Download Audio Books from Audible.

Customer reviews

5 star		56%
4 star		32%
3 star		9%
2 star		4%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

How are ratings calculated?

Review this product

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Rebecca L.

A Readable Book

Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018

Verified Purchase

Shattering Dreams is primarily about Prince Alex, the king’s youngest child, and his two staunch companions, Kyle and Jess. They’re a group of affluent, party people living in a pseudo Middle Ages world that’s somewhat more liberal than the historical one. This trio is cursed with the possibility that they could lose control of the mysterious powers that they possess at any moment, leaving them murderous and crazy.

I found myself wondering why they were nonetheless allowed to become super-skilled warriors. If there is a strong chance they’ll end up going off the deep end in the future, why are they being allowed to handle anything more dangerous than a butter knife, much less train with the king’s guard?

It seems like following this tradition is bound to create more problems for the kingdom than it would actually solve. I would have also liked a little clearer picture on what the veil is, even if it was just an author’s note at the back explaining all the relevant information.

Although it’s a fairly readable book, there are some minor technical issues sprinkled throughout the text, primarily capitalization issues. The story is also slow moving at first, but it eventually picks up steam and gets to be far more interesting near the end than it is in the beginning.

Of course, some readers are bound to find the trio’s penchant for constant random flings an off-putting element. This aspect of their personalities is nonetheless hinted at in the book blurb and it’s further mitigated by the fact that their actions eventually catch up with them.

On the other hand, the generally blasé attitude everyone seemed to have towards killing other people was unexpected and may upset some readers. Although many of these incidents are somewhat justified in context, I could never figure out if it was an authorial choice to show how different the Tainted were or if the entire world operated under the same mentality.

But it’s still a decent story if you don't mind the aforementioned elements.

Desiree Roberts

This book was a pleasure to read. Will definitely read the sequel.

Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book was an interesting read from start to finish. Based in a medieval world, Alex, Kyle, and Jess are all members of a talented group of people who are influenced by the Taint. A supernatural connection to powers they don't understand entirely, the Taint allows them to communicate with each other, cross over into the veil, and heal quicker than other people. It sounds like the greatest of gifts, but it comes with a catch: People with the Taint sometimes go mad from the power and become the evil Sundered.

As we follow our three main characters we watch them attempt to navigate the inner workings of the royal court, the myths surrounding those with the Taint, their love lives, and the expectations of the Fourth Son of the King (which Alex is). They are skilled in almost all aspects of their lives. Kyle is a talented assassin, Jess is a gifted swordsman, and Alex is a prince (more than that, but that's pretty cool.)

The entire idea of the book is an incredibly interesting one. I couldn't give it five stars for a few simple, yet glaring irritations. The way they navigate their love lives is strange. It isn't problematic, exactly, but it's irksome. The way characters jump in and out of bed with strangers, or they know that one of the young women has had an endless parade of lovers doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

The violence in the story is perplexing as well. The rate at which people are murdered and entirely forgotten afterward is confusing. The characters engage in wanton destruction and murder, and it is accepted by all around. So what if Kyle just snapped someone's neck? Jess and Alex successfully murdered people and left their dead guards behind? Okay. It doesn't track for me.

My last issue with the book is of a composition nature. Most of the book is written quite well. It is easy to follow, engaging, and I truly enjoyed it. However, the story has a habit of latching onto a single phrase and repeating it again several times. For instance, after the kidnapping attempt, Kyle is ill. He wakes up, rolls over, and "heaves the contents of his stomach onto the floor." Later, he stands up and his stomach heaves again. He says to a guard, "I threw up the contents of my stomach in the other room," and later, when asked what he remembers, he says, "The rest is a blur until I woke up and heaved the contents of my stomach on the floor of a room I did not recognize." These are small irritations, but they occur again and again with different phrases.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It surprised me at several different points, and I truly cannot wait to continue the story.

Wonderful start to the series

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2018

Verified Purchase

To make a good fantasy story truly great, an author has to be able to make warriors and heroes relatable and that is no easy task at time but Walker introduces us to these astounding characters in an astounding world that is too captivating to step away from. While they may be living in a magical world capable of extreme powers they still go through challenges we all face, discovering who we are and how much of us is predetermined by our birthright and what choices we have to overcome them or not. While the vivid descriptions and epic tales certainly keep you interested, the personal accounts of these characters will be what really hooks you in.

RinnyC

Royalty and Magic, a perfect combination...

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2018

Verified Purchase

This book was charming- that's the perfect word for it. The combination of traditional style royalty and magic was something I never realized I was into until now. Like, imagine Harry and Meghan's royal wedding, but with magic. Amazing, right? The characters were well developed and interesting and the style of storytelling and narration was classic and to the point. The story flowed well and moved quickly, it was an easy read. I look forward to book 2 of the series.

Chris H.

they must decide if they will yeild to the dark side of the magical taint or weild it for good. Overall an interesting tale and enjoyable read in ...

Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2018

Verified Purchase

Shattering Dreams by Catherine M. Walker is a combination of medieval drama meets mystical fantasy. The story follows three characters of royal means as they navigate court life with the discovery they possess special gifts. However, they must decide if they will yeild to the dark side of the magical taint or weild it for good. Overall an interesting tale and enjoyable read in need of a good editor.

Trekkergrl

Good First book

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2018

Verified Purchase

As a first book by a new author i am happy to say that this is an excellent beginning and i look forward to continuing the adventure. The author has designed a well thought out and logically consistent world, with engaging if troubled characters. Her writing brings to mind the works of Lois McMaster Bujold's World of Five Gods books and I have great expectations for book 2. Well done with minor flaws.

Top reviews from other countries

Katherine

Walker is a fantastic easy read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2018

Verified Purchase

Shattering Dreams by Catherine M. Walker is a fantastic easy read, blending various genres into an innovative story about a privileged royal living in a world of magic. The story is one for the everyman, despite being told from the perspective of a prince - abandoning his royal privileges, Alex stands for the pursuit of truth and honour, and the rights of the people who cannot always necessarily stand up for themselves.

The characters are occasionally a little cliche, but it's overall a very entertaining read - thoroughly engaging from beginning to end.

Kindle Customer

A good story and introduction

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2020

Verified Purchase

A good story and introduction to the series. Some interesting (if not entirely new) ideas here. The author keeps the story moving along with few areas that drag. Will definitely get the next to see how the plot develops.

Amazon Customer

Absolutely worth reading

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2018

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this more than most books I’ve read in a long time. A bit different from the usual fantasy books. Couldn’t stop reading, can’t wait for the sequel.

Mrs Mavis Marsh

Great read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

Couldn't put it down, cannot wait for the next book in the series

Amazon Customer

Wonderful story and character relation.

Reviewed in Canada on July 4, 2018

Verified Purchase

From the beginning it took a bit to understand, as it goes along it explains things just enough to keep you guessing the truth and what will happen. The characters Alex, Kyle and Jess were very easy to relate to and well thought, you get to feel the emotional attachment to them easily. The story line was unique, I've never read anything quite like it, magic, royalty and a bigger than life nemesis. Was a great read! I look forward to the second

See all reviews