Broken Aro (The Broken Ones)

Setting is a character, and this setting was very interesting and well thought-out. The creativity needed build this sort of world should not be underestimated, especially because this is perhaps the thousandth iteration reinventing Elves, Dragons, and Fey - and it works. The supporting characters were also quite enjoyable and generally well-developed. There were great displays of self-sacrifice by two of the men alongside the heroine, Aro, as well as acts of brotherly love by the other men surrounding her.

I would dare even say that this is a fantasy tale about various manifestations of love (romantically, brotherly, etc.) and that's something the overall genre sometimes lacks. But while "Broken Aro" is a high-flying adventure, it isn't without noticeable flaws.

The protagonist, Arowyn Mason, didn't seem to fit into this world. She felt too modern. Her constant use of the exclamation "gah" (modern slang), for example, kept throwing me out of the story. Also, the novel never explained the expectations of women in this culture, which left me with no basis to judge how Aro acted. Another issue was a sort of cyclical character growth Aro exhibited: a moment would arrive when I felt satisfied that Aro had learned something new and grown as a character, but then in the next chapter she would return to her set point as if nothing had changed.

Perhaps, though, I have become accustomed to kick-ass fantasy heroines: today's female protagonists who have their emotional moments, but fight through to the end with tough strength. Instead, Aro portrayed a level of naivety that might be frustrating to some... but I found it refreshing in a world with a surfeit of way-tough women. Jen Wylie displays a knack in story-telling and with further sharpening of those skills could become a master of the mainstream fantasy genre.

This book isn't what I expected at all. Let's just get that out there right now. And pretty much if I had to sum up my review in one sentence it would go something like "I. Am. In. Love. With. This. Book. AHHH!"

Fantastic writing, incredible story, phenomenal setting, fantastic characters! Love, love, love, love, love ALL the main characters! And there are so many twists and turns and heart pounding moments and it made me laugh and cry and this book put butterflies in my stomach!

I couldn't stop reading it and as soon as I finished I wanted more.

Now for the part of the review that isn't me just fangirling . . .

There was one scene that looked like it was going to get really bad. And it kinda made me uncomfortable and I was terrified that afterwards it was going to be one of those things that kept getting mentioned. But nothing ACTUALLY happened and while Aro did think about it, nothing went into detail, and I think the situation was handled very well.

Okay, back to fangirling . . . oh my goodness I love this book!!!!! And one more thing I forgot to mention, I hate books with a whiney damsel in distress and a fancy prince coming to the rescue, so I try and stay away from books with Prince Charming. However, I would gladly be a damsel in distress for the Prince in this book! . . . Just saying.

I was HOOKED from the first page, from the first paragraph! The writing is just very clear, and this was a new journey for me. The storyline is one I haven't read before.

The characterization was just great! I loved Aro. She's just so strong as she escapes one bad situation, falls into another and then lands into yet another one. First her brothers and then the friends she makes on the slave boat are easy to relate to. I would have liked a bit deeper characterization of the brothers, maybe, but only to make the feel of their loss more...MORE if that makes any sense whatsoever.

The journey these guys go on is remarkable, and at times, breathtaking! The descriptions were fantastic. I really felt like I was part of the story!

All in all, GREAT book! I HIGHLY recommend it! This is definitely a MUST READ!

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Just finished this book and have to admit loved it. The book is aimed towards young adults (ya) genre but this doesn't stop anyone from reading it. The story kept me engrossed to such an extent that I had it finished in a couple of days and can't wait for the next part of the series. Great storyline and well narrated from the view point of a young woman. At time it feels like the story is slowing down but this allows the reader time to get to know the characters more. I would totally recommend this book especially to female readers and I,m sure there is plenty there for the lads too. very few spelling mistakes and altogether well put together. Will keep an eye out for this author...

WOW..Just wow. It's been so long since i loved a book that much! I have actually already ordered it printed, because i really want to re-read it and have it in my small library.Come to me book! COME!

The book is exactly what i like. Fantasy in another world, with all those amazing races (elves,dragons,etc). Mystery and adventure surrounds the world and it's concentrated on the relationships between the characters (family and friends) and the story itself. Jen Wylie is an author who doesn't hide the truth about the world (there is violence,deaths etc) without being too graphic. When something is to happen, it will happen no matter if it would make it better to have a happy ending.

A book that makes you not only love all the characters, but get to know them so well. Even though you follow only Aro's POV, you get to chance through scenes to understand and meet all the characters and feel for them. And of course our main characters are all so well structured and in depth. I thought i was there with them through the whole story.

