The Unbroken
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Fantasy fiction |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Founder | C. L. Clark |
| Products | Epic fantasy novel |
The Unbroken is the 2021 debut epic fantasy novel by C. L. Clark, inaugurating the Magic of the Lost trilogy and succeeded by The Faithless in 2023. It received widespread critical praise for its treatment of colonialism within a fantasy framework and was shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the British Fantasy Award, Ignyte Award, Locus Award, and Nebula Award.
Plot
The colony of Qazāl, once part of the Shālan Empire, falls under the rule of the Empire of Balladaire, which outlaws religion as "uncivilized" despite persistent opposition. The Balladairan regime forcibly recruits Qazāli children into its military ranks; Touraine is among those conscripted.
As an adult soldier, Touraine serves in a unit called the Sands and accompanies Princess Luca—heir apparent—to Qazāl's capital city, El-Wast. Luca’s objective is to strengthen her claim to the throne against her uncle Nicholas by demonstrating effective governance over the colony.
When Touraine prevents an assassination attempt on Luca, she is wrongfully charged with killing a guard. After Luca intervenes to save her, Touraine is discharged from military service and becomes Luca’s attendant. Acting on Luca’s behalf, Touraine secretly negotiates with Qazāli insurgents while gradually developing romantic feelings for the princess. Luca expresses curiosity about Shālan religious practices and magic, which remain prohibited under Balladaire’s rule. Touraine discovers that her biological mother Jaghotai leads the rebellion alongside Djasha, a defrocked priest, and Aranen, a healer.
During negotiations, Luca consents to supplying firearms to the rebels. Concerned that her comrades in the Sands will suffer amid the resulting conflict, Touraine betrays Luca by alerting General Cantic, causing talks to collapse and triggering an uprising. Aligning herself with the rebels, Touraine is believed dead by Luca. The insurgents form an alliance with the Many-Legged desert tribe, practitioners of animal magic, who unleash famine and plague devastating Balladairan forces.
The rebels launch an assault on the Balladairan Quartier to liberate the Sands. In a confrontation with General Cantic, Djasha is killed, Touraine is captured, and the rebellion suffers defeat. Facing execution by firing squad, Touraine accesses Shālan magic; Aranen kills Cantic in the ensuing chaos. Luca agrees to evacuate Qazāl to ensure Balladaire’s safety while Touraine remains behind to assist in rebuilding El-Wast.
Major themes
Set against a backdrop influenced by North Africa, the novel delves deeply into themes of colonialism. Publishers Weekly observed that Touraine embodies the tension between colonizer and colonized identities. The forcible abduction and military conscription of Qazāli children serve as poignant symbols of colonial trauma.
Reception
Publishers Weekly bestowed a starred review, describing it as "a compelling narrative that succeeds both as high fantasy and insightful cultural critique." Library Journal also awarded a starred review, commending its rich worldbuilding alongside its examination of racism, colonial domination, and forced military service.
Maya Clark’s review in Locus praised Touraine’s nuanced character arc and the story’s sophisticated depiction of power relations. Lightspeed emphasized the intricate romantic dynamic between Luca and Touraine while highlighting themes such as disability, healing magic, and religious belief. Strange Horizons lauded its "captivating, subversive characters" and exploration of colonial issues but noted uneven pacing around both midpoint and conclusion.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Goodreads Choice Award | Fantasy | Template:Sho |
| Nebula Award | Best Novel | Template:Sho | |
| 2022 | British Fantasy Award | Robert Holdstock Award for Best Fantasy Novel | Template:Sho |
| Ignyte Award | Best Novel: Adult | Template:Sho | |
| Locus Award | Best First Novel | Template:Sho |