This Broken World

The Broken World is a science fiction novel by Charles E. Gannon that follows Druadaen, a young man assigned to a small group of outriders tasked with watching nearby kingdoms, who discovers that the world beyond his homeland is riddled with impossibilities. Determined to solve these mysteries, Druadaen journeys into the dank warrens of the Bent, seeks out a dragons lair, and ventures into long-buried ruins in search of ancient scrolls. However, his most lethal enemies might lurk in even more unusual places: the temples and council chambers of his own homeland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Baen Books

Since his boyhood, Druadaen had envisioned himself ascending to the command of an elite legion and fulfilling his father's prophecy of becoming the leader he was destined to be. Yet, fate had a different plan in store for him. Instead of being assigned to a prestigious legion, he found himself assigned to a small group of outriders, whose duty was to monitor the neighboring kingdoms. Little did he know that the world beyond his homeland was filled with impossibilities that defied explanation.

One of the most perplexing mysteries Druadaen encountered was the existence of humanoid raiders, known as the Bent. These raiders were known for their staggering losses in battles, yet they would reappear as a vast horde every decade. How could they sustain such casualties and yet replenish their ranks so quickly? The answer to this question remained a mystery, leaving Druadaen intrigued and determined to uncover the truth.

Another astonishing phenomenon was the sight of multi-ton dragons soaring through the skies. How could these majestic creatures defy gravity and lift themselves off the ground? Druadaen sought out the lairs of these dragons, hoping to gain insight into their secret. He ventured into long-buried ruins, searching for ancient scrolls that might provide clues to the mysteries of the world. However, he soon discovered that his most lethal enemies might lurk in even more unexpected places: the temples and council chambers of his own homeland.

As Druadaen delved deeper into his investigations, he realized that the world he had known all his life was not as simple as he had believed. The legends and myths he had grown up with were not always accurate, and the truth was often hidden in plain sight. The temples and council chambers of his homeland were not as safe and secure as he had once thought, and there were forces at work that were determined to keep the secrets of the world hidden from the public.

Determined to solve these mysteries and expose the truth, Druadaen embarked on a perilous journey that took him into the heart of the Bent's territory. He faced countless dangers, from treacherous terrain to fierce battles with the raiders themselves. But he was driven by his curiosity and his desire to uncover the truth.

Through his bravery and determination, Druadaen managed to uncover the secrets of the Bent and the true nature of the world around him. He learned that the Bent were not humanoid raiders as he had once believed, but rather a race of alien beings that had been visiting Earth for centuries. The dragons he had seen were not natural creatures, but rather advanced technology created by the Bent to aid them in their conquests.

Furthermore, Druadaen discovered that the world had existed for far longer than ten millennia, as the sacrists had claimed. The ruins he had explored were remnants of an ancient civilization that had been wiped out by a catastrophic event. The Bent had been hiding the truth from the public, using their advanced technology to manipulate and control the people of Earth.

With this knowledge, Druadaen became a hero to the people of Earth. He used his newfound understanding of the world to expose the Bent's deception and bring them to justice. He also worked to rebuild the ancient civilization that had been destroyed, using the knowledge he had gained to create a better future for all.

In conclusion, "This Broken World" by Charles E. Gannon is a captivating story that delves into the mysteries of a world filled with impossibilities. Through the journey of Druadaen, the reader is introduced to a world that defies explanation and is filled with danger and intrigue. The story is well-crafted, with a blend of science fiction and fantasy elements that keep the reader entertained and engaged.

The character of Druadaen is well-developed, and the reader can easily relate to his struggles and his determination to uncover the truth. The supporting characters in the story are also well-rounded and contribute to the overall plot. The world-building in the story is impressive, with detailed descriptions of the different kingdoms, the Bent, and the ancient civilization that had been destroyed.

The plot of the story is well-paced, with enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged throughout. The ending of the story is satisfying, and it leaves the reader with a sense of hope for the future.

Overall, "This Broken World" is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy. It is a story that challenges the reader's beliefs and encourages them to think outside the box. It is a story that will leave a lasting impression on the reader and will inspire them to explore the unknown and seek out the truth.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 105 x 173 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982192327