A crossroads can be a place of great power. So begins this deliciously spine-tingling prequel to Kate Milford’s The Boneshaker, set in the colorful world of nineteenth-century Coney Island and New York City. Few crossroads compare to the one being formed by the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River, and as the bridge’s construction progresses, forces of unimaginable evil seek to bend that power to their advantage. Only two orphans with unusual skills stand in their way. Can the teenagers Sam, a card sharp, and Jin, a fireworks expert, stop them before it’s too late? Here is a richly textured, slow-burning thriller about friendship, courage, and the age-old fight between good and evil.
The Broken Lands
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up-This spine-tingling, action-packed, and emotionally powerful prequel to The Boneshaker (Clarion, 2010) can stand on its own and has much to offer discerning readers. Once upon a time, a woodsman was granted three wishes by a beautiful, uncanny woman, but he used them in a selfish, foolish way. So great were his crimes that not even the devil would let him enter into Hell. So Jack roams the world, searching for a place with a powerful crossroads. In 1877, New York City seems the perfect place to make into hell. He has sent his evil emissaries to kill or convert the five pillars of New York: five people charged with protecting the city. Fifteen-year-old orphan and cardsharp Sam Noctiluca is an unlikely hero, but when he befriends Jin, a young Chinese fireworks-maker, they are drawn into the battle. Soon they, and a ragtag cast of heroes, are the only ones who stand between New York and the supernatural forces of evil. While on the surface this is a simple tale of good versus evil, the book is richly fleshed out and overflows with folklore, Chinese alchemy, and historically accurate details. It also beautifully addresses the themes of friendship and loss and the healing power of innocent love. Offermann's delicate black-and-white illustrations contain a sense of innocence that further accentuates the contrast between Sam's group and the frightening evil that threatens the city.-Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, COα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
From Booklist
In this prequel of sorts to The Boneshaker (2010), Milford again paints a painstaking portrait of a time (1877) and a place (Coney Island), and she casts the whole affair as a dark fairy tale pitting folk heroes against well-mannered demons happy to engage in, say, a card game with very high stakes. Our not-quite-human villains have decided that New York City would be a fine place to start up a new Hell. But to do it they must kill or turn the “pillars”—a group of five people who guard the true power structure of the city. Heading up the defense is 15-year-old huckster Sam and his new friend (and perhaps more?) Jin, a fireworks expert in a traveling show. Both kids have tortured pasts—Sam lost his parents and Jin was a Chinese “small-foot girl”—but their relationship is a joy, simultaneously stubborn and halting, rambunctious and shy. This is a tad on the long side, though you can’t fault Milford for getting carried away. By and large, this is subject matter left untouched by other YA authors. Grades 5-8. --Daniel Kraus
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More About the Author
Kate is the author of THE BONESHAKER and THE BROKEN LANDS (both from Clarion Books), as well as their companion novella, THE KAIROS MECHANISM (available at www.clockworkfoundry.com). She has also written several plays, a couple of screenplays, and an assortment of scholarly articles on subjects as diverse as self-aware ironmongery and how to make saltwater taffy in a haunted kitchen. She is also a contributing writer for the Nagspeake Board of Tourism and Culture at www.nagspeake.com and a passionate shutterbug. Originally from Annapolis, she now splits her time between Brooklyn and the Magothy coast. She has a husband called Nathan and two dogs called Sprocket and Ed, and drinks way too much coffee.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This book is set in an alternate history New York of 1877 and populated with a diverse and appealing cast of characters. It's a fantasy, a battle of good vs. evil, and a coming of age tale. And it's magical. It captured me almost instantly.
A force of evil is coming to New York, and his advance troops- a couple of supernatural beings- are planning on delivering the city to him. But they aren't the only supernatural beings in the city, and when some of them get wind of the plot, a small group forms to stop them. It's a diverse group: people with magical powers, teen aged orphans, and a journalist who actually existed, Ambrose Bierce. The teenagers risk their lives numerous times and have a huge learning curve to develop the skills that will allow them to take on the evil beings, but while they question their ability to do the job (and their sanity for trying it), they persevere. It's a large cast of characters, but the main ones are Sam, a 15 year old card sharp, and Jinn, a young maker of explosives who travels with a fireworks show.
Milford tackles -lightly- some of the social issues of the day that would have affected the characters, like race and class prejudice. Jinn is a Chinese girl, Sam is poor, one character is black and poor, and one half black- but thankfully she has money. Not that that protects her entirely from the nastiness of bigots. There is also the issue of how poor Chinese girls could end up treated when there was no one to protect them, feet bound and used as slaves. These things are treated casually and not much is made of them -it's just how it was then - but it's there. The author has not tried to clean up the world of 1877 and make it look like 2012, and I think that's a very good thing.
The characters are appealing and well done, and the plot is compelling, but Milford's genius is in description. The places come alive with sounds, textures and smells. The magic becomes real in her hands, and I was reluctant to leave her world when the book ended.
A force of evil is coming to New York, and his advance troops- a couple of supernatural beings- are planning on delivering the city to him. But they aren't the only supernatural beings in the city, and when some of them get wind of the plot, a small group forms to stop them. It's a diverse group: people with magical powers, teen aged orphans, and a journalist who actually existed, Ambrose Bierce. The teenagers risk their lives numerous times and have a huge learning curve to develop the skills that will allow them to take on the evil beings, but while they question their ability to do the job (and their sanity for trying it), they persevere. It's a large cast of characters, but the main ones are Sam, a 15 year old card sharp, and Jinn, a young maker of explosives who travels with a fireworks show.
Milford tackles -lightly- some of the social issues of the day that would have affected the characters, like race and class prejudice. Jinn is a Chinese girl, Sam is poor, one character is black and poor, and one half black- but thankfully she has money. Not that that protects her entirely from the nastiness of bigots. There is also the issue of how poor Chinese girls could end up treated when there was no one to protect them, feet bound and used as slaves. These things are treated casually and not much is made of them -it's just how it was then - but it's there. The author has not tried to clean up the world of 1877 and make it look like 2012, and I think that's a very good thing.
The characters are appealing and well done, and the plot is compelling, but Milford's genius is in description. The places come alive with sounds, textures and smells. The magic becomes real in her hands, and I was reluctant to leave her world when the book ended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Kate Milford's "The Boneshaker", published in 2010, is a marvelous piece of work. The depression era atmosphere, and a compelling heroine with the feel of Scout from "To Kill A Mockingbird", are transformed in "Boneshaker" into a Wandering Jack American folk tale worthy of Ray Bradbury and "Something Wicked This Way Comes". This book, "The Broken Lands" is a prequel, of sorts, with an overlapping secondary character, but set in post-Civil War New York City. It is a dry and workmanlike effort, with none of the heart or magic of its predecessor.
It is way too long and chock full of every piece of research the author ever did. We learn about Chinese fireworks, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, post-Civil War unrest in New York, the Five-Points neighborhood (made famous in Scorcese's "Gangs of New York"), and dozens of other little factoids. That would be O.K., except most of this is transmitted through dialogue that consists almost entirely of exposition and explanation. Characters spend much of the book describing things to each other, explaining things to each other, or asking and answering questions about what exactly is happening in the book. Every thirty pages or so the story has to come to a complete halt so that someone in a bar, or carriage, or other character meeting, can explain something to the other characters the way a kid would give a student report in class. Needless to say this pretty much kills any dramatic tension or any narrative flow. As for magic, or at least wonder, there is one chapter given over to a single Wandering Jack story that is, first, one of the least interesting of the Jack stories, and second, told in the flattest, driest and least animated fashion possible.
None of the characters, including the young hero and heroine, the supposedly colorful and mysterious secondary characters, and all of the villains, have any depth or energy, and some are indistinguishable from each other.
All of that said, this book mostly suffers by comparison because "The Boneshaker" is so good. One's disappointment probably unfairly colors one's reaction to this effort. So, compared to other YA books out there, this is still a tolerable choice, and is undeniably well-crafted and workmanlike. Just remember - if you didn't like this, still try "The Boneshaker"; if you expect another "Boneshaker", you may want to readjust your expectations.
Please note that I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
It is way too long and chock full of every piece of research the author ever did. We learn about Chinese fireworks, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, post-Civil War unrest in New York, the Five-Points neighborhood (made famous in Scorcese's "Gangs of New York"), and dozens of other little factoids. That would be O.K., except most of this is transmitted through dialogue that consists almost entirely of exposition and explanation. Characters spend much of the book describing things to each other, explaining things to each other, or asking and answering questions about what exactly is happening in the book. Every thirty pages or so the story has to come to a complete halt so that someone in a bar, or carriage, or other character meeting, can explain something to the other characters the way a kid would give a student report in class. Needless to say this pretty much kills any dramatic tension or any narrative flow. As for magic, or at least wonder, there is one chapter given over to a single Wandering Jack story that is, first, one of the least interesting of the Jack stories, and second, told in the flattest, driest and least animated fashion possible.
None of the characters, including the young hero and heroine, the supposedly colorful and mysterious secondary characters, and all of the villains, have any depth or energy, and some are indistinguishable from each other.
All of that said, this book mostly suffers by comparison because "The Boneshaker" is so good. One's disappointment probably unfairly colors one's reaction to this effort. So, compared to other YA books out there, this is still a tolerable choice, and is undeniably well-crafted and workmanlike. Just remember - if you didn't like this, still try "The Boneshaker"; if you expect another "Boneshaker", you may want to readjust your expectations.
Please note that I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Kate Milford has combined fantasy and historical details in her latest novel, "The Broken Lands." In a battle between good and evil, friendship and love; courage; and self sacrifice are emphasized. The historical setting - late 1800's New York City - as well as the glimpse into immigrants' lives as they help build this country adds to the scope of "The Broken Lands." Social issues and cultural mores comprise a portion of the narrative; these add to the novel's depth rather than becoming preachy or pedantic elements which might interfere with the reader's experience.
The principle characters, Sam Noctiluca - a young card sharp whose father was killed during construction of the Brooklyn Bridge - and Jin - an orphaned Chinese girl whose background is even more tragic - are allowed to develop as individuals and to grow in their relationships with others. Sam learns to trust in himself; Jin in herself. The two learn they must trust in one another and in others to achieve their goal. They are allowed to mature and are given a depth of character that moves the story forward and makes their actions believable. Secondary characters Tom Guyot and Walter Mapp, in addition to Liao who is Jin's mentor, provide an element of mystery and mysticism. Susannah, whose half-sister sacrificed her own life so that Jack Hellcoal's plan might be stopped; Constantine Liri, Sam's friend; and Illana Ponzi, the landlady's daughter play important roles in the story.
Detailed, descriptive passages add to the appeal of this novel. "The Broken Lands" is a wonderful and exciting book. In the grip of this novel, I found myself silently cheering for Sam and Jin; hoping they would be able to defeat Jack Hellcoal's plan. On pins and needles, I turned page after page as the "pillars" are hunted and the novel races toward its conclusion. Evil characters are menacing; their threats are frightening. The situations, emotions, and characters are often so authentic that one may forget this is a fantasy.
The novel's story contains elements that brought memories of the 9/11 attacks on Towers 1 and 2 of the World Trade Center. Jack Hellcoal seeks to create Hell on earth - Hell is a place of fire and death. The attack by Hellcoal's minions is to take place at the two towers of the Brooklyn Bridge; fiery explosions will either further Hellcoal's goal or will thwart his attack. Walker, his front man, creates and directs Bones - the instrument of bringing deaths which will terrorize the populace - from sand. That sand is found on the waterfront of New York City, it was already inside the "targeted" location. Ordinary citizens must overcome their own fears and band together to rescue the city and its people; courage and self sacrifice will be called for.
Well written and imaginative, "The Broken Lands" is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages of readers. Parents should note that it does contain some intense scenes of violence which might disturb less mature readers. I look forward to reading other novels written by Kate Milford - "The Broken Lands" is an excellent novel and deserves its 5-star rating.
The principle characters, Sam Noctiluca - a young card sharp whose father was killed during construction of the Brooklyn Bridge - and Jin - an orphaned Chinese girl whose background is even more tragic - are allowed to develop as individuals and to grow in their relationships with others. Sam learns to trust in himself; Jin in herself. The two learn they must trust in one another and in others to achieve their goal. They are allowed to mature and are given a depth of character that moves the story forward and makes their actions believable. Secondary characters Tom Guyot and Walter Mapp, in addition to Liao who is Jin's mentor, provide an element of mystery and mysticism. Susannah, whose half-sister sacrificed her own life so that Jack Hellcoal's plan might be stopped; Constantine Liri, Sam's friend; and Illana Ponzi, the landlady's daughter play important roles in the story.
Detailed, descriptive passages add to the appeal of this novel. "The Broken Lands" is a wonderful and exciting book. In the grip of this novel, I found myself silently cheering for Sam and Jin; hoping they would be able to defeat Jack Hellcoal's plan. On pins and needles, I turned page after page as the "pillars" are hunted and the novel races toward its conclusion. Evil characters are menacing; their threats are frightening. The situations, emotions, and characters are often so authentic that one may forget this is a fantasy.
The novel's story contains elements that brought memories of the 9/11 attacks on Towers 1 and 2 of the World Trade Center. Jack Hellcoal seeks to create Hell on earth - Hell is a place of fire and death. The attack by Hellcoal's minions is to take place at the two towers of the Brooklyn Bridge; fiery explosions will either further Hellcoal's goal or will thwart his attack. Walker, his front man, creates and directs Bones - the instrument of bringing deaths which will terrorize the populace - from sand. That sand is found on the waterfront of New York City, it was already inside the "targeted" location. Ordinary citizens must overcome their own fears and band together to rescue the city and its people; courage and self sacrifice will be called for.
Well written and imaginative, "The Broken Lands" is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages of readers. Parents should note that it does contain some intense scenes of violence which might disturb less mature readers. I look forward to reading other novels written by Kate Milford - "The Broken Lands" is an excellent novel and deserves its 5-star rating.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Slow starting
Broken Lands was a more difficult read than the first book. It has a glancing relationship with the previous story, really more about being set in the same universe than being told... Read more
Published 10 days ago by PurpleKat
3.0 out of 5 stars
After Boneshaker???
I was really disappointed with this novel after "Boneshaker." "The Broken Lands" just didn't pack the same kind of punch that "Boneshaker" did. Read more
Published 11 days ago by LitWit
5.0 out of 5 stars
Imaginative and vivid storytelling
I haven't read THE BONESHAKER, so I can't compare the two. I will say that I did think this was fabulous, and since reviews seem to suggest that THE BONESHAKER is even better... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anidori-Isilee
1.0 out of 5 stars
Unfortunately, ran out of juice
Although I know that 'Boneshaker' was a hit, not having read it first may have been detrimental to my enjoyment of 'The Broken Lands. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Doc Occula
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dark and disturbing
Set in New York City 1877, this book takes the city and turns it on its head. I loved that this was not only a multidimensional book but a multicultural one including a Chinese... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mary
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mediocre
Kate Milford is a wonderful writer. I enjoyed her first book tremendously which is why I'm quite cross at the moment with THE BROKEN LANDS. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Pam T
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit of a disappointment
I loved Milford's novel "The Boneshaker" and have bought several copies to give away. Even my mom liked it! Read more
Published 5 months ago by Bluerooster
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slow moving, but interesting
This is the first book I've read of Kate Milford's. It was definitely interesting. I enjoyed the characters and the complexities of them, but the switching between characters led... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Kristina J. Petrella
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting Historical Story
This is Milford's exciting prequel to THE BONESHAKER, taking place chiefly on Coney Island during the era in which the Brooklyn Bridge is being completed. Read more
Published 8 months ago by L. M Young
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Enjoyable Fantasy
I loved Kate Milford's The Boneshaker, so I was really looking forward to this one, which just came out on September 4th (I got a review copy from Harcourt Children's Books. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Black Plum
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