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The Broken Ones #1
Broken Aro
Open your eyes to darkness. What do you see? Does the darkness frighten you? Now imagine the darkness being the cargo hold of a slave ship. Your city has fallen. Your family is most likely dead. You don't know anyone around you, and some of them aren't even human. Giving up would be so easy to do, but not for Arowyn Mason. Not after being raised in a military family with seven brothers. Every great story should begin with a plan. Aro’s was to escape and to survive.
Escape comes, but at a price. As they reach the shore, Aro and the other survivors learn that freedom doesn’t mean safety. The slavers want their property back and will do anything to get it. The party uses every ounce of their brute strength, a hearty helping of cunning, and even ancient magics to keep themselves alive. Sickness, danger, and even love surprise them at every turn. Dealing with danger becomes their way of life, but none of them ever considered that nothing can be quite as dangerous as a prophecy. Running turns into another race altogether as her world falls to pieces again and again.
Escape comes, but at a price. As they reach the shore, Aro and the other survivors learn that freedom doesn’t mean safety. The slavers want their property back and will do anything to get it. The party uses every ounce of their brute strength, a hearty helping of cunning, and even ancient magics to keep themselves alive. Sickness, danger, and even love surprise them at every turn. Dealing with danger becomes their way of life, but none of them ever considered that nothing can be quite as dangerous as a prophecy. Running turns into another race altogether as her world falls to pieces again and again.
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2012
115 people are currently reading
3095 people want to read
About the author
Jen Wylie
21 books678 followersJen Wylie was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories.
Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her two boys and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.
EBook review copies available upon request. Please see website for email.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories.
Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her two boys and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.
EBook review copies available upon request. Please see website for email.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
June 28, 2015
I don't remember last times I had such mixed feelings on a novel as much I had reading Broken Aro. I loved and hated it at the same time.
I don't know what to feel right now. I really liked the scene setting but I think that Wylie herself didn't really know her end goal for presenting Aro. She was either presented a child, or a woman, with no golden middle,that one key element that was missing. Transition.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Aro is fifteen. Not five. At the beginning she is described as the youngest in a big family, a military family no less. She knows knives, takes care of herself and has a general awareness of the world around her. She seems sharp and savvy, aware of her age, aware of the current situation that she finds herself in, and has a certain innocence of leading a sheltered life. Her naivete stems from her belief in general goodness, as she was raised in a caring home, rather than ignorance. I liked her from the start.
Than sadly, all that changed. Her town was burned by slavers and she taken hostage with a group of other people. Her brothers hacked her hair off in an effort to disguise her, and it worked. She's stuck in a cargo hold with a bunch of other men, including a Prince and a Fey. Originally I get that a small group of people would like to help her and stand up for her, and keep her secret for obvious reasons.
The ship winds up in a massive storm and some of them get a chance of escape. Aro winds up with the Prince on the beach surviving and looking for anybody else that might have survived. From this point onward Aro becomes annoying. She does nothing but bitch and moan all the time. And cry. She cries a lot, about everything.
She spends her time being angry at people thinking she's a girl and useless, and fights their opinion by being a useless girl. She doesn't ever do anything but gets herself in situation from witch she needs to be rescued sometimes multiple times a day. I shit you not – she can't even take a piss without getting herself up shit's creek. Then she rages because guys have rescued her, and she's not some 'weak lady'. Five minutes later she gets all gushy about the Prince and the Fey - guys that are obviously into her, saying to each in turn how they are unique and special and how she needs them to protect her so she can feel safe.
There is an alarming amount of sexual tension present, but Aro only acknowledges such urges exist when someone is intent on raping her. When she is with her adoring fans she pretends not to notice. Because she's all innocent and shit. She is sometimes so loudly unaware of inappropriate situations and the Prince calls her child at times. Honestly it managed to kind of disgust me at moments. That's how good Wylie portrayed the child bit.
I am over heroines that talk out of their ass and fail to deliver. Aro is one of them. For all her talk, she was a weakling that survived only on other people's competence, and I am still trying to figure out why that is, because she was such an annoying cow at times. I am actually amazed that somebody didn't just club her over the head and left her in the forest somewhere. She was selfish and pointless at the end of it. Somehow one entire group of people in a very bad situation managed to put her wellbeing in front of their own survival because of nothing more than her being a girl. I truly detest heroines like that. Grow a spine for fuck's sake.
The world building showed such amazing promise. Wylie did a good job in avoiding certain cliches and not disclosing too much of information at once. Weird thing is I am still interested in what happens, but to find out I will have to put up with Aro. And Lord himself knows, that's asking a lot.
I don't know what to feel right now. I really liked the scene setting but I think that Wylie herself didn't really know her end goal for presenting Aro. She was either presented a child, or a woman, with no golden middle,that one key element that was missing. Transition.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Aro is fifteen. Not five. At the beginning she is described as the youngest in a big family, a military family no less. She knows knives, takes care of herself and has a general awareness of the world around her. She seems sharp and savvy, aware of her age, aware of the current situation that she finds herself in, and has a certain innocence of leading a sheltered life. Her naivete stems from her belief in general goodness, as she was raised in a caring home, rather than ignorance. I liked her from the start.
Than sadly, all that changed. Her town was burned by slavers and she taken hostage with a group of other people. Her brothers hacked her hair off in an effort to disguise her, and it worked. She's stuck in a cargo hold with a bunch of other men, including a Prince and a Fey. Originally I get that a small group of people would like to help her and stand up for her, and keep her secret for obvious reasons.
The ship winds up in a massive storm and some of them get a chance of escape. Aro winds up with the Prince on the beach surviving and looking for anybody else that might have survived. From this point onward Aro becomes annoying. She does nothing but bitch and moan all the time. And cry. She cries a lot, about everything.
She spends her time being angry at people thinking she's a girl and useless, and fights their opinion by being a useless girl. She doesn't ever do anything but gets herself in situation from witch she needs to be rescued sometimes multiple times a day. I shit you not – she can't even take a piss without getting herself up shit's creek. Then she rages because guys have rescued her, and she's not some 'weak lady'. Five minutes later she gets all gushy about the Prince and the Fey - guys that are obviously into her, saying to each in turn how they are unique and special and how she needs them to protect her so she can feel safe.
There is an alarming amount of sexual tension present, but Aro only acknowledges such urges exist when someone is intent on raping her. When she is with her adoring fans she pretends not to notice. Because she's all innocent and shit. She is sometimes so loudly unaware of inappropriate situations and the Prince calls her child at times. Honestly it managed to kind of disgust me at moments. That's how good Wylie portrayed the child bit.
I am over heroines that talk out of their ass and fail to deliver. Aro is one of them. For all her talk, she was a weakling that survived only on other people's competence, and I am still trying to figure out why that is, because she was such an annoying cow at times. I am actually amazed that somebody didn't just club her over the head and left her in the forest somewhere. She was selfish and pointless at the end of it. Somehow one entire group of people in a very bad situation managed to put her wellbeing in front of their own survival because of nothing more than her being a girl. I truly detest heroines like that. Grow a spine for fuck's sake.
The world building showed such amazing promise. Wylie did a good job in avoiding certain cliches and not disclosing too much of information at once. Weird thing is I am still interested in what happens, but to find out I will have to put up with Aro. And Lord himself knows, that's asking a lot.
April 12, 2013
4.5 stars
It was with great trepidation that I signed up for this R4R. It is always tricky when you read something that you have give an honest review for that you really didn't like. I have to say that from the very beginning I was absolutely delighted with this novel. It had great characters who were diverse and had a lot of depth. Family is a strong theme throughout the novel, and I loved how Aro desperately needed a family to feel whole. Sometimes we get so consumed with individuality that we forget how important our loved ones are. And the fact that Aro made her own family cemented that message.
Aro was a complete heroine. She was strong without giving up her ability to be vunerable. I do have to say that she was a very naive 15 year old girl especially one who had grown up with seven brothers. Although that is probably why she felt so comfortable with her second family. My only complaint (and it is by no means a large complaint - just a little itty, bitty observation), many of the chapters began with Aro waking up which is not a bad thing, but the phrase "she woke with a start" should be purged from all novels being written today. It is very cliche, and it was used a few times in this novel. Again, not a big thing, but it was enough that I noticed it.
Aro is, of course, the irresistible female as with most books today. All of the young men were enamored with her, but they each loved her in their own way which was neat to read. Some people may quibble that all of the boys wanted to protect Aro, and that may not be politically correct, however, I saw it was being part of a family unit. You naturally want to protect those that you love, and Aro reciprocated this feeling of protectiveness throughout the novel. She very much felt the need to protect her family.
All of the differing creatures - Fey, Elves, Dragons - were very well depicted. The world that Aro lives in is robust and well thought out.
I am anxious to read the second book in the series as this one left off amidst turmoil, angst and unresolved issues. I will certainly recommend this book to those teens that I talk books with because it was just a very well done book.
It was with great trepidation that I signed up for this R4R. It is always tricky when you read something that you have give an honest review for that you really didn't like. I have to say that from the very beginning I was absolutely delighted with this novel. It had great characters who were diverse and had a lot of depth. Family is a strong theme throughout the novel, and I loved how Aro desperately needed a family to feel whole. Sometimes we get so consumed with individuality that we forget how important our loved ones are. And the fact that Aro made her own family cemented that message.
Aro was a complete heroine. She was strong without giving up her ability to be vunerable. I do have to say that she was a very naive 15 year old girl especially one who had grown up with seven brothers. Although that is probably why she felt so comfortable with her second family. My only complaint (and it is by no means a large complaint - just a little itty, bitty observation), many of the chapters began with Aro waking up which is not a bad thing, but the phrase "she woke with a start" should be purged from all novels being written today. It is very cliche, and it was used a few times in this novel. Again, not a big thing, but it was enough that I noticed it.
Aro is, of course, the irresistible female as with most books today. All of the young men were enamored with her, but they each loved her in their own way which was neat to read. Some people may quibble that all of the boys wanted to protect Aro, and that may not be politically correct, however, I saw it was being part of a family unit. You naturally want to protect those that you love, and Aro reciprocated this feeling of protectiveness throughout the novel. She very much felt the need to protect her family.
All of the differing creatures - Fey, Elves, Dragons - were very well depicted. The world that Aro lives in is robust and well thought out.
I am anxious to read the second book in the series as this one left off amidst turmoil, angst and unresolved issues. I will certainly recommend this book to those teens that I talk books with because it was just a very well done book.
Want to read
January 2, 2013I was given a copy of this book by the author in return for an honest review.
I want to start this off by saying one thing: daaaam! I could just kick myself for not reading this sooner. It was imaginative, unique, fast pasted, the characters were wonderful, realistic and just heart warming.
Aro is only 15, probably one of the youngest YA characters I've ever read. But you can tell she's young, but she's a fighter. A survivor and that's what made me love her. I love my girls full of spunk and kick ass personalities. Jen Wylie weaved an amazing tale of danger, suspense and mystery. The ending wouldn't come fast enough! I couldn't wait for the next chapter, the next page.
If I had to say a single thing I disliked, it was not having the second book in my hands already.
It's a must read.
I want to start this off by saying one thing: daaaam! I could just kick myself for not reading this sooner. It was imaginative, unique, fast pasted, the characters were wonderful, realistic and just heart warming.
Aro is only 15, probably one of the youngest YA characters I've ever read. But you can tell she's young, but she's a fighter. A survivor and that's what made me love her. I love my girls full of spunk and kick ass personalities. Jen Wylie weaved an amazing tale of danger, suspense and mystery. The ending wouldn't come fast enough! I couldn't wait for the next chapter, the next page.
If I had to say a single thing I disliked, it was not having the second book in my hands already.
It's a must read.
September 18, 2012
I've said it before, "This is Wylie's best work yet." It's sort of amazing to watch her grow as an author. Wylie writes characters that you want to be in every story she tells. Every book she puts out, her character development increases tenfold. Now instead of wanting TO BE the character, you ARE the character. Written with such emotion, you feel every danger, every hope, and every fear. Broken Aro is a must for any library, young or old. I guess what I'm trying to say is BUY THIS BOOK, YOU'LL LOVE IT!!!!!
September 2, 2017
3Star
“In friendship I shall bind my heart and soul to yours. Forever beside you I shall stand. Together or apart always will I be with you. Eternal friends we shall ever be.”
It’s ok kind of book, the plot and character are god but story is slow and nothing much hyphening.
A girl name Aro (Arowyn Mason) in her fifteen year life cherish by her seven brother after their parents death but her this wonderful life is about to change, when enemy attack her city her brother try to flee from the city. In running and fight she hit on her head and lost her consciousness. When she awake she found herself in slave ship in a sell with other six man. Ship got in to storm they take this opportunity and Escape from the ship. To survive in foreign land they know nothing about and running from slavers who want their property back and will do anything to get it. In all this they become family and protect each other. The hole book feels like begging of what to come?. For that have to read next book.
“In friendship I shall bind my heart and soul to yours. Forever beside you I shall stand. Together or apart always will I be with you. Eternal friends we shall ever be.”
It’s ok kind of book, the plot and character are god but story is slow and nothing much hyphening.
A girl name Aro (Arowyn Mason) in her fifteen year life cherish by her seven brother after their parents death but her this wonderful life is about to change, when enemy attack her city her brother try to flee from the city. In running and fight she hit on her head and lost her consciousness. When she awake she found herself in slave ship in a sell with other six man. Ship got in to storm they take this opportunity and Escape from the ship. To survive in foreign land they know nothing about and running from slavers who want their property back and will do anything to get it. In all this they become family and protect each other. The hole book feels like begging of what to come?. For that have to read next book.
September 13, 2013
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
After her city is invaded and has fallen, 15 year old Aro wakes up on-board a slave ship and is believed to be a boy thanks to her brothers disguising her before the city fell. Some of her cell mates are one of her brother’s friends, Kei a fey who has some connection to Aro and the mysterious Prince. After the boat sinks and they make it to the shore, they think they are safe but it is not that straight forward with surviving slavers, a terrible sickness and a prophecy, Aro will do anything to protect and look after her new family.
Broken Aro is a really good YA fantasy book which has adventure, magic, mythical creatures and a hint of romance.
Aro is a likeable and believable 15 year old girl who is frightened and scarred because she is going through a really hard time but she still is trying to remain strong and confident. I also liked the other characters especially her other prisoners as they all had their own different personalities but my favourites are the caring Kei and the secretive Prince, as they are both brave and protective. However, not knowing if Aro’s brothers were alive or dead did not affect me much, as we did not get to know them as well as we could have.
Broken Aro is a really enjoyable YA fantasy book and I am looking forward to see what happens next in Broken Prince. I would recommend this book to fans of Tamora Pierce or Amber Argyle and people who like Slumber by Samantha Young.
After her city is invaded and has fallen, 15 year old Aro wakes up on-board a slave ship and is believed to be a boy thanks to her brothers disguising her before the city fell. Some of her cell mates are one of her brother’s friends, Kei a fey who has some connection to Aro and the mysterious Prince. After the boat sinks and they make it to the shore, they think they are safe but it is not that straight forward with surviving slavers, a terrible sickness and a prophecy, Aro will do anything to protect and look after her new family.
Broken Aro is a really good YA fantasy book which has adventure, magic, mythical creatures and a hint of romance.
Aro is a likeable and believable 15 year old girl who is frightened and scarred because she is going through a really hard time but she still is trying to remain strong and confident. I also liked the other characters especially her other prisoners as they all had their own different personalities but my favourites are the caring Kei and the secretive Prince, as they are both brave and protective. However, not knowing if Aro’s brothers were alive or dead did not affect me much, as we did not get to know them as well as we could have.
Broken Aro is a really enjoyable YA fantasy book and I am looking forward to see what happens next in Broken Prince. I would recommend this book to fans of Tamora Pierce or Amber Argyle and people who like Slumber by Samantha Young.
July 21, 2014
4.5 stars. I really loved this book. I Aro and all of the others. They all protected each other and worked very well together. I also liked the fact that the story flowed so nicely and did not veer off in any weird directions. I can't wait for the next book.
April 23, 2014
I have always loved the British term "gobsmacked", meaning utterly astounded or astonished, and that's exactly how I felt after finishing Broken Aro. This is one of the most intriguing fantasies I have read in a long time, and I felt like I was under its spell from the first page right through to the jaw dropping revelations at the end which I didn't even see coming.
Arowyn (Aro) Mason's city falls to invaders and she finds herself captive aboard a slave ship bound for an unknown land. What follows is a long, terrifying, and painful journey with a group of survivors in which Aro endures what seems like never-ending hardship and sorrow. It's one of those stories where you immediately fall into that world and make the journey right alongside the characters, forgetting everything around you in your own life. The world building is amazing, the characters are like old friends, albeit mysterious old friends, and the plot is intricate and leaves you wondering which of many possible directions it will take in Book 2. I found myself rooting for the main character, Aro, right from the beginning as she is the perfect combination of vulnerability and strength, and even though her own family is torn away from her, she builds a new family and cements it together with love, support, understanding, and devotion, showing the true meaning of family. It was wonderful to see the relationships develop among the group of survivors, and we are left wondering just how far a couple of the relationships might progress.
There are so many wonderfully written scenes in Broken Aro that I keep thinking about but that I can't reveal without giving away too much, so let me just say that Jen Wylie has an amazing imagination and easily paints vivid pictures with her words, making her a very gifted writer. I especially loved the various types of creatures that she introduces because they take on a different twist to those we have met in other fantasy worlds, and I look forward to see them developed further. As for the ending, it is perfect with just the right amount of teasing tidbits and hints of Aro's destiny to make the reader crave more, and I for one can't wait to dive into Book 2!
Now, as no novel is ever perfect, I do have one complaint. Although I know that most people in real life have expressions that they use repetitively, for some reason repetition really bothers me in novels. Aro's use of "Gah!" and "Rot it" when she was frustrated or angry were so frequent that it became a little annoying to me, and there were some phrases that were also used to excess such as "worrying her lower lip with her teeth". However, these are truly minor concerns.
If you love the fantasy genre as I do, grab yourself a copy of Broken Aro. You won't be disappointed!!
Arowyn (Aro) Mason's city falls to invaders and she finds herself captive aboard a slave ship bound for an unknown land. What follows is a long, terrifying, and painful journey with a group of survivors in which Aro endures what seems like never-ending hardship and sorrow. It's one of those stories where you immediately fall into that world and make the journey right alongside the characters, forgetting everything around you in your own life. The world building is amazing, the characters are like old friends, albeit mysterious old friends, and the plot is intricate and leaves you wondering which of many possible directions it will take in Book 2. I found myself rooting for the main character, Aro, right from the beginning as she is the perfect combination of vulnerability and strength, and even though her own family is torn away from her, she builds a new family and cements it together with love, support, understanding, and devotion, showing the true meaning of family. It was wonderful to see the relationships develop among the group of survivors, and we are left wondering just how far a couple of the relationships might progress.
There are so many wonderfully written scenes in Broken Aro that I keep thinking about but that I can't reveal without giving away too much, so let me just say that Jen Wylie has an amazing imagination and easily paints vivid pictures with her words, making her a very gifted writer. I especially loved the various types of creatures that she introduces because they take on a different twist to those we have met in other fantasy worlds, and I look forward to see them developed further. As for the ending, it is perfect with just the right amount of teasing tidbits and hints of Aro's destiny to make the reader crave more, and I for one can't wait to dive into Book 2!
Now, as no novel is ever perfect, I do have one complaint. Although I know that most people in real life have expressions that they use repetitively, for some reason repetition really bothers me in novels. Aro's use of "Gah!" and "Rot it" when she was frustrated or angry were so frequent that it became a little annoying to me, and there were some phrases that were also used to excess such as "worrying her lower lip with her teeth". However, these are truly minor concerns.
If you love the fantasy genre as I do, grab yourself a copy of Broken Aro. You won't be disappointed!!
September 17, 2012
A page-turning tale of impossible love, unusual allies, betrayals, and high adventure. I couldn't put it down.
Ms. Wylie weaves a compelling tale about Aro the youngest and only daughter in a family of soldiers. When their home is attacked by an enemy army her world is turned upside down. First she's captured by slavers, then cast into the sea and left to survive in a strange land full of strange creatures. With some unlikely friends she'll find a new family and impossible love on the far shores.
Ms. Wylie weaves a compelling tale about Aro the youngest and only daughter in a family of soldiers. When their home is attacked by an enemy army her world is turned upside down. First she's captured by slavers, then cast into the sea and left to survive in a strange land full of strange creatures. With some unlikely friends she'll find a new family and impossible love on the far shores.
September 24, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The diversity of supernatural creatures was amazing and all throughout i was worried for Aro's wellbeing, wondering if she and her men would ever make it off the ship alive. The characters were also very enjoyable, and was hoping that she'd form a closer relationship with Prince. I also think the Dragos needs his own story. I cannot wait for the sequel and i highly recommend this to all who love all things supernatural.
June 10, 2014
Hmmmm...I love all the male characters in this book! But I'm a dude...so not loving the heroine is kind of a sticking point. The heroine came across as whiney and maybe a little spoiled. I didn't hate her or even dislike her just didn't love her. Now I want a book on Damon! The dragos is really cool and I'm interested to see where this goes. Hopefully there will be more of him.
I liked it and will be moving on with the story.
I liked it and will be moving on with the story.
March 1, 2016
***Received an ARC copy***
4.5 Stars rounded up
High fantasy - as much as I love it in movies - isn't usually my thing. However, Broken Aro is unlike any high fantasy I've ever read. Usually, books like Lord of the Rings are filled to the brim with drawn out descriptions and complex histories I couldn't care less for. In the case of Arowyn Mason's story, though, it's much more tightly written and a quicker read than I thought it would be going in, which was, honestly, what drew me in right away.
Aro starts off as a pretty typical girl. To be honest, I didn't really like her at first, but she started growing on me as her character developed. She starts out a little on the meek side, despite all her big talk about being capable (she's only 15), but by the end of the book she's definitely grown up and into her own, developing a real confidence that hadn't been evident at the start of the story. As far as the other characters go, even though the author juggles quite a few, they're easy to tell apart and each have distinct personalities and voices. That's difficult to do, and the author does an awesome job of making all these people real to the reader. I absolutely love both Kei and Prince, and I really look forward to learning more about them in future installments! I'll keep from talking too much about them here for fear of spoilers.
I mentioned earlier that it's a quicker read than I expected, mostly due to the author's brevity in her descriptions. Unlike typical fantasy, there's no long-winded description of scenery, races, or the universe's history - everything is shown rather than told. The various races (Fey, Dragos, Were, Elves) are woven into the story and the information about them trickles through in various points of the book, so there's never an info-dump about any of them. Everything is to the point and holds only the essentials, which I absolutely loved about the book. The descriptions helped the action feel real and move along quickly. Despite the brevity, the author creates a vivid world full of lush landscapes and real feeling. Aro's emotions in the aftermath of every event that impacts her felt perfectly depicted and even now, days after having finished the book, one particularly traumatizing scene still resonates with me. I'm a huge fan of "less is more," and this book is a perfect example of that.
There were a few typos and things like that (currently being fixed), but my eyes just glazed over them - that's when you know a story is good. I'm usually much more critical of things like that and they would jar me out of the story, but it's a testament to the writer's excellent world-weaving and immersion skills that I wasn't shaken out of the story even once. Seriously, I can't gush enough about how much I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest!
Conclusion: As the first installment in a series, Broken Aro does a great job of introducing you to this world of Fey, Dragos, Were, and Elves and leaving you with questions you want answered. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and look forward to learning more about the world. Keep a look out for my review of the next one!
4.5 Stars rounded up
High fantasy - as much as I love it in movies - isn't usually my thing. However, Broken Aro is unlike any high fantasy I've ever read. Usually, books like Lord of the Rings are filled to the brim with drawn out descriptions and complex histories I couldn't care less for. In the case of Arowyn Mason's story, though, it's much more tightly written and a quicker read than I thought it would be going in, which was, honestly, what drew me in right away.
Aro starts off as a pretty typical girl. To be honest, I didn't really like her at first, but she started growing on me as her character developed. She starts out a little on the meek side, despite all her big talk about being capable (she's only 15), but by the end of the book she's definitely grown up and into her own, developing a real confidence that hadn't been evident at the start of the story. As far as the other characters go, even though the author juggles quite a few, they're easy to tell apart and each have distinct personalities and voices. That's difficult to do, and the author does an awesome job of making all these people real to the reader. I absolutely love both Kei and Prince, and I really look forward to learning more about them in future installments! I'll keep from talking too much about them here for fear of spoilers.
I mentioned earlier that it's a quicker read than I expected, mostly due to the author's brevity in her descriptions. Unlike typical fantasy, there's no long-winded description of scenery, races, or the universe's history - everything is shown rather than told. The various races (Fey, Dragos, Were, Elves) are woven into the story and the information about them trickles through in various points of the book, so there's never an info-dump about any of them. Everything is to the point and holds only the essentials, which I absolutely loved about the book. The descriptions helped the action feel real and move along quickly. Despite the brevity, the author creates a vivid world full of lush landscapes and real feeling. Aro's emotions in the aftermath of every event that impacts her felt perfectly depicted and even now, days after having finished the book, one particularly traumatizing scene still resonates with me. I'm a huge fan of "less is more," and this book is a perfect example of that.
There were a few typos and things like that (currently being fixed), but my eyes just glazed over them - that's when you know a story is good. I'm usually much more critical of things like that and they would jar me out of the story, but it's a testament to the writer's excellent world-weaving and immersion skills that I wasn't shaken out of the story even once. Seriously, I can't gush enough about how much I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the rest!
Conclusion: As the first installment in a series, Broken Aro does a great job of introducing you to this world of Fey, Dragos, Were, and Elves and leaving you with questions you want answered. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, and look forward to learning more about the world. Keep a look out for my review of the next one!
May 9, 2013
Fifteen year old Arowyn Mason, Aro, life is changed forever when her city is attacked by slave traders. In an attempt to save Aro from the attack, her seven soldier brothers deschise her as a boy, and tries to flee the city. But the escape didn't go as planned and Aro wakes up in a slave boat on her way to the slave Capital.
On the boat she finds only one familiar face among the other prisoners, and learns that her brothers didn't survive the attack. Alone and scared she has no choice but to continue the role of a boy and make new allies to escape her doom that was fast approaching. She meets Kendric, The Prince, Bo, Cain, Avery and Kei. These would be the men that not only become her saviors, but her family.
When the ship hits something all but Kendric survives and wash up on a beach, a new survival plan needs to be followed. Her true genre is soon discovered, and the men band together to protect her. She forms a firm bond with two, the mysterious prince and Kei the fey and with them she finds strange worlds and prophecies that included her. Her journey to freedom is hard and long. And the toll of losing love ones have started to take its toll on her. Never the less, Aro stays strong and ensure that her new family stays strong with her.
What an amazing cast Jen created in this novel. As a young child Aro is scared most of the time but tries her best to find courage. And to loose so many love ones her emotions is not as strong as she wish to be. The mysterious prince was my favorite character, he became her instant protector and as the time past and she starts to grow it is clear that he sees more than just a young girl. Kei was just as interesting; his character loss control and goes all ballistic creating a vicious creature that kills nonstop. But when he is not in beast mode he was charming and caring. All these men had a very protective nature.
This was such a fabulous read. In the old world, Jen created a nerve racking adventure and added in some fantastic creatures to spice it up. You have fey, elves, weres and dragons all finding a way into Aro's life. I really enjoyed the men in this novel. They were protective, caring and understanding. The perfect ingredients to a gentlemen, yet they all fought just as well. At some times I was wishing Aro all grown up; just to see what reaction these men would have. And as the story progressed wasn't disappointed. I will admit that I am definitively team prince here. If you are looking for a fresh read without the usual paranormal setup this is it. A well-deserved five stars and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
Quote from the book: "He promised he'd never leave me. That we'd be friends forever." "He was foolish to promise such things,"
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.c...
On the boat she finds only one familiar face among the other prisoners, and learns that her brothers didn't survive the attack. Alone and scared she has no choice but to continue the role of a boy and make new allies to escape her doom that was fast approaching. She meets Kendric, The Prince, Bo, Cain, Avery and Kei. These would be the men that not only become her saviors, but her family.
When the ship hits something all but Kendric survives and wash up on a beach, a new survival plan needs to be followed. Her true genre is soon discovered, and the men band together to protect her. She forms a firm bond with two, the mysterious prince and Kei the fey and with them she finds strange worlds and prophecies that included her. Her journey to freedom is hard and long. And the toll of losing love ones have started to take its toll on her. Never the less, Aro stays strong and ensure that her new family stays strong with her.
What an amazing cast Jen created in this novel. As a young child Aro is scared most of the time but tries her best to find courage. And to loose so many love ones her emotions is not as strong as she wish to be. The mysterious prince was my favorite character, he became her instant protector and as the time past and she starts to grow it is clear that he sees more than just a young girl. Kei was just as interesting; his character loss control and goes all ballistic creating a vicious creature that kills nonstop. But when he is not in beast mode he was charming and caring. All these men had a very protective nature.
This was such a fabulous read. In the old world, Jen created a nerve racking adventure and added in some fantastic creatures to spice it up. You have fey, elves, weres and dragons all finding a way into Aro's life. I really enjoyed the men in this novel. They were protective, caring and understanding. The perfect ingredients to a gentlemen, yet they all fought just as well. At some times I was wishing Aro all grown up; just to see what reaction these men would have. And as the story progressed wasn't disappointed. I will admit that I am definitively team prince here. If you are looking for a fresh read without the usual paranormal setup this is it. A well-deserved five stars and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
Quote from the book: "He promised he'd never leave me. That we'd be friends forever." "He was foolish to promise such things,"
http://totaleclipsereviews.blogspot.c...
April 21, 2013
"Broken Aro" by Jen Wylie is a powerful supernatural read.
15 year old Aro Mason, dressed as a boy in preparation for a dangerous journey, falls victims to slavers when her city falls during an enemy attack.
With the help of some friends, a Fey and Prince she escaped the slave ship but this does not mean that she and her friends are safe yet.
As introduced in a short prologue, humans are not the only species in this story, we encounter Fey, Elves and Dragos, which both eases and complicates the escape and the relationship between the group as they have to learnt to trust each other.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing, the unpredictability was one of the strengths of the book. Wylie makes us care for her characters while never losing sight of suspense and action.
I was very surprised how much I liked the story; as only an 'occasional visitor' to the fantasy / supernatural genre I often find their stories and characters repetitive, but in Broken Aro I never once thought that to be the case and instead I found myself quickly taken into the world Wylie has created, just like a good book should do.
15 year old Aro Mason, dressed as a boy in preparation for a dangerous journey, falls victims to slavers when her city falls during an enemy attack.
With the help of some friends, a Fey and Prince she escaped the slave ship but this does not mean that she and her friends are safe yet.
As introduced in a short prologue, humans are not the only species in this story, we encounter Fey, Elves and Dragos, which both eases and complicates the escape and the relationship between the group as they have to learnt to trust each other.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing, the unpredictability was one of the strengths of the book. Wylie makes us care for her characters while never losing sight of suspense and action.
I was very surprised how much I liked the story; as only an 'occasional visitor' to the fantasy / supernatural genre I often find their stories and characters repetitive, but in Broken Aro I never once thought that to be the case and instead I found myself quickly taken into the world Wylie has created, just like a good book should do.
