Fractured Conclave by Vanessa Nelson includes the following books: A Usual Suspect, A Broken Contract, A Lost Treasure
Hallie is a scrappy heroine in an oppressive world…
This is the second series I’ve read by Vanessa Nelson. It’s rather dark and gritty but absolutely gripping! This series features Hallie, a skip-tracer that changed from mundane human to supernatural when a witch saved her life after a vicious attack.
In a world where non-humans are regarded with suspicion if not outright contempt, Hallie is cut off from her family and forced to hide her nature. Her abilities now include unnatural speed, strength and an aptitude for sensing truth.
As a skip-tracer hunting criminals, she has occasion to work with Investigator Girard, a member of the wealthy class that unofficially rule all those in Mid and Low Town, like her. But as cases continue to bring them together, Hallie finds that Girard is more hard-working and less privileged than she expected. She even finds herself experiencing moments of attraction to the intelligent investigator.
Book three is set to be released on March 31st, 2025 and I’m very much anticipating the next (perhaps final) installment. The first two books have tons of action and danger but I’m hoping the next book includes a little romance as I’d love to see Hallie and Girard develop more than a friendship.
If you like dystopian worlds, tough and gritty heroines and a great underdog story, you will enjoy this read.
Hallie was in the wrong place at the wrong time…
As a skip tracer, Hallie makes a living tracking down fugitives in Low City. It’s not glamorous, it barely pays the bills, but at least it’s legal—something not everyone can claim in the underbelly of society.
But when her only friend calls her in a panic, Hallie rushes to help—only to walk straight into a nightmare. A member of the ruling elite has been murdered, and the authorities are desperate for someone to blame. The moment Hallie is found near the body, her clean record means nothing. She’s just another suspect. And worse, the real killer wants her silenced for good.
To clear her name, Hallie must stay one step ahead of both the investigators hunting her and the assassin on her trail. Betrayed by her own blood, her future in ruins, she has no choice but to work with Special Investigator Girard—who has his own agenda. Rich kids are vanishing in Hallie’s territory, and what starts as a routine missing persons case quickly turns into something far deadlier.
As bodies pile up, Hallie and Girard find themselves in a high-stakes game against a ruthless opponent. Trust is fragile, survival is uncertain, and the truth? It may be more dangerous than either of them ever imagined.
What I love about the Fractured Conclave series by Vanessa Nelson:
I love that this series is well-written and has interesting characters. Vanessa Nelson does an excellent job of constructing a believable world and creating characters that have to make real-life decisions. It’s so much easier to lose yourself in a story when you’re not constantly having to suspend belief in the unrealistic actions of the characters.
What I didn’t love about it:
This story is pretty dark. It’s a great read if you want to be thoroughly engaged or have just read something light and fluffy.
Spice level:
This series is very mild. There’s really only a friendship that has developed by the end of book 2. I’m very curious to see what book 3 brings!
Language:
There are a couple of mild swear words. They are appropriate to the character and scene.
Violence:
This series is medium in terms of violence. The theme and world the story takes place in is dark and somewhat foreboding but the violence itself, while occasionally intense, is not too graphic.
Length:
At the time I’m writing this review, this series is set to have 3 books. The third book comes out March 31st, 2025. They are between 250 and 350 pages each.
Where to get the Fractured Conclave series by Vanessa Nelson:
At the time I’m writing this review, this series is available for sale on Kindle or free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. They are also available in paperback on Amazon or as an audiobook on Audible.
I hope you enjoy this gripping series. Keep reading! -Eva
(Find it on Amazon)
Connect with the author: Vanessa Nelson
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