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Fractured Conclave #2
A Broken Contract
A promise broken. Her future torn up. But she still has a job to do.
Betrayed by her blood family, all Hallie's plans for her future are in ruins. She has no time to lick her wounds as Special Investigator Girard wants her help looking for some members of the elite who have gone missing in Hallie's territory.
Furious and hurt at the destruction of her plans, the last thing Hallie wants to do is look for spoiled rich kids. But then she and Girard start finding bodies and a simple hunt for missing persons turns into a deadly game with a ruthless and deadly opponent. Hallie and Girard will have to work together if they are going to survive to have any future at all.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
A Broken Contract continues Hallie's story which started in A Usual Suspect. Pre-order your copy now to continue Hallie's story when A Broken Contract is released.
Pre-order your copy of A Usual Suspect now to start Hallie's story when it releases.
Betrayed by her blood family, all Hallie's plans for her future are in ruins. She has no time to lick her wounds as Special Investigator Girard wants her help looking for some members of the elite who have gone missing in Hallie's territory.
Furious and hurt at the destruction of her plans, the last thing Hallie wants to do is look for spoiled rich kids. But then she and Girard start finding bodies and a simple hunt for missing persons turns into a deadly game with a ruthless and deadly opponent. Hallie and Girard will have to work together if they are going to survive to have any future at all.
If you like your fantasy mixed with a bit of mystery, a bit of magic and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series by Vanessa Nelson.
A Broken Contract continues Hallie's story which started in A Usual Suspect. Pre-order your copy now to continue Hallie's story when A Broken Contract is released.
Pre-order your copy of A Usual Suspect now to start Hallie's story when it releases.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2024
233 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books397 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, three giant dogs and fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog lets me know when he isn’t getting enough attention by chewing up the house. The middle dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog lets me know when he isn’t getting enough attention by chewing up the house. The middle dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 12, 2024
4.5/5.0
I know, this may not be the perfect book (or series) for everyone, but it is right up my alley! I love Hallie’s character, the story has action and intrigue AND there is a hint at a love interest on the way. It also has heart - loads and loads of it. What more could this reader want?!?! And for those small things that might itch other people, I would just say hold on. Ms. Nelson is a master at uncovering and lending understanding drops at a time over multiple books - so if one has a question, stay tuned!
I know, this may not be the perfect book (or series) for everyone, but it is right up my alley! I love Hallie’s character, the story has action and intrigue AND there is a hint at a love interest on the way. It also has heart - loads and loads of it. What more could this reader want?!?! And for those small things that might itch other people, I would just say hold on. Ms. Nelson is a master at uncovering and lending understanding drops at a time over multiple books - so if one has a question, stay tuned!
December 11, 2024
After a tough beginning (someone needs to light her brother on fire already, please), I liked this one a lot better than the first one.
Firstly, Hallie seemed like a bit less of a doormat ... after we were through that opening 20% or so. She felt more aggressive in general, and stood up for herself more, especially when she saw that dickhead investigator who broke her face in book 1. That was really good to see.
Secondly, we got to meet other hochlen that weren't 2-dimensional bags of fascist shit. That was really helpful, because it negates the whole "why would you help any of these shitheads" element that I was struggling with. I liked the inspector boss guy (I think his name was Roth?), and I feel like that guy is going to offer her a job. He made no secret of the fact that he found her impressive. The techs on the Conclave team were great, so it was really just detective I'm-going-to-break-your-face that was the only example of douchebaggery on the Conclave Inspectors team. I can work with that. And even better, they seemed to warm up to her more as the book goes on, which tells me that they see her. They see what she is doing, how capable she is, and respect her. I really like that.
I like that Girard seems openly curious about this world of peons he knows nothing about. He's willing to engage with things. I still can't shake off what a condescending douche he was in book 1, and I'm not sure how to get past him hanging out watching her get tortured, but if I'm being honest, he felt like a different character in this book. Like, he had to shoot someone, and he was honestly, and obviously, upset about it. I'm not sure how to reconcile that with his character in book 1, but in any case, I like his book 2 character much more.
I wish book 3 was out. :(
Firstly, Hallie seemed like a bit less of a doormat ... after we were through that opening 20% or so. She felt more aggressive in general, and stood up for herself more, especially when she saw that dickhead investigator who broke her face in book 1. That was really good to see.
Secondly, we got to meet other hochlen that weren't 2-dimensional bags of fascist shit. That was really helpful, because it negates the whole "why would you help any of these shitheads" element that I was struggling with. I liked the inspector boss guy (I think his name was Roth?), and I feel like that guy is going to offer her a job. He made no secret of the fact that he found her impressive. The techs on the Conclave team were great, so it was really just detective I'm-going-to-break-your-face that was the only example of douchebaggery on the Conclave Inspectors team. I can work with that. And even better, they seemed to warm up to her more as the book goes on, which tells me that they see her. They see what she is doing, how capable she is, and respect her. I really like that.
I like that Girard seems openly curious about this world of peons he knows nothing about. He's willing to engage with things. I still can't shake off what a condescending douche he was in book 1, and I'm not sure how to get past him hanging out watching her get tortured, but if I'm being honest, he felt like a different character in this book. Like, he had to shoot someone, and he was honestly, and obviously, upset about it. I'm not sure how to reconcile that with his character in book 1, but in any case, I like his book 2 character much more.
I wish book 3 was out. :(
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars
I was going to make this my final book of 2024 but life gets in a way - so instead it became my first book in 2025. A Broken Contract continues Hallie Talbot's adventure from A Usual Suspect.
What first starts as catching fugitive (as usual), Hallie ends up helping Girard to find missing hochlen men. In this book, there is an update about Hallie's root ().
I liked her investigation to the missing hochlen men this time, although I still thought that Hallie was reckless sometimes, that put herself in danger. But at least this time, she used resources that was on her hand to gather information.
Still interesting series to follow. I would like to see the progress of Hallie and Girard "possible" (romantic) relationship, also Rosalia with her plan, and more information about Hallie's background
I was going to make this my final book of 2024 but life gets in a way - so instead it became my first book in 2025. A Broken Contract continues Hallie Talbot's adventure from A Usual Suspect.
What first starts as catching fugitive (as usual), Hallie ends up helping Girard to find missing hochlen men. In this book, there is an update about Hallie's root ().
I liked her investigation to the missing hochlen men this time, although I still thought that Hallie was reckless sometimes, that put herself in danger. But at least this time, she used resources that was on her hand to gather information.
Still interesting series to follow. I would like to see the progress of Hallie and Girard "possible" (romantic) relationship, also Rosalia with her plan, and more information about Hallie's background
November 23, 2024
Good second volume of Hallie's adventures, in which we get some important revelations about her origins and the nature of her powers. The universe is still as intriguing, but we have few revelations about it. Dystopia? Are we on Earth or on another planet? Are the Veondken Aliens or Fae? Magic, powers, what are they? We will not know in this volume, and perhaps we will never know.
The author takes care to detail the city on a sociological and economic level from the point of view of her heroine, who seems to be ignorant of almost everything about the rest of the world.
The police investigation that punctuates the book is not much more substantial than that of the first volume, but remains of a good level.
The heroine's interpersonal relationships (family, work, friends) are full of subtlety and finely described.
But some narrative conveniences (at one point, the heroine forgets that she has a gun in her pocket...) and the usual frustrations linked to series in which the author withholds too much substantial information prevent me from considering this novel a total success.
That said, It's still a good series, and I will read the next volume with pleasure.
The author takes care to detail the city on a sociological and economic level from the point of view of her heroine, who seems to be ignorant of almost everything about the rest of the world.
The police investigation that punctuates the book is not much more substantial than that of the first volume, but remains of a good level.
The heroine's interpersonal relationships (family, work, friends) are full of subtlety and finely described.
But some narrative conveniences (at one point, the heroine forgets that she has a gun in her pocket...) and the usual frustrations linked to series in which the author withholds too much substantial information prevent me from considering this novel a total success.
That said, It's still a good series, and I will read the next volume with pleasure.
December 3, 2024
I’m not sure how an author whom I’d never heard of before a year ago made my “must read” list as soon as one of her new books gets released, but Vanessa Nelson is that author for me. For those of you who’ve followed my blog for awhile you know that I read a mish mash of romance and fantasy novels. If those two genre’s are ever combined I’m all over it. Ms. Nelson’s books lean more towards fantasy than romance, but there’s always that hint of chemistry between two of the characters that make me take the leap and it’s her stories that keep me coming back for more.
The Fractured Conclave is her newest series that follows Hallie, who is a skip tracer. Kind of like a bail bondsman and investigator all rolled into one. She lives in a society that is segmented between the elite and then the lower caste, which she was born into, but somehow, through no fault of her own she has inherited some genes that have turned her from being human, into a member of the higher caste. Something that she’s kept secret but has also made her family disown her. Each of these books finds Hallie and Special Investigator Girard combining their strengths into finding someone or solving a mystery. In A Broken Contract, Girard comes to Hallie and asks for her help because some members of the elite have gone missing. As she investigates, Hallie does help Girard, but she also unveils things about her true nature that helps define her in her new place in the world.
Both books in this series have been really great and if you love great world-building and urban fantasy novels you will love these books. Then, just like I did, you will look up her backlist, become overjoyed with the number of books and series that she has written and you will spend the next few months catching up and then eagerly anticipating more.
The Fractured Conclave is her newest series that follows Hallie, who is a skip tracer. Kind of like a bail bondsman and investigator all rolled into one. She lives in a society that is segmented between the elite and then the lower caste, which she was born into, but somehow, through no fault of her own she has inherited some genes that have turned her from being human, into a member of the higher caste. Something that she’s kept secret but has also made her family disown her. Each of these books finds Hallie and Special Investigator Girard combining their strengths into finding someone or solving a mystery. In A Broken Contract, Girard comes to Hallie and asks for her help because some members of the elite have gone missing. As she investigates, Hallie does help Girard, but she also unveils things about her true nature that helps define her in her new place in the world.
Both books in this series have been really great and if you love great world-building and urban fantasy novels you will love these books. Then, just like I did, you will look up her backlist, become overjoyed with the number of books and series that she has written and you will spend the next few months catching up and then eagerly anticipating more.
August 14, 2025
Good ending, but I didn't much care for Hallie's world. It took me forever to finish this book, because I put it down and forgot about it. That said, I will read the next in the series to see if Hallie's world now improves!
November 15, 2024
Very good, but I found what our heroine had to go through in the beginning 40% infuriating.
If you are already irritable, this may not be the escape you need. Although the end is mildly cathartic.
I'm looking forward to book 3.
If you are already irritable, this may not be the escape you need. Although the end is mildly cathartic.
I'm looking forward to book 3.
Read
November 4, 2024Good
Skip tracer Hallie Talbot is pleased that Inspector Girard Abbot has asked her to work with him again, or she would be if she wasn’t already dealing with family issues and broken promises.
The Inspector is looking for five missing Hochlen men, all of whom were last seen in Lowtown, which is Hallie’s home turf.
It’s a complicated case, and at times dangerous, so it doesn’t help that Hallie’s focus has been split, and she’s working to a deadline…
This is the second book in this series, and while the mystery in it is standalone, the book is part of an ongoing story that began in the first book which definitely needs to be read first.
This book puts Hallie back to working with Girard, and working on the case with which he wants her help, challenges Hallie’s preconceived notions a lot while her personal issues bring her to some interesting revelations. The mystery she is trying to solve, is intriguing and enjoyably twisty; there are also one or two events that make you think a lot about just how Hallie is changing, and who she is herself.
It is an enjoyable story, set in a complex and fascinating world, with a truly intriguing set up that I’m really looking forward to reading more about.
Hallie and Girard are characters we are only just beginning to learn anything about, and I look forward to seeing what more we discover in the future.
This well written, enthralling story, is exactly what I have come to expect from Vanessa Nelson; a world of complicated people, and satisfyingly intricate systems by which they all live. The series is one that urban and contemporary fantasy fans will enjoy, especially those who love the more drawn out pace of epic fantasy.
Skip tracer Hallie Talbot is pleased that Inspector Girard Abbot has asked her to work with him again, or she would be if she wasn’t already dealing with family issues and broken promises.
The Inspector is looking for five missing Hochlen men, all of whom were last seen in Lowtown, which is Hallie’s home turf.
It’s a complicated case, and at times dangerous, so it doesn’t help that Hallie’s focus has been split, and she’s working to a deadline…
This is the second book in this series, and while the mystery in it is standalone, the book is part of an ongoing story that began in the first book which definitely needs to be read first.
This book puts Hallie back to working with Girard, and working on the case with which he wants her help, challenges Hallie’s preconceived notions a lot while her personal issues bring her to some interesting revelations. The mystery she is trying to solve, is intriguing and enjoyably twisty; there are also one or two events that make you think a lot about just how Hallie is changing, and who she is herself.
It is an enjoyable story, set in a complex and fascinating world, with a truly intriguing set up that I’m really looking forward to reading more about.
Hallie and Girard are characters we are only just beginning to learn anything about, and I look forward to seeing what more we discover in the future.
This well written, enthralling story, is exactly what I have come to expect from Vanessa Nelson; a world of complicated people, and satisfyingly intricate systems by which they all live. The series is one that urban and contemporary fantasy fans will enjoy, especially those who love the more drawn out pace of epic fantasy.
April 18, 2025
The beginning of the book will have you steamingggg. Hallie is trying to move on with her life far away from her family while brining in skips. Soon she’s brought in by Conclave investigator to work with him on some missing high city men. The hunt turns up bodies and rumors of deadly fights. Who is running these fights, is there a new drug on the street. Also her brother Peter needs to be arrested ughhhhhh. This was a great second book in the series. Hallie finds out more about her heritage and it’s shocking; let’s hope she can get away from her mother! For me, this one improved on the first book. The characters had more depth and the story was more involved. Hallie didn’t come across as such a wimp when it came to her family and she appears to be more willing to stand up for herself.
We are also introduced to other Hochlen in their world who actually listen to Hallie and seem to respect her opinion even though she’s from the lower city, so it indicates that all high city folks aren’t prejudiced/biased one dimensional as alluded to in book 1. We are also finding out more about Girad, in this book he wasn’t as cold and remote. He was curious, asked Hallie questions, was willing to follow her lead and work with her as a partner. Book 1 I really wasn’t a fan of him since he didn’t really help Hallie while his fellow cops were hurting her and he came of more as a self righteous ^<<>?%}}# , so this was definitely a character redemption.
So overall, thumbs up on this book.
We are also introduced to other Hochlen in their world who actually listen to Hallie and seem to respect her opinion even though she’s from the lower city, so it indicates that all high city folks aren’t prejudiced/biased one dimensional as alluded to in book 1. We are also finding out more about Girad, in this book he wasn’t as cold and remote. He was curious, asked Hallie questions, was willing to follow her lead and work with her as a partner. Book 1 I really wasn’t a fan of him since he didn’t really help Hallie while his fellow cops were hurting her and he came of more as a self righteous ^<<>?%}}# , so this was definitely a character redemption.
So overall, thumbs up on this book.
January 19, 2025
What will happen next? A masterful build-up! ❤️
This is one of those series that the more it progresses the better it gets. As the story evolves, the more we discover about this world and the characters. The FMC, Hallie is a skip tracer bringing in wanted people, recovering valuable items and sometimes helping the authorities in finding missing people. In this instalment she is hired by a hochlen (non human, elite faction) inspector in finding five missing hochlen in the human city faction. In the first book of the series Hallie interacted with this particular inspector that goes by the name of Girard, which may possibly develop into a romantic connection in the future books to come. It is heartbreaking to see the way Hallie’s family has treated her since she suffered a tragic incident that impacted Hallie’s life and that made her change in more ways than one. If you like a fierce, smart, vulnerable and kick-ass FMC, plenty of action, mystery and some surprises along the way, then you will definitely enjoy this book/series. Looking forward to reading the next book coming out in March 2025. 💜💜💜
This is one of those series that the more it progresses the better it gets. As the story evolves, the more we discover about this world and the characters. The FMC, Hallie is a skip tracer bringing in wanted people, recovering valuable items and sometimes helping the authorities in finding missing people. In this instalment she is hired by a hochlen (non human, elite faction) inspector in finding five missing hochlen in the human city faction. In the first book of the series Hallie interacted with this particular inspector that goes by the name of Girard, which may possibly develop into a romantic connection in the future books to come. It is heartbreaking to see the way Hallie’s family has treated her since she suffered a tragic incident that impacted Hallie’s life and that made her change in more ways than one. If you like a fierce, smart, vulnerable and kick-ass FMC, plenty of action, mystery and some surprises along the way, then you will definitely enjoy this book/series. Looking forward to reading the next book coming out in March 2025. 💜💜💜
December 4, 2024
I wasn't as sure of this series after reading the first book in comparison to how much I have loved Vanessa Nelson's other series. But after reading this second in the series it shot straight up there. After being a little confused and unsure of the characters in the first book, this book blew me away. So good, and the characters truly needed to go through an arc and I can see how much more they need to go through. What's not surprising is the originality and interest of the world building. Vanessa Nelson really knows how to set up an alternate world, this one with echos of our own with technology but the magic and the politics are something on another level. A truly urban alternative. Hallie herself is a great character and we are starting to see that there is a lot more to her than meets the eye and she certainly appears to be a lot more interesting than even she herself suspects. I'm definitely on board for this ride and can't wait for the next.
November 3, 2024
5/5 - A Gripping Investigation
This was a great second book in Hallie's series!
The mystery of the missing hochlen was intricate with lots of twists and turns that took the investigators all over low city. Hallie and Gerard made a good team, and they were so cute working together. There was nothing overtly romantic yet, though, because Vanessa Nelson does VERY slow burns.
In addition to the investigation, Hallie also had to contend with gut-wrenching family issues. Her family vine seriously sucks, but Hallie persevered. We also got some major answers about Hallie's mysterious past and abilities, which I'm excited to explore more in the next book.
My only critique would be that the building descriptions were a bit excessive and slowed me down. Not a major issue though. Overall, I loved it and can't wait for the next one!
This was a great second book in Hallie's series!
The mystery of the missing hochlen was intricate with lots of twists and turns that took the investigators all over low city. Hallie and Gerard made a good team, and they were so cute working together. There was nothing overtly romantic yet, though, because Vanessa Nelson does VERY slow burns.
In addition to the investigation, Hallie also had to contend with gut-wrenching family issues. Her family vine seriously sucks, but Hallie persevered. We also got some major answers about Hallie's mysterious past and abilities, which I'm excited to explore more in the next book.
My only critique would be that the building descriptions were a bit excessive and slowed me down. Not a major issue though. Overall, I loved it and can't wait for the next one!
November 11, 2024
This was a fun and satisfying urban fantasy detective procedural type story with nothing that would prevent my girls reading it. I think I liked the first book in this series better, because it set up a lot of interesting series-long conflicts, and because the truly awful personal crisis Hallie had in this one was hand waved away mid-story in a likely deus ex machina type situation (does anyone doubt that the powerful magical ancestor whom she just met was the one who saved her from her contract deadline?). But I liked following Hallie as she solved this case. I will read the rest of this series to make sure it keeps being okay for my girls, though I honestly don't know if the details will stick with me by the time the next one comes out, and I'm not sure this is the type of mystery that you'd reread.
November 23, 2024
3.5 stars. The first half of A BROKEN CONTRACT was a little frustrating, with skip tracer Hallie constantly being down on herself and her family situation, and the plot moving along quite slowly. But then things started coming together, along with a few shocking revelations.
I enjoyed Hallie’s continuing professional relationship with Conclave Special Investigator Girard and her friendship with roommate Rosalia. She also makes a surprising new friend.
The plot was compelling once it got moving. Hallie and Girard are trying to locate several missing hochlen men, and end up going down a rabbit hole in their search.
One minor annoyance was the overuse of the word “alright.” I found 39 instances of the word, and it was so repetitive!
Regardless, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment.
I enjoyed Hallie’s continuing professional relationship with Conclave Special Investigator Girard and her friendship with roommate Rosalia. She also makes a surprising new friend.
The plot was compelling once it got moving. Hallie and Girard are trying to locate several missing hochlen men, and end up going down a rabbit hole in their search.
One minor annoyance was the overuse of the word “alright.” I found 39 instances of the word, and it was so repetitive!
Regardless, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment.
November 21, 2024
Let me start by saying I usually inhale books by Nelson. Must buy. This one just didn't hit me as well. I almost went with 3 stars. There were so many times that Hallie's self-doubt was just too much. It was quite frustrating. Almost to the point that she'd have to question whether or not she was breathing in an appropriate manner. There were also so many statements/comments that were repeated multiple times. It just didn't feel as together as these books normally are.
Meeting Cotovatre will definitely be a change for Hallie moving forward. And yes, I do think she had something to do with the family contract. It will be interesting to see where next we meet with Girard and how Peter continues to pester Hallie.
Meeting Cotovatre will definitely be a change for Hallie moving forward. And yes, I do think she had something to do with the family contract. It will be interesting to see where next we meet with Girard and how Peter continues to pester Hallie.
November 26, 2024
Vanessa Nelson writes great stories with strong female leads - the worlds she builds are always filled with interesting characters. This series is no exception. Book 2 carries on the story that began with 'A Usual Suspect' - Hallie is still working as a skip tracer for her Aunt Gin and her family, who have basically disowned her, are still causing her all kinds of grief especially her half- brother, Peter. She finds herself involved in an interesting case which requires her to work alongside her favourite investigator Girard. There is always a clear throughline to follow and there is enough intrigue to keep you guessing. Whatever series you start with, you won't be disappointed reading a book written by this author.
November 6, 2024
Just finished yet another amazing book by Vanessa Nelson and I can’t wait for the next one in the series! This might be my favorite series of her by far.
Hallie is amazing and fun character to follow. She is not boring or whiny, which is a huge plus for me in a main character. In this book we find out more about Hallie’s background and what she is (very exciting as I thought we would not learn that until much later). Girard is there helping Hallie through the investigation. He is unassuming but steady presence - very much in style from this author. I’m curious what’s in store for them in the next book!
Hallie is amazing and fun character to follow. She is not boring or whiny, which is a huge plus for me in a main character. In this book we find out more about Hallie’s background and what she is (very exciting as I thought we would not learn that until much later). Girard is there helping Hallie through the investigation. He is unassuming but steady presence - very much in style from this author. I’m curious what’s in store for them in the next book!
November 3, 2024
Loved it. Action packed, no romance even really hinted at (yet, but we know it will happen), and a truly empathetic heroine.
I still don't get why two of the three named species are one thing only and the third contains everything from goblins to trolls to things that go bump in the night...
I can't wait to see what Hallie does next, free for the first time in her life! And I hope her family get what they deserve, even though I'm sure Hallie doesn't cause she's just so darn nice.
I still don't get why two of the three named species are one thing only and the third contains everything from goblins to trolls to things that go bump in the night...
I can't wait to see what Hallie does next, free for the first time in her life! And I hope her family get what they deserve, even though I'm sure Hallie doesn't cause she's just so darn nice.
November 10, 2024
I can't wait for the next one
Ms Nelson crafted an interesting mystery and with Haley's background she set up a possible storyline for the next book that is intriguing. I frankly don't know how she's going to finish it in three books I could see this going for five. I hope more people discover the fine work that Miss Nelson is doing because I would love to see her get the notice that she deserves.
