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The Guardian Chronicles #1
The Broken Council
Kishi felt her body temperature rising even though the spring morning was quite cool. Her temper was always just under the surface these days, and she was growing weary of being told what to do and how to think. Today that would all change, and nothing would ever be the same. She would do what she wanted regardless of what her sister chose to do. Her father, the king, would not have the satisfaction of using her as leverage against Kira. The lands of Tuwa are once again embroiled in conflict. Ancient councils are convened as old partnerships break apart, and new, tenuous alliances are forged. The threat of war is spreading throughout the land, and no one is sure what will become of the once peaceful land. The Guardians have been compelled to intervene as one of their own breaks sacred laws in search of forbidden powers. Lives will be lost, deception will abound, and life as the people know it will cease to exist. As events escalate, families will be forced to face off as circumstances spiral out of control. Former enemies will unite against common foes while the dark forces combine to fight for their right to rule. Heroes will be forged in the heat of battle on both sides. Prepare for battle...war will find you in the midst of The Broken Council.
276 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2010
5 people are currently reading
1794 people want to read
About the author
Steven R. Burke
7 books55 followersGrowing up in a little town in the great northwest, Steve learned to enjoy the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. The beauty surrounding his home town of Colville Washington inspired his world of Tuwa. Every character in his novels was inspired by characteristics from people he either knew or behavior he observed. His magic is only limited by a person’s capacity and creativity. For over a decade now he has made mountain desert state of Utah his home with his wife and son. Some of his favorite authors are Terry Brooks, J.K. Rowling, Terry Goodkind, J.R.R. Tolkein, and Christopher Paolini.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 17, 2013
I was hooked from the very start. This book was worth every penny. I've been disappointed with my last few book purchases, but The Broken Council was worth it.
You open the story with a twist right from the start. You meet a man named General Yukio who is one of my favorite characters in the story. He is a man you can tell holds great power but you don't even fully realize how much until the story evolves.
You will find many of the races typical to a fantasy story, but with for me more style and power. As my title alludes to the battles are on a larger scale in both sheer brute strength and the abilities of magic in this world are truly awesome.
The magic is different for those you meet who use it. Your limitations in your power are directly tied to your imagination, moral character and knowledge. It's nice to see magic being used in a way that really does show forth awesome power. I often have been disappointed when magic seems to have only mundane and limited uses.
It moves at a great pace and I would highly recommend this!!
You open the story with a twist right from the start. You meet a man named General Yukio who is one of my favorite characters in the story. He is a man you can tell holds great power but you don't even fully realize how much until the story evolves.
You will find many of the races typical to a fantasy story, but with for me more style and power. As my title alludes to the battles are on a larger scale in both sheer brute strength and the abilities of magic in this world are truly awesome.
The magic is different for those you meet who use it. Your limitations in your power are directly tied to your imagination, moral character and knowledge. It's nice to see magic being used in a way that really does show forth awesome power. I often have been disappointed when magic seems to have only mundane and limited uses.
It moves at a great pace and I would highly recommend this!!
February 25, 2011
I initially purchased this book to be supportive of the author, whom I happen to work with, and was surprised with how well the book flowed and the vision of the world that was imagined. The author does well to create an inviting story built with intrigue. Though the typical fantasy character exist such as elves, humans, and such, there is just enough twists and new vision to bring a compelling story to life. Fantastic effort to this new author and the book definitely sets you up for wanting more.
Now I need to go order the second book.
Now I need to go order the second book.
April 9, 2012
I recieved this book from First Reads at goodreads.com. This is a very fast paced book with an interesting plot line. I very much enjoyed how the author set up the opposing viewpoint to create the story. I also enjoyed the different roles that this series but each of the races in.
February 11, 2011
I've recieved this book through a Goodreads book giveaway. This review is for the use of publisheres should they decide to use it.
First off: Before reading this book I had finish reading The Fisherman's Children triolgy. Two books amounting to about 500-600 pages each. Those books, and the other books that I have been reading lately spend a great deal of time building the world and the characters. My view of this Broken Council is influenced by that being my normal reading material.
The idea of Broken Council is a good one, one that I can enjoy, and the events throughout the book are ones that are interesting and can pull a reader in to read.
The reason why this is only an 'okay' book for me is due to how quickly it moves along. This books does a type of world-building that I generally dont like: the kind where all the information you need is 'dumped' on the reader as soon as possible. I prefer the type of world-building where you learn about the world as you read.
The events, while interesting, happen so quickly with so little building up-to that I find myself detached. I felt that I just didn't have time to get to know the characters, or get to a point where I am affected by the events.
All in all, its a great idea. I'm going to be giving this to my younger cousin who is in the age group that would love this type of writing and story. For me (used to, and loving to read the epic fantasys of 600+ pages)it just didn't quite do it for me. I would encourage elementary and middle school students to read it, I think its a great book for new readers or people who'd rather have action over world-building.
Good luck, and thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
First off: Before reading this book I had finish reading The Fisherman's Children triolgy. Two books amounting to about 500-600 pages each. Those books, and the other books that I have been reading lately spend a great deal of time building the world and the characters. My view of this Broken Council is influenced by that being my normal reading material.
The idea of Broken Council is a good one, one that I can enjoy, and the events throughout the book are ones that are interesting and can pull a reader in to read.
The reason why this is only an 'okay' book for me is due to how quickly it moves along. This books does a type of world-building that I generally dont like: the kind where all the information you need is 'dumped' on the reader as soon as possible. I prefer the type of world-building where you learn about the world as you read.
The events, while interesting, happen so quickly with so little building up-to that I find myself detached. I felt that I just didn't have time to get to know the characters, or get to a point where I am affected by the events.
All in all, its a great idea. I'm going to be giving this to my younger cousin who is in the age group that would love this type of writing and story. For me (used to, and loving to read the epic fantasys of 600+ pages)it just didn't quite do it for me. I would encourage elementary and middle school students to read it, I think its a great book for new readers or people who'd rather have action over world-building.
Good luck, and thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
October 11, 2012
I was hooked from the very start. This book was worth every penny. I've been disappointed with my last few book purchases, but The Broken Council was worth it.
You open the story with a twist right from the start. You meet a man named General Yukio who is one of my favorite characters in the story. He is a man you can tell holds great power but you don't even fully realize how much until the story evolves.
You will find many of the races typical to a fantasy story, but with for me more style and power. As my title alludes to the battles are on a larger scale in both sheer brute strength and the abilities of magic in this world are truly awesome.
The magic is different for those you meet who use it. Your limitations in your power are directly tied to your imagination, moral character and knowledge. It's nice to see magic being used in a way that really does show forth awesome power. I often have been disappointed when magic seems to have only mundane and limited uses.
It moves at a great pace and I would highly recommend this!!
You open the story with a twist right from the start. You meet a man named General Yukio who is one of my favorite characters in the story. He is a man you can tell holds great power but you don't even fully realize how much until the story evolves.
You will find many of the races typical to a fantasy story, but with for me more style and power. As my title alludes to the battles are on a larger scale in both sheer brute strength and the abilities of magic in this world are truly awesome.
The magic is different for those you meet who use it. Your limitations in your power are directly tied to your imagination, moral character and knowledge. It's nice to see magic being used in a way that really does show forth awesome power. I often have been disappointed when magic seems to have only mundane and limited uses.
It moves at a great pace and I would highly recommend this!!
December 23, 2011
The narration is very gripping! The built up to the war is well written. The phrase, "There is no such thing as a nice or polite war" sounds ominous, but anyone who followed or read about any war from past or present would realize how true this statement is. The portrayal of treachery and manipulation is realistic and out of the world! Though the setting is fantasy, IMHO, story and narration could have been anywhere in time and space! Different levels at which the story unfolds is quite beautiful! There are layers of stories running, almost independent, but strongly intertwined.
February 15, 2013
This is one of the best series that I have ever read in fact this is my second time reading through the series. I'm finding it more enjoyable reading it this time than I did the first time I read it. The story surrounds many larger than life characters that possess power beyond what you find in most fantasy writings. The action is intense and fast paced, but paced in a way that you see the inner struggles of the main characters. Definitely worth the purchase and I can't wait to get to book 3!!!!
September 4, 2012
I highly recommend this book for anyone
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.
November 3, 2012
This book was a thrill to read! It is fast paced but entertaining I suggest you all read this book
September 22, 2015
some kind of d&d fantasy book that I didn't feel attracted to.
July 12, 2013
I was expecting a good read (no pun intended) but this was pretty horrible. The writing level is that of a child/adolescent. Everything was stated as is. She is _. Her _ is _. Sooo boring and childish, no beautiful prose. You know, usually you are lulled by the writing.
SPOILER (small one) Also, they make a big deal at the very beginning about their "plan." And it just ends up being him intruding on the meeting. And the description of the intrusion was like bam he's here. That's it. It was so infuriating to read. Ugh. I'm sure that the story had potential, but I cannot stand the writing and am stopping. I checked out the second book just in case, but couldn't get into that either (perhaps due to a preconception). And the Japanese(-esque) names make me think of otaku... No offense, but they don't really meld in...
To kind of explain by what I mean about his writing. The opening:
"The early morning sun was streaming through the golden leaves from the surrounding black oak trees found in the ancient Renshaw Forest. The morning fog was beginning to dissipate as the inhabitants of the enchanted woodland made their presence known. Sitting at the edge of a plush green meadow taking in the serenity of the moment was Kishi, an elven princess. She was sitting on the grass with her legs crossed and her eyes closed breathing in her surroundings." Okay, each of these sentences use "was." Really? I learned in elementary school to be diverse with verbs. I understand the slight difference between "was streaming" and "streamed" but still. Just... mm. The words are pretty, but not "prettily" put together if that makes sense.
SPOILER (small one) Also, they make a big deal at the very beginning about their "plan." And it just ends up being him intruding on the meeting. And the description of the intrusion was like bam he's here. That's it. It was so infuriating to read. Ugh. I'm sure that the story had potential, but I cannot stand the writing and am stopping. I checked out the second book just in case, but couldn't get into that either (perhaps due to a preconception). And the Japanese(-esque) names make me think of otaku... No offense, but they don't really meld in...
To kind of explain by what I mean about his writing. The opening:
"The early morning sun was streaming through the golden leaves from the surrounding black oak trees found in the ancient Renshaw Forest. The morning fog was beginning to dissipate as the inhabitants of the enchanted woodland made their presence known. Sitting at the edge of a plush green meadow taking in the serenity of the moment was Kishi, an elven princess. She was sitting on the grass with her legs crossed and her eyes closed breathing in her surroundings." Okay, each of these sentences use "was." Really? I learned in elementary school to be diverse with verbs. I understand the slight difference between "was streaming" and "streamed" but still. Just... mm. The words are pretty, but not "prettily" put together if that makes sense.
June 13, 2014
I like to think I'm an open-minded person and can read just about anything. I don't think that anymore. I generally like sci-fi-fantasy books. Not this one. This book started out choppy and introduced a ton of characters early on. It was disjointed and confusing from the beginning. Then, it slowly smoothed out and I thought, maybe this will turn out good afterall. But, no. He is good at writing about battle strategy and war planning but not very good at character development or plot planning. I was disappointed, bored, and even angry at wasting my time with it. It was free on Kindle so that is one good thing, I guess.
February 9, 2012
The story took a while to get into - a lot of characters were introduced quickly, so there was a lot of explanation before the real story could start. The exposition was a little choppy at first, but by the end, it started to gel. The author's strong suit is definitely writing battle/ strategy scenes - those were engrossing and I almost wished those took up more of the book. Looking forward to the second book to see how it ends up.
Note: I received a copy of this book through GoodRead's Giveaways program! Hooray!
Note: I received a copy of this book through GoodRead's Giveaways program! Hooray!
June 12, 2012
I received this book as a give away through Goodreads. (Please keep in mind when reading this review that this is not my normal choice of genre).
On the plus side it kept me absorbed all the way through. I have the second instalment on my bedside table and will read it in due course.
On the negative side - it could have done with some further proof reading prior to printing.
On the plus side it kept me absorbed all the way through. I have the second instalment on my bedside table and will read it in due course.
On the negative side - it could have done with some further proof reading prior to printing.
Want to read
January 2, 2011yay!!! happy new year to me...lol...i cant wait to get this book and start reading it...thanks so much goodreads!!!!
June 21, 2011
My niece got this book free and then gave it to me because she didn't like it. I guess I will give it a try, it was free.
January 14, 2014
I wish I could give it 0 stars. Gave up after heroically plowing through one third of the book. This guy needs to take some serious writing classes...
Want to read
May 30, 2012Erm...it's a free ebook?
Read
July 10, 2016DNF
January 25, 2018
Stilted writing, did not finish
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews