The Unbroken

Touraine was stolen as a child to fight in the Balladairan army. This life is all she's known, and she's taught to be grateful that she was saved from being “uncivilized” and given a much nicer life. However, when her unit is sent on an assignment to her home country to stop a rebellion fomenting there, she starts to realize that Balladaire may not have her best interests at heart. Luca is next in line for the throne of Balladaire, and is sent to quell this rebellion as a test of her abilities. When her's and Touraine's paths cross, they must figure out where their loyalties lie.

I really enjoyed this book. There were so many layers and complexities that were expertly woven together to create this story of colonialism. The characters were very memorable and endearing. The reader was really shown how difficult the decisions everyone had to make were, and really solidified that everyone is doing what they think is best. The plot was fast paced and intense. The only part of the story I wasn't as invested in was the romance. I didn't feel like there was enough there for the feelings to cause such internal conflict within the characters. Their feelings were very strong. However, I don't believe this detracted from the story much. Everything else made up for it in a great way.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for an intense, epic queer fantasy story.

TW: ableism, abuse (mental, emotional, physical), attempted rape (past), blood, colonization, death, drugging, grief, murder, sexual assault (mentioned), slavery, torture, violence, war