Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Fractured Rebellion: Book One of the Behtari Series

Rate this book
Arelia was a democracy—until the contamination changed everything.

One hundred and forty-six years ago, a genetic shift spread through the water supply, forever altering the people of Arelia. Those who survived became the a superior race marked by golden-flecked eyes and extraordinary abilities. Now, they rule the New Republic with absolute control.

Luna was raised to serve that system without question. As a government operative, her role is obey, enforce, survive. And she has spent her entire life doing exactly that. But when a night meant to celebrate her birthday ends in tragedy, Luna is driven into the path of the Resistance—and a human woman who challenges everything she thought she understood about the Republic, the Behtari, and herself.

As the truth behind the gamma-wave genetic shift and the Republic's foundations begin to unravel, Luna finds her loyalty pulled in two directions. What would it mean to be truly free? And how much is she willing to lose for the chance to find out?

In a world built on obedience, questioning the system is dangerous. But the greatest threat to the New Republic may be the human who makes Luna want something more.

Will Luna protect the regime that shaped her—or help destroy it forever?

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

A.O. Garnette

3 books13 followers
A.O. Garnette is the author of Fractured Rebellion - Book One of the Behtari series.
Nestled in Upstate New York, she juggles a full-time job while crafting stories late into the evening with way too many snacks. Her current favorite is the Jalapeno Sun Chips.
She is currently working on book two and three of the Behtari series, and cannot wait to share what happens next.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
9 (90%)
4 stars
1 (10%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Veronica.
73 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2026
I loved the original version, and I absolutely love the revised rebranded version of this book. There have been very few books that have made me cry at the same scenes after my first read. This book is one of the few, so much and had such an impact that that I had to send A.O. a message immediately.

A.O. was kind enough to gift me a copy of Fractured Rebellion. I’m writing this review because I enjoyed the book and I want the world to know about it.

It was insightful learning about the Behtari, the resistance and the human slaves. I really enjoyed that this wasn’t a complicated world and I didn’t have to learn a new language to interpret the names and world.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, who enjoys sci-fi, and likes a slow burn romance. I mean, like really, really slow. Not the slowest I’ve read, but this would be like a .25 to .5 on my chili pepper scale. The tension though, that was freaking top notch. I cannot wait to see what more does, or doesn’t , happen in the next book.
Profile Image for Samantha Barrier.
79 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2026
The epitome of dystopian literature.

Corrupt leadership. A rebellion that isn’t at all what you first suspect, and then through multiple reveals, isn’t what you second or third suspect either. A slow slow burn love interest, with the odds stacked against it, and betrayal and dishonesty looming, the proverbial shoe about to drop.


Found family and intriguing characters who would do anything to protect those they love and what they think they know about them.

This author weaves a tale that is unique, but still possesses all the qualities dystopian lovers go feral over. From page one, you are deeply immersed in this oppressive society and helping our characters dismantle it from within.

I simply cannot wait to read more in this story and the ending had me so shook that I only hope AO Garnette will soon allow us to travel back to this world and get more of our questions answered.

I am enthralled, addicted, and eagerly waiting more.
Profile Image for Armando Ramirez.
275 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 7, 2026
Fractured Rebellion by A.O. Garnette is a triumph; not just as a rebranding effort, but as a fully realized, emotionally devastating, and gripping story that proves the power of revision done right. I want to start by saying how genuinely proud I am of Garnette. Turning a difficult situation with a retailer into an opportunity to refine and elevate the work speaks volumes, and that effort is evident on every page.
This is far more than a surface-level rework. The story feels sharper, more intentional, and deeply immersive. Garnette has fine-tuned the narrative into something that hits harder, moves faster, and resonates longer. The premise alone stands out as refreshingly original, but it’s the execution that truly seals it.
At the heart of the novel is Luna, a protagonist thrown into a brutal and emotionally charged battle against a corrupt governmental agency. From the very beginning, the story delivers a level of devastation that sets the tone for everything that follows. That early emotional blow becomes the foundation for a narrative filled with grief, resilience, and relentless tension.
The character work is another standout. Garnette creates a cast that feels vivid and deeply human, making it easy to become attached, and just as easy to feel the weight of everything they endure. The emotional damage threaded throughout the story is not subtle, and that’s precisely what makes it so effective.
Pacing is tight and purposeful. This is a quick read in the best sense, there’s no filler, no wasted moments, and very little room to breathe. Something is always happening, always pushing the story forward, making it nearly impossible to put down.
And that ending!! If you think you’re prepared for the emotional toll by the time you reach it, you’re not.
Fractured Rebellion is a standout in its genre: emotionally intense, narratively compelling, and proof that thoughtful revision can transform a story into something truly unforgettable.
Profile Image for Paytin.
84 reviews
August 11, 2026
ARC Read Review -

I absolutely loved Fractured Rebellion! It was like a reread for me, since I already read AO’s previous work. The rework and added content made this story even better than the original.

The characters were done so so well, and I couldn’t help but feel connected to them. Even knowing certain aspects of the characters’ storylines, I still had so many emotions from joy, disappointment, shock, and sadness. Tears fell once again and that’s impressive considering I already read what made me cry in the original.

The multi-pov was great and there wasn’t a single POV that I didn’t enjoy. Luna’s development and growth were my favorite part of her story. She is wildly resilient, and just a good person. Naomi… that girl really pulled at my heartstrings. I can’t help but root for her and I desperately need more of her POV in book 2. Kent is the best big brother, and I love him endlessly. He could’ve been more forthcoming, but he did everything for Luna. And Darin, he is everything a true friend should be. His character made me so happy, and I’m so thankful Luna has him alongside her in their journey. “I pay attention.” iykyk :’)

I was captivated by the plot, and the world building was great and easy to follow. I had question after question, and the answers stunned me every time. I was fully engaged from beginning to end, and THAT ENDING?! AO, what are you doing to us?! I need book 2 like I need air. AO, you know where to reach me ;).

This book earns a 5/5 from me for leaving my jaw on the floor and my mind buzzing long after I turned the last page.
Profile Image for Leah Mobley.
67 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 12, 2026
Move over Katniss, Shade and Juliet… meet Luna.

Fractured Rebellion by A.O. Garnette
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed the dystopian world and the way the story slowly peels back the layers of the Republic. There’s corrupt system, mystery, rebellion, secrets, loss, and an emotional connections that kept me invested. I especially loved watching Luna question her beliefs and discover that sometimes the truth is far more complicated, and dangerous…than you ever imagined.

And that ending? 👀 Let’s just say I need to know what happens next!

The author’s descriptions were SO vivid, this book literally came to life right off the page! I could clearly picture the world and every character in my mind. The world-building was incredible, the character development was TOP TIER, and that resistance storyline? Had me completely hooked! 🔥📚

If you love dystopian fantasy with a corrupt government, rebellion, forbidden connections, secrets, and characters questioning everything they thought they knew, definitely add Fractured Rebellion to your TBR.
Profile Image for Lisa Whitney .
260 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2026
Thank you A. O. Garnett for the privilege of reading this ARC. This is a rewritten version of The Golden Resistance which I also read.

After a science experiment, that originated from good intentions, goes wrong, some humans now have supranational abilities. True to human nature, hose with powers, become greedy for control and oppress those without.

I really enjoy the unique plot and the not too complex powers, the character development of the FMC, and the found family.

Resistance is a dual aspect of the story and those fighting for freedom must traverse betrayals from the elite as well as within their own ranks.

I feel like questions were answered more thoroughly in this version and the cliff hanger hit even harder because of that.
Profile Image for MellissaMae.
287 reviews25 followers
August 12, 2026
This novel was absolutely phenomenal. Technically falls under reread for me and I was curious to see what changed with the rebrand since I already loved the story before.

This novel is packed with action and moves at a lightning pace, making it feel like I was on a wild ride with the characters. It reminded me a lot of Divergent. Every corner of the story reveals a twist or new information, and the ending is a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. If you’re looking for a fresh dystopian novel to add to your TBR list, this one should definitely be on your radar!
Profile Image for Fantasy Nelson.
Author 5 books14 followers
August 14, 2026
Want an amazing dystopian sci-fi?

A.O. not only wrote Golden Resistance, but added more character into it by immersing us more into the characters! It's way better now!
I feel for Naomi.
She never stood a chance with what The New Republic made her do.
Check this out before book 2 comes out!
Profile Image for Hannah Heinz.
2 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2026
I am SPEECHLESS! Fractured Rebellion is a beautifully written dystopian sci-fi and the plot twists had me HOOKED! I need to know what the hell happens next because I was also left screaming at the end along with another character…
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews