What do you think?
The Glass Pantheon #1
The Broken Coil
Secluded in the Dainlock Woods, Jacquelyn Fletcher makes her living trading furs and occasionally escorting travelers through the dangerous forest. Disguised as a man, she hides from the mistakes of her past. As a favor to an old friend, she finds herself agreeing to guide Avalon, a Paladin of Sel, through the woods to safety. All Avalon has known is the temple life. When her fellow Paladin is murdered, Avalon is framed for the crime and must flee her home to find the source of the attack. Her only clue is an ancient tome that she is unable to decipher. Traveling with the ranger Fletcher, Avalon thinks she is safe. Neither of them realize the danger that follows them.
100,450
100,450
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
About the author
Sy Itha
1 book14 followersSy Itha, respected fan fiction author and suspected demon lord, lives in Alaska with their loving wife. When they are not busy wreaking havoc online on social media and in fandoms, they enjoy hiking, rock climbing and video games.
Sy has published a few short stories on the online blog Witches Cauldron, as well as having poems published in the University of Alaska Anchorage’s 2012 Understory.
Sy’s love for fantasy is explored in their first novel The Broken Coil. They are looking forward to publishing in many other genres and continuing to let their writing grow.
Sy doesn’t have a cat and apologizes for the lack of cat pictures in their bio.
Sy has published a few short stories on the online blog Witches Cauldron, as well as having poems published in the University of Alaska Anchorage’s 2012 Understory.
Sy’s love for fantasy is explored in their first novel The Broken Coil. They are looking forward to publishing in many other genres and continuing to let their writing grow.
Sy doesn’t have a cat and apologizes for the lack of cat pictures in their bio.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 17, 2016
I was a little skeptical reading this book, but I am so glad I did. It had everything a sci-fi (not the space type but more the mid-evil knights and stuff type) book reader could want: two strong characters, great supporting cast, vivid world, magic (well kind off), heart ache, love, and the list goes on. The book revolves around Fletcher (a Ranger who is not what "he" appears to be) and Avalon (a Sild paladin wrongly accused). They are like water and oil to start but like all good adventures, something changes along the way and the two begin to rely on each other. This is journey worth taking and one I highly recommend if this is your type of genre. Think of it as a mix of Terry Goodkind's Wizards First Rule meets Indiana Jones...those are the only ones coming to mind so don't get mad if I'm a little off with comparison.
OH... and the biggest great thing about this book series is that the story actually finishes...for the most part...no great cliff hanger that makes you want to throw the book because you have to wait a year for the next one.
OH... and the biggest great thing about this book series is that the story actually finishes...for the most part...no great cliff hanger that makes you want to throw the book because you have to wait a year for the next one.
February 13, 2016
I'm giving it an extra star, just for the fact that it was the first book I've come across where someone notices her (supposedly) male escort displays a strange lack of facial hair after having traipsed through the woods for weeks on end, and she never has seen him shave.
I know, it's a silly pet peeve of mine.
I know, it's a silly pet peeve of mine.
November 27, 2022
Fletcher takes a job to escort the paladin, Avalon through the woods. Their relationship starts off pretty rocky, but over time, they slowly start to fall for one another. The only catch? Avalon thinks Fletcher is a man.
I’m very hit and miss with the whole woman pretending to be man thing. I didn’t mind it much here, but I did feel like it dragged on a little too long. I sympathize with Fletcher for sure, but it was still frustrating.
I thought the overall story was entertaining if not predictable. I enjoyed the interpretation of the gods and how all that worked.
Most of the characters were well written and I felt that the relationship between the main characters developed nicely. I wish the romance picked up a little earlier, but it did make the most sense as written.
The ending felt really rushed. While most of the loose ends were wrapped up, there were enough that were not. Looks like we were supped to sequel in 2016, but as far as I can tell, it Beverly happened. So while there were a few questions that were left unanswered, I’m at least glad it didn’t end with a massive cliffhanger.
I’m very hit and miss with the whole woman pretending to be man thing. I didn’t mind it much here, but I did feel like it dragged on a little too long. I sympathize with Fletcher for sure, but it was still frustrating.
I thought the overall story was entertaining if not predictable. I enjoyed the interpretation of the gods and how all that worked.
Most of the characters were well written and I felt that the relationship between the main characters developed nicely. I wish the romance picked up a little earlier, but it did make the most sense as written.
The ending felt really rushed. While most of the loose ends were wrapped up, there were enough that were not. Looks like we were supped to sequel in 2016, but as far as I can tell, it Beverly happened. So while there were a few questions that were left unanswered, I’m at least glad it didn’t end with a massive cliffhanger.
April 27, 2021
This has been on my Kindle forever and after reading a couple of romances, I needed a change. I didn’t know what to expect, but this was a really good fantasy book. There is a pantheon of gods, temples dedicated to them, and enemies. The two main characters are a former ranger, Fletcher, who escorts people through the forest safely and Avalon, a paladin of one of the gods, at least until she had to flee. Fletcher has a secret that only a few know – she’s a woman presenting as a man. This plot point and her angst over deceiving Avalon about her gender seemed a little overwrought to me but it carried the story along and provided tension.
In some ways, Fletcher reminded me of Robin Hood – fighting the evil folks, helping the average people, not wanting to kill, her tricks and abilities, all those qualities. She was a heroic figure. While not Marian, Avalon was book smart and a whiz at various things. I enjoyed the characters and many of the lesser characters, too. The story was well plotted and well written, although there were a few typos, but not enough to affect the story. This was both fun and exciting for me. I saw there was supposed to be a sequel, but evidently it was unfortunately never published. However, this book has an ending and no cliffhangers.
In some ways, Fletcher reminded me of Robin Hood – fighting the evil folks, helping the average people, not wanting to kill, her tricks and abilities, all those qualities. She was a heroic figure. While not Marian, Avalon was book smart and a whiz at various things. I enjoyed the characters and many of the lesser characters, too. The story was well plotted and well written, although there were a few typos, but not enough to affect the story. This was both fun and exciting for me. I saw there was supposed to be a sequel, but evidently it was unfortunately never published. However, this book has an ending and no cliffhangers.
April 10, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. Once I got going I couldn't stop. There is a great mix of romance and plot in this book without one overshadowing the other. The plot moved along smoothly and was never pushed to the back in favor of the romance and vice versa.
I loved both the characters and definitely shed a few tears when they were going through hard times.
The conclusion was satisfying if sad and painful for the protagonists.
The only sad part is that this is the end of their story. I would have love to see more of their lives, however I am excited to read the next book and see what's going to happen in this world.
I loved both the characters and definitely shed a few tears when they were going through hard times.
The conclusion was satisfying if sad and painful for the protagonists.
The only sad part is that this is the end of their story. I would have love to see more of their lives, however I am excited to read the next book and see what's going to happen in this world.
December 25, 2019
When I began reading this, I didn't expext I would love it so much. The lighthearted banter, the teasing and sarcasm have turned up to be the most charming attribute of this book. The plot isn't complicated so the focus is on character building and the slow paced romance between the 2 women. I loved that all my questions I had while following they journey were answer beautifully woven into the storytelling. What a delight!!
April 27, 2018
The only thing i didn't like about this book was that the ending felt like it was rushed, things were solved way too quickly and the final scene felt a little unnecessary. Otherwise i really enjoyed this, it was a very good read.
October 9, 2021
At page 64 I was crying with frustration at how bad it was and wanting it to end. After that it got a bit better- mainly because Fletcher/Jacqueline calmed down the testosterone a little bit. It still wasn't great literature and sections dragged (like both characters needing endless validation from others that they had feelings for each other and that was OK- I can relate to this because I also am emotionally 12 but it does not make good reading). Nonetheless the overall story got more interesting for all that meeing Veressa was the biggest anticlimax ever, the "punishment" was problematic and there was a plot-twis-cliche that was overly announced ahead of time. And the writing is really excruciatingly bad, like "please get someone to proofread out the surplus uses of "of" bad.
I asked myself if the main reason I was super grumpy at this book was because I am such a fan of paladins and was really looking forward to one as cool as Emily Moon's Pakse but sapphic instead of ace. I think this is part but not the whole of my issue. The overly binary butch/femme thing also isn't my scene, it's like heterosexuality with different body parts and I can't get into it.
But that said, after the pace picked up a bit and leaving aside the many romantic angst asides the plot was reasonably readable. I won't be pursuing the second in the series but my understanding is that this author is pretty new to the scene and I wish them luck as they develop.
I asked myself if the main reason I was super grumpy at this book was because I am such a fan of paladins and was really looking forward to one as cool as Emily Moon's Pakse but sapphic instead of ace. I think this is part but not the whole of my issue. The overly binary butch/femme thing also isn't my scene, it's like heterosexuality with different body parts and I can't get into it.
But that said, after the pace picked up a bit and leaving aside the many romantic angst asides the plot was reasonably readable. I won't be pursuing the second in the series but my understanding is that this author is pretty new to the scene and I wish them luck as they develop.
December 20, 2021
I hate reading about a female disguished herself into a male identity, and the second female character is head over heel for that false identity and then drama just begins.
Knowing that, I'm reading this against my judgement and prejudice.
I predict this book will get 1 star, so I will leave 1 star here first, let's see if it can please me later.
Edit: This is a very typical book about the cold-heart prince, who is brutal, handsome, ruthless, and sexual actively, but then easily heads over heel for naive, cute, and intelligent pumpkin girl.
I also fail to understand why Jacquelyn is constantly agitated about telling the truth to Avalon. C'mon, it's not like they are dating, they still are the servant-client relationship. Why hesistant? The author presents the way Jacquelyn develops feelings for other female seems too convenient and forced to me. Like, they are supposed to be in love but are unaware yet, it's fate, it's destiny blah blah. The most intimidating ranger in the world is so weak to follow the heart. I'm sure Jacquelyn just takes her sexual frustration on Avalon in a fleeting moment, hah! Duh, boring.
I said that so y'all can imagine how predictable this book is. However, I do like the fantasy, adventure concept in this book. It feels original and intriguing. And the conversation between characters are on points! I applaud that. But still, I push the red button for this book.
Knowing that, I'm reading this against my judgement and prejudice.
I predict this book will get 1 star, so I will leave 1 star here first, let's see if it can please me later.
Edit: This is a very typical book about the cold-heart prince, who is brutal, handsome, ruthless, and sexual actively, but then easily heads over heel for naive, cute, and intelligent pumpkin girl.
I also fail to understand why Jacquelyn is constantly agitated about telling the truth to Avalon. C'mon, it's not like they are dating, they still are the servant-client relationship. Why hesistant? The author presents the way Jacquelyn develops feelings for other female seems too convenient and forced to me. Like, they are supposed to be in love but are unaware yet, it's fate, it's destiny blah blah. The most intimidating ranger in the world is so weak to follow the heart. I'm sure Jacquelyn just takes her sexual frustration on Avalon in a fleeting moment, hah! Duh, boring.
I said that so y'all can imagine how predictable this book is. However, I do like the fantasy, adventure concept in this book. It feels original and intriguing. And the conversation between characters are on points! I applaud that. But still, I push the red button for this book.
October 6, 2018
The Story: When Jacquelyn Fletcher takes on the task to escort a paladin named Avalon to safety through a dangerous countryside, she has no idea what she's getting into. Events are complicated by the fact that Jacquelyn, known to some as a man called Fletcher, and when Jacquelyn realizes she and Avalon may be becoming more than escort and client, her gender becomes an issue in their relationship. All the while tragedy abounds, people and the forest itself are dying, and now, someone is after them.
Comments: The Broken Coil story was a delightful surprise! It flows without any slow spots and the characters are interesting from the start. Jacquelyn is a woman who's been through a lot and her interactions with the often-naive Avalon are sometimes entertaining and always engaging. The text could have used more detail editing process because there are quite a few typos within the story, which served as a distraction, but the story itself has such good bones, they are easily forgiven. This love story in the midst of turmoil and danger is a captivating story. Since it's Book 1, we can, hopefully, hear more of Jacquelyn and Avalon, and it holds a promise of more from a talented first-time author, Sy Itha.
Comments: The Broken Coil story was a delightful surprise! It flows without any slow spots and the characters are interesting from the start. Jacquelyn is a woman who's been through a lot and her interactions with the often-naive Avalon are sometimes entertaining and always engaging. The text could have used more detail editing process because there are quite a few typos within the story, which served as a distraction, but the story itself has such good bones, they are easily forgiven. This love story in the midst of turmoil and danger is a captivating story. Since it's Book 1, we can, hopefully, hear more of Jacquelyn and Avalon, and it holds a promise of more from a talented first-time author, Sy Itha.
September 16, 2020
My search for lesbian fantasy novels brought me here. And while it was satisfying in that respect, many other aspects of the book were not. The plot was clunky and the characters rather two-dimensional. The author uses a standard hetero romance novel premise with the two protagonists that is tiresome. The naive ingenue meets the world weary cynic. They hate each other at first ... but then ... you get the idea.
Props for the sex scene though. It was one of the most accurate depictions I’d see between women I’ve seen in a novel, if somewhat belated and rushed.
Props for the sex scene though. It was one of the most accurate depictions I’d see between women I’ve seen in a novel, if somewhat belated and rushed.
October 8, 2018
Great read
Never read Sy’s work before glad I found this one,God’s,goddess,warriors ,secret assassins two women from very different backgrounds travelling through a forest to stop an attempt to kill the gods.The story keeps you engrossed all the way through, A really good and well written adventure story hope the next ones as good
Never read Sy’s work before glad I found this one,God’s,goddess,warriors ,secret assassins two women from very different backgrounds travelling through a forest to stop an attempt to kill the gods.The story keeps you engrossed all the way through, A really good and well written adventure story hope the next ones as good
August 7, 2017
Great story
A previous reader said there were errors that made it hard to read but I didn't find any and the story was quite smooth. I liked the premise and the adventure. I also found it interesting how things snowballed on Fletcher. I can't wait for the next in the series.
A previous reader said there were errors that made it hard to read but I didn't find any and the story was quite smooth. I liked the premise and the adventure. I also found it interesting how things snowballed on Fletcher. I can't wait for the next in the series.
December 23, 2019
Fantastic
This book was great! I’ve never read this genre before but Sy did it justice!!! Great character development and plot. I laughed I teamed up!! Over all I give it a 10! Looking forward to the next in the series!!
This book was great! I’ve never read this genre before but Sy did it justice!!! Great character development and plot. I laughed I teamed up!! Over all I give it a 10! Looking forward to the next in the series!!
February 16, 2016
It is rare that a fantasy novel catches my attention quite like The Broken Coil did. Sy Itha takes cues from writers like Tamora Pierce and Jane Fletcher, presenting rich characters in a subtly deep world. I only wish I had gotten to see more of the world Sy presented, and I am confident there will be more in the following books of this series.
True, Sy Itha is a young author, but LGTB fiction needs a young voice like this. The romance between the two main characters (two women, spoilers) is strong, but does not overshadow the far more important crisis these characters must deal with. The somewhat tired trope of a woman discovering her sexuality is revitalized in Avalon's portrayal, and it is hardly the defining feature of her character, which is a delight to see. Jacquelyn, while starting off as a somewhat predictable broody protagonist, evolves into one of my favorite characters ever written, dealing with struggles rarely touched on in a fantasy setting.
If you are looking for fantasy fiction with queer characters, look no further. The Broken Coil is an excellent start to what promises to be an excellent series, and Sy will only grow as a writer as the series continues.
Merged review:
It is rare that a fantasy novel catches my attention quite like The Broken Coil did. Sy Itha takes cues from writers like Tamora Pierce and Jane Fletcher, presenting rich characters in a subtly deep world. I only wish I had gotten to see more of the world Sy presented, and I am confident there will be more in the following books of this series.
True, Sy Itha is a young author, but LGTB fiction needs a young voice like this. The romance between the two main characters (two women, spoilers) is strong, but does not overshadow the far more important crisis these characters must deal with. The somewhat tired trope of a woman discovering her sexuality is revitalized in Avalon's portrayal, and it is hardly the defining feature of her character, which is a delight to see. Jacquelyn, while starting off as a somewhat predictable broody protagonist, evolves into one of my favorite characters ever written, dealing with struggles rarely touched on in a fantasy setting.
If you are looking for fantasy fiction with queer characters, look no further. The Broken Coil is an excellent start to what promises to be an excellent series, and Sy will only grow as a writer as the series continues
True, Sy Itha is a young author, but LGTB fiction needs a young voice like this. The romance between the two main characters (two women, spoilers) is strong, but does not overshadow the far more important crisis these characters must deal with. The somewhat tired trope of a woman discovering her sexuality is revitalized in Avalon's portrayal, and it is hardly the defining feature of her character, which is a delight to see. Jacquelyn, while starting off as a somewhat predictable broody protagonist, evolves into one of my favorite characters ever written, dealing with struggles rarely touched on in a fantasy setting.
If you are looking for fantasy fiction with queer characters, look no further. The Broken Coil is an excellent start to what promises to be an excellent series, and Sy will only grow as a writer as the series continues.
Merged review:
It is rare that a fantasy novel catches my attention quite like The Broken Coil did. Sy Itha takes cues from writers like Tamora Pierce and Jane Fletcher, presenting rich characters in a subtly deep world. I only wish I had gotten to see more of the world Sy presented, and I am confident there will be more in the following books of this series.
True, Sy Itha is a young author, but LGTB fiction needs a young voice like this. The romance between the two main characters (two women, spoilers) is strong, but does not overshadow the far more important crisis these characters must deal with. The somewhat tired trope of a woman discovering her sexuality is revitalized in Avalon's portrayal, and it is hardly the defining feature of her character, which is a delight to see. Jacquelyn, while starting off as a somewhat predictable broody protagonist, evolves into one of my favorite characters ever written, dealing with struggles rarely touched on in a fantasy setting.
If you are looking for fantasy fiction with queer characters, look no further. The Broken Coil is an excellent start to what promises to be an excellent series, and Sy will only grow as a writer as the series continues
February 10, 2016
*looks under book/kindle* Is there more?
Welll....eventually. Nice to know there's more books on the way. I suppose Ill get through more of my monstrous backlog before Fall hits.
These lovely characters certainly earned their ending.
What will usually keep me going through any book:
+good setting/world building
+fun characters that evolve over time
+no insta-out of the blue we are totally soul mates. *looks at Elizabeth Haydon* I do love your books also but I like slowburn romances more.
+Can the story line stand on its own? Indeedy! Actually reminds me of the Valdamar books. Fast paced. Characters moments and action sequences aren't too bogged down by exposition. *looks at David Weber* I still enjoy Honor Harrington though....
+I read other books so I don't finish stuff I like too quick.
Welll....eventually. Nice to know there's more books on the way. I suppose Ill get through more of my monstrous backlog before Fall hits.
These lovely characters certainly earned their ending.
What will usually keep me going through any book:
+good setting/world building
+fun characters that evolve over time
+no insta-out of the blue we are totally soul mates. *looks at Elizabeth Haydon* I do love your books also but I like slowburn romances more.
+Can the story line stand on its own? Indeedy! Actually reminds me of the Valdamar books. Fast paced. Characters moments and action sequences aren't too bogged down by exposition. *looks at David Weber* I still enjoy Honor Harrington though....
+I read other books so I don't finish stuff I like too quick.
February 16, 2016
The Broken Coil is an amazing read! Lovely characters, exciting plot, twists and turns galore. The romance in this story is handled well, and the dialogue is spot on, as always with Sy's work. I'd certainly recommend this novel to any readers who like fantasy with a lesbian twist!
Merged review:
The Broken Coil is an amazing read! Lovely characters, exciting plot, twists and turns galore. The romance in this story is handled well, and the dialogue is spot on, as always with Sy's work. I'd certainly recommend this novel to any readers who like fantasy with a lesbian twist!
Merged review:
The Broken Coil is an amazing read! Lovely characters, exciting plot, twists and turns galore. The romance in this story is handled well, and the dialogue is spot on, as always with Sy's work. I'd certainly recommend this novel to any readers who like fantasy with a lesbian twist!
October 11, 2016
This book had all of my favorits. Love, action, conflicts, and a good plot line. Im ready to read tue next!
I think this could but a good book for young adults to the older generations. I'm 33 and I loved it!!
I think this could but a good book for young adults to the older generations. I'm 33 and I loved it!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews