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Shattered Warrior
It's been eight years since Colleen Cavenaugh's home world was conquered by the Derichets. These aliens are bent on harvesting the planet's resources to fuel their warships, no matter the cost to its human natives. Any defiance of the Derichets' rule—the smallest step out of line—can get you beaten, sent to a work camp, or even executed.
Colleen's family is gone, killed in the war. She lives alone, far from the chaos of the city, far from the alien overseers and the dangerous gangs. Her only friends are the other humans who toil in the Derichet factory and, against all likelihood, a Derichet overseer. Colleen knows the safest thing to do is comply with the Derichet regime...until the day when the recklessly brave Jann and a violent gang of rebels called the Chromatti invade her quiet rural home. Now Colleen must decide if it's worth risking the survival of her newfound family to join the growing underground revolution against the Derichets and help free her world.
Bestselling fantasy author Sharon Shinn (Troubled Waters) and artist Molly Knox Ostertag (Strong Female Protagonists) deliver a gripping science-fiction adventure of courage and revenge on a fallen world, with a sweeping romance at its heart.
Colleen's family is gone, killed in the war. She lives alone, far from the chaos of the city, far from the alien overseers and the dangerous gangs. Her only friends are the other humans who toil in the Derichet factory and, against all likelihood, a Derichet overseer. Colleen knows the safest thing to do is comply with the Derichet regime...until the day when the recklessly brave Jann and a violent gang of rebels called the Chromatti invade her quiet rural home. Now Colleen must decide if it's worth risking the survival of her newfound family to join the growing underground revolution against the Derichets and help free her world.
Bestselling fantasy author Sharon Shinn (Troubled Waters) and artist Molly Knox Ostertag (Strong Female Protagonists) deliver a gripping science-fiction adventure of courage and revenge on a fallen world, with a sweeping romance at its heart.
253 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2017
57 people are currently reading
1594 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Shinn
58 books2,284 followersI’ve been writing stories and poems since I was eight years old. My first poem was about Halloween: "What is tonight? What is tonight?/Try to guess and you’ll guess right." Perhaps this inauspicious beginning explains why it took me till I was in my thirties to sell a novel. It occurred to me early on that it might take some time and a lot of tries before I was able to publish any of my creative writing, so I pursued a degree in journalism at Northwestern University so I’d be able to support myself while I figured out how to write fiction.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
I’ve spent most of my journalism career at three trade and association magazines—The Professional Photographer (which, as you might guess, went to studio and industrial photographers), DECOR (which went to frame shop and art gallery owners), and BizEd (which is directed at deans and professors at business schools). My longest stint, seventeen years, was at DECOR. Many people don’t know this, but I’m a CPF (Certified Picture Framer), having passed a very long, technical test to prove I understood the tenets of conservation framing. Now I write about management education and interview some really cool, really smart people from all over the world.
I mostly write my fiction in the evenings and on weekends. It requires a pretty obsessive-compulsive personality to be as prolific as I’ve been in the past ten years and hold down a full-time job. But I do manage to tear myself away from the computer now and then to do something fun. I read as often as I can, across all genres, though I’m most often holding a book that’s fantasy or romance, with the occasional western thrown in. I’m a fan of Cardinals baseball and try to be at the ballpark on opening day. If I had the time, I’d see a movie every day of my life. I love certain TV shows so much that knowing a new episode is going to air that night will make me happy all day. (I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan, but in the past I’ve given my heart to shows all over the map in terms of quality: "Knight Rider," "Remington Steele," "Blake’s 7," "Moonlighting," "The Young Riders," "Cheers," "Hill Street Blues," "X-Files," "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica"...you can probably fill in the gaps. And let’s not forget my very first loves, "The Partridge Family," "Here Come the Brides" and "Alias Smith & Jones.")
I don’t have kids, I don’t want pets, and all my plants die, so I’m really only forced to provide ongoing care for my menagerie of stuffed animals. All my friends are animal lovers, though, and someone once theorized that I keep friends as pets. I’m still trying to decide if that’s true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
November 21, 2018
I found this to be an engaging story. A brutal world with an invading alien race and the humans trying to free themselves from their tyranny. A woman who has lost almost everything struggles to keep going. She finds herself in a group of group who are willing to give everything for freedom. She finds a it within her to open her heart and let love in again.
The story was character driven. The artwork was all about the characters. This is about the story that happens to be set in the future with aliens. It moves quick and has plenty of action and danger. It is easily open for a sequel so we'll see if that happens. I want to know more about this world if they are going to open that door.
I enjoyed reading this story. It struck the right chord with me. I hope it continues.
The story was character driven. The artwork was all about the characters. This is about the story that happens to be set in the future with aliens. It moves quick and has plenty of action and danger. It is easily open for a sequel so we'll see if that happens. I want to know more about this world if they are going to open that door.
I enjoyed reading this story. It struck the right chord with me. I hope it continues.
September 11, 2017
Pretty standard stand-alone sci-fi story by Sharon Shinn, with great drawing by Molly Ostertag. Humans are ruled over by the Derichts. The Chromatti get Colleen involved in their rebellion. The characters are actually somewhat complex, we come to like Colleen, even if the outcome was never in doubt from the first. And it's a little too short for the story to develop with any real depth. I liked it just fine, it’s worth taking a look at it if you are into women in comics (as I am, taught a course on it last summer) and scifi!
January 17, 2018
I was so bummed I didn't dig this. This is a POC women-led work and I'm all about that, but this felt too rushed for me to ever be really invested. I wish I had kept some notes on this because I've already forgotten a lot of major details (and ones that made me decide to give this a lower rating), but here are some random thoughts:
- On the positive side, I like Molly Ostertag's art. It reminds me a lot of Faith Erin Hicks (without being derivative).
- I was never convinced of the relationship between Colleen and Lucy. Colleen claims to love Lucy more than anything, but Lucy is hardly ever present - I wondered why that detail was included at all.
- This is 100% a Me thing, but the tone of this confused me a bit, specifically with regards to intended audience. This story read as very teen to me, but then there were bits that were obviously more adult. This wasn't bad per se, but it didn't jive in my brain.
- The romance was "meh".
-
- On the positive side, I like Molly Ostertag's art. It reminds me a lot of Faith Erin Hicks (without being derivative).
- I was never convinced of the relationship between Colleen and Lucy. Colleen claims to love Lucy more than anything, but Lucy is hardly ever present - I wondered why that detail was included at all.
- This is 100% a Me thing, but the tone of this confused me a bit, specifically with regards to intended audience. This story read as very teen to me, but then there were bits that were obviously more adult. This wasn't bad per se, but it didn't jive in my brain.
- The romance was "meh".
-
May 28, 2022
The artstyle compliments the characters as well as the plot. The story works for me. It's intense and quite depressing at times. I wish it was a bit longer and showcase a bit of plot as well as character development much better.
March 15, 2018
3.5 stars
Old tale, new treatment.
Humans are subjugated by the Derichets, forced to labor in mines and factories to support the Derichet's war efforts throughout the galaxy. Rebellion brews.
A former member of the nobility, now reduced to factory worker, finds out she has one family member left and learns to love again.
A mine worker turned rebel turns his strengths to a greater cause.
It's a decent retelling of the oppressed human race tale and I was caught up throughout, though I started rolling my eyes when the former mine worker turned rebel kept insisting that class was still a thing in this war torn society. By the end, his protestations were ridiculous and pointless. Other than that, though, I was mostly on board for this tale.
I love Molly Ostertag's art, not so much for its cuteness and whimsy (there are plenty of both) but for her ability to convey feelings through illustration. I'm going to keep her on my radar.
Gripe:
I'm not sure why the main characters were brown. Whose idea was that? Is this another white-made #weneeddiversebooks? It's not like only brown people live on this outpost (that would have made this story so much more sinister) so having brown mains written and illustrated by white people felt well-meaning but, ultimately, wrong.
Old tale, new treatment.
Humans are subjugated by the Derichets, forced to labor in mines and factories to support the Derichet's war efforts throughout the galaxy. Rebellion brews.
A former member of the nobility, now reduced to factory worker, finds out she has one family member left and learns to love again.
A mine worker turned rebel turns his strengths to a greater cause.
It's a decent retelling of the oppressed human race tale and I was caught up throughout, though I started rolling my eyes when the former mine worker turned rebel kept insisting that class was still a thing in this war torn society. By the end, his protestations were ridiculous and pointless. Other than that, though, I was mostly on board for this tale.
I love Molly Ostertag's art, not so much for its cuteness and whimsy (there are plenty of both) but for her ability to convey feelings through illustration. I'm going to keep her on my radar.
Gripe:
I'm not sure why the main characters were brown. Whose idea was that? Is this another white-made #weneeddiversebooks? It's not like only brown people live on this outpost (that would have made this story so much more sinister) so having brown mains written and illustrated by white people felt well-meaning but, ultimately, wrong.
February 11, 2025
Pretty decent SF rebellion tale. Humans are a conquered race, ruled over by the Derichts. Colleen Cavanaugh lives on what remains of her family's estate, trying to keep her head down and get through life as best she can. She has few friends outside of work. One day, a group of violent rebels, the Chromatti begin camping out near her estate, and, despite her better judgment, she finds herself being drawn into their plans ...
One of the things I liked about this book is that the various groups are composed of individuals. Not all the Dericht are cruel. Not all the Chromatti are virtuous antiheroes. Not all the Humans are helpless. Motivations are generally believable.
That said, the story is pretty standard. You know the oppressors are going to be overthrown. You know the love interest that Colleen is going to wind up with. You even know which assumed-dead characters will be returning. It's still fun in its own way, just ... predictable.
In the end, I didn't love this, but I did like it. Not sure I'd recommend it, but do check it out if it sounds interesting to you.
One of the things I liked about this book is that the various groups are composed of individuals. Not all the Dericht are cruel. Not all the Chromatti are virtuous antiheroes. Not all the Humans are helpless. Motivations are generally believable.
That said, the story is pretty standard. You know the oppressors are going to be overthrown. You know the love interest that Colleen is going to wind up with. You even know which assumed-dead characters will be returning. It's still fun in its own way, just ... predictable.
In the end, I didn't love this, but I did like it. Not sure I'd recommend it, but do check it out if it sounds interesting to you.
September 14, 2017
"Now it begins."
"The first blow for freedom."
Eight years after the Derichets' arrival on Earth, Colleen Cavenaugh, once a wealthy young woman from a privileged family, slaves away in a factory that supplies kallium, a vital ingredient to the aliens' ship fuel, salvaged from natural corzite, bowing down to the hollowing out of her planet.
Forced out of her posh childhood home, bossed around by her Derichet overlords, and weighted down with the death of her family, Colleen clings to one hope: that her sister and niece might still be alive somewhere.
When she's reunited with her niece, Lucy, and befriend by a friendly rebel-minded Derichet named Angit, Colleen learns to be content in her dying world.
But the arrival of Jann, a member of a tribe-like human collective called Chromatti, the sons of miners killed by Derichets, threatens even that.
His friend (and lover) Ridley has taken over the Cavenaugh family's mansion, and his presence puts Colleen's niece at risk, and Colleen refuses to get them both killed by taking a stand.
"After the war, I was scared all the time. So many people died. I knew I might be next. Then my sister and my niece disappeared, and I stopped caring."
"About what?"
"About everything."
But Colleen's refusal to fight back is suddenly thrown into question.
Her friends and coworkers attacked by Derichets, her niece's life threatened by Derichet and Chormatti alike, her solitary life imposed on by Jann, Colleen realizes that silence and subservience will not win an invisible war.
There's a force in Comstock City fighting back against the Derichets. They move in darkness and run under cover of explosions.
When confronted with the opportunity to join the fight, Jann and Lucy by her side, Colleen will have to choose: her quiet, miserable life, or a dangerous fight with the best of best case scenarios?
"Where are we going?"
"I don't know. Switch lanes."
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhkayyyyyyyyy.
I had not the foggiest what Shattered Warrior was about when I plucked it up at the library. My slection of it basically went like this:
"Blah-blah-blah aliens, blah-blah-blah revolution, blah-bla- Oh my God this art is amazing it's coming home with me. Fight me for it, or run away. Slowly."
But, sadly, the only feeling Shattered Warrior roused in me was a fierce sense of "meh."
I'm not saying it wasn't an enjoyable story, because it was, but unlike some authors, Sharon Shinn just doesn't seem to have the ability to fully flesh out a story in graphic novel format.
However, 3 stars because, familiarity aside, it was well-written, and the main characters, Colleen and Jann, were both developed well and performed the revolution duo routine quite well.
I'm not one to give out Diversity Points, because they perpetuate the idea that you have to strive for diversity and inclusion rather than present it as a thousand percent frakking normal, but it's uncommon to see somebody in a book (or a movie or anything else, for that matter) who's bisexual and, after ending a relationship with someone of their own gender, starts one with someone of the opposite gender. Usually it's the other way around. And in some cases, somefanfiction writing trash people get mad at it because in their eyes it's 'making the gay straight'.
Yeah, it's moronic, not to mention biphobic, but it's real.
But Shinn wrote it as capital-N Normal, without even batting of eyelashes from the female love interest, so kudos to her for that.
Art specs
Excuse while I wipe up this drool...
Never mind the beautiful paneling and cast full of visual snowflakes with distinct designs and features, these city and landscapes are beautiful.
The art was what drew me here, and it was definitely why I stayed.
Molly Knox Ostertag is one talented artist, and deserves every shred of praise she gets.
So, in short, it's a familiar story, not a bad one. I like revolutionary overthrow stories, and if you do too, and you appreciate beautiful comic art, Shattered Warrior will totally deliver for you.
"The first blow for freedom."
Eight years after the Derichets' arrival on Earth, Colleen Cavenaugh, once a wealthy young woman from a privileged family, slaves away in a factory that supplies kallium, a vital ingredient to the aliens' ship fuel, salvaged from natural corzite, bowing down to the hollowing out of her planet.
Forced out of her posh childhood home, bossed around by her Derichet overlords, and weighted down with the death of her family, Colleen clings to one hope: that her sister and niece might still be alive somewhere.
When she's reunited with her niece, Lucy, and befriend by a friendly rebel-minded Derichet named Angit, Colleen learns to be content in her dying world.
But the arrival of Jann, a member of a tribe-like human collective called Chromatti, the sons of miners killed by Derichets, threatens even that.
His friend (and lover) Ridley has taken over the Cavenaugh family's mansion, and his presence puts Colleen's niece at risk, and Colleen refuses to get them both killed by taking a stand.
"After the war, I was scared all the time. So many people died. I knew I might be next. Then my sister and my niece disappeared, and I stopped caring."
"About what?"
"About everything."
But Colleen's refusal to fight back is suddenly thrown into question.
Her friends and coworkers attacked by Derichets, her niece's life threatened by Derichet and Chormatti alike, her solitary life imposed on by Jann, Colleen realizes that silence and subservience will not win an invisible war.
There's a force in Comstock City fighting back against the Derichets. They move in darkness and run under cover of explosions.
When confronted with the opportunity to join the fight, Jann and Lucy by her side, Colleen will have to choose: her quiet, miserable life, or a dangerous fight with the best of best case scenarios?
"Where are we going?"
"I don't know. Switch lanes."
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhkayyyyyyyyy.
I had not the foggiest what Shattered Warrior was about when I plucked it up at the library. My slection of it basically went like this:
"Blah-blah-blah aliens, blah-blah-blah revolution, blah-bla- Oh my God this art is amazing it's coming home with me. Fight me for it, or run away. Slowly."
But, sadly, the only feeling Shattered Warrior roused in me was a fierce sense of "meh."
I'm not saying it wasn't an enjoyable story, because it was, but unlike some authors, Sharon Shinn just doesn't seem to have the ability to fully flesh out a story in graphic novel format.
However, 3 stars because, familiarity aside, it was well-written, and the main characters, Colleen and Jann, were both developed well and performed the revolution duo routine quite well.
I'm not one to give out Diversity Points, because they perpetuate the idea that you have to strive for diversity and inclusion rather than present it as a thousand percent frakking normal, but it's uncommon to see somebody in a book (or a movie or anything else, for that matter) who's bisexual and, after ending a relationship with someone of their own gender, starts one with someone of the opposite gender. Usually it's the other way around. And in some cases, some
Yeah, it's moronic, not to mention biphobic, but it's real.
But Shinn wrote it as capital-N Normal, without even batting of eyelashes from the female love interest, so kudos to her for that.
Art specs
Excuse while I wipe up this drool...
Never mind the beautiful paneling and cast full of visual snowflakes with distinct designs and features, these city and landscapes are beautiful.
The art was what drew me here, and it was definitely why I stayed.
Molly Knox Ostertag is one talented artist, and deserves every shred of praise she gets.
So, in short, it's a familiar story, not a bad one. I like revolutionary overthrow stories, and if you do too, and you appreciate beautiful comic art, Shattered Warrior will totally deliver for you.
January 23, 2018
This is an enjoyable story. The characters are compelling enough, though certainly their stories could have been deepened a bit.
I was a bit confused by all the names of the different groups of people and some of the history might have been more richly shared, but the plot was familiar enough that it was hard to get too confused.
There wasn't a lot of complexity around who is bad and who is good, and that might have been for me, the biggest frustration. (I would say more about this, but don't want to get into spoilers).
I would definitely recommend this to folks who are looking for an adventure fantasy story with strong female characters, a decent storyline, and great art.
I was a bit confused by all the names of the different groups of people and some of the history might have been more richly shared, but the plot was familiar enough that it was hard to get too confused.
There wasn't a lot of complexity around who is bad and who is good, and that might have been for me, the biggest frustration. (I would say more about this, but don't want to get into spoilers).
I would definitely recommend this to folks who are looking for an adventure fantasy story with strong female characters, a decent storyline, and great art.
first-second-publications
May 16, 2017Colleen Cavanaugh's home world wis ruled by Derichets, a tyrannical alien race bent on exploiting the planet's mineral resources.Most of her family died in the war, and she now lives alone in the city. Aside from her acquaintances at the factory where she toils for the Derichets, Colleen makes a single friend in Jann, a member of the violent group of rebels known as the Chromatti. One day Colleen receives shocking news: her niece Lucy is alive and in need of her help. Shattered Warrior is a gripping science fiction adventure with a sweeping romance at its heart.
June 17, 2017
The world building is fairly good, but the story itself is a little predictable and paint-by-numbers. I checked out on the romance as soon as I realized it was yet another iteration of the old "I'm lusting after somebody else's boy/girlfriend but that's ok because that person is evil" trope that I find tiresome.
September 3, 2017
I really enjoyed it, and once I started I couldn't put it down. Loved the art, too.
September 22, 2023
CW: colonization, violence, blood, death, murder, fire, sexual assault/sexual violence, death of a parent, nudity
SO SPEAKING OF DEEP SPACE 9 -
Ahem. Everything in my life revolves around that show. This is a really cool, engaging sci-fi story of a colonized planet and the people who fight back to keep it.
SO SPEAKING OF DEEP SPACE 9 -
Ahem. Everything in my life revolves around that show. This is a really cool, engaging sci-fi story of a colonized planet and the people who fight back to keep it.
June 24, 2017
I absolutely love reading graphic novels because there is so much more sensory input with the art. I recently picked up Shatter Warrior and was blown away! I loved so much about this book and I'm here to share a few reasons why you need to read it, whether you're a graphic novel reader or not!
Five Reasons You Need to Read Shattered Warrior
Multi-faceted story with scifi and romance elements. I am such a sucker for a good romance story and I think everyone knows how much I love reading scifi. They were in perfect balance within the story.
It's a standalone! As a person who reads about a million ongoing series, having a standalone is refreshing.
This book is gritty. This book does not shy away from violence, sex, and other human dynamics.
Characters you'll fall in love with. Colleen's story is tragic and yet you know she's going to fight this world with all she has for her lost niece.
Art that is TO DIE FOR. Ohhhhh my gosh, Molly's art is absolutely stunning. This is a graphic novel where the page layouts, colors, and facial expressions tell as much of the story as the words do.
Five Reasons You Need to Read Shattered Warrior
Multi-faceted story with scifi and romance elements. I am such a sucker for a good romance story and I think everyone knows how much I love reading scifi. They were in perfect balance within the story.
It's a standalone! As a person who reads about a million ongoing series, having a standalone is refreshing.
This book is gritty. This book does not shy away from violence, sex, and other human dynamics.
Characters you'll fall in love with. Colleen's story is tragic and yet you know she's going to fight this world with all she has for her lost niece.
Art that is TO DIE FOR. Ohhhhh my gosh, Molly's art is absolutely stunning. This is a graphic novel where the page layouts, colors, and facial expressions tell as much of the story as the words do.
June 5, 2017
Rich story telling makes this an exciting science-fiction adventure. Set on a humanoid world which has been invaded and now ruled by aliens. The story centres on a young woman who grew up, pre-invasion, as a rich elitist little girl whose family was one of the most influential, and a young man, born a coal miner's son, who now belongs to a gang which causes trouble for both other humans and the aliens. They both eventually join the resistance and learn that even though they come from opposite backgrounds they now are on even footing as they fight for freedom. This is an exciting story with action from start to finish but also a love story of two people who must get over their biases to find happiness. Very well written and a quick page-turning read.
May 11, 2018
Loved this book. One warning, there is a naked (top half) lady. I just drew her a cute black bra! Other than that, totally middle school appropriate!
October 16, 2019
Molly Knox Ostertag is one of those people for me. I'll probably read everything she touches.
This was a fun read for me. Speculative fiction - another planet or far in the distant future Earth where everything has new names. Another planet's residents have taken over and now oppress this planet's native population. We meet a young person who works in a factory, meets some new people, rebels & gets guerilla active, finds love. Pretty yummy, great full-color illustrations.
Erica brings some points up about the skin-tones of the primary characters that ring true to me.
I dug it, though.
This was a fun read for me. Speculative fiction - another planet or far in the distant future Earth where everything has new names. Another planet's residents have taken over and now oppress this planet's native population. We meet a young person who works in a factory, meets some new people, rebels & gets guerilla active, finds love. Pretty yummy, great full-color illustrations.
Erica brings some points up about the skin-tones of the primary characters that ring true to me.
I dug it, though.
April 20, 2018
The book was great but left me strangely dissatisfied. The plot was great but I think I would have liked it fleshed out more in a novel.
*
*
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Content advisory for referrals:
Picture of a woman's breast while she's lying in bed next to her lover. The sex is not depicted or ever mentioned. It happens as a result of a loving relationship in a totalitarian society where marriage is impossible
Violence is shown but not gratuitous or obscenely represented.
Women are mentioned as being taken and usually never returned but rape is never mentioned.
*
*
*
Content advisory for referrals:
Picture of a woman's breast while she's lying in bed next to her lover. The sex is not depicted or ever mentioned. It happens as a result of a loving relationship in a totalitarian society where marriage is impossible
Violence is shown but not gratuitous or obscenely represented.
Women are mentioned as being taken and usually never returned but rape is never mentioned.
September 2, 2017
Not a bad story, but way too generic to stand out in a crowded field. I'd say this was aimed at the middle-school or YA audiences, but wonder how an unnecessary depiction of a nude breast late in the book will effect its reception there.
March 8, 2018
oh no it's so good
September 26, 2021
lots of action, good drawing, just the beginning of the story. it was ok.
March 9, 2017
Overall I greatly enjoyed this graphic novel (which as of this review, March 8, 2017, is a stand alone according to the publisher). I found Colleen to be a good blend of traits - strong, but hiding her vulnerability which made her realize she was missing something.
This isn't a "soft" book - quite a few chars who don't deserve it get beaten, killed or abused in some way. It's also not too worried about history building - we learn about the Chromatti and how they evolved to the group they were. We learned a brief bit about why the Derichet came to the planet, a little about the social structure before they came to the planet.
Agnit, a Derichet overseer who is...well the best way to describe him versus Korso, another overseer, is the difference between Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender's characters in "12 Years a Slave". Agnit is a villain who pretends at decency, but ultimately agrees with the status quo while Korso is a creep & a bully and doesn't pretend otherwise.
Also a bit loosy-goosy, but something fans of Shinn's novels are well used to, is how the book meanders to it's point. This isn't to say it has filler for filler's sake, but with no real concept of time the pacing is both too slow and too fast.
I did love the artwork here. It's not overly complicated, but very well detailed. I haven't seen Ostertag's work before, tho I've heard of her comic.
My only real unease is the flat nature of the Derichet. We have no real sense of their culture, no real sense of why they conquer instead of negotiate/trade. Korso & Agnit are the only two named, despite dozens of extras, and they're two ends of the same stick really. While the reader is given all the reasons to side with the humans, there's no nuance so no matter what Agnit does you are waiting for him to turn into a villain because the only other Derichet given time is a villain.
I'm also somewhat confused by Jann's insistence about Colleen's family's birthright. He's the only one who puts emphasis on it (aside from a few remarks about the estate) and it makes no sense. It's not like Colleen is lost royalty who, once the Derichet are dealt with, can reclaim her throne. It was as maddening for me as it was for Colleen.
This isn't a "soft" book - quite a few chars who don't deserve it get beaten, killed or abused in some way. It's also not too worried about history building - we learn about the Chromatti and how they evolved to the group they were. We learned a brief bit about why the Derichet came to the planet, a little about the social structure before they came to the planet.
Agnit, a Derichet overseer who is...well the best way to describe him versus Korso, another overseer, is the difference between Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender's characters in "12 Years a Slave". Agnit is a villain who pretends at decency, but ultimately agrees with the status quo while Korso is a creep & a bully and doesn't pretend otherwise.
Also a bit loosy-goosy, but something fans of Shinn's novels are well used to, is how the book meanders to it's point. This isn't to say it has filler for filler's sake, but with no real concept of time the pacing is both too slow and too fast.
I did love the artwork here. It's not overly complicated, but very well detailed. I haven't seen Ostertag's work before, tho I've heard of her comic.
My only real unease is the flat nature of the Derichet. We have no real sense of their culture, no real sense of why they conquer instead of negotiate/trade. Korso & Agnit are the only two named, despite dozens of extras, and they're two ends of the same stick really. While the reader is given all the reasons to side with the humans, there's no nuance so no matter what Agnit does you are waiting for him to turn into a villain because the only other Derichet given time is a villain.
I'm also somewhat confused by Jann's insistence about Colleen's family's birthright. He's the only one who puts emphasis on it (aside from a few remarks about the estate) and it makes no sense. It's not like Colleen is lost royalty who, once the Derichet are dealt with, can reclaim her throne. It was as maddening for me as it was for Colleen.
October 4, 2020
This graphic novel is so good. It is a dystopian world where a group of aliens has taken the world, forcing the humans to work for them. The new rulers are cruel and violent. Small and bigger ways of resistance are starting to spread across the population.
The story follows Colleen Cavenaugh, who used to be part of the elite of the city but now works at the factory. She has lost her parents and sister, she is alone, angry, and tired. Things change when she gets back her niece and meets the rebel, Jann. She is now ready to fight back, to protect her home, and give her niece a better, hopeful future.
Although the plot seems like many other dystopian stories, Shattered Warrior wins because it has wonderful, complex, interesting characters. Colleen is heartbroken and refuses to fall in love again. But she does because Jann is a softie. The romance is slow and cute, so perfect. The story grows from the romance, Jann helps Colleen see that there is hope and they can fight back. And fighting back she does. She becomes a powerful, resourceful, unstoppable rebellious. She grows so much, embracing love and hope.
The story follows Colleen Cavenaugh, who used to be part of the elite of the city but now works at the factory. She has lost her parents and sister, she is alone, angry, and tired. Things change when she gets back her niece and meets the rebel, Jann. She is now ready to fight back, to protect her home, and give her niece a better, hopeful future.
Although the plot seems like many other dystopian stories, Shattered Warrior wins because it has wonderful, complex, interesting characters. Colleen is heartbroken and refuses to fall in love again. But she does because Jann is a softie. The romance is slow and cute, so perfect. The story grows from the romance, Jann helps Colleen see that there is hope and they can fight back. And fighting back she does. She becomes a powerful, resourceful, unstoppable rebellious. She grows so much, embracing love and hope.
July 18, 2022
2022 review: This is a great quick read that uses most of Sharon Shinn's familiar tropes, plotting, and world building, with some great artwork thrown in. If you want to nitpick, there are some plot points and characters that seemed to happen a little too conveniently to suit the plot, most of which revolved around our MC being the subject of at least 4 different male's attentions. But Shattered Warrior is a one-shot graphic novel, so for me this was easily forgiven and not much of an issue. Overall, Highly recommended for Shinn fans if you don't have the time or concentration levels to sink your teeth into her 12 Houses or Samaria series.
Old review:
I think I've probably read too much Sharon Shinn at this point in my life...a lot of the plot points and tropes were so familiar - but honestly? WHO CARES. I loved reading it!!!!!!!!
Old review:
I think I've probably read too much Sharon Shinn at this point in my life...a lot of the plot points and tropes were so familiar - but honestly? WHO CARES. I loved reading it!!!!!!!!
August 11, 2017
I'm a huge fan of Ostertag's art, so this was an auto-grab at the library. I was expecting a kid's graphic novel, but this is definitely geared towards older teens and up. Shattered Warrior is about conquest and occupation. Humanity has been beaten by an alien race, and life under their rule is nasty, brutish, and short (my thanks to Hobbes for the quote). This is a dark book that does not shy away from violence, though it could definitely use a bit more decompression to let the story settle and really make an impact. I think this is a standalone which is sad as the journey these characters are taking seems to be just beginning and the world is still not fleshed out that well. Worth a read, but nothing you haven't seen before with other similar tales. But the art is great!
February 16, 2018
I ended up liking this more than I thought I would. It's complex and a little dark, and I was confused for the first few pages about the different groups they mention without much explanation. But after that, I think the story moves along nicely.
The only thing I truly hated was (under spoiler cut). Otherwise, this was a solid effort. I'm a fan of Molly Ostertag's work, which is why I picked this one up, and her art really shined. I like the idea that the story ended after the first big battle, rather than tying everything up neatly. It was paced well.
The only thing I truly hated was (under spoiler cut). Otherwise, this was a solid effort. I'm a fan of Molly Ostertag's work, which is why I picked this one up, and her art really shined. I like the idea that the story ended after the first big battle, rather than tying everything up neatly. It was paced well.
May 11, 2017
3.75/5
Weird that a year ago I had never read a Sharon Shinn novel and now I seek out anything she's worked on.
Anyway.
This is her first graphic novel and I can see some of the old trademarks of why I love her as an author. I do think her style is a bit hampered by the necessary brevity for dialogue and rare instances of worldbuilding. The GN itself is 256 pages and the plot can skip along easily for lack of time to develop it further. Still, a quick,enjoyable, and suitably dark look at an Earth invaded and controlled by an alien cat-like species.
Full RTC.
Weird that a year ago I had never read a Sharon Shinn novel and now I seek out anything she's worked on.
Anyway.
This is her first graphic novel and I can see some of the old trademarks of why I love her as an author. I do think her style is a bit hampered by the necessary brevity for dialogue and rare instances of worldbuilding. The GN itself is 256 pages and the plot can skip along easily for lack of time to develop it further. Still, a quick,enjoyable, and suitably dark look at an Earth invaded and controlled by an alien cat-like species.
Full RTC.
April 12, 2017
Great artwork, and a very enjoyable story about a ragtag band of humans against overwhelming alien odds. Yeah, it could be a generic riff, but Shinn imbues the characters with such heart and provides a strong emotional awakening for her tragedy-laden protagonist, enabling her to overcome a fairly blah plot scenario to craft a truly memorable story.
May 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this. A few of the emotional beats moved too quickly for my liking, and overall the story felt a little fast, but I really liked the glimpse into this world, the characters introduced, and the plot points. And the artwork is lovely. I'd love to see more from this universe.
June 19, 2017
Colleen has been alone for a long, long time under the rule of the alien Derichet race, so when an opportunity to make a noticeable change in her world arrives, she jumps on it. The story has all the great plot points: a family reunion, first love, sabotage, and underdogs. Also, fabulous artwork!
June 9, 2018
This book started off strong for me but lost steam as it went along. I couldn't help but feel like I didn't learn enough about the characters, but the world building is thorough and the relationships were interesting. Definitely worth an afternoon read if you have time.
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