Ms Nelson crafted an interesting mystery and with Haley's background she set up a possible storyline for the next book that is intriguing. I frankly don't know how she's going to finish it in three books I could see this going for five. I hope more people discover the fine work that Miss Nelson is doing because I would love to see her get the notice that she deserves.
November 23, 2024
There's a notable lack of depth in the way dialogues and internal monologues are written, which only becomes more apparent the further you read. It strips the characters of their personalities and they all come across as emotionally constipated or, for the villains, an obnoxious caricature. There's an attempt to demonstrate character development in Hallie and Girrard but it falls flat, and their epiphanies come across as childish.
November 3, 2024
Loved this book!! I’ve read every single Nelson book and reading a new one is like coming home. The comforting feeling of something new but similar in so many ways. My only niggle is that I think the supporting characters don’t become as fully fleshed out compared to say the Taellaneth or the Hundred series. Can’t wait for book three to see where and what Hallie ends up involved in!
November 13, 2024
It really shows that the author put a lot of thought into the world building; the history, the government, the magic, everything. Hallie and Girard spend more time together in this one and I really enjoyed both of them experiencing each other's worlds, the very big differences between them. Their investigation kept the story moving along at a good pace. I just wish the author wrote faster! =D
November 15, 2024
Enjoyable read. Fast paced. Enough action to keep you reading throughout the book and a hint of romance to come in future books. The secondary character, Rosalia, becomes more well developed and adds a second story line. Good book and a great series. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I have already preordered it.
December 16, 2024
LOVING THIS SERIES!
A truly great enjoyable reading experience. Well developed, intriguing . Characters to root for and want to read about. A case to solve, the clock is ticking, missing people, death, and danger. Dialogue that is well developed and mixes laughs and interesting interactions. Ready to keep reading!
A truly great enjoyable reading experience. Well developed, intriguing . Characters to root for and want to read about. A case to solve, the clock is ticking, missing people, death, and danger. Dialogue that is well developed and mixes laughs and interesting interactions. Ready to keep reading!
March 7, 2025
Interesting and compelling characters & world
The pacing was much improved in this second book and the characters are growing and developing in interesting and believable ways. I like the vagueness of what types of creatures exist in the world - much more of a creative palette to paint with.
The pacing was much improved in this second book and the characters are growing and developing in interesting and believable ways. I like the vagueness of what types of creatures exist in the world - much more of a creative palette to paint with.
April 16, 2025
Excellent 2nd book of the Fractured Conclave’
Another great series from Vanessa Nelson. Her mysteries and surprises are fun to follow, the world she has built is filled with unusual twists, the people are easy to identify with, and the slow burn romance is great. Can’t wait for the next book.
Another great series from Vanessa Nelson. Her mysteries and surprises are fun to follow, the world she has built is filled with unusual twists, the people are easy to identify with, and the slow burn romance is great. Can’t wait for the next book.
November 4, 2024
A good book
I really like Vanessa's writing -it is fast paced and full of interesting people with great characters. When I finished A Broken Contract just now, I wanted to start it over again. I recommend this book highly!
I really like Vanessa's writing -it is fast paced and full of interesting people with great characters. When I finished A Broken Contract just now, I wanted to start it over again. I recommend this book highly!
December 19, 2024
Why do I have to wait until 31 March next year for the next book in this series? Also why did I have to wait until now to discover Vanessa Nelson? I love reading her books and this one was no exception.
Read
February 4, 2025I really like this author. Looking forward to the next book (waiting is definitely the bane of starting an unfinished series... *grump*). This author is definitely one of the best I've been introduced to thanks to Kindle Unlimited.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
June 29, 2025
3.5 Much better than book 1
Solid mystery, some character development. I wish the world building was better fleshed out yet there are a clear set of rules and social construct in this world that don’t impede the plot.
KU ebook
Solid mystery, some character development. I wish the world building was better fleshed out yet there are a clear set of rules and social construct in this world that don’t impede the plot.
KU ebook
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