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Astoran Asunder #1
A House Divided
Cianne Wyland leads a double life. No one in House Staerleigh would suspect that the meek woman on whom they heap their disdain is a gatherer of secrets. Determined to uncover whether the House’s upper echelon—including her own father—are engaging in illicit activities in a grasp for control of the House, Cianne has made an art of slipping into their homes to rifle through their private lives.
Kila an Movis is an Enforcer. Gods-gifted with an extraordinary ability to piece together physical clues, he’s entrusted with protecting the vulnerable from crime. But his habit of expressing his opinions a little too freely earned him a nine-year banishment to the wilds, and he’s determined to be more circumspect upon his return to the trade city.
When someone close to Cianne dies and Kila is called out to investigate the scene, her world and his collide once more. His long absence hasn’t driven the memory of him from her heart, but the woman he encounters isn’t the child he remembers.
Unwilling to trust anyone else, Cianne enlists Kila’s help. The deeper they dig, the more secrets they unearth about her father, the other House members, and her entire life—until Cianne discovers that House Staerleigh is built on a foundation of lies.
Kila an Movis is an Enforcer. Gods-gifted with an extraordinary ability to piece together physical clues, he’s entrusted with protecting the vulnerable from crime. But his habit of expressing his opinions a little too freely earned him a nine-year banishment to the wilds, and he’s determined to be more circumspect upon his return to the trade city.
When someone close to Cianne dies and Kila is called out to investigate the scene, her world and his collide once more. His long absence hasn’t driven the memory of him from her heart, but the woman he encounters isn’t the child he remembers.
Unwilling to trust anyone else, Cianne enlists Kila’s help. The deeper they dig, the more secrets they unearth about her father, the other House members, and her entire life—until Cianne discovers that House Staerleigh is built on a foundation of lies.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2015
229 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Ciacchella
38 books160 followersNicole has never met a genre she doesn't like. She dabbles in everything from science fiction to contemporary rom-coms to fantasy fiction.
Nicole has previously published under the pen names Elizabeth Darcy and Anne Wentworth, but is no longer using those names.
Nicole has had a lifelong passion for the written word. As a child, one of her most treasured Christmas gifts was an electric typewriter, which enabled her to crank out her stories even more quickly than she could with a pen. Naturally, the personal computer is one of her favorite inventions. When she isn't writing, Nicole can usually be found curled up in a chair, whiling away the hours with a good book.
One of Nicole's other great passions is travel, and she has visited Europe, as well as traveling to many of the fifty states. Her favorite trips include visits to Paris, Maui, and various parts of Belgium. She feels fortunate that she is married to a native Belgian, as it gives her plenty of reasons to visit Europe as often as possible. Also, it gives her an excuse to eat Belgian waffles regularly.
Born and raised in Michigan, Nicole lives there still with her husband and two beautiful children. She thinks Michigan is the greatest state in the country, and Michigan State University is the greatest university in the world.
Nicole has previously published under the pen names Elizabeth Darcy and Anne Wentworth, but is no longer using those names.
Nicole has had a lifelong passion for the written word. As a child, one of her most treasured Christmas gifts was an electric typewriter, which enabled her to crank out her stories even more quickly than she could with a pen. Naturally, the personal computer is one of her favorite inventions. When she isn't writing, Nicole can usually be found curled up in a chair, whiling away the hours with a good book.
One of Nicole's other great passions is travel, and she has visited Europe, as well as traveling to many of the fifty states. Her favorite trips include visits to Paris, Maui, and various parts of Belgium. She feels fortunate that she is married to a native Belgian, as it gives her plenty of reasons to visit Europe as often as possible. Also, it gives her an excuse to eat Belgian waffles regularly.
Born and raised in Michigan, Nicole lives there still with her husband and two beautiful children. She thinks Michigan is the greatest state in the country, and Michigan State University is the greatest university in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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June 17, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (6/17/2019)! 🎁
April 11, 2016
'A House Divided' follows the story of Cianne a young woman who lives in one of the main houses of Astoran, House Starleigh. Starleigh's house strength is their ability to control and live among the water. The poeple who thrive most in the house are the ones who show special abilities to control water and bring commerce to their house.
Cianne does not have any abilities, but due to her fathers status she is able to live a comfortable life. Her best friend, and golden child of house Starleigh, Captain Lach proposes to marry her. Everyone in the house expects her to marry him, but Cianne does not know what she wants to do.
Kila is an enforcer which gives him the ability to decipher crime scenes and catch criminals. He is called into the city where his and Cianne's paths cross. Meeting Kila makes Cianne's decision to marry Lach even harder. She is stuck deciding between following her house or following her own path.
I found the world that Nicole Ciacchella has created very unique and interesting to discover. I enjoyed the beginning of the book and was shocked when I discovered the mystery they were trying to uncover, but after that I found the book to be somewhat repetitive. It seemed that Kila and Cianne were doing the same routine over and over for most of the book. I also found many of the names in the book to be over complicated making it harder for me to follow the characters. A suggestion I have to make following character easier is to provide a map of the hierarchy of house Starleigh with the elders on top and servants on bottom.
The book overall was easy to read and the chapters flew by quickly, but I was wanting so much more from the world that was created. It was not until the end that I finally got the adventure I was looking for and then I was left on cliff hanger until the next book in the series.
Cianne does not have any abilities, but due to her fathers status she is able to live a comfortable life. Her best friend, and golden child of house Starleigh, Captain Lach proposes to marry her. Everyone in the house expects her to marry him, but Cianne does not know what she wants to do.
Kila is an enforcer which gives him the ability to decipher crime scenes and catch criminals. He is called into the city where his and Cianne's paths cross. Meeting Kila makes Cianne's decision to marry Lach even harder. She is stuck deciding between following her house or following her own path.
I found the world that Nicole Ciacchella has created very unique and interesting to discover. I enjoyed the beginning of the book and was shocked when I discovered the mystery they were trying to uncover, but after that I found the book to be somewhat repetitive. It seemed that Kila and Cianne were doing the same routine over and over for most of the book. I also found many of the names in the book to be over complicated making it harder for me to follow the characters. A suggestion I have to make following character easier is to provide a map of the hierarchy of house Starleigh with the elders on top and servants on bottom.
The book overall was easy to read and the chapters flew by quickly, but I was wanting so much more from the world that was created. It was not until the end that I finally got the adventure I was looking for and then I was left on cliff hanger until the next book in the series.
February 18, 2019
I really liked the beginning of this. However, the plot did drag a little in the middle, and the end was really rushed. In fact, given the restrait shown in the rest of the book, the love-making scene felt out of place and, frankly, waaaay too extra. While I liked the characters and the premise, I didn't really get a sense for what was going on in this world and what the stakes truly were, so I can't say that I'm really that interested in reading more of the series.
August 21, 2017
When Cianne starts to feel something is amiss in her House she probably was not expecting her world to crumble around her. Yet her sense of justice, her wishes to protect the people she loves and the return of an old friend push her to find what is wrong with the people she should be loyal to.
The House system and the way the city of Cearova fits in the Astoran country were really fascinating. I was trapped in the plot and I enjoyed that we were kept in the dark about who to trust and who had a hand on the deceit of the House.
So let the tide get you in this book and the wind take you for a first ride in Astoran.
The House system and the way the city of Cearova fits in the Astoran country were really fascinating. I was trapped in the plot and I enjoyed that we were kept in the dark about who to trust and who had a hand on the deceit of the House.
So let the tide get you in this book and the wind take you for a first ride in Astoran.
April 30, 2021
This is a wonderful series. The world building is great. The characters are diverse and interesting with depth. The first several books are almost standalones, and then the last two tie things together and resolve it all. Twenty years ago someone massacred all the members of the royal house. Now secrets are starting to leak. Who can you trust? Which side are they on? Are they who they say they are? Be careful what you write in your diary or what you say to someone, you never know who maybe spying on you. From the most powerful Adept to the lowest serving girl, everyone is involved to some degree. Recommended.
January 1, 2019
While I thought this had an interesting story, for some reason I had a difficult time getting attached to the characters. The mystery was intriguing enough to keep me going. I didn’t think it ended in a horrible place. I’m not sure I will read the rest, but I wouldn’t let that put anyone else off. I don’t think it’s fair to base an opinion of a whole series just on the first book. There’s a lot of room for development.
September 15, 2022
A house divided is in need of more stars. The house is up to its neck in intrigue
Cianne has never felt safe since her mothers death. Her father has been full of schemes and the Elders are involved. As a youth she escaped to the city at night and an enforcer named Kila took her under his wing and taught her self defense before transferring out. The time past and he came back to a grown up woman with spying skills they are mixed up in the intrigue and find they must help each other to stay alive.
Cianne has never felt safe since her mothers death. Her father has been full of schemes and the Elders are involved. As a youth she escaped to the city at night and an enforcer named Kila took her under his wing and taught her self defense before transferring out. The time past and he came back to a grown up woman with spying skills they are mixed up in the intrigue and find they must help each other to stay alive.
May 20, 2020
Great read
What do you do when you can not trust anyone. Where to place your loyalty. Cianne is a young lady living that life. She isn't persuaded by her house. She will believe in herself and an old acquaintance,kila Death loneliness and a new love.
What do you do when you can not trust anyone. Where to place your loyalty. Cianne is a young lady living that life. She isn't persuaded by her house. She will believe in herself and an old acquaintance,kila Death loneliness and a new love.
April 16, 2021
The book was a bit slow to start, but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. It is full of mystery, romance and intrigue. What more could you ask for? Will definitely be checking out the next books in the series.
December 21, 2021
good storytelling
The story line was great, and I liked the characters. There were a few plot holes. Like, how did C become a good fighter if she never had anyone to practice with? I’m sad that the next book moves to new characters.
The story line was great, and I liked the characters. There were a few plot holes. Like, how did C become a good fighter if she never had anyone to practice with? I’m sad that the next book moves to new characters.
May 7, 2021
A suspenseful fantasy with a compelling romantic subplot.
August 4, 2021
Fantastic
Excellent plot, well developed characters, a mix of mystery, intrigue, & romance. Who could ask for more. Can’t wait to read more!
Excellent plot, well developed characters, a mix of mystery, intrigue, & romance. Who could ask for more. Can’t wait to read more!
November 9, 2021
Really enjoyable couldn't put it down. Thanks to @bookbub for the recommendation.
November 13, 2021
Exciting read
This book starts slow, but quickly picks up the pace into an exciting mystery story. The characters are well drawn and the world building adds to it.
This book starts slow, but quickly picks up the pace into an exciting mystery story. The characters are well drawn and the world building adds to it.
December 20, 2021
First off I really like the cover. But overall the story is a ok read. I was bored and it seem to drag a lot to the point I skipped paragraphs.
I will not be reading the next one.
I will not be reading the next one.
April 25, 2022
What else can I say other than I am glad that this book was free. I have no desire to read anymore in the series, started slow, ended poorly, and had nothing in the middle to hold my attention...
July 23, 2022
Two strong characters and an interesting plot. But they’re set in a very thin fantasy world with no substance.
September 27, 2022
2.5/5
What a cliff hanger!
What a cliff hanger!
April 5, 2025
Predictable and easy read
Still a good read though. Will read the next in the series.
Since I have to put at least eight more words to post this: HI CLAY!
Still a good read though. Will read the next in the series.
Since I have to put at least eight more words to post this: HI CLAY!
December 26, 2025
A House Divided - Book 1
Very interesting reading. Took me a while to get into but I eventually put it together and figured out what was happening. Recommend reading.
Very interesting reading. Took me a while to get into but I eventually put it together and figured out what was happening. Recommend reading.
April 3, 2016
Could have been better.
I'm going to make this short, but I feel there were a lot of issues with this story. I can honestly say I skipped whole paragraphs just to get through this book and didn't miss much by doing so. Author does do a good job of putting you in the moment, but gives almost too much info. If you like political intrigue mixed with romance this is your book, but just know until you get to almost 50% of the book is where it finally gets interesting.
I'm going to make this short, but I feel there were a lot of issues with this story. I can honestly say I skipped whole paragraphs just to get through this book and didn't miss much by doing so. Author does do a good job of putting you in the moment, but gives almost too much info. If you like political intrigue mixed with romance this is your book, but just know until you get to almost 50% of the book is where it finally gets interesting.
May 25, 2016
I had a hard time finishing this book.
The plot was really good but the execution was feeble. It was boring and had far too much detail. The characters were likable but I just could not connec enough with them to connect with the storyline.
There were too many times when I considered just not finishing the book. I should have listened to myself because the ending sucked.
The plot was really good but the execution was feeble. It was boring and had far too much detail. The characters were likable but I just could not connec enough with them to connect with the storyline.
There were too many times when I considered just not finishing the book. I should have listened to myself because the ending sucked.
March 25, 2016
A House Divided is an exciting start to this series. Cianne and Kila share a beautiful bond that goes unbroken after years apart. Together they must uncover the secrets and lies of her father and the houses. I can't wait to see what Ciacchella has in store for book two.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews