The City Of Fractured Memory

by Ivy Carter

Come and play, Detective Wren…

Suspended above the inky expanse of Lake Voyd, and imprisoned by the mists of The Veil above, Velmora is a city fractured by war, where mortal magic is strictly prohibited and secrets breed like shadows.

When a string of seemingly impossible murders rattles the city, disgraced Detective Octavia Wren is plagued with cryptic notes, sent by the supposed murderer, goading her into the case. Dragged back into the shadows of the job she lost, she starts uncovering threads of a conspiracy that curls beneath Velmora like a sleeping leviathan, threatening to pull the entire city into the depths.

As trust fractures and loyalties collapse, lies spreading like poison, Octavia must decide who she can trust—including herself. But the investigation cuts closer than she ever expected, each revelation prying open truths she never asked to face. A devastating secret binds her to the murders, a conspiracy, and a prophecy that could either save Velmora…or end it.

–

The City of Fractured Memory is the first book in an epic fantasy romance duology where forbidden magic, impossible murders, and a world-ending prophecy collide.

Follow Detective Octavia Wren as she tries to solve an impossible case, with the help of her best friend and secret stow-away, Stryx. When a series of locked-room murders unfold, each victim found impossibly locked away with their memories magically stolen, Octavia is drawn into an investigation that uncovers an ancient cult, forgotten magic, and terrible secrets that bind her to the murders. Every clue points toward one man, Riven, the infamous Governor with a psychotic reputation and feared across Velmora.
But when things take an unexpected turn, she is forced into an uneasy alliance with the very man she's trying to bring to justice, and Octavia begins to question everything she thought she knew. As long-forgotten memories begin to resurface, Octavia discovers the memories of her life are not as accurate as she thought. Caught between two worlds and haunted by a destiny she never chose, she must race to stop an ancient force from breaking free before the barrier separating realms is destroyed forever.

But the closer she grows to Riven, the more dangerous the truth becomes. Because monsters are not always born from darkness... Sometimes, they're created by the people we choose to love.

Perfect for readers who love:

- Sherlock and The DaVinci Code
- Slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance
- Morally grey love interests
- Murder mysteries and ancient conspiracies
- Forbidden magic and hidden identities
- Epic fantasy with unique, stunning world-building
- High stakes, shocking twists, and emotional betrayal

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 26, 2026

About the author

Ivy Carter is a proud mum of two, a lifelong storyteller, and a firm believer in the magic of messy first drafts. From the moment she could hold a pen, she was scribbling down adventures, building worlds, and dreaming of one day becoming an author. After years of many, many unfinished notebooks and plot twists scribbled on scraps of paper, she finally wrangled her ADHD into submission- just long enough to finish the book she always knew she had in her.

When she’s not writing, she’s chasing after her kids, coffee, and the next burst of inspiration.

Reviews

[K.J. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only another cage. And I’ve slipped out of worse.’

‘Never underestimate someone who has been dragged repeatedly into the darkness and clawed their way back every time.’

I love a badass strong FMC and Ophelia did not disappoint. It was amazing to read something where the main character suffers with pain and chronic illness but manages to beat all odds.

This story drew me in from the get go and believe me when I say it was non-stop throughout. It’s difficult to throw me with twists but every single one of them (and my god, there was lots!) got me good.

TCOFM combines two of my favourite genres: fantasy & thriller and it was done SO well.

The characters were so well developed and their relationships complicated and heart warming in equal measure.

The world building was beautiful, yet not overwhelming in its description and I loved the uniqueness of the levelled society and the void beneath. The author drew the map herself and it
Really helped me to picture everything.

Stryx was by far my favourite character and the magic system was just as amazing as the world building.

I honestly cannot recommend this story enough! This is one of my favourite ARCs I’ve ever read by far, and I’m itching for book 2!

[Nixy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Functioning on this little sleep never does me any good, but I'll get plenty of rest when I'm dead, and right now, the dead need me to bring them justice."

The city of fractured memory, takes place in a city called "Velmora" which was fractured by war and is suspended above the inky expanse of Lake Voyd, and imprisoned by the mists of The Veil above. Mortal magic is strictly prohibited and secrets breed like shadows.
We follows a detective, Octavia Wren, who, together with her child hood best friend, Xavier, and and secret stow-away, Stryx, is trying to solve a series of strange murders that start to happen at the beginning of the book.
Stryx, is literally one of my new favourite characters of all time. She is an Echofae and can shape shift between a human and a dragon form, later on in the book you'll learn more about the Echofae and I absolutely loved that part of the story. I think the world building and atmosphere that the author created was so refreshing and I loved getting to know more about this world (Which also has an absolutely stunning map might I add >.<)

However the reason I placed this around 3-3.5-stars is mainly because of the way the romantic plot line was executed. I just didn't really feel the romantic chemistry at all and actually liked the book a lot more whenever the love interest wasn't there, which is maybe also part of the issue I was having, that the love interest was actually not really there a lot of the time and mainly popped up every now and then "to make an appearance" it almost felt like, to then vanish again. We never actually had any proper character relationship or build-up between the two, but somehow the FMC feels drawn to him from the start (Similar to the "fated mate trope"). Whilst Octavia is solving the murders we find out more about him through other people and she discovers that he is actually not the "bad guy" he was painted to be, so by the time she meets him again at the end of the book they instantly start hitting it off. So even though it's marked as a slow burn which could be seen as true given the romance doesn't start hitting it off until the end of the book, I also didn't feel like there was much of a "burn" to get there and was way more invested in the murder mystery, world exploration and the friendship between Octavia and Stryx, which, again, is literally one of my favourite friendships I've read about in a really long time.
I also want to mention that in case you have seen this book marketed with the "Student x teacher" trope, this is not want it sounds like. The love interest is in no way her actual teacher, he merely explained her how to do something once and that must be why they tagged the book with that trope, but don't go into this expecting an actual academy or training arc where he is her teacher/instructor.

Overall I think I still want to read the sequel given how much I loved this world and some of the characters, and would recommend it if you like:
🐉 Fantasy x Murder mystery
✨ Found family
🐉 unique world building
✨ Magical creatures
The series also has a "Disability rep", but I honestly kinda kept forgetting about it. It was present but I never felt like it was to big of a deal given she could get healed by magic quite fast every time she was in pain.

I know I might sound really critical but I did really like a lot about this story, just feel like some of the marketing tropes weren't really accurate/ it could have done without some things like the disability rep, or have been executed better.
I also want to thank the author for giving me the ARC I really appreciate it <3

Lastly here are some of my favourite quotes:

"You want to talk your way through everything, smooth over every jagged edge until the world looks pretty and civilised. but the world isn't civilised, Xavier. It's rotten. And sometimes the rot needs to be cut out."

"You may think I'm weak, but it is overcoming my weaknesses that make me even stronger. Never underestimate someone who has been dragged repeatedly into the darkness and clawed their way back every time."

"Your parents died when you were a child, and for that I am truly sorry. But because you lost them so young, you seem to have retained an infantilised ideology of the concept of family. Sharing blood does not mean anything. Being born into a family rarely comprises of hugs, kisses and unconditional love. It is often brutal, competitive and savage. I learned this the hard way, and now so will he.

[Paola Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly a HUGE thank you to Ivy Carter, the author of this book, to give me the opportunity to be part of the ARC team of her precios book. I really enjoyed and can't wait for the second book to come!!

A book that shows that not everything is like it seems...

“This is only another cage. And I’ve slipped out of worse [...] Never underestimate someone who has been dragged repeatedly into the darkness and clawed their way back every time.”

This book combines the fantasy and Thriller genres perfectly, which are 2 of my favourite ones.
Perfect for readers who wants to feel like they are a mix of Robert Langdon (DaVinci Code) and Clary Fairchild (City of Bones)

The world building is great, yet not overwhelming in its description and I loved how unique this city is. A city trapped between an almost impenetrable fog and the void (a lake) beneath. The author drew the map herself and it really helps to picture it.

Octavia’s determination to not let her circumstances dictate how she wants to live her life is inspiring and it really helps you relate to the author who has portrayed both her physical and mental pain in this character. On top of this, as a detective she always strive to find the reason behind everything. She doesn’t take the obvious facts as a definitive answer and she doesn’t stop asking the difficult questions, even if the real answer will break her heart.

