Lee’s Review of Shattered

Shattered (The Roll Models Saga Book 1)

By D.A. Charles

Back Jacket Synopsis:

Eighteenth birthdays only occur once in one’s lifetime and they are supposed to be life changing—fate had a grim sense of humor when she attended Steven’s Maxwell’s party. Irrevocably shattered when a devastating accident changes every aspect of his family dynamic, Steven Maxwell must salvage what’s left of his life; fitting the pieces into a puzzle that not only leads him through recovery, but to discovery, as well.

Abigail Harris has her life all planned out in perfect compartments. Her job. Her family. Her social life. Abby doesn’t have room in her life for the unexpected. She doesn’t have room in her tiny apartment either—especially when not one, but both of her long-divorced parents end up on her threshold within hours of each other.

Enter Abby’s Christmas Eve nightmare, turned medical mystery—the young educator is shattered when her health takes an unexpected detour. Cue providence stepping in and sending an ambassador with a disability who welcomes Abby into his world and shows her—a life with physical limitations is still a life with quality. The Roll Models Saga features dynamic and realistic characters with disabilities, portraying each with respect and realism, complete with flaws and vulnerabilities, each navigating to fulfill their dreams and desires

“The Roll Models Saga is a story that encourages people to follow their dreams. It inspires the truth that you can be whatever your heart desires. Let D.A. Charles take you on a wonderful journey about finding love and receiving love in return. The Roll Models Saga is where fiction, and hope and empowerment collide.” Debra Anastasia - author of The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series

Lee’s Review: With an emphasis on realism, Shattered follows young Steven Maxwell, a paraplegic who has to rebuild his life after a tragic accident leaves him paralyzed and his parents dead.

[Warning: Spoilers in the constructive comments section]

What I loved about this book:

           The realism of this story is its biggest strength and its biggest weakness (more on that below).  In regards to strengths: When Steven wakes up, the slow recovery, along with the myriad of emotions, is presented as realistically as I’ve ever read.  Specific medical terms and processes are discussed at length and in depth.  While I am not in the medical profession, I am in awe of how the doctors, nurses, and support staff approach Steven in the way they would in real life.  Kudos to D.A. Charles’ attention to detail, I am in awe of the realism that puts dramatic medical shows and movies to shame. 

        Steven’s emotional journey is complex and nuanced.  While he does blame himself for his accident, with proper support, he does not wallow in self-pity forever and slowly rebuilds his life, setting about applying to colleges and ultimately medical school.  The literal definition of succeeding with whatever he puts his mind to, he grows into a compassionate, kind individual.  The journey was so inspiring to read.  One of the best disability representations out there.

Steven’s Uncle Logan is also an individual who was given a lot of depth.  He loves his nephew, sure, but also sometimes makes rash decisions that negatively affect Steven, and as a doctor himself, sees the situation with an understanding eye and ultimately wants nothing but the best for Steven.  A fantastic supporting character.  

In addition, Steven’s wife Sophie, and older friend Maddie, along with other mentors, provide much-needed support as Steven navigates recovery.   Most of the people in Steven’s life really mean well and desire nothing but the best for the young man, which was very encouraging to read. 

Extra details like support groups and the President’s views on stem cell research (part of the story is set the mid-to-late 2000s) give the story even more realism and clarity. 

And finally, the introduction of Abby Harris, who wakes up paralyzed mysteriously on Christmas day, provides the final third of the book with a new energy as she navigates her diagnosis and her relationship with her loving father and self-absorbed mother, and her introduction to and developing friendship with Steven was expertly handled.  Excellent addition to the latter half of this book.

Constructive Comments for future works for this author:

[Warning: contains spoilers]

            I have so many mixed feelings about Courtney, Steven’s girlfriend, who initially tries to keep the relationship going after finding out about Steven’s accident. While a bit self-serving, Courtney puts her best face on with everyone and initially seems to love Steven deep down, despite her flaws.  Steven's uncle Logan even encourages Courtney and Steven to have sex and goes away with his wife for the weekend to let them have “alone time”. Then Courtney finds out that Steven is using methods to help him perform and she gets frustrated and leaves - very cruel and wrong. But it’s not just an able-bodied girlfriend leaving an able-bodied boyfriend - Steven is a paraplegic recovering from a tragic accident, and Courtney leaving him alone for the entire weekend is a tragic setback for Steven in the worst way possible.  A part of me really wanted a scene where Logan sat down with Courtney and told her, “I know you love Steven, but if you leave him alone, you’ll be breaking the law.”  Then we’d know exactly what we’re supposed to think of Courtney after she leaves and ends up serving jail time for her decision. But since it was done out of ignorance I struggled with my dueling feelings of thinking she deserved the severity of the bad thing she did while nevertheless feeling that she deserved to know beforehand the consequences of her actions.  The fact that Steven still cared for her afterward made the whole situation even harder.  Maybe I was supposed to hate her, but I still felt a tiny bit of sympathy for Courtney, and I don’t know if that’s what the author intended. 

            Also, the first half of the book had good drama and complexity, but the second half lacked that. The first half expertly navigates recovery realistically with harsh emotions as Steven wrangles losing his parents and his legs.  In the second half, Steven is definitely determined and overcomes obstacles, but it is focused more on his schoolwork and less on his emotional journey.  While all of it is portrayed very realistically, many scenes are just summaries and not expanded and given depth.    It’s just not presented with much drama - there’s a little bit here and there, but not as much as the first half of the book.  There is so still much to love about this book.  So so much!  

A Favorite Quote:

Maddie to Steven: “Look, I’m sure throughout your lifetime you’re going to encounter ignorant people who are going to make you feel like your disability is something to be ashamed of or that it’s too much trouble to include you.  This chair,” She said, pointing to the chrome and plastic contraption he sat in. “It doesn’t change anything.  You are the same guy you’ve always been and I have no intention of abandoning our friendship just because you aren’t walking.”

“Movie” Rating: PG-13, for frank discussions of sexual activity and bodily functions, a disturbing image described (how Logan and Sophie find Steven after Courtney abandons her boyfriend), and some curse words here and there. 

Overall review: I absolutely give a recommendation for this book.  Disability representation is extremely important and D.A. Charles gives a very realistic picture of Steven’s recovery from his accident.  If you’re an older teenager or an adult who loves realistic drama, check out Shattered, by D.A. Charles!

Amazon Link: Amazon.com: Shattered. (The Roll Models Saga Book 1) eBook : Charles, D. A.: Kindle Store

Disclaimer: *Our reviews are solely our opinions and not swayed by any outside factors. The reviews are for fun and not meant to be taken as a professional book endorsement, review, or advice.

Special thanks to my bestie Nikki for helping me condense this review.