Review: 4.5 Raw and Real Stars!! I love this series and this heart-clenching book! I wanted to reach into the pages and wrap my arms a
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 2, 2013
Another great installment in the Lost and Found series! Embattled Minds deals with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Through her amazing fictional characters and heartwarming stories, J.M. Madden shows us the reality of war and the hardships our service members face fighting the battle to survive when they come home!!While the first book, Embattled Hearts, had an element of suspense, this one focuses solely on Zeke and Ember's relationship, and Zeke's never ending battle dealing with the facial disfigurement and brain related injuries he received, while serving as a Marine in Iraq. Ember's dad, Hank, who is dealing with PTSD from his time served in Vietnam, is wreaking havoc in her life. Her safety is at issue and Ember has to make some rash decisions, and learn to trust the gentle giant who has captured her heart.Zeke's brain and body have been damaged, he's a tortured soul, his confidence has been shattered, but Ember sees past the physical appearance and focuses on the man. She's attracted to him in a way that she's never experienced. Zeke hides behind his hair and his beard, but Ember lures him out and unleashes a passionate, loving man. She doesn't hold back, and when he snaps, accuses her of giving him her pity, she gives it right back to him. Ember doesn't coddle him, but treats him with dignity and respect, and it's what Zeke needs to regain the confidence and pride that he left on the battlefield when he was wounded.The author doesn't gloss over Zeke's injuries and she characterizes him for who he is and what he is feeling. His wounds run deeper than what you can see on the surface. Zeke stutters, loses his train of thought, people stare at him, flinch, and then turn away when they see his facial injuries. It hurts him and we in turn feel his pain. She also addresses, through Ember's father and a new member at LNF, the issues of PTSD. When triggered, it can cause disturbing and harmful actions from the veterans who are dealing with this silent wound.All the key players make an appearance, Duncan, Chad, John, and it was wonderful to see them all again!! The camaraderie among the men, the crude banter, the support and understanding that they lend to each other, knowing they all are walking the same path, is what is at the core of this series. We get to catch up with each and every one, and I love them all! The author also baits us with the mystery surrounding the homeless man that Duncan encountered in the last book...just a teaser here and there. We also get a sneak peek into Chad's book, Embattled Home...I can't wait!I would have liked an update on Ember's father, Hank, and something in the way of a brief epilogue for Zeke and Ember, but since this is a continuing series and everyone from the previous book made an appearance here, I'm sure that we'll continue to see their stories play out in the upcoming books. Just a slight issue for me, but it might not bother some readers.J.M. Madden not only gives readers a great realistic story, she raises awareness to the plight of the men and women who serve in the military. Some of their wounds may not be visible, but none the less, they are still there, and no matter what they are suffering from, it is our responsibility, citizens who they protect, to insure that they get the care and counseling that they need.