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Breakheart
Winter lies heavily on the uplands between two great trading cities, and the only shelter for miles is the 'Breakheart,' settlement of Brennan's Rath, near the stone circle known as the Nine Sisters. On an errand, a young bondsman called Fendel rescues an enigmatic stranger by the name of Richard Leon, and uncovers a life-and-death mystery. Richard is an outcast member of the prestigious Scryer's Guild. Through his own foolishness he was ostracized even by his friends, and the only way back to honor is through the hunt, and the sword. For Fendel, Richard Leon's arrival in Breakheart is the turning point in a young life which has become a nightmare.
this 'generation' of BREAKHEART is 1,500 words longer than the text previously published in Alyson Books' 'Swords of the Rainbow, USA, 1999.
this 'generation' of BREAKHEART is 1,500 words longer than the text previously published in Alyson Books' 'Swords of the Rainbow, USA, 1999.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2006
11 people want to read
About the author
Mel Keegan
52 books71 followersA self-confessed science fiction and fantasy devotee, Keegan is known for novels across a wide range of subjects, from the historical to the future action-adventure. Mel lives in South Australia with an eccentric family and a variety of pets.
Every Mel Keegan book is strong on gay or bisexual heroes (also, often, on gay villains), and some of these heroes are the most delicious in fiction: Jarrat and Stone from the NARC series, Bill Ryan and Jim Hale from The Deceivers, Neil Travers and Curtis Marin from Hellgate, and many more unforgettable characters. Because Mel's books feature the same sex relationships, the partnership at the core of each book is integral: this is the relationship driving the story, and it can be very powerful indeed.
Every Mel Keegan book is strong on gay or bisexual heroes (also, often, on gay villains), and some of these heroes are the most delicious in fiction: Jarrat and Stone from the NARC series, Bill Ryan and Jim Hale from The Deceivers, Neil Travers and Curtis Marin from Hellgate, and many more unforgettable characters. Because Mel's books feature the same sex relationships, the partnership at the core of each book is integral: this is the relationship driving the story, and it can be very powerful indeed.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 2, 2025
Kindle Audio.
March 17, 2013
Mel Keegan’s endearing fantasy “Breakheart” is the one short story I return to again and again.
When there’s never enough time to read, a story must be richly drawn and uniquely compelling to lure me. Keegan is masterful at creating fantasy, and I consider “Breakheart” to be his little gem.
Winter is always more dangerous in the foothills above Breakheart. Cast out of the prestigious Scryer’s Guild, Richard Leon was left wounded and afoot by bandits. For him, the only way back to honor in Moorkind is through the hunt and the sword. Finding the mysterious stranger encircled by wolves, young Fendel’s skill with an arrow is fortune for them both. Together, they return to Brennan’s Rath, where Fendel lives a nightmarish existence as a bondsman. For the outcast, Breakheart could bring life or death. For the bondsman, Richard Leon could bring hope.
The fantasy world of “Breakheart” is beautifully conceptualized, and Keegan’s prose is a joy. Skillfully crafted in a compact format, the story is highly detailed and the characters developed with style.
Always a favorite, if only “Breakheart” could have been longer!
For me, the relationship between Fendel and Richard Leon is particularly endearing, as their challenges and vulnerabilities are deftly explored. This is world-building at its best, and Keegan’s prose is dramatic and memorable. ‘Even the wolves were starving that winter. The wind screaming out of the north cut with a knife’s edge, and only desperate men made the journey to Breakheart.’
I’ve read all of Keegan’s work, and recommend each one. In the mood for more like this one? ‘Shadow and Flame’ and ‘Umbriel’ are delightful reads as well.
Endearing and original, “Breakheart” is a fantasy you will remember.
When there’s never enough time to read, a story must be richly drawn and uniquely compelling to lure me. Keegan is masterful at creating fantasy, and I consider “Breakheart” to be his little gem.
Winter is always more dangerous in the foothills above Breakheart. Cast out of the prestigious Scryer’s Guild, Richard Leon was left wounded and afoot by bandits. For him, the only way back to honor in Moorkind is through the hunt and the sword. Finding the mysterious stranger encircled by wolves, young Fendel’s skill with an arrow is fortune for them both. Together, they return to Brennan’s Rath, where Fendel lives a nightmarish existence as a bondsman. For the outcast, Breakheart could bring life or death. For the bondsman, Richard Leon could bring hope.
The fantasy world of “Breakheart” is beautifully conceptualized, and Keegan’s prose is a joy. Skillfully crafted in a compact format, the story is highly detailed and the characters developed with style.
Always a favorite, if only “Breakheart” could have been longer!
For me, the relationship between Fendel and Richard Leon is particularly endearing, as their challenges and vulnerabilities are deftly explored. This is world-building at its best, and Keegan’s prose is dramatic and memorable. ‘Even the wolves were starving that winter. The wind screaming out of the north cut with a knife’s edge, and only desperate men made the journey to Breakheart.’
I’ve read all of Keegan’s work, and recommend each one. In the mood for more like this one? ‘Shadow and Flame’ and ‘Umbriel’ are delightful reads as well.
Endearing and original, “Breakheart” is a fantasy you will remember.
November 14, 2012
SlashReaders: I purchased this title mostly out of curiosity and I've enjoy a great many other titles by Mel Keegan. I am almost never disappointed when I pick up one of his titles. Granted some are better than others but for the most part all are quite enjoyable and this was no exception.
If you've thought about trying something by Mel Keegan in the past but haven't done so, this might be a good place to start. It would give you a few ideas at least.
This is the story of Fendel, a young man who has found himself in a less than ideal situation due to a hungry belly and a pair of quick hands. While the story it's self isn't overly complex there are some nice twists and turns in it that aren't completely expected. Due to the length neither characters are extremely deep but neither are they overly shallow either. While with more content the world it's self could be added to for the purposes of this story there is enough information.
Anyway, so if you want a fun quick read with a bit of smex thrown in and a happy ending, this is a fun little read.
If you've thought about trying something by Mel Keegan in the past but haven't done so, this might be a good place to start. It would give you a few ideas at least.
This is the story of Fendel, a young man who has found himself in a less than ideal situation due to a hungry belly and a pair of quick hands. While the story it's self isn't overly complex there are some nice twists and turns in it that aren't completely expected. Due to the length neither characters are extremely deep but neither are they overly shallow either. While with more content the world it's self could be added to for the purposes of this story there is enough information.
Anyway, so if you want a fun quick read with a bit of smex thrown in and a happy ending, this is a fun little read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews