An exciting story of aliens and humans that fuses science fiction with dystopian themes, packed with suspense & a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
Title: Broken Skies
Author: Theresa Kay
Genres: Fantasy > Sci-Fi > Dystopian > Aliens
Read Format: Kindle Edition
Total Pages: 1,058
Reading Date: 14th November 2024 – 25th November 2024
The reading order – How to Read Broken Skies Series by Theresa Kay
- 1 Broken Skies
- 2 Fractured Suns
- 3 Shattered Stars
Broken Skies
A reclusive human girl. A disillusioned alien boy. They were never meant to meet…
When Jax Mitchell’s twin is kidnapped by Earth’s alien settlers, the E’rikon, she’ll do anything to get him back—even form an alliance with a teenage E’rikon left behind by the same ship that took her brother.
Jax agrees to act as a guide, and in return, the alien agrees to sneak her past the human-proof barrier surrounding the E’rikon city. Too bad it’s not that simple. Jax soon finds that she’s drawn to the alien boy with bright green hair and jewel-like scales on his back—and he’s equally affected by her, the courageous redhead with haunted eyes. But she doesn’t know the alien’s true motives, and he has no idea that she is much more than she seems.
With the aliens and the humans at odds, the connection forming between the two teens has consequences. What started off as a rescue mission sets in motion a chain of events that threatens not only the remaining humans and the growing alien society, but Earth itself.
My thoughts…
The collapse of modern civilization occurred thirty years ago, leading to a regression in society. Some have opted to reside in rural areas, but they might face dangers due to the absence of authority to regulate outlaws. Meanwhile, others have formed settlements grounded in outdated beliefs.
The Mitchell twins, Jace and Jasmine (who prefer to be called Jax), are nearing their eighteenth birthday. After their father left, they live and fend for themselves, and Jax relies on Jace for emotional support. However, due to some troubling situations involving Jax, Jace decides to relocate them to the Bridgelake settlement for Jax’s protection.
Jace is a skilled hunter who has been actively helping in the community, whereas Jax refuses to embrace the traditional expectations of her role as a female meant for reproduction. She despises her life in the compound and has been devising a plan to escape with her brother.
To Jax’s understanding, the aliens came to Earth ten years ago. They resemble humans closely and have constructed their city, yet they have chosen not to engage or integrate with the human population. As a result, Jax is shocked when they kidnap Jace. It soon becomes clear that there are unknown mysteries surrounding her brother that Jax has yet to uncover.
The rescue mission alongside the alien named Lir gives her a fresh perspective, revealing insights that have the power to transform her entire existence—and possibly grant her and Jace the ultimate keys to the world’s fate.
Broken Skies presents a captivating mix of science fiction and dystopian themes, incorporating suspense, a gradually developing enemies-to-lovers romance, and thrilling action. The vividly described world aids in visualization, from the Bridgelake settlement and abandoned towns to the alien city and the aliens themselves.
While the story may be somewhat predictable, certain twists surprised me. I also like Jax as she carries emotional scars, yet she remains fiercely loyal and determined to save her brother and does not easily surrender. As for Lir, he remains enigmatic throughout; I was never entirely sure whether he could be trusted.
The latter half of the book offers exciting revelations, one that will make the reader pick up the next book immediately. I feel bad for Rym, Lir’s cousin, and wonder how he’s faring. His insights might clear up Jax’s perceptions of Lir if only she had given him a moment to explain. Sigh!
Fractured Suns
Almost everything she thought she knew is wrong…
A trip to the city yields some much-needed answers, but Jax is once again forced to leave Lir behind and return to Peter’s cabin—where enemies from her past await. But there are bigger things at stake than revenge, and she finds herself traveling with some unexpected companions toward a place she hoped to never see again.
After being imprisoned on the orders of his uncle, Lir hasn’t seen daylight or linked to anyone in weeks, and the pain and loneliness is almost too much to bear. But Jax’s visit gives him renewed hope—and the strength to continue fighting his uncle’s influence over the E’rikon, even when things look hopeless.
While Jax and Lir fight separate battles, their missions have more in common than they realize. It’s a race against time to stop men driven by greed and power. But the ones they trust the most might be the very people working against them—and “family” doesn’t mean what it used to. Will they recognize their friends from their enemies in time to save the people they love…or will they lose each other in the process?
My thoughts…
The one particular twist is absolutely unexpected and heartbreaking!
I think the author achieved an ideal balance by delivering the right pace and level of detail about the unfolding events, successfully illustrating both the conflict and the struggle. Everything was clear, and I appreciated how the narrative unfolded, particularly with the inclusion of dual points of view.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Sci-Fi or Dystopian genres. “Fractured Sun” was an engaging read, filled with enough drama and action to keep readers captivated and interested.
I can’t wait to read the final book, as I’m curious about what happens next for Jax and Lir, and I’m also wondering if Jace can be saved. Most importantly, I want to discover the fate of humanity!
Shattered Stars
Unexpected allies. Unexpected betrayals. Unexpected abilities.
The last thing Jax Mitchell ever wanted was to be a weapon. Her abilities are unpredictable at best, but with her twin lost, there’s no one else with enough power to take on Jastren and his mental manipulations. She doesn’t have to do it alone, though. Not only can she rely on the unwavering support of Lir, Rym, and her human friends, she also ends up with help from a surprising source.
Meanwhile, her twin brother Jace—his body controlled by Jastren, and the shattered pieces of his mind locked inside—has become a monster. The struggle to hold on to what’s left of his humanity has left him weak and more confused than ever before. Every thought, every impulse, and every memory has the potential to destroy him—and everyone else around him.
The futures of both the humans and the E’rikon are on the line, but as ulterior motives and political machinations are revealed, it becomes clear that the betrayals aren’t restricted to only one species. Can Jax and Lir get everyone to work together in time to prevent the two species from destroying each other? Can Jace find some measure of redemption for all he has done? And will Jax be able to harness her powers… without losing herself?
My thoughts…
What an incredible conclusion to Jax’s journey! Everyone connected to her will face their destinies in this book, so prepare for an emotional finale. If you have a bond with specific characters and their arcs take a downward turn, it will certainly pull on your heartstrings.
I truly appreciate the plot twists in the story, it keeps my mind busy, and I’m pleased that we get to experience not only Jax and Lir’s perspectives but also Jace’s viewpoint. This adds layers to his intricate character and enhances our understanding of him and his choices so far.
The only reason I’m not giving this a five-star rating is that there are moments when the timing feels off. After all the action, the pace of the next story slows down, allowing events to unfold at a leisurely pace, which doesn’t quite make sense.
That said, I would watch the movie adaptation if it makes it to the screen. It would be incredibly exciting with all the action and the brilliant characters!
Does anyone know if Theresa went ahead with her plan to write another book that includes the other characters? If such a book exists, please let me know!
