Unbroken

by Ivy Vale

Autumn Reeves has spent sixteen years learning to live in a body that doesn't always cooperate. She knows her limits, manages herself carefully, and has mostly made peace with the fact that ordinary things cost her more than they cost other people. What she doesn't know is that she was never ordinary to begin with.
When Eli Callahan arrives in town - quiet, gorgeous, and carrying a secret - her world begins to shift in ways she can't explain. The darkness pressing at the edges of her small Colorado town isn't in her head. The weight in the air isn't anxiety. Something ancient and hungry is thinning the boundary between order and chaos.
And the only thing standing in its way is a girl with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a grandmother's journal, and a golden retriever who is not entirely what he seems.
She was chosen not despite everything her body has put her through.
She was chosen because of it.

273 pages, Paperback

Published July 4, 2026

About the author

Ivy Vale is the author of Unbroken, her debut novel, published in July 2026. She has always loved getting lost in a good story and, after years of reading them, finally decided to write one of her own.

When she isn't writing, Ivy can usually be found reading, discovering new indie authors, or happily disappearing into the world of books. She has also enjoyed being an ARC reader for several books this year, giving her the chance to experience and support stories before they reach their readers.

Ivy is currently working on her second novel.

Outside of books, life is wonderfully busy as a mom to two children, two cats, and one very enthusiastic Golden Retriever - who may or may not have inspired a character in Unbroken.

Reviews

[Jill Spoelstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Unbroken completely blind, which made discovering Autumn’s story all the more enjoyable. This is a warm, engaging young adult read with touches of fantasy, friendship, and a heroine living with chronic pain. I especially appreciated that Autumn’s strength doesn’t depend on her pain disappearing.

I’m an adult reader, and the story held my interest throughout. I’ll definitely be recommending it to the young adult readers in my life—and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to adults who enjoy a hopeful story, too.

[Natasha Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbroken was a light, enjoyable read with a lovely balance of adventure, character development, and just a touch of romance.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and the fantasy elements were introduced in a way that felt accessible rather than overwhelming. It’s the kind of story that gently eases younger readers into the fantasy genre without throwing too much at them all at once.

Overall, it’s an engaging and easy read that I’d happily recommend to younger readers or anyone looking for a fun, feel good fantasy adventure.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book blind and fell for all the twists and turns of this story! This book has heart and beautiful messages. It’s such a great read and I highly recommend if you’re looking for something unique that also has a fun twist plot twist.

[Teresa Trencher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book thanks to an Indie author book club. I also went in relatively blind and enjoyed every moment of the ride. The representation within the book hit all of the parts. My soul needed, and the relationship with a fur baby was the icing on the cake.

[Catherine Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.
Easy read, you can feel the emotions from all characters.
Highly recommended

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbroken is a beautiful book. It did an amazing job of exploring the concept of dark and light when words aren't enough. The story showed unique perspective and character growth and of course who doesn't love a big doofy golden retriever who is so much more than what he seems. This book had me crying and talking to myself at one point and it was a beautiful journey.

[Erin Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Unbroken not knowing quite what to expect, and came out completely won over. Ivy Vale has crafted something that feels both intimate and epic at the same time, and Autumn Reeves is exactly the kind of heroine I didn't know I needed.

What struck me most is how the story handles Autumn's chronic illness. This isn't a throwaway detail or a source of pity it's woven into the very heart of who she is and why she matters. The idea that her years of learning to manage a body that doesn't cooperate have actually prepared her for something far bigger than she ever imagined is such a powerful reframe, and it gives the whole book an emotional weight that a lot of paranormal fantasy skips over.

Eli Callahan's arrival in town kicks the plot into gear beautifully, and the slow unraveling of the town's hidden darkness kept me hooked from chapter to chapter. The blend of small-town Colorado atmosphere with something ancient and mythic pressing at the edges made for a genuinely tense, atmospheric read. And I have to give a shoutout to the grandmother's journal and the golden retriever both add such unexpected layers of warmth and mystery.

This is a story about being chosen not in spite of your struggles, but because of them, and it lands every bit as movingly as that premise promises. Highly recommend to anyone who loves urban fantasy with real heart and a heroine worth rooting for.