and drying the same leather jacket and lamenting about ripping your jeans you’ve ripped a million times before - I want better for you.
Girard there’s no way you didn’t know or suspect Hallie was gonna be treated that way, and I’m watching your mother with a magnifying glass by glass- the fuckass brother and father both deserve a cleaning of the skull.
Was gonna drop this book but will carry on this series because I enjoyed this instalment.
Wow what a redemption arc for this series!
Sorry the mystery aspect was stupid af but the romance evolved and we FINALLLLYYYY have some living and not just surviving.
Like yes girl, please go buy a dress and some boots, re washing and drying the same leather jacket and lamenting about ripping your jeans you’ve ripped a million times before - I want better for you.
Girard there’s no way you didn’t know or suspect Hallie was gonna be treated that way, and I’m watching your mother with a magnifying glass by glass- the fuckass brother and father both deserve a cleaning of the skull.
Was gonna drop this book but will carry on this series because I enjoyed this instalment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
A good read. The ending was a bit rushed but overall satisfactory. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it is released.
March 30, 2025
Good
When Girard disappears on a job, Hallie is surprised to be asked by the conclave investigators, to help find him.
It’s not an easy job, even for Hallie with all her skills, and when she does finally track him down, it’s only to discover something deeply unsettling. She and Girard will have to work together to make sure that the evil she senses isn’t able to complete its plan.
As we begin this book, Hallie is feeling rather unsettled at having been cut from the family vine, and freed from the control of her mother. She’s not quite sure what to do with her freedom, and the feeling of being unwanted is a prominent factor in the choices she makes through the story.
She has come to realise that she’s kind of situated between the wealthy Hochlen of the Upper City, and the working class and magicless Karlen of the lower city. Her magic abilities and genetics make her Hochlen while her upbringing is one hundred percent Karlen and she struggles to fit in.
Fortunately her roommate Rosalia, and the intriguing Girard aren’t inclined to follow the opinions of the masses, and it is clear that Hallie has actually made a number of like minded friends that she will hopefully realise aren’t quite as judgemental as her mother, or the annoying Hochlen she meets in this book (Girard’s family, with the exception of his mother and uncle, are nothing like him!).
Meanwhile, there are some mysterious goings on at the port, which help to drive Hallie even deeper into the magical world, and we (and Hallie) begin to see some of the intriguing mysteries that lie beneath the surface and seem to be hidden from the masses. I can’t help but feel it’s all going somewhere very interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Hallie and Girard get up to next!
There’s a lot happening in this book, but so much of it is part of a transition for Hallie, which makes the future seem all the more intriguing and exciting!
This is not a standalone story, so do read the ones that come before, but it won’t leave you on a cliffhanger, even if it does make you want more!
If you’re a fan of contemporary/urban/epic fantasy, with a taste for mystery, slow burn romance, and unusual settings, then this imaginative series is definitely one to read and follow.
When Girard disappears on a job, Hallie is surprised to be asked by the conclave investigators, to help find him.
It’s not an easy job, even for Hallie with all her skills, and when she does finally track him down, it’s only to discover something deeply unsettling. She and Girard will have to work together to make sure that the evil she senses isn’t able to complete its plan.
As we begin this book, Hallie is feeling rather unsettled at having been cut from the family vine, and freed from the control of her mother. She’s not quite sure what to do with her freedom, and the feeling of being unwanted is a prominent factor in the choices she makes through the story.
She has come to realise that she’s kind of situated between the wealthy Hochlen of the Upper City, and the working class and magicless Karlen of the lower city. Her magic abilities and genetics make her Hochlen while her upbringing is one hundred percent Karlen and she struggles to fit in.
Fortunately her roommate Rosalia, and the intriguing Girard aren’t inclined to follow the opinions of the masses, and it is clear that Hallie has actually made a number of like minded friends that she will hopefully realise aren’t quite as judgemental as her mother, or the annoying Hochlen she meets in this book (Girard’s family, with the exception of his mother and uncle, are nothing like him!).
Meanwhile, there are some mysterious goings on at the port, which help to drive Hallie even deeper into the magical world, and we (and Hallie) begin to see some of the intriguing mysteries that lie beneath the surface and seem to be hidden from the masses. I can’t help but feel it’s all going somewhere very interesting, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Hallie and Girard get up to next!
There’s a lot happening in this book, but so much of it is part of a transition for Hallie, which makes the future seem all the more intriguing and exciting!