I wouldn’t say this is a slow-burn romantasy as there isn’t much “slow” there but the way Ivy builds and explains the tension between Octavia and her love interest is amazing and actually makes sense. I hate romances that are very fast track because it normally feels forced but in this book, the relation feels very organic. It relates to the above mentioned; is Octavia pretty much following her instincts and looking past the obvious (although she notably doesn’t like to be guided just by her “gut feelings”).

Now for the twists... I am proud to say I normally guess what the twists are going to be, it makes me think I can see the writers intention and/or planning and then I have a good "I KNEW IT" moment. There were definitely a couple of those moments where I knew what certain character were going to turn up to be BUT there were also "got you" moments where I wasn't expecting certain twist AT ALL. I am afraid the end and its cliff hunger will live rent free in my head until I know what is happening in the second book!

Characters:
Although Octavia is the main character, my favourite one is Stryx. Such a strong and sweet soul, connected to the nature and willing to help Octavia in anything.

For the MMC, I think I haven't read such a good morally grey MMC as the one depicted by Ivy in this book. Very good reasons to kill someone hahah.

As for the bad guys, I am really looking forward to how they will bring them down in the next book!

Overall a 3.5/4 stars for me :)

[Morgan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I go crash out about this book, in the best way possible! Because what do you mean that was the ending????

Octavia Wren, the FMC, was the perfect mix of bad*ss and vulnerable. The journey she goes through just within this book was absolutely amazingly written. I fell in love with her sass and her inner strength. We follow Octavia throughout the investigation of dead seers in mysterious circumstances and I was literally on the edge of my seat because NOTHING and I mean NOTHING is what it seems. I am a sucker for murder mysteries and this book did not disappoint. I was literally trying to piece together the murders up until the end of this book. This book is written in only Octavia 's POV so what she knows is what we know, which adds to the mystery.

She works together with her former coworker, Xavier, who is high up as a detective, to solve these murders. But this is where things just get them more surprising and mysterious. Octavia and her shadow, Octavia and her secret roommate, Octavia and the mysterious notes. So much is pointing to Octavia that we as readers are starting to doubt if any of the information we are receiving can be trusted.

Then we are introduced to Stryx, who is definitely not who she seems. Octavia goes through a lot of risk keeping Stryx safe and out of the public eye because her very presence is a guaranteed prison cell or forced slavery. I really loved the different aspects of this world with the mortals and the lore with the gods but also just another realm that has individuals who use magic. I really loved this part of the storytelling.

As the murders start to rack up, Riven Ashfell enters the picture and Ohmygod I cannot get enough of him. His sarcasm and his banter with Octavia had me giggling and kicking my feet. He portrays such an intimidating figure but like the amount of times I was just grinning like an idiot by the things he says was a lot. Once he and Octavia decide to work together, the story gets more intense.

The behind the scenes situations were absolutely stacking up. The secret societies, the guessing of who was really evil in this book was crazy, and just the BETRAYALS. Because what do you mean there was a betrayal ON TOP of a betrayal, like excuse me????? But I seriously need the next book immediately because that ending was absolutely diabolical.

[Astraeagone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still processing the twists!

A huge thank you to Ivy Carter for the ARC of The City Of Fractured Memory in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

If you’re a fan of both the romantasy and the murder mystery / whodunit genres then you will love this. Detective Octavia Wren has a series of mysterious deaths to investigate and I switched my inner Sherlock Holmes on immediately!

This book had everything I love. There was a mix of lovable characters and I-like-you-but-are-you-a-murderer characters. There were theories thrown around left, right and centre (some in the book, some in my mind!).

I think the biggest compliment I can give is this… I finished the book and immediately restarted it again to look for easter eggs and little clues. Yep, I’ve read it twice already, and I LOVED it both times!


✨Tropes
* Morally grey love interests
* Slow burn enemies-to-lovers
* Ancient conspiracies
* Forbidden magic
* Hidden identities
* High stakes
* Question everything


✨My Best Bits:
- Stryx. I love her so much.
- Octavia’s determination to not let her circumstances dictate how she wants to live her life. I related to that so much, I loved how the author portrayed both her physical and mental pain.
- The mystery of it all and how it all came together at the end. I can’t wait for Book 2, I’ve not stopped thinking about it. I loved trying to guess what would happen.
- On the above, I loved that I guessed some things right and got that gratification and yet there were some things I was sooo way off to the point I sat back to reflect on the author’s genius. The balance between ‘you got that right / wrong’ was perfect.
- The relationship between the FMC / MMC. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll leave it there but it was top tier slow burn for me.



✨Overall:
This book kept me guessing until the very end. The magic extended well beyond the magic system and I can’t wait for Book 2!

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thank you for Ivy Carter for sending me a copy of this book, I really enjoyed the journey.

3.75⭐️

I really enjoyed this one! The writing is absolutely beautiful and SO descriptive, especially when it came to the world building. The world itself was so unique and completely captured that fantasy feeling, and surprisingly, even though murder mysteries usually aren't my thing, this one really gripped me.

The pacing was great, the magic system was really interesting, and I loved the shifter elements and memory siphoning. The journey to Lunoreth was probably one of my favourite parts the world building was stunning. I also really loved the found family element, especially seeing the FMC's bond with her best friend grow through their shared magic and heritage.

My biggest struggle was the FMC. She's definitely a badass and incredibly capable, but she was so stubborn 😂 She'd get annoyed whenever her friends tried to help or defend her, even when she clearly needed some help, which I found a little infuriating at times. The dialogue also felt quite YA in palces, which sometimes made her come across younger and more immature than I think she was meant to be.

The romance is burn, comes pretty late but honestly... that first kiss at around 80%👀 After waiting that long, it hit! I did wish the MMC had kept more of his scary, dangerous energy, though. He starts off so powerful and intimidating, but towards the end he loses a lot of that identity and almost becomes the FMC's sidekick, which was a little disappointing.

Overall, I really enjoyed the unique world, magic, mystery and found family, and there was so much about the story that worked for me. It wasn't quite a 4⭐ read, but definitely one I'm glad I picked up! ✨

Tropes/elements:
-Chosen one
-Prophecy
-Lost memories
-Unique identity
-Enemies to lovers
-Villain/love interest
-Betrayal

[Tisha Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Never underestimate someone who has been dragged repeatedly into the darkness and clawed their way back every time.”

This was such a fun mix of fantasy, mystery, and thriller. The locked-room murders, stolen memories, forbidden magic, and all the twists had me hooked pretty much from the beginning. I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on, and every time I thought I had it, something else happened.

The world-building was really well done too. It was detailed without feeling overwhelming, and I loved slowly uncovering all the secrets. The magic system was unique, and Stryx was hands down one of my favorite characters.

The only reason this wasn’t a 5-star read for me comes down to personal preference. I love a strong FMC, and Octavia definitely was. But for me, it felt like the story tried so hard to prove how independent she was that it didn’t leave much room for the male characters to really shine. I personally love seeing both the FMC and MMC be strong in their own ways. I like those little moments where the guy gets to step in, be protective, or just be a gentleman—not because she needs him to, but because that’s just who he is. There were a lot of opportunities where that got shut down, and after a while it started to pull me out of the story a little.

Again, that’s 100% just my personal preference, and I know a lot of readers will probably love that dynamic.

Overall though, this was a really good read. The mystery kept me guessing, the twists landed, and the ending definitely has me curious to see where the story goes next. If you love fantasy mixed with murder mysteries, forbidden magic, hidden identities, morally gray characters, and a slow-burn romance, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a shot!

[Isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally blew me away. This story has a real possibility to become something big and you cannot convince me otherwise. It will be torture to wait for the second book to come out.

I had a bit of trouble connecting with the beginning of the story, but that was totally on my mental state and not because of the story because even though the story hadn’t ‘clicked’ for me yet, I could tell it was really well written and thought out.

But as soon as I got about halfway the 'click' happened and I flew through the rest. I didn’t want to put it down.

The tension between Octavia and her love interest was perfect. I think that was the part that made it click for me. As soon as he came more into the picture I got truly invested.
There was only one thing that slightly threw me off and that was the moment their feelings for each other changed. It felt a bit abrupt, but I guess in the circumstances they were in I can’t really blame them.

