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Tokyo Lost #1
Broken
Jack is a lost boy, a spoiled, rich delinquent sent to college in Japan to keep him out of trouble. Miyu is a lost girl, fighting to dig her way out of a life of mystery, struggle, and personal sacrifice.
When a tragedy occurs, Miyu finds companionship in the unlikeliest of places. Jack wants only to go home to Britain, Miyu only to find the mother who abandoned her sixteen years before.
Together they form an uneasy alliance that takes them from the seedy underbelly of Tokyo to the rice fields of Nagano, where they will discover that what they are searching for is something that already exists within them both.
When a tragedy occurs, Miyu finds companionship in the unlikeliest of places. Jack wants only to go home to Britain, Miyu only to find the mother who abandoned her sixteen years before.
Together they form an uneasy alliance that takes them from the seedy underbelly of Tokyo to the rice fields of Nagano, where they will discover that what they are searching for is something that already exists within them both.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Chris Ward
58 books141 followersChris Ward is the author of The Tube Riders series, the Tales of Crow series, and the forthcoming Endinfinium YA fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 24, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⬇️ S P O I L E R S⬇️
This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
Jack and Miyu ♥️ what a beautiful love story. It was a great ending, slightly sketchy story especially for kids to have to go through. Both had rough lives, both ended up leaning on eachother and bettering themselves. The only thing that I didn’t get is that Miyu never told Jack about what she used to do to support her dad/uncle?! Idk if I missed it or not.
⬇️ S P O I L E R S⬇️
This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
Jack and Miyu ♥️ what a beautiful love story. It was a great ending, slightly sketchy story especially for kids to have to go through. Both had rough lives, both ended up leaning on eachother and bettering themselves. The only thing that I didn’t get is that Miyu never told Jack about what she used to do to support her dad/uncle?! Idk if I missed it or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
I originally gave it 2 stars, but felt bad because Miyu’s storyline was quite interesting & deserved better. So I’ve upped it to 3 stars.
Got this book via Nook’s Serial read. The location was the draw for me as I love stories that explore other nations & cultures.
However, after meeting Jack, the English lad, I was tempted to chuck this up as a “forget about it” book. I don’t have time for bratty spoiled rich teenage boys with no ethical or moral compass. This little idiot was so full of himself & full of disdain for the female of the species. He had no use for them except as a receptacle for his easily aroused body part. His parents decided he was too much trouble to invest their time so they shipped him off to Japan to get him out of their hair.
Great parents. Using another man’s country as a garbage dump. Not nice people at all.
Anyway, the above sits next to Miyu, a Japanese girl in one of his classes & she has a real intricately woven story to tell. Well thought out and captivating with its unraveling done at a nice pace. Thankfully she did not fall for this fellow up front. But the story had them both at the lowest point in their lives, defaulting into helping each other.
The Author drastically tidied up Jack to make the ending fall into place, but for me, It was too unreal. People don’t change like that in a matter of a couple months.
The story didn’t need Jack. And if a “Jack” was necessary, it didn’t have to be such a sleazy character.
Got this book via Nook’s Serial read. The location was the draw for me as I love stories that explore other nations & cultures.
However, after meeting Jack, the English lad, I was tempted to chuck this up as a “forget about it” book. I don’t have time for bratty spoiled rich teenage boys with no ethical or moral compass. This little idiot was so full of himself & full of disdain for the female of the species. He had no use for them except as a receptacle for his easily aroused body part. His parents decided he was too much trouble to invest their time so they shipped him off to Japan to get him out of their hair.
Great parents. Using another man’s country as a garbage dump. Not nice people at all.
Anyway, the above sits next to Miyu, a Japanese girl in one of his classes & she has a real intricately woven story to tell. Well thought out and captivating with its unraveling done at a nice pace. Thankfully she did not fall for this fellow up front. But the story had them both at the lowest point in their lives, defaulting into helping each other.
The Author drastically tidied up Jack to make the ending fall into place, but for me, It was too unreal. People don’t change like that in a matter of a couple months.
The story didn’t need Jack. And if a “Jack” was necessary, it didn’t have to be such a sleazy character.
August 25, 2020
This was the Barnes and Noble Nook serial read for the month of August.
This was okay. Miyu was complicated and struggling and I really started liking her more as the book progressed. She was a survivor. Jack was spoiled, selfish and narcissistic, and I never came close to enjoying his character. And I honestly could have done without their "love" story. The mystery of Miyu's past kept me engaged, and I enjoyed watching her uncover the truth. The final chapter was a bit abrupt and didn't give a fully satisfying ending. And I guess I just hoped for more for Miyu.
This was okay. Miyu was complicated and struggling and I really started liking her more as the book progressed. She was a survivor. Jack was spoiled, selfish and narcissistic, and I never came close to enjoying his character. And I honestly could have done without their "love" story. The mystery of Miyu's past kept me engaged, and I enjoyed watching her uncover the truth. The final chapter was a bit abrupt and didn't give a fully satisfying ending. And I guess I just hoped for more for Miyu.
August 4, 2018
I love Japan, have been there with the military and I regularly chat with some friends who live there. So I very much enjoyed this story. The beauty of Japan shines through in this book and the story line kept me glued to the pages. I could not even imagine the why of the story until it became clear what had happened exactly. I do not like to read reviews by others who tell the story so I won't do it here but I will say that this book is an awesome example of this author's work and I hope to read more of his stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2020
Simple read, love story.
July 23, 2018
Broken #1 - I like reading about different cultures. Mr. Ward doesn’t fail to please me with this book about a 19-year-old Japanese woman forced to work, at age 16, to support her family and 20-year-old troubled, rich American boy. 4*
Stolen #2 - Although this book is part of The Tokyo Lost Series, it is very different from the first book, Broken. I've read several of Mr. Ward's books and so far this one stands out, front and center. A well written, substantial story line concerning love between two misfits dealing with a manipulating, criminal manager, and being helped by their two intriguing older, protective friends. The couple are 35- and 39-years-old and both face dilemmas of their past and their wants for a future. The Japanese woman and the British man are interesting and I like their age group. Needs minor editing. 4*
Frozen #3 - Since I started this book right after reading Stolen, I had a little problem getting into the darkness of the main characters. There's a lot of background material laid out for several dysfunctional characters and I'm only at the 30 percent mark. The story so far is well written, but I want to move on past their problems into the relationship between her and him; they haven't met yet. There's a lot of interesting information about Japan and the Japanese, for those not knowing anything about Japan. I was surprised that there were delinquent students and they're basically ignored in the non-confrontational Japanese culture.
Finally, they met and it's still dark and a lot to wade through, but the story finally moves along. It picks up the pace almost at the end with good suspense. I like the ending and was hoping that love would win out and I don't mean with the romance. I do love the fact that the female's actions made a difference in a very important event.
BUT, I almost stopped reading this book, at 85%, when I came across the ignorant comment the author wrote: ". . . like America, where you can’t step out of your door without getting a gun pointed into your face." Nothing like expert opinion, is there? Too bad, Chris isn't an expert on America and American culture; maybe he should live here and see if that remark still holds true then. Yep, even though this well written book was slow out of the gate and I enjoyed many of his other stories, his poorly thought out statement about my country earns him a 3 star instead of the 4 star I would have rated this book. Needs minor editing. 3*
Stolen #2 - Although this book is part of The Tokyo Lost Series, it is very different from the first book, Broken. I've read several of Mr. Ward's books and so far this one stands out, front and center. A well written, substantial story line concerning love between two misfits dealing with a manipulating, criminal manager, and being helped by their two intriguing older, protective friends. The couple are 35- and 39-years-old and both face dilemmas of their past and their wants for a future. The Japanese woman and the British man are interesting and I like their age group. Needs minor editing. 4*
Frozen #3 - Since I started this book right after reading Stolen, I had a little problem getting into the darkness of the main characters. There's a lot of background material laid out for several dysfunctional characters and I'm only at the 30 percent mark. The story so far is well written, but I want to move on past their problems into the relationship between her and him; they haven't met yet. There's a lot of interesting information about Japan and the Japanese, for those not knowing anything about Japan. I was surprised that there were delinquent students and they're basically ignored in the non-confrontational Japanese culture.
Finally, they met and it's still dark and a lot to wade through, but the story finally moves along. It picks up the pace almost at the end with good suspense. I like the ending and was hoping that love would win out and I don't mean with the romance. I do love the fact that the female's actions made a difference in a very important event.
BUT, I almost stopped reading this book, at 85%, when I came across the ignorant comment the author wrote: ". . . like America, where you can’t step out of your door without getting a gun pointed into your face." Nothing like expert opinion, is there? Too bad, Chris isn't an expert on America and American culture; maybe he should live here and see if that remark still holds true then. Yep, even though this well written book was slow out of the gate and I enjoyed many of his other stories, his poorly thought out statement about my country earns him a 3 star instead of the 4 star I would have rated this book. Needs minor editing. 3*
September 4, 2022
I liked the setting, Japan. I liked Miyu, but could not stand Jack, and that really just nagged at my brain the whole time I was reading the book.
September 25, 2018
This story had moments that made me laugh out loud, some that were so sad they would make a lesser woman weep (I'm too hardhearted for that!), and some that almost made give up reading in disgust - Jack's behaviour at times is absolutely disgusting, especially at the start of the book, and whilst it's part of the storyline, I found it both excessive in places and a little stereotypical against British teenagers. However, that aside, it's an excellent story and I enjoyed following the progress of Jack and Miyu's investigation.
I read this as part of the series box set, all set in Japan and involve the interaction of a foreign (British) male and a Japanese female as the main protagonists, with other characters woven around them. They're really well written and full of drama, and give an intriguing snapshot into life, culture, traditions and relationships in Japan. Although there is ultimately a romantic relationship at the heart of each story, there's not too much slushy romance to put me off the stories, and I'd definitely recommend them to people looking for something a little different to read.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
I read this as part of the series box set, all set in Japan and involve the interaction of a foreign (British) male and a Japanese female as the main protagonists, with other characters woven around them. They're really well written and full of drama, and give an intriguing snapshot into life, culture, traditions and relationships in Japan. Although there is ultimately a romantic relationship at the heart of each story, there's not too much slushy romance to put me off the stories, and I'd definitely recommend them to people looking for something a little different to read.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
August 24, 2020
This was the August Free Serial Reads from Barnes & Noble Nook app.
Miyu lives in Tokyo in modest house surrounded by apartment buildings. Her father has been laid off and is slowly drinking himself to death. Her mother abandoned them when Miyu was a toddler. Miyu goes to school in the afternoon and works as a “hostess” in a bar at night to support them.
Jack is the spoiled son of a British actor and a fashionista mother, who has been sent to Tokyo after his last escapade in Britain. The change in scenery has not changed his inability to control his temper.
Jack is intrigued by Miyu and the fact she does not fall for his charms. But circumstances force them into an unlikely friendship as Miyu looks for her mother and Jack struggles to become responsible.
The characters spend a lot of time drinking and making poor choices. But I was curious about what happened to Miya’s mother and watching Jack grow up. There could have been more about the culture clash and Jack being kind of a “fish out of water.” This is the first in a trilogy, although the books are standalone, with only the city of Tokyo being the same. That’s too bad—I would enjoy following Miyu and Jack as they work on their relationship.
Miyu lives in Tokyo in modest house surrounded by apartment buildings. Her father has been laid off and is slowly drinking himself to death. Her mother abandoned them when Miyu was a toddler. Miyu goes to school in the afternoon and works as a “hostess” in a bar at night to support them.
Jack is the spoiled son of a British actor and a fashionista mother, who has been sent to Tokyo after his last escapade in Britain. The change in scenery has not changed his inability to control his temper.
Jack is intrigued by Miyu and the fact she does not fall for his charms. But circumstances force them into an unlikely friendship as Miyu looks for her mother and Jack struggles to become responsible.
The characters spend a lot of time drinking and making poor choices. But I was curious about what happened to Miya’s mother and watching Jack grow up. There could have been more about the culture clash and Jack being kind of a “fish out of water.” This is the first in a trilogy, although the books are standalone, with only the city of Tokyo being the same. That’s too bad—I would enjoy following Miyu and Jack as they work on their relationship.
July 14, 2017
Thoroughly absorbing coming of age tale set in the real world with real characters.
This book is far outside my usual genre, but wanted to read it because I've so enjoyed the author's other writing. I'm so glad I did so as this was an exceptional read, the characters linger long after I turned the final page.
I initially really didn't like the character of Jack, more than just a generational distance, he wasn't a particularly endearing person. But as time passes this annoyingly immature, untethered young man does change. More so upon meeting Miyu, herself no angel, even if her motivation was more from need than wants like Jack.
Together they work at solving the mystery of her past, and together they grow, change and find their centre.
Setting the story in Japan really added another dimension to the tale, I enjoyed the small glimpse into another culture.
A pretty fulfilling read, which rather surprised me. I'll be reading the next in this series, it was a most satisfying and unexpected read.
This book is far outside my usual genre, but wanted to read it because I've so enjoyed the author's other writing. I'm so glad I did so as this was an exceptional read, the characters linger long after I turned the final page.
I initially really didn't like the character of Jack, more than just a generational distance, he wasn't a particularly endearing person. But as time passes this annoyingly immature, untethered young man does change. More so upon meeting Miyu, herself no angel, even if her motivation was more from need than wants like Jack.
Together they work at solving the mystery of her past, and together they grow, change and find their centre.
Setting the story in Japan really added another dimension to the tale, I enjoyed the small glimpse into another culture.
A pretty fulfilling read, which rather surprised me. I'll be reading the next in this series, it was a most satisfying and unexpected read.
August 24, 2020
Broken by Chris Ward is an emotional story about a young man who is the son of a famous actor. Jack has a problem and he is always getting into trouble. His parents send him to a university in Japan where he been Miyu, another student. They develop a strange friendship based on a strange relationship. Miyu's father dies and leaves her with questions about her past. Jack helps her through her discoveries and he finally finds himself - or does he? Can they find themselves and deal with their own pasts? This is a well written story that will keep you turning pages to the end. I own the eBook, but Amazon will not allow me to post a review. I read this eBook on a Nook app where a few chapters are delivered each day during the month until the book is complete. It is a great way to meet new authors. I am glad that B&N does this because reading on my Kindle app is slow and frustrating.
August 24, 2020
I read this as part of Barnes and Noble's monthly Serial Readouts.
Jack is a spoiled delinquent who has been sent to Japan from Britain in order to avoid jail time. Miyu is a girl just trying to survive despite living with her alcoholic father after the disappearance of her mother many years ago.
The two meet in a college course and instantly hate each other. However, when things go bad for both of them, they are thrown together and a friendship starts to grow. Miyu is determined to find out what really happened to her mother and Jack proves to be just the person to help in this quest.
The book was well-written and had enough twists and turns to keep it entertaining. The author is obviously familiar with Japan and its culture and these details added a lot to the book.
Jack is a spoiled delinquent who has been sent to Japan from Britain in order to avoid jail time. Miyu is a girl just trying to survive despite living with her alcoholic father after the disappearance of her mother many years ago.
The two meet in a college course and instantly hate each other. However, when things go bad for both of them, they are thrown together and a friendship starts to grow. Miyu is determined to find out what really happened to her mother and Jack proves to be just the person to help in this quest.
The book was well-written and had enough twists and turns to keep it entertaining. The author is obviously familiar with Japan and its culture and these details added a lot to the book.
August 28, 2020
Two young people who are broken find each other in Tokyo. Jack from England is sent to Japan because he is on a very bad path at home. His parents are famous and rarely home. Miyu lives with her father who is very deep into his drinking. That is his whole life and he is not working. Miyu has done jobs to keep food on the table and keep their house. The two meet at school and are dawn to each other. When Miyu's father dies she learns a deep dark family secret. Jack has been back on the wrong path again but he helps Miyu with her quest. Will they discover the truth and will Jack be able to straighten himself out. Chris Ward's Broken is apparently the first book in Tokyo Lost series.
November 24, 2023
Couldn’t rate this any higher. I absolutely loathed Jack. His level of disrespect for women was revolting. I don’t see that changing as it did by the end of the book. The acting out, maybe, but the misogynistic thoughts he had would be too ingrained in him to be changed by one pretty girl. His behavior in Japan, also, disgusting. Just an impossible character to feel for. Poor little rich boy packed off to Japan because his parents can’t cope with his thuggish behavior. Let’s cry him a river.
I did like Miya and her story.
I did not want to see her with Jack.
I did like Miya and her story.
I did not want to see her with Jack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
Amazingly enough this free read from Nook was not that bad. Considering the Nook program usually specializes in selecting the worst books ever written...okay that’s a tad harsh. Let’s just say I seldom agree with their choices.
But to the novel at hand. It is a romance and a bit of a mystery. I liked the writing style and the characters although Jack was a bit much at times.i especially liked the setting (Japan) and I thought it gave glimpse of what life is like there.
But to the novel at hand. It is a romance and a bit of a mystery. I liked the writing style and the characters although Jack was a bit much at times.i especially liked the setting (Japan) and I thought it gave glimpse of what life is like there.
September 1, 2020
This was a Nook monthly serial readout, so not intended as a complex or challenging book. But I was pleasantly surprised at a somewhat more complex set of characters than usual, and despite having the usual, required romantic interest aspect, it was more subtle and did not overpower the rest of the plot. Although ultimately predictable, I found the ending rushed and weak, and feel a loose end was left hanging in what Miyu shared about herself.
October 2, 2018
Broken families, broken hearts and a broken puzzle. At first I had my doubts about Jack. But I soon realized he is not an asshole, he only acts like one, part of the time. When you get into the story, you just can't stop reading. You just have to solve the puzzle.
I received a copy from Booksprout and chose to review it.
I received a copy from Booksprout and chose to review it.
August 25, 2020
This was the nook serial read from Barnes & Noble for this month. This was an interesting story about two misfit people who meet in Japan when Jack is sent to school there by his parents in England. Miyu is a classmate. They each have problems of their own but end up working together to solve them. Well written and quick reading. Highly recommended.
September 7, 2017
This book had a different rhythm to it. It was based out of Japan but I don't think that was what made it different. It wasn't the pretty little love story. It was like it was real life with real life problems. But I liked the way they figured them out and how they solved them.
August 1, 2018
She does not like the British boy who has been sent to Tokyo but when her father dies.unexpected she needs him to help.her. She needs to find her missing mum who was missing for 16 years. Can she find her? Can they get on better? See if they will find her mother
August 15, 2020
This was a Barnes & Noble monthly serial read, but I could not finish the serial - abandoned it after 8 chapters.
It was too YA for me and I could not “connect” sympathetically with either main protagonist.
It was too YA for me and I could not “connect” sympathetically with either main protagonist.
August 24, 2020
Maybe 2.5 stars??
This book was the August Barnes & Noble monthly serial read. While I enjoyed reading about Japan, and the characters and story line were somewhat well developed, the book is in serious need of editing.
This book was the August Barnes & Noble monthly serial read. While I enjoyed reading about Japan, and the characters and story line were somewhat well developed, the book is in serious need of editing.
August 24, 2020
This was the August 2020 Serial Read from Barnes and Noble.
Miyu and Jack are distinct characters that a reader will grow to like.
Miyu and Jack are distinct characters that a reader will grow to like.
August 29, 2020
Another Nook Serial Read. While the writing is good the characters aren't very likable.
March 28, 2021
Very enjoyable - the story of Miyu is complex and by comparison Jack is just a yob.
February 9, 2020
A story of two broken teenagers trying to find a path in life and falling in love. They struggle to unveil the mistery that covers Miyu´s past and both find themselves "grown ups" at the end of the story. Beautifully written with great scenery descriptions. Highly recommended!
April 12, 2025
Christopher Ward takes us on a fascinating trip to Japan, where the two lonely protagonists Jack and Miyu make their way from Tokyo’s red-light district to Nagano’s rice fields in an attempt to leave their troubled past behind. An interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews