Susan Jane BigelowBesprekingen

Not gonna lie, normally I find sci-fi incredibly boring and couldn't be bothered with it, and then Extrahumans came into my life.

The plot of this book is essentially: closing up a story about superheroes living among us in a dystopian world. Jill is trying to survive, and somehow gets the team back together in the process. There will be love, loss and lots of fighting in this epic finale. It felt like a cool mix of Star Wars, Star Trek, the beautiful landscapes and colours of Jupiter Ascending and a pinch of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It took all the best things of my favourite sci-fi movies and mashed them together in the best possible way (in book form, of course).

There's something about this book that makes it fun and engaging, and I could barely put it down. It's packed full of fun character (with real flaws - they're not perfect!), there's lots of action and adventure, superpowers galore, dystopian landscapes, a Pakistani woman lead and a little LGBT representation!

I found it a tiny bit difficult jumping into the last book of this series, but I think Susan Jane Bigelow did an excellent job of filling in the blanks within the book. I would have enjoyed understanding the past relationships and struggles the characters had before, but I was still able to fully throw myself into this book. Either way, I'd love to read more by Susan now because she is just a really good writer! Any writer who can make me love a genre I typically don't is totally worth reading.

I also did not enjoy Jill's character in the beginning. I found her super annoying and childish, but then she started growing and changing as the events of the novel took place. And, at least for me, the surprises about her in this book were welcome and absolutely lovely. I was very happy to see her character develop into someone I could actually respect instead of dramatically roll my eyes at.

Overall, I would highly recommend this series! It's a fun, sci-fi adventure with an excellent writing style. If you love sci-fi, I'm sure you'll love it more than I did!

Four out of five stars.

i received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Very light on romance and heavy on the Romance. Just my speed. Well written story with an interesting character, though she could have been a tad more proactive than reactive. Still worth the read.

Disclosure. I won this novel through Goodreads.com Giveaways.

Excellent book. Even the cover's texture felt extra special. Characters felt genuine, warts and all. Well paced

Broken is the debut novel of Susan Jane Bigelow, published by Candlemark and Gleam earlier this year. It's a gritty science fiction story that takes place in what's left of the United States after many wars and many heartbreaks. The title character, Broken, is a homeless drunk who used to be a superhero. When she lost her ability to fly, her world went to hell. A young boy, Michael, seeks her out because he, too, has special powers and can see possible futures. She is an integral part of most of the futures he can see.

I was very impressed by this book. Ms. Bigelow has created some fascinating characters who will stay with me for quite some time. She has also created a story that is most definitely a "page-turner." Michael and Broken grabbed me on the first page and wouldn't let me go until I had completed their journey with them. My heart broke or cheered for them depending on what page I was on. Along the way I got to see the author's idea of what the future might be and what that new world (actually, new worlds) will hold. It's a dark place, but not hopeless. Kind of like now.

Just as a point of interest, this book is being somewhat presented as a YA title. That shouldn't stop you if you're over the age of 18. I am several decades over the age of 18 and enjoyed every minute of it. I've heard through the grapevine that the author is going to be creating more stories that take place in this future world. I'm looking forward to them.

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Broken is a fast paced story that crosses dystopia with superheros.

Decades in the future, earth’s been united under a single government and other planets have been colonized. Michael Forward is an extrahuman – someone with supernatural abilities. He was born with the ability to see possibilities of the future whenever he looks at someone’s face. And the possibilities show that the course of history depends on one mission. A baby boy can grow up to bring either great good or great evil to earth, depending on whether or not Michael succeeds in getting him off planet. And he sees that all possibilities of success depend on the presence of Broken, a homeless ex-superheroine. So this is a story about a teenage boy, a former superheroine, and a baby seeking an escape and hope for the future as the world falls apart around them.

Broken wasn’t especially great, but it was enjoyable. I liked the oddness of the central group and the form Michael’s psychic powers took, and the pacing and action were enough to keep me happily flipping the pages. It’s solid entertainment without any flaws or issues large enough to put me off.

It did sort of feel like two genres had been slammed together (superheros + dystopian), but the combination at least felt different from the hoards of YA dystopians out there. There’s never any explanation for why people have superpowers or how they work, but I just accepted it as a genre device and moved on. It’s like FTL drives in science fiction. Are you really going to question it?

Michael and Broken were the two protagonists, and I liked that they felt different enough to avoid falling into clear stock types. Broken in particular is allowed to be messier than most female protagonists you see. However, it was Michael who ended up being my favorite character of the book. He knows all of the grim futures that could lie in wait for him, and he demonstrates incredible bravery by continuing to do what he believes is right.

While Broken is the first in a series, it stands well enough on it’s own that I don’t feel the need to read the sequel to get a complete story. If the sequel followed the same cast, I might be willing to read it anyway. While Broken isn’t a novel I’ll be vigorously recommending, it’s not something I’d discourage anyone from reading.

Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.½

Absolutely marvelous!

Absolutely marvelous!

trying to decide what I feel about this book....

An unlikely group of heroes comes together to save a baby. Michael sees future possibilities, each one leading to his death. Broken used to be able to fly, but once she lost that ability she has devolved into an homeless alcoholic. Monica's entire family is destroyed, her life is in ruins and she finds herself falling in with Michael and Broken.

This was a fascinating book. It has a comic book flair to it with the superhuman powers and abilities. The author has created a fascinating world. I did grow tired of the baby diaper jokes, it seemed that the author just couldn't leave that alone. But otherwise, I thought this was a very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

This was fantastic! Everything in its proper place, brilliant character development, all-around fun to read, just plain genius! For such a short story to be so complex yet detailed and completely understandable is quite a feat. Congratulations to Susan Jane Bigelow for such an outstanding achievement in her first novel.

Have you ever read a story where the main focus was not ghosts, not vampires, not werewolves, not witches, but superheroes? Honestly – I don’t think I have. I don’t even read that much sci-fi. The only thing I can think of is Ender’s Game. So reading Broken was really, really new for me. And a really interesting experience.

The storyline was interesting, original, and a bit complex. Some of it was a bit predictable, and the beginning was a teeny bit slow to me, but definitely worth pushing through. Broken definitely sucks you in with the intrigue of “what the heck is going on?” and then it keeps you there with very interesting and actiony story. And, you know, the super powers were all very well-done, and I loved Michael’s reactions to his powers.

I thought the characters were absolutely fantastic and well-written, probably my favourite part of Broken. I loved Michael’s character specifically, and Broken as a character really interested me as well although sometimes I sort of wanted to shake her. Even a lot of the secondary characters felt really developed, which I think can be really hard to do sometimes.

Overall, I definitely recommend giving Broken a shot. It’s a very original and interesting book, and absolutely worth a first read. Even if you’re not into dystopian/sci-fi/superheroes, it’s worth trying!

Michael Forward can see the future or, at least, glimpses of possible futures.The government is becoming more and more authoritarian and Michael knows what he must do to save the world but he needs help. Broken used to be able to fly but, somehow, she lost the ability - so now she drinks. Unfortunately, she heals even from death so committing suicide is not a possibility for her. Now Michael has given her a purpose but can she stay sober enough to care. But, in all the possible futures Michael sees, is there one where they will succeed?

Broken has all the elements of a graphic novel except the pictures. It is full of superheroes who have lost their way, evil scientists and an even more evil government who want to curtail all freedom, and a reluctant hero who must try to save everyone. And that's not a bad thing - I like graphic novels.

This is a fun, fast ride with lots of twists and turns and, although I found the characters a bit two-dimensional, somehow that just added to the graphic novel feel. So, if you like comics or scifi or are just looking for a story with lots of action,g ive this one a try. It's definitely worth the time.

Well, this was a wild ride. The United states is now part of a world government (based out of Australia) that sadly elected a dictator.. and things have been getting steadily worse. Armies of 'black bands' have been roaming the streets bullying people and calling anyone who disagrees a terrorist (hmmmm...). Micheal is gifted. He can see snippets of possible futures in his mind. One thing that keeps flashing to him as important is an infant he saves in the subway station. If he can get him to safety he could be the key to bringing democracy back. But not if the black bands are allowed to raise him.

But he will need help. You would think superheroes would be the first to help right? Not when they seem to have teamed up with the black bands against the populace and local police forces. But there was one who left... she was named Silverwing. Now unable to fly and living drunk on the streets, will she be able to provide any help at all? Especially when she keeps stealing liquor from people?

A little dark but definitely funny. 4.5 stars.

From start to finish, Broken is snappy, well-paced, and utterly engaging. Although the prose is often stark, it fits well with the bleak, dystopian future laid out before us - a future where mankind has united under one government following several devastating wars, including one interplanetary conflict. That government is, perhaps, not as benevolent as we might like - a fact that young Michael Forward, who is capable of seeing glimpses of the future in other's faces - is quickly coming to realize.Michael's own fate is intertwined with that of Broken, a fallen superhero who illegally left the Extrahuman Union when she lost her ability to fly. Living on the streets, she's a shadow of her former self - but that doesn't stop her from joining forces with Michael and Monica, a young woman who's lost her family to rioting and bigotry, in order to try to rescue humanity's last best hope for a better tomorrow.While the setting of Broken is engrossing and impossibly well-thought-out, it's the characters that truly make this book shine. Dystopian stories often have really unlikable characters, people you wouldn't mind seeing eaten by the local cannibals. Not so here. Everyone has their flaws - some significant - but that just makes you care about them MORE. Every time Michael, or Broken, or Monica screws up, gets frustrated, screams or cries...you know why, and you empathize. You feel for them when they triumph, and worry when they get in a corner. And you always, always want to know more about them.Broken could've been just another "young hero following his fate" action story, or just another "what happens when the world goes wrong and a dictatorship takes over" story. It could've been just another grey, dull, depressing entry into the popular YA dystopia genre. It could've been just another story with superheroes.It's not.It's a glimmering look into a bleak future, dotted with bright little sparks of hope, and threaded throughout with a realism that makes your heart alternately ache and soar right along with Broken...

Rose Colored Glass is a wonderful play by Sue Bigelow and Janet Goldberg. It is the story of two women in New York during the time of World War II. They live across the alley from one another and have nothing in common except a dislike and distrust of one another. Their backgrounds give them no reason to be friends but a young girl who loves them both brings them together to form an unlikely alliance and friendship. This play was presented in our local Woodland Opera House and was wonderfully received and appreciated. It is a great book and an excellent play and worth the work to find a copy to read.

Michael Forward can see glimpses of the future when he looks into a persons face. These glimpses are just possible outcomes for the their life. His visions change as the course in which they are on does. He has known for several years he would have to find an orphaned infant in order to prevent the child from falling into the wrong hands and growing up to become a monster. He also knows a silver haired woman will help him. He didn’t plan on that woman being a homeless Extrahuman (think superhero) who turned to alcohol when she lost the ability to fly. Together they set out on a dangerous journey, and meet many unique characters and challenges along the way.

Broken isn’t like anything I’ve read before. I found the synopsis extremely intriguing, but being the kind of girl who isn’t really into superheroes I didn’t know what to expect. I must say I was extremely impressed and just might have to start calling myself a girl who is into superheroes. Such a great mix of characters and action. I had trouble putting this one down even when it was way past my bedtime. It is set on Earth, which seems to have been sent into upheaval when it was invaded by life from another planet. Yes, superheroes and aliens in the same book. Cool, right?

Broken is the name Silverwyng took when she realized the doctors couldn’t help her to fly again. Having spent most of her life in the Tower with other Extrahumans so much of her identity was linked to her abilities. When her abilities failed she ran, and was forced to live a life on the streets hiding from those who knew her. She is the kind of character you want to see come out on top. You can’t help but to root for her to overcome her issues. Michael is also a great character, and I adored his selfless nature. There is also many secondary characters that added so much to this great plot. This book really has so much depth and so many layers, but the action makes it a very fast paced read. I couldn’t believe how quickly I finished reading.

Broken is a real gem, and one that I can see appealing to fans of both sci-fi and dystopia genres.

You know, it's all about the classics nowadays. We saw the resurgence of the vamps, then the weres, and even the zombies saw a little action recently. So, it makes sense that the creme de la creme of supes should reemerge in literature . . thank you, Susan Bigelow for bringing back actual superheroes in a fantastic way. Broken is such an invigorating breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a post-war, dystopian-type read with interesting characters possessing a supernatural twist, this one is for you.

The book was a bit confusing at the very beginning - you are thrown into a paranoid world full of Unions, suspicions and violence. The details are a little sketchy, but essentially two warring alien races introduced themselves somewhere in the mid-part of this century. The human race allies itself to one. In the midst of that war, war also broke out on Earth. NYC in particular got the holy hell bombed out of it, and now Australia occupies the seat of power for the Earth and its planetary colonies in space. It sounds like a lot, but the history is built up through out the book, and you quickly catch on through the alternating third-person limited points-of-view of Michael and Broken. Like the synopsis says, Broken is a has-been superhero who's lost her ability to fly. Flying defined Broken back in the day, and without it, she doesn't feel that she is anything much worth loving. Michael is a prescient - someone who can look people dead in the face and see their possible futures. He has inherited a mission of sorts - to get a baby who holds the future peace of the world or its destruction in his tiny hands to a safe place to be raised. And he needs Broken to help, but she's turned into a homeless alcoholic. Michael has a hook, though, and it's not one that Broken can say no to. Seriously, could you say no to your heart's dearest desire?

I may have to change my tune now about plot driven books because this ride was awesome. Not that the characters were lacking, because they weren't - in fact, I should say that Broken is a great example of balancing good plot with solid characterization. Michael is this baby brother-like kid forced into the role of reluctant hero, and wow, could you feel his apprehension about having to do all this. He nearly broke my heart sometimes. Broken was one of the saddest, most pathetic creatures I've ever read (she and Tom Mackee from The Piper's Son would have some fabulous conversations), and Monica . . she was the wild card, the one who got thrown into this mess after she loses her family. Although not as significant as Broken and Michael, she adds a very human, very poignant touch of being caught up in everything and just trying to deal.

The writing is tight, simple and its simplicity works well against the gritty landscape of this world, and it moves the story along at a great pace. There's a lot that happens in this book, so I think it's a huge testament to the plot that it never felt lacking or lagging in any areas for me. Biegelow also keeps you guessing about many things and reveals them slowly through flashbacks and chance encounters. In fact, you don't even really know Broken and Michael's ages until you are well into the book. About the only thing I could have asked for was a clearer explanation about what happened on Planet We're Screwed a bit earlier in the book - but, hey, it's speculative fiction! What's the point in reading if you aren't paying attention and figuring things out for yourself?

This is a book I would suggest for older YA readers - there are a few sexual encounters, some language,and a good age range amongst the three main characters. In general, there is a very mature, older feel to this book. In fact, I see a great crossover potential. It deals a lot with ideas we can all relate to: that life is about choices, that you have to put your faith in doing the right thing, no matter how hard it is, and that there are things far greater than yourself in this world. Sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous and always immersed in the what-ifs, Broken is a great book about deciding what your future is and making the choices and taking the actions to get there.

Broken is the debut novel of Susan Jane Bigelow, published by Candlemark and Gleam earlier this year. It's a gritty science fiction story that takes place in what's left of the United States after many wars and many heartbreaks. The title character, Broken, is a homeless drunk who used to be a superhero. When she lost her ability to fly, her world went to hell. A young boy, Michael, seeks her out because he, too, has special powers and can see possible futures. She is an integral part of most of the futures he can see.

I was very impressed by this book. Ms. Bigelow has created some fascinating characters who will stay with me for quite some time. She has also created a story that is most definitely a "page-turner." Michael and Broken grabbed me on the first page and wouldn't let me go until I had completed their journey with them. My heart broke or cheered for them depending on what page I was on. Along the way I got to see the author's idea of what the future might be and what that new world (actually, new worlds) will hold. It's a dark place, but not hopeless. Kind of like now.

Just as a point of interest, this book is being somewhat presented as a YA title. That shouldn't stop you if you're over the age of 18. I am several decades over the age of 18 and enjoyed every minute of it. I've heard through the grapevine that the author is going to be creating more stories that take place in this future world. I'm looking forward to them.

Fighting Foreseen Futures

This book gets a fantastic 5 out of 5 gnomes for being a superb story with complex characters that you will find yourself truly caring about.

First of all this is a dystopian story about superheroes, so if you like superheroes or reading about dystopian futures then this story is definitely for you.

The story is told from two points of view, that of Michael and Broken. It's great to see the world through these very different characters. Michael is full of hope and Broken acts well broken and in the beginning doesn't have much if any hope left about the world.

Michael Forward is on a quest that he's known about his entire life. He can see possible futures by just looking into someones eyes or even his own reflection in a mirror. His quest/goal that he's been seeing for pretty much his entire life is that he has to be in the right place to find a baby and keep this baby away from the current government. The baby will either save humanity from all the horribleness and corruption that's a part of everyday life or he will be a major conqueror of the world. To accomplish this he has to have the help of an extrahuman (superhero) who nobody has seen for a long time. He must find both the baby and the superhero because without the hero he can't succeed.

Broken is the superhero that he's looking for but she's seen better days. She used to call herself Silverwyng and be a part of Union Tower, where they keep all the extrahumans. Her powers were flying and super fast healing. Broken can actually die and come back to life so she's like a super powerful² version of Wolverine. Her powers also remind me of a lizard or starfish because it seems that she can grow back any part of her body that's lost. She left the tower after losing her power to fly, now lives on the streets and is drunk most of the time. Their first meeting is especially memorable because she's just finished trying to kill herself but once again it didn't work.

Much of the world is seen on their travels as they follow Michael's visions of possibilities through to the end. There's a palpable sense of danger and tension throughout the story. The reader gets to see the world where the United States isn't a top superpower anymore. Wars and bombings have left many ruins. The government is failing and a dictatorship like regime is on the cusp of taking over. Things are bleak and Michael's quest seems to be the only event that could lead humanity in the right direction.

I think it's great that the potential savior or overlord of the human race is named Ian. It’s a good name but not one that really makes people picture a great hero.

This journey is all about possibilities and choices and the effects they can have on people and the future. What the future holds is full of possibilities but in the end they all seem to be heading in the right direction.

I usually don't like stories where so much has to be sacrificed. The actions of the characters that make major sacrifices actually felt justified and even heroic. The story comes full circle, it begins and ends with a letter from a great prophet talking about the possibilities of what will happen in the future. I really enjoyed the ending of this story because it felt like the characters all get to have the redemption and lives that they deserve.

Overall this is a great stand alone story full of sacrifices, secrets and mystery. This is one dystopian tale with plenty of heart that is well worth reading.

I was really surprised by Broken. I've seen a lot of superhero movies, but had never read a superhero novel. I had assumed that superheroes just wouldn't work in novel form. Broken showed me the error of my ways.

Broken was a superhero named Silverwyng before she lost the ability to fly. Now she's a homeless alcoholic who is killed often but just can't seem to stay dead. As she tries to help Michael save a baby he psychically sees as the savior to their unstable world, she begins to face her own demons along the way.

Michael is the heart of the story. He cares in a world where people have lost hope. He risks his life time and again (and knows it since he can see his own future by looking in the mirror) to give the world a chance at happiness in the future. In Broken, Michael is the character you root for, care about, and inevitably come to love.

Broken is a dark story with a troubled superhero battling more than just villains. This was a fantastic debut novel for Susan Jane Bigelow and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

It all begins with a cryptic message written by someone in the past about the future...which is Michael Forward's here and now. He has been chosen for a task far greater than a man, let alone a boy of his years could be expected to carry out....yet he will try nonetheless. His success or failure means a world of difference to mankind as a whole. Will the threads of hope so sparsely seen in his visions of the future hold together long enough for him to see his "mission" through?

The story is delivered in a broken format, that is it switches back and forth between what IS happening and what is being remembered or foreseen. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but once you catch on it's not as noticeable. The story line itself is grand in nature with reprecussions felt no matter what choice is made (just like life), but the real magic is in the characters created. Each one has a unique personality, a voice to be heard even if they refrain from speaking often....but they also have faults (some in bigger ways than others), an aspect that many authors tend to gloss over despite the fact that it makes them even more real in the eyes of readers.
Though there are a few stagnant parts, overall this was an interesting read from start to finish. You never quite know where the next page turn will take you....even with Michael's glimpses into the future...making this one hard to put down. A caution to readers, there is colorful language at times as well as a few sensual scenes. It didn't inhibit my reading of the book or enjoyment of the story, but just be aware.

Recommended for fans of the YA genre who like a good sci-fi or dystopian twist to their reads. This title is scheduled for release on 01/25/11 from Candlemark & Gleam. Review was made from an ARC of the eBook. Happy reading!