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The Breaking

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Darling Mortal Readers,

A mortal's psyche is flexible, varying from being to being. Yet, how much pressure does it take to snap it? I thought I held all the knowledge one needed to destroy a psyche, but it seems that my talents have dulled. It started when a force unknown to the Gods locked us up in the dratted Void. A dismal, boring place for any of us but especially for me. I grew used to traveling back and forth from my own realm, toying with those I encountered. Snapping the psyches’ of my demons has always been one of my favorite pastimes. Mortals are no more than snacks for me, the occasional treat that wanders into the realm. The stronger they are of will, the smokier of flavor. The recent boredom of the Void has led me to begin testing the true reach of my powers. Aurelia Berrid, Princess of Drakore and heir apparent, is the current focus of my newest experiment. I can't imagine I will be unable to break her with all that I have planned. I am a God and no one can deny a God in the end. I won't stop at her either, I shall see all around her crumble into dust blowing on their precious wind. Perhaps in the end if she proves difficult I could attempt to mold her. Though I don't know if once I do that anyone could ever call her a mortal again.

~Tixdarr Lord of the Dead

Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

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Mave Hathaway

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
3 reviews2 followers
January 12, 2025
**ARC review**

From the very first page, this book captivated me with its originality, creativity, and emotional level. At the start, the author skillfully gives readers all the needed information through the eyes of a God of the dead, tugging at the strings of fate, and then the story begins. I found myself falling in love with the story even before I realized it, as every word and sentence was a step deeper into the enchanting world the author crafted.

I couldn't put this book down. It ensnared me completely, and there was no desire to escape. I was entranced from the start as the story resonated with my soul. The author’s ability to weave a tale in the third-person POV of multiple characters was simply brilliant. Right then, I knew I was about to embark on an unforgettable journey.

The pacing of the story is perfect, and the world-building is exceptional. The unique and captivating language used throughout caught my attention. This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anticipation, fear, and stress. I became obsessed! My heart raced with each turned page, and I felt utterly broken at times. The author’s creativity in conveying such vivid emotions left me in awe.

What I particularly admired was how deftly the author explored complex political themes. The intricate dynamics between characters and the weight of their decisions were illuminated with clarity. I came to understand each tough choice and failure that must be made for their fate to be fulfilled.

The whimsical elements of a fairy tale are seamlessly interwoven into this captivating fantasy. The story struck a perfect balance, addressing serious and profound themes without losing its enchanting spark ✨.
This was my first read of 2025, and I assure you, it will stay with me long after the last page.

I went to sleep contemplating the characters and their journeys, knowing they would linger in my heart and mind for days to come. The author made me feel a deep connection and empathy for every character. The characters grew and no matter the darkness, they didn't stop to fight (mainly the MFC).
Each joyful moment, argument, strategy, and tragedy filled me with intense feelings. Simply, I was falling harder and harder, loving and feeling sympathy even with those who can be called villains.

This book emotionally devastated me. The sadness I felt during certain passages was visceral, twisting my gut with every heart-wrenching moment. And the ending... How am I supposed to wait? This story will undoubtedly live in my head rent-free, with countless questions swirling about the fates of each character.

Without a doubt, this book deserves five stars. 🌟 I wholeheartedly recommend it to every fantasy and fairy tale lover. If you’re like me, prepare to devour this gem as I did. ❤️
15 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2025
The Breaking by Mave Hathaway is a story of tension, strength, politics, fairytales and endurance.

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this wonderful book and from the moment I picked it up, I was in love. The plot??? Hello??? I need more!! I need answers!! I was sucked in INSTANTLY. I'm craving more from this universe, characters and plot line and I truly cannot wait for this series to continue.

The world is rich with history, politics, intrigue and magic. You can feel the time and care that Mave took when crafting this world reverberating off every single word. With all fantasy, I tend to be a bit overwhelmed with world building to begin with but Mave presented the information in a way that was not only digestible, easy to process and informative but also framed and told in a way that just pulls you in.

Some of my favourite little tidbits are commentary from one of the many magical and well established Gods of the world. His personality and narration really add an extra dimension. Even in the guides to the world - personality shines through and serves as more fuel to your want to continue.

I found myself with conflicting feelings on whether i wanted to binge the entire book in a sitting or delay the end of the book by taking breaks and reading slower than usual intentionally. I think i ended up doing both, I would take days away to put off finishing it but when i opened it - I was hooked. I think i finished the last 50%ish in one night - while leaving comments throughout for Mave to read.

Mave has a way with words and making them connect with you that i havent seen or felt in such a long time. I felt like i identified a lot with the characters and their experiences. Mave's writing seems effortless, it flows as though it was a river and while i know, from this book alone, that Mave is born to write - i also know how much time, care, emotion and vulnerability was put in to finish it. I feel this emotion behind every sentence really shines through and that is what makes it connect so stunningly with readers. Each word pushed me deeper into this universe and i became obsessed with these characters and how they will develop and grow.

Talking about characters.. oh my goodness this lot were amazing. Each character had such depth. They had conflicts within themselves which Mave did such a good job of conveying without telling directly. Even in this book alone you can see so many sides to every one of them and how they interact differently with each other. They felt extremely well fleshed out with distinct personalities, so much so that I could have been able to tell who we were following each chapter without the need for indication (the book does have this though!!). Even the characters i didn't like, I got invested in. There were moments I wanted to pull my hair out at what they were doing or their thought processes but so many moments where I felt SEEN.

This book emotionally destroyed me and had me sobbing violently at multiple points. I really do put that down to the way Mave writes and facilitates the reader to form deep bonds with the characters. I'm beyond excited for further books within this world and I cannot recommend this book, and Mave as a writer, in general. (Did i mention this is her DEBUT?? EXCUSE ME? she's insanely talented.)

If you love fantasy, politics, emotional damage, rich characters and worldbuilding and an intriguing plot - read this! You will not regret it.

I will leave this off with a comment I left during my beta read for Mave:

"The true distress, pain, fatigue, hope, hopelessness ect of enduring what life gives you. It's real and raw and gritty and frank but it has seriously connected with me in a way no other book has. I truly feel kinship to these characters and I think this may be my favourite book, like of all time. I'm not just saying that either, I genuinely think about these characters and the book constantly even if I've not read it in a few days. Thank you for creating this world and these characters in which I see so much of myself reflected."
Profile Image for Dari Malaunt.
Author 11 books99 followers
February 28, 2025
BETA/ARC Review: The Breaking by Mave Hathaway ✨🏰👸🔱

I recently had the chance to read "The Breaking" by Mave Hathaway, and while it wasn't quite the right fit for me, it might be the gem that other readers are looking for.

From the very first line, this story grips the reader with the chilling arrogance of Tixdarr, Lord of the Dead. The blurb teases a tale brimming with dark power, psychological torment, and the fascinating interplay between mortals and gods. Written with a voice both menacing and sophisticated, it draws us into Tixdarr's warped perspective, where mortals are mere "snacks" and the Void itself is nothing more than a boring playground for his experiments.

The book is set in a high fantasy world filled with intricate lore and complex characters. However, I found myself struggling with the narrative's complexity. The sudden flashbacks and dreams left me feeling lost, and the numerous characters made it difficult to connect with any one of them. The transitions between scenes were often abrupt, making it feel as though I was missing key information.

For instance, the scenes involving characters transforming into crows or possessing wings were intriguing but left me confused due to a lack of clear explanations. Additionally, the sudden teleportation of characters and the unexplained shifts in the storyline added to my overall confusion.

The third-person perspective and the vast number of characters made it challenging to stay engaged, as they often felt a bit underdeveloped or lacking something (just for me?), maybe I've missed something in it, sorry!

Despite these challenges, I recognize that "The Breaking" has its merits. The world-building is imaginative, and the lore is rich, which could captivate readers who enjoy delving into complex fantasy realms.

This is no ordinary fantasy. It is a richly layered narrative (that's why it's not for everyone I guess), one that explores the limits of power, the fragility of the human psyche, and the unsettling allure of a villain who revels in his malice. With its unique voice and darkly poetic tone, this promises to be an unforgettable journey into a realm where gods test mortals, and nothing—not even mortality itself—is sacred.



While this book wasn't for me, I believe that those who appreciate intricate world-building and don't mind a bit of confusion might find "The Breaking" to be a rewarding read (I just don't like the feeling of being confused the whole book, I need answers like ASAP, aries energy has entered this review LOL). Mave Hathaway has crafted a unique and ambitious story that, for some, may be exactly what they're looking for.


#fantasybooks #highfantasybooks

My rating system (explained):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: It touched my heart and soul in some sort of way. Satisfied in all means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: I loved it.
⭐⭐⭐: Neutral - not good, not bad.
⭐⭐: It was not my cup of tea.
⭐: I was unwell while reading this book, obviously I didn't like it.
Profile Image for Kay Cobbold.
268 reviews11 followers
April 17, 2025
Mave Hathaway’s “The Breaking” isn’t just a book—it’s an obsession waiting to happen. The first installment in a gripping new series, this dark fantasy epic ensnares readers from the very first page with its lush, multi-layered storytelling, morally complex characters, and a world so vividly rendered it lingers in your mind like a half-remembered dream.
At the story’s heart is Aurelia, a princess whose life has been meticulously sculpted by duty and deception. But when a brutal coup leaves her parents dead and a merciless regime seizes power, she is taken to Dodsfell—the nightmarish Realm of the Dead—under the guise of "safety." What follows is a harrowing journey of survival, as Aurelia endures the torments of demons and the slow, insidious corruption of her once-mortal magic. Hathaway doesn’t just write Aurelia’s descent into darkness; she makes you “feel” it, every agonizing step of the way. The result? A heroine who is both shattered and reforged, her humanity warped into something far more dangerous—and infinitely more compelling.
Maledic of the Crows, Aurelia’s soulbond is an enigmatic figure. Their connection transcends the physical, a tether of fate that hums with tension, defiance, and unspoken promises. Even as Aurelia languishes in the afterlife, Maledic knows she isn’t truly gone—and that certainty alone makes him one of the most fascinating players in this deadly game. Their dynamic crackles with potential, hinting at a partnership that could reshape kingdoms in books to come.
Hathaway’s world is a character in its own right. From the intricate hierarchy of gods to the suffocating dread of Dodsfell, every detail is meticulously crafted. The Realm of the Dead isn’t just a setting—it’s a visceral, claustrophobic nightmare, where Aurelia’s isolation and torment are almost palpable. Yet, amid the shadows, there are glimmers of dark beauty: the eerie elegance of soulbonding, the whispered lore of ancient deities, and the lurking presence of shifters and spectral beings that add depth without overwhelming the narrative.
What makes *The Breaking* truly stand out is its ability to balance unrelenting darkness with moments of wry humor, fragile hope, and profound emotional weight. The political intrigue is razor-sharp, the magic system feels fresh and immersive, and the pacing ensures you’ll devour this insatiably. And that ending? A cliffhanger so brutal, so perfectly executed, that you’ll be counting down the days until Book 2.
The Breaking is more than a strong series opener—it’s a declaration of Hathaway’s prowess as a storyteller. This is dark fantasy at its finest: brutal, beautiful, and impossible to put down. Prepare to be broken. Prepare to be obsessed.
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,182 reviews33 followers
November 5, 2025
The gods Tiva and Oxius had called a meeting of all the gods within the Void, their neutral grounds between realms. Only afterward did they realize it had been a trap where they could no longer shift shift to the Mortal Realm. They had been tricked and trapped within the Void.

Queen Hesper woke from a vision of horror of her daughters' futures. Her daughter, Aurelia, had been wearing the crown showing her marriage to the Palion prince, which didn’t make sense he was betrothed to her oldest daughter Cerial.
The vision foretold that her youngest would inherit the Drakore throne. And her oldest would be held prisoner and tortured. She woke with a scream realizing she had work to do so she could change the fates of horror the dreams had foretold about her children and the future of their realm.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This book will take you on a wild ride through gods and royal intrigue and treachery. Dragons and magic.

This book is told in multiple POV, although Aurelia is the main focus of this book. This story cannot be read as a standalone as the story continues. This book is action-packed, and full of torture and treachery. Aurelia finds out that there is no one she can trust as she tries to escape the tortures ahead.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Jewlz.
10 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2025
I received this book as an ARC but opinions are my own!

My first comment is that when I saw that I was on the last page of the book I had NO idea (reading on kindle) and assumed I was like halfway through. The first part of the book is fantastic and I felt traumatized but in a good way - so much happening. The second part of the book skips around and gives you a glimpse of different characters over a 10 year period. I feel a little frustrated with that - and not b/c of what it was exactly - because I wanted MORE. I'm really hoping that future books are going to fill in some of this timeline - the end definitely leaves me in desperate need for another look into this world - I cannot wait to learn more about the future as well as possibly learning more about what was happening throughout this period - I have a feeling we have just scratched the surface. If you are someone who wants a beginning, middle, end type book this is not for you - but I will say I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to more from Mave!
Profile Image for Patsy.
405 reviews21 followers
July 4, 2025
If you're looking for a story that combines magic, history, and political entry and this is the book for you.

Aurelia's life was one of royal duty and obligation. She did what was expected and was asked of her. However, when her world is turned upside down and her parents murdered, her story actually is only just beginning. So what happens when she's taken to the world today? Will she survive it or become one of the evils as well?

I loved every aspect of this book. The story line and the plot were very unique. This definitely held my attention.
Profile Image for Raynbow Corleone.
225 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2025
This book was pretty intense. There were/are so many questions that still needs to be answered. But this would was beautifully made. I’m excited to see what more she has in store for us. I cannot wait.
Profile Image for AL.
469 reviews12 followers
April 10, 2025
The beginning of an intense and epic series filled with passion, lust, and deceit.

I am immediately hooked by Hathaway’s attention to detail and thorough telling of her story, at least what she can in book one!

She’s outlined an incredible history and geography for readers to prepare for a loooong journey with memorable characters, grueling plots and a whole lot of shock and heartache. Betrayal seems to linger amongst the women in book one but with so much concealed, you need to read for the answers you seek!
Profile Image for Connie.
38 reviews
Read
January 4, 2026
Great storyline and world building. I loved the FMC. She was considered the "spare" but learned just how strong she was. Lots of shifters of various species. Lots of political intrigue, betrayal and drama. It kept me enthralled and rooting for the FMC.
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