What do you think?
Rate this book
The Malediction Trilogy #0.5
The Broken Ones
A prequel to the USA Today bestseller and Goodreads Choice finalist Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy).
Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves.
After accidentally ruining her sister’s chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d’Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she’s in love with is conspiring against the crown. If she fails, her life will be forfeit.
Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.
Except being together may turn out to be the greatest risk of all.
Below Forsaken Mountain, a plot is being hatched to overthrow the tyrant king of Trollus, and Marc is the right-hand man of its leader. His involvement is information more than one troll would kill to possess, which is why he must keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he loves.
After accidentally ruining her sister’s chance to become queen, Pénélope is given one last opportunity by her father, the Duke d’Angoulême, to make herself useful: she must find proof that the boy she’s in love with is conspiring against the crown. If she fails, her life will be forfeit.
Marc and Pénélope must navigate the complex politics of Trollus, where powers on all sides are intent on using them as pawns, forcing them to risk everything for a chance at a life together.
Except being together may turn out to be the greatest risk of all.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
169 people are currently reading
6774 people want to read
About the author
Danielle L. Jensen
35 books21k followersJoin Danielle's mailing list for exclusive content, giveaways, and new release alerts: https://danielleljensen.com/newslette...
Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
Danielle L. Jensen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood, A Curse Carved in Bone, and the Bridge Kingdom, Dark Shores, and Malediction series. Her novels are published internationally in twenty-one languages. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her family and guinea pigs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
Read
June 4, 2017I've been asked quite a few times about my recommended reading order, so here it is:
1. STOLEN SONGBIRD (Book One of The Malediction Trilogy)
2. HIDDEN HUNTRESS (Book Two of The Malediction Trilogy)
3. THE BROKEN ONES (Prequel to The Malediction Trilogy)
4. WARRIOR WITCH (Book Three of The Malediction Trilogy)
THE BROKEN ONES is, for the most part, a standalone, but I DID write it with the fans of the trilogy in mind. As such, there will be some minor spoilers if you read it before the first two novels of the trilogy, and there will be some aspects of the world building that might be slightly confusing if you haven't read at least STOLEN SONGBIRD. It takes place two years prior to STOLEN SONGBIRD.
1. STOLEN SONGBIRD (Book One of The Malediction Trilogy)
2. HIDDEN HUNTRESS (Book Two of The Malediction Trilogy)
3. THE BROKEN ONES (Prequel to The Malediction Trilogy)
4. WARRIOR WITCH (Book Three of The Malediction Trilogy)
THE BROKEN ONES is, for the most part, a standalone, but I DID write it with the fans of the trilogy in mind. As such, there will be some minor spoilers if you read it before the first two novels of the trilogy, and there will be some aspects of the world building that might be slightly confusing if you haven't read at least STOLEN SONGBIRD. It takes place two years prior to STOLEN SONGBIRD.
May 31, 2024
I can't believe I loved this novella more than the entire series (I rated the entire series a 3)
January 27, 2018
*This review can also be found on YA Books Central! Huge thanks to the author & publisher for the review copy in exchange of my honest opinion.*
*Tries to contain tears* In our life, I believe there are certain books/series that will resonate the strongest in each step we take, for each stage we reach. In my childhood, the Harry Potter books were the series that made me believe in magic, the books that turned me into a reader. When I became a teen, The Iron Fey series brought back that need to devour more fantastical reads. Now, as a new-ish adult, the series that has turned my book-loving world upside down is The Malediction Trilogy, for I have never loved a series more than how I love this one.
However, I had already said goodbye to my favorite characters last year, when the trilogy came to an end with Warrior Witch. I had no idea that a year from then, I would come back to its world one more time, back to where it all started ... back to Trollus.
And readers, it was perfect.
The Broken Ones is the prequel novel to the epic The Malediction Trilogy. It takes place only a couple of years before the events of Stolen Songbird and this time, it tells the ill-fated love story between Marc and Pénélope. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced at seeing my favorite characters come back to life once more, back to the time where they had not been touched by the true hardships of a brutal war between trolls, half-trolls, and humans. But from all the delightful things that came from being back in Trollus, what I absolutely loved the most was getting to meet Pénélope for the first time.
If you have read The Malediction Trilogy (something I highly suggest you do for this book contains minor spoilers from the trilogy), you would know that Pénélope is Marc's dead wife, and one of the character's beloved sister. We don't get to meet her in the trilogy, but we do learn from Marc that she was a gentle troll who had the misfortune of being born with an affliction in her blood. She had weak magic and even the tiniest wound was fatal to her, but her heart and will to outlive her sealed fate was admirable, enough to leave a lasting impression. However, I did not truly get how important she was to the cause, to the revolution the Troll prince, Tristan de Montigny, was leading against the monarchy of Trollus. She's a quiet force that made a huge difference in the events that follow in the trilogy. A true heroine, and one we finally get to appreciate in all its glory in this novel.
I highly enjoyed being in Pénélope's point of view and getting to know her in such a deep level, but being able to read this book in Marc's POV as well was terrific. This is a character I was already in love with, but there had always been a wall between him and us readers ... until now. I get him, I truly get him now. Things I questioned about him at the end of the trilogy are finally clear and my heart weeps for him. For him AND Pénélope. Such a tragic romance! Such cruel fate! I am deeply sorry for their suffering, but I'm also glad to have witnessed their love story.
The Broken Ones is a heartbreaking read, one that fans of the trilogy know can only end with gut-wrenching pain, but it is certainly well worth the tears. Despite knowing how it would all end, I was pleasantly surprised for how much there was still left to explore about the hidden city of Trollus and its dangerous politics. This is the chance to meet the antagonists before they set things into motion, to see beyond the veil and discover their true intentions before they catch the characters off guard in The Malediction Trilogy. It's our chance to read more about my beloved Prince Tristan, Anaïs, the twins Vincent&Victoria, and even meet new characters. One last chance to walk the streets of the beautiful city of Trollus and appreciate everything that we come to love in Stolen Songbird. This novel is now incredibly precious to me, and one I will cherish forever.
Final Verdict:
Gorgeously written and incredibly bittersweet, The Broken Ones is the perfect prequel I didn't know my heart needed. Danielle L. Jensen expertly comes back to the beginning, and she certainly doesn't miss a beat.
*Tries to contain tears* In our life, I believe there are certain books/series that will resonate the strongest in each step we take, for each stage we reach. In my childhood, the Harry Potter books were the series that made me believe in magic, the books that turned me into a reader. When I became a teen, The Iron Fey series brought back that need to devour more fantastical reads. Now, as a new-ish adult, the series that has turned my book-loving world upside down is The Malediction Trilogy, for I have never loved a series more than how I love this one.
However, I had already said goodbye to my favorite characters last year, when the trilogy came to an end with Warrior Witch. I had no idea that a year from then, I would come back to its world one more time, back to where it all started ... back to Trollus.
And readers, it was perfect.
The Broken Ones is the prequel novel to the epic The Malediction Trilogy. It takes place only a couple of years before the events of Stolen Songbird and this time, it tells the ill-fated love story between Marc and Pénélope. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced at seeing my favorite characters come back to life once more, back to the time where they had not been touched by the true hardships of a brutal war between trolls, half-trolls, and humans. But from all the delightful things that came from being back in Trollus, what I absolutely loved the most was getting to meet Pénélope for the first time.
If you have read The Malediction Trilogy (something I highly suggest you do for this book contains minor spoilers from the trilogy), you would know that Pénélope is Marc's dead wife, and one of the character's beloved sister. We don't get to meet her in the trilogy, but we do learn from Marc that she was a gentle troll who had the misfortune of being born with an affliction in her blood. She had weak magic and even the tiniest wound was fatal to her, but her heart and will to outlive her sealed fate was admirable, enough to leave a lasting impression. However, I did not truly get how important she was to the cause, to the revolution the Troll prince, Tristan de Montigny, was leading against the monarchy of Trollus. She's a quiet force that made a huge difference in the events that follow in the trilogy. A true heroine, and one we finally get to appreciate in all its glory in this novel.
I highly enjoyed being in Pénélope's point of view and getting to know her in such a deep level, but being able to read this book in Marc's POV as well was terrific. This is a character I was already in love with, but there had always been a wall between him and us readers ... until now. I get him, I truly get him now. Things I questioned about him at the end of the trilogy are finally clear and my heart weeps for him. For him AND Pénélope. Such a tragic romance! Such cruel fate! I am deeply sorry for their suffering, but I'm also glad to have witnessed their love story.
The Broken Ones is a heartbreaking read, one that fans of the trilogy know can only end with gut-wrenching pain, but it is certainly well worth the tears. Despite knowing how it would all end, I was pleasantly surprised for how much there was still left to explore about the hidden city of Trollus and its dangerous politics. This is the chance to meet the antagonists before they set things into motion, to see beyond the veil and discover their true intentions before they catch the characters off guard in The Malediction Trilogy. It's our chance to read more about my beloved Prince Tristan, Anaïs, the twins Vincent&Victoria, and even meet new characters. One last chance to walk the streets of the beautiful city of Trollus and appreciate everything that we come to love in Stolen Songbird. This novel is now incredibly precious to me, and one I will cherish forever.
Final Verdict:
Gorgeously written and incredibly bittersweet, The Broken Ones is the perfect prequel I didn't know my heart needed. Danielle L. Jensen expertly comes back to the beginning, and she certainly doesn't miss a beat.
July 3, 2017
In case you haven’t read the other three books that came out before this one here is what order the author recommends reading the books in as there are some minor spoilers for the future plot:
1. STOLEN SONGBIRD (Book One of The Malediction Trilogy)
2. HIDDEN HUNTRESS (Book Two of The Malediction Trilogy)
3. THE BROKEN ONES (Prequel to The Malediction Trilogy)
4. WARRIOR WITCH (Book Three of The Malediction Trilogy)
That being said, let’s talk about this prequel that will rip your heart out!
This story is about a character many who have read the previous three books are already familiar with and know little about. Marc and Penelope.
I really liked delving deeper into this tragic story. I liked seeing another side of things especially a part of the history of the trilogy. I really liked seeing characters I was familiar with act a certain way as if the reader themselves didn’t know the real reason for certain things being done. I just really enjoyed this whole other side! I think those who have yet to read the trilogy will be very interested in seeing it all with fresh eyes.
We get to understand MORE about the bond between man and wife in this world and how devastating it is when someone loses the ones they love while bonded and how our hero Tristin in the trilogy played a part and why Marc survived the bond afterward.
I really liked getting to know our most mysterious character, Penelope. Many know of her in the trilogy but this….oh man THIS, we really got to know her and what made the bond between Marc and her so heartwrenching.
Overall I loved delving back into the world of Trollus and seeing a whole other side of things before Cécile arrives into the picture. I loved how this story played on my heartstrings and made me ache for the characters. I loved Danielle L. Jensen and her stories and the way she writes. I love the world building and I feel like she is REALLY good at making you connect with the characters and the story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I love her books and I love this whole series. It’s definitely a must own!
Sexual Content: mild
Lanugage: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
Violence: moderate
1. STOLEN SONGBIRD (Book One of The Malediction Trilogy)
2. HIDDEN HUNTRESS (Book Two of The Malediction Trilogy)
3. THE BROKEN ONES (Prequel to The Malediction Trilogy)
4. WARRIOR WITCH (Book Three of The Malediction Trilogy)
That being said, let’s talk about this prequel that will rip your heart out!
This story is about a character many who have read the previous three books are already familiar with and know little about. Marc and Penelope.
I really liked delving deeper into this tragic story. I liked seeing another side of things especially a part of the history of the trilogy. I really liked seeing characters I was familiar with act a certain way as if the reader themselves didn’t know the real reason for certain things being done. I just really enjoyed this whole other side! I think those who have yet to read the trilogy will be very interested in seeing it all with fresh eyes.
We get to understand MORE about the bond between man and wife in this world and how devastating it is when someone loses the ones they love while bonded and how our hero Tristin in the trilogy played a part and why Marc survived the bond afterward.
I really liked getting to know our most mysterious character, Penelope. Many know of her in the trilogy but this….oh man THIS, we really got to know her and what made the bond between Marc and her so heartwrenching.
Overall I loved delving back into the world of Trollus and seeing a whole other side of things before Cécile arrives into the picture. I loved how this story played on my heartstrings and made me ache for the characters. I loved Danielle L. Jensen and her stories and the way she writes. I love the world building and I feel like she is REALLY good at making you connect with the characters and the story. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I love her books and I love this whole series. It’s definitely a must own!
Sexual Content: mild
Lanugage: mild
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
Violence: moderate
dnf
June 9, 2025I am understanding maybe a third of this? So much is just stated as 'you should know what this is'. I swear I checked if you could read this as a standalone, and the answer was yes. However, the author said this should be read after books 1+2. Why then is it marked as 0.5 and not 2.5? Make it make sense.
------------------
DNF - 25%
------------------
The audible sale made me do it
------------------
DNF - 25%
------------------
The audible sale made me do it
April 13, 2017
If you have not read the Malediction Trilogy, which starts with Stolen Songbird, then I'd advise you don't read this review or this book yet. Come back later. If you are not convinced: It's better to read Stolen Songbird first because Marc's story is a bit of a subplot in that book, and it's also better to get first impressions of the characters from there. SS is also where you get the introductory world building so don’t complain if you read this and it’s lacking, because you should already know.
When I found out this prequel book was coming out, I was like obviously I'm going to read it but do I truly want to put myself through that heartbreak again? The answer is yes. You know in Harry Potter where Ron reads Harry’s tea leaves and is like “you’re gonna suffer, but you’re gonna be happy about it,” That is an accurate wrap up of me for this whole book.
Man, does this woman know how to play the political intrigue or what?! They're always so well thought out plots, ploys, strategies, twists, turns. I really and truly respect Danielle L Jensen for the work she does.
Often prequels and sequels to the original works tend to stray from the facts or the mood of the story but I felt Jensen's writing, narrative, mood in this book was perfectly cohesive to the other books. The same levels of anxiety, tears, heartbreak. Another thing with prequels/sequels, other books tend pull at strings just to make another book but The Broken Ones showed us a story that was already there but we never really knew the details of. It was in no way boring either as others are for lack of plot. Marc’s story, we can now see, contributed in so many ways to the trilogy.
Of course I was very conscious the whole time of events that happened to see if they matched the original story in the first book and I feel Jensen did a wonderful job of keeping to the facts which a lot of others seem to stray on.
This story, like Stolen Songbird, kind of followed the same rhythm and also like the first book I was in the same perpetual state of heartbreak, tormentation, and anxiety. (The anxiety, here, mostly because we all know how the the story will end) These are all good things so don’t worry, ‘suffer but be happy’ remember. Jensen has this amazing way of storytelling where it seems every character is a ploy but who is pulling their strings? I don't know!!!! Because the motivations and scheme revelations leave me like AAAAHHHH WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM, I COULD’VE NEVER GUESSED THAT ON MY OWN!!!!!
In SS it kind of felt like we walked into a story that was already happening. In The Broken Ones we get more of the back story and what was it was like before Cecile. While I absolutely loved this book and the story it told, I'm glad the trilogy started with SS and not this story because A. it makes this story all the more tragic and B. I usually don't like when a random character is plopped in (it would be ceclie in that case) and I'm expected to adjust to them. But that's just a personal thing. However I do feel this story was fundamental.
This was one of those books where you know more than one of the narrators does and you're yelling at them the whole time like you're. so. stupid. And therefore the heartbreaking hurts all the more. Also every time a character made an assumption about the future I was like YOU ARE WRONG!!!!
It was such a treat to see how life in Trollus was before Cecile came around. How Tristan behaved without the reader knowing he was hiding something that we knew through what Cecile sensed. We got to see him being selfish and how other people understood and interpreted his reasons for it. I never truly saw Tristan as “evil” in SS but in this book we got a better sense of how he had to act to keep up his charade.
I didn't expect Marc to be like the Marc I know because this tragic event had to have happened in order for him to be the person we see in the first book of the malediction trilogy. However, I do remember Marc being a bit smarter, and more observant. I’m sure when i re-read SS in the future I will keel over with despair and sorrow for Marc. Within The Malediction Trilogy, I suppose we do not quite see the depth of what was going on inside Marc. Why he was so torn, in the second book, after Tristan's hold over him ceased. I don’t think I truly understood his torment until now, and I am so grateful to this book for revealing that to me. My mind just kept going back to Marc in the trilogy and the things he did there and how they connected to his past/the story in The Broken Ones.
Penelope was perhaps the greatest mystery walking into this book. While we were well acquainted with all the other characters, we knew little about her. The bottom line was that she was Marc wife, he loved her more than anything, and he lost her to her affliction but Tristan forced him to survive the bond. We got to know her so well and by the end of the story, it made it even more heartrending than I could’ve guessed.
It was undoubtedly a tragic love story that included many great truths and revelations not only about the connection between the two but also reasoning behind Tristan. Definitely more than worth the read. Hey, and it’s even more of an opportunity to hate Duke d'Angouleme and Lessa.
Sadly this is the last story we shall see in the world of Trollus. It breaks my heart but at the same time, I don’t think my heart could take much more. I am sincerely looking forward to Jensen’s future works. The way she storytells is one I will stick around for.
5 of 5 Star Rating
-Katherine Karas
When I found out this prequel book was coming out, I was like obviously I'm going to read it but do I truly want to put myself through that heartbreak again? The answer is yes. You know in Harry Potter where Ron reads Harry’s tea leaves and is like “you’re gonna suffer, but you’re gonna be happy about it,” That is an accurate wrap up of me for this whole book.
Man, does this woman know how to play the political intrigue or what?! They're always so well thought out plots, ploys, strategies, twists, turns. I really and truly respect Danielle L Jensen for the work she does.
Often prequels and sequels to the original works tend to stray from the facts or the mood of the story but I felt Jensen's writing, narrative, mood in this book was perfectly cohesive to the other books. The same levels of anxiety, tears, heartbreak. Another thing with prequels/sequels, other books tend pull at strings just to make another book but The Broken Ones showed us a story that was already there but we never really knew the details of. It was in no way boring either as others are for lack of plot. Marc’s story, we can now see, contributed in so many ways to the trilogy.
Of course I was very conscious the whole time of events that happened to see if they matched the original story in the first book and I feel Jensen did a wonderful job of keeping to the facts which a lot of others seem to stray on.
This story, like Stolen Songbird, kind of followed the same rhythm and also like the first book I was in the same perpetual state of heartbreak, tormentation, and anxiety. (The anxiety, here, mostly because we all know how the the story will end) These are all good things so don’t worry, ‘suffer but be happy’ remember. Jensen has this amazing way of storytelling where it seems every character is a ploy but who is pulling their strings? I don't know!!!! Because the motivations and scheme revelations leave me like AAAAHHHH WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM, I COULD’VE NEVER GUESSED THAT ON MY OWN!!!!!
In SS it kind of felt like we walked into a story that was already happening. In The Broken Ones we get more of the back story and what was it was like before Cecile. While I absolutely loved this book and the story it told, I'm glad the trilogy started with SS and not this story because A. it makes this story all the more tragic and B. I usually don't like when a random character is plopped in (it would be ceclie in that case) and I'm expected to adjust to them. But that's just a personal thing. However I do feel this story was fundamental.
This was one of those books where you know more than one of the narrators does and you're yelling at them the whole time like you're. so. stupid. And therefore the heartbreaking hurts all the more. Also every time a character made an assumption about the future I was like YOU ARE WRONG!!!!
It was such a treat to see how life in Trollus was before Cecile came around. How Tristan behaved without the reader knowing he was hiding something that we knew through what Cecile sensed. We got to see him being selfish and how other people understood and interpreted his reasons for it. I never truly saw Tristan as “evil” in SS but in this book we got a better sense of how he had to act to keep up his charade.
I didn't expect Marc to be like the Marc I know because this tragic event had to have happened in order for him to be the person we see in the first book of the malediction trilogy. However, I do remember Marc being a bit smarter, and more observant. I’m sure when i re-read SS in the future I will keel over with despair and sorrow for Marc. Within The Malediction Trilogy, I suppose we do not quite see the depth of what was going on inside Marc. Why he was so torn, in the second book, after Tristan's hold over him ceased. I don’t think I truly understood his torment until now, and I am so grateful to this book for revealing that to me. My mind just kept going back to Marc in the trilogy and the things he did there and how they connected to his past/the story in The Broken Ones.
Penelope was perhaps the greatest mystery walking into this book. While we were well acquainted with all the other characters, we knew little about her. The bottom line was that she was Marc wife, he loved her more than anything, and he lost her to her affliction but Tristan forced him to survive the bond. We got to know her so well and by the end of the story, it made it even more heartrending than I could’ve guessed.
It was undoubtedly a tragic love story that included many great truths and revelations not only about the connection between the two but also reasoning behind Tristan. Definitely more than worth the read. Hey, and it’s even more of an opportunity to hate Duke d'Angouleme and Lessa.
Sadly this is the last story we shall see in the world of Trollus. It breaks my heart but at the same time, I don’t think my heart could take much more. I am sincerely looking forward to Jensen’s future works. The way she storytells is one I will stick around for.
5 of 5 Star Rating
-Katherine Karas
March 7, 2022
I hadn't read the synopsis for this one so I wasn't sure who would be in this prequel until I started it. But I should've known. I think Marc was a main series favourite who broke everyone's hearts so I'm glad we got this glimpse into what came before.
This had the same magic as book one in this series and was almost better. This doomed love story was lovely and heartbreaking and seeing some of those early machinations and what they cost the characters we'd come to know so well, even as young as they were back then, was.. well, I can't say well done but it was. They were up against clever villains from the word go. And, especially in these early days, constantly outwitted by older and wiser folks then themselves. Especially interesting was how Tristan behaved, and thought, and it makes his behaviour in the early days of book one even more fascinating in hindsight -- or, rather, explains why he was the way he was. In more ways than the obvious.
This is definitely a story you don't want to miss but one I would recommend reading only once you've finished the series.
This had the same magic as book one in this series and was almost better. This doomed love story was lovely and heartbreaking and seeing some of those early machinations and what they cost the characters we'd come to know so well, even as young as they were back then, was.. well, I can't say well done but it was. They were up against clever villains from the word go. And, especially in these early days, constantly outwitted by older and wiser folks then themselves. Especially interesting was how Tristan behaved, and thought, and it makes his behaviour in the early days of book one even more fascinating in hindsight -- or, rather, explains why he was the way he was. In more ways than the obvious.
This is definitely a story you don't want to miss but one I would recommend reading only once you've finished the series.
May 18, 2017
Advanced copy received via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
As you can see I gave this five stars so I think that kind of speaks for itself. It was everything I wanted it to be. It was a story in itself and not just an introduction to the Malediction trilogy. It had mystery and intrigue, action and romance. It was heartfelt and heartrending, especially that epilogue. Jensen’s writing is great, its beautiful but also easy to read and she writes her characters so flawlessly. That’s not to say they don’t have flaws, they do, they have many and I love them even more for them. I just love that the villains have equal depth and charisma as our much loved heroes do.
Just one more point I wanted to mention, it’s not recommended that you read this prequel novel before Stolen Songbird (book one) or Hidden Huntress (book two in The Malediction Trilogy) as there are some minor spoilers for the future plot. And whilst it can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend you go read Stolen Songbird and Hidden Huntress first because then you will get to meet and fall in love with Marc and Tristan as I did and this prequel will mean so much more to you.
As you can see I gave this five stars so I think that kind of speaks for itself. It was everything I wanted it to be. It was a story in itself and not just an introduction to the Malediction trilogy. It had mystery and intrigue, action and romance. It was heartfelt and heartrending, especially that epilogue. Jensen’s writing is great, its beautiful but also easy to read and she writes her characters so flawlessly. That’s not to say they don’t have flaws, they do, they have many and I love them even more for them. I just love that the villains have equal depth and charisma as our much loved heroes do.
Just one more point I wanted to mention, it’s not recommended that you read this prequel novel before Stolen Songbird (book one) or Hidden Huntress (book two in The Malediction Trilogy) as there are some minor spoilers for the future plot. And whilst it can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend you go read Stolen Songbird and Hidden Huntress first because then you will get to meet and fall in love with Marc and Tristan as I did and this prequel will mean so much more to you.
June 7, 2017
If there is one thing that I took away from this book, is that I need to jump back into the world of The Malediction trilogy. I missed these characters and this plot in a way I didn’t even realize. I now want to drop everything and go read the rest of this series. That’s how good this was.
Admittedly, I didn’t like this book as much as I did Stolen Songbird, the first book in the series, but I do love the world. I love the intrigue, and the schemes, and evil plots. I love the magic and the messed up nature of it all. And I want everyone to go check it out!
I read Stolen Songbird back in 2015 and I loved it. After finishing it went and bought the the sequel, Hidden Huntress, but never really got to it. Now that I’m back in the mood to finish the series, I of course went and bought the last book in the trilogy, Warrior Witch.
While this is the prequel, I do not recommend reading it before reading at least the first book in the series, or preferably, the series as a whole.
This book deals with Marc’s story and who he was before Cecile came to Trollus and their entire world was changed. It is a story of doomed love, and the court intrigue I loved so much in Stolen Songbird. It is a story of the birth of a revolution and the sacrifices that went into making it happen.
Having only read book one, there is much that I do not know about the world and the characters. But, from I got from book one, I know that the mind of a Danielle L. Jensen is a cunning and dangerous place. This woman writes intrigue like no one else. She schemes and plots and weaves for us a tale of twists and turns. She did this in the first book, and she outdid herself on this one.
The world is Trollus is very complex and very dark, literally. If you have not read at least book one, much of the world building will be lost. The nature of the trolls and their situation is not explained here in detail, but that’s alright, it doesn’t need to be. The world has already been set up at this point and we can focus on the characters.
The charters themselves are very different from what I remember in Stolen Songbird, showing the amount of character development they must have gone through. Surely the events of this book marked all of their lives, but when I return to the series I will not ever be able to see Marc the same way again. Even Tristan, who was spoiled and good willed and manipulative, will never be the same in my eyes.
This is a book that I definitely recommend, after reading the other books in the trilogy, of course.
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Admittedly, I didn’t like this book as much as I did Stolen Songbird, the first book in the series, but I do love the world. I love the intrigue, and the schemes, and evil plots. I love the magic and the messed up nature of it all. And I want everyone to go check it out!
I read Stolen Songbird back in 2015 and I loved it. After finishing it went and bought the the sequel, Hidden Huntress, but never really got to it. Now that I’m back in the mood to finish the series, I of course went and bought the last book in the trilogy, Warrior Witch.
While this is the prequel, I do not recommend reading it before reading at least the first book in the series, or preferably, the series as a whole.
This book deals with Marc’s story and who he was before Cecile came to Trollus and their entire world was changed. It is a story of doomed love, and the court intrigue I loved so much in Stolen Songbird. It is a story of the birth of a revolution and the sacrifices that went into making it happen.
Having only read book one, there is much that I do not know about the world and the characters. But, from I got from book one, I know that the mind of a Danielle L. Jensen is a cunning and dangerous place. This woman writes intrigue like no one else. She schemes and plots and weaves for us a tale of twists and turns. She did this in the first book, and she outdid herself on this one.
The world is Trollus is very complex and very dark, literally. If you have not read at least book one, much of the world building will be lost. The nature of the trolls and their situation is not explained here in detail, but that’s alright, it doesn’t need to be. The world has already been set up at this point and we can focus on the characters.
The charters themselves are very different from what I remember in Stolen Songbird, showing the amount of character development they must have gone through. Surely the events of this book marked all of their lives, but when I return to the series I will not ever be able to see Marc the same way again. Even Tristan, who was spoiled and good willed and manipulative, will never be the same in my eyes.
This is a book that I definitely recommend, after reading the other books in the trilogy, of course.
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
June 2, 2019
4,5 stars!
This was such a fun read! It’s A really great addition to the series. Having read book 1 first, I knew how some things would go in this prequel book, but the author still knew how to surprise me.
I loved read about these characters some years before book 1 takes place. It provides more insight to this world and its politics and it gives more depth and insight to a lot of the characters I fell in love with when reading book 1.
It’s a must read in my opinion because it really adds more dimension to the entire series in general. Couldn’t be happier about how this turned out. Danielle’s writing is enthralling and addictive and I don’t think she’s able to disappoint. This was my third book by her and I already crave more!
This was such a fun read! It’s A really great addition to the series. Having read book 1 first, I knew how some things would go in this prequel book, but the author still knew how to surprise me.
I loved read about these characters some years before book 1 takes place. It provides more insight to this world and its politics and it gives more depth and insight to a lot of the characters I fell in love with when reading book 1.
It’s a must read in my opinion because it really adds more dimension to the entire series in general. Couldn’t be happier about how this turned out. Danielle’s writing is enthralling and addictive and I don’t think she’s able to disappoint. This was my third book by her and I already crave more!
February 11, 2022
Even knowing how it would end, the ending still has me in my feelings. 😭
February 14, 2024
4,5⭐️
Nawet nie wiedziałam, że aż tak bardzo potrzebowałam tej historii 😭🩷
Nawet nie wiedziałam, że aż tak bardzo potrzebowałam tej historii 😭🩷
July 14, 2017
I knew what I was getting in this book, it's a prequel, so we know how this was going to wrap up and still I went into it with open arms.
Do not read this if you haven't read the original trilogy! Also if you have read the originals right away maybe give yourself some time to grieve before diving into this cause it will break you all over again.
Marc and Penelope were all I dreamed they would be, and their love was so perfect, this catalyst for pushing the change that Marc was certain might never come despite their best efforts. It changes the core group, drives them to do things they never would have before. It's tragic and heartbreaking but so so beautiful.
You miss nothing of the main story by skipping this book but it's so needed for the world, and I'm so grateful we got this peek into Trollis before the main trilogy colored out view of their world.
Do not read this if you haven't read the original trilogy! Also if you have read the originals right away maybe give yourself some time to grieve before diving into this cause it will break you all over again.
Marc and Penelope were all I dreamed they would be, and their love was so perfect, this catalyst for pushing the change that Marc was certain might never come despite their best efforts. It changes the core group, drives them to do things they never would have before. It's tragic and heartbreaking but so so beautiful.
You miss nothing of the main story by skipping this book but it's so needed for the world, and I'm so grateful we got this peek into Trollis before the main trilogy colored out view of their world.
June 8, 2017
Rating: 3.75/5
Review to come!
Review to come!
July 12, 2017
Kon het boek niet wegleggen. Het verhaal v Marc & Pénélope ... zucht ... :(
September 13, 2021
Myślałam, że przeczytanie historii, której zakończenie się zna i już się przeżyło, nie będzie niczym bolesnym i przełknę to w miarę gładko. Ale okazało się inaczej.
