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.

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.

[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!

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed with an ARC copy from the author on Christmas morning. After the craziness of the day I started reading and didn't want to put it down. I was yelling at the characters, cheering for them, feeling their emotions needless to say I was sucked in. I was drawn to the book as soon as I saw the main characters were in their 30's because Mom's and (older in book worlds) can still be magical, strong and feared. Why should all the young ones get that attention. The story starts off strong with world building and the dark possessive Sorin comes to light. Sorin is a dark manipulative man that has finally met his match in Elira. She will be his undoing. Elira the fmc is a mother determined to do anything for her children that were taken from her. She has some amazing growth throughout the book and magic that is second to none. My Mama heart broke right along side hers and squealed with delight when her daughter called her Mum for the first time. The author's writing paints little pictures in your mind and you feel like your actually watching it in real life. This book has some serious betrayal, magic, dark soul crushing emotion evoking parts and I wanted more. The book does have multiple pov's so if that isn't your cup of tea you ave been warned. Kairis is the real mmc at least to me he is. He is protective loving supporting man that would hurt anyone that hurts those he loves. The magic system and power are unique compared to other books. Born from the Broken has it all trials, dark mmc, memory loss, fights, magic, world building, trials,back stories and a strong fmc. Amazing story that will be blowing up in no time. I truly hope there is a book two because this reader needs more.

[Peter Littlefair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. I usually read fantasy, but this was an unexpected surprise my wife passed along for me to read. The introduction to the world and its characters is incredibly well written and immediately captivating.

There is an undercurrent of intrigue throughout, and you can tell something larger is being carefully set up for book two. This had me completely invested. I would normally avoid romance, as it can often feel contrived or exist solely to drive the plot, but here the motivations and actions of the characters are believable and emotionally well crafted.

This book has genuinely changed my opinion of the romantasy genre.

[Sophie India · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a romantasy novel that will be everything you hope for and somehow also everything you aren’t expecting (in the best way!) then this is it! 🙌🏼

✨ Forced proximity
✨ Stolen magic
✨ A morally grey MMC (with TRUE villain vibes)
✨ Hate to love you
✨ Hidden identity

With layered characters, emotional depth, and genuinely high stakes, Born from the Broken is a pacy well-written read that pulled me in from the very first page.