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The Broken Duology #1
Splintered
Be perfect. Get to the Inner Ring. Lie and fake until you win.
Calluna has always played her part in hopes of winning a one way ticket to a better life. But when she breaks a law to aid a friend, her life is thrown into chaos.
And when her best friend goes missing, leaving her a diary full of secrets that paints a target on her back, she has no choice but to make for an escape. It's almost fate that Theo, a Mai-Coh rebel, happens to be there the night she tries to flee and saves her life.
Whisked into a world of blood and burden beyond the wall, Calluna has the key the Mai-Coh have been searching for, but can she give it up knowing that salvation for some may mean damnation for those she risked it all for?
For fans of Delerium, Legend, The Hunger Games and all things twisted, Splintered is an NA fantasy about a world hell bent on Perfection torn apart by the very woman it created.
Calluna has always played her part in hopes of winning a one way ticket to a better life. But when she breaks a law to aid a friend, her life is thrown into chaos.
And when her best friend goes missing, leaving her a diary full of secrets that paints a target on her back, she has no choice but to make for an escape. It's almost fate that Theo, a Mai-Coh rebel, happens to be there the night she tries to flee and saves her life.
Whisked into a world of blood and burden beyond the wall, Calluna has the key the Mai-Coh have been searching for, but can she give it up knowing that salvation for some may mean damnation for those she risked it all for?
For fans of Delerium, Legend, The Hunger Games and all things twisted, Splintered is an NA fantasy about a world hell bent on Perfection torn apart by the very woman it created.
- GenresFantasy
380 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2021
1 person is currently reading
538 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 10, 2021
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOBED
such a cool and unique plot, and despite it being quite heavy at times, it was so freaking well done
also representation HELLO - East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African American and queer representation all in one book?? THANKS XX
such a cool and unique plot, and despite it being quite heavy at times, it was so freaking well done
also representation HELLO - East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, African American and queer representation all in one book?? THANKS XX
February 7, 2022
Where do I even begin with this book!!!
Calluna really is that babe and I love her.
First and foremost, the world building is so interesting. I've never read a book with a world such as. this. In this world, perfection is necessary. Everyone has to be perfect and their idea of 'perfection' means that people of color, disabilities, autonomy etc are literally cast out which is so insane to me but also a mirror of like real world things. It was a great reflection of the world we live in today and questions morality and Supremacism.
The story follows Callie and her life mate Alfie and it's Clear that Callie isn't one for submission. When her best friend goes missing and leaves her a diary full of secrets, Callie is thrown into chaos. I love how we see Callie's confidence as the book progresses increase, she starts to realize that she is controlled by no man. it was SO satisfying however the ending made me so sad but ended in a way that makes me soooo excited for book two.
THE MESS OF THAT CLIFFHANGER OH MY DAYS.
Bottom line, this queen smashed her debut book!!!!!
Calluna really is that babe and I love her.
First and foremost, the world building is so interesting. I've never read a book with a world such as. this. In this world, perfection is necessary. Everyone has to be perfect and their idea of 'perfection' means that people of color, disabilities, autonomy etc are literally cast out which is so insane to me but also a mirror of like real world things. It was a great reflection of the world we live in today and questions morality and Supremacism.
The story follows Callie and her life mate Alfie and it's Clear that Callie isn't one for submission. When her best friend goes missing and leaves her a diary full of secrets, Callie is thrown into chaos. I love how we see Callie's confidence as the book progresses increase, she starts to realize that she is controlled by no man. it was SO satisfying however the ending made me so sad but ended in a way that makes me soooo excited for book two.
THE MESS OF THAT CLIFFHANGER OH MY DAYS.
Bottom line, this queen smashed her debut book!!!!!
December 10, 2021
This book caught me off guard entirely, I love a good dystopian read but this was on another level, this story has an element of fantasy that we don’t quite get to know too much about in the first book but we are given just enough to spike interest and to be able to enjoy the very different plot.
The characters are incredibly well written and one of the reasons why this book is up there with my favourites of this genre, Calluna is a very relatable MC who I quickly befriended along with many other characters that were unique and each had a good depth/ back story and are very inclusive. Without giving anything away the love interest plot is very interesting…
The author clearly has a knack with story telling as this book was effortless to read, the story flowed perfectly and was fast paced without skipping on any quality. The only thing I don’t like is that I have to wait for book 2!
The characters are incredibly well written and one of the reasons why this book is up there with my favourites of this genre, Calluna is a very relatable MC who I quickly befriended along with many other characters that were unique and each had a good depth/ back story and are very inclusive. Without giving anything away the love interest plot is very interesting…
The author clearly has a knack with story telling as this book was effortless to read, the story flowed perfectly and was fast paced without skipping on any quality. The only thing I don’t like is that I have to wait for book 2!
December 13, 2021
*Spoiler free review*
I’ve DNF’d a lot of books lately but Splintered completely got me out of my reading slump!!!
Niamh Calder is an excellent storyteller and her writing in this is impeccable. Calluna is a charming character whose role in this plot is delivered effortlessly. I wasn’t expecting this to be a dystopian - as the cover looks like epic fantasy - but I haven’t read such a good dystopian book as this since the hunger games.
All of Niamh character are well rounded, deep and add elements to the overall story which I haven’t read for a long time. The representation in this book as well is perfection. The POC represented are beautifully described and thought out.
I am sooooo ready for book 2!!!
I’ve DNF’d a lot of books lately but Splintered completely got me out of my reading slump!!!
Niamh Calder is an excellent storyteller and her writing in this is impeccable. Calluna is a charming character whose role in this plot is delivered effortlessly. I wasn’t expecting this to be a dystopian - as the cover looks like epic fantasy - but I haven’t read such a good dystopian book as this since the hunger games.
All of Niamh character are well rounded, deep and add elements to the overall story which I haven’t read for a long time. The representation in this book as well is perfection. The POC represented are beautifully described and thought out.
I am sooooo ready for book 2!!!
Want to read
June 11, 2024heard this book was a really good dystopian but it’s so vague and i can’t find any good info on it😭
June 11, 2024
American dream distopian vesion
December 23, 2021
This book was soooo good I couldn’t believe it was a debut looking forward to the rest of the series 😭
December 15, 2021
I’m not normally a dystopian fan but this book surprised me in the best way !
The plot and world building were amazing I was sucked straight into the world and fell in love completely with our MC Calluna . Her character development and journey was great to see . Aside from the fantastically unique plot and world that gives off hunger games vibes the diversity in this book was amazing to see . And did I mention this book has some of our fave book tropes like ‘ who did this to you ?’ and ‘ found family ‘ . All in all I loved this book and can’t wait for book 2 :)
The plot and world building were amazing I was sucked straight into the world and fell in love completely with our MC Calluna . Her character development and journey was great to see . Aside from the fantastically unique plot and world that gives off hunger games vibes the diversity in this book was amazing to see . And did I mention this book has some of our fave book tropes like ‘ who did this to you ?’ and ‘ found family ‘ . All in all I loved this book and can’t wait for book 2 :)
January 9, 2022
First of all, yes I’m procrastinating my commercial law essay, and yes i don’t care, this is more important❤️. Right so, I LOVED THIS. This book was so rich with diversity and representation, and that was so refreshing to read - and what made it better was that it was representation IN A GOOD LIGHT! Romance in this book? Loved it x loved it. This was written so excellently that you feel the same way Calluna does, you feel love when she does, anger when she does, powerless when she does, and powerful when she does. This was genuinely so so different from anything I’ve read before, and I’m not sorry that I fell in love with 3 men in this book (although I lost feelings for Theo after a while). I loved this, and I’m mad I read this book so darn fast instead of going slow like a slug and really relishing the amazing reading experience I had. Niamh is one to watch out for, LET IT BE KNOWN
December 11, 2021
Rating : 4.5/5 ⭐️
I don’t even know where to start, this book was AMAZING!!! I loved it so much! I literally had to force myself to put it down and do my uni work because it was that addictive. The world building the plot was just absolutely phenomenal and I loved the characters! The DIVERSITY in this book was amazing!!! I’d never read a book with south Asian representation in a book and this was my first which made me love this book even more!!!! At times I had to force myself to put the book down because of how good it was😩
The ending was just mind blowing I was not expecting any of it I need book 2 right now 😩
I don’t even know where to start, this book was AMAZING!!! I loved it so much! I literally had to force myself to put it down and do my uni work because it was that addictive. The world building the plot was just absolutely phenomenal and I loved the characters! The DIVERSITY in this book was amazing!!! I’d never read a book with south Asian representation in a book and this was my first which made me love this book even more!!!! At times I had to force myself to put the book down because of how good it was😩
The ending was just mind blowing I was not expecting any of it I need book 2 right now 😩
January 13, 2022
I’ve never read a book so quickly in my life! I couldn’t put it down! The amount of representation within e book is incredible but the story and character development made this book a must read. Couldn’t recommend it enough!
January 25, 2022
SPOILER FREE
I love dystopian and fantasy books, but one thing I often struggle with while reading them are confusing expositions filled with confusing world-building and confusing government systems that doesn't get fully figured out until half-way through the book. I didn't that way while reading Splintered. The world-building was clear and concise without info dumping or dumbing it down.
I was pleasantly surprised by the societal commentary on systemic racism and homophobia. While the plot focused on corruption and Calluna's struggle with trying to be "Perfect", I still felt I could relate to the problems of the character's and their world.
Speaking of characters, I found myself really able to connect with the characters. You know it's a good book when you scream at characters you hate and are on the edge of your seat trying to make sure your favorites are going to make it out okay.
Over all, this book is an incredible dystopian for lovers of corrupt governments, romantic subplots, training scenes, and strong characters.
I love dystopian and fantasy books, but one thing I often struggle with while reading them are confusing expositions filled with confusing world-building and confusing government systems that doesn't get fully figured out until half-way through the book. I didn't that way while reading Splintered. The world-building was clear and concise without info dumping or dumbing it down.
I was pleasantly surprised by the societal commentary on systemic racism and homophobia. While the plot focused on corruption and Calluna's struggle with trying to be "Perfect", I still felt I could relate to the problems of the character's and their world.
Speaking of characters, I found myself really able to connect with the characters. You know it's a good book when you scream at characters you hate and are on the edge of your seat trying to make sure your favorites are going to make it out okay.
Over all, this book is an incredible dystopian for lovers of corrupt governments, romantic subplots, training scenes, and strong characters.
July 7, 2022
I've recently finished reading Splintered by Niamh Caldwell and I can truthfully say I enjoyed this book.
The diverse representation was great and many parts of the book you could connect with the real world.
In this world, you are required to be "perfect". Be white, cis and straight. Do as you're told, follow all rules. Obey the Emporer and you'll go far in life. See some similarities to the real world here?
This book very much gives Divergent vibes and I love it! The main character, Amare Bellamy has quite the development throughout the book. From a polite, non-rule breaker to a rebel, Amare is introduced to a world within her own. Almost enemy territory. *Almost* I adored her character but I'm really hoping Theo doesn't stay a love interest. I just, personally, do not like him. And that's me being blunt.
One thing I will criticise about this book is the way it ended. There was no real cliffhanger effect or ending. It felt as though Caldwell had just stopped in the middle of a chapter which did slightly disappoint.
Besides this, though, I greatly enjoyed the book and the story it contained. It was real, relatable and enjoyable. This book right here is the new 'Divergent'.
I highly recommend!!
The diverse representation was great and many parts of the book you could connect with the real world.
In this world, you are required to be "perfect". Be white, cis and straight. Do as you're told, follow all rules. Obey the Emporer and you'll go far in life. See some similarities to the real world here?
This book very much gives Divergent vibes and I love it! The main character, Amare Bellamy has quite the development throughout the book. From a polite, non-rule breaker to a rebel, Amare is introduced to a world within her own. Almost enemy territory. *Almost* I adored her character but I'm really hoping Theo doesn't stay a love interest. I just, personally, do not like him. And that's me being blunt.
One thing I will criticise about this book is the way it ended. There was no real cliffhanger effect or ending. It felt as though Caldwell had just stopped in the middle of a chapter which did slightly disappoint.
Besides this, though, I greatly enjoyed the book and the story it contained. It was real, relatable and enjoyable. This book right here is the new 'Divergent'.
I highly recommend!!
March 5, 2022
Not going to lie, I originally wanted this book because of its pretty front cover but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. It’s dystopian with an element of fantasy. I immediately fell in love with the Calluna! The characters are well written as there there are characters I completely fell in love with and characters who I hate SO much!! The world building is intriguing and I love that we are learning about it through the main characters eyes rather than info dumping.
Overall I definitely recommend this book and I can not wait for book 2.
Overall I definitely recommend this book and I can not wait for book 2.
April 12, 2022
It gets two stars because of the representation and a good concept. But the rest was not my cup of tea, I didn’t like the execution of the storyline, I didn’t like the characters or their dynamic and I didn’t know if I was supposed to root for any of the sides but I sure didn’t. Not a great read for me and I don’t think I will pick up the sequel.
December 22, 2022
I love this book soooooooo much literally unbelievable.
I rarely give 5 stars once I’ve finished the book for like a week because I come off my high of excitement but the excitement just didn’t simmer down for this book.
It’s truly incredible and kind of surprising, I usually need a book to be romance heavy but this book made me realise I might like romance as a subplot more?
I think it was the world building in such heavy detail (but not too much) and the plot that kept me interested not to mention the characters!
Anyways all in all I’m literally on the edge of my seat for the sequel right now.
I rarely give 5 stars once I’ve finished the book for like a week because I come off my high of excitement but the excitement just didn’t simmer down for this book.
It’s truly incredible and kind of surprising, I usually need a book to be romance heavy but this book made me realise I might like romance as a subplot more?
I think it was the world building in such heavy detail (but not too much) and the plot that kept me interested not to mention the characters!
Anyways all in all I’m literally on the edge of my seat for the sequel right now.
April 9, 2023
I loved this book.
When I received it in the mail, I was in a bit of a slump, I went a month without finishing a book, but Caldwell drew me into a world that felt so real, and at times depressingly relatable, I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put it down. I binged the book. Calluna is a complete bad ass, and I instantly felt attached to her, a protagonist prepared to reject the disturbing reality of the problematic “perfect” world she lives in.
I went through all the emotions during Calluna’s journey: happiness, stress, anger, grief, etc., and by the end of it I really wanted more.
I’m usually an annoyingly picky reader, but Splintered quickly became one of my favourite reads this year, and I have and will continue to recommend it to anyone who speaks to me. Can’t wait for the sequel.
When I received it in the mail, I was in a bit of a slump, I went a month without finishing a book, but Caldwell drew me into a world that felt so real, and at times depressingly relatable, I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put it down. I binged the book. Calluna is a complete bad ass, and I instantly felt attached to her, a protagonist prepared to reject the disturbing reality of the problematic “perfect” world she lives in.
I went through all the emotions during Calluna’s journey: happiness, stress, anger, grief, etc., and by the end of it I really wanted more.
I’m usually an annoyingly picky reader, but Splintered quickly became one of my favourite reads this year, and I have and will continue to recommend it to anyone who speaks to me. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews