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Fractured Conclave #5
An Uneasy Peace
There's trouble in Paradise.
In the middle of delicate negotiations between the human-only island of Paradise and the world Conclave, Paradise's chief negotiator has vanished. Worse than that, at least as far as the Conclave is concerned, no one on the island is returning their calls.
Still trying to adjust to recent revelations and changes in her life, Hallie is more than happy to assist in trying to find out what's been happening on Paradise.
Along with Girard, Hallie is dropped onto the isolated island, with no back-up. Together, Hallie and Girard must navigate untamed land and hostile locals only to find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that has a far wider reach than the island's shores.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
An Uneasy Peace continues Hallie's story which started in A Usual Suspect. Pre-order your copy now to continue Hallie's story when An Uneasy Peace is released.
An Uneasy Peace is expected to release in December 2025.
In the middle of delicate negotiations between the human-only island of Paradise and the world Conclave, Paradise's chief negotiator has vanished. Worse than that, at least as far as the Conclave is concerned, no one on the island is returning their calls.
Still trying to adjust to recent revelations and changes in her life, Hallie is more than happy to assist in trying to find out what's been happening on Paradise.
Along with Girard, Hallie is dropped onto the isolated island, with no back-up. Together, Hallie and Girard must navigate untamed land and hostile locals only to find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that has a far wider reach than the island's shores.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
An Uneasy Peace continues Hallie's story which started in A Usual Suspect. Pre-order your copy now to continue Hallie's story when An Uneasy Peace is released.
An Uneasy Peace is expected to release in December 2025.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
120 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books432 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 31, 2026
Gosh, I’m having trouble with what to rate this book! I am totally invested in Hallie and Girard and the interesting secondary characters such as Director Peradur, Cotavatre, etc. I want to see Hallie grow and become all that her potential promises, and to see what happens with the Hochlan, her family and SO many other super interesting aspects of this engaging series. But that is also part of the reason why I just couldn’t rate this higher in this particular instance.This storyline takes a detour from those integral questions.
It begins with all kinds of promise, starting with her nasty mother waiting for Hallie in her own home, demanding she return to the family vine. Now that looks like a major war waiting to happen… and one I can’t wait to see fought out! But, nope. After the initial teaser, that thread is completely lost through the entire book, only picking up with a mere mention that the problem is still ongoing. Hmmm. Then, there is the Hochlan, and Hallie’s relationship with those in power now that she has a great big dose of it herself. Again, nope. That thread is altogether ignored in this book - inspite of that HUGE revelation ending the previous book!
Instead we take a complete detour to the island of Paradise and engage in a totally irrelevant storyline to all those burning options. Kind of like a “time out… let’s see what’s going on over here instead!” Now that isn’t a bad thing. The story is a good one, we learn a lot about the people on the human island and enjoy a rollicking great action plot that involves intrigue, corruption and some pretty nasty bad guys. Which would be awesome IF the integral questions we are so invested in would have been handled, or at least allowed to progress, as well. Unfortunately they aren’t and that’s a big disappointment. (Expectations are a knarly problem sometimes). And don’t even get me started on the MULTITUDE of really dumb “I don’t want to shoot anyone” moments such as when she is staring down a psychotic serial killer who is going to murder her, or listening to two other serial killers discuss murdering her and others, including children… and on and on (That whine would fill a book at this point).
The other thing that stopped that rating from rising is the HUGE amount of time spent on unnecessary descriptions and explanations. Good grief, I felt like I fell into a 19th century classic where entire chapters are devoted to descriptions of minuscule elements! We live in an era of instant information for heaven’s sake! We KNOW what a forest looks like, we don’t need endless explanations of the leaves, undergrowth, droplets of water and how it falls etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Or what a metal bolt looks like on a door! We really can picture it on our own. Even Hallie realizes she is spending WAY too much time on irrelevant meanderings! (See highlights) and repeated thoughts. I’m not sure if the story was just kind of slim and it needed filler, or if the author honestly got so caught up in the love of description that she just forgot to get on with the story .
So there is the reasons why a could-have-been great story dipped to three stars. Please don’t let it discourage you from reading this book, though, especially if you have read the previous books in this series (it would be hard to really enjoy it if you haven’t). It really is enjoyable to spend time with some of our favorite characters again and hopefully, we’ll get progression and a few answers in the next book.
It begins with all kinds of promise, starting with her nasty mother waiting for Hallie in her own home, demanding she return to the family vine. Now that looks like a major war waiting to happen… and one I can’t wait to see fought out! But, nope. After the initial teaser, that thread is completely lost through the entire book, only picking up with a mere mention that the problem is still ongoing. Hmmm. Then, there is the Hochlan, and Hallie’s relationship with those in power now that she has a great big dose of it herself. Again, nope. That thread is altogether ignored in this book - inspite of that HUGE revelation ending the previous book!
Instead we take a complete detour to the island of Paradise and engage in a totally irrelevant storyline to all those burning options. Kind of like a “time out… let’s see what’s going on over here instead!” Now that isn’t a bad thing. The story is a good one, we learn a lot about the people on the human island and enjoy a rollicking great action plot that involves intrigue, corruption and some pretty nasty bad guys. Which would be awesome IF the integral questions we are so invested in would have been handled, or at least allowed to progress, as well. Unfortunately they aren’t and that’s a big disappointment. (Expectations are a knarly problem sometimes). And don’t even get me started on the MULTITUDE of really dumb “I don’t want to shoot anyone” moments such as when she is staring down a psychotic serial killer who is going to murder her, or listening to two other serial killers discuss murdering her and others, including children… and on and on (That whine would fill a book at this point).
The other thing that stopped that rating from rising is the HUGE amount of time spent on unnecessary descriptions and explanations. Good grief, I felt like I fell into a 19th century classic where entire chapters are devoted to descriptions of minuscule elements! We live in an era of instant information for heaven’s sake! We KNOW what a forest looks like, we don’t need endless explanations of the leaves, undergrowth, droplets of water and how it falls etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Or what a metal bolt looks like on a door! We really can picture it on our own. Even Hallie realizes she is spending WAY too much time on irrelevant meanderings! (See highlights) and repeated thoughts. I’m not sure if the story was just kind of slim and it needed filler, or if the author honestly got so caught up in the love of description that she just forgot to get on with the story .
So there is the reasons why a could-have-been great story dipped to three stars. Please don’t let it discourage you from reading this book, though, especially if you have read the previous books in this series (it would be hard to really enjoy it if you haven’t). It really is enjoyable to spend time with some of our favorite characters again and hopefully, we’ll get progression and a few answers in the next book.
January 31, 2026
Unfortunately, I feel like I'm destined to not love this series at this point.
It isn't bad, but Hallie irritates me a good bit. She feels like she's gotten dumber than she was in the first book, and developed an odd pacifism that doesn't suit her. There are multiple times in this book where people try to kill her (or her and Girard) and they're able to turn the tides on the bad guys, but they never kill them. This results in them facing the same people over and over and over, in a way that is really annoying.
Look, all - literally all - their problems could have been solved if they killed Jonah and Nicholas when they overheard those doucheburgers planning to kill them and several others. Those two jackholes were alone in their secret meeting, and Girard and Hallie were both armed. Not only did they not kill them, they didn't even, like grab them and take them prisoner. In another part, someone shoots a shotgun at Hallie's head. She only doesn't die because someone else got between them (and that person did die, his head blown apart). Does she shoot back? No, no she does not. She charges Mr. Shotgun and then knocks him out.
I'm fine with the good guys not being happy about killing people, but if you're going to do this job - Conclave investigator, something Hallie has seen is VERY dangerous - then you're choosing to walk into situations where it will be kill or be killed. If you are not going to return deadly force, then you shouldn't take the job.
I feel like they just kind of blunder from point to point, and if not for plot armor, they'd have died in like the first 3rd of this book. And I really do mean they blunder from point to point. It's clear right from the jump that something terrible has happened on this island, but these two morons just meander up to people and introduce themselves, on more than one occasion (Girard with the gunners, and then both of them with Nicholas).
But no matter the stupidity, no matter the scrape, even when they were captured it was a nothingburger getting out of the situation. It all serves to make the overall stakes feel meh - you know they're going to make dumb decisions, get in trouble for it...but you also know that literally nothing bad will happen to them. So ... meh.
I also found it really convenient that a whole bunch of loose plot threads tied together here randomly. And I'm not going to be surprised to find out that Jonah and Findo Trask are part of the group that did the bombings in the last book...because come on. We all know they had Rhodda making bombs.
I like this author, but this series is just not working for me.
It isn't bad, but Hallie irritates me a good bit. She feels like she's gotten dumber than she was in the first book, and developed an odd pacifism that doesn't suit her. There are multiple times in this book where people try to kill her (or her and Girard) and they're able to turn the tides on the bad guys, but they never kill them. This results in them facing the same people over and over and over, in a way that is really annoying.
Look, all - literally all - their problems could have been solved if they killed Jonah and Nicholas when they overheard those doucheburgers planning to kill them and several others. Those two jackholes were alone in their secret meeting, and Girard and Hallie were both armed. Not only did they not kill them, they didn't even, like grab them and take them prisoner. In another part, someone shoots a shotgun at Hallie's head. She only doesn't die because someone else got between them (and that person did die, his head blown apart). Does she shoot back? No, no she does not. She charges Mr. Shotgun and then knocks him out.
I'm fine with the good guys not being happy about killing people, but if you're going to do this job - Conclave investigator, something Hallie has seen is VERY dangerous - then you're choosing to walk into situations where it will be kill or be killed. If you are not going to return deadly force, then you shouldn't take the job.
I feel like they just kind of blunder from point to point, and if not for plot armor, they'd have died in like the first 3rd of this book. And I really do mean they blunder from point to point. It's clear right from the jump that something terrible has happened on this island, but these two morons just meander up to people and introduce themselves, on more than one occasion (Girard with the gunners, and then both of them with Nicholas).
But no matter the stupidity, no matter the scrape, even when they were captured it was a nothingburger getting out of the situation. It all serves to make the overall stakes feel meh - you know they're going to make dumb decisions, get in trouble for it...but you also know that literally nothing bad will happen to them. So ... meh.
I also found it really convenient that a whole bunch of loose plot threads tied together here randomly. And I'm not going to be surprised to find out that Jonah and Findo Trask are part of the group that did the bombings in the last book...because come on. We all know they had Rhodda making bombs.
I like this author, but this series is just not working for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
I like this author but world building will always be her weak point.
Here the stupidity of some choices adds up to lost interest (and major irritation too).
Here the stupidity of some choices adds up to lost interest (and major irritation too).
January 15, 2026
Yep I read this on the day it came out!
January 19, 2026
good
A new job offer, has Hallie travelling outside of the Low City, to a remote island with Gerard.
There thr two of them are to investigate the disappearance of a man the Conclave finds of interest.
When they arrive at the island, they discover that something is seriously amiss, and it’s not long before their investigation leads them into danger that neither of them saw coming.
There are some interesting events going on in Hallie’s life during this story, and unfortunately, it’s not that she manages to get some alone time with Gerard! One is a plot point that’s bound to come up again in the next book, the second is that some of her past makes an impact during the telling of this book.
Mostly, however, this story takes place in a new, and quite dangerous locale for Hallie- who is a bit hampered by the fact that she isn’t on her home city turf!
It’s a fairly fast paced story though, with plenty of action, a mild romantic subplot (kisses and hugs only), and a great deal of danger faced by our heroine. Gerard gets to play hero a bit, but is mostly there in his role as very competent partner, and it was pleasurable to see the two of them following when the one was the option with the strongest relevant skills.
Not a standalone, although the story in this volume is complete (with a few hanging threads), the book does need to be read in the series order, as there are references to previous events and people we met in those books. That’s not a hardship though, as the books are enjoyable, entertaining, contemporary/urban fantasy tales.
A new job offer, has Hallie travelling outside of the Low City, to a remote island with Gerard.
There thr two of them are to investigate the disappearance of a man the Conclave finds of interest.
When they arrive at the island, they discover that something is seriously amiss, and it’s not long before their investigation leads them into danger that neither of them saw coming.
There are some interesting events going on in Hallie’s life during this story, and unfortunately, it’s not that she manages to get some alone time with Gerard! One is a plot point that’s bound to come up again in the next book, the second is that some of her past makes an impact during the telling of this book.
Mostly, however, this story takes place in a new, and quite dangerous locale for Hallie- who is a bit hampered by the fact that she isn’t on her home city turf!
It’s a fairly fast paced story though, with plenty of action, a mild romantic subplot (kisses and hugs only), and a great deal of danger faced by our heroine. Gerard gets to play hero a bit, but is mostly there in his role as very competent partner, and it was pleasurable to see the two of them following when the one was the option with the strongest relevant skills.
Not a standalone, although the story in this volume is complete (with a few hanging threads), the book does need to be read in the series order, as there are references to previous events and people we met in those books. That’s not a hardship though, as the books are enjoyable, entertaining, contemporary/urban fantasy tales.
January 26, 2026
3.5 stars
A little bit slow in the beginning - probably because it is only Hailey and Girard trying to discover what has happened in the isolated island of Paradise. I will probably enjoy it more visually, but reading it on paper (well, Kindle) feels boring. But things pick up around 1/3rd and it was good old action and dismantling the bad guys.
No major development in Hailey's status as though. Nelson probably keeps that for the last book??
A little bit slow in the beginning - probably because it is only Hailey and Girard trying to discover what has happened in the isolated island of Paradise. I will probably enjoy it more visually, but reading it on paper (well, Kindle) feels boring. But things pick up around 1/3rd and it was good old action and dismantling the bad guys.
No major development in Hailey's status as though. Nelson probably keeps that for the last book??
January 20, 2026
3.5 stars
January 28, 2026
Hallie Talbot is still adjusting to the seismic shifts set in motion by An Unwanted Heir, but the hits keep coming. She didn’t know what to expect when she agreed to meet Director Roth for coffee and cakes, but she certainly didn’t expect his purpose to enable her to leave the country for the first time—something she’s always dreamed of doing. Unfortunately, this trip is anything but a vacation.
The opening pages quickly ramp up the tension, and I must say there are few not-quite-a-villain villains I loathe more than Wilona. She is extravagantly detestable. It’s a strong start, though the story soon shifts gears as Hallie and Girard head to Paradise, uncertain whether they’ll be welcome—or what the conditions they’re walking into.
I don’t believe I’ll ever turn down a Vanessa Nelson novel; however, this wasn’t my favorite. The story feels slightly more episodic than its predecessor. Two familiar problems resurface. One, on its own, would have been fine. Two feels excessive, especially since neither is fully resolved by the end.
Among the new characters, Rhodda stands out as particularly interesting, with Donall and Sylvie also making a good impression. Jonah and Nicholas, however, feel very similar—something that does explain their uneasy cooperation and friction. Jonah carries a greater sense of sophistication and menace, but both ultimately come across as lazy manipulators.
The setting raises some practical concerns as well. New Hope left me worrying about disease transmission. I did enjoy the introduction of the warrimel, and the solution to that threat, though an additional on-page appearance might have cemented their role.
Girard and Hallie’s interactions remain one of the book’s strongest elements. They come from very different backgrounds, and that contrast shows up in charming, organic ways as they continue to get to know one another. Some of the coming changes make me a bit sad—I genuinely enjoyed the life Hallie had built—but change is necessary. Her unexpected interaction with her brother was a welcome addition, and I’m interested to see how the other new members of her social circle develop.
Nelson’s pacing and restraint continue to shine. Her fantasy carries a level of realism and consequence that’s uncommon and refreshing in the genre. The Fractured Conclave may be my favorite of her worlds, and the ending of An Uneasy Peace provides an enticing foundation for what’s to come.
If you enjoy richly detailed worlds, fantasy with a strong, deliberate sense of balance, and characters who feel genuine even in a world of magic, Vanessa Nelson’s books are wonderful—just be sure to do so in the prescribed order.
The opening pages quickly ramp up the tension, and I must say there are few not-quite-a-villain villains I loathe more than Wilona. She is extravagantly detestable. It’s a strong start, though the story soon shifts gears as Hallie and Girard head to Paradise, uncertain whether they’ll be welcome—or what the conditions they’re walking into.
I don’t believe I’ll ever turn down a Vanessa Nelson novel; however, this wasn’t my favorite. The story feels slightly more episodic than its predecessor. Two familiar problems resurface. One, on its own, would have been fine. Two feels excessive, especially since neither is fully resolved by the end.
Among the new characters, Rhodda stands out as particularly interesting, with Donall and Sylvie also making a good impression. Jonah and Nicholas, however, feel very similar—something that does explain their uneasy cooperation and friction. Jonah carries a greater sense of sophistication and menace, but both ultimately come across as lazy manipulators.
The setting raises some practical concerns as well. New Hope left me worrying about disease transmission. I did enjoy the introduction of the warrimel, and the solution to that threat, though an additional on-page appearance might have cemented their role.
Girard and Hallie’s interactions remain one of the book’s strongest elements. They come from very different backgrounds, and that contrast shows up in charming, organic ways as they continue to get to know one another. Some of the coming changes make me a bit sad—I genuinely enjoyed the life Hallie had built—but change is necessary. Her unexpected interaction with her brother was a welcome addition, and I’m interested to see how the other new members of her social circle develop.
Nelson’s pacing and restraint continue to shine. Her fantasy carries a level of realism and consequence that’s uncommon and refreshing in the genre. The Fractured Conclave may be my favorite of her worlds, and the ending of An Uneasy Peace provides an enticing foundation for what’s to come.
If you enjoy richly detailed worlds, fantasy with a strong, deliberate sense of balance, and characters who feel genuine even in a world of magic, Vanessa Nelson’s books are wonderful—just be sure to do so in the prescribed order.
February 6, 2026
An Uneasy Peace is a commendable and engaging addition to the Fractured Conclave series, and I can readily recommend it to fans. However, it left me somewhat disappointed compared to earlier books. The premise is compelling: amid sensitive negotiations between the human-only island of Paradise and the broader Conclave world, Paradise’s chief negotiator disappears, and the island suddenly falls silent. Hallie, still grappling with recent personal upheaval, is dispatched with Girard Abbott to uncover the truth. They are dropped onto a secluded island without backup, confronting challenging terrain, unwelcoming locals, and a mystery that quickly suggests something more significant than a mere disappearance. Hallie remains the series' anchor: still likable, relatable, and easy to follow. Her perspective keeps the story grounded, and her dynamic with Girard continues to be effective, especially in a setting that forces them to depend on each other. The pace is brisk, and the book is genuinely easy to read. However, this installment falters in terms of originality. Despite the fantasy world and familiar characters, the plot often feels like a conventional thriller, with isolation, escalating danger, conspiracy elements, and pressure-cooker tension. At times, it seemed as if the story could be transplanted into another setting with minimal changes: remove the established cast, and you would still have much the same book. This contrasts with earlier entries, which leaned more toward their unique blend of magic, mystery, and series-specific intrigue. It also does little to advance the overarching narrative that ran through the previous books, which is disappointing for a fifth installment, especially for readers who have been following the long-running arc and expecting momentum or payoff. Additionally, a few minor inconsistencies reappear; nothing that breaks the story, but enough to occasionally pull you out of the moment. Still, even with these issues, An Uneasy Peace remains an enjoyable read: quick, engaging, and competently plotted, with a protagonist you can continue to root for. If you’re invested in Hallie and Girard, it’s worth reading, but it may not reach the same heights of freshness and series progression as the earlier books.
January 19, 2026
Not wanting for it to end!!! ❤️❤️❤️
It is such a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story with amazing characters, that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a former skip tracer in low city, finds herself once again embroiled in a new tricky mystery that involves her traveling to a new place, which she has always dreamt of doing, to an only-human island by the name of Paradise. She is teamed with her partner investigator-now also boyfriend, Girard. Unfortunately for them the trip turns out to be extremely challenging and not what they hope it would be. I do have to point out that I really missed the inclusion of some of other side characters that usually appeared in the previous books. Additionally, I would like to say that I am really going to miss this series. I am super sad that there will only be one more book from this series. I was truly surprised since Hallie’s evolution has been beautiful to experience but very slow going and so, I was expecting to see her flourish in the coming “books” and not just one final book. She is truly the star of this series, a lovable and amazing character that has only known hardship and made to feel unimportant and forgettable. Now she is surrounded by people who see her for who she really is and believe in her. I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, action, adventure, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
It is such a great feeling when you find yourself engrossed in a captivating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable story with amazing characters, that also happen to evolve with each and every book of the series. In this instalment, the FMC Hallie, a former skip tracer in low city, finds herself once again embroiled in a new tricky mystery that involves her traveling to a new place, which she has always dreamt of doing, to an only-human island by the name of Paradise. She is teamed with her partner investigator-now also boyfriend, Girard. Unfortunately for them the trip turns out to be extremely challenging and not what they hope it would be. I do have to point out that I really missed the inclusion of some of other side characters that usually appeared in the previous books. Additionally, I would like to say that I am really going to miss this series. I am super sad that there will only be one more book from this series. I was truly surprised since Hallie’s evolution has been beautiful to experience but very slow going and so, I was expecting to see her flourish in the coming “books” and not just one final book. She is truly the star of this series, a lovable and amazing character that has only known hardship and made to feel unimportant and forgettable. Now she is surrounded by people who see her for who she really is and believe in her. I urge anyone who loves reading books of mystery, magic, supernatural beings, action, adventure, a slow burn romance and plenty of surprises to start reading this series “yesterday”…LOL!!! 🥰💕😍 Highly Recommended!
January 27, 2026
Hallie and Giraud take on multiple posses in this western style novel set in Paradise. This action packed western style novel is more successful than the previous murder/horror mystery and is a nice diversion from the main story arc.
Note that this book is told from hallie’s perspective and she is the most rounded character in the series. She experiences all the emotions, is most fully explained and in this book demonstrates empathy in places. I’m not sure if this a feature of using a single perspective narrative or a more general reflection on Vanessa Nelson’s work in general as some of the other characters can feel a bit cardboardy.
Note that this book is told from hallie’s perspective and she is the most rounded character in the series. She experiences all the emotions, is most fully explained and in this book demonstrates empathy in places. I’m not sure if this a feature of using a single perspective narrative or a more general reflection on Vanessa Nelson’s work in general as some of the other characters can feel a bit cardboardy.
January 15, 2026
a solid side story
I was looking forward to a continuation of some of the plot points introduced in the previous book. This book was well written but it was also a detour from what I consider as the main storyline. It did help with some character development and overall it was very suspenseful. However, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book which will hopefully focus more on the main character’s responsibilities as heir and the growth of her relationship.
I was looking forward to a continuation of some of the plot points introduced in the previous book. This book was well written but it was also a detour from what I consider as the main storyline. It did help with some character development and overall it was very suspenseful. However, I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book which will hopefully focus more on the main character’s responsibilities as heir and the growth of her relationship.
January 26, 2026
Refreshing Fantasy Novel
Without giving away the plot......It's always refreshing to see a fantasy world building novel that has people of color that are not there as token characters. I also love a story that has a redemption Arc, proving that sometimes someone is cruel or filled with hate because of ignorance.
I find it interesting that this book shows some aspects of Animal Farm in which the humans try to escape their oppressors but eventually some of them start to behave like them.
Without giving away the plot......It's always refreshing to see a fantasy world building novel that has people of color that are not there as token characters. I also love a story that has a redemption Arc, proving that sometimes someone is cruel or filled with hate because of ignorance.
I find it interesting that this book shows some aspects of Animal Farm in which the humans try to escape their oppressors but eventually some of them start to behave like them.
January 15, 2026
I liked it that Girard and Hallie are now working together and try to figure out their relationship.
They have as always gone into an assignment that is not as easy as it should have been.
It was up to themselves to stay alive and find a way out of this human only island .
With some help and more enemies things come together at the end.
Great read, lots of excitement, lots of different characters playing their role. And the description of the island and the inhabitants is perfect as always.
They have as always gone into an assignment that is not as easy as it should have been.
It was up to themselves to stay alive and find a way out of this human only island .
With some help and more enemies things come together at the end.
Great read, lots of excitement, lots of different characters playing their role. And the description of the island and the inhabitants is perfect as always.
January 17, 2026
Good story
I have really enjoyed this story line. I like that the heroine is not all powerful, but had to work and use her intelligence to move forward. Her emotions and the emotions of the other characters are not overly exaggerated and her actions and reactions are real and believable. The plot is also very good and moves along at a good clip. Thank you, Ms. Nelson for another good series.
I have really enjoyed this story line. I like that the heroine is not all powerful, but had to work and use her intelligence to move forward. Her emotions and the emotions of the other characters are not overly exaggerated and her actions and reactions are real and believable. The plot is also very good and moves along at a good clip. Thank you, Ms. Nelson for another good series.
January 24, 2026
Great continuation
I have really enjoyed Vanessa Nelson‘s Fractured Conclave series and this was an interesting addition to the collection. It’s a bit different from earlier books in that there is less of an emphasis on the rich/poor relationship in society and more on actual differences within one of the strata. Still excellent writing, good plotting, good characterization but a change. Worth the read.
I have really enjoyed Vanessa Nelson‘s Fractured Conclave series and this was an interesting addition to the collection. It’s a bit different from earlier books in that there is less of an emphasis on the rich/poor relationship in society and more on actual differences within one of the strata. Still excellent writing, good plotting, good characterization but a change. Worth the read.
January 18, 2026
I enjoyed this
This was really good, although I liked some of the other plots better. This is also the first book to leave some unresolved problems hanging. It’s not a cliffhanger, but if unresolved issues bother you, you might want to wait for the next book before reading this one.
This was really good, although I liked some of the other plots better. This is also the first book to leave some unresolved problems hanging. It’s not a cliffhanger, but if unresolved issues bother you, you might want to wait for the next book before reading this one.
February 9, 2026
Vanessa’s writing gets better with each book!
I am anxious for any books Vanessa Nelson releases. None of them disappoint. Her characters are fully developed. I love that they work to improve their communities. That life is worth effort. I also love that magic is hard work and doesn’t solve everything.
I am anxious for any books Vanessa Nelson releases. None of them disappoint. Her characters are fully developed. I love that they work to improve their communities. That life is worth effort. I also love that magic is hard work and doesn’t solve everything.
January 15, 2026
This is an excellent continuation of the story. This copy had some typos that were a little distracting, but Hallie still kicks butt and takes names! I can't wait for the final book in the series later this year!!
January 15, 2026
excellent story
This excellent story is part of a great series. There are great characters and a very interesting storyline. Cannot wait for the final book.
Book 1 was when I found Vanessa Nelson, but I’m reading other of her books now.
This excellent story is part of a great series. There are great characters and a very interesting storyline. Cannot wait for the final book.
Book 1 was when I found Vanessa Nelson, but I’m reading other of her books now.
January 15, 2026
I loved the story, Hallie finally gets to leave the city but it's a busman's holiday. The relationship between Hallie and Girard continues to grow and the story itself weaves various previous strands in unexpected ways. I can't wait to see how it all comes together.
January 18, 2026
I love this author and this series, but this book didn’t seem to have a purpose. Overly long descriptions of places that weren’t central to the plot. This felt like it could have been half the number of pages. It takes place on an island with very few characters. Seems like a side quest.
January 18, 2026
It’s okay. For all the hardships that Hallie and Girard endured, there wasn’t much feeling of genuine peril. The overall effect was to make the book rather bland. I will probably pick up the last volume in the series
January 22, 2026
New job and new travels for ex bounty hunter
Another piece of the world to explore, and human only settlement isn’t quite what you might think. Action-adventure fact finding mission on Paradise. Looking forward to the next installment. Definitely read the previous novels first.
Another piece of the world to explore, and human only settlement isn’t quite what you might think. Action-adventure fact finding mission on Paradise. Looking forward to the next installment. Definitely read the previous novels first.
January 24, 2026
satisfying
An action packed read with just enough strange things going on to keep both our investigators and this reader curious to find out what’s really happening. I can’t wait for book six!
An action packed read with just enough strange things going on to keep both our investigators and this reader curious to find out what’s really happening. I can’t wait for book six!
January 25, 2026
another stellar installment
Nelson’s books are always intriguing, comforting, challenging and creative to me. The worlds and characters she builds and evolves *always* keep my interest and always leave me wanting more installments from this author. Well done Ms. Nelson!
Nelson’s books are always intriguing, comforting, challenging and creative to me. The worlds and characters she builds and evolves *always* keep my interest and always leave me wanting more installments from this author. Well done Ms. Nelson!
January 27, 2026
I wasn’t as fond of AN UNEASY PEACE as the last book in this series. The plot seemed to meander a bit, and a hundred pages could have easily been shaved. Several subplots were left open as well. Regardless, I’ll definitely continue the series.
February 4, 2026
4.0
Ow I am to the point that always frustrates me when my reading speed outpaces the writing speed of the author. I thought for sure I would end closer to the coming book but was not to be. I am enjoying these characters.
Ow I am to the point that always frustrates me when my reading speed outpaces the writing speed of the author. I thought for sure I would end closer to the coming book but was not to be. I am enjoying these characters.
January 14, 2026
A fun, fast paced read
I love Vanessa Nelson‘s books and this one was no disappointment! I’ve already placed my order for her next one!
I love Vanessa Nelson‘s books and this one was no disappointment! I’ve already placed my order for her next one!
January 17, 2026
Intriguing world
Great word building in an captivating story. The mc's strength is the backbone of the read. Definitely recommend reading this series.
Great word building in an captivating story. The mc's strength is the backbone of the read. Definitely recommend reading this series.
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