Between These Broken Hearts Summary, Characters and Themes
Between These Broken Hearts by Lexi Ryan is a tale of dark magic, family bonds, and the struggle to reclaim one’s destiny. The story follows Abriella, the Queen of the Shadow Fae, on her desperate quest to find her sister, Jasalyn, who has been missing for months.
As Jasalyn battles dark forces, including the evil Mordeus, and a curse tied to her eighteenth birthday, her sister Abriella and other characters like Hale Kendrick join the fight. The story unfolds across realms, blending intense emotional conflicts with powerful magical elements. It’s a journey about overcoming curses, betrayal, and the fight for freedom.
Summary
Abriella, the Queen of the Shadow Fae, is deeply troubled by the disappearance of her sister, Jasalyn, who has been missing for months. With no reliable leads, Abriella’s search is filled with frustration and helplessness.
Jasalyn’s disappearance is linked to a powerful magical ring, one that keeps her hidden and connects her to Mordeus, a dark force who uses her blood magic for his destructive purposes. Abriella knows that once Jasalyn reaches her eighteenth birthday, she will be lost to the darkness forever.
Determined to prevent this, Abriella, along with Hale Kendrick, whose own sister is missing, embarks on a perilous quest to find Jasalyn and uncover the truth about the magical ring. The two of them work together, though their path is filled with false leads, mysterious allies, and more enemies than they anticipated.
The search leads them to the possibility of finding the Stone of Disenchantment, a mythical artifact said to nullify the powers of magical rings. However, the stone is nearly impossible to locate, and their investigation uncovers disturbing connections to the Seelie Court and the human realm.
Despite the odds, Abriella remains committed to saving her sister, but her position as queen limits her actions, forcing her to navigate palace politics while trying to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Jasalyn’s fate grows darker as she is trapped in another reality controlled by Mordeus.
Bound by the magical ring, she is tortured both physically and emotionally. Mordeus uses her to further his evil schemes, and Jasalyn feels the weight of her situation as she battles his control.
Jasalyn’s only hope lies in finding the Sword of Fire, a legendary weapon said to have the power to kill even immortals. Along her journey, she faces unimaginable trials, including the dark fortress of Feegus Keep, where she must confront numerous creatures and magical barriers designed to keep her from finding the sword.
All the while, she is haunted by illusions created by Konner, who appears to be her brother but is ultimately working for Mordeus. These illusions manipulate her emotions, making it even harder to discern the truth.
As Jasalyn’s journey to find the sword intensifies, Hale Kendrick, a character with his own troubled past, is tracking her, trying to protect her from Mordeus’s forces. However, their complicated history—marked by betrayal and broken trust—makes it difficult for Jasalyn to decide if she can trust him again.
In a pivotal moment, Kendrick is gravely injured while protecting her, forcing Jasalyn to confront her feelings for him and question whether he is still an ally or a threat.
Jasalyn remains focused on her ultimate goal—destroying Mordeus and breaking free from the ring’s curse before it’s too late. However, she is torn by her lingering emotions for Kendrick, as their past connection continues to cloud her judgment.
Meanwhile, Felicity, Jasalyn’s other sister, is facing her own battles. She is haunted by nightmares and manipulated by Konner, who has created false memories to control her.
Her role in the search for Jasalyn is crucial, as the mystery surrounding her sister’s disappearance causes unrest in their world. Felicity’s emotional journey is complicated further by her complicated relationship with Misha, another character entangled in their family’s turmoil.
As the story unfolds, Jasalyn learns that the bargain she made with a witch has placed her in a race against time. Her eighteenth birthday looms, and once she turns eighteen, Mordeus will claim her body, using her magic to further his own dark agenda.
In a desperate attempt to break free from this fate, Jasalyn seeks out the witch who cursed her, hoping to undo the deal. Alongside Kendrick, she sets out on a dangerous journey to Elora, where they hope to find answers and a way to break the curse.
However, the journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and their path leads them to more revelations about the dark forces at play in their world.
While Jasalyn and Kendrick navigate their way through the challenges of Elora, they meet Hector, an ally who helps them with their search. Despite the growing bond between Jasalyn and Kendrick, she remains focused on her goal—escaping Mordeus’s control.
But the situation becomes increasingly complex as they uncover more about the political maneuvers, dark magic, and betrayal that has shaped their world. Jasalyn is determined to free herself from the witch’s bargain, even as the weight of her destiny becomes more apparent.
Back in the capital, Abriella faces challenges of her own, especially when an impostor posing as General Hargova threatens to undermine their efforts. As the kingdom faces attacks from Mordeus’s forces, Jasalyn is forced to confront her own powers and the flame magic that resides within her.
The tension in the palace escalates as she struggles with her inability to control her powers, which becomes a critical factor in their fight for survival.
As the story reaches its climax, Jasalyn’s powers finally manifest in full force, revealing the truth about her connection to Mordeus. She becomes the phoenix, a powerful creature capable of either destroying herself or freeing herself from Mordeus’s grip.
This transformation is both liberating and terrifying, as it represents the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Jasalyn’s journey culminates in a final confrontation with Mordeus, where she must decide whether to give in to his control or to break free and reclaim her future.
In the aftermath of the battle, Jasalyn and Kendrick share a tender reunion, and while the scars of their past remain, they begin to heal together. The future is uncertain, but Jasalyn has unlocked her true potential, and she is no longer afraid of the darkness that once threatened to consume her.
As the story ends, hope rises from the ashes, and Jasalyn embraces the new life that awaits her.
Characters
Abriella
Abriella, the queen of the shadow fae, is a fiercely determined and protective leader. Her life is overshadowed by the disappearance of her sister, Jasalyn, which becomes her driving force throughout the narrative.
She is torn between her responsibilities as a ruler and her desperate need to find and save Jasalyn. Abriella’s deep love for her sister fuels her determination, but the constant frustration of dead-end leads and unreliable rumors weighs heavily on her.
Her struggles with anger are compounded by her inability to act freely, as she is bound by the limitations of her position. Abriella’s role as queen involves balancing her kingdom’s needs with her personal desires, and she faces immense pressure from both sides.
Her relationship with Hale Kendrick, who joins her in the search for Jasalyn, develops into a significant emotional anchor for her, as they share a bond built on mutual pain and the pursuit of answers.
Hale Kendrick
Hale Kendrick, driven by the loss of his own sister, Felicity, is a character shaped by grief and loyalty. His quest to find his sister intertwines with Abriella’s mission, and their shared sense of loss draws them closer.
Hale is portrayed as a steadfast and compassionate individual, who often serves as a protector and guide for those around him. His emotional depth is revealed as he joins Abriella in her perilous search for Jasalyn, and later, his protective nature toward Jasalyn herself becomes a crucial aspect of his character.
Hale is not without his internal conflicts, particularly as his past actions—especially his betrayal of Jasalyn—haunt him. Despite these doubts, his evolving relationship with Jasalyn reveals his capacity for growth and redemption, as he proves willing to sacrifice for her, even at great personal cost.
Jasalyn
Jasalyn is a complex protagonist, struggling under the weight of a curse that binds her to the dark magic of Mordeus. Her character is defined by her deep inner conflict between survival and the desire for freedom.
As she faces the inevitability of her eighteenth birthday and the looming takeover of her body by Mordeus, Jasalyn is constantly balancing the need to fight for her freedom with the desperate need to protect her loved ones. Her vulnerability is palpable, especially as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the betrayals she faces, including the manipulation of Konner, whom she believes to be her brother.
Throughout the story, Jasalyn shows remarkable resilience, even as she struggles with the uncertainty of her fate. Her journey is marked by an internal battle between the love and trust she feels for those around her, particularly Kendrick, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness in her circumstances.
The culmination of her character arc is the realization that the flames of her magic are part of her true self, allowing her to break free from Mordeus’s grip and reclaim her destiny.
Felicity
Felicity’s character is marked by confusion, grief, and an underlying sense of insecurity. Her struggle to understand her true loyalties, especially in relation to her brother Konner and the manipulations he has wrought upon her, forms a significant part of her narrative.
She is constantly caught between the desire to protect her loved ones and the need to accept the harsh truths about her family and her place in the world. Felicity’s emotional scars, particularly her complicated relationship with Misha and her own uncertainty about her feelings, add depth to her character.
She evolves throughout the story, finding strength in the face of personal tragedy, especially when she is forced to confront the difficult realities of her past actions and their consequences. Her transformation into a more self-assured and independent figure is a critical aspect of her journey, even as she continues to face battles both external and internal.
Konner
Konner, a manipulative and deceptive figure, plays a crucial role in the twisted reality Jasalyn finds herself trapped in. Although initially appearing to be a brotherly figure, Konner is ultimately revealed to be a pawn of Mordeus, using his powers to control and confuse Jasalyn.
His manipulation of Jasalyn, creating false memories and emotions, highlights his role as an antagonist, seeking to keep her under Mordeus’s control. His true nature is revealed in the course of Jasalyn’s struggles, where he becomes an obstacle to her escape and her fight for freedom.
Konner’s motivations are shrouded in his own desires for power, and his role in the narrative serves as a catalyst for Jasalyn’s realization of the depth of Mordeus’s control over her. His betrayal becomes a pivotal moment in Jasalyn’s journey as she breaks free from the false realities he has imposed upon her.
Mordeus
Mordeus, the dark force looming over Jasalyn’s life, is the primary antagonist in the story. His sinister presence is felt throughout the narrative as he exerts control over Jasalyn through the magical ring that binds them.
His influence is far-reaching, using blood magic to manipulate Jasalyn and others for his own dark purposes. Mordeus’s character is defined by his cold, calculating nature and his ultimate goal of using Jasalyn’s powers for destruction.
His control over Jasalyn is both psychological and physical, and his ability to trap her in a false reality makes him an insidious force in the story. Despite his immense power, Mordeus’s vulnerability comes in the form of Jasalyn’s determination to break free and reclaim her own destiny, leading to his eventual downfall as she learns to harness her own magic and confront him directly.
Misha
Misha is a secondary character whose role in the story is tangled in emotional and political complexities, particularly with Felicity. His involvement in the search for Jasalyn adds a layer of intrigue, especially given his unresolved feelings for Felicity.
Misha’s character is torn between his duty and his emotions, which complicates his actions and interactions. As he grapples with his feelings for Felicity, Misha’s decisions become more difficult, and his role in the larger conflict reflects the challenges of balancing personal desires with the greater good.
His relationship with Felicity evolves from one of tension and uncertainty to one of mutual understanding, but his true loyalties remain unclear throughout much of the narrative, adding a layer of mystery to his character.
Hector and Loryn
Hector and Loryn play supporting roles in the later stages of the story, providing crucial assistance to Jasalyn and her companions. Hector, a supporter of their cause, proves to be a reliable ally, offering guidance as Jasalyn navigates the political landscape of Elora.
His wife, Loryn, is equally significant, providing additional support in their mission to free Jasalyn from Mordeus’s control. While their roles may seem peripheral, they act as important facilitators in Jasalyn’s quest for freedom, helping her face the challenges of the world beyond her immediate circle.
The inclusion of Hector and Loryn introduces themes of loyalty, trust, and the importance of alliances in the fight against dark forces.
Themes
The Struggle for Freedom
In Between These Broken Hearts, the theme of freedom is explored through the characters’ battles to escape from the controlling forces in their lives. Jasalyn’s personal fight is marked by her desperate attempts to break free from the curse of Mordeus’s ring, which binds her to his will.
The ring, a constant symbol of her lack of agency, controls her body and mind, making every decision she makes feel like an attempt to reclaim her own fate. Despite the overwhelming power Mordeus has over her, Jasalyn’s pursuit of freedom is unwavering.
She journeys through physical and emotional trials, from seeking the Sword of Fire to attempting to gain control over her flame powers, all with the singular goal of freeing herself from her inevitable transformation into a tool of Mordeus’s destruction.
This desire for freedom is mirrored in the struggles of other characters like Abriella and Hale, who are both fighting for their loved ones, trying to break away from the weight of their own duties and limitations. Abriella’s kingdom is in jeopardy due to her inability to act freely in the search for her sister Jasalyn, and Hale’s quest to find his missing sister also reflects the deep yearning to find closure and regain control over a life disrupted by tragedy.
Through these characters, the book emphasizes the lengths people are willing to go to regain control over their lives, even if it means going against powerful, oppressive forces.
Additionally, Jasalyn’s moral journey, where she is forced to kill for survival and even use dark powers to protect herself, highlights the paradox of freedom—how one’s liberty often comes at the cost of their own morality. In the face of such oppression, Jasalyn’s struggle becomes not only about escaping Mordeus’s control but also about reconciling the freedom to act with the consequences of those actions.
Family Bonds and Loyalty
The theme of family is a central pillar in the narrative, exploring the complexities of familial relationships, loyalty, and sacrifice. Throughout the story, Jasalyn, Abriella, and Felicity each struggle with their roles within their family and the expectations that come with them.
Abriella’s loyalty to her sister, Jasalyn, drives her actions and shapes her decisions. As the queen of the shadow fae, Abriella is bound by duty, but her deep familial love pushes her to take risks, even when her actions may endanger her kingdom.
Her determination to protect Jasalyn at all costs reflects the powerful bond that defines much of the story’s emotional core.
Jasalyn’s relationship with her sisters, particularly Abriella and Felicity, is tested through their separate trials. Felicity’s storyline offers a poignant examination of loyalty when it is twisted by external manipulation.
Her mind is altered by Konner, her brother, who creates false memories to control her thoughts, showing how familial ties can be used as tools of manipulation. This creates a conflict within Felicity, torn between her loyalty to her family and her desire to break free from the emotional chains placed on her.
Her journey becomes one of reclaiming her identity and understanding her place within her family, which is complicated by her interactions with Misha, who represents another source of emotional turmoil and divided loyalty.
For Jasalyn, the love she shares with her sisters is a driving force in her efforts to resist Mordeus. However, her struggle to reconcile her loyalty to them with the overwhelming control Mordeus exerts over her reflects the fragility of familial bonds in the face of extreme power.
Ultimately, the narrative reveals that the true test of family loyalty is not merely about standing by loved ones in times of peace, but about fighting to preserve those bonds when they are under threat from both external and internal forces.
The Consequences of Power
Power in Between These Broken Hearts is a dangerous and multifaceted force, explored through both the magic systems and the interpersonal dynamics that shape the characters’ fates. Jasalyn’s struggle with her flame powers and the dark blood magic that ties her to Mordeus underscores the theme of power and its consequences.
Her power is both a gift and a curse; while it grants her the potential to destroy Mordeus and gain her freedom, it also has the ability to consume her and turn her into the very thing she is fighting against. This duality of power is a recurring motif in the novel, reflecting the way in which power can corrupt, burden, and destroy.
Jasalyn’s need to control her flame powers becomes a metaphor for the internal battle between strength and vulnerability. Her flame represents not just her magical abilities but also her inner strength and autonomy.
As she struggles to master these powers, the narrative highlights how her inability to do so results in consequences not only for herself but also for those she loves. Her fear of being consumed by her own abilities is a constant source of internal conflict, making the theme of power a personal one.
The price of wielding power is portrayed as potentially devastating, forcing Jasalyn to grapple with whether the ends justify the means.
Similarly, Mordeus’s use of blood magic exemplifies the corrupting nature of power. His manipulation of Jasalyn through dark magic shows how power can be used to control others, reducing them to mere tools for one’s gain.
This abusive dynamic creates a sharp contrast with the characters who, despite their own desires for power, resist using it for selfish or destructive purposes. The consequences of using power for the wrong reasons are made painfully clear as Jasalyn and her allies navigate a world where power can either save or destroy them, depending on how it is wielded.
Betrayal and Trust
The theme of betrayal is explored through the complex relationships between the characters, particularly the tension between Jasalyn and Kendrick. Their past is marked by betrayal, with Kendrick having once hurt Jasalyn, making their relationship fraught with emotional complexity.
Despite their shared bond and growing feelings for each other, Jasalyn is constantly forced to question Kendrick’s loyalty, especially given his mysterious actions and connections to the enemy. His betrayal weighs heavily on Jasalyn, making it difficult for her to trust him fully, even when his actions seem to demonstrate care and affection.
Jasalyn’s internal conflict regarding Kendrick’s loyalty represents a broader theme of trust in the novel. Trust, once broken, becomes difficult to rebuild, and even the most sincere intentions can be clouded by past betrayals.
The emotional depth of their relationship illustrates how trust is not easily regained, especially when the stakes are so high. The presence of false memories, manipulations by Konner, and the ever-present threat of Mordeus’s control make it clear that betrayal is a recurring force in the lives of the characters.
The uncertainty surrounding who can be trusted and who cannot creates a pervasive sense of tension throughout the book, affecting the decisions and actions of all involved.
This theme of betrayal also extends to the larger political and familial landscapes, where alliances are tested and individuals must navigate shifting loyalties. Characters like Felicity are torn between different allegiances, unsure of who to trust, as they uncover truths about those around them.
The weight of betrayal is felt by all, leading to moments of self-doubt, strained relationships, and difficult decisions. Ultimately, Between These Broken Hearts portrays trust as fragile and easily broken, a theme that underscores the emotional and political turmoil faced by its characters.