The Broken Tower
Judah the Foundling chose freedom over betrayal when she leaped from the top of the castle tower. Now she finds herself wandering an unknown forest, far from everything and everyone she loves. For the first time in her life, she’s beyond the great Wall that surrounds Highfall castle; for the first time, she’s alone. Away from the Seneschal, the power behind the throne; away from Nate Clare, the House Magus who was her teacher, friend, betrayer. Away from her foster brother, Gavin, with whom she has a mysterious bond that has kept them together—and kept her alive.
But Judah isn’t free. Fiercely sought by those who believe she holds the key to unlocking the power trapped in the world, she must learn to navigate the dangers of an unfamiliar place. She knows that somewhere, Gavin is in peril. To save him, she not only must learn to use the new power she discovers inside herself, she must survive.
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Kelly Braffet
Kelly Braffet’s stories are not for the faint of heart, but they are for anyone willing to dig deep into the shadows of human experience. Known for her raw, unflinching portrayal of complicated, flawed characters, Braffet’s writing explores the messiness of life, from dark family secrets to the wild unpredictability of desire and grief. She doesn't shy away from difficult truths, inviting readers to confront their own vulnerabilities along the way.
Born in Pennsylvania and shaped by the quiet intensity of the Appalachian landscape, Braffet’s early experiences with literature and storytelling sparked a lifelong passion. Her writing reflects a keen eye for the delicate balance between hope and despair, capturing the subtle moments that define people’s lives. Whether exploring the strained bonds of family, the nuances of love, or the depths of personal trauma, her novels refuse to offer easy answers, instead pushing readers to question the very nature of happiness and connection.
The Barrier Lands
In The Barrier Lands, Kelly Braffet crafts a world where magic is both a fragile blessing and an insidious curse, and every choice weighs heavily on the future. The story begins in the oppressive halls of Highfall Castle, where Judah, an orphaned ward, and Gavin, the heir to a ruthless empire, share a deep, mysterious connection. This bond—both a source of strength and vulnerability—binds them in a world where survival is a game of power, betrayal, and sacrifice.
The Barrier Lands consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
