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Broken Things
Brutality runs in his blood. Until the breaker becomes the broken…
Drystan’s family doesn’t fight fair. From deals made in the shadows, to doorknocks that end in violence, he knows the only way to impress his father is to break spirits and bones alike.
With a major heist — and his father’s approval — up for grabs, Drystan finally has a chance to get everything he’s ever wanted. Until the baron’s beautiful daughter offers him a different, daring future, and Drystan feels something hope.
But deceit and trust don’t mix well, and as crushing lies bring him to his knees, an unlikely ally is waiting in the wings. Someone who is offering a different path — if Drystan’s heart doesn’t lead him astray again.
The events of Broken Things are set prior to the Five Fates series, but readers are advised to read Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart before embarking on this adventure!
CLICK ‘BUY NOW’ TO ENTER THE FIVE FATES WORLD TODAY!
Drystan’s family doesn’t fight fair. From deals made in the shadows, to doorknocks that end in violence, he knows the only way to impress his father is to break spirits and bones alike.
With a major heist — and his father’s approval — up for grabs, Drystan finally has a chance to get everything he’s ever wanted. Until the baron’s beautiful daughter offers him a different, daring future, and Drystan feels something hope.
But deceit and trust don’t mix well, and as crushing lies bring him to his knees, an unlikely ally is waiting in the wings. Someone who is offering a different path — if Drystan’s heart doesn’t lead him astray again.
The events of Broken Things are set prior to the Five Fates series, but readers are advised to read Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart before embarking on this adventure!
CLICK ‘BUY NOW’ TO ENTER THE FIVE FATES WORLD TODAY!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Brounstein
3 books20 followersLindsey Brounstein worked in the publishing industry for fifteen years and now spends her days as a freelance editor and author in New Hampshire. For as long as she can remember, Lindsey has had a crazy cast of characters kicking around inside her head. Sometimes, she likes to put two of them in the same room to see what happens. When Lindsey’s not writing, she loves immersing herself in both board and video games, knitting and — of course — reading.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 29, 2025
Many thanks to Lindsey to providing me with an ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Well, reading Drystan's story was something. I loved this character in the first book of the series, and after seeing where he came from and what he went through before the events of that book, I adore him even more.
The events in this book took me through all the emotions, gave me the suspense I was looking for, but also had me shaking my head at Drystan plenty of times. But there was also plenty of wholesome content in there, perfectly shining a light on the deep friendship between Drystan and his found sister.
It was an absolute pleasure reading this, and once I opened the book, I managed to fly through it in no time at all
Well, reading Drystan's story was something. I loved this character in the first book of the series, and after seeing where he came from and what he went through before the events of that book, I adore him even more.
The events in this book took me through all the emotions, gave me the suspense I was looking for, but also had me shaking my head at Drystan plenty of times. But there was also plenty of wholesome content in there, perfectly shining a light on the deep friendship between Drystan and his found sister.
It was an absolute pleasure reading this, and once I opened the book, I managed to fly through it in no time at all
August 29, 2025
Broken Things centers on Drystan Serah (Kalon) and his life prior to becoming a Warden of the Flame, a protector, defender, hero of the realm. Drystan wants nothing more than to make his father proud and grow up to be like his three older brothers, working for the “family business”. Drystan’s father has him doing smaller odd jobs in his youth, until one day he’s given the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest score the family has ever set up. When plans begin taking shape and start moving forward, Drystan begins to fall for the mark’s youngest daughter. Will he be able to follow through and make his family proud or will he choose another path, one he never thought was possible? As a huge fan of books one and two in the Five Fates Series, I felt like this was a love letter to Drystan, and how he came to be and who he is as a person. It’s obvious why he’s a fan favorite of the series and why we all craved hearing more of him. I enjoyed reading this story, learning more of his past and seeing the other facets of his character. We’re introduced to many people who each have a profound impact on how he views the world and even himself. I felt like this book made Drystan’s character really come full circle and it made me just love him more. It was a touching story and there were so many times I had to choke back tears because I really just felt for him in so many ways including relatable moments of love, heartbreak, and hope just to name a few. Broken Things was written beautifully and the Five Fates Series continues to be one of my favorite epic fantasy adventure series! Looking forward to what’s next from the ever talented Lindsey Brounstein!
August 21, 2025
“Those dreams were his favorite by far, fantastical though they were.”
I adore this quote from Broken Things, and it’s even better knowing that this character ends up living those dreams. Paired with another line about stories of Wardens, heroes, and villians filling his head as he wove his way home, Lindsey expertly adds a subtle hint of fairytale to Drystan’s story, and I’m so here for it!
With equal expterise, Lindsey crafts a love story that looks different when read in retrospect and a friendship that’s comfort in the shape of a book. Drystan and Verity’s unwavering support for each other is inspiring to say the least, and seeing this side of Drystan added so much depth to a character I already loved in book one.
I had the priviledge of reading Broken Things as an ARC reader and am publishing this review voluntarily. If you liked FHFH and EBFF, you need to pick up Broken Things. This book has a slightly different feeling than the first two books released as part of the Five Fates series: it provides context and closure to those of us who endured the mountain pass, it’s the very start of our favorite found family, and its beautifully raw in a way you don’t want to miss. I love the reminder that broken things still serve their purpose, and the moment where the title is spoken by the characters gave me all the feels. I devoured every word! Thank you, Lindsey, for writing a book that will forever be a comforting hand on my own shoulder.
I adore this quote from Broken Things, and it’s even better knowing that this character ends up living those dreams. Paired with another line about stories of Wardens, heroes, and villians filling his head as he wove his way home, Lindsey expertly adds a subtle hint of fairytale to Drystan’s story, and I’m so here for it!
With equal expterise, Lindsey crafts a love story that looks different when read in retrospect and a friendship that’s comfort in the shape of a book. Drystan and Verity’s unwavering support for each other is inspiring to say the least, and seeing this side of Drystan added so much depth to a character I already loved in book one.
I had the priviledge of reading Broken Things as an ARC reader and am publishing this review voluntarily. If you liked FHFH and EBFF, you need to pick up Broken Things. This book has a slightly different feeling than the first two books released as part of the Five Fates series: it provides context and closure to those of us who endured the mountain pass, it’s the very start of our favorite found family, and its beautifully raw in a way you don’t want to miss. I love the reminder that broken things still serve their purpose, and the moment where the title is spoken by the characters gave me all the feels. I devoured every word! Thank you, Lindsey, for writing a book that will forever be a comforting hand on my own shoulder.
August 22, 2025
It took me 6 days to read this book. Not because I wanted to put it down, but because I did NOT want it to end. I drug it out as long as I reasonably could to savor the moments with our favorite cinnamon roll.
Spoilers for FHFH:
Learning about the end of Drystan’s story in FHFH wrecked me. I was sad about it for SO long! And yet, there was something about how it was written - how he was written - that made me realize that he would have been like “it’s ok that this is the end.” And realizing that in FHFH is one thing, but we got to EXPERIENCE it in Broken Things. That we experienced the why of what made him this way. What a gift! I felt more connected and also more accepting of his fate all at the same time. Broken Things helps to round out the story. And more than just learning about Drystan, it helps us understand Verity as well, and to truly see the depth of their friendship. Of their family ties to each other.
I suppose in a review you’re supposed to talk about writing or pacing or things, but really, all I can focus on is the characters. The writing is as wonderful as the first two books in the series, but what truly stands out to me is how much more real these characters feel to me now. Thank you, Lindsey, for this story! Thank you for more of Drys!
Also, and I know there’s a spoilers tag, but SPOILER ALERT again — SERAH KALON??? Absolute SOBS.
Spoilers for FHFH:
Learning about the end of Drystan’s story in FHFH wrecked me. I was sad about it for SO long! And yet, there was something about how it was written - how he was written - that made me realize that he would have been like “it’s ok that this is the end.” And realizing that in FHFH is one thing, but we got to EXPERIENCE it in Broken Things. That we experienced the why of what made him this way. What a gift! I felt more connected and also more accepting of his fate all at the same time. Broken Things helps to round out the story. And more than just learning about Drystan, it helps us understand Verity as well, and to truly see the depth of their friendship. Of their family ties to each other.
I suppose in a review you’re supposed to talk about writing or pacing or things, but really, all I can focus on is the characters. The writing is as wonderful as the first two books in the series, but what truly stands out to me is how much more real these characters feel to me now. Thank you, Lindsey, for this story! Thank you for more of Drys!
Also, and I know there’s a spoilers tag, but SPOILER ALERT again — SERAH KALON??? Absolute SOBS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
For fans of Brounstein's Five Fates series, this is a must read! I loved this prequel of Drystan's backstory and his initial meeting with Verity. The first half of the book gives his family background and story up until the time he meets Verity, and the second half covers what happens after they meet. You will see how both their lives are changed through the painful experiences they endured but also how they are able to find healing in each other and in other unexpected places.
Although many parts made me cry, I left this book feeling so warm inside. This is ultimately a story of healing from the your past and learning to love the parts of you that you may feel are unlovable. It is a story of second chances and unexpected friendships. It is a story of hope.
Since both of the characters are so young, it is also a coming-of-age story in some ways. You get to watch Drystan grow into the adult he will be when you first meet him in Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart.
And honestly, it explains so well why Verity and Drystan were the perfect people to connect with Dare in the overall series. I just want to give them both a huge hug!
Although many parts made me cry, I left this book feeling so warm inside. This is ultimately a story of healing from the your past and learning to love the parts of you that you may feel are unlovable. It is a story of second chances and unexpected friendships. It is a story of hope.
Since both of the characters are so young, it is also a coming-of-age story in some ways. You get to watch Drystan grow into the adult he will be when you first meet him in Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart.
And honestly, it explains so well why Verity and Drystan were the perfect people to connect with Dare in the overall series. I just want to give them both a huge hug!
October 12, 2025
Drystan’s story touched my heart so much.
Becoming someone everyone else expected him to be in order to please his father and get his love, giving his heart away so easily only to be betrayed and rejected by those he thought loved him, including his family.
After meeting Verity whose own traumatic story is unknown, he has to come to terms with his past, see his traits for what they are, good and worthy traits, and then he has to like himself before he can find the love he desires. Drystan’s devotion to helping Verity develops into an unexpected friendship founded on unconditional trust, something he never experienced.
And maybe the love he was looking for wasn’t what he expected. Maybe that love is found in the family he discovered along the way, in the people who accepted him and believed in him when no one else wouldn’t.
I can pretty much guarantee that you will find a piece of yourself in Broken Things by Lindsey Brounstein. I think We all have a little bit of Drystan in us. And we deserve those people who believe in us when no one else would.
Becoming someone everyone else expected him to be in order to please his father and get his love, giving his heart away so easily only to be betrayed and rejected by those he thought loved him, including his family.
After meeting Verity whose own traumatic story is unknown, he has to come to terms with his past, see his traits for what they are, good and worthy traits, and then he has to like himself before he can find the love he desires. Drystan’s devotion to helping Verity develops into an unexpected friendship founded on unconditional trust, something he never experienced.
And maybe the love he was looking for wasn’t what he expected. Maybe that love is found in the family he discovered along the way, in the people who accepted him and believed in him when no one else wouldn’t.
I can pretty much guarantee that you will find a piece of yourself in Broken Things by Lindsey Brounstein. I think We all have a little bit of Drystan in us. And we deserve those people who believe in us when no one else would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2025
Everyone breaks things, but it’s especially hard when it’s pieces of yourself. And sometimes those pieces take a long time to repair. And need more than a pat on the back to get better. But sometimes you meet just the right person to help you recover. If you’ve been reading Lindsey Brounstein’s Five Fates series (the first two books are available now - in later 2025), you will know (and probably love) Verity and Drystan. But I certainly wanted to know how they encountered each other in a way that brought them so close. The prequel “Broken Things” tells that story. I recommend it highly to fans of the series and especially of Drystan. You will really enjoy seeing how he became the extraordinary character you meet in Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart. Well, let’s say that I enjoyed it immensely - it rounded out my understanding of both characters and their development.
August 6, 2025
Gods above and below, this book is perfection. It hit every beat for me, and I'm so happy I was given the honor to be an ARC reader for it.
Even though it's a prequel, it should be read after finishing Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart. As such, you already know the MC, Drystan. You follow him throughout his teenage years, learning about his family, their deeds, and his place amongst them. It's horrible and heartbreaking, but through it all you see Drystan's true heart, and that's utterly beautiful.
Character growth, heartbreak, second chances (romantic and not), found family, and a young man finding his purpose. Oh yeah, if you've read FHFH, you'll definitely want to read this one.
Even though it's a prequel, it should be read after finishing Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart. As such, you already know the MC, Drystan. You follow him throughout his teenage years, learning about his family, their deeds, and his place amongst them. It's horrible and heartbreaking, but through it all you see Drystan's true heart, and that's utterly beautiful.
Character growth, heartbreak, second chances (romantic and not), found family, and a young man finding his purpose. Oh yeah, if you've read FHFH, you'll definitely want to read this one.
August 12, 2025
Lindsey does it again! Drystan was already a beloved character from Book 1 in her series, Fire’s Hand, Fate’s Heart, but this prequel takes us even deeper. We see how he came to be, while Lindsey subtly invites us to reflect on ourselves along the way. She has a rare gift for pulling readers into her characters’ lives in a way that sparks both personal insight and a sense of shared humanity—all while keeping us so entertained we hardly notice we’re growing and learning.
If you love exploring what shapes people into who they are, and you enjoy losing yourself in a rich fantasy world, this book—and the entire series—belongs on your shelf.
If you love exploring what shapes people into who they are, and you enjoy losing yourself in a rich fantasy world, this book—and the entire series—belongs on your shelf.
July 31, 2025
It was fascinating learning the backstory of my favorite character in the first book. As always, the author does a wonderful job showing how relatable the characters are. One really understands the motivation and complexities of the individual. Not to mention, makes it really easy to see everything in your minds eye. Another great book. My only complaint is that I don't have another one to read right now.
September 5, 2025
This is Drystans story - the story of how he fell in love and had his heart broken, then his body. Story of how he meets V, and how the become the best of friends. The story behind the man as we first meet him.
Such a heart wrenching story of love, loss, pain, and betrayal. But culminating in the ultimate friendship.
Such a heart wrenching story of love, loss, pain, and betrayal. But culminating in the ultimate friendship.
August 12, 2025
thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
As if I needed more reasons to love Drystan! I loved this prequel and the backstory it gave us. Lindsey is absolutely incredible at world building and creating really compelling characters.
As if I needed more reasons to love Drystan! I loved this prequel and the backstory it gave us. Lindsey is absolutely incredible at world building and creating really compelling characters.
August 25, 2025
A beautiful and heartwrenching tale of the Drystan we don't see in FHFH! Love, loss, betrayal, and friendship all collide in a story that'll make you fall for our guy all over again! I LOVED this book, and I know y'all will too!
August 31, 2025
Getting to read Drystan and Verity’s story of how they became family was lovely. Both characters stole my heart in Book 1 of the Five Fates Series, and they stole it again in this Prequel.
Thank you Lindsey for letting me be a part of the ARC team for this series!
Thank you Lindsey for letting me be a part of the ARC team for this series!
September 12, 2025
I have looked forward to this prequel since finishing Fire's Hand Fate's Heart and it did not disappoint. More than giving me the back story of two beloved characters, it gave me the reminder that there is beauty in broken things.
September 26, 2025
Broken things can still serve their purpose"
Many thanks to Lindsey Brounstein for the chance to read an arc of this book. Those opinions are still my own.
Lanara's tears, that book both broke and healed my heart. It is perfect for fans of the Five Fates series and people who want more Drystan and his friendship with Verity.
It is a prequel but definitively best read after Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart.
We get to know about Drystan's past and about his family. A lot of it was hinted at during book 1, but reading more about him was really interesting and heartbreaking. It was heart warming to witness that, no matter what was asked of him and what he tried to tell himself, he was already the character I learned to love in FHFH.
And I loved reading about his meeting with Verity and the beginning of their friendship. Their situation was heartbreaking and I love how they helped each other come out of the dark place they were in and how they learned to trust each other.
Broken things is a beautiful journey, about finding and loving yourself and the family you deserve.
Many thanks to Lindsey Brounstein for the chance to read an arc of this book. Those opinions are still my own.
Lanara's tears, that book both broke and healed my heart. It is perfect for fans of the Five Fates series and people who want more Drystan and his friendship with Verity.
It is a prequel but definitively best read after Fire's Hand, Fate's Heart.
We get to know about Drystan's past and about his family. A lot of it was hinted at during book 1, but reading more about him was really interesting and heartbreaking. It was heart warming to witness that, no matter what was asked of him and what he tried to tell himself, he was already the character I learned to love in FHFH.
And I loved reading about his meeting with Verity and the beginning of their friendship. Their situation was heartbreaking and I love how they helped each other come out of the dark place they were in and how they learned to trust each other.
Broken things is a beautiful journey, about finding and loving yourself and the family you deserve.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews