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The Fracturing
“By the time I finished, I was so invested I emailed the author to tell him I couldn’t wait for the next book.” - Amazon Reader
A 5-Star SPFBO 11 Entrant.
You’re going to root for people doing things you’d never forgive in real life.
A slave planning revenge that’ll burn kingdoms. A teenager discovering he’s built for killing. A girl who murdered her way to freedom. Three people in three kingdoms, each making the only choices they can—and living with the cost.
Character building is perfection. Readers call it “raw and authentic,” the kind of story where you forget you’re reading and just feel it. Multiple POVs that pull you in deep. Morally complex characters with no easy answers. Brutal choices that matter.
This is grimdark fantasy for readers who want more than heroes and villains—who want people. Flawed, desperate, dangerous people stuck in impossible situations.
Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law and the political complexity of Game of Thrones. No chosen ones. No prophecies. Just survival, consequence, and the question: what would you do?
Beneath the Grey Deep, something ancient is waking. What rises might be worse than what’s already here—or it might be exactly what this fracturing world deserves.
Epic fantasy that trusts you to decide who’s right.
A 5-Star SPFBO 11 Entrant.
You’re going to root for people doing things you’d never forgive in real life.
A slave planning revenge that’ll burn kingdoms. A teenager discovering he’s built for killing. A girl who murdered her way to freedom. Three people in three kingdoms, each making the only choices they can—and living with the cost.
Character building is perfection. Readers call it “raw and authentic,” the kind of story where you forget you’re reading and just feel it. Multiple POVs that pull you in deep. Morally complex characters with no easy answers. Brutal choices that matter.
This is grimdark fantasy for readers who want more than heroes and villains—who want people. Flawed, desperate, dangerous people stuck in impossible situations.
Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law and the political complexity of Game of Thrones. No chosen ones. No prophecies. Just survival, consequence, and the question: what would you do?
Beneath the Grey Deep, something ancient is waking. What rises might be worse than what’s already here—or it might be exactly what this fracturing world deserves.
Epic fantasy that trusts you to decide who’s right.
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
10 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Jalál C. Hockett
2 books6 followersJalál C. Hockett is a 22-year U.S. Army veteran writing unflinching grimdark fantasy from Texas. Inspired by George R.R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie, his Grey Deep series explores trauma, betrayal, and moral grayness in a drowned world with no heroes and no easy redemption.
Debut novel The Fracturing (Book One) is a 2026 SPFBO 11 entrant (Mark Lawrence’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off).
Book 2 drafting now.
Follow me!
X: @jalal_c_hockett
Instagram: @jalal_c_hockett
Substack: @jchockett
Debut novel The Fracturing (Book One) is a 2026 SPFBO 11 entrant (Mark Lawrence’s Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off).
Book 2 drafting now.
Follow me!
X: @jalal_c_hockett
Instagram: @jalal_c_hockett
Substack: @jchockett
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 29, 2026
Really good book. Lots of twists and turns and grim dark moments. It didn’t go where I thought it was gonna go. But it’s better That way. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.
January 6, 2026
I received an advance reader copy of The Grey Deep: The Fracturing in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the storylines slowly intertwine, revealing the different kingdoms from multiple perspectives and casting them in a new light. The world-building is immersive, and the character arcs are handled with care and emotional weight.
Mara’s journey was especially powerful. As the thirteen-year-old daughter of a commander who is forced into slavery, her endurance and resilience stood out. Watching her apply everything her father taught her in order to survive and escape was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Nathaniel’s arc—from respected naval commander, through his downfall, and ultimately toward rebuilding himself as a free warrior—was compelling and well executed. His transformation felt earned and meaningful.
Eirik’s evolution from the third son of a merchant into a raider was another highlight. His choices and the personal cost he pays, particularly the toll on his soul, added depth and moral complexity to the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and emotionally rich read with strong character development and a well-constructed narrative. I am very much looking forward to continuing the series.
I loved how the storylines slowly intertwine, revealing the different kingdoms from multiple perspectives and casting them in a new light. The world-building is immersive, and the character arcs are handled with care and emotional weight.
Mara’s journey was especially powerful. As the thirteen-year-old daughter of a commander who is forced into slavery, her endurance and resilience stood out. Watching her apply everything her father taught her in order to survive and escape was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Nathaniel’s arc—from respected naval commander, through his downfall, and ultimately toward rebuilding himself as a free warrior—was compelling and well executed. His transformation felt earned and meaningful.
Eirik’s evolution from the third son of a merchant into a raider was another highlight. His choices and the personal cost he pays, particularly the toll on his soul, added depth and moral complexity to the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and emotionally rich read with strong character development and a well-constructed narrative. I am very much looking forward to continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
Grimdark fantasy and third person POV are not usually my go to reads but The Fracturing: The Grey Deep completely changed my expectations. By the time I finished, I was so invested that I emailed the author to tell him I couldn’t wait for the next book.
The story follows several intersecting lives: the Hartwick brothers, bound by both fortune and hardship; Mara, a thirteen year old whose world is turned upside down in every possible way; and Erik, a sixteen year old who has been forced by circumstance to grow into something far beyond his years. Each character faces brutal trials, impossible choices, and moments that test not only their survival, but who they are at their core.
What stood out most to me was the emotional weight of the narrative. These characters are passive victims of fate, but they also make choices, sometimes devastating ones, and must live with the consequences. The emotions feel raw and authentic, drawing you so deeply into the story that it’s easy to forget you’re reading and not living it alongside them.
While the multiple third person POVs took a bit of adjustment at first (I’m more accustomed to dual narration), once everything clicked, the structure worked beautifully. By the end, the threads come together in a way that feels intentional and promising, clearly setting the stage for what’s to come in the next book… and a cliff hanger ending!😛
If you enjoy dark, character driven fantasy with high emotional stakes and meaningful choices, this is absolutely worth picking up. I finished this book eager for more and I’ll definitely be exploring the author’s other works next! Great work Jalál!
The story follows several intersecting lives: the Hartwick brothers, bound by both fortune and hardship; Mara, a thirteen year old whose world is turned upside down in every possible way; and Erik, a sixteen year old who has been forced by circumstance to grow into something far beyond his years. Each character faces brutal trials, impossible choices, and moments that test not only their survival, but who they are at their core.
What stood out most to me was the emotional weight of the narrative. These characters are passive victims of fate, but they also make choices, sometimes devastating ones, and must live with the consequences. The emotions feel raw and authentic, drawing you so deeply into the story that it’s easy to forget you’re reading and not living it alongside them.
While the multiple third person POVs took a bit of adjustment at first (I’m more accustomed to dual narration), once everything clicked, the structure worked beautifully. By the end, the threads come together in a way that feels intentional and promising, clearly setting the stage for what’s to come in the next book… and a cliff hanger ending!😛
If you enjoy dark, character driven fantasy with high emotional stakes and meaningful choices, this is absolutely worth picking up. I finished this book eager for more and I’ll definitely be exploring the author’s other works next! Great work Jalál!
January 18, 2026
The Fracturing
Jalal C. Hockett
Nathaniel is part of the raiders his grandfather even commanded a ship and Nathaniel still uses the patterns.
Erik sleeps eats the words pull, lift, dip, pull, lift, dip he has no choice in the matter being the third son means you have to prove your worthy, respect and make a name for himself. His older brothers inherited their father's business and learned the business end.
Erik worked with rowers and warriors it was a large crew and a well maintained ship.
Erik didn't have many voyages the thrill was still fresh.
Mara her father is a commander and trains the guardmen.
Mara loves watching them train she had an eye for weak spots when it came to combat.
Her best friend Princess Elara would sit with her and tell her about how she had to practice all the behaviors of a perfect princess and would listen to Mara about combat and the men her father was in charge of.
Personally I really like all the characters, I really like Sergeant Torin her fathers second in command, he taught Mara when she was young how to ride.
The author takes you on a journey in this book, you understand the characters and builds them to a point you understand the sacrifices and what they had to go through with painful moments.
You get a sense that there's more to come on their journey.
I highly recommend this book
Jalal C. Hockett
Nathaniel is part of the raiders his grandfather even commanded a ship and Nathaniel still uses the patterns.
Erik sleeps eats the words pull, lift, dip, pull, lift, dip he has no choice in the matter being the third son means you have to prove your worthy, respect and make a name for himself. His older brothers inherited their father's business and learned the business end.
Erik worked with rowers and warriors it was a large crew and a well maintained ship.
Erik didn't have many voyages the thrill was still fresh.
Mara her father is a commander and trains the guardmen.
Mara loves watching them train she had an eye for weak spots when it came to combat.
Her best friend Princess Elara would sit with her and tell her about how she had to practice all the behaviors of a perfect princess and would listen to Mara about combat and the men her father was in charge of.
Personally I really like all the characters, I really like Sergeant Torin her fathers second in command, he taught Mara when she was young how to ride.
The author takes you on a journey in this book, you understand the characters and builds them to a point you understand the sacrifices and what they had to go through with painful moments.
You get a sense that there's more to come on their journey.
I highly recommend this book
January 20, 2026
Im loving all these darker grittier fantasies. Again, this book is not happy. The characters are messed up, have questionable morals, and are a bit out there. I think the only truly likeable character is Mara. I found her to be so intelligent and so endearing. She's strong and observant and smarter than any of the idiots she was surrounded with.
At first, I was really annoyed at how many povs there were. I didn't see the reason and wanted to put it down. However, something told me to keep going. So glad I did. This story is told from Mara's, Erik's, Nathanial's, and Valdyr's pov. All of them from different walks of life, different countries, and differing morals. It shows how the Bound ones evil is infecting every country and how they were being affected.
While the world building was a bit lacking, i found the character development and building to be exquisite! Normally men writing women isn't the best, but here Mara is written beautifully! I cant say enough good things about how the story unfolded and how the characters developed. Im so ready for book 2!
At first, I was really annoyed at how many povs there were. I didn't see the reason and wanted to put it down. However, something told me to keep going. So glad I did. This story is told from Mara's, Erik's, Nathanial's, and Valdyr's pov. All of them from different walks of life, different countries, and differing morals. It shows how the Bound ones evil is infecting every country and how they were being affected.
While the world building was a bit lacking, i found the character development and building to be exquisite! Normally men writing women isn't the best, but here Mara is written beautifully! I cant say enough good things about how the story unfolded and how the characters developed. Im so ready for book 2!
January 30, 2026
I received The Fracturing from the author in exchange for an honest review.
📚📚📚
The first segment of The Grey Deep series follows multiple POVs. It starts off slow, and truthfully it took me a hundred pages or so to truly get into the story. I am happy that I stuck with it because it was worth it! Mara was my favorite character, I love fierce female characters and she was so sharp even being so young (she honestly reminds me of Aria from Game of Thrones, 🤣).
👧🗡️
I would say that if you love series by George R.R. Martin or Brandon Sanderson you will love J.C. Hockett’s style of writing and world building!
I don’t often go for this type of fantasy, but I am thoroughly invested now and cannot wait to continue the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚📚📚
The first segment of The Grey Deep series follows multiple POVs. It starts off slow, and truthfully it took me a hundred pages or so to truly get into the story. I am happy that I stuck with it because it was worth it! Mara was my favorite character, I love fierce female characters and she was so sharp even being so young (she honestly reminds me of Aria from Game of Thrones, 🤣).
👧🗡️
I would say that if you love series by George R.R. Martin or Brandon Sanderson you will love J.C. Hockett’s style of writing and world building!
I don’t often go for this type of fantasy, but I am thoroughly invested now and cannot wait to continue the series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 21, 2026
I enjoyed this. Definitely slower paced than I'm used to, but pretty captivating. Multi POVs but not confusing. A bit lacking on the world building, but still enough to keep me interested. I didn't have an emotional connection to the characters, but I do like Valdyr and Mara the most. I have enjoyed following them thru their griefs and seeing them rebuild.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews