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The Evermore Chronicles #1
Before the Broken Star
A fierce young female adventurer battles time itself to claim her destiny in a sweeping new fantasy saga from the author of the Hundredth Queen series.
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny.
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny.
Audio CD
First published June 1, 2019
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About the author
Emily R. King
15 books1,223 followersEmily R. King is a reader of everything and a writer of fantasy. Born in Canada and raised in the USA, she has perfected the use of “eh” and “y’all” and uses both interchangeably. Shark advocate, consumer of gummy bears, and islander at heart, Emily’s greatest interests are her four children. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and an active participant in her local writers’ community. She lives in Northern Utah with her family and their cantankerous cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
May 5, 2019
In the beginning, there was no time, and no man or beast walked the world. Where the ocean met the land, an ivory mare was born, her mane crafted from sea-foam and her body from barnacles. She was the Creator, goddess of all conception and supreme ruler of seven worlds
This book was pretty awesome! I love Everley, who has a clockwork heart because of evil things.
Creator on image
We have wooden soldiers, pixies, elven, pirates, bad @rse women, and so much more! This was a fun book and I look forward to the next book!!
Happy Reading!!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
MY BLOG
AMAZON REVIEW
June 19, 2019
3 Stars!!
🌟🌟🌟
“I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world.”
Everley lives on borrowed time. The only survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she has been gifted- will not last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how little time she has, and quickens her quest to expose Killian, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a colony on a cursed island, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Killian may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her destiny.
I have read Kings previous series The Hundredth Queen and enjoyed it- though it did have its slow moments, it was a decent read with a great plot. I found a few similarities though with this series. Mainly the fact that the MC is forced into a marriage so it kind of threw me off a bit at first but-I enjoyed this book. Although, it did not come without holes.
I was really invested in the book and starting to get on with the characters but after about the 50 % mark something shifted and it lost my full attention. I kept feeling a little confused - and thought that there were a lot of info dumping moments that were not really needed. Therefore leaving me a little bored. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read- just not my favorite.
Overall- I am pretty sure I will give the next book in the series a go and look forward to seeing how everything comes together.
🌟🌟🌟
“I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world.”
Everley lives on borrowed time. The only survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she has been gifted- will not last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how little time she has, and quickens her quest to expose Killian, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a colony on a cursed island, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Killian may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her destiny.
I have read Kings previous series The Hundredth Queen and enjoyed it- though it did have its slow moments, it was a decent read with a great plot. I found a few similarities though with this series. Mainly the fact that the MC is forced into a marriage so it kind of threw me off a bit at first but-I enjoyed this book. Although, it did not come without holes.
I was really invested in the book and starting to get on with the characters but after about the 50 % mark something shifted and it lost my full attention. I kept feeling a little confused - and thought that there were a lot of info dumping moments that were not really needed. Therefore leaving me a little bored. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read- just not my favorite.
Overall- I am pretty sure I will give the next book in the series a go and look forward to seeing how everything comes together.
May 2, 2019
An epically drawn fantasy, complete with a strong cast of females, high seas adventures, a mysterious island, and an awesome original mythology that ties into everything, as well as a girl with a clockwork heart. Emily R. King's imagination, plotting, and characters blew me away! Highly recommend!
April 21, 2021
****4.5 Tick Tock Stars****
I love when I pick up a book that grabs my interest immediately during the weekend! This way I can snuggle on my chaise and not have to close the book for more important things. I devoured this book and couldn't get enough of these characters.
This was a perfect fantasy that included a ton of female heroines, love interest, bravery, sadness and so much more.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!
I love when I pick up a book that grabs my interest immediately during the weekend! This way I can snuggle on my chaise and not have to close the book for more important things. I devoured this book and couldn't get enough of these characters.
This was a perfect fantasy that included a ton of female heroines, love interest, bravery, sadness and so much more.
I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!
January 7, 2020
I'll start by saying that I loved Emily R. King's incredibly fertile imagination, particularly the creation of a protagonist with a clock for a heart; I loved that. I also really liked her deep dive into British folklore for some of the mystical creatures she uses. So, so far so good...
Unfortunately, this book had some flaws that I struggled to get past. I'm not overly fond of the use of present tense in fiction; it lead to the narrating protagonist knowing stuff that she shouldn't really have known a couple of times (or, at least, a lack of an explanation as to how she knew those things). That's a minor quibble, though, and largely a matter of personal taste.
I really could have done with more description of the characters and their surroundings; many times I found myself patching in parts from other fantasy works to fill in the blanks the author left out when describing her world and the folks inhabiting it. I know a lot of people are put off by too much description, though, so this might not be an issue for you.
As I approached the end of the book I was undecided as to whether I was going to continue with this series but then King pulled a big ol' deus ex machina ending that, I'm afraid to say, was the deciding factor not to move on to book two. It's a shame because, as I mentioned above, I think the author has a fantastic imagination and you may well enjoy this book more than I did.
Unfortunately, this book had some flaws that I struggled to get past. I'm not overly fond of the use of present tense in fiction; it lead to the narrating protagonist knowing stuff that she shouldn't really have known a couple of times (or, at least, a lack of an explanation as to how she knew those things). That's a minor quibble, though, and largely a matter of personal taste.
I really could have done with more description of the characters and their surroundings; many times I found myself patching in parts from other fantasy works to fill in the blanks the author left out when describing her world and the folks inhabiting it. I know a lot of people are put off by too much description, though, so this might not be an issue for you.
As I approached the end of the book I was undecided as to whether I was going to continue with this series but then King pulled a big ol' deus ex machina ending that, I'm afraid to say, was the deciding factor not to move on to book two. It's a shame because, as I mentioned above, I think the author has a fantastic imagination and you may well enjoy this book more than I did.
June 7, 2019
I was in the mood for fantasy and this author had been recommended by a friend . Telling the story of Everley is like taking the reader on a journey as we are introduced to a young woman who clearly has issues and limitations. For starters she’s living a lie and hiding who she really is then there’s the fact that Everley nearly died as a child and now depends on a clockwork heart to keep her breathing ! Now you would think that’s enough to contend with but no Everley wants revenge on the cruel man who slaughtered her entire family and finally finds a way to catch up to him. As with all good stories though the task requires sacrifice and for Everley that means willingly becoming a convict and then being transported to a cursed island.
I loved the beginning of this book and found myself immediately having sympathy for Everley. She knows that Killian is on the island but has no idea exactly what else she will encounter there and for the reader it was always going to be a magical tale and the author does not disappoint. Yet the sea journey was perhaps my favourite part of this story as the female convicts find themselves being married off and naturally Everley has not one suiter but two ! Her husband and any possible romance sadly seemed neglected and if I’m blunt just didn’t really go anywhere. However the reunion with Killian was designed to confuse the reader and it was done in such a way to elicit sympathy but you just know in this topsy turvy scenario that time will yet again throw more revelations into the mix. That right there is a feature of this story as Time ( yes here it deserves a capital) is a theme running throughout and even if you have serious questions about Everleys heart you cannot fail to be impressed by everything else the author throws in. Magic, mythical creatures and just ordinary greedy humans feature here with a story that is set to continue and luckily there not too long to wait.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I loved the beginning of this book and found myself immediately having sympathy for Everley. She knows that Killian is on the island but has no idea exactly what else she will encounter there and for the reader it was always going to be a magical tale and the author does not disappoint. Yet the sea journey was perhaps my favourite part of this story as the female convicts find themselves being married off and naturally Everley has not one suiter but two ! Her husband and any possible romance sadly seemed neglected and if I’m blunt just didn’t really go anywhere. However the reunion with Killian was designed to confuse the reader and it was done in such a way to elicit sympathy but you just know in this topsy turvy scenario that time will yet again throw more revelations into the mix. That right there is a feature of this story as Time ( yes here it deserves a capital) is a theme running throughout and even if you have serious questions about Everleys heart you cannot fail to be impressed by everything else the author throws in. Magic, mythical creatures and just ordinary greedy humans feature here with a story that is set to continue and luckily there not too long to wait.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
July 23, 2019
Not a bad read. Quite interesting, expanding the motif of time. To me, it went to a similar road as Everless by Sara Holland.
Everley lives on borrowed time, she is the only survivor of her family and she has a mechanic heart to keep her on track.
Even though there are some similarities between the two books, this one turns to a whole new experience when Everley ends up in a colony on a cursed island where she has to marry and build a new world.
A quite fascinating book, definitely worth seeing how it further develops.
Everley lives on borrowed time, she is the only survivor of her family and she has a mechanic heart to keep her on track.
Even though there are some similarities between the two books, this one turns to a whole new experience when Everley ends up in a colony on a cursed island where she has to marry and build a new world.
A quite fascinating book, definitely worth seeing how it further develops.
July 5, 2019
This book is a marvellous mix of magic and adventure, with an heroine that is strong-willed and has an enormous heart for those she loves. I absolutely loved all the characters (and hated the villainous ones). The misadventures bring her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where everything she knew will be questioned.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 30, 2019
“I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world.”
Everley Donovan shouldn’t be alive. When she was a child, a man murdered her family and left her for dead, and she only lived by the ingeniously crafted clockwork heart that now resides in her chest. Everley is wrongly convicted as a criminal, and is sent with other convicts to colonize a cursed island. But Everley has a chance at her revenge, as the governor of the cursed isle is none other than the man who killed her family.
This story has a combination of things I don’t think I’ve found in a book before. Historical fiction settings/cultures, fantasy and myths, and even some steampunk vibes! The country is ruled by a Queen, females wear dresses with petticoats, there’s a wooden clockwork heart, and also fairies, curses, and magical realms. I was a bit worried that all these different components might not flow well together, and while they were all very interesting, it didn’t quite connect for me.
The first part of the story takes place in Everley’s city, then a huge chunk takes place on the sea voyage to the cursed island. The last part takes place on the cursed isle. These different settings unfortunately did not flow well into the other, and it felt as though the first half of the book was a completely separate genre from the second half. I wish the story might have been balanced a bit better as the sea voyage was very slow and took up a lot of the story, whereas the super interesting magical part of the story seemed packed and rushed into the last chapters. I would’ve loved more time and attention placed on the cursed isle and what they find there.
BUT that being said, this story was a fun, imaginative read! I loved the myths and fairytales surrounding Everley’s life and all the magical possibilities. There are many badass female characters who sword fight and take matters into their own hands I’m completely here for it!
There wasn’t much character growth, and there were a few things left unanswered, but I’m assuming those thing will be achieved in the next book(s), as this isn’t a standalone book. Although this story lacked in some areas, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it!
Everley Donovan shouldn’t be alive. When she was a child, a man murdered her family and left her for dead, and she only lived by the ingeniously crafted clockwork heart that now resides in her chest. Everley is wrongly convicted as a criminal, and is sent with other convicts to colonize a cursed island. But Everley has a chance at her revenge, as the governor of the cursed isle is none other than the man who killed her family.
This story has a combination of things I don’t think I’ve found in a book before. Historical fiction settings/cultures, fantasy and myths, and even some steampunk vibes! The country is ruled by a Queen, females wear dresses with petticoats, there’s a wooden clockwork heart, and also fairies, curses, and magical realms. I was a bit worried that all these different components might not flow well together, and while they were all very interesting, it didn’t quite connect for me.
The first part of the story takes place in Everley’s city, then a huge chunk takes place on the sea voyage to the cursed island. The last part takes place on the cursed isle. These different settings unfortunately did not flow well into the other, and it felt as though the first half of the book was a completely separate genre from the second half. I wish the story might have been balanced a bit better as the sea voyage was very slow and took up a lot of the story, whereas the super interesting magical part of the story seemed packed and rushed into the last chapters. I would’ve loved more time and attention placed on the cursed isle and what they find there.
BUT that being said, this story was a fun, imaginative read! I loved the myths and fairytales surrounding Everley’s life and all the magical possibilities. There are many badass female characters who sword fight and take matters into their own hands I’m completely here for it!
There wasn’t much character growth, and there were a few things left unanswered, but I’m assuming those thing will be achieved in the next book(s), as this isn’t a standalone book. Although this story lacked in some areas, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it!
April 25, 2020
How in the WORLD is this the same author of The Hundredth Queen series?! I loved this and immediately ordered the rest of the trilogy. ALSO...the under dustjacket is so beautiful! The cast and plot and drama and twists and everything was great.
May 10, 2019
I'm rather disappointed tbh, I loved the idea behind this book, and I enjoyed the first 40% but after they reached the island the book just fell flat for me, everything was wishy washy, had no depth, I lost my interest in the characters, I couldn't even care less if they all died.
I read the whole book I didn't DNF which is a bonus, but it's left me feeling meh. Won't be reading the sequel and this won't be a re read.
I read the whole book I didn't DNF which is a bonus, but it's left me feeling meh. Won't be reading the sequel and this won't be a re read.
September 11, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Teralyn Mitchell
Before the Broken Star is a story of revenge, love, and redemption. Everley Donovan was given a second chance at life when she was given a new clock heart and she’s spent every minute of it seeking revenge for the lost of her family and her innocence. This story was full of adventure, budding love, and strong friendships. Everley was only seven years old when her father’s expedition partner came to her home in the night and slaughtered her entire family and stabbed her through the heart, leaving her for dead. She survived because her uncle pulled her from the wreckage and fashioned her a clock heart.
Before the Broken Star starts a decade later and brings you right into the middle of the action. Everley comes face-to-face with Governor Killian Markham for the first time since he slaughtered her entire family and left her to die right along with them. She understandably wants revenge. She doesn’t confront Markham then and is forced to take drastic measures to get to him which leads to her being on a ship headed for a penal colony with other women who’ve been sentenced to the same fate. She ends up married to Lieutenant Jamison Callahan who has a sweet and caring disposition. He wanted to save her from a more dreadful fate that she would have hated and he had his own ulterior motives as well. On the ship she also meets Quinn—a twelve-year-old girl who’s been sentenced for stealing something minor. She and Quinn form a bond that was amazing and so sweet to see grow. She’s also on the ship with some of her friends she met on the streets of Dorestand.
The story progresses from there and some hard truths and secrets are revealed that Everley has to decide if she will believe or not. Myths and childhood stories come from somewhere and that’s what Everley and her friends learn once they get to Dagger Island and Everley is finally able to confront Markham. She will have to decide if vengeance is the truth path she must take or if she is destined for bigger things.
I enjoyed Before the Broken Star so very much. The story and world that Emily dreamed up was so detailed and remarkable that I would love to be able to visit it. She has a way with making creation stories and myths sound like something that we would hear growing up. I loved the detail that she put into this story to make it feel that much more real and engaging. I have come to love stories that take place on ships so that was a great element of Before the Broken Star that I appreciated a lot. I also enjoyed the characters in this story.
Everley was a strong, fierce, and stubborn heroine who was single-minded in her pursuits and could not be persuaded off the path she’d charted for herself for nothing and no one. She annoyed me on more than one occasion because she wouldn’t change her ways. I felt like she was so focused on revenge that she squandered away the second chance she was given. I understood her need for it but I also wanted her to have a good life. Everley is now one of my favourite female characters and I can’t wait to see how she grows over the series. I liked Jamison a lot as well. He was the perfect love interest and I loved how slowly his and Everley’s relationship blossomed. It was natural and not forced at all. I enjoyed Quinn, Claret, Laverick, and Vevina. I liked how sassy, funny, and strong the women were in this book. Emily is great at creating strong female characters that form sisterhoods and support and fight for each other.
Markham and Harlow were the perfect villains and annoyed me to no end. Markham and Harlow’s callousness and selfishness was astounding. They did not care about anyone but themselves and were willing to sacrifice whatever they had to in order to get what they wanted. Nothing mattered to them other then that. I look forward to seeing how their character arcs play out and how they ultimately come to their ends. The other minor characters were all well done and made this a more well-rounded story that sucked me in from the very beginning.
Before the Broken Star is a top read for me in 2019 so far! This was such a beautiful, moving tale that showed what the thirst for vengeance can do to a person and what happens when they are finally face-to-face with the person that took everything from them. Everley proved she is a strong, relatable character that will do anything for the people she loves and care about. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait to see what is next for Everley, Jamison and the rest of their friends!
Before the Broken Star is a story of revenge, love, and redemption. Everley Donovan was given a second chance at life when she was given a new clock heart and she’s spent every minute of it seeking revenge for the lost of her family and her innocence. This story was full of adventure, budding love, and strong friendships. Everley was only seven years old when her father’s expedition partner came to her home in the night and slaughtered her entire family and stabbed her through the heart, leaving her for dead. She survived because her uncle pulled her from the wreckage and fashioned her a clock heart.
Before the Broken Star starts a decade later and brings you right into the middle of the action. Everley comes face-to-face with Governor Killian Markham for the first time since he slaughtered her entire family and left her to die right along with them. She understandably wants revenge. She doesn’t confront Markham then and is forced to take drastic measures to get to him which leads to her being on a ship headed for a penal colony with other women who’ve been sentenced to the same fate. She ends up married to Lieutenant Jamison Callahan who has a sweet and caring disposition. He wanted to save her from a more dreadful fate that she would have hated and he had his own ulterior motives as well. On the ship she also meets Quinn—a twelve-year-old girl who’s been sentenced for stealing something minor. She and Quinn form a bond that was amazing and so sweet to see grow. She’s also on the ship with some of her friends she met on the streets of Dorestand.
The story progresses from there and some hard truths and secrets are revealed that Everley has to decide if she will believe or not. Myths and childhood stories come from somewhere and that’s what Everley and her friends learn once they get to Dagger Island and Everley is finally able to confront Markham. She will have to decide if vengeance is the truth path she must take or if she is destined for bigger things.
I enjoyed Before the Broken Star so very much. The story and world that Emily dreamed up was so detailed and remarkable that I would love to be able to visit it. She has a way with making creation stories and myths sound like something that we would hear growing up. I loved the detail that she put into this story to make it feel that much more real and engaging. I have come to love stories that take place on ships so that was a great element of Before the Broken Star that I appreciated a lot. I also enjoyed the characters in this story.
Everley was a strong, fierce, and stubborn heroine who was single-minded in her pursuits and could not be persuaded off the path she’d charted for herself for nothing and no one. She annoyed me on more than one occasion because she wouldn’t change her ways. I felt like she was so focused on revenge that she squandered away the second chance she was given. I understood her need for it but I also wanted her to have a good life. Everley is now one of my favourite female characters and I can’t wait to see how she grows over the series. I liked Jamison a lot as well. He was the perfect love interest and I loved how slowly his and Everley’s relationship blossomed. It was natural and not forced at all. I enjoyed Quinn, Claret, Laverick, and Vevina. I liked how sassy, funny, and strong the women were in this book. Emily is great at creating strong female characters that form sisterhoods and support and fight for each other.
Markham and Harlow were the perfect villains and annoyed me to no end. Markham and Harlow’s callousness and selfishness was astounding. They did not care about anyone but themselves and were willing to sacrifice whatever they had to in order to get what they wanted. Nothing mattered to them other then that. I look forward to seeing how their character arcs play out and how they ultimately come to their ends. The other minor characters were all well done and made this a more well-rounded story that sucked me in from the very beginning.
Before the Broken Star is a top read for me in 2019 so far! This was such a beautiful, moving tale that showed what the thirst for vengeance can do to a person and what happens when they are finally face-to-face with the person that took everything from them. Everley proved she is a strong, relatable character that will do anything for the people she loves and care about. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait to see what is next for Everley, Jamison and the rest of their friends!
Want to read
May 4, 2019Pitched as a dark re-imagining and gender swap of Pinocchio, in which a swordswoman with a clock heart races across the high seas to avenge her family's immortal murderer before she runs out of borrowed time.
Can I get a hell yes? Oh and it's currently only 99p kindle / £3.99 paperback on Amazon as part of their First Reads program. Who doesn't love a bargain?
Can I get a hell yes? Oh and it's currently only 99p kindle / £3.99 paperback on Amazon as part of their First Reads program. Who doesn't love a bargain?
June 28, 2019
Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King was a bit of a mixed bag for me. There are some incredibly engaging and complex concepts in this one. I particularly enjoyed the clockwork heart that the main character has and the way in which that has repercussions on the way she lives her life and moves through the plotlines of the story. Unfortunately, this is marred by some significant flaws in characterization and believability at points.
As I already mentioned, the MC in this story, Everley, has a clockwork heart. This has several practical implications. One of those is that she is particularly susceptible to strong emotion. Too much anger or fear can cause the gears of her heart to seize. Water could damage her clockwork heart. And, when she lies, a bell rings on a device that regulates her heart rate. It’s almost a built-in lie detector, but it’s quite inconvenient when one is plotting revenge. This was another aspect of the story that I thought was very well done. Everley is bent on having her revenge on the man who murdered her family. This singular focus largely defines her character. At times that can make her seem a little one dimensional, but on the whole King uses Everley’s need for revenge to engage the reader and draw them into the story. I was invested in Everley’s personal goals almost from the first page. She’s a character that we ache for and we’re drawn into her perspective to such an extent that we long for her to achieve revenge even if—at some level—we understand that vengeance is never actually as sweet as a character imagines it should be when they’re plotting it. King also weaves in a couple reveals that are surprising but also foreshadowed well. There is also an element of isolation that the MC experiences, by her own choice, that is just gut-wrenching. All well done.
Unfortunately, there are an almost equal number of weaknesses or problems with the novel. The first and most striking is poor characterization, or perhaps poor character consistency, that plagues the side characters and even Everley at times during the second half of the book. One of the most egregious examples of this is when Everley is attempting to convince one character that the Big Bad Guy is a bad guy. A character listens to Big Bad Guy threaten to allow a twelve-year-old girl to be married unwillingly to the “basest convict in the camp.” Then, not three paragraphs later tells Everley, “I cannot imagine him massacring a family or stabbing a child.” I cannot conceive of how a character could think someone willing to force a twelve-year-old into a sexual relationship with a man two or three times her age could not stab that same child. It simply strains credulity and seems quite out of character for the character in question. Another issue is that each of the characters appears to have a single motivation that entirely defines their character. For Everley it’s revenge. For another character it’s making their way to a location. For another it’s finding and saving a particular individual. This causes nearly all the character to feel one dimensional, just on this side of caricatures.
In the end, there are elements that really shine in this one, from a main character we can root for to an interesting and well-integrated plot device in her clockwork heart. Unfortunately, there are also several elements that had a significant and negative impact on my enjoyment of the read. If you’re looking for a read that has some interesting and unique elements that are well integrated and the character issues are unlikely to bother you, this may appeal.
5/10
2.5/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
As I already mentioned, the MC in this story, Everley, has a clockwork heart. This has several practical implications. One of those is that she is particularly susceptible to strong emotion. Too much anger or fear can cause the gears of her heart to seize. Water could damage her clockwork heart. And, when she lies, a bell rings on a device that regulates her heart rate. It’s almost a built-in lie detector, but it’s quite inconvenient when one is plotting revenge. This was another aspect of the story that I thought was very well done. Everley is bent on having her revenge on the man who murdered her family. This singular focus largely defines her character. At times that can make her seem a little one dimensional, but on the whole King uses Everley’s need for revenge to engage the reader and draw them into the story. I was invested in Everley’s personal goals almost from the first page. She’s a character that we ache for and we’re drawn into her perspective to such an extent that we long for her to achieve revenge even if—at some level—we understand that vengeance is never actually as sweet as a character imagines it should be when they’re plotting it. King also weaves in a couple reveals that are surprising but also foreshadowed well. There is also an element of isolation that the MC experiences, by her own choice, that is just gut-wrenching. All well done.
Unfortunately, there are an almost equal number of weaknesses or problems with the novel. The first and most striking is poor characterization, or perhaps poor character consistency, that plagues the side characters and even Everley at times during the second half of the book. One of the most egregious examples of this is when Everley is attempting to convince one character that the Big Bad Guy is a bad guy. A character listens to Big Bad Guy threaten to allow a twelve-year-old girl to be married unwillingly to the “basest convict in the camp.” Then, not three paragraphs later tells Everley, “I cannot imagine him massacring a family or stabbing a child.” I cannot conceive of how a character could think someone willing to force a twelve-year-old into a sexual relationship with a man two or three times her age could not stab that same child. It simply strains credulity and seems quite out of character for the character in question. Another issue is that each of the characters appears to have a single motivation that entirely defines their character. For Everley it’s revenge. For another character it’s making their way to a location. For another it’s finding and saving a particular individual. This causes nearly all the character to feel one dimensional, just on this side of caricatures.
In the end, there are elements that really shine in this one, from a main character we can root for to an interesting and well-integrated plot device in her clockwork heart. Unfortunately, there are also several elements that had a significant and negative impact on my enjoyment of the read. If you’re looking for a read that has some interesting and unique elements that are well integrated and the character issues are unlikely to bother you, this may appeal.
5/10
2.5/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
March 17, 2019
I received an advanced copy via the publisher from Netgalley for an honest review.
Wow.....just, wow! This novel I think is an all new level of amazing and something that I completely did not expect, but entirely in a good way. Emily introduced an incredibly amazing, whole new world that just sucked me in and kept me completely guessing. Tying some amazing mythology, religious beliefs (in the novel, not preaching), and some fantastic bad ass women with a steampunk flare! This was a whole new amazing world that I absolutely adore and cannot wait to keep exploring....so hurry up, where's the next part?!?!?!?
This is seen as a gender swap Pinocchio story with some pirates and a whole new magical world and so many more adventures to come. I would HIGHLY recommend this because it is just spectacular!!!
Wow.....just, wow! This novel I think is an all new level of amazing and something that I completely did not expect, but entirely in a good way. Emily introduced an incredibly amazing, whole new world that just sucked me in and kept me completely guessing. Tying some amazing mythology, religious beliefs (in the novel, not preaching), and some fantastic bad ass women with a steampunk flare! This was a whole new amazing world that I absolutely adore and cannot wait to keep exploring....so hurry up, where's the next part?!?!?!?
This is seen as a gender swap Pinocchio story with some pirates and a whole new magical world and so many more adventures to come. I would HIGHLY recommend this because it is just spectacular!!!
August 4, 2020
This was a fun, quick read about family, vengeance, and legends come to life set against the backdrop of the seas and a haunted island.
Our MC, Everley, is a rather prickly sort, but you can't help but get caught up in her quest for vengeance, the mystery of why her family's murders came about, and who she can trust as allies along the way.
I loved her "streetwalker" friends - Vevinia, Claret, and Laverick. They are cunning and funny. Quinn, a young thief, is adorable. And Blue, well, I don't want to say too much, but she's very reminiscent of Tinkerbell.
Lieutenant Jamison Callahan, oh I love him. Such a kind, sweet, thoughtful gentleman! I dearly wished Everley would warm to him sooner, cause how could you not?! But I also understand her reasons. But still...I need to find MY Jamison 😂
I am rather mad at Everley for that ending though So I'm a tad frustrated, but hope to see things smoothed over in the sequel, which I luckily have on hand 😊
That ending though.... very Pirated of the Caribbean-esque. I'm so here for it! 🙌
Our MC, Everley, is a rather prickly sort, but you can't help but get caught up in her quest for vengeance, the mystery of why her family's murders came about, and who she can trust as allies along the way.
I loved her "streetwalker" friends - Vevinia, Claret, and Laverick. They are cunning and funny. Quinn, a young thief, is adorable. And Blue, well, I don't want to say too much, but she's very reminiscent of Tinkerbell.
Lieutenant Jamison Callahan, oh I love him. Such a kind, sweet, thoughtful gentleman! I dearly wished Everley would warm to him sooner, cause how could you not?! But I also understand her reasons. But still...I need to find MY Jamison 😂
I am rather mad at Everley for that ending though So I'm a tad frustrated, but hope to see things smoothed over in the sequel, which I luckily have on hand 😊
That ending though.... very Pirated of the Caribbean-esque. I'm so here for it! 🙌
August 27, 2019
Interested Enough For Next Book
I loved the first half of this book. The second half got a bit too fantasy for me and had more descriptions than action or dialogue that slowed things down. The author did a good job of introducing me to characters and giving them distinct traits and personalities which helped me remember them. The story felt original and new. I started out listening to the audio book but switched not too far in because I liked reading it better than listening to it. I am interested enough to pick up the next book. I really loved this authors previous series.
I loved the first half of this book. The second half got a bit too fantasy for me and had more descriptions than action or dialogue that slowed things down. The author did a good job of introducing me to characters and giving them distinct traits and personalities which helped me remember them. The story felt original and new. I started out listening to the audio book but switched not too far in because I liked reading it better than listening to it. I am interested enough to pick up the next book. I really loved this authors previous series.
May 2, 2019
4.5/5 stars
Everley Donovan lost everything when she was seven years old. The man who murdered them showed up in the clock shop she worked at ten years later and renewed a stronger vengeance within her. She seems like a fragile little girl when he is there. She failed to take action, frozen in fear. But then, within a chapter, she shows us her truer colors. She walks in the underbelly of society, fights, and when she is captured, she pleads guilty to crimes she hasn’t committed in order to find her family’s murderer.
She is sent to a penal colony with the other female inmates in order to marry the male prisoners so they can build up their queen’s growing kingdom. Her reason for this absurd but brilliant idea: to kill Markham. Her uncle, her last living relative, asked the Lieutenant to watch over her after they met within his clock shop.
She builds friendships even though she fights it. She finds a new family to belong to but she struggles to find out who she can trust and if anyone is worthy of her heart or theirs in return.
Everley is unlike any character I have read. Yes, she is strong willed and determined as are many YA leading females, but she is unpredictable and makes decisions you don’t ever expect. The twist ending had me flipping the pages faster than I ever had before. Like, what just happened? WHHHHHHHYYYYYYY?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IN MY HANDS NOW.
I swooned over the Lieutenant when he first entered the story and I was like, HE BETTER BE THE LOVE INTEREST. Their “relationship” is unlike any I’ve seen. What started as a mutual understanding grew to be more.
After The Hundredth Queen’s debut, I knew Emily R. King was someone to watch out for. AND BOY AM I GLAD OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! I cannot contain my excitement for the next installment in this series and for hopefully more series by her. Her writing is superb and even though I usually don’t like first person present tense, she executed it perfectly.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the beginning was a bit slow and she was on the boat for longer than I believed she should be. Yes - her voyage could be long but more of it should have been skipped.
Everley Donovan lost everything when she was seven years old. The man who murdered them showed up in the clock shop she worked at ten years later and renewed a stronger vengeance within her. She seems like a fragile little girl when he is there. She failed to take action, frozen in fear. But then, within a chapter, she shows us her truer colors. She walks in the underbelly of society, fights, and when she is captured, she pleads guilty to crimes she hasn’t committed in order to find her family’s murderer.
She is sent to a penal colony with the other female inmates in order to marry the male prisoners so they can build up their queen’s growing kingdom. Her reason for this absurd but brilliant idea: to kill Markham. Her uncle, her last living relative, asked the Lieutenant to watch over her after they met within his clock shop.
She builds friendships even though she fights it. She finds a new family to belong to but she struggles to find out who she can trust and if anyone is worthy of her heart or theirs in return.
Everley is unlike any character I have read. Yes, she is strong willed and determined as are many YA leading females, but she is unpredictable and makes decisions you don’t ever expect. The twist ending had me flipping the pages faster than I ever had before. Like, what just happened? WHHHHHHHYYYYYYY?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IN MY HANDS NOW.
I swooned over the Lieutenant when he first entered the story and I was like, HE BETTER BE THE LOVE INTEREST. Their “relationship” is unlike any I’ve seen. What started as a mutual understanding grew to be more.
After The Hundredth Queen’s debut, I knew Emily R. King was someone to watch out for. AND BOY AM I GLAD OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! I cannot contain my excitement for the next installment in this series and for hopefully more series by her. Her writing is superb and even though I usually don’t like first person present tense, she executed it perfectly.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the beginning was a bit slow and she was on the boat for longer than I believed she should be. Yes - her voyage could be long but more of it should have been skipped.
October 25, 2018
Before The Broken Star is a new series from the amazingly talented Emily R. King and it's a new masterpiece.
Everly Donovan's family was murdered when she was younger by a traitor thought to be a friend. She would not have survived her family's slaughter if not for her Uncle finding her after a sword had been thrust in her chest. Her uncle Holden miraculously saved her with the help of some sort of clock heart and Father Time (a God, I think, Evie didn't really know the details).
Disguised as his newly appointed apprentice (He's a Clock Master and one of the best in the Kingdom), Evie is able to live with her Uncle.
She grew but the horrors of that night was forever imprinted on her soul and so was her hatred for Markham the friend of her father who ruined her family. with the fire burning in her, Evie finds solidarity in venturing into the streets.
Under the Veil of darkness, she acquires many skills among them being adept with a sword and a stubbornness that burns bright and hot.
With her late father's sword by her side, Everly could be while even if just for the adrenaline of the night to wear off.
Her life gets turned around once more when an encounter with her family's murderer which may or may not be orchestrated by fate, leads her down the road of vengeance.
Unfortunately for her, she is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time (or right depending on how her future goes) and is arrested with the ladies of the night (Streetwalkers who are really badass women who do what they have to to survive.)
Everly along with the women are sentenced to seven years on Dagger Island to mate/join with other male convicts sentenced there also on order of the Queen. Dagger Island is a kingdom feared cursed because of events that transpired there centuries ago and also with the way men seem to disappear there.
Evie's father who used to be the Royal Explorer had previously recommended to the Queen that inhabiting the desolate island is a bad idea. But after time passed the greed of the Queen (coupled with what I sense to be underground machinations/manipulations) led her to demanding convicts be sent there to breed and colonize the island.
While it was a tragedy, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Everly as Markham seems to be the leader of the colony.
As a prisoner aboard the Lady Regina, the ship taking them to Dagger Island, Everly finds herself getting attached to people. Quinn a little girl who is to be Markham's maid and Lieutenant Jamison Callahan, a man under Markham who despite all her attempts to sway him aside still slips past her defenses.
Everly's journey is plagued with many surprises most unpleasant but some blessings in disguise.
I love how this book foreshadows a lot of things, there's enough tidbits to keep you guessing but still many twists and turns to keep things fresh and surprising.
Emily R. King excels in building vast worlds with complex yet so relatable characters and she has outdone herself here.
The undertaking is very ambitious as there is a WHOLE LOT involved but it was masterfully executed. I was so happy to see things progress as each reveal was a wonder.
There is so many action as this is a book where the characters gets into many crazy situations, the magical setting is unique and very coherent as it all blends into a nice weave.
Dagger Island is no doubt Evie's destiny as it changes all she's ever believed to be true, myths come to life, past meets present and things thought gone awakens.
The moments before the ending was a constant motion of shock as things exploded, sometimes literally. The most important thing to know going into this book is that not all is as it seems.
Also if you're looking for quick romance or instalove, shelve that for now because Everly and Jamison is a slow burn just how the doctor prescribed. I love the way things slowly build for them.
I bow to Emily R. King as she has once more created a world that vaults into my top ten list (It is HARD to crack but this book shattered the glass ceiling), I DARE you not to like this book.
The ending sets the stage for so many exciting things to come in the sequel one of which might or might not be an underwater world (Please don't stone me!!!). Plus that cover is pretty epic and would look resplendent on any bookshelf.
Before the Broken Star is a journey of a character that refuses to be broken despite what's thrown at her and shoulders on bolstered by her thirst to right wrongs done.
With 100% of my soul I recommend this book to readers of all ages, you will not be disappointed. Yes there's a lot of books out there but please pick this one.
P.S:There's the otherworldly character introduced close to the end and I adore her!
June 13, 2019
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Before the Broken Star is the first installment in author Emily R. King's The Evermore Chronicles. Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Before the Broken Star is the first installment in author Emily R. King's The Evermore Chronicles. Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 14, 2019
This was a fun story full of surprising twists and turns. It's quite a quick read so if you're in the mood for some fantasy I would recommend this.
March 6, 2019
My blog: A MAGICAL WORLD OF WORDS
Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts are my own.
3.5 stars.
I haven't read The Hundredth Queen series yet (although I'm dying to) but when I got the chance to read and review King's latest novel, I couldn't say yes fast enough.
King's writing is lyrical and melodic. Sometimes too much so - in the first chapter, the sentences are unnecessarily purple prosy and hard to read - but generally the writing is beautiful. I also like how the writing styles correlates so well to the general atmosphere of the book, which is stunning in itself. The world is magical and haunting, and the atmosphere has that dark fairytale vibe I love so much.
I do have issues with the plot and pacing. While I can't say that the book ever took me to a place of "Oh my word I'm gonna DNF", it didn't completely win me over, either. The first half, especially, doesn't have a lot of action and not much actually happens: everyone is on a ship, there are a few mild skirmishes/arguments, but otherwise it's plain sailing (no pun intended). Basically, nothing rocks the boat. (Sorry ;). I just wish the author had brought in some subplots, brought in some serious complications, and not played everything so safe. As is, it's a very smooth story with little upsets. The characters don't go through hell, they manage to overcome obstacles with minimal sweat, and every so-called obstacle can barely be called an obstacle. Everything stays on a simple path to the end.
Incidents like when Everley kills Cuthbert or when the group is cornered by the witch are so swiftly dealt with and resolved that it's disappointing. These are opportunities bursting with potential conflict, something to knock the characters off course (I am all about the nautical puns today, it would seem), and yet they barely blink! Even the deaths (personally, not enough people died - it was way too happy) are glossed over and the characters hardly get the chance to cry. I'm not calling for gratuitous torture scenes and violence, but making the characters work for their happily-ever-after should be a given. I wanted to see hearts shatter and relationships implode. Give me conflict that actually has repercussions!
❝ I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world."
The entire cast suffers from the same problem: lack of complexity. I like Everley, I do - I like that she's stoic and independent and prickly (this brings out some golden humour moments) - but she barely undergoes development, or at least the author doesn't make a big enough deal out of it. Everley, like everyone else, is simplistic. All the secondary characters are flat, and the villains are one-dimensional. Jamison, as the love interest, is the stereotypical "strong and silent" type, with an abusive father and dead sister in his past, for whose death Jamison blames himself. He's a walking cliche. For that reason, I couldn't find it in myself to ship him and Everley. When you have weak characters, you get a weak relationship.
I know this review sounds pretty negative. Honestly, I do not hate the book and I don't even dislike it. Yes, it was overly simplistic and certain elements could have been improved upon, but thanks to an atmospheric world, strong dialogue, and haunting fairytale origin, it is fun. I had a lot of fun reading through it. I suppose it's one of those books where you have a whole lot of bad to say about it, but then can't bring yourself to say that you didn't like it. You know what I mean?
Before The Broken Star is a beautifully written, magical fairytale fantasy sparkling with innocent fun. If not for its simplistic characters and plot, it would be an amazing novel.
Source: Netgalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts are my own.
3.5 stars.
I haven't read The Hundredth Queen series yet (although I'm dying to) but when I got the chance to read and review King's latest novel, I couldn't say yes fast enough.
King's writing is lyrical and melodic. Sometimes too much so - in the first chapter, the sentences are unnecessarily purple prosy and hard to read - but generally the writing is beautiful. I also like how the writing styles correlates so well to the general atmosphere of the book, which is stunning in itself. The world is magical and haunting, and the atmosphere has that dark fairytale vibe I love so much.
I do have issues with the plot and pacing. While I can't say that the book ever took me to a place of "Oh my word I'm gonna DNF", it didn't completely win me over, either. The first half, especially, doesn't have a lot of action and not much actually happens: everyone is on a ship, there are a few mild skirmishes/arguments, but otherwise it's plain sailing (no pun intended). Basically, nothing rocks the boat. (Sorry ;). I just wish the author had brought in some subplots, brought in some serious complications, and not played everything so safe. As is, it's a very smooth story with little upsets. The characters don't go through hell, they manage to overcome obstacles with minimal sweat, and every so-called obstacle can barely be called an obstacle. Everything stays on a simple path to the end.
Incidents like when Everley kills Cuthbert or when the group is cornered by the witch are so swiftly dealt with and resolved that it's disappointing. These are opportunities bursting with potential conflict, something to knock the characters off course (I am all about the nautical puns today, it would seem), and yet they barely blink! Even the deaths (personally, not enough people died - it was way too happy) are glossed over and the characters hardly get the chance to cry. I'm not calling for gratuitous torture scenes and violence, but making the characters work for their happily-ever-after should be a given. I wanted to see hearts shatter and relationships implode. Give me conflict that actually has repercussions!
❝ I believe in monsters. I have seen them take and destroy, suffocate and shred, every sliver of light in the world."
The entire cast suffers from the same problem: lack of complexity. I like Everley, I do - I like that she's stoic and independent and prickly (this brings out some golden humour moments) - but she barely undergoes development, or at least the author doesn't make a big enough deal out of it. Everley, like everyone else, is simplistic. All the secondary characters are flat, and the villains are one-dimensional. Jamison, as the love interest, is the stereotypical "strong and silent" type, with an abusive father and dead sister in his past, for whose death Jamison blames himself. He's a walking cliche. For that reason, I couldn't find it in myself to ship him and Everley. When you have weak characters, you get a weak relationship.
I know this review sounds pretty negative. Honestly, I do not hate the book and I don't even dislike it. Yes, it was overly simplistic and certain elements could have been improved upon, but thanks to an atmospheric world, strong dialogue, and haunting fairytale origin, it is fun. I had a lot of fun reading through it. I suppose it's one of those books where you have a whole lot of bad to say about it, but then can't bring yourself to say that you didn't like it. You know what I mean?
Before The Broken Star is a beautifully written, magical fairytale fantasy sparkling with innocent fun. If not for its simplistic characters and plot, it would be an amazing novel.
August 25, 2019
Very interesting and highly imaginative story. I really enjoyed Callahan. I feel that Everley did him wrong at the end. It seemed he constantly fought for her trust. It’s hard to determine who is good and bad in this book.I do hope Everley and Callahan stay together.
June 13, 2020
If you were like me, after reading that book summary you are just like, Woahhhhh 🤯✨🤩😱
This book had soooo much potential! I have to be honest and say I didn’t finish it because… you’ll see. Anyways, the first chapter of the book is SO good! That was what made me even say I was in love with the book before I even finished reading 10% of it. The prologue of the book starts with a description of how the world was created by a goddess and the ”creator”, mythical gods the people worshiped…ok, I guess I can view it as a greek mythology book, keep reading…But then there was a scene were the main character, Everley, has a flashback to some things an evil guy does, implying that he abused her sister. Then there are gore references and scenes of prostitute women and their line of work. The author wanted to make it seem like something ”that was done back in those days” but it was utterly unnecessary. Men in the book are cruel and insensitive, and they try to take advantage of women. That’s the negative stuff — quite a bit. But the good is that the plot was AMAZING. I really wished I could keep on reading and see where this adventure would take Everleyl, but it didn't feel right to me
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Cleanness ⭐️ 1/5
Do I recommend it: No
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.*
This book had soooo much potential! I have to be honest and say I didn’t finish it because… you’ll see. Anyways, the first chapter of the book is SO good! That was what made me even say I was in love with the book before I even finished reading 10% of it. The prologue of the book starts with a description of how the world was created by a goddess and the ”creator”, mythical gods the people worshiped…ok, I guess I can view it as a greek mythology book, keep reading…But then there was a scene were the main character, Everley, has a flashback to some things an evil guy does, implying that he abused her sister. Then there are gore references and scenes of prostitute women and their line of work. The author wanted to make it seem like something ”that was done back in those days” but it was utterly unnecessary. Men in the book are cruel and insensitive, and they try to take advantage of women. That’s the negative stuff — quite a bit. But the good is that the plot was AMAZING. I really wished I could keep on reading and see where this adventure would take Everleyl, but it didn't feel right to me
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Cleanness ⭐️ 1/5
Do I recommend it: No
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.*
March 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! It's a fantastic mix of both pirates and adventure and magic and fantasy. I know the author doesn't want it to be described as Steampunk because she doesn't want people to be disappointed. However, I thought it was the perfect mix of steampunk and high fantasy and mythos. This book isn't even out yet and I'm itching for book 2!
March 5, 2019
Emily R. King has done it again. She has taken me from the hustle and bustle of my every day life into a magical world of adventure and suspense. Before the Broken Star is yet another work art by Emily R. King.
June 6, 2019
**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
As the only family member left alive, kept that way by the clock work heart her uncle used in place of her ruined one, Everly dreams of revenge. When the man who murdered her family, the most respected soldier in the queen's army, reappears in her life, Everly know this may be her only chance for justice and answers. Even if it means being sent to a mysterious penal colony as a criminal, never to see her old life or uncle again.
Gawd, I love Jamison so much. He may not be the main character, but he is my favorite character- and it is not 100% due to his dreaminess (ok maybe like 85% due to his dreaminess). He is seriously the most perfect guy- trustworthy, honorable, understanding- and I wanted Everly to just throw herself at him and let him take care of her- but that is not the type of person Everly is or what this book is about. This was very much a slow burn relationship (almost enemies to lovers vibe) that was not the main focus of the book, but man does Emily know how to do romance. there were so many moments that just hurt my heart for them and I have high hopes for a happily ever after...somewhere down the way.
Romance, or rather my hopes for more romance, aside, the magic in the world was so fascinating. There were so many moving parts that Emily expertly wove together in cool new ways I never saw coming. We have a girl who is kept alive by a clock, wonderfully crafted mythology (...or is it mythology...) about immortality and Father Time, dangerous creatures such a a large whale beast, a witch who lures people in, and an island that nobody really knows anything about. And let's not forget about the undying love between a prince and his princess- and a cute little pixy who does not like to be called Blue. The ideas seemed to be independent, but through a magic that is purely Emily's writing style, the story came together to create something wonderful that I desperately need more of.
The ending was action packed and surprising, I am so glad that this is just the first book in a trilogy because I feel like Everly has so much more exploring/revenging left to take on and I am so excited to get to be part of the adventure.
As the only family member left alive, kept that way by the clock work heart her uncle used in place of her ruined one, Everly dreams of revenge. When the man who murdered her family, the most respected soldier in the queen's army, reappears in her life, Everly know this may be her only chance for justice and answers. Even if it means being sent to a mysterious penal colony as a criminal, never to see her old life or uncle again.
Gawd, I love Jamison so much. He may not be the main character, but he is my favorite character- and it is not 100% due to his dreaminess (ok maybe like 85% due to his dreaminess). He is seriously the most perfect guy- trustworthy, honorable, understanding- and I wanted Everly to just throw herself at him and let him take care of her- but that is not the type of person Everly is or what this book is about. This was very much a slow burn relationship (almost enemies to lovers vibe) that was not the main focus of the book, but man does Emily know how to do romance. there were so many moments that just hurt my heart for them and I have high hopes for a happily ever after...somewhere down the way.
Romance, or rather my hopes for more romance, aside, the magic in the world was so fascinating. There were so many moving parts that Emily expertly wove together in cool new ways I never saw coming. We have a girl who is kept alive by a clock, wonderfully crafted mythology (...or is it mythology...) about immortality and Father Time, dangerous creatures such a a large whale beast, a witch who lures people in, and an island that nobody really knows anything about. And let's not forget about the undying love between a prince and his princess- and a cute little pixy who does not like to be called Blue. The ideas seemed to be independent, but through a magic that is purely Emily's writing style, the story came together to create something wonderful that I desperately need more of.
The ending was action packed and surprising, I am so glad that this is just the first book in a trilogy because I feel like Everly has so much more exploring/revenging left to take on and I am so excited to get to be part of the adventure.
August 31, 2019
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. It sounds sort of like a fantasy novel, but there were little things about it that truly made it stand out. But let's talk about what was typical about it. Well, it's a semi-standard fantasy world that's sort of like 18th century England with a female character who doesn't fit the time. Everley felt like a girl from the 21st century plucked out of time and put in an 18th century based fantasy world. She didn't feel truly grounded in her time.
I did like the fantasy elements of this book, though. The religious system was cool and I liked how the mythology was explained through story telling by various characters. There was also a little bit of a hint of steampunk since the main character has a clock heart.
I enjoyed that I felt like the world was well developed.
As for the characters, they were fine. The main character Everley got on my nerves sometimes because she's someone who can't get over anything. She wasn't the worst, though. That award goes to the villain. He was just weird and I didn't like him and not in the love to hate way.
Overall, it was a simple and straight forward story.
3.5 STARS
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. It sounds sort of like a fantasy novel, but there were little things about it that truly made it stand out. But let's talk about what was typical about it. Well, it's a semi-standard fantasy world that's sort of like 18th century England with a female character who doesn't fit the time. Everley felt like a girl from the 21st century plucked out of time and put in an 18th century based fantasy world. She didn't feel truly grounded in her time.
I did like the fantasy elements of this book, though. The religious system was cool and I liked how the mythology was explained through story telling by various characters. There was also a little bit of a hint of steampunk since the main character has a clock heart.
I enjoyed that I felt like the world was well developed.
As for the characters, they were fine. The main character Everley got on my nerves sometimes because she's someone who can't get over anything. She wasn't the worst, though. That award goes to the villain. He was just weird and I didn't like him and not in the love to hate way.
Overall, it was a simple and straight forward story.
3.5 STARS
June 1, 2019
I just finished reading BEFORE THE BROKEN STAR by Emily R. King, and I absolutely adored the main character, Everley!
💙
⭐️
She is such a beautifully developed character! She loves fiercely, protects unflinchingly, and fights for what she believes in with everything she’s got! I can’t wait for everyone to read her story!
💙
⭐️
The book itself is an absolute delight! The world is captivating, unique, and bursting with magic. There’s lots of wonderful little Pinocchio references that readers will enjoy and plot twists they’ll never see coming! This story has so darn much heart! I promise, you won’t be able to not fall in love with it!
💙
⭐️
She is such a beautifully developed character! She loves fiercely, protects unflinchingly, and fights for what she believes in with everything she’s got! I can’t wait for everyone to read her story!
💙
⭐️
The book itself is an absolute delight! The world is captivating, unique, and bursting with magic. There’s lots of wonderful little Pinocchio references that readers will enjoy and plot twists they’ll never see coming! This story has so darn much heart! I promise, you won’t be able to not fall in love with it!
April 25, 2019
Opening line:
"In the beginning, there was not time, and no man or beast walked the world."
So many different stories going on in this story! Clockwork heart, lost prince, sleeping prince, Oz-like forest, wicked witch, wooden soldiers, Father Time, pirates, and fairy dust. Such a different take on so many fairy tales.
Everyley Donovan watched her family be slaughtered. She alone survived, just barely. When she woke, her clock master uncle had given her a new heart--a clockwork heart. Bent on revenge, she finds herself in trouble with the law and sailing toward a penal colony. What will she find there? Lots of imagination and characters.
But on the island, just like this whole story, the nothing is ever how is seems. Thanks to Ms. King's amazing writing, Everley is a strong, flawed lead, her world is bright and dark, and her friends fight for her.
The story begins like a train pulling out of the station; slow enough that the reader can get to know the train and watch the scenery. But soon, the train, the story, picks up steam. Exciting vistas are around every corner and it's hard to pull away from the window. Pretty soon, the train has picked up so much steam and there's no way this train is stopping until it pulls into the station, until the very end of the book. But once I stopped, I was ready to get back on and go on another fantasy trip conducted by Emily King.
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
"In the beginning, there was not time, and no man or beast walked the world."
So many different stories going on in this story! Clockwork heart, lost prince, sleeping prince, Oz-like forest, wicked witch, wooden soldiers, Father Time, pirates, and fairy dust. Such a different take on so many fairy tales.
Everyley Donovan watched her family be slaughtered. She alone survived, just barely. When she woke, her clock master uncle had given her a new heart--a clockwork heart. Bent on revenge, she finds herself in trouble with the law and sailing toward a penal colony. What will she find there? Lots of imagination and characters.
But on the island, just like this whole story, the nothing is ever how is seems. Thanks to Ms. King's amazing writing, Everley is a strong, flawed lead, her world is bright and dark, and her friends fight for her.
The story begins like a train pulling out of the station; slow enough that the reader can get to know the train and watch the scenery. But soon, the train, the story, picks up steam. Exciting vistas are around every corner and it's hard to pull away from the window. Pretty soon, the train has picked up so much steam and there's no way this train is stopping until it pulls into the station, until the very end of the book. But once I stopped, I was ready to get back on and go on another fantasy trip conducted by Emily King.
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
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