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Broken
89 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 15, 2026
Holy crap. This book absolutely gutted me.
It is such a short read, but somehow it manages to carry an insane amount of emotion in such a small amount of space. The story follows multiple teenagers living in a home for kids who have been abandoned, lost their parents, or have been completely broken by the things that have happened to them, and every single perspective brought a different kind of pain.
What really impressed me was how quickly I cared about these characters. Usually with a book this short, especially one with multiple points of view, I struggle to feel deeply connected because there just isn’t enough time. But somehow, Lira Darkwaters made each character feel like they had an entire history sitting behind every thought, every reaction, and every choice.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. It had that poetic, emotional quality that makes even the smallest moments hit hard. There were parts that were devastating, parts that made my heart ache, and moments where I just sat there thinking about how much trauma these kids were carrying.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading this one. There are a lot of very heavy topics packed into a short book, and because so much of that trauma involves young characters, some of it can be especially difficult to read.
The only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me was because I wanted MORE. I wanted more time with every single character, more backstory, more depth, more of everything. It almost felt like an introduction to a much bigger world, and from the way everything was set up, I am really hoping that is exactly what it is.
I actually loved how it ended because even though the book is short, it left me feeling like we had only scratched the surface of these characters. You can tell there is so much more beneath everything we were shown, and I am incredibly excited to read their individual stories and see how all of their lives continue to connect.
Gut wrenching, beautifully written, emotional, and surprisingly powerful for such a short book.
A very solid 4.5 stars from me.
It is such a short read, but somehow it manages to carry an insane amount of emotion in such a small amount of space. The story follows multiple teenagers living in a home for kids who have been abandoned, lost their parents, or have been completely broken by the things that have happened to them, and every single perspective brought a different kind of pain.
What really impressed me was how quickly I cared about these characters. Usually with a book this short, especially one with multiple points of view, I struggle to feel deeply connected because there just isn’t enough time. But somehow, Lira Darkwaters made each character feel like they had an entire history sitting behind every thought, every reaction, and every choice.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. It had that poetic, emotional quality that makes even the smallest moments hit hard. There were parts that were devastating, parts that made my heart ache, and moments where I just sat there thinking about how much trauma these kids were carrying.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading this one. There are a lot of very heavy topics packed into a short book, and because so much of that trauma involves young characters, some of it can be especially difficult to read.
The only reason this wasn’t a five-star read for me was because I wanted MORE. I wanted more time with every single character, more backstory, more depth, more of everything. It almost felt like an introduction to a much bigger world, and from the way everything was set up, I am really hoping that is exactly what it is.
I actually loved how it ended because even though the book is short, it left me feeling like we had only scratched the surface of these characters. You can tell there is so much more beneath everything we were shown, and I am incredibly excited to read their individual stories and see how all of their lives continue to connect.
Gut wrenching, beautifully written, emotional, and surprisingly powerful for such a short book.
A very solid 4.5 stars from me.
September 20, 2026
🖤 Broken by Lira Darkwaters
5 ⭐️ / Infinite Destruction
Some books break your heart. This one takes it, rips it to shreds, and leaves you drowning in the aftermath.
The most terrifying part? This could happen to anyone. The monsters aren’t hiding in closets or lurking beneath your bed. Sometimes, they’re the very people we trust with our lives.
Maya & Nico were ripped from the warmth of their loving home, but that was only the beginning. The nightmare that followed was beyond anything I was prepared for.
I felt EVERYTHING. I was cursing, screaming, kicking, crying…..my heart was being torn from my chest with every turn of the page. And when I say this book is devastating, I mean soul-crushing, breath-stealing, haunting you long after you finish kind of devastation.
⚠️ CHECK. YOUR. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. Check them twice. Three times. Please don’t go in blindly.
This is a short book with an absolutely brutal impact. A chilling reminder that sometimes the darkest monsters don’t need to hide in the shadows……because they’re already standing right beside us.
A huge punch to the heart in a painfully short read. I will not be recovering from this one anytime soon.
And despite the emotional destruction, I’m already counting down to the next book. Lira Darkwaters has me hooked, and I’ll be reading the next one and every other book she writes. 🖤
5 ⭐️ / Infinite Destruction
Some books break your heart. This one takes it, rips it to shreds, and leaves you drowning in the aftermath.
The most terrifying part? This could happen to anyone. The monsters aren’t hiding in closets or lurking beneath your bed. Sometimes, they’re the very people we trust with our lives.
Maya & Nico were ripped from the warmth of their loving home, but that was only the beginning. The nightmare that followed was beyond anything I was prepared for.
I felt EVERYTHING. I was cursing, screaming, kicking, crying…..my heart was being torn from my chest with every turn of the page. And when I say this book is devastating, I mean soul-crushing, breath-stealing, haunting you long after you finish kind of devastation.
⚠️ CHECK. YOUR. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. Check them twice. Three times. Please don’t go in blindly.
This is a short book with an absolutely brutal impact. A chilling reminder that sometimes the darkest monsters don’t need to hide in the shadows……because they’re already standing right beside us.
A huge punch to the heart in a painfully short read. I will not be recovering from this one anytime soon.
And despite the emotional destruction, I’m already counting down to the next book. Lira Darkwaters has me hooked, and I’ll be reading the next one and every other book she writes. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! this book was absolutely devastating. Broken is such a fitting title, because it truly just about broke me. Have tissues ready for this one, it had me blubbering like a baby. This short story introduces us to a group of teens living in a group home, giving us a brief but powerful glimpse into what each of them is going through, setting the stage for the stories to come. This instalment focuses mainly on Maya and her little brother. When a family expresses interest in adopting her six year old brother, Maya is determined to stop it, holding onto the hope that she can adopt him herself once she turns 18. The story takes a turn I absolutely did not see coming, and it was completely heart wrenching. Despite its short length, it packs an emotional punch and leaves a lasting impact. I’m really looking forward to diving into each character’s story, and I already know Lira will keep me hooked and eager for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Lira, for reaching out and letting me read the first chapters before sending me the ePub. As I told you then, this is definitely the kind of story I’d dive into.
I finished this book wanting to know more about each of the characters. I want to understand the depths of their pasts and where life takes them from here. If I had to choose one story to read next, I’d probably start with Maya, but honestly, I’d read all of them.
All I can say is this: it hurts when you realize that the adults who are supposed to protect you are the very people you need to fear the most.
Thank you again for trusting me with your work. I’d happily return to this world if these characters ever got their own stories.
I finished this book wanting to know more about each of the characters. I want to understand the depths of their pasts and where life takes them from here. If I had to choose one story to read next, I’d probably start with Maya, but honestly, I’d read all of them.
All I can say is this: it hurts when you realize that the adults who are supposed to protect you are the very people you need to fear the most.
Thank you again for trusting me with your work. I’d happily return to this world if these characters ever got their own stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book hit hard emotionally. It strips each character back layer by layer, showing the things they've survived and the scars they're still carrying. Seeing their stories unfold from different perspectives made everything feel so much more personal, especially watching them lean on each other when everything around them was falling apart.
There's no shortage of heartbreak. Every chapter carries the weight of loss, regret, fear, and the kind of anger that comes from living through the unimaginable. By the end, all I wanted was for these characters to finally catch a break. They've fought so hard just to survive, and it's clear their journey is far from over. I already know the next books are going to be just as much about healing as they are about everything they've endured.
There's no shortage of heartbreak. Every chapter carries the weight of loss, regret, fear, and the kind of anger that comes from living through the unimaginable. By the end, all I wanted was for these characters to finally catch a break. They've fought so hard just to survive, and it's clear their journey is far from over. I already know the next books are going to be just as much about healing as they are about everything they've endured.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! The second book by Lira and I already know any book will be an auto-read! I love the writing, even in a short 89 page book like this, the pacing is amazing! So much happens in a short space of time.
The individuals carry the world on their shoulders and you feel it through the pages. I'm already engrossed in their lives and look forward to what I can tell will be an amazing series! I can already tell it'll get me tearing up and feeling for each and every one of them!
We get a snippet into each of their lives and wow, what lives they've had already in their short existence. Resilience, defiance, trust, love, emotions, this shows what life can truly be like and I just want to hug them all!
Can't wait for more! Intrigued to say the least!
The individuals carry the world on their shoulders and you feel it through the pages. I'm already engrossed in their lives and look forward to what I can tell will be an amazing series! I can already tell it'll get me tearing up and feeling for each and every one of them!
We get a snippet into each of their lives and wow, what lives they've had already in their short existence. Resilience, defiance, trust, love, emotions, this shows what life can truly be like and I just want to hug them all!
Can't wait for more! Intrigued to say the least!
July 29, 2026
Broken by Lira Darkwaters…where to start. This is collection of stories about a group home. You get a little background on a few of the kids in the home. All of them have absolutely horrific and heartbreaking stories. The author really has a way of ripping your heart out, I had all of the emotions. Anger, frustration and sadness. There were tears!
Maya and Nico about broke me. They came from a decent home but tragedy struck and tore their family apart, more than once.
Read the trigger warnings and just know that there is so much to unpack in this short book. I cannot wait for more! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this.
Maya and Nico about broke me. They came from a decent home but tragedy struck and tore their family apart, more than once.
Read the trigger warnings and just know that there is so much to unpack in this short book. I cannot wait for more! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this.
August 14, 2026
Wow. Just, wow.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to read this ARC.
BROKEN is a short introduction to a world of broken kids who are about to find their way to love—one story at a time.
This book was under 100 pages and yet so much happens. We get an introduction to the characters in an upcoming series. They are all teenagers in a home and all have different trauma and backgrounds.
This story made me feel so many emotions. I smiled at the friendships, I got angry for what some of the characters have gone through, and I hurt with them when a traumatic event rocks the house.
This story hooked me and I cannot wait for the series to begin so I can get to see how each of the characters stories play out.
*This story may be very triggering so please read the warnings before starting.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to read this ARC.
BROKEN is a short introduction to a world of broken kids who are about to find their way to love—one story at a time.
This book was under 100 pages and yet so much happens. We get an introduction to the characters in an upcoming series. They are all teenagers in a home and all have different trauma and backgrounds.
This story made me feel so many emotions. I smiled at the friendships, I got angry for what some of the characters have gone through, and I hurt with them when a traumatic event rocks the house.
This story hooked me and I cannot wait for the series to begin so I can get to see how each of the characters stories play out.
*This story may be very triggering so please read the warnings before starting.
August 17, 2026
Oh boy did this book bring out all of the feels in me. It was a bittersweet read that introduced us to characters that will get their own books in the future but this book/novella. It gave us a taste of them as individual characters and how their stories started.
Broken followed a group of teenagers living in a children's group home. All with difficult backgrounds but finding a family of their choosing with each other. Be prepared this book is a weepy or at least it was for me. It tugged at the heartstrings, big time. With that ending I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the other books in this series, so much.
Broken followed a group of teenagers living in a children's group home. All with difficult backgrounds but finding a family of their choosing with each other. Be prepared this book is a weepy or at least it was for me. It tugged at the heartstrings, big time. With that ending I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the other books in this series, so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received an ARC from the author*
This was a devastating short introduction into the lives of the young people in this home. We get a brief look from a lot of the female residence perspectives and begin to learn what brought a lot of them here. This is truly heartbreaking, a challenging read full of emotions. We mainly follow Maya, a soon to be 18 year old, who plans on adopting her 6 year old brother, Nico, after their parents passed away. We navigate complicated feelings and relationships between those in this home as they are let down by those they should be able to trust the most.
This was a devastating short introduction into the lives of the young people in this home. We get a brief look from a lot of the female residence perspectives and begin to learn what brought a lot of them here. This is truly heartbreaking, a challenging read full of emotions. We mainly follow Maya, a soon to be 18 year old, who plans on adopting her 6 year old brother, Nico, after their parents passed away. We navigate complicated feelings and relationships between those in this home as they are let down by those they should be able to trust the most.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy cow!
First, Lira has now become my absolute favorite author. I’ve had the pleasure of reading a few of her books! Her writing grabs hold of you from the first word and then has you hooked!
I had the privilege of ARC reading this book… thank you Lira for another masterpiece!!!
It’s a preview (if you will) of several characters for upcoming stories / books.
I can’t WAIT to read every single one!
Maya… it’s the first one I’d like to read, but rest assured I’m reading them all!
Raven, Sierra, Gigi, Eli, Ryder, Aria, Liam, Elias…. I can’t wait learn more about you!!!
First, Lira has now become my absolute favorite author. I’ve had the pleasure of reading a few of her books! Her writing grabs hold of you from the first word and then has you hooked!
I had the privilege of ARC reading this book… thank you Lira for another masterpiece!!!
It’s a preview (if you will) of several characters for upcoming stories / books.
I can’t WAIT to read every single one!
Maya… it’s the first one I’d like to read, but rest assured I’m reading them all!
Raven, Sierra, Gigi, Eli, Ryder, Aria, Liam, Elias…. I can’t wait learn more about you!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is not even a hundred pages long and it shattered everything inside of me. I cried and felt every emotion while going through it. It introduces us to kids who are all together because their families weren't there for them and broke them instead of protecting them.
They each have their demons and after a traumatic event decide to become family, to protect each other when the system fails them. I can't wait to read each and every one of their stories. I love them already and I've only had a glimpse of each one. Thank you for this opportunity
They each have their demons and after a traumatic event decide to become family, to protect each other when the system fails them. I can't wait to read each and every one of their stories. I love them already and I've only had a glimpse of each one. Thank you for this opportunity
August 16, 2026
This was an ARC novella.
The dark short story of what happened when 6 year old Nico was adopted and his sister Maya was left behind in a group home.
A story of love.
It is way more complex than that, and it introduces you to the main characters of the next 5 books.
From reading her previous book, and this short story or introduction or whatever you want to call it, I know those will be books that leave you raw. If you go to Instagram @Lirawaters13 you can even vote which character's story you want to read next .... I recommend! Join me in this dark world of Broken kids.
The dark short story of what happened when 6 year old Nico was adopted and his sister Maya was left behind in a group home.
A story of love.
It is way more complex than that, and it introduces you to the main characters of the next 5 books.
From reading her previous book, and this short story or introduction or whatever you want to call it, I know those will be books that leave you raw. If you go to Instagram @Lirawaters13 you can even vote which character's story you want to read next .... I recommend! Join me in this dark world of Broken kids.
August 21, 2026
Welp didn’t expect to feel so much heartbreak but here I am. These poor kids are all definitely broken in their own messed up worlds. With this story giving a short introduction to all of the characters to the later series and this one focusing on maya and her brother, I wanted more justice for Maya.
This could have been a longer and more in-depth novel instead of a very short story. Real world experiences that unfortunate teens have to deal with when being in the foster care system. The evil in this world could be the closest ones to you but you can always find your family from others.
This could have been a longer and more in-depth novel instead of a very short story. Real world experiences that unfortunate teens have to deal with when being in the foster care system. The evil in this world could be the closest ones to you but you can always find your family from others.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Read*
Thank you so much Lira for sending me a copy of this book.
Honestly this book is absolutely incredible and I couldn't put it down! Lira has an amazing way with words that makes you feel absolutely everything as though it is happening to you.
The trauma that each character has had to endure is absolutely heartbreaking and had me in tears pretty much all the way through the book.
It will be so interesting to read each individual couples' books when they are released and I can't wait! I know they will be incredible ❤️
Thank you so much Lira for sending me a copy of this book.
Honestly this book is absolutely incredible and I couldn't put it down! Lira has an amazing way with words that makes you feel absolutely everything as though it is happening to you.
The trauma that each character has had to endure is absolutely heartbreaking and had me in tears pretty much all the way through the book.
It will be so interesting to read each individual couples' books when they are released and I can't wait! I know they will be incredible ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one hurt but it gives glimpses into multiple characters traumas. Multiple POVs and it shows how some will band together to save others. It is heartbreaking and in future books you can tell there is going to need so much healing for everyone. There is guilt, shame, pain, grief, and anger throughout the book. The ending left me hoping to see each character feel a sense of safety and happiness they previously did not have.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Maya. She lives in a group home with her little brother. He is selected for adoption and she does everything to stop it. She wants to adopt him when she turns 18. My god- the emotional rollercoaster was real. I cried. The story grabs you and doesn’t let you go. It has great pace and it is a quick read as well. New author for me and I’m hooked! I hope to hear about the other characters in future books! Stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 15, 2026
Oh wow. Lira Darkwaters has blown me away again. She has such a beautiful way of writing such dark emotional stories. These characters have been through traumatic childhood experiences, and those who were meant to protect them didn’t. I can’t even put in to words how this book made me feel, it’s a short story but has had such a big impact. I look forward to reading more about the characters, who are already in my heart.
ARC review, and this is my own and honest opinions.
ARC review, and this is my own and honest opinions.
August 20, 2026
If there’s one thing for sure Lira knows how to do. It’s to make me cry 😩.
This short, but meaty story is about a group of teenagers finding a found family in a group home. You get introduced to all of them, you get to learn why they are there, and see their heartache.
Even though it’s only 70+ pages you get a full scope of each character. I’m fully invested in each character, and how it plays out for each one of them.
This short, but meaty story is about a group of teenagers finding a found family in a group home. You get introduced to all of them, you get to learn why they are there, and see their heartache.
Even though it’s only 70+ pages you get a full scope of each character. I’m fully invested in each character, and how it plays out for each one of them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pure emotional damage.
This is the second book I read from the author and she totally went to my "auto-read" -list ❤️
When you're reading this book it's like those things are happening to you. The devastation, anxiety and at the same time sense of belonging is so palpable 💔 Can't wait for these guys to have their happy endings!!
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This is the second book I read from the author and she totally went to my "auto-read" -list ❤️
When you're reading this book it's like those things are happening to you. The devastation, anxiety and at the same time sense of belonging is so palpable 💔 Can't wait for these guys to have their happy endings!!
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
August 15, 2026
First of all, the things those kids had to endure in their own homes are absolutely devastating. Please check your trigger warnings, if you have untreated trauma you may not want to read. However, Miss Jacobs is a disgusting piece of human garbage and I truly hope she gets what’s coming to her as well as the Addams.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing, intense, heartbreaking, and hopefully all in one. The introduction into the series is amazing. This gives so much insight into the characters and what happened to them, but also what they mean to each other as well as how one thing can bring people together.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solid beginning to the series! I was definitely hooked. This book made me feel so many emotions in such a short time. I can not wait to read Maya's full story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This packs one massive emotional punch. I cannot wait for the series to read the individual stories of each of the teens.
If this novella is anything to go by, the series is going to be one emotional rollercoaster.
If this novella is anything to go by, the series is going to be one emotional rollercoaster.
September 20, 2026
Such a beautiful short read that carried huge amounts of emotion. Ioved it.
September 24, 2026
This is a short 80 page novella an introduction to new characters in a series of books it tells their stories of why they are in care. A short heart rendering read
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews