Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
Sworn to a goddess. One with her blade. A heart yet unbroken.
It would have been only one more year of training. One year in the dust and wind of the Calma Desert. But Gandrett Brayton’s fate storms in disguised as a beautiful stranger with a damning secret.
As he … the dust and wind of the Calma Desert. But Gandrett Brayton’s fate storms in disguised as a beautiful stranger with a damning secret.
As he forces her into the service of the lord who tore her from her mother’s arms ten years ago to commit her to the Order of Vala, Gandrett is left with a choice: run, or work for the man she despises and earn the chance to see her family again.
Trained with all the weapons she can wield with her hands, Gandrett must learn that at the courts of the shattered kingdom of Sives, her sword won’t help her– especially when it is her own heart on the line.
★★★★★ “Fae, magic, and a heart-throbbing adventure will keep readers entranced until the last page.”
Shattered Kingdom is bestselling author Angelina J. Steffort’s new young adult epic fantasy romance about a girl who’s heart could change the course of history.
Other series by Angelina J. Steffort:
Two Worlds
1. Two Worlds of Provenance
2. Two Worlds of Oblivion
3. Two Worlds of Redemption
4. Two Worlds of Dominion
The Wings Trilogy
1. White
2. Black
3. Gray
The Wings Trilogy: Adam
1. Spark
2. Fire
3. Ashes
About the Author:
“Chocolate fanatic, milk-foam enthusiast and huge friend of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career-path for me.” Bestselling author Angelina J. Steffort was born in 1984. She has multiple educational backgrounds, including engineering, business, music and acting. Angelina writes young adult fantasy with a strong romance component, and is the author of The Wings Trilogy and the Two Worlds saga. Currently, Angelina lives in Vienna, Austria with her husband and her son. Learn more about Angelina on ajsteffort.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ajsteffort.
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Seemed apt to finish reading this on Christmas Day. Sensational fantasy story that I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters. Glad it’s not just a “ one off “ as I feel that I’m only just getting to know the characters and that they have a lot more to tell.
So looking forward to the rest of the series.
Very excited to read them in the New year.
This was not a typical Fae story. There wasn’t anything in this story that so many Fae stories have, for that I am grateful. Too often, it seems, the Fae are represented a certain way in every story. Steffort’s Fae have been completely different from that mold.
I gave it five stars, even though I could hardly pronounce the names, for it being original, gripping, and exciting.
OMG I loved this! From the very start this fantasy story drew me in with its incredible characters and storyline. I absolutely loved Gandrett our kick ass take no nonsense female mc as we follow her on her intense journey. There’s so much going on as she enters enemy territory to complete her mission, there’s twists and turns I did not see coming and a battle to the death! It’s intriguing, exciting and fraught with danger as Gandrett tries to work out who she can trust and I am very excited to read the next book!
Gandrett was taken from her family and has vowed to serve the goddess of the Order of Vala. With one year of training left, her life is once again in an upheaval as she is forced to serve the lord who stole her from her family. She will have to make choices, and figure out who is worth fighting for and who is worth fighting.
It’s been made obvious that if you loved Throne of Glass, you’ll love this book. That is 100% accurate, and the author gave us an intriguing story that is reminiscent of ToG, but has its own story. I loved Gandrett’s character and how spunky she is. She’s fierce and is someone you want to be like. Nehelon, Brax and Armand are all fantastic characters, each with their own personalities and quirks. I have to say Brax was definitely a favorite of mine, just because there’s so much mystery to him.
I cant wait to see where the next book takes us!
I picked this up when it said fans of Sarah J Maas would like this and I am so glad I did.
This is an epic fantasy romance with a strong female lead you can admire.
Gandrett was torn from the arms of her family when she was just 7 years old and made to train with the order of Vala. This is a life long commitment forced upon where she will dedicate her life to serving the goddess. She has come to terms with this fate and grudgingly accepts by throwing herself into training and her skills as a warrior make her the best of the best.
Now she is asked to help the lord responsible for taking away from her family and help in retrieve his lost son.
Brilliant opening to this series and yet so much more to come and I can’t wait to delve into the rest. You will love this if you like Magic, high fantasy, the Fae and a strong female lead.
All huge ticks in my book.
Great potential male love interests and world building leaving you thirsty for more.
I listened to the audio version and was pleasantly surprised with the male narrators telling of this story.
5/5 as right up my street. No more on audible yet but delighted to see 2 more are on KU.
I’ve received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Gandrett Brayton – a 17 years old girl, tore from her mother’s arms at the age of 7 and sworn to a goddess, becomes one with her blade. One year left before finishing her training, her fate takes a turn for the worst when a beautiful stranger appears at the priory asking specifically for Gandrett’s services. Fear creeps into her soul when she finds out the stranger is a Fae and she will have to work with him – but what she doesn’t know is that the job she has been hired to do – will require her to have her own heart on the line.
The book says its perfect for fans of “Throne of Glass” and “A court of Thrones and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas and “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Leight Bardugo, I’ve not read any of the books mentioned above – so I can’t say anything, however, what I can say is that I’ve found another book boyfriend and right now it feels like I’ve gathered a harem (don’t tell my boyfriend).
On a serious note, the book has taken me on one amazing adventure. Gandrett’s story starts very heartbreakingly, being a child of 7 years old and being torn from her mother arm’s to become a Child of Vala and train from such a young age, not knowing what childhood is – is sad. However, through this book you see her change from being the best fighter on the priory to save the Prince’s life, to slowly but surely falling for the fae male. You can see Gandrett’s actions are usually towards a goal and barely loses focus, to save the prince, to be able to spend time with her family – a family she hasn’t seen in 10 years, but you also see her in her worst moments, including a moment where she lost her consciousness and she wet herself. This type of thing in the book really made me stop and be like WOW – she’s human. You don’t usually see moments like this in a book, is almost like normal bodily functions are taboo but not in this book.
I’ve also loved the slow burn romance between her and the fae, her conflicted feelings regarding him, because as a Child of Vala she has made an oath to be her sole company for the rest of her days and is very intriguing when her own heart is rebelling against her own faith, making her second guess her future.
The book has made my heart flutter with love, happiness but also fear, and the end of the book is breathtaking and ends in a cliffhanger. I’m glad the 2nd book is already out and I get the chance to read it next because this type of suspense is going to end my life way too soon. The book is raw, full of powerful magic, the female leader is a bad-ass heroine that finishes her tasks and beyond that. The females in the book besides being godly beautiful they’re also strong, powerful, and do not back down from their own tasks, even tho they might not be as strong as a male.
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Fantastic! I really enjoyed Shattered Kingdom. The comparison to Throne of Glass is quite accurate – I definitely recommend this book if you loved ToG. Gandrett is a really strong female lead and I really enjoyed her inner monologue – she can be pretty funny! Nehelon is a somewhat typical broody Fae male but I really liked him especially when we got the occasional glimpse into his true feelings. And I’m very curious about what his background is! I also really liked Brax and Armand, the other 2 possible love interests, and I must admit I’m very excited to read future books to see where the romance will go! It was also refreshing to see the friendship between Gandrett and McKenzie – McKenzie was really nice and truly wanted to help Gandrett, unlike catty nobles in many other books. The world building is good, but I definitely want to know more history, and I’d like to learn more about the magic. The story is well paced and as I got closer to the end I really didn’t want to put it down! Overall this is a really good intro to the series and I really want to read the next book!
Gandrett Brayton was taken from her home at a young age to become a Child of Vala. She is also the best swordsman seen in ages, so much so that they call her Vala’s Blade. When a handsome newcomer arrives, Gandrett gets drawn into a deal she wants no part of. Now, Gandrett must work for the man who ordered her to be taken from her family when she was seven years old. But her journey will be fraught with many dangers, and Gandrett must be sure that she both succeeds in her mission – and makes it out alive.
Wow! This is my first time reading one of Steffort’s novels, but I know for a fact it will not be my last! I was completely drawn into the world she has created, and I can’t wait to start the next book! Her writing is absolutely spellbinding, and provokes heart wrenching emotions from the reader. You will not be disappointed if you pick up this book!!!
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
An enchanting tale of mystery and adventure!
Such an enchanting tale! I love the characters and the story. So many secrets, plotting, wonder, and deep connection. Gandrett seems like a strong an beautiful soul. She is an excellent main character. Nehelon is a mysterious and wonderful character. He is so complex and full of secrets. I can’t wait to read the next part of the tale.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Taken from her family as a child and vowed to serve the goddess in the Order of the Vala, Gandrett has only more year of training, but her fate is not to be her own as instead she is forced to serve the Lord responsible for her being taken 10 years ago.
She is trained with all the weapons but is unprepared for what she will face in yhe shattered kingdom of Sives. All is not what has been told to her or as it seems.
There are things she is unaware of about herself and the one she is supposed to save.
Filled with wonderful characters and surprises around every corner this is an adventure you won’t want to miss.
What a wonderful book! I enjoyed every aspect of it. Fast passed, yet perfectly flowing. Gandrett is torn from her family as a child, to spend a life of servitude to the Order of Vala, where she is trained in an isolated area, to become a a great fighter. She loathes that she had no say in her life and desperately missed her parents and brother. When a mysterious man arrives and whisks her off on a mission, she has no idea what is store for her. She is forced to help the one person she detests above all others, the very Lord who issued the summons for her to be placed into the Order. Gandrett is a wonderful character, well rounded easy to relate to. Her fears are real, especially when uncovering that which she thought did not exist, actually do. There is a lot alluded to, which I’m sure will be uncovered in subsequent books. There are hints of Dragons, of Fae and magic that is forbidden. I’m very intrigued by Nehelon and his secrets. Each and every character is a delight and credible, from the serving staff, to the Royal family in both courts. What I anticipated, didn’t happen and what I hadn’t did! So much to sink ones teeth into! Magic, mystery, shady dealings and intrigue. A whirlwind of literary delight! Highly recommended
This is one of those books where, when you put the book down, you find yourself thinking about the characters before you get your next chance to read.
Gandrett just my be my new favorite name for a female protagonist. She is such a fierce character who finds herself tested again and again, especially emotionally, during her mission. Her relationship with Nehelon is an almost strange mix of the regular enemies-to-lovers trope and one of ever-changing power dynamics that build a respect for one another that they haven’t felt before (that we know of at this point…we don’t know all of Nehelon’s history since he is several hundred years old).
The depth of the main characters keeps us wanting to see more of each individual whether they start off as the clear enemy, the one to be rescued, or the quiet one in rags. The world-building keeps things interesting without having pages upon pages introducing us to this new world, and it all makes sense. It’s clear that we’ll have plenty to explore in this series as the books are published, but we aren’t left with a million questions. The pacing is also well done – nothing is rushed, and nothing drags.
I’m looking forward to getting to see and understand the magic in this fantasy world as the series goes on, especially watching a certain character grow with their newly awakened magic.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
IF you enjoy epic fantasy, love a strong female main character who doesn’t lean on her imperfections, and appreciate a mysterious magical man, this book is for you. In particular, if you enjoy books that use religious traditions we recognize to explore questions of humanity, then this is your kind of read.
This was a really good read! I love a good strong heroine that knows how to wield a blade. It starts out with a magnificent fighter being hired out to find a kidnapped price and then turns in to so much more. There were so many twists and turns in this book that it left me with so many questions and ready for book 2. This story has it all, adventure, magic, strong characters, betrayal and intrigue.
Spoiler Alert!
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The main character is from a place that is like a monastery where you pledge yourself to your god and no other. But then Nehelon comes along and sparks fly, almost to a creepy point with his obsession with her though. He isn’t the only one that is enthralled with her though and this causes lots of internal struggle and turmoil.
This is one of the best starts to a fantasy series I’ve read in a while. First, it has a map! I love maps, makes me think the author has thought about the world they are building. Strong female characters that grow are also on my list of what makes a great series. Gandrett, the main character, is just that, strong, young, and smart. Nehelon, the Fae who turns her life inside out is mysterious, handsome and compelling. Steffort slowly unwinds her complex characters with humor, compassion and soul wrenching twists throughout the book. Magic, dragons and political plots supported by a beautifully written story definitely make this a must read!
Gandrett is a strong heroine, which is something this author is becoming an expert at writing. I love the detail and colors in each scene. The adventures are magical and multi-layered, and they take us to realms in the author’s mind only she can unlock. Each of the characters in this story had a particular spot in the heroine’s heart, and we find, throughout the tale, where she belongs in theirs, even as they deny such things.
The supernatural aspect of the story adds so much depth, and we find that there is more to each of the characters than we first realized. Nehelon is so much more than he lets on and shows her how to open up to the possibilities inside her. But she also finds a courage that is so much more than she knew she held within.
The good guys are tempting, and the bad guys are despicable. The intrigue and mystery surrounding the situation makes for an exhilarating and enchanting story that moves into frightening realms and has us cheering for the heroine to succeed if only to survive. I found it impossible to put the story down and became completely engulfed in the magic of it all. I don’t know where the adventure will take us next, but I look forward to finding out.
This book drew me in so thoroughly I did not want to put it down. The main character, Gandrett, is a trained warrior with a hard outer wall of defences protecting trauma of her youth. Her inner monologue is delightful and she is perfectly expressed by the author. Her tumultuous journey throughout the book is hinged around events not of her choosing and the men that she faces are all so multi-faceted and interesting. As to their motivations, well…. Angelina J. Steffort weaves a tale of adventure, fantasy, the forbidden, love and hate and above all else….. courage. Does Gandrett have the courage to complete her tasks and face her past and her future? No matter the outcome? For someone is depending on her for reasons of his own. Do you have the curiosity to find out what they are? You won’t be disappointed. Likened to Sarah J. Maas this series promises to keep you coming back for more!!!!I loved it!!!!
“Shattered Kingdom” by Angelina J. Steffort is the first book in a new epic fantasy series, featuring Gandrett Brayton, an acolyte in the Order of Vala, whose life consists of training and deprivation and, once she reaches maturity, fulfilling missions for the Order as a fighting warrior.
Gandrett’s path takes on a brand-new nuance, as Nehelon appears at the door, intended on borrowing her skills for a covert mission: Joshua, the heir of House Brenheran, has been kidnapped by her mortal enemies, the rulers of Denderlain.
Gandrett’s mission consists of infiltrate Denderlain and free Joshua, a mission that would require finesse and a whole new set of skills much different of those learn at the Order.
Accompanied by Nehelon, who also has an agenda of his own, Gandrett embarks in a rescue mission that turns to be other than expected. Along the way Gandrett’s journey turns into an epic tale of power struggle, deceit, friendship, loyalty and trust.
Angelina J. Steffort has crafted a brand-new world, populated with fully fleshed out characters: Gandrett is a fabulous female hero, both strong and vulnerable, with a solid moral compass and a mind of her own, while Nehelon is the perfect counterpart for the quest. All secondary characters play a very important role in the story and have each a very distinct personality.
The plot thickens page by page, revealing unforeseen twists and ramifications, that make the book into a real page-turner, and while the action maintains the reader on the edge of the seat, it is the fine humour and perfect chemistry between the characters what really makes the book exceptional. A story that lingers long after reading. I wish I could give it six stars, wait a second ….. I just did!
What an adventure! From start to finish you go on a journey through this amazing world Angelina has created. This world where the Fae are feared and exiled. Where those who have magic that are not Vala given are also exiled. Gandrett is a warrior like no other. She trained everyday to be the best because she had no choice. She is bought to go on a mission to save a kings first born son. Can you turn a warrior into a lady? Her mission turns out to be far harder and twisted than she thought. I absolutely enjoyed this book. I couldnt put it down!
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review