Skończyło się, a jakże by inaczej, potokiem łez i milionem chusteczek. Do tego dobiłam się jeszcze zakończeniem Walcznej czarownicy, jakby już wcześniejsze łzy, to było za mało 😅
Skończyło się, a jakże by inaczej, potokiem łez i milionem chusteczek. Do tego dobiłam się jeszcze zakończeniem Walcznej czarownicy, jakby już wcześniejsze łzy, to było za mało 😅
November 4, 2017
This wasn't as bad as the last book (that was a real let down!) but it was still pretty meh. I enjoyed learning some history about the characters and meeting Penelope, but the story was a little flat to me and everyone was pretty annoying. If Danielle Jensen releases more works I'll gladly read them, but I'm happy that Malediction is over.
April 12, 2017
“The Broken Ones” is a prequel to the Malediction Trilogy. I’ll admit that I have not read the trilogy, but since this was a prequel, I was hoping it wouldn’t matter. The world-building is lacking, however, in this prequel, and for that reason, I would say it is mainly intended for people who have already read the trilogy. This one seems to provide a backstory for a few key characters in the trilogy (further research led me to their roles in the trilogy as well as information about the world). Here, in Trollus, trolls are born primarily with powers in a fae-like manner and those who are not pure-blooded (e.g. half-bloods) are treated very poorly- as are the pure-bloods born without enough powers, like Penelope.
There is a revolution underfoot (seems like maybe two), each one supporting one of the sons of the King who rules with an iron fist. They are both in the closet/not clearly out, as this would be treason. Penelope’s younger sister, Anais, was betrothed to the elder son, Tristan, and it is mentioned that this was broken but not why. Anais is still in love with Tristan, but his feelings towards her are less clear. Tristan’s right-hand man, who has been helping with the revolution, Marc is disfigured but powerful. Marc and Penelope have been secretly in love with the other for years- but their friendship has led both to disguise their feelings. Penelope, without powers, is doomed to live a short life. If she were to bond with anyone (a marriage-type ceremony controlled by the King), it is likely that they would die when she died (although not everyone does, most do die when their bonded does). Penelope’s father, the Duke, is behind the other planned revolution with Roland, the King’s young and mean son, which he controls.
Just after Penelope finally admits her feelings to Marc, her father wants to use them to his twisted ends, and forces her to get closer to Marc in order to root out his secrets/what he knows about the rebellion. Penelope doesn’t want to do it, but it seems to be the only thing keeping her father from ending her life. It’s a sad tale, as she is fighting stereotypes, her father, and her own feelings. The viewpoints alternate between Penelope and Marc. Overall, I really enjoyed the love story but wish I had more background to understand this alternate world- it certainly made me want to read the trilogy!
This is a well written book with a beautiful love story that will be a must for people who love the Malediction Trilogy. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
There is a revolution underfoot (seems like maybe two), each one supporting one of the sons of the King who rules with an iron fist. They are both in the closet/not clearly out, as this would be treason. Penelope’s younger sister, Anais, was betrothed to the elder son, Tristan, and it is mentioned that this was broken but not why. Anais is still in love with Tristan, but his feelings towards her are less clear. Tristan’s right-hand man, who has been helping with the revolution, Marc is disfigured but powerful. Marc and Penelope have been secretly in love with the other for years- but their friendship has led both to disguise their feelings. Penelope, without powers, is doomed to live a short life. If she were to bond with anyone (a marriage-type ceremony controlled by the King), it is likely that they would die when she died (although not everyone does, most do die when their bonded does). Penelope’s father, the Duke, is behind the other planned revolution with Roland, the King’s young and mean son, which he controls.
Just after Penelope finally admits her feelings to Marc, her father wants to use them to his twisted ends, and forces her to get closer to Marc in order to root out his secrets/what he knows about the rebellion. Penelope doesn’t want to do it, but it seems to be the only thing keeping her father from ending her life. It’s a sad tale, as she is fighting stereotypes, her father, and her own feelings. The viewpoints alternate between Penelope and Marc. Overall, I really enjoyed the love story but wish I had more background to understand this alternate world- it certainly made me want to read the trilogy!
This is a well written book with a beautiful love story that will be a must for people who love the Malediction Trilogy. Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2017
Warning: I cried my eyes out! 😭😭 I knew what was going to happen because it is discussed in the main trilogy, but that stop it from tearing my heart into little pieces.
This was definetly focused on Marc and Penelope's love story. Which didn't bother me because you get so much more than just love stories in the main trilogy. It didn't add anything to the overall story, but I did end up feeling less animosity towards Anais and we get the complete story of Marc and Penelope. It was interesting. I do wish there would have been more mentions of the baby. I really wanted some scenes of Marc kissing/rubbing Penelope's pregnant belly. I also feel like the end should have been a little more drawn out. It seems like Marc gave in too easy at the end. I wanted more of a heart wrenching struggle. It was really anticlimactic. This story makes me even more sad knowing how the entire story ends and how different things could have been for Penelope 😭😭
Don't read this before you read the original trilogy.
This was definetly focused on Marc and Penelope's love story. Which didn't bother me because you get so much more than just love stories in the main trilogy. It didn't add anything to the overall story, but I did end up feeling less animosity towards Anais and we get the complete story of Marc and Penelope. It was interesting. I do wish there would have been more mentions of the baby. I really wanted some scenes of Marc kissing/rubbing Penelope's pregnant belly. I also feel like the end should have been a little more drawn out. It seems like Marc gave in too easy at the end. I wanted more of a heart wrenching struggle. It was really anticlimactic. This story makes me even more sad knowing how the entire story ends and how different things could have been for Penelope 😭😭
Don't read this before you read the original trilogy.
November 20, 2017
Booktube-a-Thon July 24, 2017-July 30, 2017
Challenge #4 - Read about a character that is very different than you.
Challenge #4 - Read about a character that is very different than you.
January 23, 2022
"Marcanthysurum, chcę, żebyś dał mi słowo, że będziesz żył. Że nie podejmiesz żadnego działania mającego na celu zakończenie własnego życia."
March 25, 2022
I knew going into this that it was a Romeo and Juliet story. I didn't know it was the beginning of a series. I would read this one first. It was interesting to have this perspective of all the characters before reading the first book. I was hoping against hope for a happy ending....... Romeo and Juliet retellings are not endings I am fond of.
This was a teen read. Sex before marriage. Some kisses but fade to black so you don't get details. This is a violent story but it is all done behind closed doors except one pretty nasty torture scene. It's hard to watch characters go threw such violent things. PG13 for sure.
This was a teen read. Sex before marriage. Some kisses but fade to black so you don't get details. This is a violent story but it is all done behind closed doors except one pretty nasty torture scene. It's hard to watch characters go threw such violent things. PG13 for sure.
June 19, 2024
Huston, we have a problem. I've read as per author's suggestion..
..aaaaaaand I liked Marc and Penelope more than our original couple and I still have 3rd book of the trilogy to read 🥲😶🌫️
Danielle, I love you, but in my head they are all 25+, AT LEAST
..aaaaaaand I liked Marc and Penelope more than our original couple and I still have 3rd book of the trilogy to read 🥲😶🌫️
Danielle, I love you, but in my head they are all 25+, AT LEAST
May 21, 2017
I was so happy when Danielle announced that she was writing a prequel and it would be the story of Marc and Penelope!
I knew the story was heartbreaking but it also gives us so much insight about the characters we meet in the Malediction Trilogy and really helps us understand them better too!
Reading from both Marc and Penelope's POV was the perfect way to see their friendship and love emerge, even if they both thought it was one-sided in the beginning. I had wanted to know more about Penelope and not only reading about her story but having her POV was the best way to see how strong she was and how messed up her family really was. The power plays and the political intrigues more common than any sort of affection. Marc I had always liked as a character but in this book I got to love him even more. Torn between duty and his heart and trying to juggle what's right with what he wanted and see him struggle with the choices he had to make and see others make was so heartbreaking!
We meet and get to know Anäis as a different person that the girl she has become in Stolen Songbird, and her love for her sister and how she behaves and puts the cause and others before her own ambition made me see her in a very different way. Tristan we get to see from Penelope's eyes and from Mark's eyes and it's so clear how he presents himself to the world and how she has to hide his cause and what he wants to do. Tristan does have quite a bit of growing up to do in this book, and it really broke my heart how he treated Marc sometimes.
For some reason I expected the story to be centered about Marc and Penelope and had completely forgotten how very shrouded in power struggles and political manouvering everything was in Trollus, and how their story could not have been otherwise. The Duke of Angouleme and his power games with the King and how he tries to manipulate everything, how Tristan tries to hide his real self and real purpose, how Marc and Penelope struggle to find their own happiness within that maelstrom, it was all both fascinating and so very heartbreaking!
If you've read The Malediction trilogy, you really NEED to read this one and if you haven't read the trilogy yet, what are you waiting for??
I knew the story was heartbreaking but it also gives us so much insight about the characters we meet in the Malediction Trilogy and really helps us understand them better too!
Reading from both Marc and Penelope's POV was the perfect way to see their friendship and love emerge, even if they both thought it was one-sided in the beginning. I had wanted to know more about Penelope and not only reading about her story but having her POV was the best way to see how strong she was and how messed up her family really was. The power plays and the political intrigues more common than any sort of affection. Marc I had always liked as a character but in this book I got to love him even more. Torn between duty and his heart and trying to juggle what's right with what he wanted and see him struggle with the choices he had to make and see others make was so heartbreaking!
We meet and get to know Anäis as a different person that the girl she has become in Stolen Songbird, and her love for her sister and how she behaves and puts the cause and others before her own ambition made me see her in a very different way. Tristan we get to see from Penelope's eyes and from Mark's eyes and it's so clear how he presents himself to the world and how she has to hide his cause and what he wants to do. Tristan does have quite a bit of growing up to do in this book, and it really broke my heart how he treated Marc sometimes.
For some reason I expected the story to be centered about Marc and Penelope and had completely forgotten how very shrouded in power struggles and political manouvering everything was in Trollus, and how their story could not have been otherwise. The Duke of Angouleme and his power games with the King and how he tries to manipulate everything, how Tristan tries to hide his real self and real purpose, how Marc and Penelope struggle to find their own happiness within that maelstrom, it was all both fascinating and so very heartbreaking!
If you've read The Malediction trilogy, you really NEED to read this one and if you haven't read the trilogy yet, what are you waiting for??
August 13, 2019
We are back in Trollus, but this time before the Songbird’s entrance.
This is the story of Marc and Penelope and provides us with an explanation for Marc’s character in the The Malediction Trilogy.
I always liked Marc and was looking forward to reading more about him through his point of view, which also gives a different perspective on Tristan.
Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of Penelope. I understood where she came from and that her life was not the greatest, yet I sensed a character trait that I didn’t like.
The story gives us the foundation of Tristan’s plot to bring down his own father and it is filled with many political twists and turns and mind games.
Old enemies are making a comeback and the reader gets a tease of what made Anais what she is later on in the trilogy.
Overall, a great treat for fans of Jensen’s The Malediction Trilogy and I would highly recommend it.
ElliotScribbles
This is the story of Marc and Penelope and provides us with an explanation for Marc’s character in the The Malediction Trilogy.
I always liked Marc and was looking forward to reading more about him through his point of view, which also gives a different perspective on Tristan.
Sadly, I wasn’t a fan of Penelope. I understood where she came from and that her life was not the greatest, yet I sensed a character trait that I didn’t like.
The story gives us the foundation of Tristan’s plot to bring down his own father and it is filled with many political twists and turns and mind games.
Old enemies are making a comeback and the reader gets a tease of what made Anais what she is later on in the trilogy.
Overall, a great treat for fans of Jensen’s The Malediction Trilogy and I would highly recommend it.
ElliotScribbles
November 24, 2017
ugh, made me cry so much...
I was so surprised by how much I liked this book. It captures the situation of Trollus and its inhabitants so beautfully that you want to scream and fight against the injustice. I especially loved how it gave us a better idea of group dynamics among the friends and I can certainly see why Cecile was seen as an interloper for quite some time.
But damn, expectations had been shattered. And to know what I know of this series, it just breaks my heart.
I was so surprised by how much I liked this book. It captures the situation of Trollus and its inhabitants so beautfully that you want to scream and fight against the injustice. I especially loved how it gave us a better idea of group dynamics among the friends and I can certainly see why Cecile was seen as an interloper for quite some time.
But damn, expectations had been shattered. And to know what I know of this series, it just breaks my heart.
Want to read
October 13, 2017How I predict this book is going to go for me:
January 23, 2022
"all my life i’ve loved you. you’re the only one who made me believe that i was good enough as i am. that i was worth wanting. that i wasn’t just a broken thing better off in the shadows. what will i be without you?”
cała trylogia klątwy bardzo mi się podobała, ale niedoskonali byli jeszcze poziom wyżej. o ile zazwyczaj nie przepadam za prequelami i uważam, że nie są potrzebne, tak tutaj niedoskonali stanowią idealny element historii.
marc interesował mnie od początku mojej przygody z trylogią. ciekawiła mnie jego przeszłość, przyczyniło się do tego częste wspominanie jej. po ukrytej łowczyni tym bardziej fascynowało mnie, co tak właściwie się stało. no i dostałam odpowiedź.
być może ta część tak mi się podoba, ponieważ występują tutaj moje ulubione postacie - tristan, marc, anais, teraz także penelope. historia miłosna marca i penelope chwyciła mnie za serce. przeżywałam to co się z nim żei działo - a działo się dużo.
od początku było wiadome, że to nie zakończy się dobrze - czytelnik bierze książkę do ręki i jeśli zna trylogie, to wie co się stanie. mimo wszystko podczas czytania ma się tą iskierkę nadziei, która chce aby czekało na nich szczęśliwe zakończenie. końcówka była bardzo mocna i we mnie uderzyła, wywołała łzy w moich oczach. to duże osiągnięcie bo rzadko płacze na książkach, zwłaszcza tak bardzo.
czuje pustkę, ponieważ teraz już oficjalnie zakończyłam przygodę z tą serią jensen, ale również i radość, ponieważ miałam okazję przeczytać coś tak świetnego.
cała trylogia klątwy bardzo mi się podobała, ale niedoskonali byli jeszcze poziom wyżej. o ile zazwyczaj nie przepadam za prequelami i uważam, że nie są potrzebne, tak tutaj niedoskonali stanowią idealny element historii.
marc interesował mnie od początku mojej przygody z trylogią. ciekawiła mnie jego przeszłość, przyczyniło się do tego częste wspominanie jej. po ukrytej łowczyni tym bardziej fascynowało mnie, co tak właściwie się stało. no i dostałam odpowiedź.
być może ta część tak mi się podoba, ponieważ występują tutaj moje ulubione postacie - tristan, marc, anais, teraz także penelope. historia miłosna marca i penelope chwyciła mnie za serce. przeżywałam to co się z nim żei działo - a działo się dużo.
od początku było wiadome, że to nie zakończy się dobrze - czytelnik bierze książkę do ręki i jeśli zna trylogie, to wie co się stanie. mimo wszystko podczas czytania ma się tą iskierkę nadziei, która chce aby czekało na nich szczęśliwe zakończenie. końcówka była bardzo mocna i we mnie uderzyła, wywołała łzy w moich oczach. to duże osiągnięcie bo rzadko płacze na książkach, zwłaszcza tak bardzo.
czuje pustkę, ponieważ teraz już oficjalnie zakończyłam przygodę z tą serią jensen, ale również i radość, ponieważ miałam okazję przeczytać coś tak świetnego.
May 24, 2017
--- I received this book through NetGalley against an honest review. ---
I was fortunate to have this book ahead on netgalley and I liked to being back into that universe even if our heroes were not Tristan and Cécile.
I sincerely think this book is a kind of gift to the fans of the serie. Moreover, it contains many spoilers and I advise to read this book after volume 2 or 3, but not start with this prequel. I took pleasure in being back in the universe of the goblins, we discover it here, with two characters who have lived in it for a long time. They are certainly privileged by their status of nobility, but soon we realize that their condition is far from perfect and we understand why Tristan, Marc and Anaïs decided to act and form the rebellion.
Moreover, the big discovery of this book is Penelope, until then, we only heard of her, especially by Mark, but in this prequel we are in her head and she is a remarkable young girl. She has always been at the mercy of her father and her physical condition which must be hidden, she is rather a sweet girl full of dreams, but she shows a lot of courage. When she learns that her friends are part of the rebellion, she will support them in her own way and try to protect them from her father, she acts at best and I appreciated what she has done.
As far as the plot is concerned, we clearly know where the story leads us and the end is just as sad as I thought it was going to be. However, I can not help but tell myself that this book is not necessary to love the trilogy, it really is a gift from the author to her readers, it remains distracting, but I reserve it for the fans.
I was fortunate to have this book ahead on netgalley and I liked to being back into that universe even if our heroes were not Tristan and Cécile.
I sincerely think this book is a kind of gift to the fans of the serie. Moreover, it contains many spoilers and I advise to read this book after volume 2 or 3, but not start with this prequel. I took pleasure in being back in the universe of the goblins, we discover it here, with two characters who have lived in it for a long time. They are certainly privileged by their status of nobility, but soon we realize that their condition is far from perfect and we understand why Tristan, Marc and Anaïs decided to act and form the rebellion.
Moreover, the big discovery of this book is Penelope, until then, we only heard of her, especially by Mark, but in this prequel we are in her head and she is a remarkable young girl. She has always been at the mercy of her father and her physical condition which must be hidden, she is rather a sweet girl full of dreams, but she shows a lot of courage. When she learns that her friends are part of the rebellion, she will support them in her own way and try to protect them from her father, she acts at best and I appreciated what she has done.
As far as the plot is concerned, we clearly know where the story leads us and the end is just as sad as I thought it was going to be. However, I can not help but tell myself that this book is not necessary to love the trilogy, it really is a gift from the author to her readers, it remains distracting, but I reserve it for the fans.
February 12, 2021
Omg, I am a mess. Chapter 31 had me blubbering! I listened to this on audiobook and I cannot wait to listen to the rest of the series. The narration was perfect and emotional and I don't know if I can forgive Danielle L Jensen for what she did at the end of this book 😭
This is the sequel to the Malediction Triology and after reading Dark Shores, Dark Skies, The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen, I knew I had to read this series.
Over throwing Kings, a rebellion on the rise, forbidden love, evil fathers, a curse, magic...I mean this book has it all. I'm hoping the first book of the series has a good enemies to lovers, that's what I'm looking for, because by the sounds of it, there's going to be one.
I may just need a couple of days to heal 🤣
This is the sequel to the Malediction Triology and after reading Dark Shores, Dark Skies, The Bridge Kingdom and The Traitor Queen, I knew I had to read this series.
Over throwing Kings, a rebellion on the rise, forbidden love, evil fathers, a curse, magic...I mean this book has it all. I'm hoping the first book of the series has a good enemies to lovers, that's what I'm looking for, because by the sounds of it, there's going to be one.
I may just need a couple of days to heal 🤣
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews