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The Shattered Lands #4
Shattered Redemption
One last mission. One final battle.
The last novel in the Shattered Lands series, Shattered Redemption is a Rapunzel-inspired story with elements of faith, family, and danger. The other books, excluding the prequel and novella, should be read first.
THE SHATTERED LANDS
Prequel: Shattered Revision
Book One: Shattered Reflection
Book Two: Shattered Reaction
Novella: Shattered Refuge
Book Three: Shattered Resistance
Book Four: Shattered Redemption
The last novel in the Shattered Lands series, Shattered Redemption is a Rapunzel-inspired story with elements of faith, family, and danger. The other books, excluding the prequel and novella, should be read first.
THE SHATTERED LANDS
Prequel: Shattered Revision
Book One: Shattered Reflection
Book Two: Shattered Reaction
Novella: Shattered Refuge
Book Three: Shattered Resistance
Book Four: Shattered Redemption
- GenresFantasy
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
About the author
Madisyn Carlin
34 books382 followersIf you dislike "preachiness" and a lot of faith content, my books are not for you.
***
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales where faith and fantasy unite.
Editorial, graphic design, cover design, and website design services offered at Mountain Peak Edits & Design.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin
***
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales where faith and fantasy unite.
Editorial, graphic design, cover design, and website design services offered at Mountain Peak Edits & Design.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2025
What an epic and satisfying ending to this series! I loved all the characters and just everything!
Characters:
MacLean! Ack, I love that he's such a gentle giant! *hugs* He was such a sweet guy, strong and capable but so sweet!
Cera was a darling! And the way she loved and supported MacLean was adorbs!
Marcus! Finally more of his POV and I wanted even more...lol...I love him! His arc, his story, and just I want to know more love him and just...I can't express it!
Sevenie...first off, adorable name. Second she's adorable! I love her!
All the side characters were great I loved Cera's dad and Sevenie's dad and just seeing Breac and Canon again and everything!
Themes:
No one is beyond redemption or forgiveness...and redemption is not something we have to earn it is something that is freely given.
Romance:
Some beautiful slow burn that was adorbs to watch.
Language:
N/A
Magic:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Mentions of torture, cuts, wounds, fever, tending wounds, poison, but everything is handled tastefully and not gross at all. Very nicely done.
Overall:
A great conclusion to a series that I loved! So excited to see what adventures Carlin has in store next!
(More fantasies with groups like the Nightguard please! or we could go back to the All Lands War and read about the young Nightguard! That'd be epic!)
Anyway, this is a fantastic series!
Recommend ages 14+
Characters:
MacLean! Ack, I love that he's such a gentle giant! *hugs* He was such a sweet guy, strong and capable but so sweet!
Cera was a darling! And the way she loved and supported MacLean was adorbs!
Marcus! Finally more of his POV and I wanted even more...lol...I love him! His arc, his story, and just I want to know more love him and just...I can't express it!
Sevenie...first off, adorable name. Second she's adorable! I love her!
All the side characters were great I loved Cera's dad and Sevenie's dad and just seeing Breac and Canon again and everything!
Themes:
No one is beyond redemption or forgiveness...and redemption is not something we have to earn it is something that is freely given.
Romance:
Some beautiful slow burn that was adorbs to watch.
Language:
N/A
Magic:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Mentions of torture, cuts, wounds, fever, tending wounds, poison, but everything is handled tastefully and not gross at all. Very nicely done.
Overall:
A great conclusion to a series that I loved! So excited to see what adventures Carlin has in store next!
(More fantasies with groups like the Nightguard please! or we could go back to the All Lands War and read about the young Nightguard! That'd be epic!)
Anyway, this is a fantastic series!
Recommend ages 14+
July 8, 2025
“Everyone’s forgiven you, but you now have to forgive yourself. Stop trying to earn it. Stop trying to earn redemption. Both have been offered freely.”
My goodness, this definitely tops the shelf as one of my favorite reads this year.
Marccuuuusss *sobs and cheers*
FRTC
My goodness, this definitely tops the shelf as one of my favorite reads this year.
Marccuuuusss *sobs and cheers*
FRTC
August 18, 2025
5 stars. I've been waiting for Marcus' redemption for SO LONG, and I never expected it to be done this way (AND HOW COULD HIS PEOPLE BE SO CRUEL), but I was so happy. It's been such a while since I read the rest of the series that I don't recall any of the political stuff involved but I was thrilled to FINALLY see the land at peace. And it was such fun to see almost everyone gathered together again... besides meeting some new fun characters! Once again, I enjoyed the humour and I loved the message about redemption and forgiveness. I'd have liked to see a bit more romance between M & S, but I enjoyed their friendship and C + M had a really cute relationship as well.
Overall, this was a satisfactory ending to the series and I can't wait to reread it all. <3 I need paperback copies of the books ASAP so I can pull them off the shelves and browse them...
Overall, this was a satisfactory ending to the series and I can't wait to reread it all. <3 I need paperback copies of the books ASAP so I can pull them off the shelves and browse them...
July 9, 2025
10/10. Perfect ending to the series. Also: epic family reunion. 😇
July 23, 2025
10/10
You know you’re into a book when you cram it in on 12 hour workdays & you gotta get at least one of each characters’ chapters in every day. Haha
I can’t believe it’s over! While it’s so bittersweet to bid these faces farewell (I hate goodbyes), I loved every minute of this book (& this series)!
MacLean & Cera were adorably blind toward each other, but that’s how it often goes!
I enjoyed the gentle giant aspect but Cera was especially relatable with her shyness & her odd cartography niche, (since geography was one of the only classes I ever received an A+ for. XD) so I naturally loved her quirky father too!
How did I know Marcus’s story would be such a tear jerker? His long journey across the series is rewarded so perfectly, not to mention MacLean, Sevenie & Alster compliment this recovery so well. I loved the Ultan family so much.
GIANT REUNION! Having these in any series gets automatic bonus points, I swear. It was so good! That’s all I’ll say.
Aside from Narnia, this was my first Christian fantasy series & it’s set a lot of high standards. Now I need to go buy hard copies or something. I want to read them again! Hahaha
You know you’re into a book when you cram it in on 12 hour workdays & you gotta get at least one of each characters’ chapters in every day. Haha
I can’t believe it’s over! While it’s so bittersweet to bid these faces farewell (I hate goodbyes), I loved every minute of this book (& this series)!
MacLean & Cera were adorably blind toward each other, but that’s how it often goes!
I enjoyed the gentle giant aspect but Cera was especially relatable with her shyness & her odd cartography niche, (since geography was one of the only classes I ever received an A+ for. XD) so I naturally loved her quirky father too!
How did I know Marcus’s story would be such a tear jerker? His long journey across the series is rewarded so perfectly, not to mention MacLean, Sevenie & Alster compliment this recovery so well. I loved the Ultan family so much.
GIANT REUNION! Having these in any series gets automatic bonus points, I swear. It was so good! That’s all I’ll say.
Aside from Narnia, this was my first Christian fantasy series & it’s set a lot of high standards. Now I need to go buy hard copies or something. I want to read them again! Hahaha
August 4, 2025
My Review: 5 out of 5 Stars
I received this complimentary ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review; therefore, all thoughts are my own.
I must admit that I cried after I finished the story. There's just something about finishing a series and having that saddening realization come upon you, isn't there?
Characters: I absolutely love MacLean, as well as sweet Cera and spunky Sevenie (I love the girls' names, too). And it was wonderful seeing Marcus again. Also, . The villains were atrocious, as well as Marcus' parents. I feel for that poor man. Also, I would like to give a shout-out to Canon and his love for his wife.
Plot/Writing Style: I had a bit of trouble understanding what was going on in the story at times, but for the most part, I enjoyed the plot. It reminded me of Key (which is also a Rapunzel-inspired story), which I also enjoyed. As always, I enjoyed the writing style.
Romance: Clean and sweet. There are a few kisses and hugs. Marriage is discussed, as well as the soon-to-be birth of married characters' children. I particularly enjoyed--and appreciated!--the epilogue. I don't want to spoil too much, but it was the perfect ending for Shattered Redemption. Anyway, it was all very sweet.
Language: None, other than the mention of characters "cursing". Nothing is spelled out.
Violence: If you have read Miss Carlin's books before, you will know that the battle scenes and such are never extremely detailed. The violence is there, but I've never felt very squeamish reading about it. Sword fights happen, wounds come about, et cetera, et cetera.
Biblical Themes: As mentioned in the title, redemption is a big part of Shattered Redemption. No one is too far from love or redemption while they are still here on this earth. It was a good reminder not only for the characters, but also for the readers. God will never stop loving His children!
Magic: None.
"No storm is outside the Lord's control." As soon as I read that line, I immediately saved it. Even in the crazy and strenuous times, God has it all under control. This book, as well as this series, is a perfect read for those going through trying circumstances. God is with us, no matter what valley we are currently in.
Am I sad the Shattered Lands series is complete? Absolutely. However, I think Miss Carlin created a beautiful series with hilarious side plots, stories that will keep you on the edge your seat, and romance you will root for. And that epilogue! I won't rant about it too much, but it was simply incredible. Most importantly, the entire series will remind you of the beautiful truth of God's Word. No matter who we are, where we are, and what we are going to do, God will never leave His children.
I received this complimentary ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review; therefore, all thoughts are my own.
I must admit that I cried after I finished the story. There's just something about finishing a series and having that saddening realization come upon you, isn't there?
Characters: I absolutely love MacLean, as well as sweet Cera and spunky Sevenie (I love the girls' names, too). And it was wonderful seeing Marcus again. Also, . The villains were atrocious, as well as Marcus' parents. I feel for that poor man. Also, I would like to give a shout-out to Canon and his love for his wife.
Plot/Writing Style: I had a bit of trouble understanding what was going on in the story at times, but for the most part, I enjoyed the plot. It reminded me of Key (which is also a Rapunzel-inspired story), which I also enjoyed. As always, I enjoyed the writing style.
Romance: Clean and sweet. There are a few kisses and hugs. Marriage is discussed, as well as the soon-to-be birth of married characters' children. I particularly enjoyed--and appreciated!--the epilogue. I don't want to spoil too much, but it was the perfect ending for Shattered Redemption. Anyway, it was all very sweet.
Language: None, other than the mention of characters "cursing". Nothing is spelled out.
Violence: If you have read Miss Carlin's books before, you will know that the battle scenes and such are never extremely detailed. The violence is there, but I've never felt very squeamish reading about it. Sword fights happen, wounds come about, et cetera, et cetera.
Biblical Themes: As mentioned in the title, redemption is a big part of Shattered Redemption. No one is too far from love or redemption while they are still here on this earth. It was a good reminder not only for the characters, but also for the readers. God will never stop loving His children!
Magic: None.
"No storm is outside the Lord's control." As soon as I read that line, I immediately saved it. Even in the crazy and strenuous times, God has it all under control. This book, as well as this series, is a perfect read for those going through trying circumstances. God is with us, no matter what valley we are currently in.
Am I sad the Shattered Lands series is complete? Absolutely. However, I think Miss Carlin created a beautiful series with hilarious side plots, stories that will keep you on the edge your seat, and romance you will root for. And that epilogue! I won't rant about it too much, but it was simply incredible. Most importantly, the entire series will remind you of the beautiful truth of God's Word. No matter who we are, where we are, and what we are going to do, God will never leave His children.
April 16, 2026
Annnd the 4th one. Been too long first waiting for this and then waiting for myyyseeeelf to actually pick it up and read it. Love it sooo much. We needed this redemption story. Paaart of me kinda wanted it to go a little longer and be little more satisfying and seeeee more of the internal progression? Buut I think it was done pretty well regardless.
I guess the actual storyline and action pieces in this book felt a little less consequential? I just wanted to hear about the MC and watch healing take place, but then there was all these random elements that went by too fast and Rapunzel references that went in there super fast, but maybe it was just me and the mood I was in while reading it. XD At any rate, it did feel like we had not a lot of internal progress and then suddenly the MC just starts listening to people and then it's already wrapped up. Maybe just a me being picky about optimally satisfying pacing. It was still satisfying, at any rate.
I guess the actual storyline and action pieces in this book felt a little less consequential? I just wanted to hear about the MC and watch healing take place, but then there was all these random elements that went by too fast and Rapunzel references that went in there super fast, but maybe it was just me and the mood I was in while reading it. XD At any rate, it did feel like we had not a lot of internal progress and then suddenly the MC just starts listening to people and then it's already wrapped up. Maybe just a me being picky about optimally satisfying pacing. It was still satisfying, at any rate.
July 8, 2025
I JUST FINISHED, AND I AM SOBBING RIGHT NOW. MY MARCUS BABY FINALLY GOT HIS HAPPY ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MADISYN, YOU GET THAT PAPERBACK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON STAT OR SO HELP ME...................................
FRTC
I got an arc of this book, etc...
FRTC
I got an arc of this book, etc...
September 16, 2025
What an amazing conclusion to an epic series!
I’m so happy I discovered Madisyn as an author through the Hope Ever After series and her novella A Silent Hope, because this wonderful book made me start the Shattered Lands series which I absolutely adore!
Like every other reader I knew I needed Marcus’s story and here it finally is!
But let’s start with another former member of the Night Guard - MacLean. He is such a sweet and kind man and the friends to lovers romance between him and his childhood friend Cera was adorable. It’s really hard to pick favorites because I love all characters of this series, but Anthi and Arioch might be my favorite couple and I think MacLean and Cera are a close second, even though these couples are the polar opposites of each other.
The way Cera and MacLean supported, understood and protected each other was just heartwarming!
I also loved Sevenie as a character and how she - reluctantly at first - cared for Marcus and made him heal. I honestly would have loved a bit more scenes between them to develop the romance, but their friendship was wonderful and this is one of the most healing executions of the found family trope I have ever read.
Oh Marcus, how much we all just want to hug you and tell you that you are loved. His redemption story is just heartbreakingly beautiful.
I now need the whole series as physical copies. It’s a series I recommend to every Christian Fantasy reader and since there is no gory violence or inappropriate physical intimacy (hugs and very chaste kisses) I would have no problem giving this NA series to younger teens (maybe 14+?).
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
I’m so happy I discovered Madisyn as an author through the Hope Ever After series and her novella A Silent Hope, because this wonderful book made me start the Shattered Lands series which I absolutely adore!
Like every other reader I knew I needed Marcus’s story and here it finally is!
But let’s start with another former member of the Night Guard - MacLean. He is such a sweet and kind man and the friends to lovers romance between him and his childhood friend Cera was adorable. It’s really hard to pick favorites because I love all characters of this series, but Anthi and Arioch might be my favorite couple and I think MacLean and Cera are a close second, even though these couples are the polar opposites of each other.
The way Cera and MacLean supported, understood and protected each other was just heartwarming!
I also loved Sevenie as a character and how she - reluctantly at first - cared for Marcus and made him heal. I honestly would have loved a bit more scenes between them to develop the romance, but their friendship was wonderful and this is one of the most healing executions of the found family trope I have ever read.
Oh Marcus, how much we all just want to hug you and tell you that you are loved. His redemption story is just heartbreakingly beautiful.
I now need the whole series as physical copies. It’s a series I recommend to every Christian Fantasy reader and since there is no gory violence or inappropriate physical intimacy (hugs and very chaste kisses) I would have no problem giving this NA series to younger teens (maybe 14+?).
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews