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The Fracturing
A Grey Deep Novel • Book One
The world isn't ending.
It's breaking apart.
A naval officer loses everything when political ambition destroys his family and his future.
A young raider discovers he was born for violence—and begins to fear the hunger growing inside him.
A commander's daughter watches her world burn and learns that survival sometimes demands blood.
And somewhere far from war and politics, a small girl awakens powers tied to something ancient stirring beneath The Grey Deep.
They have never met.
They don't know they're part of the same story.
But the world is fracturing.
Kingdoms are splintering.
Old powers are stirring.
And the choices made will shape what rises from the ruins.
No heroes.
No chosen ones.
Just people forced to decide who they are when everything falls apart.
If you enjoy grimdark fantasy, morally complex characters, and epic stories where every decision has consequences, you’ll feel right at home in The Grey Deep.
The world isn't ending.
It's breaking apart.
A naval officer loses everything when political ambition destroys his family and his future.
A young raider discovers he was born for violence—and begins to fear the hunger growing inside him.
A commander's daughter watches her world burn and learns that survival sometimes demands blood.
And somewhere far from war and politics, a small girl awakens powers tied to something ancient stirring beneath The Grey Deep.
They have never met.
They don't know they're part of the same story.
But the world is fracturing.
Kingdoms are splintering.
Old powers are stirring.
And the choices made will shape what rises from the ruins.
No heroes.
No chosen ones.
Just people forced to decide who they are when everything falls apart.
If you enjoy grimdark fantasy, morally complex characters, and epic stories where every decision has consequences, you’ll feel right at home in The Grey Deep.
- GenresFantasy
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
27 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jalál C. Hockett
4 books10 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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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 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!
March 3, 2026
tldr; Three grimdark phoenixes rise from the ashes of their lives. Plus vikings.
I read this since it was one of the novels participating in the SPFBO XI contest created by Mark Lawrence. (I am not a judge for the contest).
My Review:
First, allow me to say: This novel begins with possibly the best Prologue I've read in my life. It arrested me and forced me to read more.
Then the book began and I was thrust into the lives of 3 characters whose lives become wrenched from their control. A viking-esque teenager who becomes a raider. A twenty-something navy captain eagerly awaiting promotion to command his own ship. The daughter of the commander of the king's guard, thirteen, with a wicked intelligence who notices everything (think, the mentalist). They begin in 3 different lands, and though I can't say much without spoilers, let's just say the situation doesn't stay that way for long. Their lives get turned upside down and not for the better, forcing them to sacrifice part of their goodness and become something dishonorable just to survive.
I was instantly invested in the story from the very first page—a rare thing indeed. Hockett's prose is punchy and quick and his sentences cut like a knife. There's no trace of fat between the lines, only lean plucky phrases and buckets of character development. The characters themselves were believable and complex, chock full of internal angst that was well-deserved considering their dire circumstances.
On the one hand, there's not much magic here other than a constant thread of it being disregarded as superstitious and some powerful scenes at the novel's bookends. But you definitely feel the buildup of something massive coming. Foreboding to the max. It reminded me how George R Martin begins Game of Thrones with a tease about the frost people but you don't see them for ages. This felt like that. With how invested I was in the characters, I didn't mind one bit, and it made the magic that much sweeter when it was finally revealed.
My criticism is that there's a fair amount of belaboring going on. At the beginning of a chapter, a character takes a stance, things happen, they rehash that stance, and sometimes rehash it *again* before the chapter ends. A few chapters later, once we've bounced around other plots and return to the same character, they rehash it yet another time as if to remind the reader where things left off. It happened with every character and was far too much handholding, making me itch to get on with it.
Even so, the epic tale captured me. 5 stars.
I read this since it was one of the novels participating in the SPFBO XI contest created by Mark Lawrence. (I am not a judge for the contest).
My Review:
First, allow me to say: This novel begins with possibly the best Prologue I've read in my life. It arrested me and forced me to read more.
Then the book began and I was thrust into the lives of 3 characters whose lives become wrenched from their control. A viking-esque teenager who becomes a raider. A twenty-something navy captain eagerly awaiting promotion to command his own ship. The daughter of the commander of the king's guard, thirteen, with a wicked intelligence who notices everything (think, the mentalist). They begin in 3 different lands, and though I can't say much without spoilers, let's just say the situation doesn't stay that way for long. Their lives get turned upside down and not for the better, forcing them to sacrifice part of their goodness and become something dishonorable just to survive.
I was instantly invested in the story from the very first page—a rare thing indeed. Hockett's prose is punchy and quick and his sentences cut like a knife. There's no trace of fat between the lines, only lean plucky phrases and buckets of character development. The characters themselves were believable and complex, chock full of internal angst that was well-deserved considering their dire circumstances.
On the one hand, there's not much magic here other than a constant thread of it being disregarded as superstitious and some powerful scenes at the novel's bookends. But you definitely feel the buildup of something massive coming. Foreboding to the max. It reminded me how George R Martin begins Game of Thrones with a tease about the frost people but you don't see them for ages. This felt like that. With how invested I was in the characters, I didn't mind one bit, and it made the magic that much sweeter when it was finally revealed.
My criticism is that there's a fair amount of belaboring going on. At the beginning of a chapter, a character takes a stance, things happen, they rehash that stance, and sometimes rehash it *again* before the chapter ends. A few chapters later, once we've bounced around other plots and return to the same character, they rehash it yet another time as if to remind the reader where things left off. It happened with every character and was far too much handholding, making me itch to get on with it.
Even so, the epic tale captured me. 5 stars.
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 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.
arc-2026
February 16, 2026I 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!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 9, 2026
It's so refreshing to go into a book with a vague idea of what you want it to be, and then to be rewarded by this assumption. I expected a character-driven fantasy, one that focuses on those personal moments, bound together by an underlying sense of impending doom (for both the characters and the world). This is exactly what I got.
I love stories that are set in a world that believes itself to have moved on from the 'olden times' of gods and magic, while we (the reader) know better. The Fracturing opens with a prologue that perfectly establishes what's to come, which sets the stage for the proceeding story, without trying to dominate it. As said, this is a character story (three, to be precise) and as we follow these characters, we are only too aware that no matter how good things seem, the progress that these characters make, the past will always come back to bite them.
Three characters make up the story and they are all very well written. Each is 'broken' in their own way... or perhaps fractured. Hockett doesn't waste time with sentimentality or false hope. This is a rough world, each character has to fight for what they want, and there is no garuntee of a happy ending. Truly, the characters here are well written, engaging, and as is the goal for all stories, I am eager to see where their journey take them.
The story itself is well paced. It might be character focused but there is plenty of plot driving it along. It does not lag. It does not stall. Every chapter and every moment is designed to push the story forward, making for a very enjoyable read. And emotional, for that matter. Hockett does not hold back, happy to drive the knife in.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly where this story falls in the grand scheme of fantasy stories. I want to say 'If you're a fan of X' then you'll love this. But The Fracturing is truly unique. Perhaps there is a bit of Martin and Ambercrombie? I am sure there are other fantasy stories I have not read that have inspired this story. But that feels irrelevant. The Fracturing was an epic tale of broken characters, a fractured world that thinks itself healed, and a grim reminder that its only when we think our lives are perfect and all is going according to plan that the worst is just around the corner, ready and waiting...
Bring on the sequal!
I love stories that are set in a world that believes itself to have moved on from the 'olden times' of gods and magic, while we (the reader) know better. The Fracturing opens with a prologue that perfectly establishes what's to come, which sets the stage for the proceeding story, without trying to dominate it. As said, this is a character story (three, to be precise) and as we follow these characters, we are only too aware that no matter how good things seem, the progress that these characters make, the past will always come back to bite them.
Three characters make up the story and they are all very well written. Each is 'broken' in their own way... or perhaps fractured. Hockett doesn't waste time with sentimentality or false hope. This is a rough world, each character has to fight for what they want, and there is no garuntee of a happy ending. Truly, the characters here are well written, engaging, and as is the goal for all stories, I am eager to see where their journey take them.
The story itself is well paced. It might be character focused but there is plenty of plot driving it along. It does not lag. It does not stall. Every chapter and every moment is designed to push the story forward, making for a very enjoyable read. And emotional, for that matter. Hockett does not hold back, happy to drive the knife in.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly where this story falls in the grand scheme of fantasy stories. I want to say 'If you're a fan of X' then you'll love this. But The Fracturing is truly unique. Perhaps there is a bit of Martin and Ambercrombie? I am sure there are other fantasy stories I have not read that have inspired this story. But that feels irrelevant. The Fracturing was an epic tale of broken characters, a fractured world that thinks itself healed, and a grim reminder that its only when we think our lives are perfect and all is going according to plan that the worst is just around the corner, ready and waiting...
Bring on the sequal!
April 17, 2026
This book is a great depiction of what it means to survive in an unforgiving world. You can clearly see the author's life experience in the character's thought process during battles and hard moments and some of these gave me a lot to think about. It also got me invested in naval trade. Not bad!
Don't sleep on this one.
Don't sleep on this one.
April 26, 2026
DNF at 10%
This book was not for me. I lost interest when the vilings raided the poor village and committed a massacre. It reminded me of the many massacres going in in Africa nowadays that the world ignores which depressed me...
This book was not for me. I lost interest when the vilings raided the poor village and committed a massacre. It reminded me of the many massacres going in in Africa nowadays that the world ignores which depressed me...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews