Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster.
Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet—
She's powerful.
If he can harness her ability—break through her walls—
I'm pretty sure I drink too much Pepsi. I'm also pretty sure that somedays it's what keeps me sane. Well, Pepsi and writing, that is.
I'm a dreamer, an inspirer. I find beauty in weakness, brokenness, and heartbreak. In life, and joy, and happiness. These moments don't define us, but the choices we make in these moments do.
I write about these moments. About the choices we make and the paths we tread. About the circumstances that make us who we are and the experiences that will lead us to who we will become.
I write about life. Love. Pain. And hope.
"It's not about the ending; it's about the journey."
With this novel, not only her heroine, Nautia, but also D Nichole King has broken through; she has merged New Adult with a coming-of-age supernatural story in which the main characters suck the readers with them into a world of extreme danger. We get to be with them as they learn how to harness their powers. Nautia, being the most dangerous of them all in her attempts at leashing and unleashing her power over water at will, is both funny and badass as she stumbles forward.
Riley, the hottie leader of the team, is the type of character that can make a reader heart skip a few beats too quickly. He's having a hard time reeling Nautia in both emotionally and physically. It's soon apparent that the two have feelings for each other. A very logical element of star-crossed lovers materializes; if they consummate their love, what would happen to them... to the world surrounding them?
D Nichole is a master at intricate story-lines, keeping the reader on the edge of her seat, and at short, action-packed scenes solved in ways you don't easily predict. Another great novel, D—hats off!
*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review.*** Review to come
I have to tell you that I don’t usually read this genre. At.All. Surprisingly, I discovered some good stories in the anthology « Beneath The cape - The SuperHero Anthology ». The first part of Breaking through appeared in that one. I really enjoyed it and I couldn't wait to read the whole book where I could follow these characters’ journey. And I was captivated! D. Nichole King knows how to make you travel into her stories and make you feel. It was suspenseful, addictive , heart melting and with some awesome laugh out loud humor. Get ready for some action here! Friendship, love, and superpowers! Kick ass story!!
It was a wonderful reading through Nautia’s journey of growing into herself, to challenge her own abilities, and damn Riley, her superior, just wow! I was in love with this character but reading again his thoughts made me falling more for him! He’s a keeper! She, and other students were chosen for a top-secret mission, a dangerous one, where characters were showing their true colors and facing their fears.
How to manage her instability? She manipulates water. She was an essential element to succeed the mission but she was a bomb, threatening to explode at any moment. If she had to succeed the mission, she had to control her powers, not let them control her. It was a long path full of pitfalls, where betrayal, love were melting, keeping me on my toes. She was tormented by her twin’s death and wanted to save her brother’s memory. She wasn’t expecting to fall for Riley who was managing the mission. Holy guacamole, their chemistry was off the charts!
Riley couldn’t let fall for her and even if he had to the strongest, to stay away, he couldn’t. He was mesmerized by her. A siren. This character didn’t disappoint. Supportive, sweet, and caring, I was totally rooting for him and Nautia. They made such a great team. Nautia was a mystery and he wanted to know all her deepest secrets. And again … sigh. All I can say that the author knows to write as much bad ass heroines but their match??? Just freaking awesome. High five!
As the story unfolds, I couldn’t put it down! I was caught into this whirlwind story. Intense, with a lot of action, some smoking hot parts, and endearing characters. I wish they could all have their story, because I got attached to them, and especially Nautia’s best friend, Kray, an enigma!
All the characters were great, each have some awesome and interesting abilities. I loved to watch Nautia growing, developing her powers. The story flaws so easily, with no time out! It was fascinating to see how each character was struggling and managing their powers. The storyline was so refreshing! I was really impressed, I just wished some parts of the plot, (mostly about the incredible twist about Nautia) were more expanded, it was a little rushed to me but it didn’t ruined it at all, but I could be more enjoyable to me.
I first read the first half of Breaking Through in the Beneath The Cape Anthology. It had me really intrigued and interested for more! I really enjoyed the easy going story with a hint of mystery. Have you ever seen the movie Sky High? (I have a kid, don't judge me) It reminded me of a slightly more adult version of that!
A group of Superpower young adults learning to hone their abilities at a special/super academy are recruited into a secret mission for the Navy.
There's action, mystery and danger along with unforeseen twists. Along the way of course is friendship and a budding romance.
This was a quick and light read with a paranormal/supernatural twist.
I'm happy I finally got to read the ending because I wasn't expecting things to turn out they way they did! Great twist!
This was my first read by Ms King and I look forward to more in the future!
It has been a long while since a book has grabbed a hold of me like this once I picked it up. It started with the captivating cover. Then the first paragraph. I was completely hooked and could not put the book down until I finished it. D. Nichole King has a true winner here, full of bite-your-nails suspense, laugh-out-loud humor and heart-melting feeling. She covers all the bases and completes it all with a finish I won't soon forget. I hope there is some way she can make a series with these characters, because I sure do want to read more about them! Most definitely 5 of 5 stars, more if I could give them! (I was given an Advanced Reader Copy by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Story begins with a mysterious situation and ends on a emotional high. The characters are set in a contemporary world with superpowers from mind reading to levitation. The author spliced real world and fantasy like any superhero novel, but included hot romance between her main leads to make a reader turn page after page.
Emotions can be deadly when they overpower a person's supernatural ability, a fact Nautia Olson knows all to well. Being labeled unstable since the death of her twin brother Nate, Nautia hasn't been able to control her gift of water manipulation. As an aquator her skill is rare but she is a liability to those around her when she lets any emotion in the form of fear to anger to sadness take over her concentration. So when the U.S. Navy comes asking for her help on a top secret mission via the form of Captain Riley Barton, Nautia isn't sure she is up for the important job. Nautia eventually agrees to the mission thanks to her best friend Kray reminding her that this may be the one chance to find out what really happened to her brother and why she has such vivid nightmares of his death.
Overall, great book that definitely took me by surprise at the end. The mystery of it all was figuring out what was so special and "wrong" with Nautia. The poor girl is obviously special but its the why that bugs you until all is fully revealed. Nautia and Riley's relationship is cute; Basically Riley has it bad for the girl, while the girl is hung up on I don't want to hurt you with my powers problem. So you really kinda fall for Riley because he is sooo understanding and tries to be mister perfect boyfriend despite his mission and rank. Oh and their scenes were steamy, didn't expect that; Perhaps because I was stuck on the whole scifi-mystery part of the book and the romance side took me by surprise. My only issue was how the dialogue played out, the character perspectives changed chapter by chapter, however sometimes the scene would continue into the next chapter while changing into the alternative perspective, which continually broke up the moment for me. Then there is a bit of literary bread crumbs in the story that hinted at more for maybe a sequel, but if none are in the making than the end may have been to rushed in order to have that HEA conclusion. So if you want a new adult novel about a girl trying to find out why and how her brother died while honing her emotions to control her power over all things water aaannd read about her trying to make a relationship work too with a hot captain who is all about her, than this book will be worth a read.
**I received a free copy in return for an honest review**
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.***
I’d first read the first bit of this story in the BENEATH THE CAPE anthology. So when I was given an opportunity to review this book. I had to jump at the chance. Nautia is deeply troubled. She has lost the ability to control the element that has been hers since birth. But since her twin brother drown in that same element, she’s lost her focus, her ability to harness the oceans around her. This makes her a danger to everyone, especially since her power is linked to her emotional state. And her emotions have been anything but stable since Nate’s death. This doesn’t stop the government though. They want her to help them get something and they don’t care if she’s ready or not. Riley, Captain of this mission, doesn’t feel that way. He wants to help Nautia harness her abilities. But what they find out on their ocean voyage as they train and prepare for this mission, changes everything.
Nautia and Riley fall for one another. And it’s a beautiful story in finding your strength first in someone else’ faith in you, but eventually figuring out that the strength was in you the whole time. And I’ll say that the story doesn’t disappoint from where the anthology snippet left off. I will say that for me the ending felt more anti-climatic. But then I was feeling mighty blood-thirsty at that moment and the murder and mayhem wasn’t enough to satisfy that. I think I would have went with a little more torture first. But eh, maybe I’ve read too many mafioso books lately. There were a host of characters that I did like. I will say that I want to know more about Kray. I really liked him. The twists in this book, I didn’t see coming were very pleasant. But now that I think back on it, the clues were all there.
Ms. King weaves a wonderful tale about people with special abilities and skills and how they manifest themselves. I also love the mystery and the way she allows the story to flow. This is the first story of hers that I’ve read and I’m pretty certain this will not be the last. So would I recommend this book? Yeah I would. I would be sure people understood that there is nookie there, there is some coarse language but the scenes aren’t overly descriptive and are steamy.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review over on my blog (Pretty Little Book Blog)
Nautia is such an awesome character! We first meet her while she is attending Brighton Academy -- a school for people with special abilities to gain control and training over their powers. Nautia has had some issues gaining control of her power after the death of her brother she is not dealing with things well. Which equates to a lot of water damage! She is sent (granted with hesitation!) on a mission for the Navy with Riley, a student who had been recruited by the Navy 5 years ago and who Nautia is pretty distracted by if you know what I mean ;).
This was a lot more action packed than the last series that D. wrote that I got sucked into and less emotional! Which I love always seeing what she comes up with and the different layers to her talent! (Seriously, is there anything this lady can't write!) this is an addictive story like the rest of her books with a different almost X-Men kind of spin on things.
All of the events begin to esclate quickly after the Specials arrive on the ship to begin their training before the start the mission and the sparks between Nautia and Riley become a major part of the story along with all the mysteries of who leaked the information and what went on with Nautia's brother. It left me racing toward the end just wanting to find out what happens next! One of my favorite things about D.'s writing is that once you start one of her stories they don't let you go! And no matter how much you want to stop and savor the book you are completely incapable of doing so haha. And let's get to the jaw dropping twist toward the end I mean really? I had some inklings but when it was actually confirmed and dealt with I had a jaw dropping moment and was applauding D for crafting the story so well. Just further solidified why she is one of my favorite authors.
I read the first half of this story in the Super Hero Anthology and I could not wait for the second half. I may or may not have pestered D. relentlessly about when I was going to get my hands on it. When it finally hit my kindle I was so excited to jump back into Nautia and Riley"s relationship and to find out what the hell had happened to Nautia's brother.
I am not much of a fan of fantasy story lines, but I was reading this one specifically because D. wrote it. I was actually really pleasantly surprised by how interesting and well written the "super" powers were woven into this story. Nautia's powers were unique and intriguing and oddly believable. Actually, I kind of loved everyone's powers in this book, especially Kray, Nautia's best friend. He was a great addition to the book.
I loved Nautia and Riley's relationship, it was a wonderful slow build that was believable and endearing. I felt the pull between these two and the tension was palpable. Riley was hot as hell and sweet and cute and supportive and willing to put Nautia's well being before his own.
What kept this story from being a 4 or 5 star read for me was the ending. I can't explain it, but it just felt rushed to me and unfortunately, that pulled me out of the story. The resolution of the overall mystery didn't really sit right with me and a few things that happened seemed to be glossed over when I thought they should have been given more weight.
I am a huge fan of D. Nichole King and I will continue to read all of her books. I think I just hold the bar so high for this author that this one fell a little short.
This is Nautia's story, as she learns to navigate and harness her powers as an aquator. She, along with other students from the elite Brighton Academy, is on a top secret mission with the US military. Nautia is unsure of her abilities and has yet to figure out how to control them, putting everyone on the mission in danger. With the intriguing Captain Riley by her side she works to break through and finally come to terms with how powerful she really is.
