Breaking The Chains: Book One

by Lucan Jarnell

A kidnapped princess. A drug that enslaves minds. A tyrant's grip on two kingdoms.
The fragile peace between Hibanthis and Castonia is shattered when Lord Gailithe's hired brigands steal Princess Cassandra in the night. Now three desperate forces race to bring down his drug-fueled empire before it's too late.
The Rhodar, a disgraced general bound by blood oath, must lead an unlikely company through winter's teeth—a headstrong prince, a fierce survivor, and a mystic healer touched by the Shadow People. Every delay means Cassandra slips deeper into enemy hands.
The In Agon's shadows, rebels torch the narcotic fields that fuel tyranny, preparing the ground for revolution.
The Within the fortress, an unexpected ally emerges. Years of captivity haven't broken her—and she's ready to become the princess's shield.
From frozen wilds to poison-laced courts, rescuers, spies, and rebels converge on the capital. Breaking the chains of oppression will cost more than blood—it will demand everything they are.

507 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

Reviews

[Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have some complicated feelings about this story. On one hand, the plot and story are incredibly complex and super slow to build. I loved those aspects. I found it exhilarating waiting to see what would happen next, how things would happen, and how the heroes and villians would react. While there are some clear differences, the line between good and bad is a bit foggy and grey. Being in Gailithe's head and reading his thoughts, its easy to think he isnt all bad. He's trying to do whats best. Then you read Cassandra, Moya, and others and recognize how awful he truly is. Each character has a unique voice with important distinctions on their story. The reason its not 5 stars for me is the length of the chapters with no heading on who is talking. Yes the voices are distinct and I can tell the difference, others may not want to work that hard to recognize them all. There are a lot of povs and a lot of thoughts to keep track of. This author is new to me but based on what I read, I will pick up book 2. The story is slow going and long but there's so much happening that I see which will make the next book very interesting indeed

[Kayti Samm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. A lot of storylines to follow, but so an enjoyable start to the series

[Regina Postma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely read this book again and recommend this book to everyone that loves the fantasy and adventure style. I loved the portraying of the characters some would make you fall in love easily with them where as other characters instantly make you dislike them in a way that only villains can do.
The story can sometimes be a bit confusing because it jumps from one moment and view to another but the more you keep reading the more you understand the storyline.
The story has been written amazingly and it draws you in and wont let go. I’m not a fast reader on a tablet but managed to go through this book within 5 days after receiving it. I had a blast reading this book and I’m looking forward to the second part of this series.

[Stephanie White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book to a new series

I have never read a fantasy book where illegal drugs was an issue. Or maybe I didn’t catch on lol.

We have a multiple kingdom book here. One ruler has drugged their peasants. We have one that stopped supplying them with the flowers, we have multiple families and alliances who want a war. A princess kidnapped

A former general, witch, her friend, magical lion and prince who are attempting to save her along with mercenaries and good guys.

This book will keep you on your toes

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to a new series by Lucas Jarnell. The story starts out slow and takes time to build up. The characters were well developed with different characters having their own part in the story. There is adventure, action, some romance. Some of the characters you love and some not so much ( villians). Lucan's world building is brilliant and vivid. I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it!

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

100% would recommend this book while I feel the plot and story were slow to build but amazingly well written. I love how each character was portrayed. This was one of those reads where it sucks you in and keeps you reading.