But I think the main reason I have become so invested was the worldbuilding. I haven’t read many books where I was SO fully immersed into the world. Even when the story hadn’t yet ‘clicked’ I was still curious to learn more about the world and what was happening, and why.

I don’t know what else to say then that I absolutely loved it. And that ending was…Well.
Let’s just say I hope the second book will be out fast because I NEED to know what happens next.

[Valerie Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a few things that initially made me very keen to read this book.. Firstly the gorgeous cover, Secondly the way the plot mixed fantasy with a really good murder mystery vibe, and thirdly the fact that it shone a spotlight on chronic pain/illness.
So.. I have to say I was hooked right from the start. The pace was good, the plot twists kept me guessing (and in some cases picking my jaw up off the floor) right up until the end, the characters were well written, so much so that I still have possibly to much hope that a certain character can still be rescued from the dark path he's chosen.. The standouts for me were obviously our FMC and MMC Octavia and Riven, and I loved watching their relationship develope and learning the secrets of their past.. And of course Stryx .. IVY CARTER DO NOT make me cry in book two when it comes to Stryx, you've been warned!!
And then obviously there was the beautiful portrayal of watching Octavia fight to have a life, to have a career that she loves, while being torn down by chronic pain and the choices she has to make just to be able to make it through the day.
As someone who has dealt with chronic pain for years, and had to pretend it doesn't hurt when people look at you like you're either making it all up or making a fuss over nothing, this definitely hit home for me.
Thank you so much to Ivy Carter foe writing such a fabulous book and for giving me the opportunity to read it early!

[Nicole J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of The City Of Fractured Memory.
I would just like to start off by saying, as someone who suffers with chronic illness, having representation and feeling seen made my heart feel so full. Though the FMC has struggles, she is STRONG. It is a constant reminder while reading that you are not weak and you are strong. So thank you for helping us to feel seen.

Now for the rest of the book!
WOW! I loved this! You will fall in love with the main characters (some you will change opinions on but I’m saying no more 🤫)
The story instantly grabs the readers attention, and it is so beautifully written. The world building is done to perfection leaving so much for the reader to picture. I love the unique magic system, really refreshing. There are systems and creatures in this book that I’m yet to see in other books, it is so beautifully done.

This book is full of all things fantasy, it is a SLOW burn enemies to lovers, filled with lies and secrets (So many twists and turns to the story)
As you read you discover so much about the characters, and there is still so much to uncover.
THAT ENDING!
This was a great start to the story and I can’t wait for book 2.
Highly recommend ✨

[BookieMille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC

The story had me captivated from page 1. The way the story is so beautifully written, the little breadcrumps we get through the story, the way it keeps one guessing what happened and why.
The worldbuilding is revealed through the story and the map was what got me even more hooked to this story, it was so unique. The story was so different from anything I have read and I loved every part of it.
The romance was SLOW BURNING, it was a small part of the overall story. You know that kind of slow burn where the action is in the very end of the book. And the romance was so well written that I got chills and sat with a grin. And the banter UFF!
There where so many plottwist, I had a feeling about the FMC but the twist was not what I had expected.
And I felt seen more than once with the pain the FMC struggles with, some words just hit so close to home.
Lets just say, this book was more than I expected and I loved every part of it.
And with that ending, I have never needed the next book more than I need right now! This is by far the best book I have read this year and I will be yelling about it to everyone who wants to hear

[Brittany Vargas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts below are my own!

I would rate this book a 3.75 if goodreads had a partial star system. The concept was amazing, the plot twist was good - the execution just lacked a little. The pacing was off at times, as well.

We have magical Sherlock! we have avatar the last air bender sects (roll with this, it works I promise) we have family curses & trauma & magic.

Things I liked:
- the world concept & building
- the origin story reveal
- the found family / roomie / best friend dynamic

Things I wasn’t a fan of:
- a lot of the conflict felt forced
- the romance arc was kinda rushed
- the FMC’s emotions & reactions weren’t very consistent

Things I side eyed a little
- chronic pain that wasn’t really chronic & was often a minor inconvenience
- this bish is just never sleeping??
- a pretty major event relied on verbatim recitation of a lengthy speech that we heard one time & we nailed it

Ultimately, I did like this book. I’ll read the next one. I am invested in the story.

[Lacy (BookBunLady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thanks to Ivy Carter for allowing me the pleasure to read and review this ARC!

4.5⭐️

In the extremely fast-paced, action packed, & intricately woven world of Velmora, the secrets and deception pile on with every page turn. It's unrelenting, intense and keeps you on edge and begging for answers.

Investigator, Octavia Wren, who's personality is so relatable, is the only mortal who is willing to dive deep into the mysteries of 3 dead seers. What she finds is much bigger than just a murder, but who and what she truly is and the fate of their world.

The tension and pull to everyone around her just might be more than she could ever imagine!!

A beautiful blend of whimsy and mysterious with no stone left unturned. Ivy's ability to create a world and walk us through adventures into many of the landmarks with significant details was endless and enthralling. Beautiful visuals encapsulated each and every one.

It may not be the ending your hoping for... but the adventure is not over yet...

GIMME GIMME BOOK 2!!!

[Amanda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Oh wow. That was AMAZING.

First, a huge thank you to Ivy Carter for the advanced reader copy of The City of Fractured Memory! 🤍

That ending?! I was NOT expecting any of that, which honestly made it even better. I finished this book already ready for the next one!

I absolutely loved our FMC. She’s a detective, and her character was so well written. Trying to piece everything together alongside her was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. You’re not just reading the mystery you’re constantly questioning, investigating, and trying to figure out what is actually going on.

Stryx was such a fun character, and the two MMCs were absolutely brilliant. I want to say SO much more, but I don’t want to give anything away because I genuinely think this is a book you should go into ready to solve the mystery for yourself.

Just know this was such a fun, addictive read that kept me turning pages, and there were chapters that literally left my jaw on the FLOOR.

I cannot wait for everyone else to read this one and Ivy, I am READY for the next book! 👀

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Faye Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Gods, how am I supposed to wait for Book 2?!

I read this book as an ARC reader, and it BLEW ME AWAY. So many twists and turns that I honestly did not see coming. It’s got all the richness and magic of a well built fantasy novel with the suspense and surprise of a Harlan Coben mystery.

Such a unique and unusual blend of genres, and believe me when I say they come together beautifully. It’s so different, whilst still being very readable and highly enjoyable.

Amazing representation within the novel and one of the best friendships I’ve come across in fantasy (how can you not love Stryx?!)

I love morally grey / flawed characters, and gods does this book have them! Relatable and lovable at the same time, the FMC has a chronic illness which is well represented, and refreshing to see written into a character who is also a complete badass.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to my friends. 10/10

[readsbetweenthepages · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m Octavia Wren, the city’s best detective. I’ve battled against the odds, clawed my way through life on my own and got to where I am now by fighting for everything I have, and I’m not about to stop now.”

Oh where to begin… quite simply I loved this book and the pure heart of it.

Stryx is my new best friend and I need her in my life. Octavia is a champion of champions and I adore her spirit. Riven is the moody and misunderstood MMC you didn’t know you wanted to fall in love with.

The worlds @ivycarterauthor creates I have no words for - they come alive around you, like a place you’ve visited in your dreams but you can almost touch them.

Adored every minute and can’t wait for the next.

“Like a dark avenging angel, Riven is standing in the doorway beside me, panting and arms spread wide, a look of abject terror and fury written across his face as his gaze meets mine. “Don’t you ever fucking scare me like that again.”

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City of Fractured Memory is a unique blend of fantasy and mystery. When I first read the blurb of a fantasy realm mixed with a murder mystery I was immediately intrigued!

The world Ivy built is so incredibly unique. I was in awe reading the descriptions and feeling like I was actually in Octavia and Riven’s city.

Ivy does a wonderful job of connecting you to the characters. I could resonate and feel Octavia’s pain and longing for a better world through the pages. I loved watching her grow throughout the book and loved her fight at the end for her friend.

Stryx. I don’t even have words. We all need a friend like her in our lives.

And that ending! I feel like things are just beginning and I can’t wait to continue the story!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ChipmunksandDandelion (Cinnamon&Pine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started for me exactly like the title suggests, with many fragments for which I could not find a connection immediately, the characters, the world-Building, the lore.

Octavia Wren, a discharged detective, is drawn back into a series of murders due to her extraordinary abilities and her former fruitless hunt of the mysterious Corvus.

Add in her faithful childhood friend still active on the force, her best friend Stryx, who can shift, and the enigmatic governor of the Aetherward Rivenéan Ashfell.

It took me a few chapters, but than I was officially hooked and it all started to make sense!
The banter had me giggling, the mystery was so well done. Yes, all the hints you need are available!
The sloooow-burn and that finale.

4.5 stars rounded up for me!

When will the sequel be available? Just asking!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you Ivy Carter for offering me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow what an ending!

This is another amazing and original story that mixes fantasy and mystery into a twisty fast paced death on the line adventure.

The story follows Octavia, a recently fired human detective. She feels that even though she was fired things are not right in the city she lives in. We meet so many people who help(?) her figure out murder mysteries as well as figure out herself. And no one is who they seem!

The book takes its time at the beginning and can be a little tough to get into at first as the author has created such a new and unique world. Thought the further in you get the more it makes sense, then next thing you know you are fully invested and anxious about having to wait for book two!

But patiently wait is what I will do cause I need to know what happens!

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review of The City of Fractured Memory by Ivy Carter

This book follows Octavia Wren, recently-let-go detective as she tries to solve multiple strange murders of seers and simultaneously unravels the truths of her past.

Very cool concept. I think what kept this from being a higher rating for me was not really latching onto the characters. I clocked Xavier’s betrayal early on and although I didn’t see it coming, Vesper’s reveal just didn’t hit for me.

The romance/Riven was very meh. I personally wouldn’t really classify this as a slow burn because there was nothing really to burn. Their interactions seemed cursory and it felt like there was no build up to how they interacted in the last 20% of the book.

The plot lines were a little rough to follow, but I don’t know if that may have been due to me becoming disinterested.

Stryx and Quill were the highlight of the book for me.

Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review 🤟

[Read_with_me_booksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le livre m'a tout de suite intéressée : il réunit du mystère avec une enquête sur des meurtres, de la magie interdite, bref tout ce que j'aime.

L'enquête se transforme en quelque chose de plus grand, au fur et à mesure de son déroulement, et va au-delà de la "simple" recherche du coupable. Elle se délie doucement en un complot mettant en danger toute la cité fracturée, qu'Octavia doit éviter tout en se cherchant elle-même.

Les retournements de situation m'ont vraiment surprise. Et même si je commençais à avoir une petite idée de qui se cachait derrière ces meurtres et de la trahison qui allait suivre, je ne m'attendais pas à l'ampleur de celle-ci ni aux personnes exactes qui allaient trahir Octavia.

Octavia est intelligente, forte, déterminée et déteste lorsqu'un homme parle pour elle, et encore plus lorsqu'il cherche à la défendre sans son accord.
Mais elle est aussi très humaine, dans sa quête pour comprendre ses origines. Elle ne supporte pas de demander de l'aide, mais son indépendance se retourne plusieurs fois contre elle. Elle apprend peu à peu qu'il n'y a aucun mal à se faire aider et que ce n'est en rien une faiblesse. De plus, elle subit des douleurs chroniques, qu'aucun médecin ni aucune magie n'a jamais pu guérir. Et son Ombre est tout le temps derrière elle, à la suivre, à lui donner des ordres pour l'amener au-devant du danger et à essayer de faire en sorte qu'elle perde ses moyens. Cette Ombre, c'est son anxiété, sa panique, qui la paralysent. Octavia est un personnage auquel beaucoup de lecteurs peuvent s'identifier et je trouve qu'elle a été très bien écrite. Je l'ai beaucoup aimée !

J'ai aussi apprécié le love interest : Riven, qui paraît intouchable au début, arrogant et dangereux, mais se révèle de plus en plus humain au fur et à mesure de l'histoire avec ses démons, son passé, ses regrets et sa peur.

La fin est très très intéressante et j'ai vraiment envie de lire la suite.

[Harriett Hendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea why I went into this thinking it was a standalone? I was so panicked in the last part of the book wondering how on earth this was going to wrap up. Grateful there is a book 2, can’t wait to see what happens next.

I really enjoyed this book. The idea of a fantasy murder mystery felt fresh compared to a lot of my recent romantasy reads. If I’m super critical, the romance didn’t capture me as much as I hoped it would but I do like the MMC so looking forward to where it’s going next. I also felt like some things were explained too much and some of the twists were predictable. However, the characters and the worldbuilding are incredible. It felt different and somehow still comfortable.

I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us!

[Zonia H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advance readers copy

What a great story. The author did a fantastic job with the world building and magic system. I was able to picture this other world clearly. There was a good mixture of murder mystery and fantasy to keep me on my toes and wanting to know what happened next. There’s so much high stakes involved, secrets, and betrayal. We meet a badass FMC, Octavia and a morally grey MMC, Riven. I was not expecting the storyline to go in the direction it went which made the story even better! I feel like my favorite character is a side character Stryx, whom is a new creature never before seen in any other book.

Tropes:
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ magical murder mystery/ fantasy
✨ found family
✨ slow burn
✨ disability representation
✨ unique magical system

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author.

This was a unique story of mystery, magic, and romance. At the centre of it all was the protagonist, Detective Octavia Wren. I felt she had something of an enigma about her, and that her world was something I couldn't begin to understand. I think that initially, it was the mystery element of the story that appealed to me the most, but that was not the only reason I stayed.

This felt like a journey, a quest of some sort, and I invested in the characters to a point where I became emotional during the second half of the story. Maybe I came for the mystery, but I stayed for the friendship, the humour and banter, and love for the characters themselves. I will be waiting for the second book.

Thank you to the author for my ARC copy.

[Stacy Grierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

What drew me to this book was not just it being a fantasy story, but that our FMC suffered chronic illness & refused to allow it to stop her or define her. I could resonate with her, refusing to allow her pain to stop her doing what she wanted, refusing to hide behind anyone & wanting to do things on her own terms. This story is so well written with twists you don't see coming, character development & interactions that leave you questioning & wanting more. A brilliant blend of mystery, crime, magic, slow burn, betrayal & belonging. I can't wait for book 2.

[Karla Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Ivy Carter for allowing me an early arc read of The City Of Fractured Memory.

This was an awesome read wow! This story kept you engaged the entire time because something was going on. Whether it was action or mystery there was something to keep reading about. This book had a great amount of mystery, political intrigue, slow burn, enemies to lovers, strong FMC, friendships in question and the story, that was just so well written! Just when you think you may have figured something out, NOPE. That is a compliment to the wonderful author for how well this was done. If you dont have this on your TBR then you should add it. I will definitely be continuing the series.

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, this book really blew me away! I loved this mix of mystery, fantasy and romance and I absolutely can't wait to read more of this series. In the interest of a spoiler free review, I'll simply say that this is a rich fantasy world, a story full of twists and it also has one of my favourite on page friendships ever (I adore you, Stryx!) Make sure you get this book to the top of your TBR, you won't regret it!

[tammys bookish life · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love books with a slow burn romance, found family and a badass FMC then add The City of Fractured Memory to your TBR.
Ivy’s fractured world pulled me in immediately, and the friendship between Wren and Stryx gave me all the warm, fuzzy feels. But that ending? That ending had me sitting there like… excuse me, WHAT just happened. Now I’m stuck waiting for book two. Ugh, the agony.

[ASHLEY L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review 4.3 stars

Ivy Carter what have you done to me with that ending?!?!?

Ivy does a fantastic job weaving the world and mysteries of this book, it takes you on a magical murder mystery with twists and turns. Just when you think you may know what is going to happen, PLOT TWIST. You don't know which characters can be trusted, who is a part of the murders, and there are hidden identities and relationships galore. This is a true slow burn, like a little steamy make out happens but not until 80% into the book, but it's worth the build up with these two characters. And although the ending has absolutely thwarted me and I almost threw my e-reader across the room at the ending, I will absolutely be continuing with this series! Do yourself a favor and just go read it. I can't wait to see the journey and characters continue in book 2!

[Angela Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FMC in this book is full of courage and persistence struggling on even though she was sick it is inspirational very good read