Breaking Through is full of so much action and mystery, romance and friendship…it’s a fast paced read that kept me flipping the pages. It’s such a unique story, with a terrific cast of characters. Nautia is such an interesting one, full of contradictions- she’s strong yet vulnerable, determined yet unsure, headstrong yet uncertain. She’s become one of my favorite heroines.
I won an ARC of Breaking Through in exchange for an honest review.
HO. LY crap, this book is amazing, had me hooked from the first page, the story line flows and never seems rushed or too slow. if I had to put this book into a category, I would call it super natural, kick ass action, with a touch of romance.
In Breaking Through, you join gifted Nautia and her equally gifted class mates in the top secret mission for the navy, Nautia is also out to figure out how and when her brother died. Nautia also finds her self drawn to Riley Barton, the head of the mission, he also finds himself drawn to Nautia and wants to help to her learn how to control what she fears. Along with the main characters, the secondary characters are equally amazing, Kray, Nautias best friend is funny, caring and extremely supportive of Nautia and does his best to help break through her wall and remember what is forgotten.
To sum it up Breaking Through is everything you could want in a book super natural abilities, action, and just enough romance to make a hopeless romantic swoon, go ahead and dive into it, you won't regret it.
Breaking through is easily a favorite of mine for 2015 D. Nichole King is a talented author, with a wonderful ability to bring the book to life as if it were a movie playing in my head. Thank you D. Nichole King, for the honor of reading this amazing book, prior to its release.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we meet Nautia and Riley. Both of these characters are considered specials due to the extra ordinary abilities that they each have. Riley is a naval captain that is the head of a top secret mission that includes Nautia as well as 4 other specials and 4 other naval personnel. In this story Nautia is a woman that can not control her abilities because of this she is a danger to anyone around her. Nautia's ability well she can manipulate water both on land and on sea. However her greatest problem is that her abilities are tied to her emotions and so far she hasn't been able to keep a handle on them. That is why she finds it so interesting at how well Riley helps her to control her emotions and in turn control her abilities.
Riley knows he shouldn't get close to a cadet but there is just something about Nautia that keeps bringing him back again and again. He also believes that if he can teach her how to control her emotions than she could be the most powerful aquator. The problem might be though getting her there without her killing everyone associated with the mission.
This is an amazing book about love, acceptance, and finding out what you need to make your life whole. This book has many twists. In it you will have a hard time figuring out who are the good guys and who are the bad ones. I would highly recommend this book it is amazing that will have you on the very edge till the very last word.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Mature readers due to sexual content.
I previously reviewed a short version of this story in the "Beneath the Cape" anthology. My opinion of D. Nichole King’s interesting novel has not changed. I loved the unique plot and the amazing characters.
The expanded story is simply beautiful! My favorite characters are still my favorites. Nautica, Riley, and Kray have such clearly defined roles along with great strengths. Their weaknesses help them grow as individuals.
I would have never guessed how involved Nautica’s story could be. There’s a bombshell near the end of this story. I actually went back and re-read parts to make sure I actually understood what I read. What a great twist to the story!
King crafted a set of well-developed characters whose talents were tied to their emotions. Without being in control of their anger or even their excitement, their talents became overwhelming. Nautica was crushed by the potential of her abilities. She couldn’t shine until she got out of her own way. And, here lies the message in this story. If you hide your talents or skills behind a wall, you can’t embrace your power. Lovely!
Magical elements and a government conspiracy makes for a great story line. "Breaking Through" is a wonderful story with a beautiful ending. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Let me first start out by saying THAT COVER! Gorgeous!
Ah, the wild ride that is this book! You have a favorite combo--action, romance, mystery, humor, and a little fantasy. To bring you up to speed, Nautia Olson is an aquator--a person that can manipulate water with her mind. She also has a haunted past, one she cannot remember much of, and this in turn affects the way she wields her power. She was both strong and vulnerable, and the scenes with her and the water were AWESOME. (Several had me giggling too!)
She's recruited on a top-secret mission that lands her on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Needless to say, this is a recipe for disaster. It does help that the man in charge of her mission, Riley, is both intensely attractive and wants to help her control her power.
Riley totally reminded me of Four (from the Divergent series), which is to say he had that hot instructor via going on, and you see him throughout the book fighting his attraction to Nautia.
I loved the supporting characters too--Asskal (hehe) and Kray (who's hilarious!).
Like all of D. Nichole King's works, the writing is flawless! And all those questions that the book open with have ridiculously awesome answers, and the ending was perfect! I'm still not over the epic-ness of this book.
Breaking Through was a great read . I have it 5 stars. I would say reading appropriate ages are between teen an adult.. This book along with several others I have read by this author has it all!! You get something to take away from the book when your finished. This particular book starts out in an elite school for "gifted" students as in supernatural or super powers. 5of these students are recruited by the Navy to work on a super under cover project along with their captain who is like them and 5 regular navy crew man. The students must train for any possible scenario that's possible to arise, and the main character must learn to control her powers or she could either kill them all or put them in grave danger. The students and captain from a friendship with each other that bonds them together and there is also a steamy forbidden romance among the group. Despite the fact they discover their mission was doomed to fail the group bonds together to see it through no matter what happens and to get revenge no matter the cost. The book shows the strength of the group as ONE when they work together and leaves the lesson of how weak and vulnerable they are as individuals but together they're strong. I am so glad I received the advanced copy it was a great read.
THIS BOOK! I always enjoy being able to do an advanced reading for authors; but this book blew me away.
Water bender, Nautia Olson has been struggling to control her ability since her twin brother, Nate, died two years ago. There are few details on his death and she just wants answers.
The Navy decides they are in need of Nautia's water manipulating abilities on a top secret mission--the same missed that failed previously and was the source of her brothers death. They also recruit a few other "specials" including Nautia's telepathic best friend Kray.
With the stress of investigating her brothers death, nightmares, an intrusive best friend who is always reading her mind, and an ever so sexy captain, Nautia finds it even harder to control her abilities.
This book gives you that "hanging on the edge of your seat" feeling. You never know what Nautia is going to do with her uncontrollable talent. I LOVED Kray, in fact, I would love to read a book from his point of view. The characters drew me in, and Captain Riley has made my book boyfriend list. 5 stars!!!
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nautia is a troubled young girl that is having what appears to be post traumatic stress from the death of her twin Nate. Nautia tries hard to get control of her power, she is an aquator - she can control and create water! How awesome would that power be? Nautia has been in therapy, however this isn't helping her. Soon she is targeted by the Navy for a mission. In walks Riley... Nautia and Riley are instantly drawn to one another. They are each good for the other, however for reasons all their own....they fight it. Nautia has to overcome her issues fast or people will die, and she gets some troubling news once she does. Breaking Through was a great book! I was instantly drawn into the story and I felt like I was actually there! I do feel that the speed of the middle was a little sluggish, I was ready for some more action. Once the action started I felt that the climax and end were a tad rushed. There is a lot of development for the end to go so fast. The story is fantastic! Original and engaging, I am hoping for a part 2! Highly suggested as your next read! ~Dowie
This book was an absolute 5 stars for me. Already being a D. Nichole King fan I was excited to get my hands on this book. Breaking Through has it all...love, friendship, enemies, super power and some sassiness to boot.
I loved Nautia and her journey of growing into herself and her powers. She had to overcome her fears to truly find herself. Kray the best friend, oh man I loved him. The way he is supportive in so many ways, even while struggling with his on super powers. Then there is sweet(and sexy) Riley. His need to protect her while pushing her to new heights *sighs dreamily*
Breaking Through is definitely a must read. Be ready for the twist and turns you never saw coming. They will leave your jaw dropping. Let's hope for a Kray sequel. Hint hint Ms. D
What a wonderful ride with this book. As with other books by D. Nichole, I have been engrossed from the beginning of the story. It definitely was different than the other ones. A little take in paranormal. I had a bit of xmen feel. Where i felt it could've elaborated more was a bit on everyone's pasts. How did they end up at Barton? It came at the end but not really. So I felt it a little rushed there. I was also confused at the end a bit, how did they end up in the boat? I have some more questions but j can leave that at discussion.
D. Nichole does an amazing job at being descriptive without really giving much away. In the beginning of the story was great, toward the end i think some stuff could've been extended and more to the story.
All in all it really was an excellent book and i recommend it fully.
I won an ARC of Breaking Through and I couldn't be more pleased! I highly recommend Breaking Through by D. Nichole King, it was a welcome escape from a stressful week. This book is thrilling from the get go. Initially I wasn't sure how the North Korean plot was going to work, but it does. Though I'm now in my 30s I have a great appreciation for Young/New Adult read, they deal with complex storylines and emotions in a way general fiction doesn't seem to, or at least I can't relate to. D. Nichole King’s writing breathes life into the story, makes the characters more human whilst keeping the plot realistic. Quite and achievement for a book about superpowers
I fell in love with this book from the first page! I'm a huge fan of romance, powers and action and this book had it all! The first part of this book appears in beneath the cape and left you itching to read the rest of it! I really enjoyed reading about Nautia and Riley's relationship as well as Nautia and Krays relationship. Reading about everyone's abilities and how they interact with each other was fascinating. I only wish it didn't have to end. Hopefully there with be a sequel in the future. Everyone should read this book! I love this author and everything she writes is awesome.
This review is from: Breaking Through (Kindle Edition) I was privileged to receive an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and I have to say that this story had me completely captivated and the end really took me by surprise. I loved the characters, especially Nautia Olson and Riley Barton. The plot has everything, is intense with mystery, love, pain, power, betrayal, fantasy and superpowers. This book is definitely s must read!
*I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review*
I first read part one of this story in Beneath The Cape. I was so frustrated when it ended in the middle of the story. I couldn't wait to read what happens next. The wait was worth it. Breaking Through had a little bit of everything, it had mystery, suspense, hope, romance, and love. I can't give out to much of the story or it will spoil it for you. What I will say is Nautica and Riley do get a HEA.
This book was amazing and I was hooked from the beginning. I wanted to find out if Nautia would find her brother and what the big secret was. Boy was I surprised with the twist but overall very happy with the story line. I was glad to see that she was okay and that she and Riley were together. I was really impressed with Riley's character and how he had to handle many difficult situations and when Natuia finally realized her potential it was amazing. Thank you for such a great story.
Holy freaking waterspouts!!! That was such an awesome book!! Was I surprised? Heck no!! D. Nichole is such a fantastic writer! The characters are awesome, the storyline is like nothing I've read before.. I received an arc for an honest review.. And honestly.. It rocked!!! I highly recommend this book!! Thank you D. Nichole for sharing your amazing talent with us!!
From the very beginning, this story had me completely captivated by it! It has everything in it, from love & pain to power & betrayal, and it has all kinds of action in it. I loved the characters, especially Nautia and how she came to find herself. This book is definitely s must read..!!! D. Nichole King did an amazing job on this one..!!!
The best of D Nichole King's books yet! I LOVED the main character of Nautia, and I really felt for her struggles throughout the whole book. I have a soft spot for the supporting characters, too, especially Kray. For being in the super hero genre, it was a really original plot and setting, & I'm not embarrased to admit I was swooning a little over Captain Riley Barton. A great read :-)
OMG I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I feel in love with the characters. I loved Nautia and how she grew and developed as the story progressed was wonderful. The story flows between Riley and Nautia was great. Need a book for Kray.
Really enjoyed this action packed book. Loved the storyline, with plenty of twists and turns. A few WTH moments. Great way to spend the weekend. Thank you.