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Caitlyn Brown #1
Broken Angel
In this engrossing, lightning-paced story with a post-apocalyptic edge, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer weaves a heroic, harrowing journey through the path of a treacherous nation carved from the United States.
In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, in what is left of the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn Brown and her companions are prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence.
Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Her destiny is beyond comprehension. Her pursuers long to see her broken. But she fights to soar.
In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, in what is left of the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn Brown and her companions are prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence.
Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Her destiny is beyond comprehension. Her pursuers long to see her broken. But she fights to soar.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
25 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Sigmund Brouwer
260 books407 followersSigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 5, 2016
Christian dystopia is hard to come by, and BROKEN ANGEL has to be the most intriguing storyworld I've discovered in this genre so far. A portion of the United States has seceded to form Appalachia, an autonomous nation that has banned reading and books, especially the Bible, but in which a church of legalistic extremism serves as the primary government. This government regulates every conversation and every destination (in fact, civilians ride GPS-tagged horses; no cars allowed). Infractions like getting caught without your personal tracking device are punishable by factory work. Infractions like helping the underground railroad called the Clan transport people to freedom are punishable by stoning.
What makes this world even more intriguing is that Outside, as Appalachians call the rest of the US, clearly has its own issues. Cars are allowed; so is unlimited abortion. Freedom is available; so are genetic experiments and farmed replacement organs. In Appalachia, love and grace have been crushed from Christianity; outside it, morality has turned into a free-for-all.
In this world, we meet Caitlyn, a young woman (no idea how old she is, argh) who is fleeing Appalachia at the directive of her father, Jordan. She doesn't know why she was born with a hunchback and other physical oddities. She doesn't know why a sociopath bounty hunter is chasing her on behalf of Appalachia, why an agent called Pierce is doing the same on behalf of Outside. All she knows is that trusting anyone--including possibly her father--has become dangerous.
The prose isn't beautiful, but it's grammatical and mostly clean, with a tell-all style common to thrillers. I prefer a little wordsmithery, but I still could have given this book 4 stars, if only the characters had drawn me in as well as the storyworld did. I found myself curious about several of the cast and wanted to be curious about several more (including the protagonist), but I never got to the point of emotional investment. The author writes in limited omniscient point of view, letting us glimpse characters' thoughts but never diving all the way into their senses and emotions.
I'm also left wondering why on earth the novel is so short. The plot (mostly a manhunt) is simple enough for this length (less than 250 pages in ARC format), but the characters could have been fleshed out more deeply, and the storyworld is so complex, with so much potential for deeper immersion. Add a hundred pages of nuance and I might have fallen in love with this book, thriller style and all. Because the storyworld is just that good.
For me, as an explorer of dystopia, this was definitely worth the read. I'm hoping for more layers--storyworld, character, and plot--in the next book.
What makes this world even more intriguing is that Outside, as Appalachians call the rest of the US, clearly has its own issues. Cars are allowed; so is unlimited abortion. Freedom is available; so are genetic experiments and farmed replacement organs. In Appalachia, love and grace have been crushed from Christianity; outside it, morality has turned into a free-for-all.
In this world, we meet Caitlyn, a young woman (no idea how old she is, argh) who is fleeing Appalachia at the directive of her father, Jordan. She doesn't know why she was born with a hunchback and other physical oddities. She doesn't know why a sociopath bounty hunter is chasing her on behalf of Appalachia, why an agent called Pierce is doing the same on behalf of Outside. All she knows is that trusting anyone--including possibly her father--has become dangerous.
The prose isn't beautiful, but it's grammatical and mostly clean, with a tell-all style common to thrillers. I prefer a little wordsmithery, but I still could have given this book 4 stars, if only the characters had drawn me in as well as the storyworld did. I found myself curious about several of the cast and wanted to be curious about several more (including the protagonist), but I never got to the point of emotional investment. The author writes in limited omniscient point of view, letting us glimpse characters' thoughts but never diving all the way into their senses and emotions.
I'm also left wondering why on earth the novel is so short. The plot (mostly a manhunt) is simple enough for this length (less than 250 pages in ARC format), but the characters could have been fleshed out more deeply, and the storyworld is so complex, with so much potential for deeper immersion. Add a hundred pages of nuance and I might have fallen in love with this book, thriller style and all. Because the storyworld is just that good.
For me, as an explorer of dystopia, this was definitely worth the read. I'm hoping for more layers--storyworld, character, and plot--in the next book.
January 1, 2009
This book was an unexpected pleasure. I had never read anything by this author before and had no idea what to expect. Honestly, if I had known before hand, I probably wouldn't have chosen to read it. It begins as the story of a man and his daughter on the run from bounty hunters in an obviously futuristic society where religious fundamentalists have successfully seceded from the rest of the county in the Appalachian mountains. As the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that this is the central theme of the story--fundamentalist religion vs. modern society and the risks and benefits of each. It's a very thought provoking story but not in a heavy-handed way. I think anyone would enjoy this story regardless of your political or theological beliefs.
January 4, 2009
I won this book on GoodReads, and it arrived just in time for my airport/airplane reading time! I will provide a review upon my return.
This book imagines a world in which a religious leader has become a political leader and created a closed society, and in which scientific experimentation has crossed ethical boundaries, at least for the protagonist. I enjoy reflecting on how to avoid the dangers portrayed in the book in our own real world, and on where to draw the lines between advancing society and ethics. Because the story shifts to different characters' perspectives throughout, I think the title character was not developed fully enough.
I think this book would be appropriate for middle school and high school aged children, but I caution that there is some violence and violent fantasies.
This book imagines a world in which a religious leader has become a political leader and created a closed society, and in which scientific experimentation has crossed ethical boundaries, at least for the protagonist. I enjoy reflecting on how to avoid the dangers portrayed in the book in our own real world, and on where to draw the lines between advancing society and ethics. Because the story shifts to different characters' perspectives throughout, I think the title character was not developed fully enough.
I think this book would be appropriate for middle school and high school aged children, but I caution that there is some violence and violent fantasies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2009
This is a near-future sf novel about an America sharply divided between Outside, where liberal humanists use technology (but supposedly have destroyed the results of genetic engineering), and Appalachia, fenced in by the rigid Christianist sect ruled by Bar Elohim and his High Elders. All of Appalachia's people carry (and are tracked by something rather like an iPhone, on which they receive the diktats of Bar Elohim, orders and laws, alerts for fugitives (like those who teach people how to read), and correspondence. Reading is forbidden: communication is done by sound and icons.
Now Jordan and his misshapen daughter Caitlyn are on the run after years of hiding among the folk of Appalachia. They are being pursued by psychotic bounty hunter Mason Lee and the Outsider, Pierce, whose government has made a deal with Bar Elohim to recover Caitlyn. Mason wants to take her for himself and buy his own way out of Appalachia. The book begins as Jordan forces his daughter to continue through the woods without him while he puts down a false trail for the hunters. She must reach the Clan, outlaws who will help people escape Appalachia if they pass certain tests.
During her journey Caitlyn learns that people are multi-layered, that enemies may be friends, that people can be noble to satisfy their own souls, and that her misshapen body carries a secret people will kill to get. It's an edge-of-the-seat read, albeit a violent one in areas. (Not that I squick at violence.)
The author is best known in the Christian publishing arena, but the book lacks preaching. It is a great thriller, that I read in one sitting. And, hurray, there's a sequel!
Now Jordan and his misshapen daughter Caitlyn are on the run after years of hiding among the folk of Appalachia. They are being pursued by psychotic bounty hunter Mason Lee and the Outsider, Pierce, whose government has made a deal with Bar Elohim to recover Caitlyn. Mason wants to take her for himself and buy his own way out of Appalachia. The book begins as Jordan forces his daughter to continue through the woods without him while he puts down a false trail for the hunters. She must reach the Clan, outlaws who will help people escape Appalachia if they pass certain tests.
During her journey Caitlyn learns that people are multi-layered, that enemies may be friends, that people can be noble to satisfy their own souls, and that her misshapen body carries a secret people will kill to get. It's an edge-of-the-seat read, albeit a violent one in areas. (Not that I squick at violence.)
The author is best known in the Christian publishing arena, but the book lacks preaching. It is a great thriller, that I read in one sitting. And, hurray, there's a sequel!
January 6, 2009
So the world has split between the religious fanatics and the non-religious science driven atheists. Separated by a large electrified wall and an even larger moral gap… there is no crossing between Appalachia and “the Outside.” Those who live within the confines of the walls are told terrible tales about what goes on “Outside” and anyone who attempts to get there must pass through the land of “The Clan” a group who lives on the border and ascribes to neither side.
But within Appalachia resides Jordan and his daughter Caitlyn… originally from the “Outside” Jordan is hiding many secrets, even from his daughter whom he adores above all else. Caitlyn meanwhile suffers from a disfigurement of the body that no medicine can cure… and something about it has grabbed the attention of both the governments of the Outside and of Appalachia, and now they have sent a merciless group of bounty hunters after her. In a world where everyone is tracked, video cameras are on ever corner and even the horses are GPS monitored… where can she run, and why is it that they all seem to want her so badly?
Though “Broken Angel” takes place in a dystopian future, the focus is not really on that world so much as the relationship between Jordan and Caitlyn, and everyone else’s reactions to them. I would have liked to have seen a broader picture of the world that Brouwer created, or more depth and info. Instead what we really have is an extended chase scene from beginning to end with some nice scenery and some interesting concepts that go whizzing by as we continue the chase. The themes and concepts of the book are very simple to pick out – the degeneration of the Church into a corrupt governing body, the thought that a true relationship with God requires no church, the effect of greed and power, the effect of mindless following of faith, Government fear tactics, the government limiting education to increase control… there are plenty more and they are all right out there in the open.
This book is a very simple and fast read… there are a few points of violence that may make some cringe, but as I’m a hardened horror fan they didn’t faze me. I wanted to warn you of that since many are touting this as a Christian Adventure novel… which I can sort of see, but DO expect deaths, threats of torture, violence etc. I don’t recall any profanity, and the concept of sex is only implied through conversations and looks. On the whole this is a fairly good book and I wouldn’t mind reading more from the author.
But within Appalachia resides Jordan and his daughter Caitlyn… originally from the “Outside” Jordan is hiding many secrets, even from his daughter whom he adores above all else. Caitlyn meanwhile suffers from a disfigurement of the body that no medicine can cure… and something about it has grabbed the attention of both the governments of the Outside and of Appalachia, and now they have sent a merciless group of bounty hunters after her. In a world where everyone is tracked, video cameras are on ever corner and even the horses are GPS monitored… where can she run, and why is it that they all seem to want her so badly?
Though “Broken Angel” takes place in a dystopian future, the focus is not really on that world so much as the relationship between Jordan and Caitlyn, and everyone else’s reactions to them. I would have liked to have seen a broader picture of the world that Brouwer created, or more depth and info. Instead what we really have is an extended chase scene from beginning to end with some nice scenery and some interesting concepts that go whizzing by as we continue the chase. The themes and concepts of the book are very simple to pick out – the degeneration of the Church into a corrupt governing body, the thought that a true relationship with God requires no church, the effect of greed and power, the effect of mindless following of faith, Government fear tactics, the government limiting education to increase control… there are plenty more and they are all right out there in the open.
