Life on the reservation never quite suited Kiara; she wanted to travel the world, go to college, and become a photographer. In Born Torn: Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series by Suz Eglington, we follow along as Kiara's and her mother Willow’s lives are turned upside down by the sudden arrival of her aunt. Never having known her father, or any other family members for that matter, Kiara was stunned to learn that both she and her mother are from an enchanted kingdom. Now, they must return there to remain safe and for Kiara to nurture the magical powers she now finds herself with.

Born Torn by Suz Eglington was not what I expected from the cover; however, I was pleasantly surprised once I started reading. Eglington is talented at creating a beautiful and complex world with intriguing characters. Kiara is exactly the type of female lead I enjoy following in a novel. She is strong-willed yet kind and always does her best in every situation she finds herself in. I also really loved her sassy attitude at the beginning of the book, and even though she had a rebellious attitude toward her mother, it was clear the two shared a strong bond. There are plenty of trials that Kiara must overcome and many battles she must fight while also figuring out who she can trust. There is no shortage of action in Born Torn, and I was thoroughly engrossed throughout the entire book. This is definitely one of those hidden gems, and I would highly recommend any lover of fantasy to give this book a read.

Born Torn is a work of fiction in the fantasy, social issues, and interpersonal drama subgenres, and it forms part of the Kiara Noir Mother Nature book series. Penned by author Suz Eglington, the work is best suited to the mature YA reading audience. The story follows Kiara Noir, a young girl who has spent her life confined to a Colorado reservation, unaware of her extended family or her father's identity, yearning for a greater purpose and adventure in life. As Kiara approaches her sixteenth and a half-birthday, she becomes determined to break free from the strange rituals her mother imposes upon her. With a new list of dreams, including travel, attending college off the reservation, and becoming a renowned photographer, Kiara's life takes an unexpected turn when her aunt arrives and reveals a shocking possibility that Kiara may not be entirely human.

Author Suz Eglington has crafted a compelling tale of self-discovery, challenging choices, and personal growth. Our protagonist Kiara is faced with a pivotal decision that will determine her destiny, and the reader is drawn into this intense journey of identity and purpose, feeling the weight of her choices and the impending consequences with every clever moment of speech and thought presentation. One of the features of the work I especially enjoyed was the exploration of complex emotional themes and empowerment, cast against a moody, atmospheric backdrop and a compelling narrative that blends elements of self-discovery, the supernatural, and the timeless struggle between personal desires and the greater good. Overall, Born Torn is a must-read for fans of thrilling and introspective stories that leave a lasting impact.

Born Torn: Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series by Suz Eglington is a young adult fantasy worth a read. Kiara Noir grew up in Colorado on a reservation. It has always only been her and her mother, Willow. Kiara wanted more in life: travel, college, and to create a coffee table photography book about her adventures. But her mother has always been overly protective, never letting Kiara leave the reservation. The day after her sixteenth-and-a-half birthday, her aunt, Jade, shows up out of the blue, informing Kiara she has a family with a grandmother and cousins. When her mother decides they will go to her home, Kiara’s life changes in a moment. Suddenly, she is introduced to a magical world and told she is next in line to be the queen.

Born Torn by Suz Eglington is a whirlwind of enjoyment from beginning to end. Suz Eglington wrote the character development in Kiara perfectly. She started as a self-centered teenager and turned into a mature seventeen-year-old by the last pages. I loved how Kiara never lost sight of who she was and what she wanted to be. She became mature in her decisions but stayed true to herself. The novel is perfectly written in the first person, which makes it even more enjoyable. Reading everything described in Kiara’s humorous point of view adds to this entertaining read. Waiting until December to read the second novel will be a living hell, but I believe worth the wait.

In Born Torn: Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series by Suz Eglington, readers are introduced to Kiara Noir, a spirited teenager living on a Native American reservation in Colorado, whose insatiable wanderlust clashes with her mother's desire for a quiet life. But on the eve of her sixteenth-and-a-half birthday, her world is turned upside down by enigmatic icy creatures and the sudden appearance of her mysterious Aunt Jade. Forced to abandon their home, Kiara, with her mother, embarks on a perilous journey to a mystical kingdom that holds the key to Kiara's true identity and fast-growing magical powers. As she navigates an unfamiliar realm, treacherous creatures, and conflicting loyalties, Kiara faces a monumental choice that will shape her destiny and the fate of countless others. Will she embrace her heritage or retreat to the familiarity of her old life?

Suz Eglington's Born Torn is a promising start to a young adult fantasy saga with Kiara shining bright as a captivating protagonist. With her quick wit, empathetic heart, and awe-inspiring magical powers, Kiara's trials and triumphs will resonate with readers as she grapples with the demands of two worlds and the weight of her responsibilities. The relentless suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while Kiara's evolving abilities inject thrilling energy into many action-packed scenes beautifully executed through Eglington's writing. The narrative explores themes of identity, family, and the delicate balance between power and duty. The artful storytelling, solid world-building, and compelling characters ensure an enthralling read that will leave readers craving more. Kiara's journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and the pursuit of equilibrium will captivate both new and seasoned readers.