TW// murder (including brothers, parents), PTSD (implied), panic attacks, brief mention of postpartum depression, brief mention of drugging, mention of death (including grandparents)

I’m honestly shocked that this book has mostly four and five star ratings on Goodreads because it was nothing special.

I’ll start out with the positives for this book before I get into why this book didn’t work for me.

The representation in this book was wonderful. Owen Lach introduced each character in a very refreshing gender neutral way. I wish more books introduced characters like that. There were gay and nonbinary characters in this story as well. There was also some really good mental health representation. Though the book only labeled Adan’s trauma reponses as panic attacks, I’d go so far as to say he has PTSD and his reactions were very similair to how I react when I’m faced with one of my PTSD triggers.

I really liked the setting in Port Abarra. It was creative and described really well.

That’s where my praise of this book stops as everything else in this book felt like a chore to get through.

Broken Valley suffers from second book syndrome. It reads like a filler between the first book in the series and a potential third book. It’s main purpose was just to get the characters from one location in Neska to another location. Due to that being the purpose of the story, Broken Valley is mostly just traveling scenes. I can’t stand when books rely heavily on traveling as I find travel scenes really boring and I need more substance than just traveling in books in order for me to enjoy them.

This book lacked depth. The characters, world building, and themes felt very surface level. I could tell what themes Lach was aiming for in Broken Valley, but the story never took that necessary step to make those themes deep and impactful for the readers. Since the characters lacked depth as well, I couldn’t find myself caring for them as they all felt extremely bland.

I didn’t mind Besi as a character, but its device is extremely overpowering and it made it so that none of the characters had to do much work to achieve their goals. The five people Adan is traveling with are mostly pointless in battle scenes since the device does all the fighting. Furthermore, Adan isn’t even necessary in battle scenes and other important moments because Besi often takes control and does everything for him. I like unique technology in books, but I hate when that technology is so overpowering that it prevents characters from being well-rounded, strong characters.

The writing style in this book also didn’t work for me. It felt very bland and simplistic.

Overall I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to read Broken Valley, but I didn’t enjoy it and I think a lot of people will find that they won't enjoy it as well.

Broken Valley is an entertaining, well-written queer young-adult sci-fi novel with excellent world-building and engaging characters. The novel continues the story of Adan Testa, a compelling hero who must navigate a dangerous world while avoiding capture by dangerous Union forces. Lach's expressive writing and vivid descriptions make it easy to get fully immersed in the world of Neska. Broken Valley is an exciting and action-packed novel that would satisfy fans of both sci-fi and queer fiction.

I love a good sequel. I feel like book two is always the hardest of a series to get right (book one aside, and other than maybe the last in a series). It’s the one that – as much as book one – convinces the reader that they should keep going. I know I find it much harder to stop reading a series if book two is great. Broken Valley by Owen Lach – second in the Neskan Chronicles – has certainly done just that.

The story picked up pretty much where book one left off which I really liked for this novel. It was nice just settling back in with the characters and their story. Like with book one, I found myself on the edge of my seat for the most part, anxious for the fate of these characters on the run. Though things were a little slow at first, the pacing ramped up quickly enough to make for an exciting read. With some of the intense fight scenes some of my favourites in the book.

The development of the relationship between the protagonist Adan and his boyfriend Garun was really sweet. Especially with how gentle and supportive they were with one another as they dealt with the stress of the events of the last book.

I also really enjoyed the further exploration of the world where this novel is set as well as its history the more the protagonist Adan learned. Lach has created an interesting world with a very in depth history which I think enhances the story.

This was a reality great book for my first read of the year. I recommend this novel for anyone looking for an exciting sci-fi novel, with great characters and an intriguing plot. Just make sure you’ve read book one ‘Founder’s Mercy’ first!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for gifting me this ARC (Advanced Review Copy). I am leaving this review voluntarily. This title will be published 24th January 2023

I've been looking forward to this sequel because I enjoyed the setting and characters of the first book. This story improved on the many strengths of the first outing while also avoiding the few things I didn't enjoy. Lach's writing has matured with each book he's released, and I think this was his best work yet. It was easy to read, descriptive without being overly wordy, and steady in pace.

The story started out with Adan and his friends on the run from sinister agents seeking to use him as a lab rat to learn about his special abilities. All of the travel took the characters to jaw-dropping new locales, and I loved getting to see so much more of this world. Each place was unique, and it was interesting to compare each of them to the drastic conditions of Bolvar from the first book.

The plot was fairly straightforward with the characters on the run the whole time, but there was plenty of action to keep things engaging. The vibes were tense through to the end as the characters were always waiting for the other shoe to drop. There were several reveals that I didn't expect, and I now have several new questions making me want the next book ASAP. The logs from the first explorers of this world also continued to be a wonderful supplement to the main story with a new entry between each chapter.

Where Lach really shines, though, is his ability to create lovable and compelling characters. Adan, in particular, experienced a lot of growth as he struggled with coming to terms with all the events of the previous book and the consequences of his actions. Specifically, he had to learn to manage his anxiety and PTSD in addition to dealing with his grief and guilt over being forced into violence he didn't want to commit. His new relationship was also a highlight. Lach has a penchant for writing sickeningly sweet characters and relationship dynamics that leave me feeling like I just left a therapy session (in a good way). lol. I loved how Adan and his love interest exhibited healthy communication despite everything going on for them, and their relationship illustrated how good communication can keep minor drama from snowballing into bigger problems. I did miss the amazing platonic love between Adan and Bo in this one, though. The focus on the romantic relationships shifted the spotlight from their friendship, and I was let down by that change because it was such a huge piece of the heart of the first novel. The group dynamic of the found family was well-written and realistic with the occasional squabble due to the stress of their circumstances and a huge amount of love apparent even in the rough times. I appreciated getting to spend more quieter moments with all of them during the traveling.

All in all, this was a wonderful second installment in a delightfully queer and inclusive sci-fi coming-of-age story. The plot and character dynamics were compelling and contained fascinating technology, immersive world-building, and plenty of tense action. It was a quick, easy read, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next. Therefore, I rate this book 4.25 out of 5 stars.

I love a good road trip. Broken Valley sees Adan and his Founder's Mercy crew go on the road to explore more of Lach's impressively built world of Neska. As Adan and his companions face new challenges, both external and internal, the tension mounts and the cracks in their relationships begin to show. Lach expertly handles the complex themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of Adan's actions as Adan struggles under the weight of his choices. With its thought-provoking plot and fully realized world, Broken Valley is a great follow up to Founder's Mercy, with the promise of more greatness to come!

The second installment of the Neskan Chronicles takes us in a road trip, as Adan and his group are following the traces of the first settlers while trying to avoid the numerous agents of Bolvar Union's Commander Sala.

There is a lot of focus on the impact the Old Tech has in Adan's psyche and worldview, his reluctance in using deadly force and his conflicting emotions when it comes to protecting his friends versus harming people.

The group has conflicts and tensions, finds new allies and new relationships while some of the secrets of Adan's family origins are uncovered.

Much like in Founder's Mercy, the strongest point of Broken Valley is the worldbuilding and action scenes, which peaks in the Port Abarra part of the book!

Thank you NetGalley and Jetspace Studio for the ARC!

A lot happened in this book! I enjoyed the expanded world-building in Broken Valley, we get to see more of Neska and the people that live there in the different towns and settlements. We also get to learn more about how Adan is dealing with his new ability and how the pressure of his actions, past and present, are pushing on him which I'm happy about since I felt that was brushed over a bit in the first book. Broken Valley focused more on Adan's and Garun's relationship but I feel like it pushed the other members of the squad to the back burner unless they were arguing about being forced together for this extended period, which was pretty realistic that they would have arguments as they had, but I still want to get to know them and I didn't really get that chance here. I also still sort of feel like Adan's relationship with Garun is really forced, I like both of the characters and I think they are good together but their relationship just feels weird to me.
I can't wait to see what else this series has in store though!

YES!!!

Owen Lach has done it again! I loved this.

The emotional depth to this story was heartbreaking and real but it was done really well.

This is the second book to Owen Lach's debut novel. We are following Adam Testa while he is on the run.

I don't want to say too much cause I feel that it's better not knowing too much about this series. It will blow your mind. Lach's writing has so much depth and is so well crafted that I am still shocked the first book was just a debut. Especially in Sci-Fi.

Please read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jetspace Studio for the e-ARC

Broken Valley takes readers on an exciting journey, picking up a short while after Adan and his friends made their escape from Bolvar. Lach's signature combo of tight action and expressive world-building wrapped in a queer story with solid character development made for a gratifying reading experience. Its lighting pace kept me on the edge of my seat. The story also delved more deeply into the growing relationship between Adan and Garun. It showcased the pitfalls of trauma bonding as cracks appear in the relationships between Adan and his friends. Lach also expertly explores Adan's psychological health as he deals with the impact of everything that's happened and everything he's done. Broken Valley is another in a string of masterful YA entries from Lach. I can't wait for his next book!

Broken Valley, Owen Lach’s follow-up to his sci-fi debut Founder’s Mercy, sees his band of young runaways crossing the country to find freedom and answers while staying one step ahead of the forces hunting them. Roadtrip!

I was a big fan of Lach’s first book in the Neskan Chronicles. It blended action, world-building, character and queerness into a tight little package that was a joy to read, and Broken Valley keeps that trend going. Yes, it feels like the “middle chapter” of a story, but it races along at such a pace that you’re never left spinning your heels. This is a chase, across deserts, plains, cities and rivers, that keeps you hooked.

As we find them, Adan (and his AI armour Besi) are hiding in a rural community with his band of escapees from the repressive Bolvar Union. His former antagonist-turned-lover Garun is by his side, as well as his best friend Bo, rebel siblings Jenra and Rune, and older scientist Davi. Together they are trying to follow the 500 year old trail of the First Explorers, searching for more technology from the founding colony, tech that mysteriously only Adan can access… and which the Bolvar Union desperately wants, along with Adan, to experiment with. When the team discover an old, long buried beacon, they find a trail that could lead them to the original colony site and hopefully, answers to why Adan is so special.

Relationship wise, Broken Valley is very much Adan and Garun’s book. Their battlefield romance is deepening and bringing its own complications to the tight-knit dynamics of the group.. Bo and Jenra’s relationship however happens mainly in the background, and poor Rune… well, he has a rough time in this one. The cast potentially feels too large for the story, but there are clear signs that Lach is positioning his pieces for the next instalment (one major character’s absence only increases their impact).

As with the first novel, the queerness of the characters and world is very lived in. The plot isn’t about queerness, sexuality is part of the foundations and that continues to be pleasant to read. Adan and Garun are never forced to defend their love (other than in the obviously physical sense when one of them is attacked, but the attacks aren’t based on their sexuality). There are nice moments when Adan listens to old personal log entries from the original colony, made by a same-sex couple helping establish the first settlement, and takes relationship lessons from their stories.

Besi’s abilities, and limitations, begin to be explored and while there is a tendency to fall back on the AI for exposition and last minute rescues, Lach has wisely drawn lines around what it can and can not do. While Lach has begun chronicling how the original settlers started to colonise Neska, we are still a while away from discovering how the world would eventually fracture into different cities and beliefs, but the seeds are sown. As Adan gets closer to the truth (and there are some major revelations of his own story here) the history of this world continues to open up.

Broken Valley was another compelling and easy read (and Lach’s third book to be released in the last twelve months - these YA authors are prolific if nothing else). If you like action/sci-fi with a queer foundation but skipped the first novel, then I recommend you pick it up and barrel straight into Broken Valley.

Broken Valley: The Neskan Chronicles Book Two by Owen Lach is released on January 24, 2023 and is available for preorder now.

Today was such an exciting day because I got to return to Neska with the new book in Owen Lach's Neskan Chronicles, Broken Valley. It was so good! It's a smart, fun and queer sci-fi book that's written for teens but can still be appreciated by everyone. Adan Testa is honestly such a relatable and lovable character, it was so easy to like him. In the first book, his relationship with his best friend Bo was a big part of the story but in Broken Valley, we see him grow closer to his BF Garun, and it's just so cute. I loved how their romance helped them both heal from their past traumas, it was really touching. Lach is so good at keeping the story tight while still expanding on his amazing world-building. I really want to visit that oasis! The story ended on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait for the next book in the series. Overall, a great read!

Broken Valley is a riveting sci-fi novel that follows the story of Adan Testa, a queer teen on the run from Union forces on the colonized world of Neska. Lach's world-building skills are on full display as he vividly brings the new parts of Neska to life. In addition to thrilling action scenes, Lach also tackles important themes like violence and the emotional toll it can take. Broken Valley is a must-read for fans of queer YA sci-fi.

Owen Lach’s Broken Valley is a captivating queer science fiction tale that blends clever world-building, breathless action, and thoughtful, compelling relationships.

Broken Valley is Lach’s follow-up to his debut novel, Founder’s Mercy, continuing the story of Adan Testa, a queer sixteen-year-old on the run from Union forces determined to capture him. Adan is a unique and compelling protagonist who’s easy to root for as he navigates his first romantic relationship while staying one step ahead of the world’s many dangers. The novel is set in the distant future on a colonized world called Neska. Lach does an excellent job of world-building and creating a sense of place. The descriptions of the various locations that Adan and his friends travel through are vivid and immersive.

I appreciated how Lach used the story to tackle issues of heroism and what it means to enact and experience the kinds of violence so common to sci-fi adventure stories. While Adan’s ancient, high-tech armor may keep him safe from physical injury, the psychological damage Adan suffers is clear and present throughout the story. This helped keep the story grounded and real.

While clearly written for a younger audience, Lach's prose is still evocative and descriptive. I found myself fully immersed in his world-building as Adan and his friends explored the greater world of Neska. The action scenes are particularly well-constructed, and I was on the edge of my seat as Adan faced off against his enemies.
Fans of queer and young adult sci-fi will absolutely enjoy Lach’s The Neskan Chronicles. Broken Valley is an exciting tale full of great characters, a fascinating plot, and effortless queer sensibility.

This book contains descriptions of PTSD-related stress and anxiety, descriptions of violence and death, death and/or loss of loved ones/family members, and dealing with trauma within personal and romantic relationships.

Broken Valley is the intense, emotionally-charged, and worthy continuation of Owen Lach’s Neskan Chronicles. Adan and his squad have successfully escaped from their Union oppressors and are looking for the answers to Adan’s primary question: Why can he use Old Tech? But new questions arise for Adan, too, as he struggles with the violence he’s been forced to commit. Lach develops the characters well, giving Adan, his friends, and their relationships new depth. I was especially happy to watch the development of Adan’s relationship with his first boyfriend, Garun. And Adan’s struggles with the violence he’s seen and committed, and the resulting anxiety and PTSD, were heartbreaking. Lach expanded upon his already fascinating world building, showing the reader more of Adan’s world. I highly recommend the series for those looking for smart, well-crafted, queer YA science fiction.