THE BROKEN HEAVENS - Kameron Hurley



Invaders from a parallel world, the Tai Kao have decimated the Dhai nation with their constant onslaught. The Tai Kao leader, Kirana, establishes a base in the temple of Oma and instructs her advisors to see if they can find a way to close the portal between the worlds. But it doesn't go well.  Now, with all the connected worlds at war, only one will survive. What will the desperate people of the different worlds do to survive?

I am not suited for this kind of book.

I find that I do not read certain fiction well.  Books with names and places and terms that don't roll of my tongue, or in which I spend more time trying to remember who is who because the names are so unfamiliar, simply frustrate me.

I do not read African fiction and mythology well.  I do not read Middle Eastern fiction well. And I do not read a lot of epic fantasy well.  Even Tolkien was a huge struggle for me and it was only after repeated attempts - an absolute commitment to understanding it - and watching the films (I'm referring to the Ralph Bakshi animated films) that I was able to sort it out.

By all accounts, I should absolutely love Kameron Hurley's work. I want to love Hurley's work. I can see the story and the intricate plotting and well-defined characters, but I absolutely get caught up and lost in the very thorough world and language she creates.

And if you think I may be exaggerating the volume of Hurley's created language and characters, know that nearly 10% of the pages of this book make up a glossary of names and terms. (If I were reading a paperback, I'd make use of that glossary, but the digital ARC of this book doesn't allow for a quick glossary check and return to the page I was reading).

(Note: After writing this review I went back and saw that I said nearly the same thing about volume one in this series.)

Based on story and character, this easily rates a 3.5-4 stars. But based on comfort and ease of the ability to actually read it, I'd rate 2 stars.

Looking for a good book? If you like epic fantasy and have no problem with picking up and keeping straight a uniquely created language, then Kameron Hurley's The Broken Heavens - the third book in her Worldbreaker Saga - is worth reading. But if you, like me, struggle to keep a unique language straight, then you might want to pass on this.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3.25 stars

* * * * * *

The Broken Heavens

author: Kameron Hurley

series: Worldbreaker Saga #3

publisher: Angry Robot

ISBN: 0857665626

paperback, 555 pages

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