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Hidden Libraries #1
Broken Destiny
Having spent the last seven years in an orphanage, Zosia is shocked when someone tells her she's a sphinx and the last guardian of the sentient library of Supernaturals. The elite academy which houses the powerful library rejects her because she isn't perfect, but she knows instantly that the library is where she belongs. She ignores the academy's decree and gathers others around her - four guardians who are just as perfectly imperfect as she is.
But her powers, her ability to shift, and her strength are tied up in the memories she can't bear to access - memories of torture as a young girl - horrible acts which made her the way she is. When the library is all that stands between two ignorant factions trying to cause a war, it's up to her and her guardians to prevent it. But first, she has to face her worst fears - including believing in herself.
***This book is a reverse harem, why choose, slow-burn adventure. Some topics may be triggering and/or of a sensitive nature. ***
But her powers, her ability to shift, and her strength are tied up in the memories she can't bear to access - memories of torture as a young girl - horrible acts which made her the way she is. When the library is all that stands between two ignorant factions trying to cause a war, it's up to her and her guardians to prevent it. But first, she has to face her worst fears - including believing in herself.
***This book is a reverse harem, why choose, slow-burn adventure. Some topics may be triggering and/or of a sensitive nature. ***
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2019
140 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
November 24, 2019
The most orginial RH I've read all year.
An unexpectedly good Buddy read with the RHR. I didn't think this would be up to much but thanks for convincing me to read this with you all!
I couldn't hack another Academy let down, but this is not really the typical academy that's been done to death this year. Its just biased in an Academy it's not about the bully's, the cliques, the mean girls. Nope its about the library.
So if like me you haven't given this a chance because of the cover or the name, then give it a rethink it might surprise you too.
A sentient library, an FMC with a disability and a harem of men with their own flaws, gives this academy a very original twist.
"They talk about it all the time, about being chosen by the magical community, or the OSC - Organization of Supernatural Creatures. Of course it’s every unwanted child’s dream: to be more than an inferior, unwelcomed human."
Zosia is a cripple (is that the politically correct term? - hopefully she wont be offended), we find her in a orphanage where she is treated less than fair. I immediately connected and feel for her even if her personality is a little prickly and defensive. She's found by a team of supernaturals searching through human facilities for children that have been lost to them. She is brought along with her ghost companion to the academy where she finds out she will be interviewed for the position of librarian.
Not any old librarian but the librarian of a powerful sentient library. This librarian is one of the most important supernaturals in this world. Its a bit of a cinderella story in that manner, she would be raised from the lowest to the highest position in the supernatural world. This librarian is so important she needs a set of 4 guardians to protect.
Hello awesome excuse for a harem
This lot have problems of their own which makes for one big dysfunctional family and a little bit of instalove for the ones who have never been accepted before.
"They have all been ostracized just like you. They all doubt who they are and what they are meant to be. Everyone benefits from this mutual arrangement. They all knew exactly what they were getting into before they signed.”
So yes I would recommend this to all looking for a vulnerable FMC who has had it tough in the past.
She won't stay vulnerable forever but she will have a target on her back so will be needing those yummy guardians.
I'm really looking forward to the next one. Thanks Serena for giving us something new and different.
An unexpectedly good Buddy read with the RHR. I didn't think this would be up to much but thanks for convincing me to read this with you all!
I couldn't hack another Academy let down, but this is not really the typical academy that's been done to death this year. Its just biased in an Academy it's not about the bully's, the cliques, the mean girls. Nope its about the library.
So if like me you haven't given this a chance because of the cover or the name, then give it a rethink it might surprise you too.
A sentient library, an FMC with a disability and a harem of men with their own flaws, gives this academy a very original twist.
"They talk about it all the time, about being chosen by the magical community, or the OSC - Organization of Supernatural Creatures. Of course it’s every unwanted child’s dream: to be more than an inferior, unwelcomed human."
Zosia is a cripple (is that the politically correct term? - hopefully she wont be offended), we find her in a orphanage where she is treated less than fair. I immediately connected and feel for her even if her personality is a little prickly and defensive. She's found by a team of supernaturals searching through human facilities for children that have been lost to them. She is brought along with her ghost companion to the academy where she finds out she will be interviewed for the position of librarian.
Not any old librarian but the librarian of a powerful sentient library. This librarian is one of the most important supernaturals in this world. Its a bit of a cinderella story in that manner, she would be raised from the lowest to the highest position in the supernatural world. This librarian is so important she needs a set of 4 guardians to protect.
Hello awesome excuse for a harem
This lot have problems of their own which makes for one big dysfunctional family and a little bit of instalove for the ones who have never been accepted before.
"They have all been ostracized just like you. They all doubt who they are and what they are meant to be. Everyone benefits from this mutual arrangement. They all knew exactly what they were getting into before they signed.”
So yes I would recommend this to all looking for a vulnerable FMC who has had it tough in the past.
She won't stay vulnerable forever but she will have a target on her back so will be needing those yummy guardians.
I'm really looking forward to the next one. Thanks Serena for giving us something new and different.
October 30, 2019
This was beautiful. Not much on the action side and it is slow. Pretty much feels like a long introduction into the characters. Wouldn’t count it as an academy as there is a different role.
The characters are what made the story. The MC has a disability which has started cropping up more now, what I liked was that the guys are flawed as well. What makes it even better is the multiple POVs, so it’s not just about the MC but the guys too.
Of course one of the biggest reasons is Kodi. Finally a ghost romance that isn’t quick porn or something else. I’m happy.
Reminds me of the tv series Librarians,but very loosely based. The cover is strange because it looks simple but it’s effective and stands out. I’m looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
The characters are what made the story. The MC has a disability which has started cropping up more now, what I liked was that the guys are flawed as well. What makes it even better is the multiple POVs, so it’s not just about the MC but the guys too.
Of course one of the biggest reasons is Kodi. Finally a ghost romance that isn’t quick porn or something else. I’m happy.
Reminds me of the tv series Librarians,but very loosely based. The cover is strange because it looks simple but it’s effective and stands out. I’m looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
December 20, 2019
Broken Destiny is the first RH book I've read following characters with disabilities and a sentient library. It was like a breath of fresh air and honestly, it almost made it to 5 stars. There are just a few little things that made me think it was more a 4 stars (I'll explain in the spoiler section). However, it was still a really good quick read and I'm looking forward to the next one!
January 31, 2025
Pages: 228
My rating (stars): 5
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
After a row of disappointing books this is a gem in the rh world. The story is set at a supernatural collage but it’s not an Academy. Actually the MC’s never attended this college.
Also the FMC is disabled, her legs were broken badly as a child.
Main Problem is how to write a review without giving to much away, which is very difficult in this case. I really liked the book and Serena did not disappoint.
Edit 2025:
Finally all books of this series are published an we decided to re-read the first book and then read the other two book.
This time though I wasn't captivated by the book. It took me a while to read the book where I binged it the first time. I don't know what happend in the five+ years after my first reread. I didn't like the book as much as the first time. But I want to read the other two books and see if I will find the love for this series again.
My rating (stars): 5
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
After a row of disappointing books this is a gem in the rh world. The story is set at a supernatural collage but it’s not an Academy. Actually the MC’s never attended this college.
Also the FMC is disabled, her legs were broken badly as a child.
Main Problem is how to write a review without giving to much away, which is very difficult in this case. I really liked the book and Serena did not disappoint.
Edit 2025:
Finally all books of this series are published an we decided to re-read the first book and then read the other two book.
This time though I wasn't captivated by the book. It took me a while to read the book where I binged it the first time. I don't know what happend in the five+ years after my first reread. I didn't like the book as much as the first time. But I want to read the other two books and see if I will find the love for this series again.
January 28, 2025
2025 review:
Wow my thoughts have changed. I mean, yes, I'm still happy with all the characters and think the story has some great potential. Unfortunately, I was so, so bored reading this. It is incredibly fast-paced with so many holes. I have a thousand questions pertaining to how things don't make sense. I'm going to leave my 4 star review because I did thoroughly enjoy it back in the day, but if this had been my first time reading it I would have given it 2 stars.
I'm going to try reading the second book because I've waited so long for it and I'm still curious as to where the story will go.
_________________
2019 review:
While the story here is interesting and has me ready to read more, I think this book is totally awesome because the main cast of characters all have disabilities. I think this is the first time I've read a book with this many characters with disabilities -- which is a true shame.
Anyhow, Zosia finds out she is to become a librarian, hello main reason I picked up this book ;), and needs guardians to protect her while she protects the library. There we have an amazing reason for a harem! So, when the guys start showing up it doesn't feel forced to me. I like how they react to what they learn as well.
Ummmm what else can I say.... this did feel like a beginning of the series book where things are just introduced, but the plot doesn't move much, and I'm okay with that because of how much I was liking everything else in the book. This is one where I'm reeeeeallly looking forward to the next book.
Wow my thoughts have changed. I mean, yes, I'm still happy with all the characters and think the story has some great potential. Unfortunately, I was so, so bored reading this. It is incredibly fast-paced with so many holes. I have a thousand questions pertaining to how things don't make sense. I'm going to leave my 4 star review because I did thoroughly enjoy it back in the day, but if this had been my first time reading it I would have given it 2 stars.
I'm going to try reading the second book because I've waited so long for it and I'm still curious as to where the story will go.
_________________
2019 review:
While the story here is interesting and has me ready to read more, I think this book is totally awesome because the main cast of characters all have disabilities. I think this is the first time I've read a book with this many characters with disabilities -- which is a true shame.
Anyhow, Zosia finds out she is to become a librarian, hello main reason I picked up this book ;), and needs guardians to protect her while she protects the library. There we have an amazing reason for a harem! So, when the guys start showing up it doesn't feel forced to me. I like how they react to what they learn as well.
Ummmm what else can I say.... this did feel like a beginning of the series book where things are just introduced, but the plot doesn't move much, and I'm okay with that because of how much I was liking everything else in the book. This is one where I'm reeeeeallly looking forward to the next book.
November 10, 2019
Amazing. Bless you Serena Lindahl. You have no idea how ecstatic you have made me. It is so hard to find material about main characters with disabilities. Or having SEVERAL main characters have disabilities. Or having characters with disabilities that are unapologetic, loving, and encouraging. Almost every single fantasy book I have read that features someone with a disability gets magically cured, almost like they can't find happiness if they're not a fully abled person. I hate when it's romanticized (like saying the only reason Vincent van Gogh was amazing was because he was mentally ill. The "tragic genius" trope. It's like saying you're only amazing because you're stuck in a wheelchair. Rude.) Or worse, used to perpetuate negative (and ignorant) views about people with disabilities and bring us down with dumb notions of how our lives can't be just as good or as fulfilling because we might need a little more help.
It's why I will hate Me Before You until my last dying breath for pretty much every reason listed above.
You have made me so happy, it makes up for a lot of disappointment. I look forward to the next one, thank you!
It's why I will hate Me Before You until my last dying breath for pretty much every reason listed above.
You have made me so happy, it makes up for a lot of disappointment. I look forward to the next one, thank you!
August 11, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. I skimmed every now and again, but nothing too dramatic.
I LOVED that the main characters had disabilities - disabilities that weren’t going to be ‘fixed’. I’ve seen another review that said this, but it seems like whenever I read about a disabled character in fantasy (especially RH) books, by the end, their disability is gone and they can live happily...like that wasn’t doable with their disability!
For me, however, there wasn’t enough going on. It goes from an orphanage, to the library and from there we do not leave. We literally spend the whole book in a library and I think that’s also why I skimmed a bit.
Our Heroine, Zo, has been disabled (both legs unable to function) since she can remember. She’s never been chosen by anyone at an orphanage until she’s nineteen and she’s taken to a school (?) for supernaturals. That’s not explained much. What is explained is that she could be the person to become the librarian (a very rare and honourable role) For this, she’ll need to have four guardians...enter the guys.
Garret: Our brute, powerful, grumpy shifter. He’s dyslexic, but don’t mistake that for him being stupid. I felt like the love was forced between him and Zo.
Bren: I loved Bren. He’s showing signs of autism. He’s blunt , very observant and funny - just adorable. He’s a powerful seer.
Kodi: He’s been protecting Zo since she was in the orphanage. We can tell he’s in love with her but it aggravates him that he can’t touch her because he is a ghost. He’s got a short temper And is kind of blunt, but caring.
Finally, Avery: a blind vampire. Caring, sweet, knows the right thing to say. I liked his character.
My problem was that we didn’t really get a fleshed-out backstory for the guys which I always find preferable, but oh well.
Another’s problem I had was Zo’s attitude, and, I know, she was brought up to hate her disability, but it doesn’t mean she had to complain about it every other second - her best friend was a ghost who had to hang around her, invisible to everyone else around him his whole afterlife, for Christ’s sakes.
This was a good book, but I did get a bit bored. I might pick the next one up, who knows?
Heroine:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hero(Es):⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sex frequency:⭐️(No sex)
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(For 2 of the 4)
Plot:⭐️⭐️
I LOVED that the main characters had disabilities - disabilities that weren’t going to be ‘fixed’. I’ve seen another review that said this, but it seems like whenever I read about a disabled character in fantasy (especially RH) books, by the end, their disability is gone and they can live happily...like that wasn’t doable with their disability!
For me, however, there wasn’t enough going on. It goes from an orphanage, to the library and from there we do not leave. We literally spend the whole book in a library and I think that’s also why I skimmed a bit.
Our Heroine, Zo, has been disabled (both legs unable to function) since she can remember. She’s never been chosen by anyone at an orphanage until she’s nineteen and she’s taken to a school (?) for supernaturals. That’s not explained much. What is explained is that she could be the person to become the librarian (a very rare and honourable role) For this, she’ll need to have four guardians...enter the guys.
Garret: Our brute, powerful, grumpy shifter. He’s dyslexic, but don’t mistake that for him being stupid. I felt like the love was forced between him and Zo.
Bren: I loved Bren. He’s showing signs of autism. He’s blunt , very observant and funny - just adorable. He’s a powerful seer.
Kodi: He’s been protecting Zo since she was in the orphanage. We can tell he’s in love with her but it aggravates him that he can’t touch her because he is a ghost. He’s got a short temper And is kind of blunt, but caring.
Finally, Avery: a blind vampire. Caring, sweet, knows the right thing to say. I liked his character.
My problem was that we didn’t really get a fleshed-out backstory for the guys which I always find preferable, but oh well.
Another’s problem I had was Zo’s attitude, and, I know, she was brought up to hate her disability, but it doesn’t mean she had to complain about it every other second - her best friend was a ghost who had to hang around her, invisible to everyone else around him his whole afterlife, for Christ’s sakes.
This was a good book, but I did get a bit bored. I might pick the next one up, who knows?
Heroine:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hero(Es):⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sex frequency:⭐️(No sex)
Chemistry:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(For 2 of the 4)
Plot:⭐️⭐️
December 5, 2019
Siiigh... I should really stop assuming the ratings of a book reflect its quality, it only leads to disappointement.
I could not stand the MC, Zosia.
Yes, she's had a traumatic experience as a child and yes she has a disability that makes her life much harder than the average person.
None of this, to me, was enough justification for the constant self-pity and woe-is-me attitude Zosia had throughout the book. It was incessant. It was like reading from the perspective of an emo 14 years old who thinks they're the most unfortunate person to have ever lived when in fact they just love to make themselves special.
On ever other page she had to bring up how much of a freak she was, how no one could possibly love her because she's BROKEN, and how could she ever do anything with her life when she's crippled, you don't understand!
She is also rude, tactless and overall insufferable.
I wanted to slap her.
There were a lot of inconsistencies. Like a character said something only to contradict themselves right after.
At the orphanage Zosia thinks of how she's somewhat happy there, with what seems to be sincerity, and how she doesn't want to go with the supernatural visitors who she appears to be afraid of. A few paragraphs later she reveals her non-human status because she suddenly wants to go with them and thinks she hates it there and anywhere would be better. There's no transition to this thought process.
An other example (only one of many, many more) is how she explains how some supernatural kids had been able to see her ghost friend and how others couldn't. A few pages later she is surprised because said ghost tells her some supernaturals can't to see him. Even though we know she knows this.
But the one thing that made me give up was how she spoke.
So Zosia is 19 years old. And she reads a lot. But so do I, and being well-read doesn't mean I talk like an ancient literary professor. And that's exactly what she does, or maybe like some 19th century aristocrat. It's especially jarring when she acts like the tactless teenager she is, never capable of keeping her mouth shut or using subtlety.
"Nonsense"
"And am I correct in assuming you can walk during the day?"
"I believe those oddities as you call them, are perfect advantages in this position. Shall I send word?"
Nobody speaks like this. You're telling me this is supposed to be a teenage girl of the 21st century? Please.
And yes I'm assuming this takes place in our current time, it's what I gathered from the use of cars and phones and modern make up. What did not help me figure this out was the world building. Because there is none.
October 29, 2019
I don't know if I've ever told y'all this before but I don't always read the blurbs of books. Sometimes I do if I'm in a funk and can't find what I really want to read but most of the time I just read authors I know I enjoy and go in blind. That's what I did with Broken Destiny. I went in blind, not having any clue what I was going to be reading other than it was Serena Lindahl and it was RH. I don't know really what I was expecting but what I got was a book that sucked me in frome start to finish. I freaking loved this book so much. Zosia is an amazingly imperfect character. She's been through so much. She's been living in the human world for so long that she doesn't really even understand the supernatural world anymore. She's been told so many times that she is worthless that she doesn't know how to handle it when she finally finds her place in the world. Which she does. It's not at the snooty Hidden Academy itself but the library it houses. She and her four guardians will have to work hard and quickly to figure things out. The library holds a lot of power and there are evil individuals, both human and supernatural, that would love nothing more than to bring them down.
All four of her guardians are imperfect as well. Each special in their own way. We collect them along the way so I don't want to spoil who they will be before we get there. I will say that even though they all have their own "difficulties", they fit Zosia perfectly. I can't wait to see their relationships continue to grow.
As with a lot of leads that have damaging pasts, Zosia has to unlock and overcome the memories of what happened to her as a child. This is an utterly heartbreaking moment for many reasons. Not only what was done to her but by whom. She is strong and resilient though and she will pull through. I'm just not sure yet what unlocking those memories will cost her in the end. Speaking of ending, holy freaking hellfire. My heart. My Kodi.
I was not at all expecting to fall in love with this book and these characters the way I did. Serena did a great job introducing us to this world and making us invested in this story. I'm hoping like hell the second book isn't too far away.
All four of her guardians are imperfect as well. Each special in their own way. We collect them along the way so I don't want to spoil who they will be before we get there. I will say that even though they all have their own "difficulties", they fit Zosia perfectly. I can't wait to see their relationships continue to grow.
As with a lot of leads that have damaging pasts, Zosia has to unlock and overcome the memories of what happened to her as a child. This is an utterly heartbreaking moment for many reasons. Not only what was done to her but by whom. She is strong and resilient though and she will pull through. I'm just not sure yet what unlocking those memories will cost her in the end. Speaking of ending, holy freaking hellfire. My heart. My Kodi.
I was not at all expecting to fall in love with this book and these characters the way I did. Serena did a great job introducing us to this world and making us invested in this story. I'm hoping like hell the second book isn't too far away.
April 9, 2020
Decent start to an interesting story.
I really enjoyed this book Zosia is a strong character, and at first I was slightly annoyed with the use of crippled she said about herself but I understood the point driven in this book and how she was brought up, I guess.
The way the story is told is fascinating, I enjoyed how it plays out, but there wasn’t really a big moment or scene. There’s this showdown at the library of course, but idk.
But I do like it. I also like the different povs of the guys. I also like how each of them has some sort of disability their society really views negatively. I like how each of them is strong in some way.
I can’t wait to read more of this series.
I really enjoyed this book Zosia is a strong character, and at first I was slightly annoyed with the use of crippled she said about herself but I understood the point driven in this book and how she was brought up, I guess.
The way the story is told is fascinating, I enjoyed how it plays out, but there wasn’t really a big moment or scene. There’s this showdown at the library of course, but idk.
But I do like it. I also like the different povs of the guys. I also like how each of them has some sort of disability their society really views negatively. I like how each of them is strong in some way.
I can’t wait to read more of this series.
October 30, 2019
I loved Broken Destiny!! Going in, I did not know what to expect, but let me tell you I was hooked from the start. Serena has done an excellent job of taking these characters that were considered flawed, and showing just what that means. I was hooked from the start.
The female lead Zosia is special, not just because she has to be in a wheelchair/crutches. But because she can see paranormals. She is living in a orphanage, with her friend who just so happens to be a ghost. One day as they are lined up to see if they can be adopted. Not expecting to be picked, she finds out it is because she is special. She is actually a sphinx and is the Guardian of the Library of Supernaturals. A living breathing Library that is sacred. She will given four protectors to keep her safe. They will be her everything. Her protectors, her friends and eventually her lovers.
I rooted for Zosia from the start. She is witty, strong, broken but yet finding her way. Watching her find her purpose, finding her strength, I just could not stop reading. The guys, are all just as broken in some way, and they find their purpose in her. Serena has done an excellent job of creating this fascinating world with a one of a kind character. I would highly recommend this first book in the Hidden Academy series!!
The female lead Zosia is special, not just because she has to be in a wheelchair/crutches. But because she can see paranormals. She is living in a orphanage, with her friend who just so happens to be a ghost. One day as they are lined up to see if they can be adopted. Not expecting to be picked, she finds out it is because she is special. She is actually a sphinx and is the Guardian of the Library of Supernaturals. A living breathing Library that is sacred. She will given four protectors to keep her safe. They will be her everything. Her protectors, her friends and eventually her lovers.
I rooted for Zosia from the start. She is witty, strong, broken but yet finding her way. Watching her find her purpose, finding her strength, I just could not stop reading. The guys, are all just as broken in some way, and they find their purpose in her. Serena has done an excellent job of creating this fascinating world with a one of a kind character. I would highly recommend this first book in the Hidden Academy series!!
March 12, 2022
Zosia has little memory of her childhood before she was sent to an orphanage when she was 14. But what she does remember is torture - literally. When some supernaturals come to the orphanage to find anyone with magic, Zosia is chosen to return with them for the chance that she may become the Librarian. I liked Zosia and her guys - they all have some form of disability. I loved that they all had their vulnerabilities, but they were also resilient and slowly becoming a family. There is some attraction but this is a slow burn. My heart hurt for Zosia as she remembers her past. This book did release a few years ago, but I saw that book 2 will be out this yet, so hopefully it is out soon.
August 12, 2025
Good writing, good story.
I can't call myself an RH fan, but I've noticed that many of the books I've read feel like half-cooked meals, and leaving me unsatisfied. Not to mention, the authors often leave too much to the readers by explaining things vaguely, relying heavily on dialogue, and throwing in unnecessary sex scenes.
This book doesn’t even have spice—and I love it.