And there are dragons too :p

One of the easiest 5 stars i've given this year.

There’s nothing better than to sit and read a book that will envelope you in its tale of mystical fantasy with a splash of a dystopian feel. The tension and stress truly felt throughout the story. The movement of the story kept a wildly excited pace, yeah I know what you are thinking how can wildly + excited = pace? Read the book and find out…. Arowyn, who is she? Fifteen year old wearing castoffs of old army clothes and a chopped up haircut. Trained to fight with arrows and knives taking blow by blows fisticuffs. Succumbed to chains but wait the prophecy awaits and it calls out. You are introduced to the mythical creatures of an Elf, Fey, Weres, and the all powerful slit eye Dragon. Eyes burned red, eyes turn orange or eyes cool blue, what with the eye colors? You know what I am going to say right, read the book. Prince aboard and prince of wild why does the ears matters? Stomach lurching and hurling it’s content, have to find warmth now one must hide it’s secret. Secrets run rapid, secrets create mistrust, how do they fix it? Fist coming, hands protecting face, arms protecting vital areas, block, grab, pin and shudder for breath. The purple stuff, herbs of some sort becomes the healing herb in this rat tag of a group, but some use it more than others. Friendship becomes more than friendship and it is tested to the core. Some must depart not of their doing pain in the heart of woe. Move on a path to discovery as they look around, what are they missing? This story will engage your emotions, tears will fall and anger will take hold of you all the while waiting and anticipating their next move. Always waiting and wondering what will happen or to whom the trouble waits for. Walk with grace, wild with dangerous intentions and claws and fangs extended, bound and bind thy self and heal all the while the feelings is genuine. Dragon knows, mind search and soon the prophecy is told. Laugh they must but now it’s done. Whew, awesome and I mean mind blowing good. Jen Wylie’s writing is pure ecstasy, penned to paper that showcase an array of thrill, exhilaration and elation. Don’t get me wrong I got angry , livid at times and very irate too. The story caused all this reaction of emotions, so thank you. Oh one more thing, violence of fight scenes were present but all in all a wonderful story. I like how it started and how it ended, just perfect., fairytale? I read this book in one sitting, my eyes glued to each page until I hit the end. I received this book through a giveaway and this is my honest review. On with book two, “Broken Prince.” Thank you! Darlene Cruz

This was a fun book with likeable characters. Very easy read.

Separated from her brothers while attempting to escape when slavers attack their town, Aro wakes to find herself in chains in the hold of a slave ship surrounded by men. Her brothers' plan to disguise her as a young man seems to have succeeded. One of the prisoners, a young man named Kei, offers a bond of friendship and protection, Fey magic that will tie them together forever.

Befriended by six of the men in the hold with her, they struggle to survive when the ship founders and sinks in a storm. One man dies before making it to shore. The remaining survivors gather head out to put as much distance from the sea as possible. The slavers that didn't perish aren't giving up and pursue the group. The friends find a place in town to stay, not having any plans past winter. Avery and Aro both come down with the sickness that has hit so many others.

A book that begins with a dragon thousands of years old soaring in the sky can't possibly go wrong. When that dragon can take human form things just get better. Wylie has all my favorite elements in her story: Fey, Elves, Were and a prophecy to figure out. I found this to be an easy and captivating book to read. Her characters are fun and easy to connect with. I enjoyed my visit to the worldscape she created so much that I keep sneaking in a few lines of the sequel when I should simply finish this review. Well written, well edited. A 5-star introduction to this world. I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was given this book for an honest review, I absolutely loved it. I didn't want to put it down. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. The characters were great, There is Aro who is a strong female character, Kei and Prince who will do anything to keep her safe, Bo and Cain and Avery who become family. They are on an adventure through new territory where there are Fey, Elves, were and a dragon. The book had me smiling as well as brought a tear to my eye.
There is loss of loved ones, love for a new family, an exciting journey, unlikely allies, and lots of secrets. There is a little of everything which was what made this book so wonderful. Jen Wylie did a great job at drawing the reader in.

I was given this book for an honest review, I absolutely loved it. I didn't want to put it down. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. The characters were great, There is Aro who is a strong female character, Kei and Prince who will do anything to keep her safe, Bo and Cain and Avery who become family. They are on an adventure through new territory where there are Fey, Elves, were and a dragon. The book had me smiling as well as brought a tear to my eye.
There is loss of loved ones, love for a new family, an exciting journey, unlikely allies, and lots of secrets. There is a little of everything which was what made this book so wonderful. Jen Wylie did a great job at drawing the reader in.