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Kingdom of the White Sea #2
The Broken Realm
The treacherous, magical, seductive world of Kingdom of the White Sea, introduced by USA Today bestselling fantasy author Sarah M. Cradit in The Kingless Crown, continues in this thrilling sequel, The Broken Realm.
The crown demanded everything. The kingdom will answer.
Chaos paints the White Kingdom. Missing children, dead nobles, and a daring escape have created an upheaval that threatens the future of the entire realm.
The lords and ladies are armed with a powerful secret weapon as they prepare to make a stand against the crown, but the resistance has plenty to overcome before they can claim triumph. The lord-less Westerlands prepares for war with the formidable Quinlanden Guard spreading their men and cruelty to every corner of their Reach. In the Easterlands, the sorcerer Mortain cultivates his ominous influence over the enslaved Saleen, a decisive threat he could unleash upon the kingdom with a snap of his finger.
To the kingdom, it appears as if these assaults on their freedom are cosigned by the crown. It seems only a matter of time before the king’s victory becomes total.
But from his isolated throne in Duncarrow, King Eoghan has discovered his authority is not absolute. There are other powers at play, as sinister as they are resilient. Those close to him curate the facts he is fed, keeping him tucked away in the dark while they issue orders in his name. As his control spirals, and opposing forces gain ground, the king’s fragile resolve turns to desperation.
Yet, across the kingdom, a quiet but powerful awakening of magic is taking place. One that began generations ago, on a cold night in Duncarrow...
The crown demanded everything. The kingdom will answer.
Chaos paints the White Kingdom. Missing children, dead nobles, and a daring escape have created an upheaval that threatens the future of the entire realm.
The lords and ladies are armed with a powerful secret weapon as they prepare to make a stand against the crown, but the resistance has plenty to overcome before they can claim triumph. The lord-less Westerlands prepares for war with the formidable Quinlanden Guard spreading their men and cruelty to every corner of their Reach. In the Easterlands, the sorcerer Mortain cultivates his ominous influence over the enslaved Saleen, a decisive threat he could unleash upon the kingdom with a snap of his finger.
To the kingdom, it appears as if these assaults on their freedom are cosigned by the crown. It seems only a matter of time before the king’s victory becomes total.
But from his isolated throne in Duncarrow, King Eoghan has discovered his authority is not absolute. There are other powers at play, as sinister as they are resilient. Those close to him curate the facts he is fed, keeping him tucked away in the dark while they issue orders in his name. As his control spirals, and opposing forces gain ground, the king’s fragile resolve turns to desperation.
Yet, across the kingdom, a quiet but powerful awakening of magic is taking place. One that began generations ago, on a cold night in Duncarrow...
692 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
45 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books898 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 20, 2021
This is quality epic fantasy. We got answers to many questions generated by the first book and a few things have yet to be revealed. This certainly does share some features of G of T, not least in the author’s willingness to kill off characters the reader has grown attached to. Throughout the book we are led to expect a huge battle scene which in fact does not occur - at least in the way anticipated. Nevertheless, this book has never a dull moment- quite a feat at nearly 700 pages. Recommended series but don’t start here!
January 3, 2022
The Broken Realm is the sequel in the Kingdom of the White Sea series. I didn't think a month in between books would make such a difference but it did. Just like the previous book, we had to follow so many characters. It was a little hard to keep track of who and what was going on for most of this book, but it could just be me.
With such huge books, you'd think I would hit a dull spot here and there, but I didn't. So much was happening that each twist and turn coming my way just kept the pages turning. I was constantly surprised with each reveal but then thoroughly confused with what characters were doing from time to time. It definitely has to deal with the web of lies being spun by some and, again, with so many characters it was hard to keep track of it all.
In the end, I wasn't expecting so much to happen towards the end of the book. I have so many questions unanswered right now. So, with one more book, I'm hoping that I finally get the conclusion I need/deserve. I'm so excited!
With such huge books, you'd think I would hit a dull spot here and there, but I didn't. So much was happening that each twist and turn coming my way just kept the pages turning. I was constantly surprised with each reveal but then thoroughly confused with what characters were doing from time to time. It definitely has to deal with the web of lies being spun by some and, again, with so many characters it was hard to keep track of it all.
In the end, I wasn't expecting so much to happen towards the end of the book. I have so many questions unanswered right now. So, with one more book, I'm hoping that I finally get the conclusion I need/deserve. I'm so excited!
June 4, 2021
Cradit takes us back to her enchanting world of the White Kingdom in this sequel to “The Kingless Crown.” The remaining nobles are struggling to stay alive and keep control as they worry about their still-missing children, and squirm under King Eoghan’s reach. They must join together to rise against his tyranny if they want to save the kingdom, themselves, and their children. However, as Eoghan realizes that his control over the kingdom is not absolute, a sorcerer named Oldwyn worms his way into the hierarchy of power. Many different things are happening in each of the Five Reaches, and each of these noble families has their own opinion about what must be done about Eoghan, which means that they clash at times. But as the stakes are raised, the pressure rises, and secrets are revealed, it becomes clear that everyone is not going to make it out of this unscathed.
This second book did not disappoint! Cradit’s lavish world and exquisite storytelling draw you in as the plot thickens. The political aspect was incredibly well written, and I enjoyed the battle of minds between the characters. This book is definitely going to make you scream, gasp, want to throw something... the ending absolutely killed me. I need the next one right now!!! This is a fantasy world you are never going to want to leave!!!
I received a copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This second book did not disappoint! Cradit’s lavish world and exquisite storytelling draw you in as the plot thickens. The political aspect was incredibly well written, and I enjoyed the battle of minds between the characters. This book is definitely going to make you scream, gasp, want to throw something... the ending absolutely killed me. I need the next one right now!!! This is a fantasy world you are never going to want to leave!!!
I received a copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2021
When I read one of Sarah Cradit’s books I am reminded of how woefully inadequate a 5-star rating can be. I received an ARC of this, the second book in the Kingdom of the White Sea series and I’m left, yet again, gasping for air and dying to read the next installment. It reminds me of when I read The Lord of the Rings series. I have not yet read nor seen the Game of Thrones series, but I imagine this is similar—multiple families with multiple characters who are interconnected and multiple plot lines connecting to one overarching plot. I cannot imagine the organization and discipline required to plot out and tell a story like this one. I’d be fortunate to figure out how to tell the story of just one character! Sarah Cradit tells the stories of all of them, each unique and memorable, and engages my imagination and empathy for all of them. It’s truly remarkable.
There’s a lot of death in this one, and some truly unspeakable acts. If you’re sensitive to rape scenes, the one in this book is probably worse than the last one. Luckily, I’ve managed to block out the details of the last one, while this one is fresh in my mind. Nothing gets overly graphic, thank God, but the imagination is a terrible thing when sent in the wrong direction. Fictional or not, I’m still having a little bit of trouble shaking this one off. That’s certainly a testament to the talent of Sarah Cradit, but as a #metoo survivor myself, I feel obliged to warn other readers. In my opinion, the rest of the book is so good, it’s worth the discomfort.
Aside from her ability to evoke empathy for her characters, as well as fear of the villains, Ms. Credit is also a pro at describing the indescribable, and she’s really good at sprinkling bits of wisdom into the book, the kinds of universal truths that benefit everyone. Examples include this quote encouraging a focus on the future rather than the past: “If all you can think of is what you could have done, you will never do what should be done.” At one point, Asherly tells Alasyr: “...the greatest skill one can learn is to surrender to that which is beyond our control, and then to search for that which is.” Later, Lisbeth tells Eavan (the last book’s rape victim): “We are all given the strength we need, when we need it.”
When Ravenna describes the love she wanted to feel for Drystan, Esmerelda, with a wisdom beyond her years, tells her: “What you describe, this love that is blind to your own needs, is exactly the cage all women are expected to contentedly climb into when they are given to their husband.” She follows up by saying, “When the cage door opens, the mind follows.”
When Jesse finds himself in a new and wholly incomprehensible situation for which he has no frame of reference, his reaction is described like this: “He didn’t dare step forward, or back. He was weightless, but also weighted, rooted to nothing and everything. Alone, but filled with the sense that he was surrounded by enemies. Called by and repelled by an unknown too perilous to explore.” And there is another scene, this one with Brandyn, which presented a dilemma I don’t know that I would have ever considered otherwise: “A hand ripped the rag from his mouth. Brandyn heaved out a breath, then sucked one in. He didn’t know which he needed more, to be rid of what was in him or to pull in precious air.”
Holden, who admittedly, has never faced war himself, tells an impatient Marsh: “But that’s what war is. Waiting, for days, weeks, months, and then, at last, being thrust into the worst day of your life.”
Poor Holden can never live up to the impossible standards that Gretchen has set for him, but it becomes apparent later that no one can. I guess as a Quinlanden, there’s a certain cruelty that was learned at a young age, and even love cannot always quash her tendencies to be unkind. And as Assana (her niece) observes, “she hailed from a family of professional prevaricators.” Gretchen’s heartless treatment of Holden is pointed out to her by her son, Christian, forcing her to face her actions and maybe her intentions:
“He knows how you feel about him. Is it necessary to grind your hatred of him into his flesh like glass?”
Gretchen closed her eyes and focused on her breath through a long exhale. “I don’t hate your father.”
Christian threw his hands up. “Then I fear for the man you truly do hate.”
I can’t help but wonder if this is foreshadowing of what might be coming in future installments of the series.
Lest there be any doubt, I am committed to reading this series in its entirety. It is epic, engaging, original, and unique, written by a master storyteller. This is no cookie-cutter tale with a guaranteed happy ending. The characters you love the most may die. In fact, they probably will. The ones you think are heroes and villains may not be what you think. There is simply no way of predicting the final outcome. All you can do is strap in for the ride and trust Ms. Credit will take you on the journey and deliver you the best ending possible. It may not be the one you want or expect, but it will be the one that’s right.
There’s a lot of death in this one, and some truly unspeakable acts. If you’re sensitive to rape scenes, the one in this book is probably worse than the last one. Luckily, I’ve managed to block out the details of the last one, while this one is fresh in my mind. Nothing gets overly graphic, thank God, but the imagination is a terrible thing when sent in the wrong direction. Fictional or not, I’m still having a little bit of trouble shaking this one off. That’s certainly a testament to the talent of Sarah Cradit, but as a #metoo survivor myself, I feel obliged to warn other readers. In my opinion, the rest of the book is so good, it’s worth the discomfort.
Aside from her ability to evoke empathy for her characters, as well as fear of the villains, Ms. Credit is also a pro at describing the indescribable, and she’s really good at sprinkling bits of wisdom into the book, the kinds of universal truths that benefit everyone. Examples include this quote encouraging a focus on the future rather than the past: “If all you can think of is what you could have done, you will never do what should be done.” At one point, Asherly tells Alasyr: “...the greatest skill one can learn is to surrender to that which is beyond our control, and then to search for that which is.” Later, Lisbeth tells Eavan (the last book’s rape victim): “We are all given the strength we need, when we need it.”
When Ravenna describes the love she wanted to feel for Drystan, Esmerelda, with a wisdom beyond her years, tells her: “What you describe, this love that is blind to your own needs, is exactly the cage all women are expected to contentedly climb into when they are given to their husband.” She follows up by saying, “When the cage door opens, the mind follows.”
When Jesse finds himself in a new and wholly incomprehensible situation for which he has no frame of reference, his reaction is described like this: “He didn’t dare step forward, or back. He was weightless, but also weighted, rooted to nothing and everything. Alone, but filled with the sense that he was surrounded by enemies. Called by and repelled by an unknown too perilous to explore.” And there is another scene, this one with Brandyn, which presented a dilemma I don’t know that I would have ever considered otherwise: “A hand ripped the rag from his mouth. Brandyn heaved out a breath, then sucked one in. He didn’t know which he needed more, to be rid of what was in him or to pull in precious air.”
Holden, who admittedly, has never faced war himself, tells an impatient Marsh: “But that’s what war is. Waiting, for days, weeks, months, and then, at last, being thrust into the worst day of your life.”
Poor Holden can never live up to the impossible standards that Gretchen has set for him, but it becomes apparent later that no one can. I guess as a Quinlanden, there’s a certain cruelty that was learned at a young age, and even love cannot always quash her tendencies to be unkind. And as Assana (her niece) observes, “she hailed from a family of professional prevaricators.” Gretchen’s heartless treatment of Holden is pointed out to her by her son, Christian, forcing her to face her actions and maybe her intentions:
“He knows how you feel about him. Is it necessary to grind your hatred of him into his flesh like glass?”
Gretchen closed her eyes and focused on her breath through a long exhale. “I don’t hate your father.”
Christian threw his hands up. “Then I fear for the man you truly do hate.”
I can’t help but wonder if this is foreshadowing of what might be coming in future installments of the series.
Lest there be any doubt, I am committed to reading this series in its entirety. It is epic, engaging, original, and unique, written by a master storyteller. This is no cookie-cutter tale with a guaranteed happy ending. The characters you love the most may die. In fact, they probably will. The ones you think are heroes and villains may not be what you think. There is simply no way of predicting the final outcome. All you can do is strap in for the ride and trust Ms. Credit will take you on the journey and deliver you the best ending possible. It may not be the one you want or expect, but it will be the one that’s right.
April 27, 2021
I need the next one 😭
March 23, 2021
The game has changed. The Broken Realm is passionate, deadly and polished. Get ready for a whirlwind of emotions.
The spectacular follow up to The Kingless Crown, Sarah M. Cradit will dazzle readers and leave them wanting more! The phenomenal world she has created will transport you to a different realm and you won’t want to leave. I give this 5 stars.
The spectacular follow up to The Kingless Crown, Sarah M. Cradit will dazzle readers and leave them wanting more! The phenomenal world she has created will transport you to a different realm and you won’t want to leave. I give this 5 stars.
March 24, 2021
Rating: 4.75/5.00
I read the first few lines and I already knew it was going to be a 5 star rating for this book. When I received the first book, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters. It did take me a while to get used to all the characters at once (the list is overwhelming) but once you’re at the end, you know each of them very well. This was a plus point when I started the second book. There was no time wasted because it felt like I always knew them.
What I really loved about this instalment is that there are topics that authors are usually afraid of using but here, it formed a significant impact on the plot. There were some parts that were so disheartening that I had to take a break to process. How often do you find a book where you’re so fond of the characters that it hurts and mulls your heart when something bad happens.
The story of filled with a mountain range of emotions and meaningful, interesting plot lines that just drive the story forward, keeping us all on our toes. It is character driven, fast paced, exciting, (insert every good adjective here).
Sarah never lets me down. She’s gotten me entangled once again and I can’t wait for the third instalment. I need these books.
Thank you, Sarah for the advance copy.
I read the first few lines and I already knew it was going to be a 5 star rating for this book. When I received the first book, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters. It did take me a while to get used to all the characters at once (the list is overwhelming) but once you’re at the end, you know each of them very well. This was a plus point when I started the second book. There was no time wasted because it felt like I always knew them.
What I really loved about this instalment is that there are topics that authors are usually afraid of using but here, it formed a significant impact on the plot. There were some parts that were so disheartening that I had to take a break to process. How often do you find a book where you’re so fond of the characters that it hurts and mulls your heart when something bad happens.
The story of filled with a mountain range of emotions and meaningful, interesting plot lines that just drive the story forward, keeping us all on our toes. It is character driven, fast paced, exciting, (insert every good adjective here).
Sarah never lets me down. She’s gotten me entangled once again and I can’t wait for the third instalment. I need these books.
Thank you, Sarah for the advance copy.
March 23, 2021
The Broken Realm is amazing. It is a high octane high fantasy that will leave you intrigued stunned fascinated and more. Don't go into it thinking you will read it quickly it needs to be savored as you progress thru the amazing story. I can't wait to be able to read the third book I'm so excited.
June 23, 2021
Book 2 in this series bring more adventure and details to this ever changing story. We learned more about the lives of these characters and we're not disappointed. Sarah has a way if making these high fantasy books draw you in and make you feel like you are there. Excited for the next one
March 8, 2021
There is chaos across the White Kingdom as the events from the previous book mount up. Add together the missing children, the number of dead nobles and some daring escapes and the future of the entire realm is threatened. The resistance has a powerful secret weapon and they are starting to prepare to make a stand against the crown. The Quinlanden Guard have spread men and cruelty all over their reach, the sorcerer Mortain is in the Easterlands and he is increasing his influence over the Saleen which could be unleashed against the kingdom. Across the entire kingdom, it appears as if these separate threats are orchestrated by the crown and that the king's victory cannot be far away. In Duncarrow, King Eoghan is discovering that his authority is not absolute as there are other powers at play - he is told only what those close to him want and they are issuing orders in his name. He is becoming desperate and that fragile resolve he had is dissolving. However, all across the kingdom, magic is awakening.
This is an epic series as must be approached with the determination to stick with it and roll with all of the punches and changes that happen. There are a lot of intertwined events across the families and key members in what has happened already, is currently happening or will happen in the future. I did enjoy the interplay between some of the characters who seemed to find a way to get on and work together even though it did not appear that they would naturally be allies. You really needed to have read the previous book in the series so that you had all the relevant background. I definitely grew to respect Ravenna and Esmerelda a great deal and was thrilled when they found a way to work and be there for each other. There is a rape scene in this story so please be prepared for that. Well written and easy to understand (although you may have to read certain parts more than once to fully appreciate them).
This is an epic series as must be approached with the determination to stick with it and roll with all of the punches and changes that happen. There are a lot of intertwined events across the families and key members in what has happened already, is currently happening or will happen in the future. I did enjoy the interplay between some of the characters who seemed to find a way to get on and work together even though it did not appear that they would naturally be allies. You really needed to have read the previous book in the series so that you had all the relevant background. I definitely grew to respect Ravenna and Esmerelda a great deal and was thrilled when they found a way to work and be there for each other. There is a rape scene in this story so please be prepared for that. Well written and easy to understand (although you may have to read certain parts more than once to fully appreciate them).
March 15, 2021
Sarah M. Cradit has done it again! When I first read The Kingless Crown, it took me a while to get into the book but then I became completely invested in the lives of the Lords and Ladies of the Reaches and the entire Kingdom of the White Sea. The Broken Realm has only strengthened that investment and I cannot wait for the conclusion of this epic tale of magic, deceit, secrets, bravery and brotherhood/sisterhood. The characters are so genuine. There are characters you love, characters you dislike and those that you loathe. Relationships are beautifully written and some unexpected alliances take place, which have stolen my heart (I’m looking at you Esmerelda and Ravenna!)
There are many hard truths reveled and some very grisly trials that are endured (rape, murders). There are deaths that are not easy to cope with and some that make you cheer. The realm has never before seen such chaos and an even greater evil is lurking around the corner. I cannot imagine what is in store for those left to fight for their families, the kingdom, and their destiny but I’m fully invested in finding out!
*I received an ARC of The Broken Realm in exchange for an honest review*
There are many hard truths reveled and some very grisly trials that are endured (rape, murders). There are deaths that are not easy to cope with and some that make you cheer. The realm has never before seen such chaos and an even greater evil is lurking around the corner. I cannot imagine what is in store for those left to fight for their families, the kingdom, and their destiny but I’m fully invested in finding out!
*I received an ARC of The Broken Realm in exchange for an honest review*
March 16, 2021
I finished my copy of this ARC today, and found myself needing to write a review. The astounding capacity for characters, multiple plots and arcs that soar and thread themselves together of this author is wondrous. I have read the first book in the series. This book#2 is equally ambitious, and equally challenging to begin. All those characters! All those children! All those families! Ms. Cradit makes the reader work for their reading satisfaction, but as I read through the story, that same challenge is one all of her characters bring to their fates and destinies as well. Make a choice, accept your own path. Do your best. Live with the consequences of your actions.
Then rhythmically we are swept toward changes, and individual movements toward the goals seem to stream forward, independently and at the same time each toward their own awakenings. I couldn't wait, and don't want to miss the next book. How will I remember all of those people in the meantime?
Then rhythmically we are swept toward changes, and individual movements toward the goals seem to stream forward, independently and at the same time each toward their own awakenings. I couldn't wait, and don't want to miss the next book. How will I remember all of those people in the meantime?
March 26, 2021
I am so invested in these characters. I can’t believe Esmerelda did that! And some of the other revelations were pretty mind blowing as well. I am very excited to get the next in the series. Excellent job Sarah! Thank you for exploring some of the other characters, I’m happy to get to know Alasyr and Jesse more.
July 21, 2021
SC has done it again with the Broken Realm! I thought I had a pretty good grasp of where The Kingdom of the White Sea was headed when I wrapped up reading the Kingless Crown, the good guys, the bad guys, but little did I know, I couldn’t have been more wrong… Undercurrents ran deeper than I ever thought. There were so many pieces in motion! I couldn’t put my kindle down! I immensely enjoyed living though the eyes of so many of my favorite characters as they developed into the heroes they needed to be, that they were designed to be. And I won’t lie as I suffered their defeats with them too. The Broken realm is a supremely satisfying read, there were moments when I was reading that I just had to pause to fully take in the enormity of what had just happened. BR was everything I was hoping for and more. I couldn’t be more excited for the release of the Hidden Kingdom!!
March 23, 2021
Another amazing read by Sarah
I keep getting lost in these books. They pull you in. The more you read the better it gets. Every time. I love how the possibilities are endless and you never really see what's coming.
I keep getting lost in these books. They pull you in. The more you read the better it gets. Every time. I love how the possibilities are endless and you never really see what's coming.
March 24, 2021
Hold on tight and buckle up buttercup...this is definitely a wild ride!!! Love this series!!! The characters, their world and the parts they play will suck you right in. Definitely literary genius!!
May 29, 2021
Beautifully woven together
It's like a puzzle you are putting together as you read, wonderful twist and worlds being built in your minds eye.
It's like a puzzle you are putting together as you read, wonderful twist and worlds being built in your minds eye.
July 10, 2021
love the continuation of this series!! ... the web that Sarah catches her readers in is phenomenal!
September 8, 2021
5 CRANKY STARS
This second book is every bit as good a book 1. The lying and intrigue are getting deeper and deeper.
The children are still in hiding and the parents are desperately looking but with Lord Aiden Quinlanden appearing to back the king, the other Reaches are in an uproar. Again, the author keeps all the stories intertwined and sometimes you will get lost, at least, I did. Rarely do you see such an involved story with so many intertwined relationships. We are now more acquainted with the Ravenwoods- shape shifters that are Ravens, human and wielders of magic. There is also the Mededevs, a race of magic wielders found in the Hinterlands, just beyond the veil. Their secrets and resentments of man are deep seated.
This is an "I can't stop here" type of read. The author keeps you on your toes as she moves around through these storylines and keeps you guessing. I think this series would make a great TV series (NetFlix) or movie.
This second book is every bit as good a book 1. The lying and intrigue are getting deeper and deeper.
The children are still in hiding and the parents are desperately looking but with Lord Aiden Quinlanden appearing to back the king, the other Reaches are in an uproar. Again, the author keeps all the stories intertwined and sometimes you will get lost, at least, I did. Rarely do you see such an involved story with so many intertwined relationships. We are now more acquainted with the Ravenwoods- shape shifters that are Ravens, human and wielders of magic. There is also the Mededevs, a race of magic wielders found in the Hinterlands, just beyond the veil. Their secrets and resentments of man are deep seated.
This is an "I can't stop here" type of read. The author keeps you on your toes as she moves around through these storylines and keeps you guessing. I think this series would make a great TV series (NetFlix) or movie.
August 25, 2022
I loved this book. The story moves at a much faster pace than The Kingless Crown. TKC was a way to ground yourself in the world of the Kingdom of the White Sea.
The stakes are high and The Broken Realm delves deeper into the characters and the journey's they find themselves on. So many secrets are revealed and many are put to the test with gifts and strengths they didn't know they possessed. All the revelations are stunning and kept me up to the wee hours waiting to find out what happens next. There are some characters you will definitely cheer for and others deserve what is coming to them. Can't wait to read what happens next in The Hidden Kingdom.
The stakes are high and The Broken Realm delves deeper into the characters and the journey's they find themselves on. So many secrets are revealed and many are put to the test with gifts and strengths they didn't know they possessed. All the revelations are stunning and kept me up to the wee hours waiting to find out what happens next. There are some characters you will definitely cheer for and others deserve what is coming to them. Can't wait to read what happens next in The Hidden Kingdom.
August 1, 2021
The Saga continues. Immerse yourself into new worlds and follow warriors trying to make a better world. Definitely read A Kingless Crown first. But definitely read this series. Cradit continues to amaze with her writing and imagination.
June 20, 2021
This follow up to The Kingleas Crown had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. Each and every character faced a uniquely challenging journey and the action really amped up a notch from book one. Majorly keen for book two to be released!
March 28, 2024
Epic. Wonderful court intrigue. Immense scale to the twisty plot. This series is definitely on par with A Song of Ice and Fire from that aspect.
But, the characters unfortunately don't hold up. Although they all have very interesting backstories, their individual voices don't properly come through. There are also too many characters to keep track of, and sometimes the switches in perspective aren't clear who the individual is until the second or third paragraph, which made these changes so jarring.
Another element I don't particularly appreciate in this series is the focus on fatalism. The whole "fated to be" approach undermines free choice and that takes away from the story. The good and evil characters lose their potency because their natures are "preordained" not a matter of "the choices they've made".
Lastly, the overwhelming focus on explicit, negative sexual experiences is rather offputting. I can only remember three positive encounters so far in the series, while the overly explicit negative ones just keep coming. Most fade to black eventually, but there's already so much focus on them that I wonder if they'd trigger readers who've had similarly awful experiences. The way these scenes are drawn out just doesn't sit right with me. I think these scenes could have been written more mindfully and sensitively to allow for the reader to understand the characters and their experiences without the really uncomfortable and insensitive graphic depictions.
This novel was interesting enough. I think, since I have the final book in the trilogy, that I'll finish the series despite the elements that don't work for me. I'm getting into the habit of skipping the bits that upset me. The storyline itself and the magic system are interesting enough.
But, the characters unfortunately don't hold up. Although they all have very interesting backstories, their individual voices don't properly come through. There are also too many characters to keep track of, and sometimes the switches in perspective aren't clear who the individual is until the second or third paragraph, which made these changes so jarring.
Another element I don't particularly appreciate in this series is the focus on fatalism. The whole "fated to be" approach undermines free choice and that takes away from the story. The good and evil characters lose their potency because their natures are "preordained" not a matter of "the choices they've made".
Lastly, the overwhelming focus on explicit, negative sexual experiences is rather offputting. I can only remember three positive encounters so far in the series, while the overly explicit negative ones just keep coming. Most fade to black eventually, but there's already so much focus on them that I wonder if they'd trigger readers who've had similarly awful experiences. The way these scenes are drawn out just doesn't sit right with me. I think these scenes could have been written more mindfully and sensitively to allow for the reader to understand the characters and their experiences without the really uncomfortable and insensitive graphic depictions.
This novel was interesting enough. I think, since I have the final book in the trilogy, that I'll finish the series despite the elements that don't work for me. I'm getting into the habit of skipping the bits that upset me. The storyline itself and the magic system are interesting enough.
March 20, 2022
TW: rape. I still had a difficult time keeping track of who was who occasionally but that could just be me 🤷♀️. Overall this is a great book series- loved seeing all of the different characters story's start to come together. I especially really enjoyed esme, jesse, ravenna, and embers storylines. There were a few points along the way (especially towards the ending) that were very disjointed and seemingly just thrown in for the heck of it last minute. Other parts of the book that had been building for quite some time were also just glossed over and I was like "oh ok.. guess that storyline is done now." You know what it actually reminded me of towards the end? It struck me that it felt like an older soap opera where there were just constant surprises to keep the drama and suspense going and several times it came from out of nowhere, no hints leading up to it or anything. But seriously, it was overall a good book.. just be prepared to have a handful of "meh" and "what just happened" moments.
March 9, 2024
I'm so glad I found this series! I just finished book 3 and I wish I hadn't read them so fast. I think I understand why this book had some lower ratings: It's not for the faint of heart! Anyone that exclusively reads Fantasy/Romance and likes their HEA tied up with a Pinterest-perfect bow will hate these books! If Fourth Wing is on your favorites list, skip this series it's not for you.
I wouldn't say the violence and gore is excessive but it's dark, graphic and the heroines don't always escape unscathed- check the trigger warnings! Check this series out if you're a fan of adult fantasy with evil sourcerers, swords and castles, magical realism, and a side of romance sprinkled in. This series has a large cast of interesting, likeable characters with plotlines that are both action and character-driven throughout the series that all together deserves a solid 4.5⭐ rating.
I wouldn't say the violence and gore is excessive but it's dark, graphic and the heroines don't always escape unscathed- check the trigger warnings! Check this series out if you're a fan of adult fantasy with evil sourcerers, swords and castles, magical realism, and a side of romance sprinkled in. This series has a large cast of interesting, likeable characters with plotlines that are both action and character-driven throughout the series that all together deserves a solid 4.5⭐ rating.
February 25, 2023
Wow! Wonderful Fast Paced Adventure!
The Broken Realm, written by Sarah M. Cradit, is the second book in the Kingdom of the White Sea series. Where the first book in this series descriptively created a mind's eye view of the kingdom of the White Sea, and introduced many of the characters within the storyline, this second book seamlessly assisted with answering many questions remaining from the first book as well as generating several new ones. This book is fast paced, attention holding, action filled, and well written. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
The Broken Realm, written by Sarah M. Cradit, is the second book in the Kingdom of the White Sea series. Where the first book in this series descriptively created a mind's eye view of the kingdom of the White Sea, and introduced many of the characters within the storyline, this second book seamlessly assisted with answering many questions remaining from the first book as well as generating several new ones. This book is fast paced, attention holding, action filled, and well written. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
November 29, 2021
Will the real king, please step up?
I am drowning in information overload. So many secrets unveiled. War, sadness, death, and hopelessness are just aa small fraction of the emotions of this second installment.
The author weaves an intricate and dangerous plot. Anything and everything could happen, and I can’t wait to be a witness to it in the third installment of this epic fantasy.
I am drowning in information overload. So many secrets unveiled. War, sadness, death, and hopelessness are just aa small fraction of the emotions of this second installment.
The author weaves an intricate and dangerous plot. Anything and everything could happen, and I can’t wait to be a witness to it in the third installment of this epic fantasy.
June 2, 2022
I would probably give this book a 3.5 to 3.75. This is a complex storyline, but I am completely enthralled. The only thing I did not appreciate, really, was the sex scenes. They were not super detailed or long, but they were there. And granted, the majority of these scenes were not for pleasure. Trigger warning : rape. For a book as long as it is, these scenes were very few. I can only think of 2-3 off the top of my head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2023
The sequel was lot darker than the first book, but also so intense as it was impossible for me to put this book down! I devoured this massive tome faster as I was desperate to know what awaits my favourite characters ahead.
Gods, Sarah, you chained me completely as your devoted fan! This series is incredible and I can't believe how underrated are these books!
Starting the final book today with great excitement!!
Gods, Sarah, you chained me completely as your devoted fan! This series is incredible and I can't believe how underrated are these books!
Starting the final book today with great excitement!!
May 23, 2022
Nothing but Time vs Lack of Time
Attempt to save the world
Detailed character development. Great world-building.
Magic...Understanding...Truth...Traitor...Weakness...Strength...Together...
"You are the only one who can bring them together."
"You're the one who will save us all."
"We are whoever we choose to be."
Attempt to save the world
Detailed character development. Great world-building.
Magic...Understanding...Truth...Traitor...Weakness...Strength...Together...
"You are the only one who can bring them together."
"You're the one who will save us all."
"We are whoever we choose to be."
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