Born from the Broken: Memories of Memnara

by Julieanna Mac

Six years ago, her husband gambled their unborn twins in the Quadrant Trials. He thought he was outsmarting them, until he died screaming, and the empire took her children anyway.

Now Elira has entered the Trials herself, determined to burn the world down to get them back. But the man who kept her alive, her protector, the one she was falling for despite every vow she made, had been lying the whole time. He is Sorin Valcairn, ruler of Osteria, and he orchestrated every moment of her suffering. He wanted her to lose. To be broken. To owe him everything.

Elira finds herself trapped in his palace of golden lies, where her twins are alive and loved and happy. Elira wants to hate him. But the space between vengeance and desire is thinner than a blade.

Born from the Broken is the first in a captivating, emotional romantasy trilogy of impossible choices, stolen magic, and a love that could ignite a revolution or destroy everything. Perfect for readers who crave morally grey anti-heroes, high-stakes political intrigue, and romance that leaves scars.

564 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 1, 2026

Reviews

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start with this because this was such a refreshing read for me. I’ve never experienced a book written in the way this one was. The grief was so raw and gritty it was almost as if I was connected to the character and experiencing her emotions as she experienced them. I also loved how the FMC is older than is normally portrayed because it shows that age doesn’t mean you need to be a badass. I need the second book so bad because wow. Another series to add to my favourites.

This was an ARC and the book comes out in April so I really highly recommend you read it, especially if you love a dark fantasy romance. Thank you so much to Julianna for allowing me access to this early.

[Nicole Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

No matter what I write, I fear I cannot do this book justice. It’s such a beautifully written tragic romantasy book that had me going through a plethora of emotions with the FMC. It’s a story about what a mother would go through and do for her children, and it’s so beautiful.

The grief, pain, and fury she goes through in this story is so vivid it’s as if you are going through it with her and has you rooting for her throughout.

Recently, I have read a lot of romantasy books with the same formula, which has left me feeling sceptical about picking up a new one, but this one is so unique and different from others that it is so refreshing.

We have our FMC, Elira, who has gone through the ultimate pain a mother can go through, having her babies taken from her. To get them back, she voluntarily goes through trials to win the ultimate prize, a favour from the ruler, Sorin Valcarin. Unfortunately, Elira is not successful, and as such, we navigate her journey through her grief, her fight for her children, and navigating through the consequences of failing the trials.

We then have our morally grey, hot, sexy ruler of a MMC, Sorin. Ngl, at times, he pissed me the hell off, but there were also times I swooned. He is charming and cruel and wants Elira and does not hide this at all…like he ain’t subtle 🤣 The tension and chemistry between him and Elira is electric, and that betrayal cut so deep I just cannot.

Not only do we navigate through the characters’ story and development, we are also introduced to a political system that holds a lot of sexism, bias, and corruption, and we see Elira trying to find her way to survive this corrupt system for the sake of her children. Every choice she makes seems impossible, and Elira has to choose between her children and her love for Sorin.

I was so emotionally invested by the end of the book that I grasped at the ending. Like, how can it be left on that cliffhanger!! So cruel, and I honestly cannot wait for book 2.

[Candice Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book, and wow!

This story is full of ups and downs. It’s Romantasy story with a bit of everything including espionage, tragedy, betrayal, and mixed in with an enemies to lovers and love triangle situation. It has magic, but doesn’t read like a typical magical book and creates a unique world different from others I’ve read in other fantasy books.

The FMC, Elira, shows so many different sides of herself in this story, and so many of them are relatable you can easily find yourself rooting for her while screaming when things go off the rails. The fury of a mother fighting for her children is like no other.

The story has a lot going on in the background that has you trying to understand motivations and if they are genuine, or not. There’s an intricate chess match being played, but you don’t have all the pieces keeping the story anything but predictable.

Sorin is the epitome of morally grey, and when those moments of genuine emotion come through, you cannot help but forget his past mistakes.

This is a great first book, and I’m excited to see more of what’s to come in this series!

[Gina S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this story.

"The first Valcairn ruler wore power like a lover's touch: pure undeniable, and seductive."

"Hope was a powerful drug, even when it came laced with poison."

Firstly I want to praise Julieanna's writing, there were so many times I highlighted sentences that were incredibly beautiful. I'm also happy that she put the trials back in, I decided to not read the book until they were to make sure I got a better understanding of the magic system.

The trials were so exciting and you got to understand the players and their motives as well as the cruelties of mined magic. Speaking of magic, I loved the concept of trapping memories in the coins, I would have loved to know even more. I'm sure they will come up in book two.

I did however have a few gripes with aspects of the story. Personally none of the characters save from Liora felt like they were older. If we weren't told that the trio were in their 30s/late 30s I would have guessed 21.

I also wished we had scenes where Elira really showed her strength, she was mostly saved by the men physically in the trials and when one disappeared she would run to lean on the next mentally. There were pockets of her showing her magical strength but she was always breaking like glass mentally.

For me a 3 star read isn't bad. It means I finished the book and mostly enjoyed it. :)

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved how the FMC was older and had kiddos. Nothing says feminine rage quite like mama bear energy ya know?

I thought the pacing was a little hard to follow, but all in all it was a good read. The end twist kind of threw me an I had several questions because WHY?!?! BUT I think she is setting this up for a really cool world full of political intrigue & for that, I’m down.

I found the characters to be written in a way that was realistic, relatable and very...human. So definitely points for that as well!

I read @julieanna_mac’s book in January and I’m still thinking about it so…

Truly it was a well written book with my only issue being some of the pacing or time jumps between chapters. Definitely not a deal breaker and I’m excited for book 2!

[Brigid Wander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully tragic story about the lengths that a parent will go through for their children. It has a unique and intriguing magic system that I have not yet seen and is filled with themes of touch her and die, morally gray MMC, enemies to lovers, strong FMC, and an ending that made my jaw drop. Thank you so much Julieanna Mac for the opportunity to read this ARC! Cannot wait to see where this story takes us in the future!

[Stephslayzzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really ended up loving this book.

It follows Elira as she enters the Quadrant Trials and gets pulled into a dangerous, political, magic-filled situation where the truth is constantly shifting. The stakes felt high right away and I was hooked.

One of my favorite things was that Elira is older than the typical romantasy heroine. She has history, grief, and real weight behind her decisions, which made her feel very real and easy to root for.

I also really liked the multiple POV format. Getting glimpses into other characters added tension and made certain moments hit harder.

There’s an early chapter that shows some of the Houses and the kind of power they hold through a family caught in the middle. I understood why it was included, but I did find myself wondering if we’ll come back to those people later, because it felt important.

If I had one small critique, it’s that parts toward the end moved pretty quickly. I wouldn’t have minded slowing down and sitting with a few developments a little longer.

With a love triangle, a morally grey MMC, and a strong hero energy on the other side, the character dynamics were so good.

I was completely invested, and the ending left me very ready for book two. It’s a strong start to the series, especially for readers who love high stakes, emotional tension, and complicated characters.

ARC provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC Review ⭐️
Wow what a book and what a story! I had the privilege of being gifted the advanced copy and it’s amazing, great world building, multiple first person POVs. The ending was so brutal!
We follow Elira into trials she is determined to win so she can claim something back that was taken from her when her husband did the trials. She encounters a couple of very irresistible men along the way, making her choose which one she should be with as they both have different personalities and qualities. However, things take the turn for the worse and now she has to decide if by giving into one will grant her the freedom she needs to claim back what was taken and become a pawn ♟️ in a bigger game or choosing the other, become a rebel and limit that chance of freedom and the chance of never reaching the thing she most desires!

⭐️unique magic system
⭐️found family
⭐️deadly trials
⭐️revenge plotting

[Jade Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the broken had everything I needed in a fantasy featuring my favourite trope - deadly trials and I absolutely devoured it!

It was an enchanting combination of

* political drama where loyalities are tested and broken
*male love interests who really shouldn't be love interests but are too hard to ignore
*a feisty female main character who has been broken one too many times and now WILL NOT BACK DOWN. (and i'm sat for it)
*a unique magic system
*impossible choices that leave you screaming at the characters and yet wishing you could wrap them up all nice and safe (naughty author being mean!)

But what I loved the most about it was that Elira (FMC) was a mother who just wanted her children back. This struck a hard cord and I must admit, I was nervous to read it, because it is a trigger for me (as a mother myself, the idea - I can't even write it- breaks my heart), but Julieanna Mac handled this so well, and portrayed the absolute insane depths a mother will go to for her children. I love that finally, here, is a character I can relate to, and stand by, and I just felt so SEEN reading this.

Sorin, the male love interest is not morally grey as of typical romantasies - he isn't morally grey to make him more attractive - no, he is dangerous, and complicated and broken, and oh, I went through so many conflicted thoughts reading this novel.

It's a powerful, emotional read, that you shouldn't go into lightly, with a strong plot backbone and characters that are complex and REAL.

Read. Devour. Scream (nicely) at the author for being mean to the characters. This is going to be a hot read for 2026. Thank you for letting me be one of the first to get my hands on it (ARC copy)!

[Gigglesley Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the Broken by Julieanna Mac
Book 1 of Memories of Memnara
1st April 2026

Thank to Julieanna for the gifted eARC and allowing me to travel this amazing journey with you. This is my unbiased review.

Born from the Broken is a Romantasy that will tear our your heart with claws of rage, lies and betrayal and leave it bleeding.

The book is told in multi POV and I have to say that this is how multi POV should be done! Even though you get everyone’s thoughts, the twist, betrayals and gut wrenching emotions are visceral and surprising. That is down to Julieanna’s immersive writing skills. By 10% I was hooked, by 50% I was all in and when I finished my emotions were rung out and I had to take time to process and fully digest the masterpiece that is Born from the Broken because that cliff hanger was criminally good.

This book is raw, emotionally devastating and intriguing. The political machinations that weave through the story are riveting, the world and magic system are unique. And the characters are so well developed you understand their nuances and somehow almost understand the reasoning for their actions even when they infuriate you.

I’ll say it again the book was a masterpiece, I haven’t felt this lost and desperate for the story to continue in years

[Zoë Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book…

Upon receiving this book as an advanced readers copy I did not know what to expect. The blurb seemed interesting and unique so I was very intrigued.

After starting to read it, at first I was rather confused between some of the interactions and emotions of some of the characters, it wasn’t until later on that I began to understand some of the details. Since then I have spoken with the lovely Julieanna and some of these things that are intrinsic to the story will be held within the trails (which I currently do not have) and is in the process of some editorial changes ;).

Updated:
When I originally received this ARC the trials had been removed at the editorial stage, however a lot of the story seemed to be missing and somethings were hard to understand. On the second ARC run the trials were added back in and the whole story came together perfectly, explaining actions and reactions characters took and why they felt as they did.

For the lovers of hunger games, dystopian and morally grey characters. This book encompasses them all in a new way with a magical system that favours the rich and powerful, the MFC has to go through trials to fight for the return of her children who had been taken during the last trials. Because of this it brought a whole new depth to the story along with a lot of heartache and longing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the characters and the story. It held me captivated from start to finish, wanting to know what was going to happen to them all. As it happens I now can’t wait for book two to find out what happens next for these lovely and morally grey characters.

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a seriously astonishing, immersive, and unforgettable read for me, and that says something, with the amount I read.
Born from the Broken: Memories of Memnara by Julieanna Mac is the kind of book (to me) that reminds you why storytelling really matters. From the very first chapter, Julieanna delivers the reader a world so vividly constructed, atmospheric, with such an emotional connection, that it felt less like reading and more like stepping through a doorway into Memnara itself.

The worldbuilding was like a masterclass with regards to balance— it was rich without being overwhelming, imaginative and immersive without losing emotional grounding. Every location feels crafted with history, culture, and purpose, and not just thrown in to expand a word count. Julieanna uses incredible sensory details and layers of lore to steadily build an expansive world, while allowing it to maintain complete clarity. It’s the kind of world that feels ancient (yet alive), shaped by conflicts, traditions, and secrets that surface at exactly the right moments!

The characters within the pages are as equally as stunning. They’re written flawed, resilient, and achingly human, even though we know, they aren’t entirely human at all!! Julianna has a SERIOUS gift for creating characters, who have such incredibly emotional journeys and those journeys stay with you long after the last the story (currently still rent free in my head). Their motivations within the story are believable, their relationships are complex, and their growth is both incredibly well earned and deeply satisfying. The protagonist’s evolution, in particular, is a page turning in itself! Every internal struggle and every triumph hits with a real human emotional weight, that just hits you right in the chest.

I completely LOVED Julieanna's writing style, its almost lyrical without ever sacrificing its clarity. Her writing blends poetic expression with sharp, impactful storytelling. It’s immersive, cinematic (im such a visual reader), and evocative, the kind of style that makes you stop in awe and reread lines because they’re that beautiful. The pacing through the novel is spot-on: its thoughtful and steady in the world-heavy moments, are depicted sharp and electric when the narrative turns.

And then it comes to the twist. That twist is the kind of turning point that doesn’t just surprise you—it blows EVERY THEORY you had out of the water!!! Everything you thought you understood, you REALLY didnt. Although Julieanna secretly and awesomely plants snippets of clues throughout the novel, with such subtlety. When the reveal hits, it just shocking and inevitable floors you ALL AT ONCE. Possibly causing a "HUH WHAT OMG" Reread 3 or more times of it!! It’s bold, brilliantly executed, and emotionally devastating in every which way possible. This moment alone elevated the book from great to unforgettable!!! I SERIOUSLY NEED A PHYSICAL OF THIS BOOK.

The ending of the book ties every threads together with precision and serious heart. It left me feeling completely satisfied. It also was a bittersweet moment, and full of promise. Julieanna to me avoids easy simple answers and instead delivers an ending that honors the characters journeys, while leaving just enough mystery lingering in your mind. It’s the rare finale that feels both complete and like the beginning of something even larger. And I CANNOT WAIT to see if there's a book 2 💝💝

Ovwrall from me. This ARC proves Julieanna has crafted a masterpiece. Born from the Broken: Memories of Memnara is deeply imaginative, emotionally gripping, and exquisitely written. A must-read for anyone who loves fantasy with soul, substance, and stunning surprises. Six stars, without hesitation, again and again

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my review of the E-ARC of born from the broken that is releasing April 1st

born from the broken is one of those books that stays with you.. and I mean stays with you!!! because I am wrecked and heartbroken in the most perfect way

the emotions I felt when reading this book, I was feeling everything the FMC Elira was feeling… I got angry when she was… I felt the love and lust for the MMC Sorin she was feeling and I cried when she was upset and denied the very thing she wanted most.. her babies.. her children (there’s only so many books that have made me cry as bad as I did)
so you will be feeling all the emotions that our FMC is feeling at the time she is feeling them-

Elira is the exact kind of FMC I’ve been looking for in a romantasy.. she’s not this young.. defenceless girl who needs protection.. Elira is an older more mature fmc and she’s just as much a badass if not better than younger fmcs!! she’s just a mama doing everything she can to get her babies back

Sorin is also the kind of MMC I’ve been wanting to read.. yes the shadow daddy’s and fae men are nice and all but Sorin? oh he’s another level.. the chemistry and tension and slow burn between him and Elira? wow… he’s sweet… and charming.. flirtatious and cruel all in the one package and had me honestly questioning myself but when does romantasy males not? he’ll piss you off and make you fall for him all in the one..

It’s the perfect blend of enemies to lovers.. love triangles.. secrets.. deception.. magic… trials.. deadly trials and grief all packed into one.. I honestly do recommend you read if you’re a romantasy person.. even if you’re not a parent (like myself) you can really enjoy born from the broken and feel all the emotions that Elira is feeling it’s that well written!! (Let me add the Trials were added in after the arc was released and it was the best thing to do and I’m so glad I held off on reading more until those trials were added or really tied the story together!)

I was in a book slump for the past couple months of the new year and hunkering down and reading the ARC brought me out of it, I was that captivated.. and sucked into the story..
it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will scar you but you will love it and still want more with the twists and the cliffhanger!! It honestly gave me an escape to a different place which is what I look for in romantasy and fantasy books, that they help me escape and BFTB did exactly that!

I want to thank Julieanna for allowing me to be apart of her ARC team (it was my first time doing something like this) and reading the Advance reader copy of born from the broken, it’s been an honour and I’ve loved every part of it and I cannot wait to read the second book!! I honestly don’t think my review can do her book justice so you’ll need to read it and see how good it is because it is!! and I wish I could rate higher than 5 stars because to me it’s a 10 star

💫 Older FMC
💫 Morally Gray MMC
💫 Enemies to Lovers
💫 Found Family
💫 Deadly Trials
💫 Heartache
💫 Betrayal
💫 Unique Magic System
💫 immersive world building

[Booksandpurrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️ 6 out of 5
Rating a book a 6 is not an easy hand out, but this truly deserves a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finished ARC reading this book and needed to sit with my thoughts before writing this, because I wanted to do this incredible story the justice it deserves.

I haven’t read a book in a long time that moved me through so many emotions. By the end, the devastation I felt, the turmoil… I’ll try not to include spoilers.

From very early on, I knew I wanted to devour every single word. And I did. I took my time with it.

Elira is our FMC, and watching her character develop was powerful. The anger she carries is so raw. Her time during the trials truly shaped who she is, and I felt like I understood her, why she is the way she is. And nope, definitely not a whiny FMC.

Sorin… “Hello little lynx”… oof. He was so many things, the banter, the confidence, the tenderness, the control 😉 I was left wanting much, much more of him.

Kairis, solid and grounded. And how can I not mention Serah, I loved her character. Everything she’s been through, yet that underlying determination.

Chapter by chapter, I couldn’t decide whose team I was on. One minute I was firmly Team Sorin, the next I was completely Team Kairis. I found myself groaning and saying “WHY?!” more times than I can count, but it all came together so brilliantly. The slow burn… ohhhhhh the slow burnnnnnn 🔥🔥

This book has so much to offer, depth, history, banter, yearning spice, emotional intelligence. The struggles Elira endures, every emotion she feels, and even what Serah feels, I could imagine so vividly. I was so immersed in this world that when I reached the end, I was SHOCKED. I literally flipped back and forth thinking, “wait… WHAAAAAAAAAT????!! THIS CANNOT BE THE END!!!”

And yet… it was. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, I realised I absolutely did not.

This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Julieanna Mac is a fantastic author, open to feedback and clearly trusting her instincts. Thank you for including the trials, I honestly can’t imagine this book without them.

I love long, detailed books. Stories where you become so lost you forget everything else around you. This was exactly that.

Thank you, Julieanna Mac, for letting me be part of your ARC team. This is an incredible piece of work. And please… where is the next book? ❤️

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tvisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a jaw dropping ending! I never saw these turn of events coming 😳

It's heartbreaking really 😭 The end of the book left me screaming.....desperately waiting for Book 2!!

This book has everything you need and much more.....Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Action, Deadly trials, Yearning, Loss, Revenge etc.

I never expected this story to be a Love triangle but guess what even I'm surprised 😳
Oh how it feels to be loved by both men & they fight each other just to have a moment with you 🤭
I loved every second of it! Their jealousy is top notch 🤣

The plot is engaging with high stakes, irresistible chemistry, conflict & emotional investment 🔥
The pace is slow giving every detail about the characters & surroundings
The main context of the book around which it revolves is ~

'He raised her children, Now he wants her'

So Elira is a single mother who lost her children to the deal made in quadrant trials by her ignorant husband which led her to take part in the trials herself on the condition of getting her children back. She is determined to find her children & get them back 🔥

Elira is portrayed as a 30 yr old single mother who is strong, smart, beautiful & feisty! Love her energy & determination!!

Sorin is portrayed as a heartless dictator who rules everyone & 12 Vasharas by carefully harvesting & siphoning the magic with an intention to prevent war & oppression! Though he is ruthless it turns out that he has a huge heart which he opens up to his loved ones (Elira & her children). He's a great father & tries his best to be a great husband to Elira! Though I hate him a little (you'll know when you read the book 😉)

Killian, GOSH Killian, i swear he's the besttttttttt character amongst all. Love him 😭😭😭😭❤️ Bruhhhhhh! Elira, forget Sorin just bag Killian instead (HE'S THE MAN OF OUR DREAMS!!)
He's caring, appreciative, flirty, polite, has a great sense of humor, stands up for you, knows what he's doing!

Tropes:
Hidden identity
Deadly trials
Unique magic
Forced proximity
Morally gray MMC
Love triangle
Widowed FMC in 30s
Single mom
Fiesty FMC
Yearning
Slow burn
Intense chemistry
Enemies to lovers to emotional destruction
Twisted ending
Double crossing
Found family

Thankyou Author Julieanna for giving me this Beautiful ARC 😍❤️

[Amanda N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Julieanna for allowing me an advance copy of Born from the Broken. I will try to keep this spoiler free.
This book had my emotions everywhere. I love when a story can do that. The most prominent emotion I felt was frustration which is not entirely bad, but not entirely good either. Definitely something powerful.
Let me start with what I loved. The plot was amazing. There is a tournament filled with trials, shifting alliances, and unexpected friendships. The action was exciting, but it was the bonds formed during the trials that truly stood out to me. This was my favorite part. I found myself invested in so many of the characters. With most of them being middle aged and carrying heavy trauma, there was a depth and maturity to their arcs that added to their every interaction.
The world building was easy to grasp, never overwhelming, and woven naturally into the narrative. The magic system was intriguing, and the twisty, layered plot kept me turning pages. Every new reveal about the characters’ pasts made the story even more addictive.
Now for the romance. This is where my emotions went a little crazy and where most of my frustration came from. At first, it seemed like a love triangle. I’m still not entirely sure if that’s what it was, but in my opinion, it never should’ve been one. There was a very clear “winner,” and the fact that the heroine, who I genuinely respected and saw as strong, allowed herself to feel anything for the other man drove me absolutely nuts. Yes, there’s a sort of magical connection that might explain some of it, but it didn’t feel like enough to justify her reactions. I understand her trauma, but the number of times she leaned on the idea that “her body betrayed her” made me lose a bit of respect for her choices.
By the end, I’m still not sure where anyone stands romantically, but honestly, none of that outweighs how fantastic the story itself is. And that ending was a little diabolical. Cruel, even. The kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to scream, but in a good way. Especially knowing this was an ARC and now I have to wait even longer for book two.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born From the Broken by Julieanna MacPherson is a sophisticated addition to the Romantasy genre, distinguishing itself through its raw emotional depth and unconventional protagonist. In this high-stakes debut, MacPherson delivers a dark and addictive narrative centered on Elira, a mother fighting to reclaim her children five years after the devastating "Trials." Moving away from standard genre tropes, the story excels in its characterization by featuring an older female lead whose strength is rooted in experience and maternal instinct rather than youthful bravado. Elira’s journey is defined by a "mother’s fury"—a visceral, driving force that makes her survival and sacrifices deeply relatable to the reader.
​The narrative is structured like an intricate chess match, utilizing a multi-POV format to weave a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and shifting loyalties. This structure allows for a balanced exploration of a tense love triangle involving two compelling male leads, including Sorin, the ruler of Osteria. Sorin serves as the epitome of a morally grey character, whose protective nature is balanced by rare flashes of genuine vulnerability and significant emotional development. MacPherson’s world-building is notably unique, offering a fresh magic system that avoids the predictable rhythms of traditional fantasy and creates a world that feels both distinct and lived-in.
​Ultimately, Born From the Broken is an unflinchingly gritty portrayal of grief and the lengths a parent will go to for their family. MacPherson skillfully handles themes of raw loss and political intrigue, culminating in a jaw-dropping conclusion that sets the stage for a grand-scale conflict. This debut marks the start of a trilogy that promises to be as seductive as it is devastating, making it a must-read for those who prefer their fantasy with a side of intellectual intrigue and emotional grit. Given the intense and visceral nature of the themes explored, please read the trigger warnings before starting this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

A Devastating, Unforgettable Masterpiece
Born from the broken throws you into the brutal world of Dariana, where magic is currency, power is stolen, and survival is a gamble. Elira, a woman hardened by loss and fueled by vengeance, enters the Quadrant Trials. The trials are a deadly competition ruled Sorin. She enters the trails not just to win, but to burn the system that destroyed her family to the ground. Six years ago her husband walked into the same trails believing he could cheat fate. We can all guess what happened to him.
But... the trials are more than a test, they’re a harvest, a machine designed to break people down and feed on their desperation. As Elira navigates alliances, illusions, and the ghosts of her past, she’s forced to confront not just her enemies, but the fractured parts of herself she’s spent years burying.
This book was a beautifully written story. It was dark and brutal and had a ton of emotional depth. It was devastating to see what Elira needs to navigate and overcome. Her pain felt so very real, it was like you felt every scar, moment of hesitation or burst of defiance.
I loved how the trials were written. There was so much detail woven into it. It felt like the trials were a metaphor for systemic oppression. Not sure if Julieanna mend it that way, but I think it is beautiful how it can be interpreted like that. Without giving away spoilers... that first trail, the trial of perception, mind blowing.
This book is not just about survival, no... it is about what you're willing to destroy to reclaim what was stolen.

The book ends in a cliffhanger so good! It leaves the road open for the next book in this series. I know where I will be waiting for.

[georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the Broken is a heart wrenching story that had me in tears throughout. The moment we enter the trials alongside Elira, we’re immediately swept into the action! Upon meeting both Kairis and Varyn/Sorin, I didn’t know who I was rooting for (and neither did Elira!).

The trials were interesting and action packed. The tension was high and carried a real sense of danger. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat. Each trial was fast paced, and the story moved quickly without ever leaving me feeling like I was missing something.

Julieanna has a real talent for writing the (anti?) villain, making me love him and despise him while never excusing his “bad guy” actions. Sorin is a man who broke my heart. His emotions, his character, his reasoning. All of it made me shed a tear for what he’s lost and continues to lose. He truly is a flawed character, and you can clearly see where the cracks in his humanity originated.

Kairis, on the other hand, felt almost too human. He felt so deeply, and you could almost see the pain and heartbreak he carried. Through his actions and gentleness with Elira and Serah, he showed he is the opposite of his large and intimidating appearance when in the company of those he cares about, making him equally terrifying to anyone who would seek to harm them.

The side characters were also easy to connect with, and I found myself wanting to know more. *cough* Killian *cough*.

As a mother myself, hearing Elira’s heartbreak over and over as the chapters unfolded was devastating. Julieanna wrote Elira’s thoughts and emotions spectacularly, and it felt incredibly real, making the impact of the climax all the heavier and more crushing.

Born from the Broken was fantastic, and if you love romantasy, two strong and pining MMCs peppered with spice, great world building, and a story that will have you bathing in a puddle of your own tears, you’ve found the perfect book!

I am incredibly grateful for this ARC, thank you Julieanna, you have created something magical!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Julieanna Mac for the e-ARC of her debut novel, Born from the Broken (Expected: April 1, 2026).

This multi-POV Romantasy follows Elira and two MMCs, Sorin and Kairis. We meet Elira in the aftermath of "The Trials," trapped with Sorin, the ruler of Osteria, as she bargains for the children taken from her five years prior.

💖What I Loved
It is refreshing to see a Romantasy featuring an FMC over 30. Elira’s maturity shapes her trauma, her decisions, and her fierce maternal drive. Mac uses internal monologue effectively to convey Elira's grief, while the shifting perspectives of Sorin and Kairis hint at a deeper mystery. The political intrigue adds a compelling layer that I hope to see expanded upon in the trilogy.

📝The Gentle Nitpick
Starting after the Trials occasionally felt like being dropped into the middle of a story, as if there were a prequel missing to explain our starting point. While this confusion is a stylistic choice reflecting the characters' memory loss, it initially made it harder to connect emotionally with the world. I would have loved more immediate depth regarding the rebellion’s motivations and the specific costs and rules of the magic system.

🍵Final Verdict
I am intrigued by this world. While the narrative begins answering deeper questions around the 60% mark, I’m looking forward to Book 2 to uncover the truth behind the Trials and the history between Elira and Sorin. The ending features a twist that definitely leaves you wanting more. I'm excited to see how this world expands!

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born From The Broken
By Julieanna Mac
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Born From The Broken by Julieanna Mac is a devastatingly beautiful debut and a seductive start to a new "romantasy" trilogy that left me absolutely wrecked and desperate for the next installment. The story centers on Elira Varos, a resilient mother whose world was shattered six years ago when her husband gambled away their unborn twins in the deadly Quadrant Trials. After years of isolation and grief, Elira enters the trials herself, determined to reclaim her children from the empire that stole them. However, she quickly discovers that her protector and the man she was falling for is actually Sorin Valcairn, the morally grey ruler of Osteria, who orchestrated her suffering to ensure she would owe him everything.
The emotional depth of this book is incredible; Mac has a gift for making you feel every ounce of Elira’s desperation and raw pain as she navigates a palace built on "golden lies". I was completely hooked by the intense world-building, the unique magic traits of the different houses, and the high-stakes political intrigue that simmers just beneath the surface. The romance is a masterclass in tension, featuring a complex love triangle between a wild, fiery character and a man who represents a familiar, powerful strength. It is a gritty, unhinged journey that explores how love can be both a sanctuary and a weapon, making it a must-read for fans of morally grey anti-heroes and high-stakes trials.

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Georgia Rose Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my lord.

Well.
Where to start?!
It's been a while since I read a book written so beautifully that I could really FEEL the emotions.
It was an honour to ARC for this book, and if you're here reading reviews because you're considering reading the book... DO IT!
For the first time in ages, I felt truly connected to a character, and became so utterly immersed, feeling emotions alongside them, and dare I say I became addicted to this book.
A tragic and beautiful story, portraying grief and the lengths a parent will go to for their child. There are betrayals and revenge, loss and heartache, magic and morally grey characters... Are you sold yet?!
As I'm writing this, I wasn't to go into details and gish about it, and I find myself having to censor stuff out and rewrite the review so as not to spoil it for anyone or give anything away...
But if you want to feel? - Read this book.
Stuck in a book slump? - Read this book.
Bored? - Read this book.
Waiting for your stop on the bus/train? - Read this book.
Looking to sell your soul to the book gods? THEN READ. THIS. BOOK.

No review I could ever write could ever do justice for what I've just read.
Thankyou again to the phenomenal author Julieanna Mac for this opportunity to be among the first to read it, and please note... I'm going to be nipping at your heels for the follow up!!

Keywords: Romantasy, grief, betrayal, pain, morally grey, En2Lo

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the Broken completely pulled me in from the very first pages. I was invested straight away and didn’t want to look away.

At its core, this story felt like a mother navigating impossible choices. Elira’s internal conflict is what stayed with me most, the tension between longing for her children and being drawn into something much bigger than herself. Every decision she makes seems to unravel another layer of deception, and watching her slowly realise just how deep the manipulation runs kept me emotionally hooked. Beneath all the magic and intrigue, there’s simply a mother trying to reunite with her children, and that emotional anchor grounds everything.

Sorin… I am still sitting with him. I found myself in that same push and pull Elira experiences. I wanted to trust him, to believe there was something redeeming there, but I was never quite sure where he stood. Hero, villain, something in between. That moral tension made the dynamic feel layered and unpredictable in a way I genuinely enjoyed.

The blend of magic and political manoeuvring held my focus right through to the final pages. I loved not quite knowing who was telling the truth, who was playing which side, and how all the threads would come together. It kept my attention completely and left me wanting more.

I received an ARC copy of this book, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.

[Riette Beling · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional rollercoaster! Nothing in this book was as it seems and there were so many little twists and truths revealed throughout, that I could not stop myself from reading until it was done. Elira enters the magical trials to win back the only thing she has ever wanted - her children! Her husband died years ago in the same trials (you will have to read this to see why the children are involved!!!) and now she has to face her fears and get over the grief of loosing her partner so that she can get back what is hers. The world building in this was so good - I loved all the different houses with their unique magic traits and styles. And of course Elira has to be smack in the middle of the craziest love triangle!! Enemies to lovers/friends to lovers ..... what a friggin choice!! This was fast paced and engaging, filled with raw emotion, the dread in Elira was palpable all the way through. I feel there is so much more to be learnt about Sorin, Kairis and Serah and I suppose the perfect buildup to the next book in the series. A fantastic Romantasy that keeps you turning the page, highly recommend to the fantasy readers!

I was so lucky to be gifted an advanced reader copy by @julieanna_mac , thank you for having me on this exciting journey with you!

[The Red Robin Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the Broken
Book 1

Gosh, this book is an emotional rollercoaster.

It follows the FMC Elira, whose husband gambles their unborn twins in the Quadrant Trails.

Six-years later Elira enters the trials to try and get her children back.

In the trials, Elira ends up banding with a group of people, two of which she feels a “pull” towards. The author creates such a strong connection between Elira and both of these men that it genuinely feels conflicting because you literally CANNOT CHOOSE 😭

The trials were added back in later after the author spoke with the ARC readers (honestly how incredible is it that this author created such a safe ARC group that they could share this with her 🥹). And I’m so glad she did add back in the trials because they are epic and showcase Elira’s magical abilities that you are aware of as the reader while she is unaware. It’s also where the relationships between the characters start to form.

That being said the trials are only a part of this story and the next phase of the story looking at the aftermath of the trials, the hidden identity and betrayals is incredible. Finding out about Sorin, the ruler of Osteria, has been the one looking after her twins not only sent Elira into a spin but me too! This author really left me consistently conflicted and at some points shouting (in my head) at the characters and decisions being made.

The side characters are also really interesting and I cannot wait to read more about them in book two. *cough* Killian *cough*.

The ending left me equal parts shocked, confused (for myself) and angry (for Elira). And now I am defiantly Team Elira 😂 because girls support girls!

Cannot wait for the 2nd book!

Thank you for this ARC!

[Wine.and.pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟 /🌟
Thank you Julieanna for sending me your eARC.

Julieanna introduces us to Elira and a world of magic and politics. I loved that Elira was 33years old with another life before we meet her, she was married, she was happy, lived through the loss of her husband then the loss of her children. This backstory gave her such depth that I felt her pain and anguish.

Sorin the MMC is a complex character who I hope we get more time to unpick in the next book, he is morally grey but is so hardened over time that he has lost the ability to trust, which ultimately causes ALOT of the issues for himself and Elira.

There is a lot of cloak and dagger throughout the book, never really knowing who to trust (the final reveal was really something). I feel this is a book which would have been better broken in to different ‘parts’ as it does feel a little disorganised and disjointed at times. The trials were re-added which was absolutely the right thing to do but left the middle third of the book in no-man’s land. I devoured the first and last thirds of the book but felt the middle was a bit of a push.

All being said I did really enjoy myself and would recommend as a chunky read, be prepared to be angry, happy, confused and upset! Can’t wait for book 💞

[Victoria Laubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reviewer:

Born From the Broken is one of those stories that sinks into your chest and stays there.
The world-building is rich and immersive, but what truly wrecked me was the heart of this story: a mother fighting for her twins in a world that keeps asking her to sacrifice pieces of herself to survive.
Varyn is the kind of man you’re not supposed to love—dangerous, complicated, and impossible to stay away from. Every interaction is charged, every choice heavy. You feel the pull of him even when you know loving him isn’t the safe option.
What stood out most was how deeply I felt each character’s emotions. The pain, the fear, the quiet strength of a mother choosing protection over desire—choosing safety instead of the dangerous path of love—was written so honestly it hurt in the best way.
And the ending?
Shocking.
The kind that leaves you staring at the page, heart racing, already needing the next book.
This one isn’t just a fantasy romance—it’s a story about love, survival, and the impossible choices that change you forever.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story shows a few POV but the main one following Elira, it puts her through a world of pain, deception, and torment. One that she must continuously drag herself out of time and time again. It shows the power of a fight within a woman in a world powered by control from men. What a woman would put herself through for her children.

Overall it is a very good story that shows strong resilience but I did find myself a little disappointed with the ending as it kinda felt like it’s put her right back at the start. But this time she does have a better understanding of who she is and what’s she capable of. Which does open up perfectly for book 2.

This is why I give an overall rating of 4 ⭐ but I am definitely intrigued to know what she’s going to do now, is she going to continue with the rebellion or is it all a loss?

Trigger warnings
Emotional abuse
Child trafficking
Abduction
Death

[BrilliantWoman24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born from the Broken completely wrecked me in the best way. This book isn’t just a romance — it’s a raw, emotional journey about pain, healing, and finding love when you feel like you don’t deserve it. Julianne Mac does such a beautiful job capturing what it’s like to be shattered and still keep going.

The characters felt so real. The FMC’s trauma was written with honesty and care, and I loved watching her slowly learn to trust again. The MMC wasn’t perfect either, which made their connection even more meaningful. Their relationship wasn’t rushed or unrealistic — it built naturally, full of tension, vulnerability, and moments that genuinely made my chest ache.

What stood out most was the emotional depth. This book doesn’t shy away from hard topics, but it also doesn’t drown in them. There’s hope, softness, and real healing woven through every chapter. I found myself highlighting lines and pausing just to sit with certain moments.

If you love emotional romance, broken characters, and stories about second chances and survival, Born from the Broken is absolutely worth your time. Be ready to feel everything — heartbreak, warmth, and ultimately, hope. 💔✨

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been left in pieces by Born from the Broken after being given an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I felt every enotion, every challenege and all the loss! Especially loss of sleep as I struggled to put it down!!

To be thrown into the heart of a mature FMC shrouded with lost memories, heartache and a determination to overcome the impossible was refreshing. Although her heart apears indecisive when the 2 MMC are battling for her attention during some cruelling trials of survival her focus on her end goal doesnt fail.

The writing is gritty, sprinkled with a twisting romantasy vibe and a realm of magical discrimination. Everyone wants magic yet those that have it are either the privilidged or the hunted.

The depth we are dragged through Elira's emotions is punishing and I NEED to find out what happens next.

Born from the Broken is released in April and I would definitely recommend it to romantasy readers.