I’ve read innumerable novels, ranging from vast fantasy sagas to character-driven dramas, but Elizabeth Helen’s “Broken by Daylight” surprised me. I like the fantasy-romance genre, and I’m grateful to have discovered this audiobook, which provides an ideal balance of intrigue, passion, and imagination. This audiobook, the fourth in Helen’s Beasts of the Briar series, is not my first experience with fantasy romance, nor will it be my last. I’ll compare it to comparable works, provide deep insights into its narrative and characters, and thoroughly examine its finale, as well as explain why this story stands apart.
Getting Into “Broken By Daylight”
I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks, but this one stood out to me because of its mix of sadness and brightness, as well as its reinvention of the famous Beauty and the Beast story. “Broken by Daylight” is more than simply another romance; it has a deeper fantasy universe that distinguishes it. Helen’s writing seemed instantly recognizable after finishing Sarah J. Maas’s other favorite book, A Court of Thorns and Roses. The book’s blend of forbidden love, complicated people, and a high-stakes search for survival reminded me of Maas and Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air trilogy, particularly the moral intricacies and nuanced relationships.
In my review, I’ll focus on the audiobook, which brings the tale to life via its delivery, as well as the nuanced interactions between Rosie, Dayton, and the three High Princes from other kingdoms. But first, let’s get into the narrative.
Plot Summary: A Tale of Darkness and Light
“Broken by Daylight” is set in the war-torn Enchanted Vale, where Rosie, a kidnapped princess, is drawn into a web of political intrigue and ancient magic. This isn’t your standard damsel in distress scenario. Rosie is fated to be the mate of three great High Princes, each reigning over the kingdoms of Spring, Summer, and Autumn, giving the story its distinct character. She gets engaged in a perilous battle with Dayton, the gloomy Summer Prince, to acquire the Bow of Radiance, an ancient item critical to halting the evil forces that threaten the kingdom. The tournament itself consists of a series of grueling tasks that put their wit, strength, and friendship to the test.
One feature I liked was how Helen linked Rosie’s rising feelings to her bigger role as a ruler. Rosie is torn between love and duty, making her internal problems as compelling as the exterior threats she encounters. Her bond with Dayton is very passionate. He’s the paradigm of the grouchy prince with a hidden depth, like Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses or Cardan from The Folk of the Air. Their connection is apparent, and their love trajectory drives the majority of the story’s emotional tension.
This tale, however, is not just about romance. The stakes are great, and the coming conflict makes everything even more urgent. The interactions between Rosie and the other two princes—one representing Spring with a mild disposition and the other an Autumn prince with a more vicious edge—add depth to the plot. Their world is perilous, and alliances change often. Helen succeeds at blurring the borders between friend and foe, lover and betrayer, and hero and villain.
Audiobook Experience: Performance Enhances the Story.
The audiobook edition is a success. A great narrative may become even more immersive when accompanied by the correct narrator, and “Broken by Daylight” excels in this regard. The narrator has a powerful presence, with different voices for each character that draw you into the story. The vocal delivery brings Rosie’s fragility and courage to life, as well as Dayton’s frigid façade concealing a genuinely protective nature and the simmering tension between them.
The audiobook’s pace was well-executed, precisely mimicking the increasing suspense and passionate moments in the novel. The narrator’s tone heightens the emotional tension between Rosie and Dayton, particularly at the tournament’s most tense moments, making it a difficult audiobook to put down.
Comparison: Familiar, Yet Fresh
While Broken by Daylight reminded me of other renowned fantasy series, such as Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, it yet seems new, thanks to its unique reworking of the Beauty and the Beast mythology. Rosie’s arc, in which she navigates not just love relationships but also her increasing sense of authority and destiny, distinguishes her as a more engaged and strong heroine.
Furthermore, the intricacy of the High Princes’ personalities, particularly Dayton, reminded me of ethically ambiguous characters in Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air. Helen’s High Princes, like Black’s characters, are difficult to categorize as purely good or evil. Dayton’s frigid demeanor conceals layers of confused allegiance and emotion, making him a captivating figure.
What distinguishes Helen’s work is her ability to smoothly integrate these recognized cliches with a fast-paced storyline that maintains emotional depth. While the larger world’s stakes are high, the core of the narrative is anchored in the relationships and decisions of its primary protagonists.
Spoilers: Explaining the Ending
Let’s speak about the finale (spoiler warning!). After surviving the arduous competition, Rosie and Dayton ultimately retrieve the Bow of Radiance, but their success is bittersweet. The last encounter with the dark powers uncovers more betrayals than anybody expected. Rosie discovers her actual history and realizes she is connected to more than just the princes, which adds an unexpected twist to the plot.
While the tournament seems to be a hunt for the artifact, it also serves to evaluate Rosie’s true ability as a ruler. Her capacity to wield the Bow is tied to both her heritage and her ability to bring the split kingdoms together. However, Rosie’s actions in the final fight have far-reaching implications for her relationship with Dayton. Dayton is left wondering not just about their future together, but also about Rosie’s ability to manage the terrible energies she has summoned throughout the struggle.
The finale leaves significant unanswered concerns, notably concerning Rosie’s involvement in the impending conflict and her developing abilities. However, it sets up a gripping battle for the next novel, as Rosie must confront her own dark side while simultaneously preparing to fight external dangers to her realm.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
“Broken by Daylight” is a compelling combination of romance, fantasy, and moral dilemma. Elizabeth Helen’s characters are well-developed, with personal adventures connected with broader problems that provide depth and interest to the plot. The audiobook format improves the experience, making it a more engaging listen.
If you appreciate fantasy romance with complicated characters, massive stakes, and a touch of darkness, this is the novel for you. Fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Jennifer L. Armentrout will feel right at home in the setting of the Enchanted Vale, but Helen’s distinct writing style ensures that this isn’t simply another fairy tale retelling—it’s a story that stands on its own, complete with twists, emotions, and surprises.
For anyone searching for a new series to get into, “Broken by Daylight” is a captivating trip that’s well worth the time. And if you like audiobooks, this one is a must-listen.
