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Gifted Fae Academy #2
The Brave and the Broken
When one of the four elite students of Gifted Fae Academy is murdered, it leaves the entirety of the student body feeling defeated… especially me.
A shocking declaration shatters the fragile peace the school has barely managed to maintain and brings the criminal organization dedicated to murdering Fae to the forefront of society. Their leader is identified--a traitor we believed to be one of our own.
With the only home I have left threatening to close its doors, I must prove where my loyalties lie. There is no such thing as trust within the wall of the legendary academy any longer. It’s now student versus student. We’re all hurt… all broken. The thirst for revenge is palpable and there is no one who craves justice more than I do. But, no one is as conflicted as I am either.
Everything is not as it seems. The lies are too simple and the truth is far too complex. The more pieces of the puzzle that I uncover, the closer I get to the boy who broke us--who broke me. Will I have what it takes to stop him before his plans come to fruition? Or will my hesitation cost me my life this time?
This Upper YA/NA series is intended for mature audiences. It contains cursing, sexual situations, bullying, and violence.
A shocking declaration shatters the fragile peace the school has barely managed to maintain and brings the criminal organization dedicated to murdering Fae to the forefront of society. Their leader is identified--a traitor we believed to be one of our own.
With the only home I have left threatening to close its doors, I must prove where my loyalties lie. There is no such thing as trust within the wall of the legendary academy any longer. It’s now student versus student. We’re all hurt… all broken. The thirst for revenge is palpable and there is no one who craves justice more than I do. But, no one is as conflicted as I am either.
Everything is not as it seems. The lies are too simple and the truth is far too complex. The more pieces of the puzzle that I uncover, the closer I get to the boy who broke us--who broke me. Will I have what it takes to stop him before his plans come to fruition? Or will my hesitation cost me my life this time?
This Upper YA/NA series is intended for mature audiences. It contains cursing, sexual situations, bullying, and violence.
ebook
Published April 1, 2020
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About the author
Brittni Chenelle
29 books825 followersBrittni Chenelle is a USA Today Bestselling Multicultural Fantasy Author who specializes in multi-POV romances and the angsty enemies-to-lovers trope. She loves to explore the blurred lines between good and evil and believes wholeheartedly in a great story's ability to bring people together.
When she's not writing, she can be found at her home in South Korea where she spends far too much time consuming coffee, dark chocolate, and videos of animals doing human things.
Visit www.BrittniChenelle.com to browse her complete catalog, including upcoming books.
When she's not writing, she can be found at her home in South Korea where she spends far too much time consuming coffee, dark chocolate, and videos of animals doing human things.
Visit www.BrittniChenelle.com to browse her complete catalog, including upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 17, 2022
3.5 stars:
Great continuation of book 1
I discovered this series free on YouTube (the author has uploaded the whole series), and I enjoyed it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this YA Fae Fantasy Series.
The story takes place in an Academy, where only People with special abilities can attend. Their goal is to become Fae and protect the world.
But not everything is what it seems...
Book 2 continued right where book 1 left off. Kai's actions in book 1 needed explanation, and this book delivered them.
I loved both MC's character growth and the connection they share.
I also appreciated that there was more romance than in the first one.
It's pretty angsty, and I just hoped for these two to finally get together.
And that ending...I can't wait to read the final book!
→ Tropes ←
- upper YA Fantasy
- Fae Academy
- Starcrossed Lovers
- Childhood Friends to Enemies to Friends
- Hate to Love
- No spice
⚠️Safety: Mention of death of parents (FMC is an orphan), death & murder
📖Free Audiobook: 1st person, dual POV, and narration
___Reviews:___
Book 1: The Fae & The Fallen
Book 2: The Brave & The Broken
Book 3: The Strong & The Stolen
I discovered this series free on YouTube (the author has uploaded the whole series), and I enjoyed it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this YA Fae Fantasy Series.
The story takes place in an Academy, where only People with special abilities can attend. Their goal is to become Fae and protect the world.
But not everything is what it seems...
Book 2 continued right where book 1 left off. Kai's actions in book 1 needed explanation, and this book delivered them.
I loved both MC's character growth and the connection they share.
I also appreciated that there was more romance than in the first one.
It's pretty angsty, and I just hoped for these two to finally get together.
And that ending...I can't wait to read the final book!
→ Tropes ←
- upper YA Fantasy
- Fae Academy
- Starcrossed Lovers
- Childhood Friends to Enemies to Friends
- Hate to Love
- No spice
⚠️Safety: Mention of death of parents (FMC is an orphan), death & murder
📖Free Audiobook: 1st person, dual POV, and narration
___Reviews:___
Book 1: The Fae & The Fallen
Book 2: The Brave & The Broken
Book 3: The Strong & The Stolen
December 16, 2020
I finished reading this book whilst on holidays and let me just say, I was not disappointed with my first book that kicked off that holiday! I should've totally written my review up sooner but I was hoping that...one, my brain would be working a bit better and two, I kept getting sidetracked by my three little nephews and my family. Oopsie...But alas, do not fear, as this review is finally coming. Hopefully, I can accomplish getting out a decent review.
I literally loved so much about this book! It had so much angst and I loved the uncertainty of where it was heading. Like obvi I had worked out some parts but there were definitely spots of where I was like
And oh how I L-O-V-E those moments. From the ending of the first book til this book, I was hooked and honestly, it was a true struggle to put down the book. Its times like these that I don't get frustrated at my continual fight to stay asleep...because even if I could sleep easier, this book would be definitely pushing all my willpower buttons lol.
If you have read book one I'm certain you would've already started or finished reading this book, because honestly if you haven't...why the hell not? this will be me if you haven't at least added to your tbr pile.
You do not want to miss this second book because for me it only gets better! The story has everything I needed to keep me hooked and I loved how Brittni continued to do dual POV, so I could get lost in both of their heads and know everything happening. This story really thrives in this format! So if you loved book one then rest assured that you will absolutely love this! I give all the yes's in the world!
I guess you want a little bit of story development and all that jazz. Well first off, the character depth is awesome! I was impressed with that...I felt I lost a bit of connection to some of the characters but I also felt like I got a lot more connected to Kaito and Reina which was awesome!...and I really enjoyed exploring deeper into a few other characters like Yemoja and Zane. Also, the main bad dude in this book is hella perfect for his part!
As for the story, it picks up right where it left off and jumps into everything fairly quickly. Right after Gifted Fae Academy was breached - GASP the horror - and now in the aftermath, everything is up in the air. People have died, people are angry and some people are looking for a fight.
But to make it all the more Romeo Juliet style, Reina and Kaito are on two opposing sides. Reina struggles with the fact that Kaito betrayed everything they had both wanted, to be with The Fallen Arrow. She's angry and becomes unsure, wanting to seek answers from the boy she is falling for...
And on the other side we have Kaito who gave up everything for something he is kinda unsure about. He questions a lot and can see why these people are mad but at the same time, he is locked in a stalemate of sorts, by someone you are going to question from day dot, well I did...This person has an agenda and definitely isn't all he appears. Kaito, in my opinion, grows so much as a person so for me, I think I finally got that connection I had been searching for from the beginning of these books.
Oh and btws Kaito and Reina are totally in on my whole Romeo and Juliet thoughts lol.
“Damnit, Reina. You’re really not going to be happy unless we Romeo and Juliet this, are you.”
I laughed, rolling onto my stomach. “Do you mean fall in love or die tragically?”
“Both.”
You are going to love returning to this world, where legit anything can happen and where a world is on the brink of change...well hopefully...coz it's def clear that things need to change...but unless some higher-ups start listening, there could be a world of trouble. Maybe even war. Coz clearly that's the only way some people will start listening.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that though...I'm sure Reina, Kaito and their friends can come to a better solution...
Otherwise there is the whole frypan trick...🤷🏻♀️Maybe we could knock some really good sense into people? What? 🤷🏻♀️It's an option...and a good one 😁😂
Anywho, moving on...If you love a good enemies to lovers, world on the brink of war, magic and a whole heap of angst... this story is going to be perfect for you. People who enjoyed books like Assassin's Academy, Wicked Academy or Evermore Academy are definitely likely to be swept away in this world also.
So get yourself the book, get comfy. and read, read, read...
Thank you to the absolutely amazing Brittni for another incredible read and for letting me read early! I cannot wait to get my hands on what you have in store for us next!
That's all for now...
Happy Reading Nerdy Friends
I literally loved so much about this book! It had so much angst and I loved the uncertainty of where it was heading. Like obvi I had worked out some parts but there were definitely spots of where I was like
And oh how I L-O-V-E those moments. From the ending of the first book til this book, I was hooked and honestly, it was a true struggle to put down the book. Its times like these that I don't get frustrated at my continual fight to stay asleep...because even if I could sleep easier, this book would be definitely pushing all my willpower buttons lol.
If you have read book one I'm certain you would've already started or finished reading this book, because honestly if you haven't...why the hell not? this will be me if you haven't at least added to your tbr pile.
You do not want to miss this second book because for me it only gets better! The story has everything I needed to keep me hooked and I loved how Brittni continued to do dual POV, so I could get lost in both of their heads and know everything happening. This story really thrives in this format! So if you loved book one then rest assured that you will absolutely love this! I give all the yes's in the world!
I guess you want a little bit of story development and all that jazz. Well first off, the character depth is awesome! I was impressed with that...I felt I lost a bit of connection to some of the characters but I also felt like I got a lot more connected to Kaito and Reina which was awesome!...and I really enjoyed exploring deeper into a few other characters like Yemoja and Zane. Also, the main bad dude in this book is hella perfect for his part!
As for the story, it picks up right where it left off and jumps into everything fairly quickly. Right after Gifted Fae Academy was breached - GASP the horror - and now in the aftermath, everything is up in the air. People have died, people are angry and some people are looking for a fight.
But to make it all the more Romeo Juliet style, Reina and Kaito are on two opposing sides. Reina struggles with the fact that Kaito betrayed everything they had both wanted, to be with The Fallen Arrow. She's angry and becomes unsure, wanting to seek answers from the boy she is falling for...
And on the other side we have Kaito who gave up everything for something he is kinda unsure about. He questions a lot and can see why these people are mad but at the same time, he is locked in a stalemate of sorts, by someone you are going to question from day dot, well I did...This person has an agenda and definitely isn't all he appears. Kaito, in my opinion, grows so much as a person so for me, I think I finally got that connection I had been searching for from the beginning of these books.
Oh and btws Kaito and Reina are totally in on my whole Romeo and Juliet thoughts lol.
“Damnit, Reina. You’re really not going to be happy unless we Romeo and Juliet this, are you.”
I laughed, rolling onto my stomach. “Do you mean fall in love or die tragically?”
“Both.”
You are going to love returning to this world, where legit anything can happen and where a world is on the brink of change...well hopefully...coz it's def clear that things need to change...but unless some higher-ups start listening, there could be a world of trouble. Maybe even war. Coz clearly that's the only way some people will start listening.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that though...I'm sure Reina, Kaito and their friends can come to a better solution...
Otherwise there is the whole frypan trick...🤷🏻♀️Maybe we could knock some really good sense into people? What? 🤷🏻♀️It's an option...and a good one 😁😂
Anywho, moving on...If you love a good enemies to lovers, world on the brink of war, magic and a whole heap of angst... this story is going to be perfect for you. People who enjoyed books like Assassin's Academy, Wicked Academy or Evermore Academy are definitely likely to be swept away in this world also.
So get yourself the book, get comfy. and read, read, read...
Thank you to the absolutely amazing Brittni for another incredible read and for letting me read early! I cannot wait to get my hands on what you have in store for us next!
That's all for now...
Happy Reading Nerdy Friends
January 14, 2021
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Brittni Chenelle for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
It just keeps getting better and better!
This is the second book in the Gifted Fae Academy trilogy and I think this one was so much better than the first one. I’m hoping that the third one can finish the trilogy strong. I was very surprised at the reason why the first book ended the way it did, and being able to see Reina and Kai on opposite sides and not always interacting with one another was amazing. I think it worked that the book didn’t solely take place in the Academy like the first one mostly did. Their world really did expand after the first novel, and I feel like this completely changed the dynamic between the two main characters.
I was proud of the character growth that Reina and Kai showed from the first novel, and I’m excited to see more of their progress in the last book.
Now I know that Reina and Kai didn’t start off really…. personable I would say… but Kai finally gets out of his own butt in how he would treat Reina before she realized that she had powers. He was just a jerk-face, okay? We all know this. Luckily though, it seems like Kai becomes self-sacrificing with his own reputation and life in order to save Reina’s and the rest of the students at GFA from The Fallen’s attack. There didn’t need to be a massacre, and that’s what Kai was able to prevent during the dance.
The more that we see Kai with The Fallen, the more that we can see what’s going through his mind and whether or not he really made the right decision. We can also see him understand more of The Fallen’s motive, and a part of him may be more understanding than before. Does that mean he’s going to stay with The Fallen for good? We don’t know. Well, you don’t know. It doesn’t help make Kai’s decision any better when the true leader of The Fallen makes an appearance and ends up becoming friends with him. Can you truly trust a guy that could kill with a single touch? Doesn’t that make him more dangerous than the Fae that they are fighting so hard to eliminate? What about the other gifted people within The Fallen? Are they being hypocrites? What’s the deal? There’s a lot to learn while Kai is within the ranks of The Fallen, and things aren’t as black and white as initially thought.
My favorite part of this novel was the growing dynamic between Reina and Yemoja Roux. Yes, there is a mentor-mentee relationship since Yemoja is the one that truly helps Reina learn how to harness her power, but the relationship grows to one that is more familial in nature, and it warms my heart. Reina sees Yemoja as the big sister that she never had, and even though a part of her knows that Yemoja isn’t her blood sister, she hasn’t felt like she had a family since her parents were killed. They end up growing closer not just on the “practice field” so to speak, but outside of their public interactions. It’s a really beautiful budding relationship and the more you read the novel, the more you can see how that relationship takes its course. I’m hoping for more of this in the third novel to really solidify how important Yemoja and Reina are to one another outside of being gifted. I mentioned my love for their relationship in the first novel and again Brittni just wrote that dynamic perfectly to me.
And the relationship between Bri and Reina. Oh my gosh I’m so freaking happy that Reina finally has a female best friend that she can truly trust and love. Bri is such a great character, and I am so glad that I got to see her more in this novel. Seeing her emotional, but also being true to herself and to Reina was the best. Both Reina and Bri have learned one another’s strengths and weaknesses, triggers, and nuances in what seems like a short amount of time. But for me, it shows that they really took the time to make sure that the other wasn’t just a roommate to them this year, you know? I loved how Bri was so supportive and loyal to Reina even when the elites of the school turned their back on Reina. It was such a quick flip too that honestly it made me wonder whether the elites were actually friends with Reina and cared about her, or if they just accepted her because she was Odin’s girlfriend. Either way, Bri is a true friend to Reina and I do hope that… knowing what happened at the end of this novel… we get to see just how far they are willing to go for one another.
It just keeps getting better and better!
This is the second book in the Gifted Fae Academy trilogy and I think this one was so much better than the first one. I’m hoping that the third one can finish the trilogy strong. I was very surprised at the reason why the first book ended the way it did, and being able to see Reina and Kai on opposite sides and not always interacting with one another was amazing. I think it worked that the book didn’t solely take place in the Academy like the first one mostly did. Their world really did expand after the first novel, and I feel like this completely changed the dynamic between the two main characters.
I was proud of the character growth that Reina and Kai showed from the first novel, and I’m excited to see more of their progress in the last book.
Now I know that Reina and Kai didn’t start off really…. personable I would say… but Kai finally gets out of his own butt in how he would treat Reina before she realized that she had powers. He was just a jerk-face, okay? We all know this. Luckily though, it seems like Kai becomes self-sacrificing with his own reputation and life in order to save Reina’s and the rest of the students at GFA from The Fallen’s attack. There didn’t need to be a massacre, and that’s what Kai was able to prevent during the dance.
The more that we see Kai with The Fallen, the more that we can see what’s going through his mind and whether or not he really made the right decision. We can also see him understand more of The Fallen’s motive, and a part of him may be more understanding than before. Does that mean he’s going to stay with The Fallen for good? We don’t know. Well, you don’t know. It doesn’t help make Kai’s decision any better when the true leader of The Fallen makes an appearance and ends up becoming friends with him. Can you truly trust a guy that could kill with a single touch? Doesn’t that make him more dangerous than the Fae that they are fighting so hard to eliminate? What about the other gifted people within The Fallen? Are they being hypocrites? What’s the deal? There’s a lot to learn while Kai is within the ranks of The Fallen, and things aren’t as black and white as initially thought.
My favorite part of this novel was the growing dynamic between Reina and Yemoja Roux. Yes, there is a mentor-mentee relationship since Yemoja is the one that truly helps Reina learn how to harness her power, but the relationship grows to one that is more familial in nature, and it warms my heart. Reina sees Yemoja as the big sister that she never had, and even though a part of her knows that Yemoja isn’t her blood sister, she hasn’t felt like she had a family since her parents were killed. They end up growing closer not just on the “practice field” so to speak, but outside of their public interactions. It’s a really beautiful budding relationship and the more you read the novel, the more you can see how that relationship takes its course. I’m hoping for more of this in the third novel to really solidify how important Yemoja and Reina are to one another outside of being gifted. I mentioned my love for their relationship in the first novel and again Brittni just wrote that dynamic perfectly to me.
And the relationship between Bri and Reina. Oh my gosh I’m so freaking happy that Reina finally has a female best friend that she can truly trust and love. Bri is such a great character, and I am so glad that I got to see her more in this novel. Seeing her emotional, but also being true to herself and to Reina was the best. Both Reina and Bri have learned one another’s strengths and weaknesses, triggers, and nuances in what seems like a short amount of time. But for me, it shows that they really took the time to make sure that the other wasn’t just a roommate to them this year, you know? I loved how Bri was so supportive and loyal to Reina even when the elites of the school turned their back on Reina. It was such a quick flip too that honestly it made me wonder whether the elites were actually friends with Reina and cared about her, or if they just accepted her because she was Odin’s girlfriend. Either way, Bri is a true friend to Reina and I do hope that… knowing what happened at the end of this novel… we get to see just how far they are willing to go for one another.
February 28, 2020
What a thrilling story! Kai has grown as a character and Reina has grown into her magic.
I won't lie, this book has shocked me a couple of times reading it! It's powerful and emotional. I'm disappointed that we have to wait almost 3 more months for the next book, but it will be epic and explosive, I can feel it!
I won't lie, this book has shocked me a couple of times reading it! It's powerful and emotional. I'm disappointed that we have to wait almost 3 more months for the next book, but it will be epic and explosive, I can feel it!
February 14, 2020
4.5/5
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Brittni Chenelle!
The Brave & The Broken is the second book in the Gifted Fae Academy series and continues the story of Reina and Kaito.
The Brave & The Broken was another great book written by Brittni Chenelle! I’ve been reading a lot of books about fae and I really like the concept of the Gifted Fae Academy! It’s something different than I’ve read before and I really like that. These days books are really similar, and that not always bad, but I love reading a story that is a bit more original.
Reina and Kaito changed a lot from book 1 until the end of book 2. I really like some character development in books and Brittni Chenelle did so well! Just like the first book, The Brave & The Broken is written in two perspectives (Reina and Kaito) and I love reading in both perspectives. I just love it when you get to know more about the main characters by reading their thoughts and by reading about their feelings.
The Brave & The Broken was such a quick read. I love the shorter chapters because then it feels like you finish the book in 10 seconds. It’s also a lot easier to read, in my opinion. I don’t really like chapters that are too long. The Brave & The Broken was such a good book and I’m really excited for the next book in the series!
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Brittni Chenelle!
The Brave & The Broken is the second book in the Gifted Fae Academy series and continues the story of Reina and Kaito.
The Brave & The Broken was another great book written by Brittni Chenelle! I’ve been reading a lot of books about fae and I really like the concept of the Gifted Fae Academy! It’s something different than I’ve read before and I really like that. These days books are really similar, and that not always bad, but I love reading a story that is a bit more original.
Reina and Kaito changed a lot from book 1 until the end of book 2. I really like some character development in books and Brittni Chenelle did so well! Just like the first book, The Brave & The Broken is written in two perspectives (Reina and Kaito) and I love reading in both perspectives. I just love it when you get to know more about the main characters by reading their thoughts and by reading about their feelings.
The Brave & The Broken was such a quick read. I love the shorter chapters because then it feels like you finish the book in 10 seconds. It’s also a lot easier to read, in my opinion. I don’t really like chapters that are too long. The Brave & The Broken was such a good book and I’m really excited for the next book in the series!
February 14, 2020
So the only bad thing I have to say about this book is that it came to an end. And quickly too, since it took me only hours to read because I couldn't put it down. I don't know how I will wait to find out what happens next.
First, I wanted to hate Kai--really I did. Not because of what he was doing, but because of what he'd done before. But I just couldn't. The moments spent in his point-of-view are just spot on for me and gives me the ability to relate to his actions and motives. No spoilers, but the chapter where he and Zane are tipsy-texting was so well written and the dialogue was so hilarious that I read it twice!
Second, I think the thing this book does best is what Reina suggests at one point--it blurs the line between good and evil. It does this so well. Usually this would be heavy-handed or preachy, but in Chenelle's hands, it is complex, nuanced and balanced. Who is bad? Who is good? Who's to say? I come away with this as the ultimate lesson, and I can't wait to learn more!
First, I wanted to hate Kai--really I did. Not because of what he was doing, but because of what he'd done before. But I just couldn't. The moments spent in his point-of-view are just spot on for me and gives me the ability to relate to his actions and motives. No spoilers, but the chapter where he and Zane are tipsy-texting was so well written and the dialogue was so hilarious that I read it twice!
Second, I think the thing this book does best is what Reina suggests at one point--it blurs the line between good and evil. It does this so well. Usually this would be heavy-handed or preachy, but in Chenelle's hands, it is complex, nuanced and balanced. Who is bad? Who is good? Who's to say? I come away with this as the ultimate lesson, and I can't wait to learn more!
February 17, 2020
While I still don't love the use of the f word I did enjoy the book. I liked seeing Kai grow and care about something more than himself. He was willing to sacrifice his own priorities to save the GFA and prevent the destruction of the one girl who was always there for him, even when he was cruel to her. I thought the story flowed smoothly between each perspective so we got to understand each character better. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the introduction of new heroes and villains. The lines blur a little as you realize that the fae aren't always the good guys and the fallen are trying to even out things for the gifted and non gifted alike. Who can you trust? It ends with a bang and I can't wait to read what happens next.
November 3, 2025
execution could be better because the story is good. since it's barely 6 hours on audiobook, i would be continuing with the final book in the series.
March 21, 2020
I suppose it's time I wrote a review for this book. I waited so long to give others a chance to declare how they felt, feeling my opinion, being a tad biased since I was the Content Editor for it, needed to be kept out of their views. But it's been out long enough now that I don't feel my opinion would influence anyone else's, so here it is.
I loved this book. Much more than book 1. Probably because I feel I have far more invested in this one than I did in the first one. Two of my favorite characters were strongly highlighted: Kaito and DT. Kaito, because he was allowed to grow into the guy I knew he could be, the guy buried under that messed up teenager from book 1, who wasn't sure who he was or how he should act. In book 1, we saw the side of him that could be cruel, but mostly was overwhelmed by the onset of his powers, and the notoriety they brought him. As a teenage boy, he naturally got a case of a swelled head, and as such, decided to distance himself from his long time friend, Reina, a simple serf, to stay at the head of the "cool kids". But in doing so, he nearly lost the one friend he had that would always be true.
In book 2, Kaito realizes Reina is much more to him than a childhood friend, and that he was less than he thought he was, having realized he had a propensity towards cruelty. But, once faced with real cruelty in the form of a friend, forced on him by circumstances, (and, of course, I mean DT)/ he realizes he's not nearly as evil-minded as DT is, nor does he want to be.
From there, we go on quite the ride with these mixed up teenagers, never knowing on which side we're going to fall, nor which group is most sincere. Outside forces, going by the moniker The Fallen, start to intervene, and DT starts to show his true colors. As the antagonist, DT shows signs of being a very troubled person from his own sketchy past. While we know we should hate him, it is difficult, as we discover there's much more to him than just the cruel boy who does damage willy nilly. The development of his character went deep into the psyche of a teenaged boy who came into his powers young, with all the consequences that you'd expect from such an occurrence. This early development did damage to DT emotionally, causing him to have difficulty discerning the difference between right and wrong.
Kaito develops into a guy with a conscience, which he never expected. Nor did Reina. That conscience helps him stay the course after being forced to join The Fallen, an outside group with a grievance against The Gifted. But when the influences of DT, The Fallen's actual leader, become too much, Reina, having become quite strongly Gifted in her own right, determines to keep Kaito on the right side of the line, no matter how hard he makes it for her. With Reina in one ear, DT in the other, and The Fallen proving to be less evil than he first believed, Kaito is torn.
Book 2 has a storyline that is action-filled with a strong emotional impact. You find yourself coming to like all the characters, to some degree, making it difficult to have a definitive good guy/bad guy scenario, which I found to be a fascinating way to go. Much more like life actually is than most fairy tales bent on giving us a moral to follow. In this book, we see how ambiguous life really can be, and how difficult it is to know if you're doing the right thing all the time. I definitely found myself liking book 2 much more than book 1, and for more reasons than just my participation. And while I will not be participating in the writing of book 3, I do admit to a curiosity as to how well it will continue to do, in all aspects of the story, and I wish this author the best of luck in her future endeavors.
I loved this book. Much more than book 1. Probably because I feel I have far more invested in this one than I did in the first one. Two of my favorite characters were strongly highlighted: Kaito and DT. Kaito, because he was allowed to grow into the guy I knew he could be, the guy buried under that messed up teenager from book 1, who wasn't sure who he was or how he should act. In book 1, we saw the side of him that could be cruel, but mostly was overwhelmed by the onset of his powers, and the notoriety they brought him. As a teenage boy, he naturally got a case of a swelled head, and as such, decided to distance himself from his long time friend, Reina, a simple serf, to stay at the head of the "cool kids". But in doing so, he nearly lost the one friend he had that would always be true.
In book 2, Kaito realizes Reina is much more to him than a childhood friend, and that he was less than he thought he was, having realized he had a propensity towards cruelty. But, once faced with real cruelty in the form of a friend, forced on him by circumstances, (and, of course, I mean DT)/ he realizes he's not nearly as evil-minded as DT is, nor does he want to be.
From there, we go on quite the ride with these mixed up teenagers, never knowing on which side we're going to fall, nor which group is most sincere. Outside forces, going by the moniker The Fallen, start to intervene, and DT starts to show his true colors. As the antagonist, DT shows signs of being a very troubled person from his own sketchy past. While we know we should hate him, it is difficult, as we discover there's much more to him than just the cruel boy who does damage willy nilly. The development of his character went deep into the psyche of a teenaged boy who came into his powers young, with all the consequences that you'd expect from such an occurrence. This early development did damage to DT emotionally, causing him to have difficulty discerning the difference between right and wrong.
Kaito develops into a guy with a conscience, which he never expected. Nor did Reina. That conscience helps him stay the course after being forced to join The Fallen, an outside group with a grievance against The Gifted. But when the influences of DT, The Fallen's actual leader, become too much, Reina, having become quite strongly Gifted in her own right, determines to keep Kaito on the right side of the line, no matter how hard he makes it for her. With Reina in one ear, DT in the other, and The Fallen proving to be less evil than he first believed, Kaito is torn.
Book 2 has a storyline that is action-filled with a strong emotional impact. You find yourself coming to like all the characters, to some degree, making it difficult to have a definitive good guy/bad guy scenario, which I found to be a fascinating way to go. Much more like life actually is than most fairy tales bent on giving us a moral to follow. In this book, we see how ambiguous life really can be, and how difficult it is to know if you're doing the right thing all the time. I definitely found myself liking book 2 much more than book 1, and for more reasons than just my participation. And while I will not be participating in the writing of book 3, I do admit to a curiosity as to how well it will continue to do, in all aspects of the story, and I wish this author the best of luck in her future endeavors.
March 24, 2025
My loyalty is to Reina and no one else.
I loved this book. Truth.
These books just get better and better. Truth.
I am dying to read Book 3. Truth.
This book moves fast, and it never lets up! In The Brave and the Broken we get to see more from the celebrity students and their abilities, in addition to the criminal society surfacing and how the Fae take a stand against it. Reina is ready to fight and even while learning to train her abilities, there is one standout moment when she needs to speak with her previous orphanage Head Mistress, which made my heart completely break.
Kai’s arc is one of the most gratifying to follow—he starts off in a really dark place, but by the end, he’s someone worth rooting for. Reina choosing him over and over again, despite the odds, gives major Romeo & Juliet energy and it actually feels earned.
Things had been so turbulent that I never had time to truly consider my feelings. When did they begin to change? The shift between hate and love was but a whisper—a line in the sand that, with one gentle wave, was gone.
“Please just…” She touched my face as a quick breath escaped, “let me save you this time.”
I smiled. “Can’t you see you already have?”
The whole story is just so incredibly binge-worthy. And if you’re into My Hero Academia, you get some serious Tomura Shigaraki vibes here, which I loved.
(4.5⭐s)
Start binging now if you enjoy:
💥My Hero Academia
💕 He Falls First
📝 Magic Academies
🎉 Diverse Cast
📸 Celebrity Classmates
🦹🏻 Villain Gets the Girl
❤️🔥 Friends to Rivals to Lovers
May 29, 2020
The Brave & The Broken was such a surprising read. This book was wonderful, it had so much angst and uncertainty, constantly changing the direction.
From the ending of the first book through to this one, I was immediately hooked.
The dual POV only gets better, all characters gain so much more depth, and the ending leaves you wondering what could possibly happen next.
Thankfully, the emotional state that the cliff hanger has left me in will not last long as book 3 has recently been released.
Bravo Brittni Chenelle, another great hit!
From the ending of the first book through to this one, I was immediately hooked.
The dual POV only gets better, all characters gain so much more depth, and the ending leaves you wondering what could possibly happen next.
Thankfully, the emotional state that the cliff hanger has left me in will not last long as book 3 has recently been released.
Bravo Brittni Chenelle, another great hit!
May 30, 2024
3.9 stars. I enjoyed this better than the first book although Reina's impulsivity annoyed me to no end. She had no experience in what she was dealing with. She was really new to the other side of the world of the gifted but she disregarded sound advice from those with more experience and ran into dangerous situations just clueless. She was immediately always in trouble when she did this.
Even though Reina gets on my nerves at times, I'm really invested in the story. And I do love Kaito's character development. I do wish that DT could have been redeemed. His methods were horrible and he relished in how Fae feared him, but his intentions were good. I am not mad at The Fallen.
Even though Reina gets on my nerves at times, I'm really invested in the story. And I do love Kaito's character development. I do wish that DT could have been redeemed. His methods were horrible and he relished in how Fae feared him, but his intentions were good. I am not mad at The Fallen.
March 3, 2020
Chenelle did it again!!!
The author has a habit of making me pity and love the bad guy in all of her books. Honestly my heart can’t take it but I’m a glutton for punishment. Her books are just so real and raw emotionally that you see and understand every characters prospective and feel bad for them. I found myself feeling sorry for DT more times than I can count. How does Chenelle make bad guys soooo good? I don’t know but I LOVE it.
Still... fuck Miranda though.
I cannot wait for book 3
The author has a habit of making me pity and love the bad guy in all of her books. Honestly my heart can’t take it but I’m a glutton for punishment. Her books are just so real and raw emotionally that you see and understand every characters prospective and feel bad for them. I found myself feeling sorry for DT more times than I can count. How does Chenelle make bad guys soooo good? I don’t know but I LOVE it.
Still... fuck Miranda though.
I cannot wait for book 3
Read
May 30, 2020I really enjoyed reading this one! The characters really grew on me, especially Kai, which kind of surprised me because I didn't like him in the first.
I'm looking forward to reading the last one in the trilogy.
I'm looking forward to reading the last one in the trilogy.
March 11, 2023
Yeah, this looks like a great stopping point.
February 12, 2026
I loooove the story line but the writing makes me cringe
February 15, 2020
Wow what a race!! Where the first book was the warm up then a race this book was a race from start to finish. I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for book 3!!
February 16, 2020
This series is so much fun! Can't wait for more!!
Read
December 31, 2024All of the full audiobooks for this series are available for FREE on YouTube! Enjoy. <3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-axf...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-axf...
June 11, 2020
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is all my own thoughts and honest opinions.
Coming off of the first book (which in my opinion was the start to one of my new favorite series), this book did a sequel justice. Normally I'm apprehensive about sequels. They either feel rushed, not good enough or just lacking in substances. But this sequel was not a let-down. The multiple POVs, the drama and intense enemies-to-lovers hit me in all of the right ways.
As for a recap of book one: the world is filled those who have powers - the elites and the commons. Those without powers are called "serfs" and a looked down upon. Our main characters, Reina and Kaito and very different in lives and perspectives. Reina - a serf- has lost her parents and is trying to find a way to get into the Academy without knowing what her powers is, if she even has any at all. She won't let anyone discourage her, or get in her way of getting to the Academy and be like her idol, Yemoja Roux. Kaito - an elite- has had everything handed to him. When he fails the Academy test twice, he only has one chance left. Even though they were best friends, once he got powers he spends the next 4 years making Reina's life a living hell. But when she get's him into the Academy, things might start to change since she might be one of the most powerful Fae in the making.
Now on to book 2, it had the same amount of action, romance, and suspense that the first one had if not more. We continue as we left off after the battle, the entire school recuperating after the attack from the Fallen.
Reina has grown from the last book in power and strength. She has been working with Yemoja to control and harness her powers, and she uses these abilities to make things right after the attack. Kaito, on the other hand, was last seen leaving the battle at the school to join the Fallen. There he becomes the "face" of the rebellion against the Fae. But we start to realize not all is what it seems. What are his plans? Does he really believe that the Fae are murderers? Who's side is Kaito really on and finally, how will Reina act after this harsh betrayal?
This is a tale of forbidden love across the sides of good and evil. But who's on the side of good, and who's on the side of evil? Is the Fallen really as bad as the Fae are making them out to be? Why and how are the Fae targeted in these attacks? I highly suggest you pick up this book and find out because I cannot wait to read book 3 and see what happens to Reina & Kaito.
Coming off of the first book (which in my opinion was the start to one of my new favorite series), this book did a sequel justice. Normally I'm apprehensive about sequels. They either feel rushed, not good enough or just lacking in substances. But this sequel was not a let-down. The multiple POVs, the drama and intense enemies-to-lovers hit me in all of the right ways.
As for a recap of book one: the world is filled those who have powers - the elites and the commons. Those without powers are called "serfs" and a looked down upon. Our main characters, Reina and Kaito and very different in lives and perspectives. Reina - a serf- has lost her parents and is trying to find a way to get into the Academy without knowing what her powers is, if she even has any at all. She won't let anyone discourage her, or get in her way of getting to the Academy and be like her idol, Yemoja Roux. Kaito - an elite- has had everything handed to him. When he fails the Academy test twice, he only has one chance left. Even though they were best friends, once he got powers he spends the next 4 years making Reina's life a living hell. But when she get's him into the Academy, things might start to change since she might be one of the most powerful Fae in the making.
Now on to book 2, it had the same amount of action, romance, and suspense that the first one had if not more. We continue as we left off after the battle, the entire school recuperating after the attack from the Fallen.
Reina has grown from the last book in power and strength. She has been working with Yemoja to control and harness her powers, and she uses these abilities to make things right after the attack. Kaito, on the other hand, was last seen leaving the battle at the school to join the Fallen. There he becomes the "face" of the rebellion against the Fae. But we start to realize not all is what it seems. What are his plans? Does he really believe that the Fae are murderers? Who's side is Kaito really on and finally, how will Reina act after this harsh betrayal?
This is a tale of forbidden love across the sides of good and evil. But who's on the side of good, and who's on the side of evil? Is the Fallen really as bad as the Fae are making them out to be? Why and how are the Fae targeted in these attacks? I highly suggest you pick up this book and find out because I cannot wait to read book 3 and see what happens to Reina & Kaito.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
Actual rating: 3.7/5
.
Rating this one lower than book 1 doesn't mean that it was bad or boring. In fact, the book is more action-packed in comparison to book1 that focuses on characters.
Thoughts and feelings:
Now...
🍁With the way things end in book 1, I thought that a wild, a complete wild journey, is about to happen. And while that is what happens in this book to some extent, I think that some plot twists are pretty predictable. The fact that Kai at the end of book one shows as an enemy speaks volumes to us as readers for 1. We get his POV and so 2. We know that he can't be an enemy, which leads to 3. He must have acted as so to either protect Reina or to support a friend. Both are reasons that are proven to be true. And I'm not stating this to say that this side plot is bad. In fact, we come to learn more about the Fallen. We come to see the fae academy's real face. Now until things end in this book, I'm not sure that I wanna pick a side. I'm neither in the side of the fae nor the side of the fallen. I just wanna be there to support Kai and Reina 🥲
🍁 One thing I feel meh about in this book is the fast pace of the story. We don't get much time spend where Kai is learning and spying on the Fallen and their hidden place. Even though he wants to save Reina and he is determined at first to show how cruel and ruthless he is in front of her, his determination dims the moment she meets him. And after that we come to see him texting her, and her texting him back, neglecting the fact that the two of them are on the opposite extremes of the spectrum. Which only triggers the questions of what and why?
🍁For a fantasy series this short, I am happy to see the author this courageous introducing us to new characters. Honestly, I come to really love the Fallen and their leader even though he's shown as a monster and a deadly case at the end. For me, I think I can only see him as a desperate child who is lonely and naive. Therefore, I don't like the way his life ends. I don't like how he's perceived as evil and bad. I don't like how Reina and Kai, though seeing him for who he truly is, never stops to understand him and try to play things safe instead of leading everything into chaos.
🍁Again, this book ends with such a cliffhanger and I'm eager to start book 3 as soon as I can🌬
.
Rating this one lower than book 1 doesn't mean that it was bad or boring. In fact, the book is more action-packed in comparison to book1 that focuses on characters.
Thoughts and feelings:
Now...
🍁With the way things end in book 1, I thought that a wild, a complete wild journey, is about to happen. And while that is what happens in this book to some extent, I think that some plot twists are pretty predictable. The fact that Kai at the end of book one shows as an enemy speaks volumes to us as readers for 1. We get his POV and so 2. We know that he can't be an enemy, which leads to 3. He must have acted as so to either protect Reina or to support a friend. Both are reasons that are proven to be true. And I'm not stating this to say that this side plot is bad. In fact, we come to learn more about the Fallen. We come to see the fae academy's real face. Now until things end in this book, I'm not sure that I wanna pick a side. I'm neither in the side of the fae nor the side of the fallen. I just wanna be there to support Kai and Reina 🥲
🍁 One thing I feel meh about in this book is the fast pace of the story. We don't get much time spend where Kai is learning and spying on the Fallen and their hidden place. Even though he wants to save Reina and he is determined at first to show how cruel and ruthless he is in front of her, his determination dims the moment she meets him. And after that we come to see him texting her, and her texting him back, neglecting the fact that the two of them are on the opposite extremes of the spectrum. Which only triggers the questions of what and why?
🍁For a fantasy series this short, I am happy to see the author this courageous introducing us to new characters. Honestly, I come to really love the Fallen and their leader even though he's shown as a monster and a deadly case at the end. For me, I think I can only see him as a desperate child who is lonely and naive. Therefore, I don't like the way his life ends. I don't like how he's perceived as evil and bad. I don't like how Reina and Kai, though seeing him for who he truly is, never stops to understand him and try to play things safe instead of leading everything into chaos.
🍁Again, this book ends with such a cliffhanger and I'm eager to start book 3 as soon as I can🌬
October 26, 2020
A perfect follow up to the first.
First off, to anyone looking for a book that is all sewed up at the end with a bow on top and doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page, one that doesn’t make you both rejoice and scream at a cliffhanger, just go find some dime store romance and leave the rest of us alone. Now, for those of you who are looking for a book that is so immersive in the writing, characters, world-building, and storyline that you forget you’re reading a book, and instead feel like you’ve fallen into the world on the page, come closer and keep on reading.
I know that this trilogy is marked as a bully romance, but I wouldn’t describe it as such. It’s honestly more of a story of deep friendship, a loss of self (on Kaito’s end), and a slow redemption as two young adults—one idealistic (Reina) and one searching for purpose (Kaito), fight on opposite sides for the same outcome. When the world was upside down, they fought heaven and hell just to save each other.
In this second installment, Brittni brings us all back in to the story just a few days after the battle that ended the first book. Her voice shines through in every word, the emotions and action drawing you in deeper like a moth to a flame. And without making it obvious at all, she effortlessly weaves suspense thriller into this urban fantasy, with the ease and delicacy that I find in JD Robb’s ‘In Death’ series, or A.D. Winter’s ‘Ivy Cross and the Monarch of Darkness’.
The war that is to come, the sacrifice of one life for another with the fear and equal hope that the other understands reminds me of Mary Fan’s ‘A Girl Called Firedragon’. The intrigue and duplicity combined with the burning undercurrent of agape love for friends and the deep protective love and loyalty between our stars...This book has it all and it only gets better from here.
First off, to anyone looking for a book that is all sewed up at the end with a bow on top and doesn’t keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page, one that doesn’t make you both rejoice and scream at a cliffhanger, just go find some dime store romance and leave the rest of us alone. Now, for those of you who are looking for a book that is so immersive in the writing, characters, world-building, and storyline that you forget you’re reading a book, and instead feel like you’ve fallen into the world on the page, come closer and keep on reading.
I know that this trilogy is marked as a bully romance, but I wouldn’t describe it as such. It’s honestly more of a story of deep friendship, a loss of self (on Kaito’s end), and a slow redemption as two young adults—one idealistic (Reina) and one searching for purpose (Kaito), fight on opposite sides for the same outcome. When the world was upside down, they fought heaven and hell just to save each other.
In this second installment, Brittni brings us all back in to the story just a few days after the battle that ended the first book. Her voice shines through in every word, the emotions and action drawing you in deeper like a moth to a flame. And without making it obvious at all, she effortlessly weaves suspense thriller into this urban fantasy, with the ease and delicacy that I find in JD Robb’s ‘In Death’ series, or A.D. Winter’s ‘Ivy Cross and the Monarch of Darkness’.
The war that is to come, the sacrifice of one life for another with the fear and equal hope that the other understands reminds me of Mary Fan’s ‘A Girl Called Firedragon’. The intrigue and duplicity combined with the burning undercurrent of agape love for friends and the deep protective love and loyalty between our stars...This book has it all and it only gets better from here.
January 21, 2023
Actual rating is 3.5
Let me start by saying I enjoyed the book. It was entertaining and I look forward to the next, but I also want to scribble down my thoughts because some things got on my nerves and I just need to get them off my chest. Spoilers ahead so be warned. I try to be vague but still.
Kaito really doesn't deserve the love he gets from Reina. I swear. She would be better off with Odin.
However... The author is doing Odin dirty in this book, man. And I already felt that coming ofcourse since book 1 because somehow we always need a second love interest who is very obviously not the correct choice and just... Sigh. I'm over it.
I was rooting for him. At least to stay a good character we can love.
I get it though he is grieving and all but still... It is portrayed in a way as if he is now the bad choice and Kaito is the obvious right one. Nua-ah. Never.
Kaito is still the wrong choice, even though he finally admits to himself that he likes Reina now and acts like it for once. He doesn't deserve her. Yep, even after all his recent actions. He is not redeemed.
I also did think that our mr. Evil went out a bit too... Easy? Not just that I didn't like how quickly he changed his stance on things. His opinions and how he could turn on his allies so easily. I would have liked for him to have a stronger personality. Not just to seem deranged.
Regardless I was a little sad at the deaths that happened. It did make me feel something.
I also really enjoyed the friendships in this book. Not counting mr. Evil DT.
I hope to see more of that in the 3rd book.
The adoption also warmed my heart.
So yeah don't take this as me saying that I hate the book because I don't but it could have been even better in my opinion.
Let me start by saying I enjoyed the book. It was entertaining and I look forward to the next, but I also want to scribble down my thoughts because some things got on my nerves and I just need to get them off my chest. Spoilers ahead so be warned. I try to be vague but still.
Kaito really doesn't deserve the love he gets from Reina. I swear. She would be better off with Odin.
However... The author is doing Odin dirty in this book, man. And I already felt that coming ofcourse since book 1 because somehow we always need a second love interest who is very obviously not the correct choice and just... Sigh. I'm over it.
I was rooting for him. At least to stay a good character we can love.
I get it though he is grieving and all but still... It is portrayed in a way as if he is now the bad choice and Kaito is the obvious right one. Nua-ah. Never.
Kaito is still the wrong choice, even though he finally admits to himself that he likes Reina now and acts like it for once. He doesn't deserve her. Yep, even after all his recent actions. He is not redeemed.
I also did think that our mr. Evil went out a bit too... Easy? Not just that I didn't like how quickly he changed his stance on things. His opinions and how he could turn on his allies so easily. I would have liked for him to have a stronger personality. Not just to seem deranged.
Regardless I was a little sad at the deaths that happened. It did make me feel something.
I also really enjoyed the friendships in this book. Not counting mr. Evil DT.
I hope to see more of that in the 3rd book.
The adoption also warmed my heart.
So yeah don't take this as me saying that I hate the book because I don't but it could have been even better in my opinion.
December 6, 2020
This series was an emotional, romantic, mystery filled rollercoaster! Once you get on the ride in the first installment, you're left feeling angry with Kai and Reina, yet sucked into what you believe to be an unreasonable and unreciprocal love story. There's something underlying there that urges you to continue reading even though you're ready to kick Kai's butt! You're rewarded by choosing Reina as the underdog and rejoice with her as her dreams come true and when the end comes, you're left at the same apex as when you've survived the first major plummet from a rollercoaster. Exhilarated, yet cautious as the ride continues.
The second installment dims your hatred of Kai as he redeems himself and you even find yourself routing for him. Dude has been dealt a raw deal and like many of us, simply tried to do the best with what he was given. You LOVE how Reina, who started as the least of them, excels to become the best of them, exhibiting the TRUE nature of what a Fae should be and even begins to heal some parts of her most idolized Fae.
By the third installment, you're absolutely on fire as you fight for Kai and Reina to succeed! You have some pity on Calvin considering his gift and how it alienates him but dude needs to be taught a serious lesson. By the end of the book you're screaming and chanting as Reina becomes the woman we all have cheered her to become. You find yourself like an excited aunt or cousin at a football game cheering her to touchdown.
Reina exemplifies the best of all of us!
The second installment dims your hatred of Kai as he redeems himself and you even find yourself routing for him. Dude has been dealt a raw deal and like many of us, simply tried to do the best with what he was given. You LOVE how Reina, who started as the least of them, excels to become the best of them, exhibiting the TRUE nature of what a Fae should be and even begins to heal some parts of her most idolized Fae.
By the third installment, you're absolutely on fire as you fight for Kai and Reina to succeed! You have some pity on Calvin considering his gift and how it alienates him but dude needs to be taught a serious lesson. By the end of the book you're screaming and chanting as Reina becomes the woman we all have cheered her to become. You find yourself like an excited aunt or cousin at a football game cheering her to touchdown.
Reina exemplifies the best of all of us!
September 6, 2020
Reina and Kaito have a strange bond but the story is very captivating!
I listened to the audiobook so a few words on that one as well:
Narrators both did an amazing job. On top of having a female narrator for Reina and a male one for Kaito, the chapters begin with their names so audiobook or not, following along is easy enough!
Can’t decide if Reina and Kaito’s connection is healthy or not but boy, this book was captivating. I have to admit that I had some doubts here and their about their strange connection, whether or not it feels natural or just plein stupid but all in all, it suited the story very well and their special bond is a beauty in itself.
This book really throws all typical good vs. wrong things through the window the more the story develops. Nothing is clear cut and everything seems to depend on the way you look at things.
As we learn more about the Fallen (the rebel organization that attacked the school at the end of book 1 and killed one of the beloved elites both Reina and Kaito hang out with) and their reasons behind their actions, as well as the good things the organization does, the lines of good and evil become more blurred.
And as the story develops, we learn more about the Fae (which in Brittni’s world, are really uniquely skilled and trained people instead of an entire other race, love her take on ‘Fae’). And as we learn more and more, it is apparent that nothing is as black and white as it all started out at the beginning of book 1.
Such a captivating story! Can’t wait for book 3!
I listened to the audiobook so a few words on that one as well:
Narrators both did an amazing job. On top of having a female narrator for Reina and a male one for Kaito, the chapters begin with their names so audiobook or not, following along is easy enough!
Can’t decide if Reina and Kaito’s connection is healthy or not but boy, this book was captivating. I have to admit that I had some doubts here and their about their strange connection, whether or not it feels natural or just plein stupid but all in all, it suited the story very well and their special bond is a beauty in itself.
This book really throws all typical good vs. wrong things through the window the more the story develops. Nothing is clear cut and everything seems to depend on the way you look at things.
As we learn more about the Fallen (the rebel organization that attacked the school at the end of book 1 and killed one of the beloved elites both Reina and Kaito hang out with) and their reasons behind their actions, as well as the good things the organization does, the lines of good and evil become more blurred.
And as the story develops, we learn more about the Fae (which in Brittni’s world, are really uniquely skilled and trained people instead of an entire other race, love her take on ‘Fae’). And as we learn more and more, it is apparent that nothing is as black and white as it all started out at the beginning of book 1.
Such a captivating story! Can’t wait for book 3!
December 21, 2022
Where the first book was somewhat coherent in its plot, this one left all rails of consistency.
I DNF it at around 40% and could not longer continue.
There where plotpoints happening that were never talked about or hinted at in the first book. BUT it was handled here like it happend in the first book. And when I let my confusion slide and tried to roll with it, the next nonsense thing was thrown upon me.
Especially the character of Kaito was so weird. He had zero humanity in the first book, and now all of a sudden he says he is thought of as a "monster" by others because of his powers. Like WHEN? He was THE most popular guy at both schools, and the magic people were generally feared by normal people, sooo what is so special about him?
Also the whole he actually joined the rebellion to protect Reina made no sense either..I'm gonna stop talking about it here.
If you enjoyed book one maye this is for you. I barely enjoyed book one so my negative thoughts don't surprise me.
I wanna say this is no hate on the author, this series just was not my cup of tea. In general her writing style is easy to read through and I still have to applaud her for making the (I think) whole cast POC-characters with every race except white people in it. That I loved, the fanatsy world needs more of that in general!
If another series of hers gets my intereset I will read it.
I DNF it at around 40% and could not longer continue.
There where plotpoints happening that were never talked about or hinted at in the first book. BUT it was handled here like it happend in the first book. And when I let my confusion slide and tried to roll with it, the next nonsense thing was thrown upon me.
Especially the character of Kaito was so weird. He had zero humanity in the first book, and now all of a sudden he says he is thought of as a "monster" by others because of his powers. Like WHEN? He was THE most popular guy at both schools, and the magic people were generally feared by normal people, sooo what is so special about him?
Also the whole he actually joined the rebellion to protect Reina made no sense either..I'm gonna stop talking about it here.
If you enjoyed book one maye this is for you. I barely enjoyed book one so my negative thoughts don't surprise me.
I wanna say this is no hate on the author, this series just was not my cup of tea. In general her writing style is easy to read through and I still have to applaud her for making the (I think) whole cast POC-characters with every race except white people in it. That I loved, the fanatsy world needs more of that in general!
If another series of hers gets my intereset I will read it.
March 5, 2020
More superhero than fairy, this installment of the story really ratchets up the action! Kai did a lot to redeem himself in this book - I'm not quite so adverse to him as a love interest as I was in book 1. Reina has a troubled journey ahead of her and it is interesting to watch her learn more about the world she came to, the one she left and the one she never knew was there. The world and characters built in book 1 got a whole lot richer in book 2!
I think one of the things that makes this book so much better than the first is it has a defined antagonist and the development of defined sides in a larger conflict that was hinted at previously. This is far more satisfying than the petty teenage squabbles.
This is book 2 in the series and starts right in the aftermath of the confrontation at the end of book 1. The dream is crumbling, but it is still not entirely clear what is behind the facade. Sides are drawn and redrawn - the pressure mounts. I can't wait to see what is coming in year three.
I think one of the things that makes this book so much better than the first is it has a defined antagonist and the development of defined sides in a larger conflict that was hinted at previously. This is far more satisfying than the petty teenage squabbles.
This is book 2 in the series and starts right in the aftermath of the confrontation at the end of book 1. The dream is crumbling, but it is still not entirely clear what is behind the facade. Sides are drawn and redrawn - the pressure mounts. I can't wait to see what is coming in year three.
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January 30, 2023this was a fun book and definitely matched up to the first!
i had my expectations of this book that was more like ignite me or mockingjay and pushed reina into the fallen towards the end. i kind of wish we’d have seen that because i love a rebel team training era. kai’s story here was definitely more interesting than reina’s?!
the romance was also surprisingly good in this book! i definitely found myself rooting for them anytime they interacted. i think the dual POV works really well and the voice actors for the two of them in the audiobook both do a great job.
i liked that we saw a little more of the broken government system and i like that reina has turned into our hero who wants to do the right thing all the time but as the story progresses, her boundaries get pushed. slay
overall easy to listen to and i still love that this series is free and accessible in audiobook form on youtube from the author! i’m interested to keep listening!
i had my expectations of this book that was more like ignite me or mockingjay and pushed reina into the fallen towards the end. i kind of wish we’d have seen that because i love a rebel team training era. kai’s story here was definitely more interesting than reina’s?!
the romance was also surprisingly good in this book! i definitely found myself rooting for them anytime they interacted. i think the dual POV works really well and the voice actors for the two of them in the audiobook both do a great job.
i liked that we saw a little more of the broken government system and i like that reina has turned into our hero who wants to do the right thing all the time but as the story progresses, her boundaries get pushed. slay
overall easy to listen to and i still love that this series is free and accessible in audiobook form on youtube from the author! i’m interested to keep listening!
February 18, 2020
The Brave & The Broken is the second book in the Gifted Fae Academy series and continues the story of Reina and Kaito.
The Brave & The Broken was another great book written by Brittni Chenelle. The world-building is what you expect from this author. It is full and visceral and the descriptions really make you feel like you are front in canter to all the action. The characters are fully detailed and you can easily see yourself as their friend and relating to them at so many points during the book.
Reina and Kaito have evolved so much from book 1 until the end of book 2. Just like the first book, The Brave & The Broken is written in two perspectives (Reina and Kaito) and I love reading from both perspectives. I love it when you get to know more about the main characters by reading their thoughts and by reading about their feelings.
Brittni Chenelle is a fantastic author that always puts loads of love into her books. I always look forward to her books when they come out and devour them in a very short sitting. I highly recommend this book for all paranormal fans, especially when it comes to the fae and magic.
The Brave & The Broken was another great book written by Brittni Chenelle. The world-building is what you expect from this author. It is full and visceral and the descriptions really make you feel like you are front in canter to all the action. The characters are fully detailed and you can easily see yourself as their friend and relating to them at so many points during the book.
Reina and Kaito have evolved so much from book 1 until the end of book 2. Just like the first book, The Brave & The Broken is written in two perspectives (Reina and Kaito) and I love reading from both perspectives. I love it when you get to know more about the main characters by reading their thoughts and by reading about their feelings.
Brittni Chenelle is a fantastic author that always puts loads of love into her books. I always look forward to her books when they come out and devour them in a very short sitting. I highly recommend this book for all paranormal fans, especially when it comes to the fae and magic.
June 23, 2020
Reina and Kai are on opposing sides of the war…they are using Kai’s face as the leader of the Fallen, which is far from the truth. Reina and her friends are trying to make sense out of everything happening! She knows that Kai cannot be responsible…and Miranda foretells she will continue to pick Kai over all of them. Oden and her are no more! She loves Kai, and he her. Now, Kai watched another person he knew be destroyed by the real head of the Fallen…DT. He is scared of him…Reina’s hero adopts her. Kai and Reina are texting one another after she believed she killed him…turns out he was just hurt. Now, they will have to come together to stop one dangerous person from destroying everything and everyone…but the truths they find inside him are heartrending.
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