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Shattered Lives
As the Guardians’ quest to find the dangerous, unstable fragments comes to a head, they have learnt that their greatest strength is not their magic but their unbreakable bonds of friendship. Their enemy knows it, too, and tries to divide and conquer.
The Guardians have a ridiculous radical plan to identify their mysterious enemy, but it hinges on a girl who has sold her soul and believes the White Guardian murdered her father.
To save the world, they must first save her soul.
But their greatest threat comes not from without but from within, and it is not the magic of enemies but the secrets of friends that have the power to shatter their lives.
The Guardians have a ridiculous radical plan to identify their mysterious enemy, but it hinges on a girl who has sold her soul and believes the White Guardian murdered her father.
To save the world, they must first save her soul.
But their greatest threat comes not from without but from within, and it is not the magic of enemies but the secrets of friends that have the power to shatter their lives.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2023
3 people want to read
About the author
Gary Stringer
12 books26 followersScientist by profession, I try to give real science concepts a fantasy twist in my writing.
Update for June 2025
The first FOUR books in my Salvation of Tempestria series - Shifting Stars, Gathering Storm, Shadows Fall and Fragmented Control - are now permafree.
Tempestria series
For anyone interested in my earlier work, the Majaos Trilogy may also be found at that same site. Majaos trilogy.
While studying for my B.Sc. in Chemistry, I met a friend who introduced me to fantasy fiction, especially TSR, AD&D type books. Despite all I've read since, that remains my frame of reference for the fantasy genre.
My Salvation of Tempestria of Series, beginning with Shifting Stars is rooted in a updated version of that kind of fantasy world. But it's just 1 world within a wider sci-fi/fantasy universe and the story is told by an immortal girl from the future with a plan to save the world...or possibly end it.
Living in the seaside town of Blackpool, UK, enjoy long walks and theme parks in the summer, and theatre shows in the winter.
Sporting interests include tennis and netball.
Update for June 2025
The first FOUR books in my Salvation of Tempestria series - Shifting Stars, Gathering Storm, Shadows Fall and Fragmented Control - are now permafree.
Tempestria series
For anyone interested in my earlier work, the Majaos Trilogy may also be found at that same site. Majaos trilogy.
While studying for my B.Sc. in Chemistry, I met a friend who introduced me to fantasy fiction, especially TSR, AD&D type books. Despite all I've read since, that remains my frame of reference for the fantasy genre.
My Salvation of Tempestria of Series, beginning with Shifting Stars is rooted in a updated version of that kind of fantasy world. But it's just 1 world within a wider sci-fi/fantasy universe and the story is told by an immortal girl from the future with a plan to save the world...or possibly end it.
Living in the seaside town of Blackpool, UK, enjoy long walks and theme parks in the summer, and theatre shows in the winter.
Sporting interests include tennis and netball.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 18, 2025
Gary Stringer draws us deeper into the characters and epic struggle of Tempestria with Shattered Lives! The Guardians continue their quest to search for the shattered fragments and unmask their true enemy, when they come across a new threat. In order for their plan to confront their enemy to work, they must first save the life and soul of a girl who believes the White Guardian murdered her father. Stringer has masterfully created a large cast of characters that are deep and very likeable over the course of the Tempestria series. I’ve really enjoyed how each book is a close in snapshot of the greater struggle, and takes a different focus each time. In this outing, we get a deeper look at each of the characters as we dive more into their characters and lives, and see their friendships and bonds tested to the brink as they attempt to save this girl. I really enjoyed how deep this episode was, capturing more of the heart of Tempestria, while also being deeply tied to the overall struggle and not just feeling like filler. I love Tempestria as a whole, so definitely check out the whole series, but if you’re looking for a nice character-driven narrative that has a lot of heart and meaning, definitely come piece together Shattered Lives!
February 18, 2026
If you are looking for a young adult epic fantasy that blends science fiction with high-stakes drama, adventure, suspense, and plot twists, Shattered Lives by Gary Stringer is just the pick.
One thing that stands out about the series is the depth and intricacy of the lore alongside the deep exploration of the characters’ personal struggles, which this novel lives up to. Here, new alliances form and rifts develop in existing relationships as the cast encounters secrets, betrayal, deceit, selflessness, and sacrifices in the most unlikely places.
I was particularly heartbroken with the way things turned out between Dreya the Dark and her wife and friends. Her silent struggles with the entity in her mind and the toll it takes on her marriage mirror real-life situations between couples. Stringer brilliantly uses the pair to urge openness in relationships, regardless of the reason behind the lack of it.
I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series to enjoy this one.
--Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
One thing that stands out about the series is the depth and intricacy of the lore alongside the deep exploration of the characters’ personal struggles, which this novel lives up to. Here, new alliances form and rifts develop in existing relationships as the cast encounters secrets, betrayal, deceit, selflessness, and sacrifices in the most unlikely places.
I was particularly heartbroken with the way things turned out between Dreya the Dark and her wife and friends. Her silent struggles with the entity in her mind and the toll it takes on her marriage mirror real-life situations between couples. Stringer brilliantly uses the pair to urge openness in relationships, regardless of the reason behind the lack of it.
I highly recommend reading the previous books in the series to enjoy this one.
--Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews