This was my first journey into a Kate Dylan book and I really enjoyed the intensity of this medium-length novel that I devoured in just a few hours.

I found the magic system to be very unique and complex, which my analytical brain loved as it was clear that every detail of the system was well thought through with very little issues to pick at, leaving me to completely immerse myself. The cast of characters was quite small and I would’ve liked to have experienced the depths of their bonds a little more, but I found the main character to be quite relatable and appreciated that each character had trauma that drove their thoughts and behaviours - rightly or wrongly. I also greatly appreciated the inclusion of a deaf character that was regarded the same as the others and not as a hindrance to the plot as I find positive and realistic representation of disabilities to be very important - especially in a fantasy setting. This is not a cast of characters who are all-knowing and infallible, but more realistically a bunch of kids just trying to survive in a world that terrifies them with no one to show them the way, obviously making mistakes and growing from them.

I really enjoyed the heist theme of the book and would love to see more from this world as the cast discover more of their capabilities and strive to create a safer world. There are minimal locations present through the story due to the secrecy surrounding the cast and all were very easy to visualise which I appreciated, though I would like to see this world expanded as there is still so much future potential. I must say I had hoped to see more from a certain character who I was convinced was going to swoop in at the last minute - I would love to see more of their dynamic now that their situation is changed 🤞 It was overall a very enjoyable read and one that I couldn’t put down from start to finish.

Thank you to Kate Dylan’s team and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review on this book. If you’re a fan of unique magic systems, intense heists and complex politics then I would recommend picking this one up, as I give this a 4/5 star rating!

This review is for Until we Shatter by Kate Dylan which will be released in the UK on the 17th October! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Hodderscape for giving me an eArc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have loved Kate’s work since the Mindwalker series, so when I saw she was coming out with a more fantasy based novel… and it was a standalone??? I was in.

I absolutely love the super unique magic system in this book, however did find myself confused a lot during the beginning of the book. It definitely needs some sort of guide on the different magics at the front of the book, so hopefully that’s something we can see in the finished version. Each persons magic basically fits within a colour, indicating which type of magic you have and how’s it’s used within the ‘Gray’.

I also loved the characters in this book, as well as their relationships with each other, especially in the main friend group. Found family has always been a favourite trope of mine, and i can see why people have said this reminds them of Six of Crows due to this. Cemmy was also such an interesting and expressive character, and you do end up feeling so many emotions when it comes to her story. I do have to say Nova was my favourite though, and was so annoyed we didn’t get to see more of their relationship together.

I would say overall this was a great read, the beginning just starts really slow and takes you a while to get a grip on the world. It has a lot of twists and turns, with most of them being really unpredictable for me which was interesting. Highly recommend, and the cover is so beautiful as well! Can’t wait to have this on my shelf.

Weak 3 stars, I wanted to love this book, but due to main character I barely read it to the end.

I liked the world and magic is interesting. The heist plot is also nice one, and other characters are nice. I liked that we learned most of history that impacted development of their current world.

The main character though is very annoying and stupid at times. I get being anxious, not trusting and desperate, but it was to a point of unrealistic. One example that sticks with me is:

<MINOR BOOK SPOILER>

“Oh, spare me.” I dip my voice low. “This is the third time I’ve seen you cast a glamour, and you told me you can only use your stolen power once.” - Cemmy
“I didn’t say once. I said until I use it up.” - Chase
“Sounds an awful lot like the same thing to me.” - Cemmy
And then she stays angry and annoyed at him, accusing him of lying.

<MINOR BOOK SPOILER END>

That is a very unreasonable behaviour and I don't see how we are supposed to like this character. It often felt like no matter what anyone tells her she will not believe it, invent her own version, stay angry and sad. There are people like this, and it's fine to have them in a story, but as a main character, maybe there should be a warning.

I like inclusivity of mental illnesses in newer books, but I do like to know of it, so I can judge if it's a book I would like and start the book with correct expectation.

A unique YA fantasy with a new take on magic elements.

The biggest selling point about this book is the found family, the way Cemmy finds a home for herself with others in the same position as her was heartwarming and carried the story.

There’s no spice, and the dabbling of a love interest is a little lacking, Chase just felt a little flat, but given this is a story that would reach a varied age range it’s ok.

Pros
- Found Family
- Unique concept
- Lots of action
- No spice so suitable for all
- Great characters

Cons
- Overly complex magic system

I love the way Kate's books get you in the head of the main character, you understand all their motives, thoughts and actions. This book is a great concept, with a multitude of characters, found family, twists and a unique storyline. It is written well and very inclusive with a few different communities represented. What fell short of 5 stars from me is the complexity of the magic system and types of people. It feels overly complicated for an average size book that is marketed as new adult. I'd love to see a mind map or diagram to explain it all. At points there was info dumping rather than gently weaving this into the book.

This is initially a little difficult to get into, I had to pick it up and put it down a few times before sticking it out. From about 20% in it got a lot better! The characters were interesting and likeable enough, writing was enjoyable!

I didn’t enjoy this one as much I was hoping/expecting to :(

I really enjoyed the concept of this, and liked the colour and magic system. I thought that was cool and interesting. I also initially liked the heist plot, although that begun to feel stretched out and despite the characters working towards it, it still felt like it was on the backseat.

I found the whole stuff with the Church and the Council confusing. I could not get a grip on any of it and kept forgetting who stood for what. I don’t even think the book knows what they stand for though! It felt very convoluted. The grey confused me too, it was sentiment but not, and I couldn’t workout what the rules were necessarily and why they were the way they were. There seemed to be a few plot holes and inconsistencies that made this confusing.

As for the love interests…I mean fine. Neither of them as relationships met their full potential I don’t think.

I wish we had more of Cemmy and her mum — that always felt like it was building up to something more but teetered off.

This was a decent read and I was hooked at the start! I just feel like it lost its way a little bit and became overly confusing when it has no reason to be…like when it break it down the concepts and plot was quite simple (and I don’t mean that insultingly) but it just went off the tracks.

The heists of Six of Crows with the magic system of Darker Shades of Magic come together in Kate Dylan's book "Until We Shatter." In the world of Isitar, Cemmy lives as a half-shade, not quite normal enough to fit in with the Church and not enough magic to be accepted by the Council. Using her limited magic, Cemmy does heists to steal valuable items to help support her ailing mother. When a heist goes wrong, Cemmy is forced to join other half-shades to steal a relic from the Church.

The magic system in this book is not for the faint of heart. Kate Dylan throws you right into this magical system without much explanation, forcing the reader to figure out the meaning of the complicated social system and government. There are typics with no magic, Hues with half magic (sometimes called half shades), but there are full-bloods with a number of different powers and variations on the power depending on the person being full magic or half. There is also the "gray" which is not a color, but a place where Hues can travel through shadows. There is the Church that has Senate seats and also a Conclave and a City Council. I had to highlight descriptions and refer back to them frequently. Once we got into the action scenes, the plot got interesting and my rating started to go up, but then the plot got confusing/complex in the later part of the book so my rating went back down. For me, this book would've been better with either complex government/church or complex magic or complex villains but not all of the above.

*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***

4.5 stars

Perfect read for fans of heist fantasy books. Awesome magic system and engaging characters. I loved seeing the flaws of the main character, Cemmy, and how it gave her opportunity for growth. This is developed further with the support of her found family of hues (half blood witches).

Hues have been repressed and hunted to the point that they don't know their own history or potential. Until We Shatter works with secrets and betrayal from friends and foe alike, making a hard life all the harder.

As much as I enjoyed the magic system, it was quite complex and took some time to get a handle on.

The writing style of Kate Dylan was great, and I'm glad to hear there will be another book set in this world (although this can be read as a standalone.

A new to me author gives us a story full of action, adventure and mystery with diverse characters aplenty to support the captivating storyline. A really enjoyable read!

I was intrigued by the idea of a magic-system based on colours, in which each colour corresponded to a certain ability, and “offshoots” of those colours manifest as the different abilities of the Hues. Reading this book brought me back to the YA novels I used to read in the early 2010s, full of fiery female protagonists, an oppressive authority, and sentiments of overturning the way things are. Rebellion, even if in the most minor ways. Young people fighting unjustified oppression. Where it’s different and more contemporary to those books I used to read is that the characters are more diverse. UNTIL WE SHATTER pleasantly surprised me because it felt like a revival of the things I loved best of the YA novels of that era, while also spinning some new elements that could be more relevant to the present.

Sorry to say I had a hard time reading this, it just took me so long. Finished it a couple of days ago but I wanted to kind of sleep on it before reviewing.

Sadly, my first impression stayed. There are good things in this (the writing itself) but it felt a bit tedious to muddle through a volcano of information. The magic system is definitely over complicated - there are colors or hues but there are shades and there are different powers and, honestly, I can't even explain it right now. It made kind of sense while reading but I felt as if I was constantly trying to remember who does what and why and when ... I can't.

And, I didn't quite connect with the characters and I found Chase a very very bland MMC.

A very cool color-based magic system and unputdownable in the last 20%, but the FMC is so self-involved, self-destructive, and thoughtless for the preceding 80%. That made this often frustrating to read as a fortysomething, but will likely resonate more with the book’s intended YA audience.

When I first saw this book featured on NetGalley's website, I was excited because it sounded so good and was right up my alley, and not only that, the cover is STUNNING!. However, so many things were wrong with it that I couldn’t pass on. I found the magic system was somewhat unique but confusingly explained. The plot twists felt rushed, and the characters lacked depth. While the action scenes were well-written, the dialogue and character development fell short. Overall, the execution didn't live up to my expectations.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

This is an incredible YA fantasy debut! The magic system is so unique, it got me intrigued from the start. I can see some tropes from the comp Six of Crows being used here (i.e. found family, heist, manipulation, the "magic item" is actually a person) and I personally think it does every well for such common tropes.

However, I omitted two stars for my own personal preference. One being that I cannot get used to the voice. It's too chirpy at the beginning, but turned very solemn when the world building is being explained. It feels quite info dumpy at times because of this, as it does not feel like Cemmy speaking at all. Secondly, also in terms of world building, I think the politics and the technicalities of the magic system are too complicated. It's incredible how I read the entire book and I still don't know the details of anything.

(Lastly, I want to blame the publisher for providing such a bad epub copy, that ruined my reading experience a little).

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the ARC of this magical book.

I approached this book with excitement I won’t lie, I had seen it hyped up my other authors I love and though I hadn’t read Kate Dylan’s other series, the idea of Until We Shatter had me hooked and let me tell you, I was hooked the entire book.

Cemmy is a brilliant character, she’s full of resilience and passion and fire but at the same time she’s scared, she’s unreliable and she’s weak. I enjoy that in a character, I don’t want them to be perfect and so sure of their powers, I enjoy reading about them learning how to grapple with their powers. Learning how to trust, how to let go of the past, and how to move on.

It wasn’t the perfect story sure, there were a few things I felt got dragged out. But at the crux of it, I devoured this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. The plot reveals we’re well thought out and actually got me at some points, I was rooting for the band of misfits to win. And by the end, I was satisfied and left wanting more from this magical world Dylan has created.

Chase, now can’t leave Chase out can we. He was everything I wanted from the mysterious powerful man Cemmy meets. He’s more than meets the eye, he’s such a well thought out character with real emotions and real stakes in the story.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who wants a fun, heist-style story with lots of heart and plenty of wonderful characters.

"Until We Shatter" by Kate Dylan is a riveting standalone fantasy that intertwines elements reminiscent of "Shadow and Bone," "Six of Crows," and "The Black Prism." The story, set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of civil war, delves deep into the lives of those caught in the crossfire of powerful, opposing forces. Dylan’s narrative weaves a compelling tapestry of magic, societal division, and the struggle for survival, making it a standout addition to the fantasy genre.

The city of Isitar is a complex, multi-layered setting, teetering on the edge of chaos. The Council of Shades, representing the magical elite, and the Church, vehemently anti-magic, are at war. Caught in the middle are the Hues—individuals with diluted magical abilities who belong neither to the fully magical nor to the magic-fearing populace. Cemmy, our protagonist, is a Hue and a thief trying to navigate this perilous landscape. Her ability to dip in and out of the shadow realm, the In-Between, makes her a valuable asset but also a target for both sides.

At the heart of the novel is a high-stakes heist, a mission fraught with danger and deception. Cemmy and her band of misfits are blackmailed into stealing a heavily guarded artifact, a task that pushes them to their limits. This heist, while central to the plot, also serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for identity in a fractured world.

Cemmy is a deeply flawed and relatable character. Her decisions, often driven by the best of intentions—whether it’s protecting her friends or caring for her sick mother—frequently lead to disastrous consequences. This makes her a frustrating yet compelling protagonist. Her interactions with Chase, another half-shade who is both an ally and a source of tension, add layers of complexity to the narrative. Chase’s bitter pragmatism and Cemmy’s fierce determination create a dynamic that is as volatile as it is captivating.

The novel also excels in its portrayal of found family. Cemmy’s crew of fellow misfits, each with their own quirks and traumas, forms the emotional core of the story. Their camaraderie, coupled with the challenges they face, highlights the themes of trust and solidarity in the face of adversity. The representation of bisexuality and deafness through the characters adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a more inclusive and resonant read.

Dylan’s magic system, while initially overwhelming, is richly detailed and unique. The association of different colors with specific powers and attributes creates a vivid and engaging framework. However, the complexity of this system might be daunting for some readers, and a glossary at the beginning could have eased the initial confusion. Once acclimated, though, the magic system adds a fascinating dimension to the story, enhancing the stakes and the characters' abilities.

One of the novel’s most striking aspects is its exploration of how information and misinformation shape societies. The control of knowledge by those in power and its impact on public perception and prejudice is a recurring theme. This adds a layer of social commentary that is both timely and thought-provoking. Chase’s observation that "a perfect soldier is a Shade they can predict and control" underscores the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

"Until We Shatter" is a testament to Kate Dylan’s storytelling prowess. It is a book that combines thrilling action with profound emotional depth and intricate world-building. While the dense magic system and initial world-building may require some perseverance, the rewards are well worth the effort. The novel’s rich character development, inclusive representation, and exploration of moral ambiguity make it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and heist stories alike.

For those who appreciate a blend of high-stakes adventure, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Until We Shatter" is a must-read. It stands as a remarkable achievement in the fantasy genre, promising an emotionally charged and unforgettable journey.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Found family, a heist, a unique magic system - what's not to like about this novel? I also definitely didn't see the twist coming which is always nice. I did feel that Chase/Cassiel was a bit two dimensional, perhaps because he was keeping secrets right until the end of the novel, but in general I enjoyed the relationships and characters. Not quite on the same level as Six of Crows, but fairly close.

Loved every second of it. The stakes were high and the drama was on point. The magic system was interesting and the pull between the use of magic and keeping it hidden kept me reading.

“I was so afraid of losing them, I forgot that love isn’t a blaze you feed by only kindling your strengths. It demands your insecurities, too. It demands faith.”

This book was the second e-arc with a heist trope that I read this month, and this one is far more deserving of being compared to books like Six of Crows (albeit a bit too much so, at some points, due to being too similar).

The plot was really captivating and kept me on my toes. The stakes were incredibly high and I didn’t see most of these twists coming (except for the one where I wanted to hit the female lead‘s head against a wall because she was just being purposefully obtuse). Well, I was annoyed by her character and her behaviour at several points throughout the book, so that’s not very surprising, but then again most of that was quite in character for her age and has me thinking once more that maybe YA isn’t for me any longer.

Or maybe it’s just that I felt like the story revolved too much around her when I would have wanted to see so many more details of the relationships between all of the other members of the group as well.

As for the world building, the magical system was incredibly intriguing, but just as confusing to get into. An overview at the beginning of the book would really have done wonders for my understanding. There were just so many different colours and with the misinformation and not all of them ever becoming very relevant to the story, it was just hard to keep track of everything.

Bonus points for including a deaf character and using sign language, though!

4/5 stars.