For 217 Years, the Utopian City of Eden has been shielded from the world that was destroyed in a Nuclear Holocaust. What people think is a perfect city, there are secrets in the city's depths; secrets the government would kill to keep hidden. Blaire Houston has lived her entire life in Eden, she has always known their city being protected from the outside was never meant to be forever. As a Member of the secret organization 'The Resistance' she knows that she has the chance to take down the dome protecting the city and let her people be free once again.
Now with nowhere to hide, Blaire and her fellow Resistance members will have to navigate the unfamiliar world beyond after being chased away from their city . While on the run, Blaire the Resistance must learn to trust a new set of allies in order to survive the harsh new conditions of Earth. When the truth is finally revealed, the people of Eden still cower at the rule of the government who hid a secret that prevents them from having their freedom.
This book is in great need of a professional editor. The author has some good ideas for her storyline, but the writing style is so unpolished that it distracts from the reading experience.
Thank you so much for recommending this book to me Booktasters. A very amusing book by A.K. Michalik. The very interesting book takes you to another world of nuclear weapons and you will find a lot of emotions and actions, the more you read the more you will get attached and engaged with the events. The author has a very good imagination and description for the new places they had to flee to, the book will teach you that there are traitors everywhere and that nothing really seems as perfect as it is.
I thought this book was more on science fiction, however as I read this is clearly a Y&A book. If I see this book from that point of view, this is a simple and average book. However, it does have some issues on continuity and some things that made me have a difficult time bonding with the protagonist. If I were reading this book as an adolescent, well maybe I would like it, not now. The narrative takes too long to explain simple things as the love interest of the secondary characters and it takes no effort to explain this new or apocalyptical age in which is supposed to live the protagonist. Sorry, but 200 years is not enough time for humans to change physiologically and adapt to similar conditions up to now. Some things were totally out of sense. I decided to stop reading not because I think is totally a bad book, but because I do have other reading interests.
I really enjoyed and loved the book. It's really an elaborated plot, and there's emotion and action in every page, so it really becomes addictive once you start reading the book.
I also had to laugh with some answers that Blaire gave on the book.
I really enjoyed this book the characters are brilliant I love every minute it kept me on my toes all the way through I hope there is a second book to this the author is brilliant that is why I give it five stars to this. I don't want to give anything away but I do recommend this book
I really enjoyed that book. I got swept up into a whole other universe expressing the other character's feelings, memories, the pain or anger, confusion, sadness, happiness and I forget everything is around me.
( Thanks to @booktasters_ for allowing me the chance to read this for free in exchange for an honest review! )
It took me a while to work through this book (and I was tempted to abort the effort many times) because of how little interest I had for the storyline and characters. Off the bat, the prose stands out in its desperate need for a professional editor. Unfortunately, it was distracting enough that I had to keep taking breaks when reading and that destroyed any chance of getting into a flow. The plot was also very predictable and therefore failed to hold me down.
Conceptually, as far as the worldbuilding, this has potential. That potential could be brought out if, again, this got professionally edited. It's almost as if the weight of the story's potential is too much for the writing to carry. Don't tell me what people are like; show me instead!
The characters are alright and I will say that the author definitely captures the voice and sensibilities of a teenager. This may capture YA audiences better because of that.
If you like dystopian worlds like Divergent, or action-packed sci-fi movies, then you're going to love Broken Society.
The story follows Blaire Houston, a resistance leader, who is fighting against a terrible government in a city called Eden – presided over by her own father, Prime Minister Jonathan Houston. The city is under a dome. It's a manufactured paradise. The government controls even the weather. But it's like Big Brother is always watching everyone.
Blaire succeeds at shutting the city's dome down for a few minutes and hurries to free the resistance community and escape the dome, to the outside world.
They must now navigate a desolate wasteland ruled by scattered tribes and dangerous outsiders.
This story covers betrayal, love triangles, shifting alliances, genetic modifications, clones, sacrifice, suspense, drama, danger, and more.
What secrets does a family hold? What will you do to save the ones you love? Will true freedom be achieved by toppling a government? This novel doesn't shy away from answering these questions.
The beauty of Broken Society is that it challenges us to explore our own world and the roles we serve in being agents of change. And that there's always hope for a better tomorrow.
Thank you Booktasters for the ebook copy in exchange of an honest review.
The Broken Society is an intriguing blend of Divergent and The 100, set in a dystopian world that captures the tension of a society yearning for freedom beyond the confines of a dome. The book opens with a dramatic moment—the resistance’s explosion of the dome surrounding Eden, a once-secure city keeping its people sheltered from the outside. This opening promises high stakes and thrilling action, yet some of the follow-through lacks the sense of urgency and preparation that such a pivotal moment might demand. The resistance, despite supposedly planning this for a long time, comes across as surprisingly unprepared, dispersing into the wild with no provisions or survival strategy. This gave the impression that their escape was driven more by impulse than by a calculated plan for true liberation.
One element that could be developed further is the motivation behind the rebellion. We’re led to believe the characters crave freedom, but the story could benefit from a deeper exploration of why they are so desperate to escape. What is it about life inside Eden that drives them to risk everything? This lack of clarity sometimes makes the characters’ actions feel impulsive, as though they are rebelling more for the sake of rebellion than from any tangible need. If the story fleshed out the restrictions and sacrifices required to live within Eden’s walls, readers might better understand the allure of the uncertain world beyond and root more strongly for their quest.
Character development, too, is an area where the story could be strengthened. Characters like Blaire and Dulcinea have unique story arcs and potential, yet at times, their interactions and choices feel detached. For instance, when Blaire contracts Flux Necrosis, her friend Dulcinea responds with a cold detachment that feels at odds with a close friendship. Similarly, fights among characters are frequent and brutal, yet they seem to happen without significant emotional buildup or consequences for the story. Exploring the emotional landscapes of these characters more deeply could add layers to their actions, making their journeys more relatable and impactful.
There are also some narrative inconsistencies that can jar readers out of the story. For example, the shifts from third-person to first-person perspective happen abruptly and might benefit from smoother transitions to maintain reader immersion. Streamlining these narrative changes could enhance the book’s flow, allowing readers to stay focused on the unfolding events and characters.
Additionally, while the story has many plot threads and side stories, some of them feel extraneous. A more focused approach could help to underscore the main plot and themes, enhancing the emotional weight of the resistance’s struggle. Sometimes, it felt as if the story was overburdened by tangents that detracted from the central narrative. Simplifying or refining these subplots could allow the core story to shine more brightly, making each character’s role and arc feel essential to the plot’s progression.
Finally, the development of characters like Skye and Blaire could add an emotional depth that helps readers invest in their outcomes. Skye’s turn toward violence, for instance, happens suddenly and without clear motivation, leaving readers to wonder what pushed her to this extreme. Similarly, Blaire’s oscillating reactions to her comrades’ actions—crying over one event, then responding with seemingly cold indifference to another—can be confusing without a clearer psychological thread tying these moments together.
Overall, The Broken Society has a lot of promise and a strong premise with elements that could become a compelling dystopian adventure. With further exploration of character motivation, refined narrative structure, and a bit more focus on emotional realism, this story could capture the complexity and courage inherent in a fight for freedom.
This book caught my interest, and I was never bored reading it. I did not have high expectations of it, it did not disappoint me, but there were times when I felt a bit annoyed while reading. The plot was very interesting and it reminded me of the series called The 100. It is not as predictable as I thought it would be so I was eager to read more. I also liked how the characters have a somewhat "realistic" reaction to things or circumstances. The climax is a bit weak, but I liked the twist in the last chapter. I am also looking forward to the love interest, kinda rooting for THAT guy iykwim. While reading, I made a short list of some things I noticed: • The book needs editing to improve the storyline and writing style. • I find some parts inconsistent (including characters) • Some scenes are a bit unnecessary • I think the background of some relationships is not talked about enough, I did not feel the "chemistry/connection" • Also, I am a bit confused about how the outsiders did not even notice the dome/Eden. I know it's "invisible" but it is still there physically, or maybe they did not explore where it was located which is unlikely.
this book took me a little while to get through because it is so unpolished, it made for difficult reading. the plot was interesting, i’m a big fan of sci-fi/dystopian fiction so it was on par with one of my favorite genres. i think the progression of the story was okay, the narration could use a bit of editing as it became hard to concentrate at times on what was happening (due to either non-straightforward or repetitive narrating or story continuity) overall, i think it was worth a read, intriguing storyline and characters 👍 🌟2.5/5
There’s a bit of an info dump in the beginning and the editing isn’t great but looking past all that, if you follow the storyline it can be quite immersive. It gives dystopian science fiction vibes.
A lovely YA and science fiction book about an Utopian country named Eden is surrounded with Domes which meant to protect them for 200 years from nuclear, radiation and whatever dangerous things lies outside the dome.
Like most countries with their own set of oppositions, this Eden is no exceptions to that. This opposition is known as, The Resistance whose goal is to break free from the dome and explore the unknown.
As I read further, I discovered more lies and the betrayals faced by Blair Bouston. Although vicariously experiencing this through the pov of Blair, all of these hit home. Imagine having people you know all your life genuinely thought that they love you as much as you love them to the core, only to be ended up with betrayals when opportunity arised which suited their egotistical motives.
At the same time, new alliances are forming which requires Blair to learn to trust them and at the same time to be on constant vigilance. Funny how I felt nervous for Blair for these new alliances.
I love how this novel is written in multiple POVs as I love exploring what the other characters are thinking. There are some parts where this author kinda jump-in between the third person narration and the first person narration particularly reading from Blair's pov.
I noticed few errors but those errors didn't detract me from my enjoyment of this book. Another round of editing would be great.
I also would like to commend the author how realistic the characters are which I find them to be relatable and realistic. Definitely a good read to all fans of science fiction and YA.
Having said all the things that I like about this book, I also would like to point out the warning triggers for the purpose of mental health of the prospective readers which are : sex scenes, teenage pregnancy, violence, and gores. Parental discretion is truly needed for below 16 readers.
Thank you Booktaster for reaching out to me on X and offering this review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I think the book give Arcane and The 100 series vibe😂😂😂, I don't know if other readers thinking the same. The ten tribes outside Eden and the Eden itself with the technology thing. Elana gave Lexa's character but pregnant 😂😂😂
The book delves into the systemic issues—economic inequality, political polarization, social alienation, and cultural decay—that contribute to the breakdown of communal bonds and trust. The book covers a wide range of topics, from economic disparities to the erosion of social institutions, making it a holistic critique of modern society.
The author’s prose is accessible yet profound, making complex ideas understandable for a broad audience.
The book inspires hope by highlighting examples of communities and individuals working to rebuild social cohesion.
The author examines how polarization and corruption undermine democratic institutions. Despite its critical tone, the book ultimately emphasizes the potential for collective action and renewal. It highlights how individualism and technology have eroded communal ties.
Weakness
While the book is insightful, it's tone can feel overwhelmingly bleak at times, which might discourage some readers.
A more balanced emphasis on positive developments could have made the narrative more uplifting.
The book attempts to cover a vast array of issues, which can sometimes feel disjointed or superficial.
A narrower focus on specific themes might have allowed for deeper exploration.
It has a lot of names and characters which is confusing.
All in all Michalik’s call to action is both a warning and a beacon of hope, urging readers to take responsibility for rebuilding a more just and cohesive society.
I will recommend the book to friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Set in a post apocalyptic world, this book follows a group of teenage rebels who seek to bring down the dome that has protected their city for 200 years. The book follows the group as they discover what lies outside of the city boundaries and face threats from both the outsiders and from their own government.
There are lots of really good ideas in this book, it explorers how a community would build a new life, how they interact with the human race left unprotect for 100s of years and ideas on medical tech.
The conversations are in part very life like and I liked how the main characters get things wrong and make bad decisions more than once. However, this did also leave the book feeling very repetitive.
I struggled a bit with the number of different parallel storylines throughout the book, some which felt unfinished and almost forgotten at times. It would have also been good to have more background information. I found myself rereading sections of the book thinking I had missed some of the story, but when read back the details weren't there.
I think splitting the book into two to allow certain storylines to be explored in detail and maybe dropping some would really benefit this book and let the good parts of the story standout.
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. The concept of the book, that is people living under the dome, this is a concept which is quite heard of, but the way the author has portrayed the story, was different and made it more interesting. I did love the action filled in the pages of the book, and also the description of the world and the emotions etc.
Coming to my rating: out of 5 stars ⭐️ Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ interesting Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ good graphic Character development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the evolvement of the characters was good, the way they went through the struggles of the no dome part was infact well described and written Writing style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ i did love the writing, as the words of the author when read, depicted emotions and almost made my reading more enjoyable, as i did love imagining the story Originality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ the plot is good, a bit general plot, but the author has done a good work Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️i did like the different twists and also the chase, it kept the story interesting. Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5 stars. I did like the book, but there are a few elements which seems to be missing. I am willing to read the next book, as the plot was interesting.
a thrilling dystopian novel that plunges readers into a post-apocalyptic world filled with political intrigue, rebellion, and survival. The story follows Blaire Houston, the daughter of a powerful leader, as she secretly joins the Resistance to uncover the dark truths behind her city’s oppressive rule. When the city's protective dome is finally brought down, Blaire and her fellow rebels face new dangers beyond the city walls, discovering a world far different from what they were led to believe.
The novel delivers a fast-paced narrative with well-developed characters and unexpected twists. Michalik crafts a vivid, immersive world, blending sci-fi elements with intense action and emotional depth. While some parts of the story feel familiar within the dystopian genre, its unique take on survival and leadership makes it a compelling read.
Overall, The Broken Society is a gripping read for fans of dystopian fiction, offering a blend of rebellion, mystery, and action that keeps readers engaged until the last page.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
A couple hundred years after the nature exhaustion and nuclear apocalypsis, the only known city to have survived, Eden, is living a troublesome present. The dictatorial government is being challenged by a very young Resistance, and Blaire, the oldest child of the governor Jonathan Houston, has a big part on it. Could the Resistance survive their attempts to free the people? Could Blaire? Is really the city the eden it was ment to be?
This is a youth novel, with high doses of teenage postapocalyptic drama. We know, teens are not completely rational and as such some weirds decisions are taken. The story is interesting and well thought but a professional book editor could help. I cannot help to feel that the writing style is perfectible and that at times too many items and details are stuck into the plot. I mean, not all the elements are McGuffin's and as such many of them could be deleted from the story.
The book provides a compelling depiction of people trying to find purpose in a broken system, making it thought-provoking. The author's writing is gripping and it features a compelling storyline that grabs the reader's attention. The characters are well-developed, and one is able to relate to them easily because they have their own struggles. Michalik highlights the emotional impact of modern life by presenting the societal issues.
On the other hand, the book's pacing might be a bit uneven. There are parts where the story slows as the author delves into philosophical reflections. Yes, these moments are important in the development of the overall theme, but they may seem repetitive to some readers. Readers seeking a more uplifting book may feel the that constant criticism in the book overwhelming.
Overall, The Broken Society is a good book that showcases the author's ambition, and readers that appreciate reflective narratives will most definitely enjoy this book.
The author draws you into another world where you experience the dark emptiness of dystopia and the bid for survival is a daily reality. This book is emotionally compelling and you become immersed in this world very easily.
It is definitely a page turner!
The writing is highly descriptive and detailed and has a magnetic, vivid and absorbing effect where you feel like you are personally involved and you care about the fate of the characters.
Given the nature of the world we are living in now, the essence of dystopia feels all too familiar. It makes you wonder how and if we could survive in an unfamiliar world and if we would even have the resilience to do it. It reveals the vulgarities and equally the vulnerabilities inherent in human nature and how we are at the mercy of these qualities, more often than not. In the bid for survival, it’s all to play for and we cannot truly know our enemy…would highly recommend this read!
When Blaire and the rest of the Resistance destroy the dome of their city, they are forced to escape into the wilderness that they believed was uninhabited, and must learn to work together and trust each other after living so long in a broken society. They must also make new acquaintances and to rely on each other to survive in a world they were not prepared for.
I love the concept of this plot so much. Especially as it's very applicable to society today - divise and manipulative. There were a few story lines that I'm not sure how they fit into this book (these may come into play more clearer in the following books) and some grammatical errors, but i did enjoy this book. Blaire was a strong and complex FMC and I loved that she was incredibly independent with no true love interest. The twist at the end was also super unexpected! Thank you for this dystopian society 💛
I was asked to give a honest review of this book in exchange for a copy of it. I want to start off by saying this author has potential. There were a lot of grammatical errors and it made it hard to follow. I felt like the author tried to get ideas out but it got lost. For example, in the beginning the author started with a storyline that the mother of the FMC had killed herself but then at one point hinted that she was exiled but then went back to her killing herself. Then the FMC brother said that their mom was executed??? Then nothing else was mentioned. I feel like thoughts and feelings of the characters could have been explained in more depth. It could help bridge into the next thought/sentence. It was very choppy in some parts but I honestly do believe this could be a good YA series. It gives me the vibe of Divergent Series and Hunger Games mixed in with magic.
Some of this book was really difficult to read due to the sentences not making much sense however if you can get past that this book is excellent! The story line and characters really gripped me and made me feel involved in the story. You could really feel the characters joy, sadness and terror. I don’t think I could pick one favourite character as I loved most of them in their own ways however I really did gel with dulcinea and her passion for helping people. I would suggest this book from young adults upwards. The pace of the book was quite quick and there was always something exciting going on in the story line so you never felt bored or uninterested. There wasn’t anything I disliked in this book other than the phrasing of some sentences not making sense to me as mentioned at the start of this review. Would definitely read the rest of the books in this series.
Thank you Booktasters for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Broken Society started out well. Plot seemed familiar, like the "The 100" movie about teenagers and young adults, so I was interested.
It took me a while to finish the book, not because it was bad but because it wasn't so well-edited. There are so many rushed and unexplained plotlines and relationships. And there were times I couldn't understand the relevance of some things that happened in the book.
The characters need tobe built up, so we can connect to them better. Same with the relationships.
I feel like this book would've done better if it was longer or divided. Who is the shadowy voice at the end?
The story has potential, it just needs more polishing and a better ending.
This YA post-apocalyptic novel is the first in a trilogy. This genre is something that I only read when I'm specifically in the mood for it, but I think it's something that you can really sink your teeth into. It's also a genre that's sometimes a little bit hit-and-miss for me personally, as I enjoy some books in this genre more than others. I liked this, though.
I felt the story flowed easily, it was engaging and action-packed, with strong characters that were fun to read about. As the story progressed, I found that I became more emotionally invested and attached to some of the characters. I wondered if this would be a long read, but I found the story wasn't too long or drawn out; it was quite satisfying. I would be interested to read about these characters again.
Blaire is a girl who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals of freeing her people. However, her perseverance and strong will stands as a stumbling block of keeping her and everyone else safe.
The broken society is a book about a dystopian society where teenagers try to stay safe, keep their loved ones alive, while fighting governments, monsters, natural disasters and other tribes.
It’s an interesting book with many ideas. It sometimes feels overwhelming and raw but it’s still a fun read. I wish it built up steadily because sometimes it feels like it’s going at 100 miles per hour in a 40 mile zone but that kind of keeps you engaged.
I’d recommend it for anyone who loves a fun read.
3/5 for the editing, pacing and character development.
A whole new concept about a place named Eden and the aftermath of nuclear weapons. The story starts with the resistance working to get back to Earth. We also find a lot of information about past and about other characters given by Blaire. Though i feel it would have been better if the author had left it as suspense and we got to know all this by conversation between different characters as the story progressed. But as we move to the middle and end of the book, the plot was really interesting. The end is more interesting as it left many things for us to wonder about and wait to read the next book in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thanks to the author and Booktasters for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The story is interesting and the author's concept for the story is good. The plot is really elaborated and this helps keep you reading towards the last page. The character was well written and relatable and you are invested in what they are experiencing and what happens to them. The book is like a blend of other young adult dystopian books like the 100, Divergent and the Hunger Games etc. Overall, a good read. Only downside is parts of the book need proofing/editing. Recommended if you like young adult and science fiction books.
I really enjoyed this book. I found it entertaining to read a post apocalyptic story with interesting characters. At first it seemed like a predictable story, but as I continue reading I realized my mistake and found it incredible and entertaining. It gives me the feeling that the narrative and the writting style can be improved because there are unnecessary details that distract the reader, however, some of them allows you to visualize the scenarios. Finally, as a sci-fiction story, it lived up to my expectations and I would like to read the second part.
Pretty good. Not my favorite book I’ve read but the concept was cool. It was a little fast paced for me. I felt like at times there was too much happening and the author could’ve focused more on the bigger plot rather than adding smaller plots. It would have given more room in the book for the smaller details. Although, I connected with the characters pretty well. They each had their own skills and flaws that were highlighted well throughout the book. Overall it was a decent read and I look forward to reading more from this author.