This book is a very simple and fast read… there are a few points of violence that may make some cringe, but as I’m a hardened horror fan they didn’t faze me. I wanted to warn you of that since many are touting this as a Christian Adventure novel… which I can sort of see, but DO expect deaths, threats of torture, violence etc. I don’t recall any profanity, and the concept of sex is only implied through conversations and looks. On the whole this is a fairly good book and I wouldn’t mind reading more from the author.
June 10, 2019
A friend loaned me her book, which she had not read yet, and I had never read any of this author's books so I had no idea what to expect. Broken Angel is, in my opinion, for a young adult audience. The main character is a youth who believes she is a freak and is told her parents had planned to drown her when she was born. Instead, her mother died in child birth and her father takes her to the Appalachian area now blocked off from the "outside". When she comes of age she is pushed to leave and find the Clan to escape to the Outside. On her travels she picks up strays who help her escape. The Appalachian territory is run by Church fanatics who oppress the people and the Outside world has no moral compass but there is freedom.
If I had a chance to go back and read it again, I would not.
If I had a chance to go back and read it again, I would not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2018
Fast-paced story of a divided U.S. sometime in the future and a girl named Caitlyn who is being pursued by the government for a reason unknown to herself. It took me a little time to get a handle of what the situation was, and trying to determine which side and individuals were the "good guys". But the action is non-stop, and the characters are interesting. I originally got a copy of this book from a GR giveaway and didn't realize when I first picked it up that there is a sequel, and the story was left a bit open-ended, but with enough closure that I don't feel compelled to immediately get the next book.
September 26, 2024
Broken Angel is the story of a very special young girl in the theocratic state of Appalachia, and her father's plan to get her out of Appalachia and into the outside world. Caitlyn has grown up with only her father to love and care for her, an outcast from society because of his disfigurement. She feels confused and betrayed when her father send her into the mountains with instructions for her escape from the police stats of Appalachia. As she bravely tries to avoid bloodthirsty bounty hunters, Caitlyn reluctantly joins forces with two other runaways. The three rely on each others' strengths to avoid capture and reach the border--and Caitlyn's destiny.
April 2, 2020
This book takes place in a world that seems like an of combination of 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale. It tells a story of a man's attempt to save his daughter from threatening governments and her journey toward safety. I enjoyed the eclectic group of characters met throughout the story, the way the details were revealed slowly through the story, and the way the ending left me curious if the future. I was pleased to be surprised at several points throughout the story rather than having it be predictable.
November 16, 2016
In all fairness, I usually avoid books like this and took a friends recommendation without checking out much about the book. I did read it although skipping over the more violent parts. It is a post apocalyptic tale complete with a sadist, gene manipulation and a long chase. The characters are not sufficiently developed to really make me care much. Although I knew it wasn't for me from the start, I did hang with it as the story was compelling.
December 19, 2023
Set some time in the future in the Appalachian Mountains, Broken Angel takes us to a time when rules strangle life and love from the world. Anyone different from the prescriptive order is eliminated. Those who try to escape are hunted.
This is a fast-paced story, and at times graphic. I didn't realize this until into the story. Normally I don't read graphic books, but I simply had to read what happened to Caitlyn.
This is a fast-paced story, and at times graphic. I didn't realize this until into the story. Normally I don't read graphic books, but I simply had to read what happened to Caitlyn.
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed this story! I think the pacing was a little off; the reveal should have come earlier. And the world building needs a little work. Also some of the characters are fairly archetypal and two dimensional. All that being said, I did enjoy it and will probably read the next one.
Content warning:
Contains mentions of rape
Contains some of the worst torture I’ve ever read, and I’ve read some bad stuff
Content warning:
Contains mentions of rape
Contains some of the worst torture I’ve ever read, and I’ve read some bad stuff
January 4, 2020
Unusual and gripping. This Christian author is not afraid to speak the truth, that religious establishments can be oppressive and that rule by "Christians" could have a very toxic result if freedom to choose isn't respected. The tale of Caitlyn and her desperate journey is fantastic. Iwant to read the sequel.
February 6, 2021
One of my favorite childhood series is Robot Wars, also by Sigmund Brouwer. Since reading them years ago, I've not had a chance to read more of his books. As usual for Brouwer's books, I did not want to put it down (well... turn it one off since I listened to it on Audible). I'm thankful for the very long road trip that allowed me to finish the 8 hour book in almost one sitting.
November 26, 2018
This was different dystopia. A well-developed world were religious powers take over a section of the country to oppress those that live there. Despite being different I saw the ending coming from the opening setup and that disappointed me. I don’t think it should have been written so transparent.
July 25, 2024
One of Brouwer's more interesting storylines - better for teens, probably, as there's some torture scenes. Dystopian story of government systems, both those who limit everything and those without limits (and both have issues).
February 10, 2019
This book was ridiculous. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the girl had wings. There was just a quality to the book I found ridiculous. I’m glad it’s over
February 14, 2023
Well this is the single most depressing book I've read in my life.
August 29, 2025
Had a lot of potential but needed better editing. I definitely enjoyed it though and may reread in the future.
November 22, 2011
Imagine a world in the not too distant future, with a truly dystopian big-brother-is-watching type of society. Add in a caste-like system in the new city-states in the United States, and a government sponsored, human genetic manipulation program. Now imagine that there is a sovereign theocratic "country" bordered by these city-states and you get just a hint of the setting for Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer.
Broken Angel is the first in Caitlyn Brown series and focuses on the life of a young girl. Caitlyn knows that she is different and honestly believes this difference is due to her physical deformities. Her father, Jordan, has kept her relatively isolated but knows that she must venture "outside" Appalachia to receive the medical assistance she requires. The only things that can potentially stop their escape to "the outside" are the bounty hunters on their trail. Jordan forces Caitlyn to run by herself, hoping that she'll stick to the map he's provided and his instructions. He hopes to lay a false trail giving her time to get as far away as possible.
After Jordan is captured, Sheriff Mitch Carney acknowledges that all is not as it should be in his small town. People are required to carry vidpods (presumably similar to iPods) at all times to receive special notices and bulletins from their leader, Bar Elohim. Each town in Appalachia is limited in size to three thousand people, because smaller towns are easier to control. Cars are few and far between due to government fuel rationing. In addition, cars are equipped with monitoring devices so that the religious leadership can determine where a vehicle has been and/or monitor all conversations. There are no phones, no televisions and no contact with the outside. There is a death penalty for reading, owning books or teaching others to read. Horses and some people are chipped so that the leadership knows where they are or can track their movements.
Casper Pierce is a government agent from the outside sent into Appalachia to capture Caitlyn. He is assisted by a local bounty hunter and thug, Mason Lee. Pierce and Lee don't get along at all and the situation is exasperated when Pierce intentionally injures Lee to make a point.
Deputy Bill Jasper has always done as told and the leadership told him to begin working as a deputy. He doesn't know why exactly but goes with the flow. Unfortunately Billy gets caught between Caitlyn and some bounty hunters and reluctantly joins her in her quest to reach the "outside." Theo is another runaway, a visually impaired, that is running from the harsh treatment received as part of his sentence to work in the factory.
The idea of genetic modification is hinted at throughout the story, but I felt that the primary focus was on providing the groundwork for the next installment in this series. Broken Angel is a well-crafted dystopian read that openly discusses the problems with religion as a force majeure. The characters are all well developed. It's difficult to discern the good guys from the bad guys for a while but it is important to take each person at face value because circumstances change rapidly and someone that might start off in a bad light becomes heroic. There's a lot going on in this story and the subplots often overlap, but this never causes any confusion. Broken Angel starts a little slow but quickly picked up and kept me engaged until the end. Thankfully I was able to immediately begin reading the next installment in this series, Shadow of Flight.
Broken Angel is the first in Caitlyn Brown series and focuses on the life of a young girl. Caitlyn knows that she is different and honestly believes this difference is due to her physical deformities. Her father, Jordan, has kept her relatively isolated but knows that she must venture "outside" Appalachia to receive the medical assistance she requires. The only things that can potentially stop their escape to "the outside" are the bounty hunters on their trail. Jordan forces Caitlyn to run by herself, hoping that she'll stick to the map he's provided and his instructions. He hopes to lay a false trail giving her time to get as far away as possible.
After Jordan is captured, Sheriff Mitch Carney acknowledges that all is not as it should be in his small town. People are required to carry vidpods (presumably similar to iPods) at all times to receive special notices and bulletins from their leader, Bar Elohim. Each town in Appalachia is limited in size to three thousand people, because smaller towns are easier to control. Cars are few and far between due to government fuel rationing. In addition, cars are equipped with monitoring devices so that the religious leadership can determine where a vehicle has been and/or monitor all conversations. There are no phones, no televisions and no contact with the outside. There is a death penalty for reading, owning books or teaching others to read. Horses and some people are chipped so that the leadership knows where they are or can track their movements.
Casper Pierce is a government agent from the outside sent into Appalachia to capture Caitlyn. He is assisted by a local bounty hunter and thug, Mason Lee. Pierce and Lee don't get along at all and the situation is exasperated when Pierce intentionally injures Lee to make a point.
Deputy Bill Jasper has always done as told and the leadership told him to begin working as a deputy. He doesn't know why exactly but goes with the flow. Unfortunately Billy gets caught between Caitlyn and some bounty hunters and reluctantly joins her in her quest to reach the "outside." Theo is another runaway, a visually impaired, that is running from the harsh treatment received as part of his sentence to work in the factory.
The idea of genetic modification is hinted at throughout the story, but I felt that the primary focus was on providing the groundwork for the next installment in this series. Broken Angel is a well-crafted dystopian read that openly discusses the problems with religion as a force majeure. The characters are all well developed. It's difficult to discern the good guys from the bad guys for a while but it is important to take each person at face value because circumstances change rapidly and someone that might start off in a bad light becomes heroic. There's a lot going on in this story and the subplots often overlap, but this never causes any confusion. Broken Angel starts a little slow but quickly picked up and kept me engaged until the end. Thankfully I was able to immediately begin reading the next installment in this series, Shadow of Flight.
September 22, 2010
Summary (from the back of the book):
Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Her destiny is beyond comprehension. Her pursuers long to see her broken. She fights to soar.
In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, a nation carved from the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn and her companions are the prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit the relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence–and understand her father’s betrayal. In this engrossing, lightning-paced story with a post-apocalyptic edge, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer weaves a heroic, harrowing journey through the path of a treacherous culture a few steps removed from our own.
The Good:
There are only a few authors who have such a profound effect on me, and Sigmund Brouwer is one of them. I loved his other books. The stories are strong and captivating. Likewise, Broken Angel is a well written, action packed book. I kept turning the page burning to know why Caitlyn’s pursuers were wanting her death. The ending of the story will blow your mind. It is unexpected and yet foreshadowed.
The Bad:
The storyline pummeled forward like a freight train. You will fall in love with the characters, weep for them, and want to help them, but you are torn because while Appalachia is legalistic; the Outside is equally horrible the other way. Brouwer does not seem to have any gray. He said in this book (as spoken by another character) how he disagreed with religion becoming political. Immediately, the hairs on the back of my neck bristled. Obviously, I do not agree with him. Political is not the right word and to give this good author his due, perhaps it needed more explanation or to be left out entirely?
The Ugly:
The book left me teetering on the edge of a cliff. It felt unfinished. I wanted to find out what Caitlyn is going to do on The Outside. I went to his website and scanned through his list of books, but a sequel does not seem to exist. It is begging for Sigmund to finish Caitlyn’s story. Her companions are also begging for sequels. Life on the Outside is as bad as life in Appalachia. Also, will Caitlyn’s reluctant male companion fall in love?
The book was a prize given to me by Waterbrook Press. I am grateful and thankful to have a chance to read one of his books. They asked me to do a review. I am a loyal reader of Brouwer in spite of our disagreement in principle. He is a good writer. He knows how to spin a story and relay Biblical principles in the story without getting preachy. However, I have to say that ultimately this wasn’t his best work. It needed something more to it.
Her birth was shrouded in mystery and tragedy. Her destiny is beyond comprehension. Her pursuers long to see her broken. She fights to soar.
In the rough, shadowy hills of Appalachia, a nation carved from the United States following years of government infighting, Caitlyn and her companions are the prey in a terrifying hunt. They must outwit the relentless bounty hunters, skirt an oppressive, ever-watchful society, and find passage over the walls of Appalachia to reveal the dark secrets behind Caitlyn’s existence–and understand her father’s betrayal. In this engrossing, lightning-paced story with a post-apocalyptic edge, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer weaves a heroic, harrowing journey through the path of a treacherous culture a few steps removed from our own.
The Good:
There are only a few authors who have such a profound effect on me, and Sigmund Brouwer is one of them. I loved his other books. The stories are strong and captivating. Likewise, Broken Angel is a well written, action packed book. I kept turning the page burning to know why Caitlyn’s pursuers were wanting her death. The ending of the story will blow your mind. It is unexpected and yet foreshadowed.
The Bad:
The storyline pummeled forward like a freight train. You will fall in love with the characters, weep for them, and want to help them, but you are torn because while Appalachia is legalistic; the Outside is equally horrible the other way. Brouwer does not seem to have any gray. He said in this book (as spoken by another character) how he disagreed with religion becoming political. Immediately, the hairs on the back of my neck bristled. Obviously, I do not agree with him. Political is not the right word and to give this good author his due, perhaps it needed more explanation or to be left out entirely?
The Ugly:
The book left me teetering on the edge of a cliff. It felt unfinished. I wanted to find out what Caitlyn is going to do on The Outside. I went to his website and scanned through his list of books, but a sequel does not seem to exist. It is begging for Sigmund to finish Caitlyn’s story. Her companions are also begging for sequels. Life on the Outside is as bad as life in Appalachia. Also, will Caitlyn’s reluctant male companion fall in love?
The book was a prize given to me by Waterbrook Press. I am grateful and thankful to have a chance to read one of his books. They asked me to do a review. I am a loyal reader of Brouwer in spite of our disagreement in principle. He is a good writer. He knows how to spin a story and relay Biblical principles in the story without getting preachy. However, I have to say that ultimately this wasn’t his best work. It needed something more to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2010
In Broken Angel, Sigmund Brouwer has crossed the genres from Sci-Fi to Religious fiction to Thriller and back again. What makes this novel special is that he does it so flawlessly. The story is set somewhere in a non-descript future, in a new world. A world divided between over the top, extreme, religious zealots and the outsiders they try to keep out of their new country known as Appalachia. Not only do they try to keep the outsiders out, but they also want to keep the citizens of Appalachia in....and under their control.
This brings us to Caitlyn. Caitlyn is not your normal girl. But then again, this ain't your father's America. Caitlyn is being pursued by not only the outsiders, but also the leaders of Appalachia, who will stop at nothing to gain control of what she possesses. Just what that is, and why she must not fall into their hands dead or alive, as her father told her, is shrouded in secrecy. Secrets that Caitlyn's father, Jordan, can’t bring himself to tell her. Not what happened before she was born, or why she is the way she is. He says he just wants to save her life, and to give her a chance to live on the Outside and be free. Can she believe him? She has discovered that might not be the case. So she sets out on a journey against time and man. It is a race of life and death, and Caitlyn is all alone...or is she? Can she make it safely back Outside before the self-righteous leader of Appalachia has her in his grip?
This book is very well written. The characters really make you want to learn more about them, and their back story, what makes them tick so to speak. When it comes right down to it, that is the meat and bones of any good book. That is exactly what Broken Angel is..a really good book. It sort of takes a few pages to get into the flow, but after that it is a roller coaster ride. The story moves at break-neck speed, motivating along to its thrilling conclusion. Which, by the way, I found to be somewhat heart-wrenching..me being a father and all.
The only other books of Brouwer's that I have read before this one were, Out of the Shadows and The Last Disciple. Both of those were very enjoyable reads in their own right, but they were also very different kinds of books than this. Broken Angel is the first book in this saga. And I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
This brings us to Caitlyn. Caitlyn is not your normal girl. But then again, this ain't your father's America. Caitlyn is being pursued by not only the outsiders, but also the leaders of Appalachia, who will stop at nothing to gain control of what she possesses. Just what that is, and why she must not fall into their hands dead or alive, as her father told her, is shrouded in secrecy. Secrets that Caitlyn's father, Jordan, can’t bring himself to tell her. Not what happened before she was born, or why she is the way she is. He says he just wants to save her life, and to give her a chance to live on the Outside and be free. Can she believe him? She has discovered that might not be the case. So she sets out on a journey against time and man. It is a race of life and death, and Caitlyn is all alone...or is she? Can she make it safely back Outside before the self-righteous leader of Appalachia has her in his grip?
This book is very well written. The characters really make you want to learn more about them, and their back story, what makes them tick so to speak. When it comes right down to it, that is the meat and bones of any good book. That is exactly what Broken Angel is..a really good book. It sort of takes a few pages to get into the flow, but after that it is a roller coaster ride. The story moves at break-neck speed, motivating along to its thrilling conclusion. Which, by the way, I found to be somewhat heart-wrenching..me being a father and all.
The only other books of Brouwer's that I have read before this one were, Out of the Shadows and The Last Disciple. Both of those were very enjoyable reads in their own right, but they were also very different kinds of books than this. Broken Angel is the first book in this saga. And I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
April 8, 2011
Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer is the first of two books featuring Caitlyn Brown in a dystopian world where she has something that many people are willing to kill her for. Caitlyn was raised in the religious community of Appalachia by her father Jordan. The community is run by Bar Elohim and kept under tight control, where everyone's actions and constantly recorded on vidphone and no one is allowed to read, especially the Bible. She is long used to uncomfortable stares and being called a freak by others for the hunch on her back and her unusually long fingers. Now her body seems to be going through some new changes, which makes Jordan decide to act. The government has sent agent Carson Pierce into Appalachia to find Caitlyn and Jordan and return them for mysterious reasons. Pierce hires Mason, well-feared within Appalachia, as a bounty hunter to track the girl down, and when she slips through his fingers again and again, Mason begins to take it personally. But Jordan has had a plan in place since Caitlyn was born that someday, that he would someday need to get her to the outside world, where she would be safe, but the secrets that he has kept from his daughter, just may separate them permanently. Brouwer has written a book that is almost impossible to classify. It's filled with adventure, action, thrilling suspense, faith, coming of age, dystopia, and plenty of mystery. Mason is a terrifying villain with a tendency of brutal violence, and the closer he comes to Caitlyn, the faster the pages turn. The writing is excellent and will keep readers guessing as characters flip from villain to hero and back again and Brouwer's vision of the future has some frightening basis in reality. Yet, despite the darkness and the violence, Brouwer is careful to keep hope alive, something for the characters to fight and die for.
December 1, 2011
Broken Angel and its sequel Flight of Shadows: A Novel take place in an alternative future...or maybe not-so-alternative. It's obvious that the author wrote this story as a cautionary tale, a warning of the possiblities awaiting our country if we don't change our path. The story is great and stands on its own, though.
Caitlyn and her father, Jordan, have been living in Appalachia, which is now an oppressive country bordered by fences and thrown back into the dark ages by a dictator who refuses his subjects the right to read or to enjoy any privacy. Jordan Brown chose to live there 16 years ago because a life "Outside" was impossible with the authorities looking for him. But, now it is safer for Caitlyn to be Outside and Jordan will sacrifice anything to help her get there.
This is an emotional and suspenseful book. Jordan and Caitlyn are pursued by Appalachia's most feared bounty hunter, as well as a federal agent from Outside. Local police are soon involved and no one can be trusted. Yet, Caitlyn is forced to trust her new travelling companions, while we learn that things are not always what they seem.
I received Flight of Shadows as part of a review program without realizing that it is a sequel. I did realize it before I started it, though, and got Broken Angel from the library. I'm really glad I did. Not only is it a fabulous book, but the two books really should be read together. There is an ending in Broken Angel, but the story is not complete, and if you only read Flight of Shadows, you'll be missing important information. I suppose the second book could stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. I really don't think it would be as enjoyable.
For more reviews, go to http://www.livinglearninglovinglife.com
Caitlyn and her father, Jordan, have been living in Appalachia, which is now an oppressive country bordered by fences and thrown back into the dark ages by a dictator who refuses his subjects the right to read or to enjoy any privacy. Jordan Brown chose to live there 16 years ago because a life "Outside" was impossible with the authorities looking for him. But, now it is safer for Caitlyn to be Outside and Jordan will sacrifice anything to help her get there.
This is an emotional and suspenseful book. Jordan and Caitlyn are pursued by Appalachia's most feared bounty hunter, as well as a federal agent from Outside. Local police are soon involved and no one can be trusted. Yet, Caitlyn is forced to trust her new travelling companions, while we learn that things are not always what they seem.
I received Flight of Shadows as part of a review program without realizing that it is a sequel. I did realize it before I started it, though, and got Broken Angel from the library. I'm really glad I did. Not only is it a fabulous book, but the two books really should be read together. There is an ending in Broken Angel, but the story is not complete, and if you only read Flight of Shadows, you'll be missing important information. I suppose the second book could stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. I really don't think it would be as enjoyable.
For more reviews, go to http://www.livinglearninglovinglife.com
August 29, 2013
Interesting role-reversal in a Christian science fiction book.
A girl named Caitlyn is on the run. She is trapped in a future, theocratic form of Appalachia that is a mix of high-tech video recording and low-tech Old Testament law. In her body is a secret that the Bar Elohim would easily kill to obtain. Unfortunately the theocracy has some surprisingly skilled and vicious bounty hunters, and it's not a given that she can reach Outside, or find out why everyone seems to want her so badly.
It inverts many of the tropes of Christian fiction. The visibly Christian Appalachian theocrats are ruthless and competent, and instead of escaping an atheist dystopia, Caitlyn must flee a warped Christian one. The dystopia is a bit slight in explanation, mostly being small towns and factory prisons, but has a weird mix of tech and luddism; reading is bad, but GPS and on-demand video is okay. It's almost like evil Amish, in a way.
It's also nice to see a main villain that is a credible, even vicious threat yet also not invulnerable. The only problem that I have is with Caitlyn's condition, which you'll easily guess but I'll spoiler anyways: There's some basic issues with this which would make it hard to believe in a chase, namely: The actual condition isn't really an issue though, and is more of a (clumsy) metaphor than anything.
Still, I was surprisingly entertained. It's a slender but interesting Christian SF book.
A girl named Caitlyn is on the run. She is trapped in a future, theocratic form of Appalachia that is a mix of high-tech video recording and low-tech Old Testament law. In her body is a secret that the Bar Elohim would easily kill to obtain. Unfortunately the theocracy has some surprisingly skilled and vicious bounty hunters, and it's not a given that she can reach Outside, or find out why everyone seems to want her so badly.
It inverts many of the tropes of Christian fiction. The visibly Christian Appalachian theocrats are ruthless and competent, and instead of escaping an atheist dystopia, Caitlyn must flee a warped Christian one. The dystopia is a bit slight in explanation, mostly being small towns and factory prisons, but has a weird mix of tech and luddism; reading is bad, but GPS and on-demand video is okay. It's almost like evil Amish, in a way.
It's also nice to see a main villain that is a credible, even vicious threat yet also not invulnerable. The only problem that I have is with Caitlyn's condition, which you'll easily guess but I'll spoiler anyways: There's some basic issues with this which would make it hard to believe in a chase, namely: The actual condition isn't really an issue though, and is more of a (clumsy) metaphor than anything.
Still, I was surprisingly entertained. It's a slender but interesting Christian SF book.
November 7, 2012
Very original, extremely intriguing, and thoughroly thought provoking. I enjoyed this book tremendously, as much for the intrigue and characters, as the political controversy. It's a great read.
I hate giving away surprises, so I'm going to avoid mentioning the very big surprise ending. However, the rest of the story is just full of what if's and near future maybe's, so there's plenty to discuss.
Sigmund's story is set in the near future. An America divided by religion. The Outsiders governed much like our modern society only much advanced and obviously dabbling in some science best left alone. The other half of society is being goverened by a religious faction that controls the population with Nazi like precision. In the middle is the Clan. Rumored to be terrorists, yet possibly the salvation to those fleeing to the Outside.
The story shows the extremes that our country is headed for if we don't take notice and make changes. It suggests that the Christian Right Wing group will one day go too far and that the country is headed for division between fundamentalists that distort the true Christian beliefs and Liberal leaders that have no morals. In the midst of all of this is Caitlyn, a unique and deformed young woman trying to escape to the outside.
I'm not sure I believe that what is presented is what will happen to our country, but I can see how the possibilities are there. The question that stood out the strongest in mind as I read, was, Am I willing to fight for my beliefs and where do I draw the line? It's something we all have to ask ourselves. Who knows how soon the answer to that will be required of us?
I hate giving away surprises, so I'm going to avoid mentioning the very big surprise ending. However, the rest of the story is just full of what if's and near future maybe's, so there's plenty to discuss.
Sigmund's story is set in the near future. An America divided by religion. The Outsiders governed much like our modern society only much advanced and obviously dabbling in some science best left alone. The other half of society is being goverened by a religious faction that controls the population with Nazi like precision. In the middle is the Clan. Rumored to be terrorists, yet possibly the salvation to those fleeing to the Outside.
The story shows the extremes that our country is headed for if we don't take notice and make changes. It suggests that the Christian Right Wing group will one day go too far and that the country is headed for division between fundamentalists that distort the true Christian beliefs and Liberal leaders that have no morals. In the midst of all of this is Caitlyn, a unique and deformed young woman trying to escape to the outside.
I'm not sure I believe that what is presented is what will happen to our country, but I can see how the possibilities are there. The question that stood out the strongest in mind as I read, was, Am I willing to fight for my beliefs and where do I draw the line? It's something we all have to ask ourselves. Who knows how soon the answer to that will be required of us?
April 10, 2010
Broken Angel paints a frighteningly real picture of a fictional but all-too-possible future. An oppressive and dictatorial nation called Appalachia, formed from a broken United States, is a world where the government tolerates no secrets and affords little privacy to have them.
In this tyrannical society, Caitlyn is more special than even she knows, and her uniqueness creates grave dangers for the innocent young woman; Jordan is her adoring father who, despite his secret and shameful past, is now prepared to sacrifice everything including his life to protect his child. On their trail is a cruel and ruthless bounty hunter who’s determined to capture the girl – and take more than just her life.
Alone and seemingly abandoned by the one person she trusts, Caitlyn must accept help from strangers: a near-blind escapee from one of Appalachia’s many forced-labor factories, and a big man with a kind heart and a slow brain. Together, the little group makes its way through the treacherous Appalachian countryside, enroute to the Outside. There, Caitlyn can be freed from the mysterious thing that makes her different. But reaching and crossing that border may cost the girl everything she’s ever held dear.
Sigmund Broewer’s novel is riveting and fast-paced – there’s no time to breathe and no relief from the tension. It delivers mystery, tragedy, uncertainty … and unexpected moments of humor and joy that make all the rest of it bearable. Broken Angel will draw you in and hold you in its spell long after you’ve read the last page.
Amazing detail, gripping storyline, and unbelievable writing.
In this tyrannical society, Caitlyn is more special than even she knows, and her uniqueness creates grave dangers for the innocent young woman; Jordan is her adoring father who, despite his secret and shameful past, is now prepared to sacrifice everything including his life to protect his child. On their trail is a cruel and ruthless bounty hunter who’s determined to capture the girl – and take more than just her life.
Alone and seemingly abandoned by the one person she trusts, Caitlyn must accept help from strangers: a near-blind escapee from one of Appalachia’s many forced-labor factories, and a big man with a kind heart and a slow brain. Together, the little group makes its way through the treacherous Appalachian countryside, enroute to the Outside. There, Caitlyn can be freed from the mysterious thing that makes her different. But reaching and crossing that border may cost the girl everything she’s ever held dear.
Sigmund Broewer’s novel is riveting and fast-paced – there’s no time to breathe and no relief from the tension. It delivers mystery, tragedy, uncertainty … and unexpected moments of humor and joy that make all the rest of it bearable. Broken Angel will draw you in and hold you in its spell long after you’ve read the last page.
Amazing detail, gripping storyline, and unbelievable writing.
May 31, 2010
I have always enjoyed a good against evil escape story. Caitlyn was raised on the fringes of the hills of Appalachia which has been separated from the rest of the US as a nation of its own. The nation is dotted with closed off and controlled communities. Rules and horror stories keep people in line and a combination of technology and simplistic life style keep the people tightly controlled. Because Caitlyn is different, she has been protected by her father and kept at a safe distance from the communities. Because Caitlyn is different, she is not safe in Appalachia.
As the story opens, you know Caitlyn is being hunted, but you aren't exactly sure why. The reason why became apparent to me very quickly, but I think that may be because of the type of novels I have read in the past. The story doesn't center around the why as much as the chase. The reader is introduced to several characters who by circumstances will join Caitlyn on her journey. We are also introduced to some characters who are out to get Caitlyn and anyone who gets in the way.
What I liked was the very story idea. I do wish that the book went a little deeper into the nation of Appalachia and its leader as I found it very interesting. I also really enjoyed the characters that helped Caitlyn. I would love to go into detail, but I don't want to spoil a thing!
The story moved quickly. It was definitely a book I didn't want to put down. I began it before bed and finished it the following afternoon. It obviously left you with some unanswered question which is to be expected as it is the first in a series.
I received this book from WaterBrook Multnomah for review, but the opinion is entirely my own.
February 22, 2010
Broken Angel is set in the future where the United States has been divided in 2: the United States, a secular nation, and Appalachia, a land run by religious fundamentalists. In Appalachia, reading is a crime, citizens are drugged and those who break the laws are sent to slave labor camps.
At the center of the novel is Caitlyn, a deformed young woman, who is being pursued by bounty hunters, who want her dead or alive. The reason for the pursuit is left unknown to both Caitlyn and the reader until the end of the novel, which adds to the suspence. Along the way, Caitlyn meets two traveling companions who are also trying to escape to the Outside (the United States, where choice and other freedoms exist). They are assisted along a modern underground railroad by people who travel in mystery and offer the one thing that everyone in Appalachia has long been denied ~ choice.
This novel offers so many opportunities for discussion, especially in a book club type setting. There are the issues of religious fundamentalism and when does religion become political? How much influence should religion have over politics? As a librarian, I was also captured by the concept of illiteracy as a method of controling the masses.
Overall, Broken Angel is an interesting read that raises a lot of questions. Although the ending could have been handled differently, I think the thought-provoking themes override that minor flaw.
At the center of the novel is Caitlyn, a deformed young woman, who is being pursued by bounty hunters, who want her dead or alive. The reason for the pursuit is left unknown to both Caitlyn and the reader until the end of the novel, which adds to the suspence. Along the way, Caitlyn meets two traveling companions who are also trying to escape to the Outside (the United States, where choice and other freedoms exist). They are assisted along a modern underground railroad by people who travel in mystery and offer the one thing that everyone in Appalachia has long been denied ~ choice.
This novel offers so many opportunities for discussion, especially in a book club type setting. There are the issues of religious fundamentalism and when does religion become political? How much influence should religion have over politics? As a librarian, I was also captured by the concept of illiteracy as a method of controling the masses.
Overall, Broken Angel is an interesting read that raises a lot of questions. Although the ending could have been handled differently, I think the thought-provoking themes override that minor flaw.
October 28, 2010
Review of Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer
“We had agreed – the woman I loved and I – that as soon as you were born we would perform an act of mercy and decency and wrap you in a towel to drown you in a nearby sink of water.” Wow. Talk about impact. Thus Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer begins.
This post apocalyptic novel immediately draws the reader in and never lets up. In a future reminiscent of John Wyndham’s The Chrysalids, the government of ‘Appalachia’ has taken its responsibilities very seriously – and very literally. Similar to ‘Big Brother’ in George Orwell’s 1984, the citizens of Appalachia are always under the watchful eye of the state. Blasphemers are sent to the factories or worse – stoned to death.
“Outside”, people have more freedom, but there they have created their own brand of hell. After discovering the secrets behind human DNA, scientists have taken to mutating human embyos.
This is the world that Caitlyn has been born into. Unknown to her, she has become a target to both sides and must flee for her life before it is brutally taken from her. This book is packed with well developed and intriguing characters, lots of action, and tons of emotional impact. It’s a must read for the Sci-fi lover, but fans of crime fiction, mystery, suspense and thrillers will also enjoy this book. Highly recommended. I can’t wait to read the sequel Flight of Shadows. Brouwer has certainly taken his place among writers of high energy fiction.
“We had agreed – the woman I loved and I – that as soon as you were born we would perform an act of mercy and decency and wrap you in a towel to drown you in a nearby sink of water.” Wow. Talk about impact. Thus Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer begins.
This post apocalyptic novel immediately draws the reader in and never lets up. In a future reminiscent of John Wyndham’s The Chrysalids, the government of ‘Appalachia’ has taken its responsibilities very seriously – and very literally. Similar to ‘Big Brother’ in George Orwell’s 1984, the citizens of Appalachia are always under the watchful eye of the state. Blasphemers are sent to the factories or worse – stoned to death.
“Outside”, people have more freedom, but there they have created their own brand of hell. After discovering the secrets behind human DNA, scientists have taken to mutating human embyos.
This is the world that Caitlyn has been born into. Unknown to her, she has become a target to both sides and must flee for her life before it is brutally taken from her. This book is packed with well developed and intriguing characters, lots of action, and tons of emotional impact. It’s a must read for the Sci-fi lover, but fans of crime fiction, mystery, suspense and thrillers will also enjoy this book. Highly recommended. I can’t wait to read the sequel Flight of Shadows. Brouwer has certainly taken his place among writers of high energy fiction.
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