A few kisses were enough for me to believe in the foundation of the relationship between the characters, even though I wish Garrett—the typical RH guy who resists—would hold himself back a little more to create some tension. It doesn’t have to be a bully dynamic, but I think it would’ve been nice if he’d been more skeptical, especially since we already have insta-love representation through Bren.
Otherwise, the FMC is likable. I found myself not minding if the whole book had been written entirely from her POV (even though it wasn’t—and I actually enjoyed Garrett’s POV the most among the men), which is rare for me.
I can't call myself an RH fan, but I've noticed that many of the books I've read feel like half-cooked meals, and leaving me unsatisfied. Not to mention, the authors often leave too much to the readers by explaining things vaguely, relying heavily on dialogue, and throwing in unnecessary sex scenes.
This book doesn’t even have spice—and I love it.
A few kisses were enough for me to believe in the foundation of the relationship between the characters, even though I wish Garrett—the typical RH guy who resists—would hold himself back a little more to create some tension. It doesn’t have to be a bully dynamic, but I think it would’ve been nice if he’d been more skeptical, especially since we already have insta-love representation through Bren.
Otherwise, the FMC is likable. I found myself not minding if the whole book had been written entirely from her POV (even though it wasn’t—and I actually enjoyed Garrett’s POV the most among the men), which is rare for me.
November 30, 2019
Ugh, I don't even know what to say besides I want book two.
I love that the FMC is a librarian, I love that she's a shifter I haven't seen a million times, I love that she's imperfect, I love that she's a bit inexperienced and socially awkward. Zosia might fit some of the tropes- lacks world experience, abusive past- but she's also a breath of fresh air. I found her to be extremely likable, and I was totally rooting for her and dedicated to her story from the first snarky comment that was made to save herself from the awkwardness of having to socialize with others.
Her men are all imperfect as well, which is something that comes together in it's own off-beat blissful way- there's one who's blind, dyslexic, a ghost, and another who's a bit out of touch with reality. For all their faults, they honestly feel more real. With their imperfections, they need to rely on each other, and there are so many sweet little moments of bonding where it's just the men (and Zo) figuring out how to live life with and around each other and what limitations or roadblocks the others in their new little family might have.
This is definitely a slower burn, but I was so wrapped up in the story and the new mythos (which is very interesting and definitely unique) that I honestly didn't care. there are plenty of reasons for the slower burn to make sense, outside of the developing action, and I think the pacing fits perfectly.
Really, give this book a try. I'm not super familiar with the author's other series, having just seen them in passing rec threads, but this is a beautiful introduction into the worlds that she can create.
I love that the FMC is a librarian, I love that she's a shifter I haven't seen a million times, I love that she's imperfect, I love that she's a bit inexperienced and socially awkward. Zosia might fit some of the tropes- lacks world experience, abusive past- but she's also a breath of fresh air. I found her to be extremely likable, and I was totally rooting for her and dedicated to her story from the first snarky comment that was made to save herself from the awkwardness of having to socialize with others.
Her men are all imperfect as well, which is something that comes together in it's own off-beat blissful way- there's one who's blind, dyslexic, a ghost, and another who's a bit out of touch with reality. For all their faults, they honestly feel more real. With their imperfections, they need to rely on each other, and there are so many sweet little moments of bonding where it's just the men (and Zo) figuring out how to live life with and around each other and what limitations or roadblocks the others in their new little family might have.
This is definitely a slower burn, but I was so wrapped up in the story and the new mythos (which is very interesting and definitely unique) that I honestly didn't care. there are plenty of reasons for the slower burn to make sense, outside of the developing action, and I think the pacing fits perfectly.
Really, give this book a try. I'm not super familiar with the author's other series, having just seen them in passing rec threads, but this is a beautiful introduction into the worlds that she can create.
April 9, 2021
I unexpectedly really loved this book.
I actually picked this one up because it was recommended to me, but it’s probably not the sort of book I would have chosen on my own. Shifters are very hit or miss for me, and I never really thought I’d enjoy a reverse harem because I tend to really like poly relationships where EVERYONE is into each other (i.e. M/M/F where the two guys not only share the girl, but also love each other). Still, this one sounded interesting enough for me to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.
The protagonist, Zosia, is 19 and still living in an orphanage (lying about her age so she can stay there as long as possible). Her only friend is a ghost named Kodi, and she’s disabled as the result of an attack when she was a child, during which her legs were broken badly and healed incorrectly. She also knows she’s not quite human, but because her memories are blocked thanks to trauma, she doesn’t really know the details. And then a delegation from the supernatural academy shows up at the orphanage to take Zosia, Kodi, and a couple other non-human orphans away.
This isn’t really a typical magical school story, though. The school itself seems kind of Hogwarts-like, with houses and mysterious headmasters and race-purist alumni looking to stir up trouble... but the story doesn’t really go much into the lives of the students, because Zosia is here for another purpose—to fulfill her destiny as the last in the line of sphinxes that guard the supernatural library, alongside four guardians that she much choose.
The sentient library is a FABULOUS setting... magical and comforting, the kind of place I was eager to lose myself in as a reader. And the four guardians, who of course are also the members of the harem, are each amazing characters in their own right. I especially loved the fact that each of them was kind of a “misfit” in their own way, through a combination of human disabilities and/or their status in the supernatural community. It gave them a nice common ground with Zosia, and helped build the sense of community among the four of them, as well as with her.
I definitely liked the fact that the guys do seem to care for one another, if not necessarily in a romantic or sexual sense (there’s one relationship there that seems like it COULD go that way, though, in a future installment?), which made it feel like a found family.
Both in terms of the relationships and the overall plot involving the library and the supernatural world, there was a LOT left unresolved, but I definitely don’t mind that in this case, because the characters and the world are definitely ones I want to spend more time with. The author did a great job of setting up the foundation for a series.
I’m going to comment on ONE thing that sort of annoyed me now... in the long run, it didn’t end up greatly affecting my enjoyment of the book, but for the first couple of chapters I was a little “eh” about whether I was going to read on. OVERALL, as in for the whole of the book, I really think the author did a great job with the “misfit” characters, both in terms of physical/mental disabilities and in terms of “doesn’t fit in in their own family/species/world.” I know I highlighted one part in particular where Zosia talks about that feeling where someone offers to help you, and you’re not sure if they’re just being nice or if they’re doing it because of fill-in-marginalization-here (the fact that she uses crutches, in this particular case), and then you just shy away from ALL help, even though EVERYONE needs help sometimes and you KNOW that... I’m rambling, but emotionally it felt spot on, and I loved that the characters had different and sometimes difficult relationships with their various identities, with some embracing them and others struggling a bit more.
But I wasn’t entirely sure that I was going to love the rep at first, and I ultimately think that was just down to some odd word choices or maybe some revisions that didn’t quite get made the way they were supposed to in the first few chapters. Initially, Zosia talks about crutches and braces and I kind of assumed those were different things... but then she says she DOESN’T have leg braces. So I guess the “braces” were just forearm crutches? (I don’t use mobility aids myself, so maybe this is just me not knowing the vocabulary? It’s entirely possible.) And in a possibly unrelated thing, the author really REALLY likes to use “spine” expressions like “my spine tingled”, so I was not sure whether Zosia had a spinal cord injury and was walking with leg braces FDR-style (OK, FDR also did not have a spinal cord injury, but that’s a familiar image to use as an example of what I was imagining) or if it was her legs themselves that had been injured (which was actually the case). After a few chapters this became clear, the author stopped using the word “braces”, and we got a usually-likable, sometimes-prickly, overall well-rounded character who’s also an ambulatory wheelchair user��something that I think a lot of readers want to see but DON’T see very often.
So I guess the point of that was, if you’re a little confused about the character’s disability seeming to be a little inconsistent in the first chapter... I think it was a writing/vocabulary issue and not a representation issue. The author appears to be disabled themself, and the description of the character’s physical appearance and the extent of her disabilities is consistent, once you get past that introduction.
Also, there’s a hot vampire. Just saying.
I wasn’t really sure if I was going to give this four stars or five... some of the description was a little rocky, and it was *kinda* a cliffhanger ending which I usually don’t love... but honestly, the story and the characters were just so damn good that I don’t even care that some things didn’t match my personal preferences. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and hope you’ll give it a try if you like fantasy, libraries, hot paranormals, or maybe if you’re like me and you’ve never read a reverse harem before but are curious... this wasn’t what I was expecting, and it was very, very good.
I actually picked this one up because it was recommended to me, but it’s probably not the sort of book I would have chosen on my own. Shifters are very hit or miss for me, and I never really thought I’d enjoy a reverse harem because I tend to really like poly relationships where EVERYONE is into each other (i.e. M/M/F where the two guys not only share the girl, but also love each other). Still, this one sounded interesting enough for me to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.
The protagonist, Zosia, is 19 and still living in an orphanage (lying about her age so she can stay there as long as possible). Her only friend is a ghost named Kodi, and she’s disabled as the result of an attack when she was a child, during which her legs were broken badly and healed incorrectly. She also knows she’s not quite human, but because her memories are blocked thanks to trauma, she doesn’t really know the details. And then a delegation from the supernatural academy shows up at the orphanage to take Zosia, Kodi, and a couple other non-human orphans away.
This isn’t really a typical magical school story, though. The school itself seems kind of Hogwarts-like, with houses and mysterious headmasters and race-purist alumni looking to stir up trouble... but the story doesn’t really go much into the lives of the students, because Zosia is here for another purpose—to fulfill her destiny as the last in the line of sphinxes that guard the supernatural library, alongside four guardians that she much choose.
The sentient library is a FABULOUS setting... magical and comforting, the kind of place I was eager to lose myself in as a reader. And the four guardians, who of course are also the members of the harem, are each amazing characters in their own right. I especially loved the fact that each of them was kind of a “misfit” in their own way, through a combination of human disabilities and/or their status in the supernatural community. It gave them a nice common ground with Zosia, and helped build the sense of community among the four of them, as well as with her.
I definitely liked the fact that the guys do seem to care for one another, if not necessarily in a romantic or sexual sense (there’s one relationship there that seems like it COULD go that way, though, in a future installment?), which made it feel like a found family.
Both in terms of the relationships and the overall plot involving the library and the supernatural world, there was a LOT left unresolved, but I definitely don’t mind that in this case, because the characters and the world are definitely ones I want to spend more time with. The author did a great job of setting up the foundation for a series.
I’m going to comment on ONE thing that sort of annoyed me now... in the long run, it didn’t end up greatly affecting my enjoyment of the book, but for the first couple of chapters I was a little “eh” about whether I was going to read on. OVERALL, as in for the whole of the book, I really think the author did a great job with the “misfit” characters, both in terms of physical/mental disabilities and in terms of “doesn’t fit in in their own family/species/world.” I know I highlighted one part in particular where Zosia talks about that feeling where someone offers to help you, and you’re not sure if they’re just being nice or if they’re doing it because of fill-in-marginalization-here (the fact that she uses crutches, in this particular case), and then you just shy away from ALL help, even though EVERYONE needs help sometimes and you KNOW that... I’m rambling, but emotionally it felt spot on, and I loved that the characters had different and sometimes difficult relationships with their various identities, with some embracing them and others struggling a bit more.
But I wasn’t entirely sure that I was going to love the rep at first, and I ultimately think that was just down to some odd word choices or maybe some revisions that didn’t quite get made the way they were supposed to in the first few chapters. Initially, Zosia talks about crutches and braces and I kind of assumed those were different things... but then she says she DOESN’T have leg braces. So I guess the “braces” were just forearm crutches? (I don’t use mobility aids myself, so maybe this is just me not knowing the vocabulary? It’s entirely possible.) And in a possibly unrelated thing, the author really REALLY likes to use “spine” expressions like “my spine tingled”, so I was not sure whether Zosia had a spinal cord injury and was walking with leg braces FDR-style (OK, FDR also did not have a spinal cord injury, but that’s a familiar image to use as an example of what I was imagining) or if it was her legs themselves that had been injured (which was actually the case). After a few chapters this became clear, the author stopped using the word “braces”, and we got a usually-likable, sometimes-prickly, overall well-rounded character who’s also an ambulatory wheelchair user��something that I think a lot of readers want to see but DON’T see very often.
So I guess the point of that was, if you’re a little confused about the character’s disability seeming to be a little inconsistent in the first chapter... I think it was a writing/vocabulary issue and not a representation issue. The author appears to be disabled themself, and the description of the character’s physical appearance and the extent of her disabilities is consistent, once you get past that introduction.
Also, there’s a hot vampire. Just saying.
I wasn’t really sure if I was going to give this four stars or five... some of the description was a little rocky, and it was *kinda* a cliffhanger ending which I usually don’t love... but honestly, the story and the characters were just so damn good that I don’t even care that some things didn’t match my personal preferences. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and hope you’ll give it a try if you like fantasy, libraries, hot paranormals, or maybe if you’re like me and you’ve never read a reverse harem before but are curious... this wasn’t what I was expecting, and it was very, very good.
December 21, 2019
Wonderful!!!
A magical library, a broken Sphinx and a quartet of men with various issues of their own.... what’s not to love?! Honestly, you can tell a book lover write this, as there are so many phrases only one in love with the written word could concoct. Twisting words, eloquent phrases, deep emotion and the potential for greatness, it’s all here, and woven together in such a way that the fabric of the story compels rather than tells. Truly well done.
First person, multiple POV, Slow burn RH, UF
Cliffhanger
Rating = Hmmm.... going to have to say R, but this volume is still suitable for YA readers.
Character age range = 19+
Pros:
- Very well written.
- The formatting is so smooth and attractively our together.
- Story flows easily.
- Zo.... in loving everything about her.
- The guardians.... some would call most of them disabled, but their differences are a strength here.
- The library!!!!!!!
Cons:
- None. I adored this.
A magical library, a broken Sphinx and a quartet of men with various issues of their own.... what’s not to love?! Honestly, you can tell a book lover write this, as there are so many phrases only one in love with the written word could concoct. Twisting words, eloquent phrases, deep emotion and the potential for greatness, it’s all here, and woven together in such a way that the fabric of the story compels rather than tells. Truly well done.
First person, multiple POV, Slow burn RH, UF
Cliffhanger
Rating = Hmmm.... going to have to say R, but this volume is still suitable for YA readers.
Character age range = 19+
Pros:
- Very well written.
- The formatting is so smooth and attractively our together.
- Story flows easily.
- Zo.... in loving everything about her.
- The guardians.... some would call most of them disabled, but their differences are a strength here.
- The library!!!!!!!
Cons:
- None. I adored this.
October 31, 2019
Something different...
I'm not much for leaving reviews but... There are many reasons I'd give this book five stars but one thing that really stands out to me is that the characters aren't perfect. Some have mental, physical, or ghostly issues. I like that these things aren't just solved with a quick magical spell, or shifting, or finding your true love, or whatever else is on the market these days. I don't know what will happen in future books but I like reading about characters that are different, that the world might think of as weird or deformed or some such thing, and that the author shows how strong they are. Kudos for not being the same as every other academy type book currently out there!
I'm not much for leaving reviews but... There are many reasons I'd give this book five stars but one thing that really stands out to me is that the characters aren't perfect. Some have mental, physical, or ghostly issues. I like that these things aren't just solved with a quick magical spell, or shifting, or finding your true love, or whatever else is on the market these days. I don't know what will happen in future books but I like reading about characters that are different, that the world might think of as weird or deformed or some such thing, and that the author shows how strong they are. Kudos for not being the same as every other academy type book currently out there!
October 27, 2019
A really good start to this new series. I like the world it is set in and the characters. I like how each of the characters aren't depicted as perfect individuals. They are all flawed in different ways and I think that adds a level of vulnerability and will help them find strength in each other. This book pretty much sets us up for what is to come in future books, which I am very interested in seeing!
October 30, 2019
Broken Destiny by Serena Lindahl is an amazing read that I have had th privilege to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series that I have fallen in lov with writen by a brand new author and can not wait to read book number two. I very highly recommend this amazing story to everyone who loves reading about shifters, magic, super naturals and paranormal romances.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 13, 2020
The story was good because it was different but I disliked a few things.
It felt off when the main character was happy learning that Avery is blind so that he doesn't see her imperfections.
Garrett just met the main character and hes already saying she's authentic?
The contract with the Library was getting ridiculous. The guys can't go out without asking the main character, they can't lie and they have to meet her every needs. It's like a slave contract.
It felt off when the main character was happy learning that Avery is blind so that he doesn't see her imperfections.
Garrett just met the main character and hes already saying she's authentic?
The contract with the Library was getting ridiculous. The guys can't go out without asking the main character, they can't lie and they have to meet her every needs. It's like a slave contract.
October 29, 2019
This book was awesome. Serena Lindahl has a an amazing talent at bring her characters to life. They are vibrant but flawed and so so real. Her worlds are well built and her stories are engaging and entertaining. This was another amazing start to a series and I can’t wait to see what happens. Highly recommended
October 30, 2019
What I adored about Serena's new book is that it is delightly unique. I don't want to give to much away but this story will have your emotions all over the place. The story and characters develop with a beautiful pace and you will be drawn into the book from pages one. Beautiful subject, beautiful writing and beautiful story. Definitely won't disappoint anyone! Perfection in the best of ways!
October 31, 2019
💭
This was my first book by the author and I loved it. Everyone was unique in their own way! Zosia was so accepting of her new guardians no matter their “flaws”. She’s kinda fierce and I love her! Garrett, Avery, Bren and Kodi adore her and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes! This was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read whatever is next!
This was my first book by the author and I loved it. Everyone was unique in their own way! Zosia was so accepting of her new guardians no matter their “flaws”. She’s kinda fierce and I love her! Garrett, Avery, Bren and Kodi adore her and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes! This was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read whatever is next!
November 1, 2019
Loved it!!
This story was well written. It was amazing. Even though the characters had different disabilities it didn’t make them any less in the eyes of the female character. Watching Zosia learn her story and more about her history and then to find her mates was amazing. I can’t wait until the next one comes out. Definite must read!
This story was well written. It was amazing. Even though the characters had different disabilities it didn’t make them any less in the eyes of the female character. Watching Zosia learn her story and more about her history and then to find her mates was amazing. I can’t wait until the next one comes out. Definite must read!
November 2, 2019
Loved all the complex characters
This story has me hooked! I can't wait for more. This is a slllooowww burn RH, so if your expecting sexy times, dont. But the different 'flawsome' characters and how their history is intermixed is very compelling and has me wanting the next book asap!
This story has me hooked! I can't wait for more. This is a slllooowww burn RH, so if your expecting sexy times, dont. But the different 'flawsome' characters and how their history is intermixed is very compelling and has me wanting the next book asap!
October 30, 2019
This was an exceptional start to a new series! Serena Lindahl created a beautifully detailed world with perfectly imperfect characters, and the events of this book was a perfect setup to what promises to be a fantastic series. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
August 1, 2023
Wow!!
Just WOW! I loved every aspect of this book. It’s quite unique and that’s hard to find in the RH genre right now. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Just WOW! I loved every aspect of this book. It’s quite unique and that’s hard to find in the RH genre right now. Can’t wait for the next installment.
April 5, 2022
I really wanted to love this book, I mean a female (supernatural) librarian with a disability fighting evil with 4 sexy men? Sign me the fuck up.
And I did like it, but I didn’t love it. My main quibbles are that it moves too slowly and it is absolutely full of angst.
A huge part of this book is the characters learning to be confident in themselves and in their abilities after a lifetime of people telling them that they are lesser. As someone with a disability, I get it and I love it, but it felt a bit over done? Not every single internal monologue needs to be about the characters feeling inadequate, it just made the already slow pace feel glacial.
I also feel like the bad guys were a bit ham handed? All of them repeatedly said out loud and in public something along the lines of “a cripple isn’t good enough for the library!” And while there are plenty of assholes out there who would say that, I actually think most people (even evil ones) wouldn’t be that obvious. Thinly veiled remarks and hurtful comments are much more the norm and I think it would have been more authentic to see some of that, but maybe that’s to come in future books (although the outlook for future books looks a bit grim from what I can tell…).
So anyways, is this worth the read? Yes, 100%.
Does it deserve an Oscar? Mmm… maybe not, but it was good so don’t let my minor gripes scare you away.
And I did like it, but I didn’t love it. My main quibbles are that it moves too slowly and it is absolutely full of angst.
A huge part of this book is the characters learning to be confident in themselves and in their abilities after a lifetime of people telling them that they are lesser. As someone with a disability, I get it and I love it, but it felt a bit over done? Not every single internal monologue needs to be about the characters feeling inadequate, it just made the already slow pace feel glacial.
I also feel like the bad guys were a bit ham handed? All of them repeatedly said out loud and in public something along the lines of “a cripple isn’t good enough for the library!” And while there are plenty of assholes out there who would say that, I actually think most people (even evil ones) wouldn’t be that obvious. Thinly veiled remarks and hurtful comments are much more the norm and I think it would have been more authentic to see some of that, but maybe that’s to come in future books (although the outlook for future books looks a bit grim from what I can tell…).
So anyways, is this worth the read? Yes, 100%.
Does it deserve an Oscar? Mmm… maybe not, but it was good so don’t let my minor gripes scare you away.
September 8, 2020
This was so good and I loved every second of it. I really liked that each of these characters have something special about them that sets them aside from everyone else but mean that they are meant to be with each other and form a family in the library. I also love the fact that this takes place in a magical library and that our characters are meant to serve and protect the library from the people who would abuse it for its power, I mean who wouldn't want to do that it sounds like an amazing and important job to do. I really loved the characters, as I said before they each have something special about them that they each have to adapt and overcome in order to be the amazing people they are all meant to be, which is something I for one can't wait to read. I did like that we got some answers already during this book which hopefully they all work through together and come out the other side stronger because they still have much to look forward to it what Bren says comes true. Overall this was such a good book and it was so unique between the plot and the characters that I can't wait to read what happens next.
January 31, 2021
It was good
It took me a while to really consider this book and decide how I was going to rate it.
Overall not a lot happens, it seems to mostly be set up for the rest of the series and should probably have been combined with another book. The end also didn’t seem to be like it was originally the end, it just sort of stops towards the end of a scene and that’s the end of the book? I was really confused at first.
I also have problems with my legs and use a combination of walking aids and a wheelchair so having a lead like me was really exciting.
I would have liked more character development and relationship development, particularly with the last two guys. They just sort of seem to instantaneously like each other for no real reason.
It took me a while to really consider this book and decide how I was going to rate it.
Overall not a lot happens, it seems to mostly be set up for the rest of the series and should probably have been combined with another book. The end also didn’t seem to be like it was originally the end, it just sort of stops towards the end of a scene and that’s the end of the book? I was really confused at first.
I also have problems with my legs and use a combination of walking aids and a wheelchair so having a lead like me was really exciting.
I would have liked more character development and relationship development, particularly with the last two guys. They just sort of seem to instantaneously like each other for no real reason.
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