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Asunder: A Vatan Chronicle
Alden knew life in the Shadowen Thieves Guild would cost him greatly, but when their next mission means abducting Princess Mayli Drake of Ammos, the price was too high. Defying the guild, Alden sets out to return Mayli safely home in hopes of restoring peace with the kingdom of Brimley.
Mayli feels as though her life has torn asunder after being taken captive. However, if she is to survive, she must come to trust the renegade thief loyal to her mother’s killer. As Alden pleads for Brimley’s innocence, Mayli begins to question what she thought she knew about her kingdom’s enemies.
Mayli feels as though her life has torn asunder after being taken captive. However, if she is to survive, she must come to trust the renegade thief loyal to her mother’s killer. As Alden pleads for Brimley’s innocence, Mayli begins to question what she thought she knew about her kingdom’s enemies.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2018
35 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 9, 2019
A fast-paced fun read, filled with memorable characters and intriguing plots.
An unlikely mixture of nobles, thieves, pirates and concubines come together in this first instalment of the story. The world-building is superb and the characters provide great entertainment with their antics.
The aftermath of a war provides a back-drop where power-plays are made and secrets are kept. An assortment of spies, thieves and assassins carry out their work in a variety of interesting locations.
Several of the characters are not who they appear to be, providing a mystery to be unravelled alongside the other plot lines.
Very enjoyable. Looking forward to the next instalment.
An unlikely mixture of nobles, thieves, pirates and concubines come together in this first instalment of the story. The world-building is superb and the characters provide great entertainment with their antics.
The aftermath of a war provides a back-drop where power-plays are made and secrets are kept. An assortment of spies, thieves and assassins carry out their work in a variety of interesting locations.
Several of the characters are not who they appear to be, providing a mystery to be unravelled alongside the other plot lines.
Very enjoyable. Looking forward to the next instalment.
May 11, 2018
Hey world! Sit up and take notice of this Author and Artist!!!
There are several threads of story lines pulling the reader in several directions, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Fair warning, the book does have some blood and a few romps, but the characters come alive on the page and the plot line is intriguing. Not sure if I can get a plush Draclynn for my room, but hoping to at least get a signed copy of a print book someday. Something I've never asked of any author, yet. Anyway, back to sitting on my hands as I wait impatiently for Burden to be released.
There are several threads of story lines pulling the reader in several directions, which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Fair warning, the book does have some blood and a few romps, but the characters come alive on the page and the plot line is intriguing. Not sure if I can get a plush Draclynn for my room, but hoping to at least get a signed copy of a print book someday. Something I've never asked of any author, yet. Anyway, back to sitting on my hands as I wait impatiently for Burden to be released.
September 4, 2018
I actually read Asunder twice before writing this review. Sincerely, the second trip feels like a whole new story. The characters are very well crafted, each facing challenges that leave you on edge. I enjoyed that it has hair raising action balanced with gripping romance. Not to mention the ending that has me crazed for the next book.
Upon recognition, Alden risks everything to make good with Princess Mayli, testing his virtues, and sometimes his patience. Along her venture, Mayli must face new understandings of herself and her enemies.
After this adventure, you'll be eager to revisit Vatan and the wondrous people you grow to love. Also finding yourself begging for more, just as I have.
Upon recognition, Alden risks everything to make good with Princess Mayli, testing his virtues, and sometimes his patience. Along her venture, Mayli must face new understandings of herself and her enemies.
After this adventure, you'll be eager to revisit Vatan and the wondrous people you grow to love. Also finding yourself begging for more, just as I have.
August 31, 2018
Loved this as a start to the series! Really enjoyed the world and the characters and am eager to read more of the story! The romance in this was just enough and cute and not too overwhelming to lose focus on the fantastical elements of the story like what tends to happen, in my opinion, in other books. I think the fact that I loved the characters also helped me love the romance that occurs.
I just really enjoyed this and didn’t want to put it down. I want book two now! Haha!
I just really enjoyed this and didn’t want to put it down. I want book two now! Haha!
August 13, 2021
I want to say that this was a good old fashioned adventure story, but I’m not sure that’s the right wording... Stolen princess, mysterious heart-of-gold rogue, band of thieves, royal intrigue, pirates! Come on, who doesn’t love all that?!
August 27, 2018
Self-published debut novels rarely get the credit they deserve. "Asunder" by L. Steinworth is a novel that deserves all the recognition it has received. I was quickly sucked into a fantasy world of kings and thieves, pirates and sea monsters, and loved every minute of it. The characters are memorable and unique, and I especially loved all the attention to details that made the world come alive. Alden and Mayli's relationship was a slow burn and I'm so glad this wasn't a case of "love at first sight" because that just doesn't exist. I sensed a love triangle very early in the novel, and I'm happy it didn't become a story of relationship drama. The triangle was subtle, but the characters still maintained their individuality and their relationships had much more to offer than damsels in distress being swept off their feet by a knight in shining armor. In fact, one of the things I loved about the story was how the main female characters--Kira and Mayli--were both weak and strong in their own ways. At first I assumed Mayli would be a whiny spoiled brat who couldn't do anything without help, but she did plenty of ass-kicking all on her own. These were great examples of "strong female characters." In fact, I'd say that pretty much all the characters were well-rounded, male and female alike. Also, my favorite scene was the attack that takes place on The Lucky Fish. Just gonna throw that out there. Read it and you'll see what I mean.
There were very few things I didn't like about the story. The middle part slowed down a bit, but I wasn't so bored I needed to put the book down and never pick it up again. There was also a twist reveal at the ending (no spoilers), but I had to re-read the scene a few times to make sure I was actually reading it correctly. The detail should have gotten a little more focus because I ended up more confused than shocked. Maybe I was just too tired when I read it, but it just didn't have the impact I think the author was hoping for.
All in all, this was a great start to this series and I'm eager for the next book to come out!
There were very few things I didn't like about the story. The middle part slowed down a bit, but I wasn't so bored I needed to put the book down and never pick it up again. There was also a twist reveal at the ending (no spoilers), but I had to re-read the scene a few times to make sure I was actually reading it correctly. The detail should have gotten a little more focus because I ended up more confused than shocked. Maybe I was just too tired when I read it, but it just didn't have the impact I think the author was hoping for.
All in all, this was a great start to this series and I'm eager for the next book to come out!
May 18, 2018
From the moment I began reading ASUNDER, I was hooked. From the action, to the world building, to the characters created, the whole thing was captivating.
What jumped out at me above all else was the world building. I find it difficult to read most epic fantasy tales because I find that they lack the necessary detail or explanation to make sense. Not so with ASUNDER. The author does a fantastic job of setting the scene so that there is a seamless flow through every scene. I never questioned the authenticity of the world created, either, which is a feat in and of itself. The detail given, even in the most seemingly insignificant of scenes, made me feel as if I were actually there!
Another impressive achievement was how the author constructed the fight scenes. It was obvious the extensive research and study was done to make sure that each movement made sense. Every action was thought out and planned and as the author explained each scene, the characters came to life.
The characters in ASUNDER were intriguing and personable, and I found myself laughing when they laughed and crying when they cried. Mayli was, by far, my favorite character. She was snarky and witty and kind. I loved watching her character change from a scared and needy Princess into a strong and independent woman.
My only criticism (if you can even call it that) was that I wished the reader had more time to enjoy the romance between Mayli and Alden. I loved the way their relationship progressed, I just wish I'd had more time with them once they realized their feelings for one another. Then again, the whole book was over too soon for my liking!
ASUNDER has forever found a home on my bookshelves, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book to continue the saga.
Congratulations, L. Steinworth on your fantastic debut novel. You've earned a solid five out of five stars from this reader!
What jumped out at me above all else was the world building. I find it difficult to read most epic fantasy tales because I find that they lack the necessary detail or explanation to make sense. Not so with ASUNDER. The author does a fantastic job of setting the scene so that there is a seamless flow through every scene. I never questioned the authenticity of the world created, either, which is a feat in and of itself. The detail given, even in the most seemingly insignificant of scenes, made me feel as if I were actually there!
Another impressive achievement was how the author constructed the fight scenes. It was obvious the extensive research and study was done to make sure that each movement made sense. Every action was thought out and planned and as the author explained each scene, the characters came to life.
The characters in ASUNDER were intriguing and personable, and I found myself laughing when they laughed and crying when they cried. Mayli was, by far, my favorite character. She was snarky and witty and kind. I loved watching her character change from a scared and needy Princess into a strong and independent woman.
My only criticism (if you can even call it that) was that I wished the reader had more time to enjoy the romance between Mayli and Alden. I loved the way their relationship progressed, I just wish I'd had more time with them once they realized their feelings for one another. Then again, the whole book was over too soon for my liking!
ASUNDER has forever found a home on my bookshelves, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book to continue the saga.
Congratulations, L. Steinworth on your fantastic debut novel. You've earned a solid five out of five stars from this reader!
May 28, 2018
SETTING
Asunder is set in a secondary world which I believe is called Vatan. Just as we don't go around talking about Earth by name in real life, the characters don't mention the name of their planet, so for the purposes of this review we'll just call the world Vatan, though I'm open to being corrected. Asunder is set a few years after a war's end, which seems to have completely destroyed one kingdom. There are a few kingdoms relevant to the plot – Brimley, the vanquished nation, whose citizens are considered liars, traitors, and just generally scum. Then there's Ammos, a hot-climate nation who emerged victorious from the war, as well as Dregg, which seems to have annexed Brimley's lands after it fell, Hiore and an island somewhere between Brimley and Hiore called the Cad Island which is basically ruled by anarchist pirates. The setting is fleshed out to a fairly good degree. Some aspects of the political system and geography aren't very clear, but it doesn't detract too much from the enjoyment of the book.
CHARACTERS
The story centres predominantly around a thief named Alden, who is a part of the reigning Thieves Guild, and Princess Mayli Drake of Ammos, who is en route to marry one of the royal family of Hiore when the story begins. The book switches points of view many times throughout to include perspectives from Kira, one of the other members of the Thieves Guild, and Prince Briar of Brimley who is serving as guard captain of Dregg after his country's demise. Mayli and Alden get most of the page count from their perspectives. They are developed and reasonably well fleshed out, though both skirt the line of being cliched as often as they don't. Alden's moods are changeable and brooding and often come off as immature or unnecessary. Mayli is mostly portrayed as clever and overall quite likeable yet still grates occasionally. I found myself enjoying Prince Briar the most out of all of them, though even he had his moments. Kira has a fairly dark backstory that alienated me a fair bit due to its overuse against women in fantasy.
PLOT
The Thieves Guild is tasked with kidnapping Mayli from her carriage as she travels from Ammos to Hiore and handing her over to an unknown third party. They succeed in the ambush, but when the other thieves are sleeping that night Alden is overcome with honour and decides to abscond with Mayli so as to save her from whatever fate her kidnapper has in store for her. The rest of the plot revolves around Alden and Mayli evading recapture by the Thieves Guild, and the tactics the Thieves Guild employs to thwart them. There is also a fairly major romance subplot, which is tiresome but not entirely uncommon in fantasy like this. Most people probably won't have an issue with it, I'm just a weirdo who doesn't like romance all that much.
WRITING
This is the only part of the story that I feel falls a little flat. A lot of the prose is great, but there were significant typos in the ARC (which, again, may be fixed by the time it's released), but many parts of the last half of the story felt like they dragged on a bit, as they centre more around the budding romance than the action plot. There's also far too much foreshadowing of a particular piece of information after around about the halfway mark, to the point that I was frustrated that Mayli hadn't guessed it, as she's mostly quite clever and resourceful, and the clues were hanging thick enough in the air to choke on. The pacing is good in the first half but definitely drags in the second half, and switching between points of view becomes a little tedious, as often each point of view is only granted a few paragraphs at times, though in other parts the character gets longer for us to see through their eyes and it's not so bad in those parts.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
Overall a good effort. I enjoyed it greatly, as it's not especially heavy or dark in most parts and it was refreshing to read something that didn't hammer home the doom and gloom like many commercially available fantasy novels of late. The romantic dance back and forth was not to my taste at all, as it reminded me of series like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood in the way the characters behaved, but I know that a lot of people enjoy that so I'm not going to rag on it too hard. I do feel that the majority of the issues will be smoothed out as Liz refines her craft and delves deeper into the creative reserves she undoubtedly possesses to find more polished material. I'm happy to give it four stars.
Asunder is set in a secondary world which I believe is called Vatan. Just as we don't go around talking about Earth by name in real life, the characters don't mention the name of their planet, so for the purposes of this review we'll just call the world Vatan, though I'm open to being corrected. Asunder is set a few years after a war's end, which seems to have completely destroyed one kingdom. There are a few kingdoms relevant to the plot – Brimley, the vanquished nation, whose citizens are considered liars, traitors, and just generally scum. Then there's Ammos, a hot-climate nation who emerged victorious from the war, as well as Dregg, which seems to have annexed Brimley's lands after it fell, Hiore and an island somewhere between Brimley and Hiore called the Cad Island which is basically ruled by anarchist pirates. The setting is fleshed out to a fairly good degree. Some aspects of the political system and geography aren't very clear, but it doesn't detract too much from the enjoyment of the book.
CHARACTERS
The story centres predominantly around a thief named Alden, who is a part of the reigning Thieves Guild, and Princess Mayli Drake of Ammos, who is en route to marry one of the royal family of Hiore when the story begins. The book switches points of view many times throughout to include perspectives from Kira, one of the other members of the Thieves Guild, and Prince Briar of Brimley who is serving as guard captain of Dregg after his country's demise. Mayli and Alden get most of the page count from their perspectives. They are developed and reasonably well fleshed out, though both skirt the line of being cliched as often as they don't. Alden's moods are changeable and brooding and often come off as immature or unnecessary. Mayli is mostly portrayed as clever and overall quite likeable yet still grates occasionally. I found myself enjoying Prince Briar the most out of all of them, though even he had his moments. Kira has a fairly dark backstory that alienated me a fair bit due to its overuse against women in fantasy.
PLOT
The Thieves Guild is tasked with kidnapping Mayli from her carriage as she travels from Ammos to Hiore and handing her over to an unknown third party. They succeed in the ambush, but when the other thieves are sleeping that night Alden is overcome with honour and decides to abscond with Mayli so as to save her from whatever fate her kidnapper has in store for her. The rest of the plot revolves around Alden and Mayli evading recapture by the Thieves Guild, and the tactics the Thieves Guild employs to thwart them. There is also a fairly major romance subplot, which is tiresome but not entirely uncommon in fantasy like this. Most people probably won't have an issue with it, I'm just a weirdo who doesn't like romance all that much.
WRITING
This is the only part of the story that I feel falls a little flat. A lot of the prose is great, but there were significant typos in the ARC (which, again, may be fixed by the time it's released), but many parts of the last half of the story felt like they dragged on a bit, as they centre more around the budding romance than the action plot. There's also far too much foreshadowing of a particular piece of information after around about the halfway mark, to the point that I was frustrated that Mayli hadn't guessed it, as she's mostly quite clever and resourceful, and the clues were hanging thick enough in the air to choke on. The pacing is good in the first half but definitely drags in the second half, and switching between points of view becomes a little tedious, as often each point of view is only granted a few paragraphs at times, though in other parts the character gets longer for us to see through their eyes and it's not so bad in those parts.
AFTERTHOUGHTS
Overall a good effort. I enjoyed it greatly, as it's not especially heavy or dark in most parts and it was refreshing to read something that didn't hammer home the doom and gloom like many commercially available fantasy novels of late. The romantic dance back and forth was not to my taste at all, as it reminded me of series like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood in the way the characters behaved, but I know that a lot of people enjoy that so I'm not going to rag on it too hard. I do feel that the majority of the issues will be smoothed out as Liz refines her craft and delves deeper into the creative reserves she undoubtedly possesses to find more polished material. I'm happy to give it four stars.
June 16, 2020
Oh man, this one was a fun read! I won a giveaway by Liz and eagerly jumped into Asunder and the world of A Vatan Chronicle. Okay, first off, lets talk about this cover. Liz painted this cover herself, and it’s a depiction of Mayli, the Princess of Ammos. Liz was inspired to write this novel after painting her character, Alden. She wanted to tell the story of the man beneath the hood. I am absolutely FLOORED by her abilities, her paintings are so lifelike that they could be photographs.
So, book reviews and blogs are SO important for an independent author, and I must say, I was nervous to read this. Not because I doubted Liz’s abilities, but because I had gotten to know her before receiving the book and I really wanted it to be my cup of tea. I did not want to have to give her a bad review, but that’s the name of the game. LUCKILY, I loved this book. If you’re looking for political intrigue, a bit of fantasy, and some romance, then you have come to the right place. I know some people that absolutely despise romance in their medieval/fantasy books but I am not one of them. I like seeing relationships build, and Asunder did that beautifully. It wasn’t the cheesy, bodice ripping romance either. Just true connections, tender moments. In the package Liz sent me, there was a twenty-sided die, feathers, bookmarks, stickers with crests on them, a page with a donut attached to it. I was delighted to see all of these little pieces start to make sense as I read. There’s a dice game, Mayli wears feathers, the royalty wears tattoo crests on their shoulders.
“Feathers from her jacket floated downstream as if they were too embarrassed to be with her any longer.”
The crests were an amazing touch. I loved this unique way of marking nobility being presented. The world building in this was gradual and encompassing, rather than in-your-face. We learn about the rivalry between noble houses, and there’s a mystery as to who killed Mayli’s mother, whether it was Mayli’s suitor, Colin, or someone less obvious. The rogue, Alden, has made it his mission to find out the truth of this, to try to bring peace between kingdoms, when his band of thieves is sent to capture Mayli, on her way to a new suitor’s home. From here, we are taken on a journey while Alden tries to keep her out of harm’s way.
“What makes you think I was anything worthwhile?”
“You are a good person.”
Alden sneered. “Look, knights, soldiers, guards, queens, and princes are not free from wrongdoing—you should understand that the best of anyone—and thieves, murderers, and liars can rationalize their actions to be good. Everyone is just in their own mind. Title is irrelevant when it comes to virtue,” he said, then continued rubbing his nail against the black steel.
She grinned, clamped her hands on the chair and pushed up to stand with a hop. “See, you said it yourself.”
He looked up from his blade. “Huh?”
She lowered her chin and peered up at him with wide, smiling eyes. “You said: thieves can be good!”
PG. 181
This was a fun, fast read. If I were to rate how much I enjoyed it, it would be a 4.5/5 stars. Liz doesn’t write like a debut author and she’s a testament to the quality of independent, self-published authors. There were moments that I stopped to reread a line because Liz’s imagery was so potent, her metaphors were witty and grin-inducing. You can tell she really enjoyed writing this and her attention to detail as an artist really gave her an upper hand in writing. Alternatively, she was careful not to let that hinder her either. She didn’t dally about for pages describing scenery, her imagery was concise and perfectly calculated. Now I’ve joined the crowd patiently and eagerly waiting for book two, especially after that MAJOR CLIFFHANGER she leaves us with. Wonderful job, Liz. Go to her IG and check her out, she’s constantly posting her wonderful artwork and creative processes.
So, book reviews and blogs are SO important for an independent author, and I must say, I was nervous to read this. Not because I doubted Liz’s abilities, but because I had gotten to know her before receiving the book and I really wanted it to be my cup of tea. I did not want to have to give her a bad review, but that’s the name of the game. LUCKILY, I loved this book. If you’re looking for political intrigue, a bit of fantasy, and some romance, then you have come to the right place. I know some people that absolutely despise romance in their medieval/fantasy books but I am not one of them. I like seeing relationships build, and Asunder did that beautifully. It wasn’t the cheesy, bodice ripping romance either. Just true connections, tender moments. In the package Liz sent me, there was a twenty-sided die, feathers, bookmarks, stickers with crests on them, a page with a donut attached to it. I was delighted to see all of these little pieces start to make sense as I read. There’s a dice game, Mayli wears feathers, the royalty wears tattoo crests on their shoulders.
“Feathers from her jacket floated downstream as if they were too embarrassed to be with her any longer.”
The crests were an amazing touch. I loved this unique way of marking nobility being presented. The world building in this was gradual and encompassing, rather than in-your-face. We learn about the rivalry between noble houses, and there’s a mystery as to who killed Mayli’s mother, whether it was Mayli’s suitor, Colin, or someone less obvious. The rogue, Alden, has made it his mission to find out the truth of this, to try to bring peace between kingdoms, when his band of thieves is sent to capture Mayli, on her way to a new suitor’s home. From here, we are taken on a journey while Alden tries to keep her out of harm’s way.
“What makes you think I was anything worthwhile?”
“You are a good person.”
Alden sneered. “Look, knights, soldiers, guards, queens, and princes are not free from wrongdoing—you should understand that the best of anyone—and thieves, murderers, and liars can rationalize their actions to be good. Everyone is just in their own mind. Title is irrelevant when it comes to virtue,” he said, then continued rubbing his nail against the black steel.
She grinned, clamped her hands on the chair and pushed up to stand with a hop. “See, you said it yourself.”
He looked up from his blade. “Huh?”
She lowered her chin and peered up at him with wide, smiling eyes. “You said: thieves can be good!”
PG. 181
This was a fun, fast read. If I were to rate how much I enjoyed it, it would be a 4.5/5 stars. Liz doesn’t write like a debut author and she’s a testament to the quality of independent, self-published authors. There were moments that I stopped to reread a line because Liz’s imagery was so potent, her metaphors were witty and grin-inducing. You can tell she really enjoyed writing this and her attention to detail as an artist really gave her an upper hand in writing. Alternatively, she was careful not to let that hinder her either. She didn’t dally about for pages describing scenery, her imagery was concise and perfectly calculated. Now I’ve joined the crowd patiently and eagerly waiting for book two, especially after that MAJOR CLIFFHANGER she leaves us with. Wonderful job, Liz. Go to her IG and check her out, she’s constantly posting her wonderful artwork and creative processes.
October 28, 2018
Okay, first of all - wow. This was really a great book. I enjoyed it from start to finish. A lot of times, I shy away from romance because I find the pacing to be...odd, I suppose you could say. I have a hard time finding romances that I enjoy or can identify with because "whirlwind" seems to be a trend. The romance in this fantasy had moments that gave me slight (and I mean sliiight) pause, BUT overall, I loved it. There's a great balance of the action, romance, and the slower bits needed to push the story forward.
And the characters! I loved their unique personalities, and there was especially something about Mayli - she stood out to me as different than how a lot of female characters are portrayed when they're -trying- to be different. If that makes sense, ha! So I guess you could say that she feels genuine, not like a female character who becomes trope-y in the way she's different. (I'm still not sure I'm getting my point across...)
Moving on...
The four stars for my review comes from some of the mistakes I found in the version I bought. I've already spoken to the author about them, so I'm not trying to be a jerk, just giving my honest feedback. Since those types of mistakes impact my reading experience, I decided to take that into consideration for my review.
So - I definitely recommend this book! A fantastic debut novel and an amazing new story world to get lost in. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
And the characters! I loved their unique personalities, and there was especially something about Mayli - she stood out to me as different than how a lot of female characters are portrayed when they're -trying- to be different. If that makes sense, ha! So I guess you could say that she feels genuine, not like a female character who becomes trope-y in the way she's different. (I'm still not sure I'm getting my point across...)
Moving on...
The four stars for my review comes from some of the mistakes I found in the version I bought. I've already spoken to the author about them, so I'm not trying to be a jerk, just giving my honest feedback. Since those types of mistakes impact my reading experience, I decided to take that into consideration for my review.
So - I definitely recommend this book! A fantastic debut novel and an amazing new story world to get lost in. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
May 25, 2022
This book!!
I instantly fell in love with the characters and the storytelling. The relationships and banter felt natural, and the characters were very well written. The fight scenes, the tension romance, the mystery, it was all written so well and the world felt developed and “lived in.” I just adored the story and I’m excited to see where it goes in book two!
I instantly fell in love with the characters and the storytelling. The relationships and banter felt natural, and the characters were very well written. The fight scenes, the tension romance, the mystery, it was all written so well and the world felt developed and “lived in.” I just adored the story and I’m excited to see where it goes in book two!
May 9, 2018
I LOVE Asunder! Such a great book, with great compelling storyline and amazing characters! Full review coming soon, but for sure, I 'll keep a close eye on Liz Steinworth s future books! She s great !
November 7, 2019
I received this book from the author for honest Review.
This is not my type of reading but was happy to received this cuz it was so good. Know I have to read more books of her and read more action packed books.
Wow what a surprising read. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every minute of it. Has a nice flow right from the end of the other books to this book. Just when I thought it was ending you turned and keep the reader at the edge of their chair.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
I highly recommend this book.
This was my first time reading anything from this author. This was a awesome read. It was fast read! Just how I like it. I couldn't put it down at all and I was so hooked in the story. One setting read! It was a good fantastic read!
Just leave the real life!
Like who wouldn't!
The writing was good! I love the setting and theme in the storyline. I love the characters!
I highly recommend everybody read and get this books!
This is not my type of reading but was happy to received this cuz it was so good. Know I have to read more books of her and read more action packed books.
Wow what a surprising read. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every minute of it. Has a nice flow right from the end of the other books to this book. Just when I thought it was ending you turned and keep the reader at the edge of their chair.
Keep up the great work. Can’t wait for the next adventure.
I highly recommend this book.
This was my first time reading anything from this author. This was a awesome read. It was fast read! Just how I like it. I couldn't put it down at all and I was so hooked in the story. One setting read! It was a good fantastic read!
Just leave the real life!
Like who wouldn't!
The writing was good! I love the setting and theme in the storyline. I love the characters!
I highly recommend everybody read and get this books!
January 21, 2024
I haven't enjoyed a book like this in years. The writing is fluid, the plotline well thought out. It was funny, it was sad, it had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this down the moment I began. The characters leap off the page and straight into your heart. There is a breathtaking beauty in the intensity of the main characters' internal conflict, I felt as if I was there, sharing his pain. Not only does she have a heart of gold, this author has a gift, and everyone should see the world she has created for us.
Asunder left me inspired and craving the next installment in the series.
Asunder left me inspired and craving the next installment in the series.
August 3, 2018
Took the Kindle version on a weekend break and finished it in two sittings. I'm not one for romance in books (that's just me) but this isn't overly done and is relevant to the story. The plot is tight and the characters well developed, and interesting enough to want to find out more about them. I don't normally tick 5*, but as this is a debut novel, I think the author has done a great job.
April 21, 2019
The Shadowen Thieves Guild will do anything for the right price. From stealing to kidnapping, gold is their number one priority. But not everyone in the guild enjoys the gristly work they do. There are certain lines Alden will not cross. When the guild kidnaps Princess Mayli, he knows something must be done. With the help of members within the guild, Alden rides off with Mayli, in the hopes he can return her back to her family before the guild catches up with them. But a Princess's ransom is a lot of gold to lose, and the guild does not take betrayal lightly.
Enter a well-crafted world of fantasy and adventure as Alden and Mayli journey the countryside on their quest. The history of the world is interwoven into their story, allowing the reader to slowly submerge themselves into the world of Vatan. Emotionally captivating, you will be crying and cheering alongside the characters as they struggle with internal burdens and scarred pasts.
While Mayli is a princess, she is no damsel in distress. She certainly gives Alden a run for his money, as she proves to be strong-willed and capable of protecting herself. She also doesn't hesitate to push Alden's boundaries every chance she can, providing the reader with a series of entertaining exchanges. It makes you laugh at the same time you feel bad for Alden with the predicaments he ends up in.
Complex characters are always my favorite and Alden is all that and more. His motives and behavior will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. It's clear he wants to save Mayli, but there is so much more to him. While he isn't the best fighter, he is determined to keep Mayli safe and it's his loyalty that will help him through the darkest times.
Despite a large number of characters, each of them was given enough page time to allow the reader a chance to remember them. The story itself was fast-paced and followed a well-developed plot. This is the best debut novel by an independent author I have ever read.
The world of Asunder is filled with daring escapes, budding romance, and epic battles. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page and leave you waiting impatiently for the next book in The King's Renegade series.
Enter a well-crafted world of fantasy and adventure as Alden and Mayli journey the countryside on their quest. The history of the world is interwoven into their story, allowing the reader to slowly submerge themselves into the world of Vatan. Emotionally captivating, you will be crying and cheering alongside the characters as they struggle with internal burdens and scarred pasts.
While Mayli is a princess, she is no damsel in distress. She certainly gives Alden a run for his money, as she proves to be strong-willed and capable of protecting herself. She also doesn't hesitate to push Alden's boundaries every chance she can, providing the reader with a series of entertaining exchanges. It makes you laugh at the same time you feel bad for Alden with the predicaments he ends up in.
Complex characters are always my favorite and Alden is all that and more. His motives and behavior will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. It's clear he wants to save Mayli, but there is so much more to him. While he isn't the best fighter, he is determined to keep Mayli safe and it's his loyalty that will help him through the darkest times.
Despite a large number of characters, each of them was given enough page time to allow the reader a chance to remember them. The story itself was fast-paced and followed a well-developed plot. This is the best debut novel by an independent author I have ever read.
The world of Asunder is filled with daring escapes, budding romance, and epic battles. It will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page and leave you waiting impatiently for the next book in The King's Renegade series.
July 29, 2018
Please, go ahead and judge this book by its cover. Depicting Princess Mayli Drake, the cover of Asunder was painted by L. Steinworth (the author) and inspired this well crafted and exciting fantasy story. The basis of the novel: a rogue in a thieves guild rescues the Princess from a kidnapping and attempts to get her home. There is an undercurrent of political discontent, the world is still reeling from a devastating war, and the Prince accused of murdering Mayli's mother has not been brought to justice. Alden (the rogue) and Mayli are from warring nations and their relationship is less than friendly. They must learn to work together to survive and get Mayli home.
The world was vivid and well developed. There are even hints to a wider setting than what was introduced in this first book. I'm excited to see how every place and element is melded together.
The story itself is rather political, which I often find difficult to follow. I just honestly forget where everyone is from and who they hate, which makes understanding motives challenging. Steinworth did a great job making it clear who was on what side.
The characters were wonderful. Although I found Mayli acted more like a 12-year-old girl most of the time, she had inner strength that I hope will be developed more moving forward. Alden was delightfully dark and mysterious. He always left you guessing. However, I think the shining stars of this novel are the secondary characters. Prince Briar is a dream of sass and humor that you know is "good" through and through. Squirrel is quirky, lovable, and loyal and really helps give a softer side to Alden. And Kira... that girl is goals! She is absolutely spectacular, feisty, bullheaded, loyal... ugh, just so wonderful. She was my favorite part of this book.
Asunder was an absolutely solid debut novel. It set he stage for a whole new world, romance, and story. We still don't know so many answers to key questions, but I can't wait to see how everything unfolds going forward!
The world was vivid and well developed. There are even hints to a wider setting than what was introduced in this first book. I'm excited to see how every place and element is melded together.
The story itself is rather political, which I often find difficult to follow. I just honestly forget where everyone is from and who they hate, which makes understanding motives challenging. Steinworth did a great job making it clear who was on what side.
The characters were wonderful. Although I found Mayli acted more like a 12-year-old girl most of the time, she had inner strength that I hope will be developed more moving forward. Alden was delightfully dark and mysterious. He always left you guessing. However, I think the shining stars of this novel are the secondary characters. Prince Briar is a dream of sass and humor that you know is "good" through and through. Squirrel is quirky, lovable, and loyal and really helps give a softer side to Alden. And Kira... that girl is goals! She is absolutely spectacular, feisty, bullheaded, loyal... ugh, just so wonderful. She was my favorite part of this book.
Asunder was an absolutely solid debut novel. It set he stage for a whole new world, romance, and story. We still don't know so many answers to key questions, but I can't wait to see how everything unfolds going forward!
August 21, 2019
Thieves, rogues and royalty!
Review of Asunder.
After having this book sitting on my kindle for a while I finally got around to giving it a go. I’m always cautious with self published works as they can be a mixed bag for sure. This book however started off well and quickly reassured me that the author had put the time and effort in to produce a polished novel. I was quickly introduced to a number of likeable characters and given a feel for the world they inhabited. I was thrown into an intriguing story of thieves rogues and royalty that kept you guessing for the majority of the book. It flowed nicely and had some enjoyable action sequences.
The author’s style reminded me of many fantasy authors and I wasn’t surprised to find out she is a fan of Michael. J. Sullivan’s books. The author has a distinct voice and a descriptive style. The story was good, with a well developed plot.
Now, I’m not a romance fan, and there is a strong element of that in the novel, I knew this going in, but I still would have rather had more action sequences in the place of the budding romance that the main characters engaged in, but the story was balanced for its intentions. The pacing was not breakneck but still brought the story forward well enough. The book was enjoyable and a relatively quick read, once I’d given myself time to get going on it.
I think for me it’s a solid 3.5 stars but I’m going to give it 4 for the fact it’s a very well done self published book. I rarely give 5 stars.
If you like intriguing fantasy romance, then this could be the book for you. I believe it’s to be a series so you’ll have plenty to sink your teeth into.
Review of Asunder.
After having this book sitting on my kindle for a while I finally got around to giving it a go. I’m always cautious with self published works as they can be a mixed bag for sure. This book however started off well and quickly reassured me that the author had put the time and effort in to produce a polished novel. I was quickly introduced to a number of likeable characters and given a feel for the world they inhabited. I was thrown into an intriguing story of thieves rogues and royalty that kept you guessing for the majority of the book. It flowed nicely and had some enjoyable action sequences.
The author’s style reminded me of many fantasy authors and I wasn’t surprised to find out she is a fan of Michael. J. Sullivan’s books. The author has a distinct voice and a descriptive style. The story was good, with a well developed plot.
Now, I’m not a romance fan, and there is a strong element of that in the novel, I knew this going in, but I still would have rather had more action sequences in the place of the budding romance that the main characters engaged in, but the story was balanced for its intentions. The pacing was not breakneck but still brought the story forward well enough. The book was enjoyable and a relatively quick read, once I’d given myself time to get going on it.
I think for me it’s a solid 3.5 stars but I’m going to give it 4 for the fact it’s a very well done self published book. I rarely give 5 stars.
If you like intriguing fantasy romance, then this could be the book for you. I believe it’s to be a series so you’ll have plenty to sink your teeth into.
February 2, 2019
I just finished reading "Asunder" by L Steinworth. All in all, this wasn't a bad debut novel. 3.5/5. This isn't my usual reading genre, but I really loved the painting on the cover, so had to give it a try.
The plot is based in a medieval-inspired fantasy land, about Princess Mayli, kidnapped by the rogue Alden.
Some parts were a bit slow and then there were some parts that were paced very nicely. Hey, its a first novel, so I don't want to be super critical. There was one thing though - there were a lot of 21st century terms used, which were a bit jarring in the setting being described. I'd be reading feeling I'm lost in a medieval word and then the word "panoptic" pops up - or "kid" or contractions that are very modern. It kind of drew me out of the atmosphere of the book. The author perhaps needs to do flesh out the fantasy world a bit more and work out the aesthetics of language being used - but maybe that's just me.
I really liked the variety of foods described - the brim tea and the sticky buns, which were fun details.
I felt the twist came too late in the book, as I had pretty much worked it out less than halfway through - I think it may have created a bit more tension and drama, if readers knew the secret before hand.
This is kind of like a rough diamond that needs a bit more polish and with a little work, it could be fantastic.
Would definitely recommend to fans of medieval roguemances! Worth a read!
I do look forward to the next book though. Liz can only get better! :)
The plot is based in a medieval-inspired fantasy land, about Princess Mayli, kidnapped by the rogue Alden.
Some parts were a bit slow and then there were some parts that were paced very nicely. Hey, its a first novel, so I don't want to be super critical. There was one thing though - there were a lot of 21st century terms used, which were a bit jarring in the setting being described. I'd be reading feeling I'm lost in a medieval word and then the word "panoptic" pops up - or "kid" or contractions that are very modern. It kind of drew me out of the atmosphere of the book. The author perhaps needs to do flesh out the fantasy world a bit more and work out the aesthetics of language being used - but maybe that's just me.
I really liked the variety of foods described - the brim tea and the sticky buns, which were fun details.
I felt the twist came too late in the book, as I had pretty much worked it out less than halfway through - I think it may have created a bit more tension and drama, if readers knew the secret before hand.
This is kind of like a rough diamond that needs a bit more polish and with a little work, it could be fantastic.
Would definitely recommend to fans of medieval roguemances! Worth a read!
I do look forward to the next book though. Liz can only get better! :)
July 9, 2018
this is an incredibly amazing debut! Rogues are awesome, and they are on every page here. Love it. Especially Alden; I am one of those weird people who love characters with a disturbing past. The writing stays close to the characters, so you can feel their struggles as if they were your own. And goodness, just look at the cover! That alone is worth buying this!
That said, there are a few issues with the story for me. For example: Don't let these points dishearten you though. It is a wonderful read, definitely worth it! If you like rogues and romance then this is your book!
That said, there are a few issues with the story for me. For example: Don't let these points dishearten you though. It is a wonderful read, definitely worth it! If you like rogues and romance then this is your book!
August 6, 2018
For an up and coming author this debut novel by L. Steinworth has given me a gift of great proportions. Wrapped in beautiful cover art I was both surprised and joyed to find out was hand painted by the author I was drawn to Asunder. Like any gift I opened this book with both intrigue and wonder at what could be inside something stylised so well and I wasn’t disappointed. Greeted by strong characters with deep and enveloping back stories, I was taken on a journey across the world of Vatan, a land rich with history, culture, visual design and hidden danger. Her imagery and suspense as the pages kept turning had my own world disappear and feel like the unmentioned character that was there the whole time, experiencing it all. This book only excelled as you fell deeper in and I was sad to see it finish. Will definitely be preordering Book 2
January 15, 2020
First, I will say this was an impressive debut novel. I was surprised by the amount of talent the author had in her prose. Well developed characters and world building led me to enjoy this book the most. The hints of romance and adventure were also appreciated! I typically do not enjoy romance, but this novel changed my mindset. I felt all the cutesy moments were well written and made me feel warm :) My favorite character had to have been Kira. It was interesting to follow her along in her quest. This is a great book for people who want to dip their toes in fantasy while not being too overwhelmed by all the fantastical elements that typically come with the genre. Anyone who likes a good romance will admire this plot. I would, however, say a mature mind is needed because there are a few *steamy* scenes—that I did not expect but appreciated!! Overall, great, fun read
July 20, 2022
Fast paced Fantasy Romance!
Excitement runs high in this fantasy romance steeped in action. Starting with a princess kidnapped by a shadowy society of thieves and cutthroats, the adventure is non-stop. My favorite parts were high seas escapade on The Lucky Fish where Alden and Maylin face death in the maw of a dangerous sea dragon, and the showdown between a good-hearted rogue and Reyn the master thief in the war-shattered castle. Great characters, like Kira, Squirrel and Briar help carry the story forward. The hints of royal lineage throughout the novel make the final resolution satisfying but a bit expected. The end result is unrequited love, just enough to foreshadow the continuing saga. If you like action, adventure and romance, you will enjoy this book.
Excitement runs high in this fantasy romance steeped in action. Starting with a princess kidnapped by a shadowy society of thieves and cutthroats, the adventure is non-stop. My favorite parts were high seas escapade on The Lucky Fish where Alden and Maylin face death in the maw of a dangerous sea dragon, and the showdown between a good-hearted rogue and Reyn the master thief in the war-shattered castle. Great characters, like Kira, Squirrel and Briar help carry the story forward. The hints of royal lineage throughout the novel make the final resolution satisfying but a bit expected. The end result is unrequited love, just enough to foreshadow the continuing saga. If you like action, adventure and romance, you will enjoy this book.
December 10, 2018
Although Alden appears to be the knight in shining armor when he rescues the petulant princess, their worlds are at war, she knows he is from the opposing side and doesn’t know if his intentions are true. Naturally the love story between Princess Mayli and Alden slowly builds as he gains her trust amid twisting plotlines, monsters and adventure. The worlds are eloquently crafted, the characters well-formed and relatable, especially the supporting cast, with some nice ‘strong yet vulnerable’ females. Thoroughly enjoyed the journey and was left in enough suspense to be looking forward to the sequel!
February 14, 2019
Asunder was a fun read. It’s just what you expect/want it to be, a fantasy world filled with adventures and pirates, love triangles and plot twists. One of my favorite parts was the clothing descriptions, very descriptive and interesting. It has great imagery throughout, especially for a debut author! I could really visualize everything. The characters have a variety of personalities and depth, and I found myself thinking of them in between reading the book (which is always a good sign that I’m enjoying the book!). Looking forward to book two! It left enough up in the air without leaving me with a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
May 5, 2019
Asunder is the first in the King's Renegade series and as such introduces us to an array of noble and ignoble royals, thieves and pirates in a rip roaring dash through love, political intrigue and kidnapping. Accurately described as a roguemance, this book gripped from the first few pages and refused to let go. A twisting, turning plot is peopled by characters that you can't help but root for and long for them to be together.
Reminiscent of the adventure tales of old, it benefits from a modern twist and a lovely sense of humorous romance. I can easily see this being adapted for the big screen and I eagerly await book 2.
Recommended
Reminiscent of the adventure tales of old, it benefits from a modern twist and a lovely sense of humorous romance. I can easily see this being adapted for the big screen and I eagerly await book 2.
Recommended
June 7, 2018
As debut novels go, its not bad at all; fast paced with a tightly woven plot set off by a good writing style, its a very easy read.However,its predictable (for me ) with slightly under developed , overly dramatized characters ( maybe they will improve in the sequel) especially an annoying protagonist who seems to waver between extreme naiviety and maturity. All in all, an enjoyable read, with strong enough world building that I want to return to it in the sequel. The genre should be YA with romantic fantasy not epic fantasy.
July 14, 2018
Yes. So much yes. This book had me on the edge of my seat, whispering, laughing, and gasping. It didn't matter if I was alone, or surrounded by people...this book was so good that it was worthy of each and every audible noise I made while reading it.
The characters are very real, with intense (and in some cases unknown) backstories. They pulled at my heartstrings and made my blood boil.
Then, at the end was this little twist that took me by surprise! It was an amazing book 5/5, recommend!
The characters are very real, with intense (and in some cases unknown) backstories. They pulled at my heartstrings and made my blood boil.
Then, at the end was this little twist that took me by surprise! It was an amazing book 5/5, recommend!
February 22, 2021
This was great. I loved it. It was jam packed with action, back story, world building, and flawed characters. I wish Mayli had been given a little more agency, and at times, her actions towards Alden came across as almost predatory, but overall I loved this story and I have a feeling the next installment will only make me love it more. 👏🏼 I can’t wait to see what Briar does as King, and I am sooo curious how Alden is going to reveal himself as Colin to Mayli. I have a feeling it won’t go over well and I’m not sorry to say that I’m looking forward to it 😂😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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