Fracture (The Chronicles Of Discord, #1)

I thought the world concept was interesting - how changed our earth had become. I found it very interesting how the societies got their names - something that was gradually revealed to the reader. Not sure how the world got this way, but I'm sure later book will expand on that.
I also liked Astra and Kai. Both were mysterious and then showed their humanity. Most of the characters in this novel were likable. Even if they weren't initially, there was some understandable reason behind it, except for the villainous ones of course.
Some plot points were quite repetitious. Some bits were awkward or out of place - like how Ben seemed to understand Astra better than her sister of fifteen years, and how Petta for an instant went from scared doe to judo master (an action more befitting of Leda I think.).
There were a few cases of modern slang creeping in, lingo you'd think would be outdated - "heck," "not cool," and "well duh." Thankfully, they only appear a handful of times. There was an omni pov often with no break for transition between minds (a common trend of the author's.) There were it's/its mistakes, capitalization errors, and misspellings.
Thankfully, in this novel, the author shows noticeable improvement from her last two works, at least grammatically. She has definite potential as an writer, with unique world ideas and interesting characters.
I was disappointed by the ending, or rather lack thereof. It was never explained why it was so terrible for Ben to know about Astra's situation in Tula. Everyone in Tula knew about it. If you flaunt her in front of a senator, of course he's going to notice this girl who dresses differently and doesn't eat. It's no real secret. Also, if a certain person wanted to put on a good face for the Free Nation, he should have kept her in private. Another disappointment was they kept dangling this secret about Astra and Kai, something that went deeper than the surface reason. I expected a big reveal in the last quarter, but nothing. There was no real climax either. I guess it's like that to make you read the sequel to find out how everything gets resolved. Still, I wish I had gotten a bit more than a tease.

3.5 stars

Note: I received a free copy from the author for a fair and honest review.

Fracture is the first book of a series that I expect to follow through.

It presents us a new world, complex in its political and social aspects. It presents the reader a world divided in three great nations, each of them displaying entertainning and complex differences in culture, traditions and policies. The political and social complexities of the story and the relations between the nations are interesting, realistic and brilliantly written.

There is much to love between the betrayals, the suspitions, the lies, manipulations and the secrets that rule the book, but also much to enjoy in the, sometimes more complex, relationships between the characters - they are filled with love, sacrifice, loyalty, compassion, loneliness, discrimination, distrust, honor, pride and friendship. The characters are engaging, from the realistic and fearsome villains, to the brave, honorable heros and they are all brilliantly flawed.

Although the book might start slower in pace, it is necessary and it never fails to interest and intrigue. Once it picks up the pace though and the action begins, as soon as Astra enters the UNA Nation, I couldn't put the book down - not only because I was extremelly immersed in the story and wanted to find out what was happening and what would happen, but also because the relationships between the characters are incredibly gripping and worthy of personal investment.

There are so many shades, so many men behind the curtain, one can't even be sure who the real villain is.

The narration and the writing are beautiful. At the beginning, the names and terms might seem hard to catch, but they are written in such a natural flow with the narration that you become acquainted to them rather quickly.

Well worth a read, well worth to own. I can't wait for the next in the series. I have to find out if Kai, Rem and Astra will be alright, though I know for sure that their troubles are just beginning.