Before the Broken Star

Everly has a clockwork heart that keeps ticking thanks to her uncle and her desire for vengeance. What she doesn't know is that desire will lead her into worlds she can't imagine, and a fairy tale nightmare come true.

Everly is a great character. She is sharp witted, focused, and trying her best to be harden by her bitter memories. She isn't perfect, her impulses lead her to make rather dumb decisions on occasion, but this just makes her relatable and human. I also enjoy the supporting characters, especially the lady thieves.

I really liked the story line as well. Yes, parts are predictable, and yes sometimes I felt like I was the only one NOT surprised that the bad guy did something awful. However, the story manages to be intriguing even show more with the perfectible parts. And it also throws some curve balls to keep you on your toes. I thought the world building was beautifully done, and I hope the other worlds are just as rich.

I also appreciated that King doesn't change her characters too much...they grow and adapt, but they don't instantly become something different, just to support the story or to make the story line easier. The thieves are still looking out for their best interests at the end of the story...there may be comradeship that has developed, but it doesn't trump self preservation. And Everly may have some cracks in that bitterness by the end of the book, but that doesn't stop her from her mission.

My overall rating is 3.5 stars. show less

Everley lost her whole family to the villain of the story and now she has sworn to get revenge. But there are problems with her plan - she lives with a hidden clockwork heart, she's a powerless girl, and her villain is heading to a mysterious island where people go missing permanently. Everley is fearless and bold and has a hard time letting others help her - but along with betrayal she does find allies and friends and even love. A fun adventure

**Review copy received from Netgalley

This book had such an interesting premise, but things were just not executed well (though not horrible by any means).

The writing was choppy and things got rushed during certain scenes. The characters were flat with very little change and these things combined made me drag trying to get through this.

The ending in particular was predictable and had a little too much due ex machina going on.

it was okay. not predictable - and reasonably good characters - I just didnt really get into the world.