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Shattered
A fractured world. A hidden past. A future she never expected.
It’s 2134, and fourteen-year-old Tessa Wright’s quiet life in the Wilds has been shattered.
After the sudden death of her family, Tessa is forced to leave everything she knows and move to Bannock, a gleaming new urban center where the government promises safety, order, and genetic advancement.
But public school is a shock. Her weekly Remote Thought Intervention therapy sessions are mysterious. And the students known as Elites are too perfect to be real.
Her new anchor is Isaiah, a funny, caring boy who offers comfort in the chaos.
But her biggest question? Why is Elite golden boy Zeke watching her like he knows something she doesn’t?
When fragmented memories begin to surface—memories Tessa doesn’t recognize—she starts to suspect that her family’s deaths weren’t an accident . . . and that the truth about her past is more dangerous than she ever imagined.
In a world where nothing is as it seems, discovering the truth could cost her everything.
After Shattered , watch for the Merged and Forged , the next two books in the Forged series.
It’s 2134, and fourteen-year-old Tessa Wright’s quiet life in the Wilds has been shattered.
After the sudden death of her family, Tessa is forced to leave everything she knows and move to Bannock, a gleaming new urban center where the government promises safety, order, and genetic advancement.
But public school is a shock. Her weekly Remote Thought Intervention therapy sessions are mysterious. And the students known as Elites are too perfect to be real.
Her new anchor is Isaiah, a funny, caring boy who offers comfort in the chaos.
But her biggest question? Why is Elite golden boy Zeke watching her like he knows something she doesn’t?
When fragmented memories begin to surface—memories Tessa doesn’t recognize—she starts to suspect that her family’s deaths weren’t an accident . . . and that the truth about her past is more dangerous than she ever imagined.
In a world where nothing is as it seems, discovering the truth could cost her everything.
After Shattered , watch for the Merged and Forged , the next two books in the Forged series.
367 pages, Paperback
First published April 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 31, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5)
I received a copy of this book as part of C.B. Mason’s street team. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review it!
The level of detail in this book is incredible. The amount of research C.B. Mason must have done is next level. From nanobots and genetics to politics and everything in between, every aspect feels well thought out and believable. It really makes you stop and think, especially because it doesn’t feel all that far removed from the direction our own world could be heading.
Tessa is a fantastic protagonist. She’s grieving, confused, and trying to make sense of a world that’s been completely turned upside down. Her emotional journey felt authentic, and I found myself invested in her from the very beginning.
And then came that plot twist… I honestly didn’t see it coming, and I loved every second of it. Thankfully, I already had book two waiting because there was no way I was walking away after that cliffhanger.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is purely personal preference. I usually gravitate towards dystopian stories that focus less on advanced science and technology, so it took me a little longer to fully immerse myself in that aspect of the world. That’s not a criticism of the book at all. In fact, I think C.B. Mason executed it brilliantly. It simply comes down to the type of dystopian fiction I naturally reach for. If you love science-driven dystopian stories, I think you’ll absolutely love this one.
I received a copy of this book as part of C.B. Mason’s street team. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review it!
The level of detail in this book is incredible. The amount of research C.B. Mason must have done is next level. From nanobots and genetics to politics and everything in between, every aspect feels well thought out and believable. It really makes you stop and think, especially because it doesn’t feel all that far removed from the direction our own world could be heading.
Tessa is a fantastic protagonist. She’s grieving, confused, and trying to make sense of a world that’s been completely turned upside down. Her emotional journey felt authentic, and I found myself invested in her from the very beginning.
And then came that plot twist… I honestly didn’t see it coming, and I loved every second of it. Thankfully, I already had book two waiting because there was no way I was walking away after that cliffhanger.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is purely personal preference. I usually gravitate towards dystopian stories that focus less on advanced science and technology, so it took me a little longer to fully immerse myself in that aspect of the world. That’s not a criticism of the book at all. In fact, I think C.B. Mason executed it brilliantly. It simply comes down to the type of dystopian fiction I naturally reach for. If you love science-driven dystopian stories, I think you’ll absolutely love this one.
October 5, 2025
I haven’t read a YA novel in a while, and Shattered really scratched that itch. You can tell Mason put some serious thought into building this world, one that doesn’t feel far off from where we might actually be headed. It takes place 100 years into the future where natural disasters and political upheaval have shaped society. Though most of that’s a backdrop to Tessa’s story, an orphan who is relocated from the Wilds to live with her aunt and uncle after the tragic loss of her family. Once homeschooled, she now has to navigate public school, where her grief collides with struggles around identity, belonging, and a past she can’t seem to outrun. I really enjoyed this book, and I did not see that twist coming. Very curious to see where this story goes next.
May 20, 2026
This is one of the reasons I normally don’t go in blind. I’m not big on YA to begin with but I love dystopian and that’s all I saw when I seen this recommended. It did say YA I was thinking new adult, I just didn’t know it was like 15 year olds. Aside from that, the story had me hooked in the beginning but somewhere in the middle it lost me and then hooked me again on the ending. This was my fault for going in mostly blind but still good if you enjoy young YA.
June 4, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley, and to be discovered press for the opportunity to read this novel.
Nonobots, genetic enhancements CB Mason builds us an amazing world with conspiracies, genetic alterations and more. From the first few pages i was drawn into this world, I was enthralled in tessa’s story, history and developing memories. I was guess as to where this was going but each turn and twist surprised me. This went by so fast and the cliff hanging has me drooling and begging for the second novel! I need more!
Nonobots, genetic enhancements CB Mason builds us an amazing world with conspiracies, genetic alterations and more. From the first few pages i was drawn into this world, I was enthralled in tessa’s story, history and developing memories. I was guess as to where this was going but each turn and twist surprised me. This went by so fast and the cliff hanging has me drooling and begging for the second novel! I need more!
April 7, 2025
this is my review, my opinion, my pov👻
P.S. Mild spoilers maybe… just in case
P.S. #2 Don't expect anything profound. I'm a straight-to-the-point kind of gal lol
P.S. #3 I apologize if this is all over the place, lol. I wish I had a neat stream-of-consciousness 😂
Let’s jump right in.
I really liked this one. It’s set 110 years in the future, but the wild part for me is how believable it is. Like, it’s not some crazy out of nowhere sci-fi fantasy. It’s literally the direction we’re heading, in regards of technology and as a society. Something that I was in the fence about was that Tessa is 14. I’m not really a fan of reading book where the MC is a child but in this book it worked. She’s grieving, and thrown into a sleek city full of memory therapy, nanotech, and genetically enhanced “Elites” who are too perfect for their own good, again, it’s believable. I love that. There’s mystery, some light romance (or two, but for my sanity i hope the author waits until my girl Tessa is at least 18 for anything major lmao). There’s also the matter of figuring out who you are when the world’s trying to rewrite you, emphasis on rewrite 👀
I’m also a sucker for mantras and Tessa’s is one that I told myself constantly, so I really love that. Let’s talk about the Spanish. I think It added to the worldbuilding in a way that felt natural, even if it caught me off guard sometimes (but again the MMC is 14 and very much giving ✨awkward teenage energy✨, so her little phrases made sense for me after a chapter or two lol).
As for the plot twist??? That was SO good. I had my theories, but it’s one of those plot twist that you can guess like half of it. I did not see it coming as whole, and I love when a book actually surprises me. I think it’s a hard thing to do since I’ve read a lot of books and nothing is really original anymore.
And the ending? I’m breaking my brain trying to figure it out. I’ve gone back on the book to figure it out like 6 times already lmao. Anyways, this is definitely a good read if you’re into futuristic vibes, found-family feels, and characters with emotional damage 🥹
P.S. Mild spoilers maybe… just in case
P.S. #2 Don't expect anything profound. I'm a straight-to-the-point kind of gal lol
P.S. #3 I apologize if this is all over the place, lol. I wish I had a neat stream-of-consciousness 😂
Let’s jump right in.
I really liked this one. It’s set 110 years in the future, but the wild part for me is how believable it is. Like, it’s not some crazy out of nowhere sci-fi fantasy. It’s literally the direction we’re heading, in regards of technology and as a society. Something that I was in the fence about was that Tessa is 14. I’m not really a fan of reading book where the MC is a child but in this book it worked. She’s grieving, and thrown into a sleek city full of memory therapy, nanotech, and genetically enhanced “Elites” who are too perfect for their own good, again, it’s believable. I love that. There’s mystery, some light romance (or two, but for my sanity i hope the author waits until my girl Tessa is at least 18 for anything major lmao). There’s also the matter of figuring out who you are when the world’s trying to rewrite you, emphasis on rewrite 👀
I’m also a sucker for mantras and Tessa’s is one that I told myself constantly, so I really love that. Let’s talk about the Spanish. I think It added to the worldbuilding in a way that felt natural, even if it caught me off guard sometimes (but again the MMC is 14 and very much giving ✨awkward teenage energy✨, so her little phrases made sense for me after a chapter or two lol).
As for the plot twist??? That was SO good. I had my theories, but it’s one of those plot twist that you can guess like half of it. I did not see it coming as whole, and I love when a book actually surprises me. I think it’s a hard thing to do since I’ve read a lot of books and nothing is really original anymore.
And the ending? I’m breaking my brain trying to figure it out. I’ve gone back on the book to figure it out like 6 times already lmao. Anyways, this is definitely a good read if you’re into futuristic vibes, found-family feels, and characters with emotional damage 🥹
April 4, 2025
After the tragic death of her mother, father, and little sister, 14 year-old Contessa “Tessa” Wright has just relocated from the rural Wilds to bustling urban center of Bannock to live with her aunt and uncle. The formerly homeschooled Tessa, in the throes of grief and culture shock, is subjected to yet another daunting premise: high school.
Shattered has all the makings of the good dystopian sci-fi novel: advanced technologies, enhanced humans, shady authoritarian government, a strange new world that seems foreign yet familiar all at once… and it’s all wrapped in the relatable teenage angst of navigating those grueling, awkward high school years.
Aside the regular trials of a typical teenage girl (classes and homework, social interactions and first loves, gossip and finding one’s self), the overarching plot of the strange voices and memories floating around inside Tessa’s head are the real meat of the novel. As a slow burn, the author rolls out a story-within-the-story in an interesting way as Tessa encounters bits and pieces of what’s going on in the world around her through a variety of sources. Conversations with her Uncle Finn (Director of the Biodiversity Revitalization Project at the BioRev lab), odd exchanges at her sessions with Dr. Weaver and the mysterious RTI treatment Tessa is receiving, and through various lessons at school. This is one to read carefully and pay attention to what’s being said and what is not. The truth of the story comes from reading between the lines.
Overall this is a great read for those lovers of a slow burn YA dystopian sci-fi. The twists and turns down the trail of broken memories inside Tessa's mind culminate in an ending that you won't see coming!
I was provided a free ARC of this novel. Check out a more in-depth review on my Substack: The Word Dump! (Link in bio)
Shattered has all the makings of the good dystopian sci-fi novel: advanced technologies, enhanced humans, shady authoritarian government, a strange new world that seems foreign yet familiar all at once… and it’s all wrapped in the relatable teenage angst of navigating those grueling, awkward high school years.
Aside the regular trials of a typical teenage girl (classes and homework, social interactions and first loves, gossip and finding one’s self), the overarching plot of the strange voices and memories floating around inside Tessa’s head are the real meat of the novel. As a slow burn, the author rolls out a story-within-the-story in an interesting way as Tessa encounters bits and pieces of what’s going on in the world around her through a variety of sources. Conversations with her Uncle Finn (Director of the Biodiversity Revitalization Project at the BioRev lab), odd exchanges at her sessions with Dr. Weaver and the mysterious RTI treatment Tessa is receiving, and through various lessons at school. This is one to read carefully and pay attention to what’s being said and what is not. The truth of the story comes from reading between the lines.
Overall this is a great read for those lovers of a slow burn YA dystopian sci-fi. The twists and turns down the trail of broken memories inside Tessa's mind culminate in an ending that you won't see coming!
I was provided a free ARC of this novel. Check out a more in-depth review on my Substack: The Word Dump! (Link in bio)
April 3, 2025
I received an Advance Review Copy of Shattered in exchange for an honest review.
I loved it! I don't usually read YA (I read Harry Potter with my kids and saw the first Twilight movie), but I enjoyed this story of a 14-year-old girl coming to grips with both tragedy and hints that she might be involved in some sort of dark, high-tech experiment. Shattered seems like it will be a great addition to the YA dystopian genre. It's set in a post-apocalyptic future emerging from an inventive set of catastrophes (not just climate change and a pandemic, but a geological cataclysm that ripped the US in two). Mason puts just the right twists on the tropes of the orphaned heroine, high school cliques, and teen romance. The drip=drip-drip of the growing mystery surrounding the dark side of this emerging tech utopia was paced just right. The ending left me looking forward to the next installment in the trilogy.
I loved it! I don't usually read YA (I read Harry Potter with my kids and saw the first Twilight movie), but I enjoyed this story of a 14-year-old girl coming to grips with both tragedy and hints that she might be involved in some sort of dark, high-tech experiment. Shattered seems like it will be a great addition to the YA dystopian genre. It's set in a post-apocalyptic future emerging from an inventive set of catastrophes (not just climate change and a pandemic, but a geological cataclysm that ripped the US in two). Mason puts just the right twists on the tropes of the orphaned heroine, high school cliques, and teen romance. The drip=drip-drip of the growing mystery surrounding the dark side of this emerging tech utopia was paced just right. The ending left me looking forward to the next installment in the trilogy.
June 25, 2025
Wow, I felt like I was there in the future with this book! The characters are so relatable and memorable and the storyline was so unique. Can’t wait for the next book!
July 11, 2026
A PNW YA Dystopia novel with both strengths and shortcomings for me as a reader. This title provided an intriguing futuristic world while showcasing mainstream "controversial topics" as having assimilated smoothly into the setting of this society which I loved, as well as the impact of modern day society leading to the fate of this world built; I also appreciated the expression of poetry and the language of the characters utilizing multiple dialects when conversing with one another. I think showcasing the trauma and grounding techniques the main character uses will be a beneficial thematic for readers in the YA audience. I enjoyed the mystery of the ominous and unknown in the background, however I wish the story would have dove more into the mystery rather than spent time with the relationship building and time spent in the school. Lastly, although I appreciate the glimpses in genetics, climatology, coding, creative writing, etc, it felt like there were too many concepts being thrown at the reader making it confusing at times. All and all, I enjoyed the title and know there will be YA readers that will immerse themselves in this world looking forward to more to come.
May 13, 2025
If you’re looking for a story about the tempest of teenage relationships, scientific overreach, and the defiance of tyranny, have I got the book for you: Shattered, book one of the Forged series, by C.B. Mason.
Shattered tells the story of Tessa Wright, a fourteen-year-old high school student starting over in a new town with her aunt and uncle after her parents and sister died in a horrible accident. As she learns to adjust to her new life, we discover she is a victim of repressed memories due to the circumstances surrounding the loss of her family.
Much like Jason Bourne, the manifestation of these memories begins to have a subtle but positive effects on her ability to cope with her new world. The question is, as the story goes deeper, is she the literary Jason Bourne, one whose past is noble and intentions good but clouded but the trauma of her loss? Or is she the Bourne of the big screen, whose background is darker and fraught with moral ambiguities? You’ll have to read the Forged series to find out.
Shattered tells the story of Tessa Wright, a fourteen-year-old high school student starting over in a new town with her aunt and uncle after her parents and sister died in a horrible accident. As she learns to adjust to her new life, we discover she is a victim of repressed memories due to the circumstances surrounding the loss of her family.
Much like Jason Bourne, the manifestation of these memories begins to have a subtle but positive effects on her ability to cope with her new world. The question is, as the story goes deeper, is she the literary Jason Bourne, one whose past is noble and intentions good but clouded but the trauma of her loss? Or is she the Bourne of the big screen, whose background is darker and fraught with moral ambiguities? You’ll have to read the Forged series to find out.
November 14, 2025
From the very first page, this dystopian environmental YA novel absolutely captivated me. I would never have put it down, if I didn't have other life activities getting in the way!
I'm so impressed by the thoroughness of CB Mason's research into geology, politics, geography, etc. The level of detail in places, characters, slang, clothing...down to how vividly she portrays one possible, and relatively dark, future of the United States and the Pacific Northwest.
The book is mostly set in Boise, Idaho, where I grew up, and where I currently live...and partly at Boise High School, where I attended high school. The descriptions of how it used to be, and how it could become, given particular environmental, social, and political changes, are very believable.
CB has my attention...and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I'm so impressed by the thoroughness of CB Mason's research into geology, politics, geography, etc. The level of detail in places, characters, slang, clothing...down to how vividly she portrays one possible, and relatively dark, future of the United States and the Pacific Northwest.
The book is mostly set in Boise, Idaho, where I grew up, and where I currently live...and partly at Boise High School, where I attended high school. The descriptions of how it used to be, and how it could become, given particular environmental, social, and political changes, are very believable.
CB has my attention...and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 28, 2026
From the prologue, I was hooked. Shattered drops you into a vivid dystopian future that feels uncomfortably believable, and the author’s attention to detail made every scene easy to picture. Even when the bigger world events sit more in the background, the story stays gripping because Tessa’s journey is so personal — grief, identity, belonging, and trying to start over when the past won’t stay buried.
What really made this a 5-star read for me is how quickly it pulled me in and how long it stuck with me after I finished. The characters have real depth, the pacing kept me turning pages, and there’s a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming. I’m absolutely excited for book two.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
What really made this a 5-star read for me is how quickly it pulled me in and how long it stuck with me after I finished. The characters have real depth, the pacing kept me turning pages, and there’s a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming. I’m absolutely excited for book two.
I received a free copy via NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
July 11, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest evaluation of its merits.
I liked this book and thought it set up well a series of stories. The "science-y" parts (the author's word, not mind), I thought were well done and I liked the political parts as well. I couldn't tell if the us of the Mx. prefix for many characters was done to show voluntary equality or Communistic-like forced equality, but that was really the only major sticking point for me. I am curious to see how the story evolves.
I liked this book and thought it set up well a series of stories. The "science-y" parts (the author's word, not mind), I thought were well done and I liked the political parts as well. I couldn't tell if the us of the Mx. prefix for many characters was done to show voluntary equality or Communistic-like forced equality, but that was really the only major sticking point for me. I am curious to see how the story evolves.
August 5, 2026
A solid slow burn, futuristic YA sci fi story set within a dystopian society, I was immediately drawn to the main character as well as the hurdles she had to conquer (whether at school or in other aspects of her life).
The plot was unique and fast paced making it an entertaining and suspense filled sci/fi story. My only gripe would be the use of prefixes as well as referring to individuals as they or them as this did prove irritating whilst reading the story.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this well developed story.
The plot was unique and fast paced making it an entertaining and suspense filled sci/fi story. My only gripe would be the use of prefixes as well as referring to individuals as they or them as this did prove irritating whilst reading the story.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this well developed story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
Shattered is the real deal. I practically absorbed this book. It moves at a great pace, for the characters are fun and the mystery at the center of the protagonist's journey is just begging to be examined. Honestly, I don't usually read YA, so this was a fun surprise for me. Maybe I should read more YA? I have a good idea for what's next: Forge Series Book 2. Fantastic job, CB Mason.
June 7, 2026
This started really strong but in the end it felt like I was getting drips of info that ended in a nothing soup. I still have no idea wtf is going on with Tessa and the kids really. Still a good book and I’m so thankful to have gotten a chance to read the ARC
June 22, 2026
This book was a very fun dystopian read, and the PLOT TWIST at the end is one you won't see coming!!!! I practically inhaled this book, and it was very different than what I usually read. I am in desperate need for book 2!
July 31, 2026
The author did an excellent job of character development in
Shattered. I am so curious about what happens next to the main characters in the follow-up book, Merged. The story unfolded in a logical, but suspenseful fashion. Could this be real? I really want to read more!
Shattered. I am so curious about what happens next to the main characters in the follow-up book, Merged. The story unfolded in a logical, but suspenseful fashion. Could this be real? I really want to read more!
April 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this dystopian novel. First in a series and looking forward to finding out what happens next. Excellent first novel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews