The Fractured Conclave by Vanessa Nelson:

5 stars

Hallie Talbot and Girard Abbott are on the hunt for Findo Trask, taking them abroad, but danger is never far behind, and the veondken is always a few steps ahead. They return to Daydawn injured and carrying unsettling discoveries that hint at a conspiracy far larger than they imagined.

Every one of Vanessa Nelson’s series has become my favorite while I was reading it, but The Fractured Conclave may genuinely be my favorite overall. Hallie’s world is vivid, kinetic, immersive, and yet just a little familiar. The dynamics of the family vines, class systems, prejudice, and ignorance create a constant tension beneath the unfolding story.

Hallie is incredibly easy to root for. Her pragmatism has never left much room for dreams of love or legacy, so she is genuinely mystified when the possibility of both—as well as freedom—begins to present itself. Girard is delightfully nice-guy normal. Despite being hochlen, with access to wealth, education, a loyal if somewhat snobby family, and stability, he remains humble and grounded. He does not take people or opportunities for granted.

There are enough hints throughout the story that the plot never feels as though it came out of nowhere, but still enough mystery that it kept me paying close attention. The pacing is engaging throughout. It felt like a quick but substantial read, and my favorite characters continued to grow alongside Hallie’s tentative ambitions for herself.

If I had to complain about anything, it’s that, after the first deal with Wilona failed to stick, I have little confidence in the second succeeding, and Morgana remains trapped. Part of me wanted the magravine to be forced to confront her own bitterness and paranoia. Still, the outcome feels more realistic as written, even if I wished for more.

The Fractured Conclave will appeal to fans of Ilona Andrews, Lindsay Buroker’s The Emperor’s Edge series, and complex fantasy systems set within technologically advanced worlds. It’s a fun, satisfying read that balances harsh realities with a hopeful ending.