Fracture

The Color Alchemist #2

by Nina Walker

Broken by magic and murder, he’ll risk everything for revenge. Prince Lucas is falling to pieces. He couldn’t save his mother, and now his father is hesitant to execute the man responsible for her death. Lucas only has Jessa, the last shred of light left in his dark world. But she’s conflicted. What if he loses her too? Jessa made a commitment. Her family, the resistance, even her own country is counting on her to succeed. She must be initiated and gain the trust of the king. She jumps headfirst into her alchemy trials, determined to impress the court. She knew the tests would be dangerous, but never expected they might reveal her secrets. And what happened to her friend, Sasha, anyway?

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult, Ebooks, Fiction, Royalty, Young Adult Fantasy

334 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 2017

About the author

Nina Walker writes all kinds of fantasy for teens and adults. She is happily married and living the good life in the mountains of southern Utah.

Connect with her:
FB Group - Nina's Reading Party
IG - @ninabelievesinmagic
TT - @ninawalker.books
www.ninawalkerbooks.com

Reviews

[Ashley Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow...

I'm not even sure what to say other than wow. This book was definitely more intense and had some, what I like to call, uncalled for moments (which you will understand once you read this book). In one of the Chapters, Lucas made me proud just to come back and disappoint me (good job, Lucas!). Although, I have some speculations that it wasn't how it seemed (and I kind of hope I'm right)

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I though Prism had some great ideas but execution fell way short, though the ending perked my interest to continue the story. Overall, Fracture was an improvement from the first book. The world building, magic and conflict was addressed, filling some apparent gaps and made for a more engaging story, but some of the issues I had with Prism are still here.

What’s improved is the world building and the magic system. Like before, it’s in a world that’s fallen into decline due to supply shortages, with New Colony splitting off from America and reverting to a monarchy with an all controlling King Richard, which shows more of his ruthlessness in this installment, and he pushes himself to irredeemable villain territory. He’s a decent villain to be honest. We get more into the resistance and that the peace of New Colony might be coming to an end. As for the Guardians of Color, we finally get into the training facilities and explaining of the basic magic that I felt a lot of should have been in Prism, as well as more interaction with trainees and other Alchemists. I loved how the magic worked in so many ways in this installment.

As for the plot, it mostly moves at a good pace and takes a couple of risks and had me at the edge of my seat during the more dramatic moments and plot twists. We have three PoV’s this time: Jessa, who’s dealing with trying to get into the Guardians of Color in order to help her family, Lucas trying to deal with taking down his father, King Richard, as he manipulates his people even further and becomes more power hungry, and now Sasha Jessa’s sister, who’s spending most of her time in Canada with the Resistance. Since they are separate in terms of space this time, the PoV changes feel a bit smoother and don’t feel as jarring as last time, and doesn’t feel like what should be big moments are glossed over like in Prism. The first couple of chapters do feel like recap though. Although, the romance plots seemed to fall short and took too much page time in my opinion. While some does circle back to the main conflict, I thought some of that page time could have been used to address some shortcomings in the plot and other non romantic relationships, but that might be my personal taste. I’m sure those that favor a romance heavy subplot with plenty of relationship drama will enjoy this aspect more than I did, though Sasha got into a borderline ciringey love triangle, and felt unneeded to me. I was sorta hoping for answers regarding why Jessa blossomed so late and the dreams, and while there are hints, no answers yet. I also wished Lucas used his alchemy a bit more and thought about it some. Thankfully, no idiot plot this time.

The characters were slightly improved, with decent motivations, but still didn’t come out as memorable characters that I would remember long after I finish the series. They were missing that little spark. Jessa cares about her family, and does her training in order to protect them and has to fight with herself to commit things she doesn’t want to do, and facing her peers, which I wished we saw a bit more of the dynamic. Though I’m a bit bothered about why she easily forgave Lucas for what happened near the end of Prism, then rightfully dumps him after things go down the drain at the end of the book. Plus, she felt a bit too passive for my taste, especially after Prism. Lucas is looking for revenge after her mother gets killed by Thomas at the end of Prism and butting heads with his father, and trying to cope with the changing situation, and appreciate his effort to change things and thinking about how to take his father down but failing and losing everything in the end. Sasha felt the most interesting to me due to her past and her interaction with Lacey and the rest of her family, and it’s not just because of her backstory being dark. Though that love triangle ate a lot of potential character development time and advanced a bit slower than I would like. The other characters played their role, like Faulk and Jasmine and stood out a little bit. Celia was rather interesting as well, though I sorta hope she gets more time next time.

The prose is improved from Prism, though it’s still a bit choppy at points, and fairly vivid. There’s a lot less of the cliche lines as well.

The ending took me for a ride with a lot of interesting plot twists (though I was confused about the one involving Lucas trying to get into Richard’s favor) and has me looking forward to Blackout.

[Cassie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fracture totally blew my mind. Prism was pretty great and is definitely on my list of best read but Fracture is just AMAZING!. The quality of the series just keeps getting better in each installments, Though I knew I'd love it, it's still nice to be swayed. Fracture begins with Jessa having to go through initiation tests to become a full GC member. To pass, she has to be proficient in the mastery of three colours, I'll leave the results to your imagination (The tests were amazing BTW and quite ingenious). Jessa and Lucas are still going strong thankfully (according to her words, She has it bad), despite her keeping her tumultuous mission for the resistance from him. He is dealing with the loss in his life in his own way (meaning avoiding it altogether). Things weren't too easy for Jessa and Lucas due to many machinations of those around them but I loved how they circumvented the issue. A welcome addition to Fracture is Sasha's POV, It's really interesting seeing things from her perspective especially as she interacts with her family without them knowing who she is. It's also very intriguing to see the resistance through her view and it helps to further understand her loyalty to them. Her POV gets even more intriguing as a love interest (albeit an extremely complicated one) for her is introduced along with some intriguing relationship drama.
Things for the resistance keeps getting hotter as war is looming and King Richard is tightening his leash, Alliances are made and desperate measures are taken. I really enjoyed the angle the book began to take. The suspense and drama is upped, Like seriously, it's nail biting tension as the stakes get higher. This is the perfect sequels Prism could have gotten, It takes all the elements that made Prism so good and amplifies it especially the magic. It gets more complex and technical as Jessa delves deeper into it. Stupid decisions made by both Jessa and Lucas backed them into a corner filled with darkness and only by being there for each other could they find their way into the light once again. The moments before the ending had a lot of twists and turns that left me spinning and reeling, So many things I didn't see coming hit me like a sledgehammer. Fantasy fans like me are definitely going to be pleased with the world development/worldbuilding because it gets more intricate.
The ending itself is explosive, epic, chaotic, impressive and it was a brilliant end that will leave everyone thirsting for more.
Fracture is definitely one of my best reads this year, it literally took me less than 24 hours to finish it. It has impressive action, intense and hot romance, complex and refreshing magic, intriguing characters with unique perspectives and a truly resplendent cover. I can't wait for the next book in this series, I eagerly wait with bated breath.

P.S: This book is as much romance as it is fantasy, I really ship Lucas and Jessa, HARD. I'm still working on a ship name, I'm currently leaning towards (Lucas + Jessa=Luessa).

P.S.S: I just have to add that the cover of book 3 is just epic!! I really love how badass it looks especially with the colour!!

[Tangled N Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed the first book and excited to continue with the series.
In volume 2, the story focuses on Jessa and Luca's romantic relationship and Sasha's role in the Resistance as she works with West America to annihilate New Colony.

Jessa and Luca's new found relationship is becoming toxic. His obsession with her completely alters his personality and ideals. Meanwhile, Jessa's loyalty to the Resistance allows her to progress in strengthening her alchemy.

Sasha is conflicted with training her youngest sister Lucey alchemy while maintaining a neutral relationship with her parents. It becomes evident how wise it was to keep her distance; when they discover her true identity, their emotions may jeopardize her mission.

Really fun read. I had some concerns about Jessa/Luca's relationship. Loved Sasha's side of the story.

[S.E. MacCready · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always pleasantly surprised whenever I stumble upon an Independent Author who can write a story as wonderfully as Nina can. The second installment in this series was everything I hoped for and much, much more. It was exciting, heartbreaking, and thrilling the entire way. It answered many questions, but also introduced many new ones. The series is progressing beautifully so far, and my hope is that it will continue that way with the next installment.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This second novel started out slightly more passable than the first. But then plummeted once more into an abyss of shared idiocy.
Lucas, in particular, whom the cover was dedicated to, proved once and for all how right his father was about him: he’s a clueless idiot who acts on impulse and emotions alone without two neurons to rub together and produce a valid plan or a good idea. I’m basically #TeamRichard at this point.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first in the series and really liked this one as well. Looking forward to Book 3.

[Keli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the first book, Prism, this one finished in one big mess that is making me need to move right to the next one - the perfect makings of a great series! I continue to love the originality and it is not 100% predictable like so make YA novels are which is GREAT..I love not being able to deduct everything. Proud of this indie author for doing a great job at a very original series.

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is way better then the first book. There is a lot more action in this one and things start to movie more quicker.
The characters also change, some for the better others not so much. I liked Lucas a little more then I did in the first book and I felt sorry for him. He still thinks of himself at times especially when it comes to Jessa. I do believe he loves her but he goes the wrong way of showing it.
Jessa I felt like slapping at times. Especially when it came to Lucas I would have liked her to fight for him a bit more instead of thinking negative thoughts when things go south. Lucas tries (maybe not the best way) really hard for them to be together.

This is told from multiple pov's; Jessa, Sasha and Lucas. It ends on a cliffhanger.

I have to wait patiently for the next book!

I would definitely recommend this book to those who want to read something different.

There is no sexual content except kissing or profanity. There is some violence.

[Lisa Antonakakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, despite the fact that I'm not a big fan of the writing style, I love the story and plot.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re back with Jessa just after she staged an escape from the palace with Lucas at the end of book one. She’s now back in the palace, the Resistance having placed her back in so they can develop their spy network there. I can’t remember if we rotated perspectives in the last book, but now in book two we see from the perspectives of Jessa, Lucas, and Sasha, Jessa’s long-lost sister who escaped and came back as a spy before Jessa arrived at the palace.

The big bad from the last book, Thomas, has just been chilling in jail. He should be answering for the crimes against the crown, but due to his red magic, the king probably wants to use him. Clearly Lucas is upset about this since the dude killed his mother, but his father has bigger political plans.

There’s a lot of scheming and planning in this book, it’s definitely setting up a wider conflict for the next two installments. There’s also a fair amount of training involved, so it was nice to see the magic system expounded upon. If you don’t remember from the first book, the magic system in this world has to do with the use of color, hence the name of the series. I thought it was super unique, still do, and I love the take this book makes blending both dystopian elements and fantasy together.

We also see a bit of a broader view of the rest of the world, not just New Colony. West America – which seems to mostly be the west coast and some midwest of the current country – is threatening to overtake New Colony, so King Richard decides to do something about that before they can.

I also really liked the development of Lucas’ character. I didn’t sense a lot of growth in Jessa, most of the events happen to her instead of her doing much about it herself (which might actually be good, since she’s in the dark about a lot of plans and would’ve totally screwed them up). But Lucas, he shows a lot more of his true colors in this book. I’d almost say he’s functioning as more of a protagonist in this one. It could be because we have the chance to get into his head more here, but I appreciated seeing him make his own choices. Granted, his future is heading in a way that might not be looking good for the relationship between him and Jessa, but I can’t say much on that without giving away spoilers.

Overall, I really did like this book. I can’t give it five stars, just because there’s a lot more downtime in this book, and I am extremely excited to see where this goes in the next two books!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series continues to be just okay. Still some timing inconsistencies, and a whole lot of repetitive inner monologue. I find myself being more drawn to Sasha and her story than Jessa and Lucas. Honestly, I'm pretty sick of Jessa and Lucas and this point. They just feel so one dimensional. I could barley stand a conversation with between Lucas and Jessa either. They never actually listen to each other (based on subsequent actions) or the author can't keep track of what they actually say to each other and the impacts on the story as it moves forward. I also feel like a lot of the story progresses without it actually happening on paper. These books have not been good at really making you feel like you're along for the ride if that makes sense. I found myself not understanding how a character got to the emotional point they were at multiple times, and there is not a good sense of time passing, or how much.

Anyway, I bought the box set, so I'm going to keep on keepin' on.

[Elizabeth✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... just wow. This author knows how to write Cliff hangers 😂

Just like I said before in my review, this series has been pretty great for a young adult book. There is no cussing, sex scenes or anything vulgar. Yes, there is some violence but with this type of book, it was bound to happen.

However, to write a book like this and to do it without needing the language and sensual scenes is pretty impressive. It also keeps the reader engaged and the story is always moving.

I have to say though, I’m really upset with Lucas... bruhhh... you could have had something great🙄 I’m wondering how the author will deal with that relationship cause I would be DONE.

Lastly, I liked how author is able to write 3 different POV and have it all connect and make sense. I am excited to see how this series plays out!!!

Onto the next one!!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 was just as amazing as Book 1 in this series. There are so many complex story lines and emotions within this story, so I was captivated the whole way through. There are also a couple of surprises which had me gasping in surprise and delight! The characters are all dealing with their own emotions, as teenagers do, and trying to determine what's real and what's perceived...And often getting into terrible situations because of what they think is real. There is an undercurrent of obligation with each character as well...do they stay true to their family or their country, do they give in to their desires, or fight against what they feel? These types of conflicts would not be easy to write, in my opinion, and Nina Walker did an excellent job of capturing it! Can't wait for Book 3!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little bit nervous reading this one just with how the last book ended but the stakes were a lot higher and there was a lot more action in this one!

I really do like Jessa as a main character she is thrown into this world but adapts to not lose face. It was great to see her relationship with Jasmine grow too and I liked the role that she played more in this one.
Lucas is a good lead guy character but at times I found him too in his head and that showed with his actions, his chapters were all over the place and I did sometimes look forward to other characters.
I did really like knowing more about the resistance and the royals, its a really interesting concept
I still love the magic system, it just makes me wonder on how much more we can find out!

Can't wait for the next one

[Hetal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 60% was arduous at best.
Lucas is a love sick puppy who makes all the wrong moves in his grief and desperation. Jessa is all bark and no bite. She makes empty promises about taking down this person and that person, but really she's powerless and is a pawn for Richard the entire book. Sasha is also just hard headed and the "not my parents" line on all her chapters was, well, utterly repepetive. It didn't get Interesting later. Honestly I liked Celia. She was the strong, "I'm going after what I want and you can't stop me" female character I definitely needed in this book.

Will I read book 3? I mean yes. I'd like to see how Lucas redeems himself and if Jessa actually does something useful.

[Kristal Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first! I think the ending could have had a bit more of a shock factor. I think a little less information for the reader would've made it harder to figure out and more... well, shocking. Everyone likes a good plot twist/cliffhanger but when you figure it out chapters ahead of time it's not as fun. Other than that the book was great, I like that we got more of Sasha/Frankie's point of view.

[Jessica Plowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading from the three different perspectives. I felt like the characters evolved very well And the story moved along well. I felt like Jessa and Lucas were a little whiny and I really liked Sasha and her development. There is also quite the twist at the end and I am excited to read the third one.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliffhanger of a book! King Richard is now among my top 10 book villians! He is so bad you love to hate him. I love Jessa even more after this book. But this book left me questioning Lucas for sure. This series is a wonderful new take on a dystopian story line. I can not wait for book 3 to come out here soon!

[J.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything that didn’t have to do with Lucas was good. Everything that did have to do with him was ridiculous. Like how many bad decisions can one person keep making? I just started in on the third book and it’s already more of that but from Jessa now. Am I gonna get to a “gotcha” moment ever where I find out this has all be an intricate trick because it doesn’t seem like it. 🙄

[Anna Schwirian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A character arch like no other

3 characters all becoming what they dread while reaching for there own Hope. One dreads becoming a monster, one dreads becoming their father , one dreads forgiveness and change . Hope is all they have and even that is dwindling. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Gitanjali Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series is much more interesting and very different than what I thought it would be!Emotions run very high here and the whole intensity of the story was on a whole new level.lucas was very disappointing at times but I believe there is more to this story and I cant wait to read the next book!

[Krystal Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Prism and was super excited to read this book and it exceeded my expectations. I read the whole thing in under 24 hours! It was full of adventure and suspense. The ending left me screaming at the page! I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait for the third installment!

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! This series keeps getting better. I love that there are two strong characters like Jessa and Sasha. They both have so much power! The author actually makes you feel their anger for the king. I totally recommend reading this book!!!

[Misty Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read. Can't wait for next one

Completely immersive and interesting. Characters are complex and full of contradictories. Plot has enough twists and turns to keep readers entertained

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as spellbinding as its predacessor!0

I have not been let down by this author. Just as you think you know what happens next... BOOM you get hit out of nowhere with something you didnt expect.

[Ananyaaaaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a review copy of this book*
While prism was excellent this is even better. I love the way the series immersed me in and made me love it. I love Jessa and Lucas. Looking forward to reading book 3.

[Luc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó muchísimo más que el primer libro.

Jessa creció muchísimo, llegamos a conocer más de Sasha, me cayó muy mal Lucas, está cegado por su dolor y está haciendo todo mal, ojalá que se redima un poco pero me molesta demasiado todo lo que está haciendo.

En fin, fue un libro muy redondo.

[Katelyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! This series keeps readers on their toes! Everything just spirals out of control and there's no telling what the next books have installed! I. Need. To. Know!

[Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!

Well written. Nina does an exceptional job with developing the characters, making you feel invested in each one.

This book it perfect for YA fans.