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Hex Breaker
Forced to decide between her happiness and her pack's safety, Rayna Myana chooses to protect those she loves. But when shattered promises and dark magic collide, no one is safe...
For six hundred years, Fenear, a land where humans can take wolf form, has warred with Maenor, its neighboring kingdom ruled by a ruthless dynasty. The possibility of peace emerges when the Maenoren Overlord, Rhael, enters negotiations with Fenearen leaders Bayne and Silver, but their niece, Rayna, is skeptical. Yet, when Rhael proposes to her to strengthen the alliance, she agrees for the sake of her country, despite her family's objections and a blossoming romance with her best friend. Suspicion of treachery changes Rayna's decision, but before she can annul the agreement, powerful forces subdue her with a sinister hex. Separated from her pack with Fenear and everyone she loves in danger, Rayna must escape and travel to a distant realm to break the hex. Only then can she save her best friend and her homeland.
Lines blur between heroism and recklessness, dreams and reality, even life and death, and Rayna risks losing herself along the way.
For six hundred years, Fenear, a land where humans can take wolf form, has warred with Maenor, its neighboring kingdom ruled by a ruthless dynasty. The possibility of peace emerges when the Maenoren Overlord, Rhael, enters negotiations with Fenearen leaders Bayne and Silver, but their niece, Rayna, is skeptical. Yet, when Rhael proposes to her to strengthen the alliance, she agrees for the sake of her country, despite her family's objections and a blossoming romance with her best friend. Suspicion of treachery changes Rayna's decision, but before she can annul the agreement, powerful forces subdue her with a sinister hex. Separated from her pack with Fenear and everyone she loves in danger, Rayna must escape and travel to a distant realm to break the hex. Only then can she save her best friend and her homeland.
Lines blur between heroism and recklessness, dreams and reality, even life and death, and Rayna risks losing herself along the way.
- GenresYoung Adult
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2017
2 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Taryn Noelle Kloeden
6 books11 followersTaryn is a lover of nature and all things furry and feathered. As a graduate student in anthrozoology with an undergraduate degree in psychology and biology, she is dedicating her life to understanding and protecting animals, both human and nonhuman. This zeal for the outdoors combined with a lifelong love affair with fantasy and horror stories led her to create the YA dark fantasy series, The Fenearen Chronicles. The second installment, Twice Blessed, is due out in 2018.
Taryn lives in Richmond, Virginia with her Prima donna cat, Stella, and personal piano player/boyfriend, Lorenzo.
Taryn lives in Richmond, Virginia with her Prima donna cat, Stella, and personal piano player/boyfriend, Lorenzo.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 8, 2018
Epic fantasy with an earthy, mythical essence. There's a lot going on— wolves and zombies and wars, oh my!— but all of it is executed with deftest grace and precision. Quite a feat for a debut novel. My inner-reader is warm with content. Even if my inner-writer is a deep-emerald shade of envious.
Random side note: I can't remember having ever read something so richly descriptive of scents. Once I got a migraine that made me feel like my sense of smell was amplified to super-hero levels. Falling into the pages of Hex Breaker was kind of a similar experience, only 100% less miserable.
Random side note: I can't remember having ever read something so richly descriptive of scents. Once I got a migraine that made me feel like my sense of smell was amplified to super-hero levels. Falling into the pages of Hex Breaker was kind of a similar experience, only 100% less miserable.
January 31, 2019
Taryn Noelle Kloeden is a talented author of shorter works so I was excited to see what was in store for her debut novel. The short story is, she displays all the characteristics of a long and successful career in novel writing.
It would be fair and say that this is not the sort of book I would normally enjoy. Shape-shifting wolves, for example, remind me of a well-known and highly successful franchise of books/movies, which were not my personal cup of tea. However, there is something very different about this novel.
The main character, Rayna, is strong and independent, but trying to find her way in a complex world, with conflicting priorities and risks. The world-building is exquisite, and the level of detail in the senses of the characters is up there with the best. They say ‘write what you know’, which is hard to do with fantasy and mythical creatures, but it’s abundantly clear that Kloeden understands animals, the way that they move, their complex motivations, their sharpened senses and their intimate interaction with the environment around them. She is passionate about animals and nature, working on a PhD in this area, I believe, and this knowledge and deep passion translates into her writing and makes you feel like you are there, part of the pack.
The editing is excellent, sentences are sharp and chapters each tell their own story. The fantasy elements are consistent and the character progression evident. The e-book I read was beautifully formatted too.
A debut novel to be proud of and a name to watch.
It would be fair and say that this is not the sort of book I would normally enjoy. Shape-shifting wolves, for example, remind me of a well-known and highly successful franchise of books/movies, which were not my personal cup of tea. However, there is something very different about this novel.
The main character, Rayna, is strong and independent, but trying to find her way in a complex world, with conflicting priorities and risks. The world-building is exquisite, and the level of detail in the senses of the characters is up there with the best. They say ‘write what you know’, which is hard to do with fantasy and mythical creatures, but it’s abundantly clear that Kloeden understands animals, the way that they move, their complex motivations, their sharpened senses and their intimate interaction with the environment around them. She is passionate about animals and nature, working on a PhD in this area, I believe, and this knowledge and deep passion translates into her writing and makes you feel like you are there, part of the pack.
The editing is excellent, sentences are sharp and chapters each tell their own story. The fantasy elements are consistent and the character progression evident. The e-book I read was beautifully formatted too.
A debut novel to be proud of and a name to watch.
September 25, 2018
I seriously enjoyed this book. You know sometimes you stumble upon a book, and you just can't put it down? That's this one. There's action, adventure, mystery, and it keeps coming but there's just so many emotional layers that really tie you to the characters and this story. I think there's been a part of me that would love to be able to shift into a wolf at any time, so Fenear just sounded like a perfect fantasy escape. Though Rayna is willing to sacrifice love for her duty, she soon realizes that not everything is what it was supposed to be and now has to make some tough decisions that set her on an adventure that keeps us turning pages. The fantastical elements are weaved with an equally emotional journey and we get to see Rayna find her purpose, her courage, and face down things she never even thought about. It's got a great leading character, and the story flows pretty effortlessly. Kloeden does such a great job with these characters that it's not surprising the book has got a pretty solid Goodreads rating. If you're a fan of fantasy, shifters, or adventure stories, check this one out. You won't regret it. I am excited for the next one!
November 6, 2018
Hex Breaker: The Fenearen Chronicles by Taryn Noelle Kloeden is not your typical wolf tale! Kloeden twists the classic tale of were-creatures and shapeshifting humans to a whole new level. She methodically creates an intricate society were a race of humans are able to seamlessly shift between their wolf and human forms. The Fenearen’s are protectors of the forest and one with nature and their animal-self. Their society is entangled with similar cultures that are able to manipulate the darkness, water, and magic.
Kloeden takes Hex Breaker a step further by introducing us to Rayna. A strong, independent young woman who is trying to find her place in a complex world of deception, war, love, loyalty, her pack, and independence. She is not the typical damsel in distress. Kloeden’s love for nature, the environment, wolves, and animals are evident in this debut novel. Her characters are believable with rich texture and depth. The world she has created is equal to any of the fantasy novels written by the Masters of Fantasy. And most importantly, her storytelling is magical and flawless.
I would highly recommend this outstanding debut to anyone who loves fantasy or the lore of shapeshifting humans. I’m confident anyone who picks up this book will not be disappointed!
Kloeden takes Hex Breaker a step further by introducing us to Rayna. A strong, independent young woman who is trying to find her place in a complex world of deception, war, love, loyalty, her pack, and independence. She is not the typical damsel in distress. Kloeden’s love for nature, the environment, wolves, and animals are evident in this debut novel. Her characters are believable with rich texture and depth. The world she has created is equal to any of the fantasy novels written by the Masters of Fantasy. And most importantly, her storytelling is magical and flawless.
I would highly recommend this outstanding debut to anyone who loves fantasy or the lore of shapeshifting humans. I’m confident anyone who picks up this book will not be disappointed!
May 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this fantasy book. This is an epic fantasy, with a lot of elements but it is skillfully written, without being convoluted or confusing. The world building is excellent, which is vitally important in such an epic story. If you can't feel a connection to the world, and the people, it distracts from the story. Strong characters and the plot moves at a great pace - I highly recommend this if you enjoy fantasy. I didn't want to put it down.
March 24, 2017
Hex Breaker is a vivid new take on a wolf-shifter story with a quest fantasy plot that twists and turns. Intriguing characters and varied points of view lend layers and complexity to the story while keeping the scope broad and epic. Fantasy readers will enjoy escaping into this rich new world. Read it to submerge in something new and different!
March 24, 2017
This book is a page turner and I can't wait for the next one in the series. There is lots of action and excitement but it balances that with emotion and soul searching. The author has created a fantasy scape and a plethora of characters that you can't help but fall in love with, or loathe for that matter. Some unexpected twists at the end leave you begging for more!
November 8, 2017
“Hex Breaker” is an epic fantasy that taps into deep wells of emotion in the reader.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 2, 2017
Fenear, a land where humans can take wolf form, has been at war with Maenor for hundreds of years. Under the false pretense of uniting their kingdoms in hopes of peace, the evil overlord of Maenor, Rhael, has requested that he be allowed to marry Rayna, the niece to Fenear's Alpha and Alphena, Bayne and Silver. Rayna will agree to this marriage because of her love for her family and friends, and the peace she hopes it will bring to their kingdoms. She soon learns that Rhael's intentions were never true and he seeks to destroy all she holds most dear. Along the way, Rayna will come into a power of her own. With guidance from spirits long past, they will assist her in using these powers to remove a hex put on her best friend, and give her the strength to battle the many evil forces put in her path. Author Taryn Noelle Kloeden has provided us with an ending that is sure to spark your interest in future books in this series.
January 24, 2019
Getting into a paranormal that can sweep you away is a plus as this one did. Rayna takes you on a fantastic ordeal with that journey causing your breath to escape thanks to the tension. Embroiled you will become as this one slowly snakes along you with all the drama and danger in the mix. At times I too wondered what I would of done in her place if faced with the same things. With all that is contained in this you will get your fill of what brought you to this world to begin with. These characters are rich in body with the way they can be descriptive that it comes to life so easy. Devour from beginning to end.
October 5, 2024
I already want to read the next book in the series. The characters were well-thought-out and real. Excellent world-building and an awesome concept and story. I couldn't read it fast because I wanted to savor every beautifully written word. If you like fantasies and great stories, check it out!
December 28, 2021
In one word, EPIC! These shape changers are as far from the stereotype as possible. This will have you hooked from the first chapter and leave you yearning for the next book.
April 2, 2017
We have all heard the classic tales of werewolves, where a man (or women) transforms into a wolf. Of course, in horror, this metamorphosis takes on a typically malevolent characteristic. But on the Continent of Osterna, in another world, another universe, an entire civilization and society exist in the lands of the Fenear where humans can form into wolves and back again to human. Fenearens are no werewolves and certainly not monsters; they are an ancient and proud people, loyal to their pack, their nation and their friends the True Wolves.
Hex Breaker, the first volume in a planned trilogy known as the Fenearen Chronicles, paints a vividly unique world of humans, wolves, demons, magic and more. The story focuses on Rayna, a young Fenearen with a very special power or ability that remains hidden within her. As is the case in all worlds, evil and aspirations for power intrude swiftly upon Rayna’s idyllic life among the forests and glens of the Fenear.
What appears to be a noble choice at first glance soon throws Rayna into a maelstrom of an adventure as she struggles to save not only her oldest and best friend but the very fate of her entire people. Her journey is one of epic adventure but also personal introspection as she learns who she really is and why she must prevail in her quest.
But Hex Breaker is far more than an epic hero’s quest, there is treachery afoot in the lands of Osterna but exactly who or what is behind it is far from clear. The story features epic battles between wolves and humans and the un-Godly demonic warriors the Da’ Gammorn. The battles are unique given the transformations of humans to wolves and the horrible reality of the Da’ Gammorn’s ability to infest dead bodies, often of one’s recently killed friends or allies, and use them against you. Both a moral and actual dilemma which no warrior on a battlefield should ever have to contemplate. And while Rayna’s people struggle for their survival she must reach her goal to save her friend and ultimately her land.
Kloeden’s writing is clear and engaging. I was hooked by chapter two and read the entire book in a few sittings. I eagerly anticipated when I could allot some time each day to return to the adventures of Rayna and the land of Fenear. There are multiple supporting characters, none superfluous but all fitting seamlessly into the flow of the story. The story hints at the massive world, many continents and perhaps many worlds, beyond what we see in Hex Breaker. There are a lot of shadows out there that portend even greater adventures and epic struggles to come.
If you love massively scaled adventures in the vein of Lord of the Rings or the Belgariad than Hex Breaker is your cup of tea. But what really made the book special and unique to me was Rayna. She is colorful, funny and scared as well. She is fiercely loyal and also insecure in her own abilities. By focusing on her growth, her successes and travails, the vast scale of the World of Osterna concentrates into a tight beam of light on a real and very approachable character. It is this fact that binds the grand scale of the story with the vastness of what I anticipate will be a massive world of adventure and un-anticipated twists.
Kloeden plans to release the second book in the series in 2018. Sign me up now.
Hex Breaker, the first volume in a planned trilogy known as the Fenearen Chronicles, paints a vividly unique world of humans, wolves, demons, magic and more. The story focuses on Rayna, a young Fenearen with a very special power or ability that remains hidden within her. As is the case in all worlds, evil and aspirations for power intrude swiftly upon Rayna’s idyllic life among the forests and glens of the Fenear.
What appears to be a noble choice at first glance soon throws Rayna into a maelstrom of an adventure as she struggles to save not only her oldest and best friend but the very fate of her entire people. Her journey is one of epic adventure but also personal introspection as she learns who she really is and why she must prevail in her quest.
But Hex Breaker is far more than an epic hero’s quest, there is treachery afoot in the lands of Osterna but exactly who or what is behind it is far from clear. The story features epic battles between wolves and humans and the un-Godly demonic warriors the Da’ Gammorn. The battles are unique given the transformations of humans to wolves and the horrible reality of the Da’ Gammorn’s ability to infest dead bodies, often of one’s recently killed friends or allies, and use them against you. Both a moral and actual dilemma which no warrior on a battlefield should ever have to contemplate. And while Rayna’s people struggle for their survival she must reach her goal to save her friend and ultimately her land.
Kloeden’s writing is clear and engaging. I was hooked by chapter two and read the entire book in a few sittings. I eagerly anticipated when I could allot some time each day to return to the adventures of Rayna and the land of Fenear. There are multiple supporting characters, none superfluous but all fitting seamlessly into the flow of the story. The story hints at the massive world, many continents and perhaps many worlds, beyond what we see in Hex Breaker. There are a lot of shadows out there that portend even greater adventures and epic struggles to come.
If you love massively scaled adventures in the vein of Lord of the Rings or the Belgariad than Hex Breaker is your cup of tea. But what really made the book special and unique to me was Rayna. She is colorful, funny and scared as well. She is fiercely loyal and also insecure in her own abilities. By focusing on her growth, her successes and travails, the vast scale of the World of Osterna concentrates into a tight beam of light on a real and very approachable character. It is this fact that binds the grand scale of the story with the vastness of what I anticipate will be a massive world of adventure and un-anticipated twists.
Kloeden plans to release the second book in the series in 2018. Sign me up now.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews