The Fragment of Water

The Shattered Soul #1

by Ben Hale

Born of magic in the final days of war, Draeken’s power is near absolute—until his soul shatters, leaving five fragments. Each possesses a single magic, and a consciousness of his own. Trained by the Hauntress, they secretly quell threats throughout the kingdoms, and their mastery grows with every passing age. But their time of unity has come, for a dangerous new foe has arrived.Long thought extinct, the ancient race of krey has returned to Lumineia, and they seek dominion over what they had lost. With an Eternal at his side, the fragment of Water is sent north in search of their lair. But in the ruins of an abandoned temple he will discover a darker truth. Kept secret since the Dawn of Magic, the Order of Ancients has members hidden among thieves, assassins, and even kings. After a millennia of waiting they rise . . . from anonymity to war.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fiction

330 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2018

About the author

As an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Graduating from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful businesses before publishing his first novel in June of 2012. By the end of the year he'd sold almost ten thousand copies of The Second Draeken War, and he began writing full-time. Now spanning 10,000 years, ten titles, and two series, The Chronicles of Lumineia represents a sprawling YA series that has sold over fifty thousand copies, and continues to expand its readership across all ages. Each of his books has been inspired by his wonderful wife and five beautiful children.

To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.

Reviews

[Tina➹ lives in Fandoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Silver Stars
with Golden Sparks

High/Epic Fantasy
Young Adult (so far, at least)
Magic

I always wanted to read such a story with (almost) elemental magic, until I accidentally came across this book in a website & decided to read it immediately.
thankfully, I enjoyed it very much!

It was epic, & fun, with likable characters (Water, Lira, Mind, Light, Shadow. I even liked Jeric & Serak, Probably Wylyn too) & a fluid chemistry

I mean, apart from the beautiful cover (which was the main reason I picked it up) Water was such a sweet character...

I laughed at their brotherly relationship, mischief & their different sense of humours, relating to their nature
also Water's smooth attempts, Light's childish joyfulness, Mind's sarcasm, Shadow's Shenanigans, Fire's temper & so on...

“You got an apology out of Fire,” Water said. “Well done.”
“I’m man enough to admit when I’m wrong,” Fire said, obviously stung.
“I’m still waiting for an apology for when you singed my eyebrows off,” Water said. “Both times.”
Fire grinned. “That was Light.”

The plot was interesting & kept me at the edge of my seat, quick read, fast-paced
It had some tiny flaws (so I won’t give it 5), but they didn’t bother me, so I happily ignored them because I enjoyed the story very much.
The descriptions were beautiful.
You might know that I usually don’t prefer High/Epic Fantasy, but this series would be one of my favourites.

& I might jump into next- Wait a second! Does that mean next book don’t have Water’s POV?
-
Plot: ★★★★/5 (pace: ★★★★/5 - excitement: ★★★★/5)
Characters: ★★★★(★)/5
World building: ★★★★/5
Written style: ★★★★/5
general idea: ★★★★★/5

[Corinne Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/3 stars

The first thing we learn about Draeken is that when he was created, his magic was so powerful that it split him into five fragments: Fire, Shadow, Mind, Light and Water. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses in a world that doesn't know it is about to be under attack. The ancient race of Krey has found Lumenia - and its designs could bring nearly everyone on this magical planet to their knees. With the Huntress as their trainer and companion, the fragments have been prepared for centuries to fight - but the Krey will prove to be the greatest foe they have have to face.

Hale has created a vivid and complex world. The fragments have unique abilities that make them excellent weapons and much of the story is battle and violence. Each fight's twists and turns are guided somewhat by the abilities of whoever is fighting so that although I tend to be a bit bored by too much combat, the Fragments and their companions kept things interesting. I like the strong females that work side by side with the Fragments and the ending definitely sets up a sequel without being an annoying cliffhanger, which I appreciate.

For me, though, this story is way too much telling. The dialogue tended to feel dry and a bit obvious and I would've appreciated more editing. I am a stickler for word choice and on many different occasions, words and phrases are repeated in a way that made me want to hand our author a thesaurus. I can tell that the huge scope of this world and the story Hale is trying to tell are a long range, multi-book experience but I still feel like, as a reader, I deserve attention to detail. The plot moved along fast enough that I don't feel I wasted my time but I don't think I'll be picking up the next book.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Addition

Once again we're given a wonderful story of Lumineia. Seeing how Draeken works, and seeing pieces of his mind really help the imagination piece together how the original Draeken War might have come about. Written with many twists and turns that I couldn't see coming seems to be one of Ben Hale's calling cards. He has imagined this big whole world, and even after that is still able to put in things I can't see coming which is a breath of fresh air. Another fantastic start to what is shaping up to be a wonderful new series.

[Yvette Bostic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I've always seen Draeken as the exclusively-evil-big-bad-guy. Learning his beginning was truly enlightening. I can't wait to read Shadow's story.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story of Draeken. I've never read any of Hale's other stories of Lumineia and this served as a good introduction to the world. I like the personalities and elemental abilities of the different fragments. It was fun to see them in action and I enjoyed the fight scenes. The plot moved on at a good pace and didn't ever really drag. The problem I had is that the writing was too much telling and not enough showing. I never felt like I was actually there and had a hard time envisioning the world. The descriptions weren't vivid enough to give me a sense of being there and sometimes even detracted from the story because I had to go back and re-read a passage, trying to get the visual. The story line was great and I will probably get the next book just to get the perspective of another fragment.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. The Second Draeken war was this writer in his infancy. The Warsworn and Jack of Theives were approaching adulthood. The Age of Oracles was just so good and, even better?

An entire backstory series on Draeken himself. I didn't even know that when I saw this series title way back when reading the first books. It was such a surprise when I finally dove in to this 14th book in the series and it makes me want to go back and read the first trilogy all over again.

Yes, it's annoying that there's some vague and cheesy romantic interest in every book of his. Even for the fragments of Draeken, for fuck's sake. But it's worth it. So far.

[Katrina Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio Review.

This really didn't work for me, I gave up after 10 chapters and the only reason I listened for as long as I did was because I was driving.

The thing that really irritated me and that I couldn't get passed was the inconsistency of how the main character was written - Some of the interactions were like a 9 year old child and then a few paragraphs later they were more like a 14 / 14 year old - neither of which I would expect from a 5000 year old entity. It just didn't gel. I could almost have got onboard if it was one fragment was the "child" and one was the "teenager" etc but there wasn't even consistency within a fragment.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this novel from the start, I need to order the rest of the series!
I loved the idea of the story, the world building and the characters. I think my favorite fragment is shadow. It’s hard to choose cause they are all really good characters!
The only reason I am giving this novel 4 stars is because in the beginning it seemed rather slow. But after that I finished it in a couple days!
There is a lot of action and many amazing characters to follow. I would definitely like to know more about Jeric!
All in all, it was a fantastic story and I can’t wait to read Book2!

[Anastasia Mpimpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing prequel to the Luminea Universe. I loved the way Draeken was complicated and not the one dimension evil character other writters make of their villains. I love all of Ben Hale's books and this was no exception. Satisfying plot, twists and turns (some predictable but most surprising) and enough action to make want to read more. I can't wait for the next instalment!

[Justin doolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a good read

From the start of elseerian to now I have enjoyed every story Ben has put out. I’m always entertained and wanting to either turn the next page or listen to the next chapter. I’m now ready for shadow!

[Sinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm listening to this series again. It is such a refreshing fantasy series. Flawed but loveable characters in an ancient conflict. Lies and machinations, family and redemption. Completely underrated series.

[Xeddicus · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 and 1/2 stars.

Draeken is going to end up exploding sooner or later. Elenyr is probably a dead woman by the end. Water is going to end up running off with Lira unless they bite it too.

[Raqual Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this right from the first words. i can never say anything bad about Ben...and Derek narrating just makes it so much better.

[Hannah Fortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Ben Hales books. I started in the middle of the time line but love the story. This is the first book giving Drakens background. Excited to see how Drakens progresses.

[Dave Mohr · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too predictable for me.

[Matsidi Lionel Kekane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

[Tore Foyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Hale's best work, but still an enjoyable read. I will probably continue with the series not that I'm kinda hooked.

[Don Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made it through, but not my favorite book.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

12 Yes well. Just couldn’t get into this one. Perhaps the conceit of immortality and history proved too much for my little brain.

[Deryk Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't heard anything about Ben's upcoming projects and then he suddenly drops The Fragment of Water. This book and series are, basically, a follow up to his last series, The Age of Oracles. At the end of The Battle Mage, the orgin of a major character in the history of Lumineia is revealed. While this book takes place thousands of years after that event, we are still dealing with that revelation. And, as Ben has seemingly enjoyed jumping around his timeline with his various series, this is nothing new. However this series promises to be a different experience as the books seem like they will be running, in part, concurently with each other, following the different Fragments of Draeken.

Indeed, the big Bad of the very first Lumineia series, the being for which two near-world ending wars are named, is the protagonist of this book. However, from the very beginning, there is the undercurrent of menace that we know, somehow, leads the world to the brink of disaster; not once but twice. I think the most fascinating part of this series will be to see that evolution and find out how Draeken becomes Draeken. There have been hints here and there throughout the series but now we'll find out what really happened.

Another part of this is a plot line that was introduced in the Jack Myst series; that of the Eternals. We discovered that the two beings Ero and Skorn, worshiped as sort of opposing gods in parts of the world, were in fact extraterrestrial beings with unknown motives. Well, those motives and origins are fleshed out in this book in a way that is still somewhat confusing to me.

Frankly, much of the larger plotlines of this book are confusing to me. We are being led to be sympathetic to Draeken, or at least certain fragments, but we know where that leads, presumably. The existential threat of this series of book is the heretofore unknown krey. How do they relate to the Draeken Wars? Or do they at all? Where were the Eternals during the White Mage series, or either of the Draeken Wars for that matter? Honestly, I need to go back and read all the Draeken references in the other books. But I trust Ben will answer most if not all of these questions.

As always, Ben does a fantastic job with the characters and plot. He doesn't shy away from his characters being excellent but is still able to project a sense of danger for the protagonists. Very enjoyable, as always, and a great intro to a new series.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed the last few series set in this world. In particular, I really enjoyed Age of Oracles, so I was excited to see that this series was now available. While it is definitely nice to start learning more about some of the secrets Hale has been hinting at for a while, I just couldn't really connect with most of the characters. I did end up finding Lira to be an interesting character, but I had a hard time buying the fragments as "heroes" or Elenyr as their "mother". Perhaps it was by design, since he seemed to emphasize that Water is the moral conscience of the fragment, but I had a hard time buying Draeken as a protagonist motivated by good and freeing people from oppression or caring about justice. I like the idea of discovering Draeken's past and learning about his motivations, and perhaps Hale is hampered by some of his choices back when he was a less practiced author when he created Draeken as a seemingly flat, purely evil character bent on destroying the world, but it's hard for me to root for or give the fragments the benefit of the doubt.

I'm still interested to see where this is going and Hale has earned my trust that he can bring about a coherent narrative and give some emotional pay off, but after feeling this had been getting better and better, this was a step back for me.