Review: Kingdom Society: Broken Reality by Nathan Helm

Author Nathan Helm delivers a strong second chapter of his Kingdom Society series with Broken Reality, an endlessly creative fantasy with some hard-edged twists.

The idea of a “chosen one” who must come to terms with his destiny is a rather common premise in sci-fi and fantasy sagas, but Helm manages to put a unique spin on the character development and journey – in part through the use of so many different environments and settings. Alyeth’s growing powers are impressive, and he will need those “God mode” abilities, considering that sinister forces of the universe are conspiring to eradicate him. Another man with a mind corrupted by dark promises, now wielding a magical staff imbued with cosmic energy, threatens to destroy Alyeth’s family and destiny in a blind pursuit of power.

The relationship that Alyeth has with his mentor Xylok is easily one of the most charming aspects of the story; it is paternal and loving, but also a mentorship with the butting heads of brothers. Add to that the late teenage frenzy of romance and Alyeth’s long-awaited bonding with Koren, further entangling the core figures of this series, including Cindrel and Ezra.

Pyrres is an eccentric and powerful ally in this second installment, but also a mischievous examiner who drives the characters into a maze-like conflict at the center of the story. The inevitable collision of Elder Gods and heroic humans with divine gifts gives every chapter a swelling sense of suspense, as well as a throughline of personal growth, and it seems as though a new rule of magic or incredible ability is revealed every handful of pages, resulting in a fast-moving read.

Thematically, the book runs a wide and relatable gamut, from the toxic temptations of revenge and the dangers of youthful confidence to the weight of cosmic responsibility and the soul-rending wound of taking another life. Both deeply intimate and universal, the underlying messages broaden the appeal of this slightly niche read – it no doubt sits on the same bookshelf as other popular fantasy titles, but the informal and punk-heavy prose won’t be for every high-fantasy fan. However, once you’ve acclimated to the style, there is no denying that the madcap plot is highly entertaining.

Given the consistently energetic pace, there isn’t really time for the novel to grow tired or redundant, but there is sometimes a lack of peaks and valleys in the emotion and action of the scenes. Readers should be able to clearly discern when a scene has particularly high stakes, but there is sometimes a flatness to the drama. Exposition is particularly heavy and fast at the front end of the novel, rather than letting the core plot conflict unravel itself more organically. Similarly, the dialogue is unbelievable, at times, with backstory and internal character emotions often being expressed unnaturally in conversation, or in oddly whispered asides. Some of the scenes also feel non-essential to the storyline, or at least prime for a trimming, which wouldn’t necessarily compromise any important plot or character developments.

Those issues aside, for any action-driven fantasy fans who like their stories wild and unpredictable, this novel will not disappoint for its inventiveness and expansive, world-jumping adventure.