May 4, 2013
What I loved the most about this book was that Jen managed to capture Aro so well. Jen has done an excellent job of writing about each and every character, their instincts, emotions and they way they would act if the were real. Aro in Jen's book acted exactly like a 15 year old, and I also loved the fact that she was 15. Aro is one of the youngest YA character I have ever read about, it was cool. I also like the elusiveness of the Prince and how he and Keri were so protective of her. I am very interested in seeing the characters more in depth in the next book and how they story will unfold in the next books to come. In the summary of the book it descries the character Aro as a heroine and i really did see that in the book. But by far the best part was the adventure in the story, the whole sordid problem with the prophecy, it really fascinated me. This book had all the components I love in a book; a real kick ass who fights her own battles, adventure, mystery, and paranormal fantasy. if you like any of these characteristic in a book, then you will love Broken Aro.
September 15, 2014
3.5 stars
It's a fun book. Slow moving at times.
The MC, Aro was so human- she doesn't get over the trauma in the forest. She doesn't get over the fact that she lost her brothers (?). she can also be incredibly unrelatable to as well. She doesn't react to magic the way a normal human would. She just takes it like someone told her that there was a sale at Kohl's today. It was a bit...unnerving as a reader. You want to be able to connect with the characters you read about.Knowing or at least hoping you'd be thinking the same way.
The reader feels a definite disconnect to the characters. There is nothing endearing about any of the characters. There is no one thing that would make you think of a certain character. In essence, they have no personality.
Overall though, despite the unfortunate underdevelopment of character, it was a good read. Following Aro's journey is entertaining. Seeing her change from a sheltered beloved baby of the family, to a rough "I-can-take-it" member of her new family was great to see.
Def worth the reading. Starting the sequel now!
It's a fun book. Slow moving at times.
The MC, Aro was so human- she doesn't get over the trauma in the forest. She doesn't get over the fact that she lost her brothers (?). she can also be incredibly unrelatable to as well. She doesn't react to magic the way a normal human would. She just takes it like someone told her that there was a sale at Kohl's today. It was a bit...unnerving as a reader. You want to be able to connect with the characters you read about.Knowing or at least hoping you'd be thinking the same way.
The reader feels a definite disconnect to the characters. There is nothing endearing about any of the characters. There is no one thing that would make you think of a certain character. In essence, they have no personality.
Overall though, despite the unfortunate underdevelopment of character, it was a good read. Following Aro's journey is entertaining. Seeing her change from a sheltered beloved baby of the family, to a rough "I-can-take-it" member of her new family was great to see.
Def worth the reading. Starting the sequel now!
July 21, 2013
WOW I feel like I have just been through a most amazing adventure!
I've been places and seen things I've never even heard of before. Oh of course I've heard of Were and Elves but Dragos and a different type of Fey?..
This story is packed jam full of adventure, excitement, joy and sadness and mystery wrapping it all together in a fantastic read.
The characters reveal themselves slowly and you are never quite sure what to expect next. One moment you are suspicious of one and the next moment you feel he is family.
If you love paranormal books or perhaps what to take an exciting stroll into the world of fantasy and magic then you will want to put this on your list of books to get now or in the near future.
I just can't wait to start into Broken Prince - the next in this saga as I'm sure I will be spellbound from start to finish!
Jen Wylie you have amazing talent to spin a tale through ups an downs and twists and turns and I love the ride!
I've been places and seen things I've never even heard of before. Oh of course I've heard of Were and Elves but Dragos and a different type of Fey?..
This story is packed jam full of adventure, excitement, joy and sadness and mystery wrapping it all together in a fantastic read.
The characters reveal themselves slowly and you are never quite sure what to expect next. One moment you are suspicious of one and the next moment you feel he is family.
If you love paranormal books or perhaps what to take an exciting stroll into the world of fantasy and magic then you will want to put this on your list of books to get now or in the near future.
I just can't wait to start into Broken Prince - the next in this saga as I'm sure I will be spellbound from start to finish!
Jen Wylie you have amazing talent to spin a tale through ups an downs and twists and turns and I love the ride!
February 24, 2014
This heroine was a bit different than most. She wasn't a tough, forceful, take care of herself kind of girl. She listened to her brothers and did what she was told. She fought, and fought well, when she was needed, but wasn't the first to jump into the fray. She felt lost and crushed when things turned sour. Most heroins in this genre act first and think later. They fight tooth and nail to be in control. Aro does not. Several times she sat back and stewed in her emotions while others discussed and made plans on how to 'fix' their situation. I'm not saying this was bad, because most of the time it seemed very real. Really how many of us wouldn't feel more like sniffling in the corner, instead of discussing the dismal possibility of escape after waking to find ourselves chained up, a slave, and our last memory is of our brothers fighting to save us when all logic tells us that they must be dead.
April 11, 2013
I was given this book for an honest review.
Honestly, I didn’t want to put the book down once I got started. I found it to be an easy read yet exciting and very creative. I’ve read a few books lately that were really tough for me to finish. This was not the case with Broken Aro. It starts out with tragedy but Aro, the main character, is a trooper and with the help of some interesting characters she manages to survive just to be thrown into more trouble.
I really like that mixed in with the humans, there are a variety of magical creatures such as Dragons, Elves, Fey and more. The author did a great job of revealing just enough information to answer some of my questions but left some of them unanswered. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a great read for young teens, older teens and adults who are young at heart.
Honestly, I didn’t want to put the book down once I got started. I found it to be an easy read yet exciting and very creative. I’ve read a few books lately that were really tough for me to finish. This was not the case with Broken Aro. It starts out with tragedy but Aro, the main character, is a trooper and with the help of some interesting characters she manages to survive just to be thrown into more trouble.
I really like that mixed in with the humans, there are a variety of magical creatures such as Dragons, Elves, Fey and more. The author did a great job of revealing just enough information to answer some of my questions but left some of them unanswered. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This is a great read for young teens, older teens and adults who are young at heart.
September 26, 2013
I usually avoid books involving teenagers like the plague. The young adult genre is far from my favorite. It's mostly because I can't stand juvenile and immature characters. Broken Aro had none of that. The heroine, Aro, may be young, but she is far from weak. This was one of the few times while reading where the characters felt older than they actually were, rather than younger. It was a very nice change. I could not resist this synopsis of a teenage girl raised to be tough with lots of military brothers, and ends up being taken as a slave.
This book is so incredibly well written and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has it all. Adventure, a tough heroine you can't help but feel connected to, mystery, adventure, young love, and paranormal attributes. Count me in!
I look forward to reading more in this series!
This book is so incredibly well written and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It has it all. Adventure, a tough heroine you can't help but feel connected to, mystery, adventure, young love, and paranormal attributes. Count me in!
I look forward to reading more in this series!
October 13, 2012
A real page turning story of high adventure. Ms Wylie tells a compelling story about Aro the youngest and only daughter in a family of soliders. When her home is attacked by the enemy. Her whole world is turned upside down.First she is captured by slavers. Aro decides to escape but escape comes with a price. As Aro and the others jump into the sea and try to reach shore, they realize it doesn,t mean freedom. The slavers want there property back. The survivors use every ounce of strength cunning and magic to keep themselves alive. Danger sickness and even love surprise them at every turn. A truly fantastic read. Kept me reading late into the night , only to return to the story in the morning.This is a book for anyone young or old. will enjoy it.
April 29, 2018
Have you ever read a book that you both enjoyed and hated nearly simultaneously? Well, this is that book. Throughout Broken Aro, I was enraged with the main character, Aro, for being a huge contradiction and a pain in the ass, and happy with how things turned out with her. What do I mean by that?
Aro, up until about 70% in, seemed to be a blubbering mess, who, at first, seemed to have her head on straight for a 15 year old seeing as she knew how to fight and use weapons due to growing up around men. Turns out that just because you know how to fight... (more via website)
February 28, 2013
I’m not a big fan of books that involve the Fey. I will read them, but I have found that they are not my favorite. Broken Aro may have changed my mind. It not only has Fey, but many other creatures. I’m talking dragons, were, elves, fey…the whole 9 yards! I loved this book! I mean, really, really loved it! When I finished I was like, well….what do I do now? I honestly did not expect to have this reaction. Based on the synopsis, I knew it would be good, but I didn’t think it would have as much of an impact as it did. I cannot wait for the next book to be released!
This book was an adventure. Every page was like a race to get to the next page.
May 31, 2014
I don't know what it is but I'm having a lot of luck with fantasy books lately. They have just been clicking with me. I adore Aro. She's fiesty and doesn't try to depend on others. She knows how to fight. I was hoping that we would see her brothers but I'm not sure how logical that is in this situation. I'm glad she found a new family. The ones I liked the most (besides the love interests) I wasn't expecting the "twist". Well I was but not the exact way I was expecting it. I like both Kei and Prince but I tend to lead more towards the mysterious so guess who I'm rooting for :)
December 6, 2012
I was given this book for review and was delighted in how much I enjoyed it.
Aro is a believable and likeable character who is strong and brave with a deep sense of family. The other characters too fit beautifully into the story, and this first book in the series sets the scene for further enchanting adventures.
I don't give spoilers but will say that I like the developing pace, the insight into Aro's mind and feelings, and look forward to the next installment.
A recommended fantasy.
Aro is a believable and likeable character who is strong and brave with a deep sense of family. The other characters too fit beautifully into the story, and this first book in the series sets the scene for further enchanting adventures.
I don't give spoilers but will say that I like the developing pace, the insight into Aro's mind and feelings, and look forward to the next installment.
A recommended fantasy.
February 17, 2014
Broken Aro ROCKED!!!!
I received this book from the publisher Untold Press as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story. When you love something this much you just can’t put the book down. And that was definitely a problem I had. I was reeled in from the beginning and stayed that way all the way to the end. I hit the end of the book long before I expected to. It was so amazingly awesome!
You should definitely give this book a read. You will be happy you did, I promise!
I received this book from the publisher Untold Press as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story. When you love something this much you just can’t put the book down. And that was definitely a problem I had. I was reeled in from the beginning and stayed that way all the way to the end. I hit the end of the book long before I expected to. It was so amazingly awesome!
You should definitely give this book a read. You will be happy you did, I promise!
February 27, 2014
This book captured my heart and kept me wanting for more. There is so much love and bravery through out this whole story. You get a mixture of paranormal characters all good, bad, or just plain tricksters. The author Jen Wylie did a wonderful job with this book.
March 17, 2014
It's been days since I read this series and I still can't stop thinking about it. I've stalked Wylie's Facebook page to find out when the next book will be released. This is such an awesome story and I can't wait to read book 3.
May 30, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the well developed characters as well as the consistent and interesting story. There were no parts bogged down with mundane detail, making this a true page-turner in anticipation of what would befall the characters next.
January 11, 2014
This series reads kind of like Eragon. I really enjoyed book books and look forward to the next one.
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