Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for A Diamond Bright and Broken by Holly Davis - Available

A Diamond Bright and Broken

#1 in series

by Holly Davis
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Read a sample Read a sample
1 of 1 copy available
Sixteen-year-old Cadence was born with the ability to cry tears of diamonds–a secret talent her parents have abused to climb the royal ranks thanks to the infinite source of wealth. At their command, she cries diamonds to pay for the pricey treatments for her sister's neuromuscular disorder. Regardless of the pain, she'll do anything for her sister, who weakens by the day.

When the prince heckles Cadence at the King's Summer Solstice Ball about her sister's disability while dancing in the ballroom, she's left on the verge of tears, threatening to expose her power. She is saved by a mysteriously charming girl who sweeps in to take the next dance—and the single diamond Cadence cried. The stranger reveals the Magi Queen sent her to tell Cadence that she's a mage, and that her power is a curse.

Yearning to discover the secrets behind her powers, Cadence sets off for the City of Magi. To claim the life she wants, Cadence must embrace her power—before she loses the bright spots in her otherwise sad existence. After all, even diamonds can shatter.

  • Creators

  • Series

    The Gifted Mage

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    November 5, 2024

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781958607275

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781958607275
      • File size: 6973 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      October 15, 2024
      A teen with a rare magical ability is desperate to rescue herself and her disabled sister from their emotionally abusive parents. Sixteen-year-old Cadence Alero views her ability to cry diamonds as a painful burden, especially since her parents fund their lavish lifestyle by forcing her to cry and keep her and her older sister, Allegro, confined at home. Though Cadence gladly cries to fund expensive treatments for Al's neuromuscular disease, she longs for another way to help Al--and herself. When her parents, hoping to marry Cadence off to Prince Wendell, let the sisters attend King Pontifex's Summer Solstice Ball, Cadence meets Raven, a mysterious, beautiful girl who reveals that Cadence is a mage. The two secretly leave for Kinephrus, the city to which the magi were banished, where Cadence anticipates receiving answers and aid from Archmage Sanora. Instead, she discovers family secrets--and vendettas that could cost her and Raven their lives. Despite its attention-hooking premise, Davis' debut fizzles. Though the romance between Raven and Cadence (who's cued bisexual) is vividly described, frequent exposition and two-dimensional villains blunt the emotional impact. And while Cadence's love for Al is touching, comments such as "She's helped me more than I've helped her" risk painting Al as an inspirational trope. The open ending suggests further adventures. Cadence and Al's father has dark brown skin, and their mother is pale-skinned; Raven, Sanora, and many secondary characters have brown skin. Unusual but underdeveloped. (trigger warning, bonus scene for hardcover edition)(Fantasy. 13-16)

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading
Check Out What People Are Checking Out Right Now