Book Review - "Until We Shatter"

In this fantasy novel, Kate Dylan redefines what it means to be 'stuck in between'. I was initially drawn to this book by that phrase. Cemmy (which by the way I'm still not sure if her name is pronounced 'Semmy' or 'Kemmy') is half-shade, half-human. Her precarious identity puts her at risk of both the overlooking Council and the oppressive Church, both of whom despise existence of people like her. This isn't a new trend in the YA fantasy genre, however, Dylan's attention to character and plot development make the story a compelling read, even for older readers like me.

While some have referred to the story as an enemy's to lovers novel, it is far more complex than that. In fact if you had been looking for romance this is probably not the book for you. Dylan's story is more concerned with the creation and -destruction- of each of the character's relationships with each other. Every character has an in-depth character plot which impacts their relationship with every other character. This attention to detail, while at first slightly irritating, ended up becoming my sole motivator to finish reading the book. Who is Cemmy going to piss off this time? Will they forgive her and how will they complete the heist in time to save everyone?

Some critiques of the novel mention the complexity of the fantasy world. There were a few instances where I was a bit taken aback by new information about this magical world that Dylan has created. However, as a reader who is not new to fantasy after a bit of thinking the magical system was actually quite straight forward. For new readers I would avoid getting stuck on the nitty-gritty details at the start and take new pieces of information as they come. As you keep reading the world will start to make more sense.

I would highly recommend this book to any fantasy reader who enjoys character development thrown in with suspense and oppressive systems of power.

Read the book here