This is not a standalone story, so do read the ones that come before, but it won’t leave you on a cliffhanger, even if it does make you want more!
If you’re a fan of contemporary/urban/epic fantasy, with a taste for mystery, slow burn romance, and unusual settings, then this imaginative series is definitely one to read and follow.
September 25, 2025
Meh. This was fine??? Idk. The plot was a bit predictable. The magic aspect was cool, but the resolution felt wayyy too easy.
The relationship between Girard and Hallie is also starting to piss me off. She romanticizes every little thing he does as if it's not the bare minimum. "He respects my opinion" and "he listens to me" and my personal favorite "he respects people's private property" like GIRL stand tf upppp come on now. He inner monologues as a whole are driving me a bit nuts. It's a never ending case of telling me things instead of showing me thing. The writing feels so bland!! We're just saying things now and now backing them up with anything substantial. Idek man I'm just getting annoyed. They barely even talk! The little "I like you" scene made me want to shrivel up and die bc genuinely why did he even take her to that party. There is no WAY he didn't know how everyone was going to treat her. Simply no way.
I also still can't figure out if this is supposed to be like an ACAB anti elitist theme or if it's more of an all lives matter stance. The hochlan are consistently portrayed as the fantasy world version of fascists, but at the same time, Hallie is SO impressed when Girard and the director show her even an ounce of respect that reading her POV makes me feel like I'm being insane for not liking a cop solely bc he doesnt directly engage in police brutality. Like are we really forgetting when he just sat there and watched while Mel broke her fucking face in book 1????? Idek man idk. I think that maybe this series just isn't for me.
The relationship between Girard and Hallie is also starting to piss me off. She romanticizes every little thing he does as if it's not the bare minimum. "He respects my opinion" and "he listens to me" and my personal favorite "he respects people's private property" like GIRL stand tf upppp come on now. He inner monologues as a whole are driving me a bit nuts. It's a never ending case of telling me things instead of showing me thing. The writing feels so bland!! We're just saying things now and now backing them up with anything substantial. Idek man I'm just getting annoyed. They barely even talk! The little "I like you" scene made me want to shrivel up and die bc genuinely why did he even take her to that party. There is no WAY he didn't know how everyone was going to treat her. Simply no way.
I also still can't figure out if this is supposed to be like an ACAB anti elitist theme or if it's more of an all lives matter stance. The hochlan are consistently portrayed as the fantasy world version of fascists, but at the same time, Hallie is SO impressed when Girard and the director show her even an ounce of respect that reading her POV makes me feel like I'm being insane for not liking a cop solely bc he doesnt directly engage in police brutality. Like are we really forgetting when he just sat there and watched while Mel broke her fucking face in book 1????? Idek man idk. I think that maybe this series just isn't for me.
November 9, 2025
storytelling was a bit disjointed... probably due to the various breaks in the plot/ case
I gotta admit I found the near constant annoyance with Hallie quite distracting.
For one thing she is constantly telling us how surprised/ shocked she is or how something wasn't exactly as expected.. usually something something Elite of course.. it's become like this constant refrain ... very annoying and frankly makes her appear quite stupid even more so when you add in the over explaining of everything, from her thoughts/ emotions to what a mundane items like train car or a rail yard/ station is and her musings on how they might work..
I dunno if this was just page filler stuff or whether it was meant to illustrate the future setting like a Gen Z/ Alpha might react to seeing a rotary phone or cassette player for the first time ...
also i gotta say even though I like Girard and initially was all for him as a romantic interest.. it ended up being all weird and just didnt seem to fit in with the story somehow..
and what was with that "Reception", she was like a freakin yoyo, all bold and confident one minute all quiet timid afraid to speak up the next... just didnt gel
plus we still dont really know what the frack happened to her with the cryptic "Big Change"... a bit of heigthened senses and some extra strength is not what I'd refer to as "Big Change". Sounds more like a secret shifter/ shapechanger of some kind, but 3 books in (of 5) and we have yet to see so much as a hint of it...
and what about her lie detector talent/ magic? was this another side effect of the Big Change or was this innante?
this is shaping up more and more like Ageless where the many unanswered questions just kept piling up throughout the 5-book-series, with the majority of them just never getting answered. very frustrating...
at this point I am so annoyed, that I dont even wanna continue onto book 4.. I'll prolly finish the series once book 5 is out, but right now I just need a break from Hallie and this frustrating writing...
I gotta admit I found the near constant annoyance with Hallie quite distracting.
For one thing she is constantly telling us how surprised/ shocked she is or how something wasn't exactly as expected.. usually something something Elite of course.. it's become like this constant refrain ... very annoying and frankly makes her appear quite stupid even more so when you add in the over explaining of everything, from her thoughts/ emotions to what a mundane items like train car or a rail yard/ station is and her musings on how they might work..
I dunno if this was just page filler stuff or whether it was meant to illustrate the future setting like a Gen Z/ Alpha might react to seeing a rotary phone or cassette player for the first time ...
also i gotta say even though I like Girard and initially was all for him as a romantic interest.. it ended up being all weird and just didnt seem to fit in with the story somehow..
and what was with that "Reception", she was like a freakin yoyo, all bold and confident one minute all quiet timid afraid to speak up the next... just didnt gel
plus we still dont really know what the frack happened to her with the cryptic "Big Change"... a bit of heigthened senses and some extra strength is not what I'd refer to as "Big Change". Sounds more like a secret shifter/ shapechanger of some kind, but 3 books in (of 5) and we have yet to see so much as a hint of it...
and what about her lie detector talent/ magic? was this another side effect of the Big Change or was this innante?
this is shaping up more and more like Ageless where the many unanswered questions just kept piling up throughout the 5-book-series, with the majority of them just never getting answered. very frustrating...
at this point I am so annoyed, that I dont even wanna continue onto book 4.. I'll prolly finish the series once book 5 is out, but right now I just need a break from Hallie and this frustrating writing...
April 9, 2025
A Fascinating Series that leaves you wanting more! 💖🥰💖
It is such a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story and amazing characters, that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a skip tracer in low city, finds herself once again embroiled in a tricky mystery that involves the elite “hoclen” as well as her “friend” (for the moment, as it seems things are going towards a more romantic relationship) investigator Girard, his team, and a few familiar characters from the previous two books. I will say though, that even though I very much enjoyed this book, the story itself felt a bit more rushed or not as embellished as in the previous books. Having said that, I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
It is such a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story and amazing characters, that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a skip tracer in low city, finds herself once again embroiled in a tricky mystery that involves the elite “hoclen” as well as her “friend” (for the moment, as it seems things are going towards a more romantic relationship) investigator Girard, his team, and a few familiar characters from the previous two books. I will say though, that even though I very much enjoyed this book, the story itself felt a bit more rushed or not as embellished as in the previous books. Having said that, I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
April 7, 2025
One of the best fantasy authors
Vanessa Nelson is truly a master at her craft. The books are interesting, the relationships are slowly developing and best of all, the worlds she creates are fascinating. I have loved every book and only didn’t read this book the day it came out because I had to finish another I had already started. I have read every book she’s written and cannot recommend her enough!
My only caveat in this review is read the other two books in this series before you read this one to understand the relationships fully. It can be read without its first two but it wouldn’t be as enjoyable.
Vanessa Nelson is truly a master at her craft. The books are interesting, the relationships are slowly developing and best of all, the worlds she creates are fascinating. I have loved every book and only didn’t read this book the day it came out because I had to finish another I had already started. I have read every book she’s written and cannot recommend her enough!
My only caveat in this review is read the other two books in this series before you read this one to understand the relationships fully. It can be read without its first two but it wouldn’t be as enjoyable.
August 16, 2025
Best Series Since Grey Gates!
I loved the Grey Gates series, and have been looking for another good one to start. I should have known to look closer to home, but I read a few other books first, finally coming back to Fractured Conclave. I hope this series has a longer life than Nelson’s other series. The wealth of characters and their early development are just what a 10-15 book series needs :) *crossing my fingers Nelson reads this and agrees* Emmet, himself, could be a spin off. Anyway, do not hesitate. Get the books. You will not be disappointed. I’m enjoying learning about this world and the people in it.
I loved the Grey Gates series, and have been looking for another good one to start. I should have known to look closer to home, but I read a few other books first, finally coming back to Fractured Conclave. I hope this series has a longer life than Nelson’s other series. The wealth of characters and their early development are just what a 10-15 book series needs :) *crossing my fingers Nelson reads this and agrees* Emmet, himself, could be a spin off. Anyway, do not hesitate. Get the books. You will not be disappointed. I’m enjoying learning about this world and the people in it.
April 2, 2025
Enjoyed seeing growth in the main couple
Each of Vanessa Nelson's series are good, and so far this is one of my favorites. Although I could see some of what was coming with the mystery there were some surprises which is always entertaining. The romance between Halloween and Girard is sweet and I can see what attracts them to each other, something I couldn't feel in some other series. But, while a nice side note, the romance comes second to the main plot, which I also appreciate. A fun read.
Each of Vanessa Nelson's series are good, and so far this is one of my favorites. Although I could see some of what was coming with the mystery there were some surprises which is always entertaining. The romance between Halloween and Girard is sweet and I can see what attracts them to each other, something I couldn't feel in some other series. But, while a nice side note, the romance comes second to the main plot, which I also appreciate. A fun read.
April 12, 2025
Disappointing
It is hard to say exactly where this went astray but when it did there didn't seem to be any way to salvage it. The whole sequence of events never made sense. Then "he went looking for his cat"? How lame is that? I like the characters but didn't feel they were true to themselves. Would Hallie really let a bunch of snobs break her so completely? I think she has a better grip on herself and her worth than that. Glad she found her dad. That offers some interesting possibilities.
It is hard to say exactly where this went astray but when it did there didn't seem to be any way to salvage it. The whole sequence of events never made sense. Then "he went looking for his cat"? How lame is that? I like the characters but didn't feel they were true to themselves. Would Hallie really let a bunch of snobs break her so completely? I think she has a better grip on herself and her worth than that. Glad she found her dad. That offers some interesting possibilities.
March 28, 2025
An enjoyable read
Another excellent book from one of my favourite authors. Well written with a fast paced storyline set in a vibrant and imaginative world based on a caste system and a society with both technology and magic. Hallie is hired to find Girard who went missing during an investigation. From there she becomes involved in a theft which turns deadly and threatens the safety of the city. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
Another excellent book from one of my favourite authors. Well written with a fast paced storyline set in a vibrant and imaginative world based on a caste system and a society with both technology and magic. Hallie is hired to find Girard who went missing during an investigation. From there she becomes involved in a theft which turns deadly and threatens the safety of the city. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend.
April 2, 2025
Now that Hallie is free from her family’s restrictions, this third installment was packed with Hallie’s hunt for the missing Girard, and her investigating several suspicious explosions and missing items from the international port.
While the first half was a little slow to get me engaged, I was fully invested throughout the second half. The ending was really good, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
While the first half was a little slow to get me engaged, I was fully invested throughout the second half. The ending was really good, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
April 8, 2025
this was solid, but that’s all i can really say about it unfortunately. i love the quiet heroism of vanessa nelson’s leads, but this one was just a little too quiet - it felt like too transition-y a novel to stand on its own in the series. too many questions are still unanswered, and there’s still very subtle character growth - i’m ready for it to be a little bigger. looking forward to august when hopefully it will be
April 13, 2025
Another excellent installment in this series
Every book in this series is so well-crafted. The pacing, the world-building, the compelling and multi-layered plots. There are many urban fantasy books with strong female leads but most seem to force character growth or romance or don’t develop the world or the story stutter-steps in its pacing. The Fractured Conclave books have, so far, balanced all these elements perfectly. Looking forward to the next one!
Every book in this series is so well-crafted. The pacing, the world-building, the compelling and multi-layered plots. There are many urban fantasy books with strong female leads but most seem to force character growth or romance or don’t develop the world or the story stutter-steps in its pacing. The Fractured Conclave books have, so far, balanced all these elements perfectly. Looking forward to the next one!
April 14, 2025
I love this series, and are eagerly awaiting the next book every time. I got it the day of the release, and read it in one go. I have actually read it again. I really like the characters and their evolvement. While waiting for the next one, due in september I think (already pre-ordered) I would recommend you to the ageless series or the grey gates. I actually also love Taellaneth.
I enjoy how the author evolve her characters and the storyline.
I enjoy how the author evolve her characters and the storyline.
April 20, 2025
Good Characters
I found some parts a little slow, some parts maybe over explained… but as long as you have good characters I can root for, I’ll keep reading.
One plus is that each book in the series has an ending. Many series are just one long story where the protagonist keeps coming back in every new issue.
There are obviously many new directions the series can go, so I’ll be watching for the next book.
I found some parts a little slow, some parts maybe over explained… but as long as you have good characters I can root for, I’ll keep reading.
One plus is that each book in the series has an ending. Many series are just one long story where the protagonist keeps coming back in every new issue.
There are obviously many new directions the series can go, so I’ll be watching for the next book.
October 9, 2025
GREAT SERIES
I really like this series. It calculates both negative and positive aspects in such a way that it’s a good read. You can relate and the storyline just keeps you entertained. I think you’re a very good writer and I cannot wait to eat the next book in the series, thank you so much for writing the series and when this series is done, I look forward to your other series.
I really like this series. It calculates both negative and positive aspects in such a way that it’s a good read. You can relate and the storyline just keeps you entertained. I think you’re a very good writer and I cannot wait to eat the next book in the series, thank you so much for writing the series and when this series is done, I look forward to your other series.
March 30, 2025
The third book
The author's masterful storytelling transported me through unexpected narrative landscapes, defying my initial expectations. With each page, the book unfolded surprising twists and turns that captivated my imagination. This remarkable work further solidifies the writer's exceptional talent, leaving me eagerly anticipating their next literary creation.
The author's masterful storytelling transported me through unexpected narrative landscapes, defying my initial expectations. With each page, the book unfolded surprising twists and turns that captivated my imagination. This remarkable work further solidifies the writer's exceptional talent, leaving me eagerly anticipating their next literary creation.
April 17, 2025
Great book! The story keeps the action moving but not at a frantic pace, so you get to explore the world. I like the slow romance that isn’t central to the story, just a casual aside and it’s realistic. The main character isn’t foolish and makes adult decisions, knowing when to step back and when to defer.
August 13, 2025
Too short and now. Have to wait for next one!!!
Argh. Great book. So frustrating that now the writing style has improved as author has cut out the extra verbose padding , I have to wait for the next two books. The main male character doesn't seem that great a detective...Also we need more romance and banter but overall a solid 4 stars.
Really great story.
Argh. Great book. So frustrating that now the writing style has improved as author has cut out the extra verbose padding , I have to wait for the next two books. The main male character doesn't seem that great a detective...Also we need more romance and banter but overall a solid 4 stars.
Really great story.
March 31, 2025
Wonderful addition
I have yet to read a book by Vanessa Nelson that I have not enjoyed. This entry continues to build the world. Unlike some authors, each book has a beginning, middle, and end while still leaving enough mysteries for the next book.
I have yet to read a book by Vanessa Nelson that I have not enjoyed. This entry continues to build the world. Unlike some authors, each book has a beginning, middle, and end while still leaving enough mysteries for the next book.
April 1, 2025
I really like this book!
Vanessa Nelson is a very good story-teller ! Her writing is clear and her story lines make sense. She is also really talented at describing how it to be frightened to death in very vivid sentences. I highly recommend any of her novels !!
Vanessa Nelson is a very good story-teller ! Her writing is clear and her story lines make sense. She is also really talented at describing how it to be frightened to death in very vivid sentences. I highly recommend any of her novels !!
April 5, 2025
Phenomenal
As always, excellent book! Draws you right in until it's finished! Can't wait for the next. Hallie and Gerard are very sweet and I look forward to finding out more about their magic.
As always, excellent book! Draws you right in until it's finished! Can't wait for the next. Hallie and Gerard are very sweet and I look forward to finding out more about their magic.
June 30, 2025
Fractured Conclave - Another Winner from Vanessa Nelson
I have read all of Vanessa Nelson’s books, and this series is the best so far! The characters , and the whole world she has created feel so REAL. Two thumbs up!
I have read all of Vanessa Nelson’s books, and this series is the best so far! The characters , and the whole world she has created feel so REAL. Two thumbs up!
July 18, 2025
ok by me not as good as numbers 1&2. Too much reliant on magic. a little magic, ok, can even enhance things, but you put too much and it's just lazy: any plot holes - magic. any unexplained character behavior - magic. whatever.
July 23, 2025
Another fine read.
The story develops throughout the series and Hallie and Girard work together . Their attraction to each other is undeniable but can this develop to something more?
While their lives are at stake again, some characters from previous books join the fray.
Another fine read.
The story develops throughout the series and Hallie and Girard work together . Their attraction to each other is undeniable but can this develop to something more?
While their lives are at stake again, some characters from previous books join the fray.
Another fine read.
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