Review: Join Henry's Army!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2014
I’m not sure where to start other than to say, hold on to your socks because they are going to be rocked with this new series!Broken Dreams is the first book in a new trilogy by Rissa Blakeley and takes you on a journey with Henry, Elaina, Sophie, Nick, Claire and Thomas as they fight to survive what can only be described as the end of the world for them. The book is primarily told in Elaina’s point of view, but you will also see things in the third-person as well.  Ms. Blakeley also gives the reader flashbacks from both Henry and Elaina’s point of views so that you understand both of their stories.The book begins with Henry. He is in a training facility in England and has been given a task that is to be completed in the US. Henry shows us early in the book that he’s a fighter and not afraid to speak his mind or ask questions. He at first refuses the assignment because he’s afraid to leave his only friend Sophie behind. Reluctantly he leaves and takes up residence in the US. (I don’t want to give a lot away so you’ll have to read the book to find out what the assignment is and why he doesn’t want to leave Sophie.) Henry meets Elaina at a bookstore where she works and he is instantly drawn to her. He finds a way to meet her and talk to her. Things progress in their relationship and the book then takes you to the day of their wedding (again, you’ll have to read to see how this happens).The day of Elaina and Henry’s wedding should have been the happiest day of their lives, but instead it literally becomes a nightmare. One minute Elaina is getting ready to walk down the aisle to her love, but the next there is panic and mayhem. There’s blood, gore, screams and scenes from horror films. Nobody can tell her what’s going on and Henry is trying his best to keep it together so he can protect her and her best friend Claire. This is where the journey and fight for survival starts for Henry, Elaina and Claire. This is also where Elaina discovers things about Henry she never knew and isn’t sure what to do. Even though Elaina isn’t sure what information she gets from Henry she can believe, she knows that she loves him and that he will protect her with his life.You’ll meet Sophie soon and believe me, you’ll hate her and admire her at the same time. She’s in love with Henry as well and wants nothing more than for his relationship for Elaina to end so she can have him back. You will also at one point in the book feel sorry for Sophie and all she’s been through.Nick will be introduced after Sophie and he’s Elaina’s brother, and Claire’s crush. He’s not happy with Henry at all and there will be times where you’ll side with Nick and times where you want to tell him to shut it. But most of all, you’ll love that Nick wants to be there for those he loves and protect them.This book takes you on an emotional journey. I’ll be upfront about Elaina; you’ll want to smack her at first but as you read the book, you see her emotional journey and watch her evolve. She will get under your skin but she’s one of the best female characters I’ve read about. The journey she goes through with Henry and company is not just for survival; she also goes through a journey with herself. She learns that she can be strong when she needs to and that she can be what Henry needs.Henry will do things that will make you love him but then he’ll do something that will make you want to seriously yell at your book. He’s got a hero complex at times but you’ll understand as you read the book. The one thing that is constant with Henry is his love for Elaina. Even in the darkest moments of the book and when he thinks that he’s lost her, Henry loves her. He wants no one else but her and that’s something he makes very clear to Sophie when things go sour after her arrival. He is a bit intense at times but he’s also got this side of him that is soft and gentle.Claire also grows throughout the book and the changes in her are awesome. She goes from being the shy quiet girl to someone who can believe in herself. Claire discovers that if you want something bad enough, it’s worth waiting for and it’s worth the fight to keep it. You will enjoy watching her grow through this book.Nick goes through I think the toughest journey because he has physical changes to go through. Nick’s love for his sister, Elaina, is very strong. There were times where I thought Nick and Henry were going to rip each other apart because while they both want the best for Elaina, they didn’t always agree on how that should be done. The love that Nick has for Claire is something he fought for so long and gave into after a very emotional part of the book. You will love how these two come together and stop fighting their feelings.You will laugh. You will cry. You will get frustrated. You will love. You’ll be left wanting more but trust me, Ms. Blakeley does an excellent job of keeping you on the edge of your seat. I’m certain that the next book in her series will be just as thrilling! If you’re looking for a new paranormal romance that doesn’t involve sparkling vampires, you need to read this book! Join Henry’s army and fight for a new tomorrow!***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: [...]***