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elaine707's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a prequel to the Malediction series, but for the perfect reading order, I recommend finishing Book 1 first, if not the whole series.
We finally see into Marc’s past!
Even though we knew the ending from the beginning (from the Malediction main series), it was heartbreaking nonetheless. The prose was enchanting and alluring, and just perfect for the pain it unleashes.
Seeing Tristan from Marc’s and Penelope’s POV was also so well done. It can be difficult to write a character outside the rose-colored lenses the main characters typically have for each other, but this was just perfect.
We finally see into Marc’s past!
Even though we knew the ending from the beginning (from the Malediction main series), it was heartbreaking nonetheless. The prose was enchanting and alluring, and just perfect for the pain it unleashes.
Seeing Tristan from Marc’s and Penelope’s POV was also so well done. It can be difficult to write a character outside the rose-colored lenses the main characters typically have for each other, but this was just perfect.
ghood_27's review
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I knew the moment I picked up THE BROKEN ONES that it would break my heart. While I definitely got what I'd expected, and that is not a bad thing at all. It was rewarding to return to the harsh, yet beautiful world of Trollus and its cruel tyranny. I've always loved Marc and have had a soft spot for him from the beginning, and it was great to have him in the spotlight for a change, though honestly, his and Penelope's story was filled with so much struggle and so much strife it was heartbreaking to read. But I loved it. Marc's journey and his internal struggles made him such a layered character, and it was great to see that Penelope's reputation lived up to her. She was sweet and strong and I fell halfway in love with her myself. Even though I knew how the story would end, I was nonetheless swept up in a beautiful romance that defied all expectations. It truly was two against the world, the kind of romance that everyone dreams about. There were so many challenges the duo faced regarding the tyranny and the plots to overthrow it, with so many betrayals and lies and deceptions I could scarcely keep up, all of it leading to an emotional climax that I won't be forgetting any time soon. I was quickly reminded why I love this series and if you're a fan, you cannot miss out on this one. Absolutely beautiful!
kikisreverie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
This story gutted me (in a good way). I knew what I was getting into as I read the trilogy before this.. prequel, of sorts. I knew the ending would be bittersweet. I knew I loved the world and the characters. I knew my heart would be broken again and again and despite it all, I loved this book. Marc was a favorite character of mine in the main series and to get to meet his Penelope was.. amazing. And there were just so many emotions that I couldn't possible explain. I feel like I've seen deeper into Anais and could maybe even forgive the jerky parts of Tristan that I wanted to shake when I first read Stolen Songbird.
If you've read the trilogy but not this book, get. on. it. now. If you haven't read any of it at all, it's recommended that you read this after the first two books in the series to avoid spoilers despite the fact that this book takes place before those.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go reread the rest of the series. I expect this time around I'll have an even deeper understanding and appreciation of what the characters are going through.
If you've read the trilogy but not this book, get. on. it. now. If you haven't read any of it at all, it's recommended that you read this after the first two books in the series to avoid spoilers despite the fact that this book takes place before those.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go reread the rest of the series. I expect this time around I'll have an even deeper understanding and appreciation of what the characters are going through.
c4nd1e's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. I think that this and Stolen Songbird had a very interesting world and setting for the story. I like Marc's character and it was nice to find out more about him, and see things from his point of view before the events of Stolen Songbird.
I didn't like that The Broken Ones felt like it was almost spoiled because of how much information we were given in Stolen Songbird. Even though the book gave much more detail, there was very little suspense.
I didn't like that The Broken Ones felt like it was almost spoiled because of how much information we were given in Stolen Songbird. Even though the book gave much more detail, there was very little suspense.
zerp's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. I think that this and Stolen Songbird had a very interesting world and setting for the story. I like Marc's character and it was nice to find out more about him, and see things from his point of view before the events of Stolen Songbird.
I didn't like that The Broken Ones felt like it was almost spoiled because of how much information we were given in Stolen Songbird. Even though the book gave much more detail, there was very little suspense.
I didn't like that The Broken Ones felt like it was almost spoiled because of how much information we were given in Stolen Songbird. Even though the book gave much more detail, there was very little suspense.
erinarkin20's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic addition to the Malediction series. I loved getting to learn more about Marc's story and his relationship with Penelope. It was great to see a younger Tristan.
Check out this series if you haven't already. It is one of my favorites!
The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen is the book I didn’t know I needed. I loved The Malediction series and when I found out this would be Marc and Pénélope’s story I was immediately excited to get my hands on it. If you haven’t read this series, you should fix that immediately and don’t forget to add this one into the mix.
I loved seeing what I would consider the backstory of these characters. Really getting to understand how both Marc and Pénélope had an impact on where the whole series went was fantastic. I also loved seeing Tristan from before Cecile entered the picture.
I don’t want to ruin this story for anyone but if you enjoyed the series, you will want to read this prequel. While I’m sad this series is complete, I loved how it all came together and I look forward to more from Jensen!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
Check out this series if you haven't already. It is one of my favorites!
The Broken Ones by Danielle L. Jensen is the book I didn’t know I needed. I loved The Malediction series and when I found out this would be Marc and Pénélope’s story I was immediately excited to get my hands on it. If you haven’t read this series, you should fix that immediately and don’t forget to add this one into the mix.
I loved seeing what I would consider the backstory of these characters. Really getting to understand how both Marc and Pénélope had an impact on where the whole series went was fantastic. I also loved seeing Tristan from before Cecile entered the picture.
I don’t want to ruin this story for anyone but if you enjoyed the series, you will want to read this prequel. While I’m sad this series is complete, I loved how it all came together and I look forward to more from Jensen!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!
swarmofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Jako miłośniczka powieści historycznych wiem, jak trudne jest zainteresowanie czytelnika opowieścią, której zna on zakończenie. Potrzeba naprawdę ogromnych zdolności, aby mimo znajomości finału rozegrać całość tak, aby czytelnik modlił się o inne zakończenie...
To właśnie odczuwałam, czytając tę pozycję. "Trylogię klątwy" przeczytałam jednym tchem, niemalże równo rok temu. Historia Marca i Penelope wydała mi się wtedy bardzo piękna, chociaż smutna i bardzo chciałam dowiedzieć się o niej więcej. Kiedy dowiedziałam się, że autorka postanowiła opisać właśnie ten epizod piszczałam z radości. Książkę kupiłam już przed premierą, ale sesja pokrzyżowała mi plany przeczytania jej szybciej. I chociaż przez egzaminy czytałam te 300 stron niemalże tydzień to delektowałam się każdą stroną.
To wspaniała książka. Posiada w sobie wszystko to, co pokochałam w oryginalnej trylogii i stanowiła swoisty "powrót do domu". Polecam serdecznie każdemu fanowi, nie zawiedziecie się! :D
To właśnie odczuwałam, czytając tę pozycję. "Trylogię klątwy" przeczytałam jednym tchem, niemalże równo rok temu. Historia Marca i Penelope wydała mi się wtedy bardzo piękna, chociaż smutna i bardzo chciałam dowiedzieć się o niej więcej. Kiedy dowiedziałam się, że autorka postanowiła opisać właśnie ten epizod piszczałam z radości. Książkę kupiłam już przed premierą, ale sesja pokrzyżowała mi plany przeczytania jej szybciej. I chociaż przez egzaminy czytałam te 300 stron niemalże tydzień to delektowałam się każdą stroną.
To wspaniała książka. Posiada w sobie wszystko to, co pokochałam w oryginalnej trylogii i stanowiła swoisty "powrót do domu". Polecam serdecznie każdemu fanowi, nie zawiedziecie się! :D
w_xinnie's review against another edition
4.0
I know that Jensen loves to do some prequel and to publish them Mid series. And this one I had a love hate relationship with it. I was so prepared to continue on Cécile and Tristan's journey that I had trouble starting the book.
But as always I'm glad I did. Danielle does always a beautiful work writing prequel and explaining the behavior of a character. And I also understand the placement of this prequel and its importance.
I really enjoyed reading about a happy Marc. He deserved so much more and I hope he will find some sort of happiness.
Penelope was a great discovery, we knew about her tragedy from the beginning but reading it makes it so much more tragic and impactful.
We see some glimpses of character from the two first books and I love that.
Overall, a great book. Very easy to read and important for the story.
But as always I'm glad I did. Danielle does always a beautiful work writing prequel and explaining the behavior of a character. And I also understand the placement of this prequel and its importance.
I really enjoyed reading about a happy Marc. He deserved so much more and I hope he will find some sort of happiness.
Penelope was a great discovery, we knew about her tragedy from the beginning but reading it makes it so much more tragic and impactful.
We see some glimpses of character from the two first books and I love that.
Overall, a great book. Very easy to read and important for the story.