The Broken Lands

The Broken Lands takes place in 1877 Brooklyn, where the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge is underway. Two teenagers - Sam, a card sharp, and Jin, a fireworks expert - become entangled in supernatural events threatening the city's future. Dark forces gather at this pivotal moment in Brooklyn's history, as mysterious strangers arrive with plans to exploit the bridge's construction. Sam and Jin must work together with a cast of unique allies, including mechanics, daredevils, and city natives, to protect their home. The story blends historical fiction with folklore and magic, building on the real events of the Brooklyn Bridge construction. Through puzzles, riddles, and tests of wit, the young protagonists navigate both the physical dangers of 1800s Brooklyn and the otherworldly threats that lurk in shadows. This novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of human connection in the face of corruption and greed. The intersection of progress and preservation runs throughout the narrative, asking what price we pay for advancement.

Readers describe this historical fantasy as complex and atmospheric, with intricate worldbuilding and detailed magic systems. Many note it requires concentration to follow the multiple storylines and extensive cast of characters. Readers appreciated: - The rich historical setting of 1877 Brooklyn - Strong character development, especially Sam and Jin - The unique blend of magic with real New York history - The crossover connections with The Boneshaker Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Too many characters to track - Plot complexity that some found confusing - Length and density challenging for the target age group Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (40+ reviews) Several reviewers noted needing to reread sections to fully grasp the plot threads. One reader called it "beautifully written but requires patience." Another stated "the payoff is worth pushing through the slow start."

The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier Two orphaned siblings face dark magic and a malevolent tree while working as servants in a cursed Victorian manor house.

The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White A girl in a puritan-like society discovers a forbidden grimoire in a forest of dark magic that holds secrets about her mother's death.

The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann A changeling and a human girl uncover a conspiracy in a steampunk version of Victorian England where faeries and humans coexist.

The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S. Chilton A nameless boy, a captured princess, and a goblin's riddles intersect in a medieval world filled with logic puzzles and ancient magic.

The Cabinet of Curiosities by Stefan Bachmann, Katherine Catmull, Claire Legrand, and Emma Trevayne A collection of linked stories features cursed objects, supernatural occurrences, and dark magic in Victorian-era settings.

🌟 The story takes place in 1877 Brooklyn, when the Brooklyn Bridge was still under construction - a pivotal time that marked the birth of modern New York City. 🎭 Author Kate Milford weaves real historical figures into her narrative, including John Roebling and Washington Roebling, the father-and-son team who designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge. 🎪 The book incorporates elements of American folklore and creates its own mythology around the birth of modern cities, particularly focusing on the concept of "crossroads magic." 📚 The Broken Lands is a prequel to Milford's earlier novel The Boneshaker, though both books can be read independently of each other. 🌉 The novel explores the real engineering challenges of building the Brooklyn Bridge, while simultaneously telling a supernatural story about protecting the city's soul from evil forces.