No Time to Cry: Book 1 in the Dream Guardian Series by S. E. Henry poses the question as to what would happen if dreams were a portal to another dimension? What if those other dimensions were full of danger and deadly creatures bent on your ultimate destruction? Trigg’s dreams were becoming more frequent and deadlier each time - more like night terrors. Only Terryn could reach him when he was experiencing one of these night terrors, and even her link to her twin was becoming precarious. Trigg’s grasp on reality was fading, at least the reality he thought he knew. When he discovers the dreams are a way of introducing his powers, his ability to be a dream guardian, he realizes he must make a difficult choice between his world and the other dimensions. Terryn won’t allow her twin to leave her behind as she also has her demons to face. She follows Trigg, crossing the portal between dimensions and into Trigg’s night terrors. Now, the two must race against time and the demons to save themselves. What was it about these night terrors that were pulling the two away from the only world they’d ever known? What about the deadly creatures getting ever closer with each journey from one dimension to another?

S.E. Henry’s young adult fantasy novel No Time to Cry is the first book in a new series. For fans of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and Rowling’s Harry Potter, this is an epic adventure that will have young readers anxious to follow the plot to its complex and unexpected climax. The two main characters, orphaned twins, have a path to follow, a journey that will transport them across multiple portals into many dimensions. The author has woven a compelling tale, full of expressive descriptive narratives that aptly set the scenes and engaging dialogue that builds the characters and helps readers accept the good and the evil and the magic within each of them. This is a classic for young adult readers who want to believe that there is something distinctly different and exciting beyond our present realm of existence.

Things hadn’t been the same for Terryn since her twin brother, Trigg’s first heart attack. That evening three years ago, it felt like something had changed in her, and since then, by some instinct, she had always known when Trigg was in trouble. She called the sensation the twin tug which helped her know when her brother needed her more times than she could count. Despite this twin instinct, she still cannot pinpoint the reason for his nightmares which are causing him so much distress. Terryn had lost track of how many previous specialist visits, hospital stays, and failed medications they had tried. Finally, their pediatrician suggested a sleep study. Will this finally give them the answers they’re looking for? Where will Trigg’s nightmares lead them? No Time to Cry is the first book of The Dream Guardian Series by S.E. Henry.

Terryn was out of her mind with worry for her twin Trigg. His nightmares had taken their toll, he had lost so much weight and sleep but Terryn tries to be strong for both of them. I admired her determination to do everything she can to find out the cause of the nightmares so her brother could be cured. Life has been difficult for them both but Terryn had always comforted herself with the thought that at least they were together. No Time to Cry by S.E. Henry tugs on the heartstrings. Terryn and Trigg were strong in their own ways. I admire Terryn for always being there for her brother, supporting him, and caring for him even when things got hard and Trigg was so resilient and brave. Despite the pain and the uncertainty he would put on a smile on his face and assure his sister. This story has so many turns I did not see coming and the epic fantasy twist spins a unique flavor into the tale. I am so psyched for the second book and looking forward to more of the Dream Guardian Series!

In a world where dreams come to life, twins Trigg and Terryn must constantly fight to stay alive. Do they have what it takes to save each other from monsters that come straight out of nightmares? No Time to Cry: Book 1 in the Dream Guardian Series is excellent for readers who love dark fantasy. S. E. Henry sends the twins on a journey of magic, danger, and self-discovery. Henry questions what is good and bad with the Divided and the United. Will the twins make the right decisions? In a world of dreams and nightmares, is everything as it seems, or are things hidden in the fog? Dive into the stream and take the journey with orphans Trigg and Terryn.

S. E. Henry creates a world of fantasy and magic beautifully. Henry’s descriptions are vivid and immersed me in the story. The characters are relatable and add credibility. I felt Terryn’s struggle with the Tug and later on with the shield and desperately wanted her to win. The character development of both protagonists is well-written and keeps the story alive. I loved Terryn and Trigg’s twin bond! Their love highlighted the strength of sibling relationships. The United and the Divided don’t fit neatly into the categories of good and bad and I loved that! No Time to Cry constantly kept me thinking about what made something or someone good or bad, and which side was right. Is any side right?

Everything that has to do with dreams is still an underdeveloped area in medicine. In S.E. Henry's book, No Time to Cry, doctors try multiple treatments for Trigg's unusual nightmares. His twin, Terryn, accompanies him throughout every failed diagnosis, but what if those night terrors are real? In the first book of the Dream Guardian series, we follow the journey of these two siblings tied with an unyielding bond. They will have to travel through dimensions and survive the dangers on their way to stay together.

S.E. Henry creates a universe of endless possibilities. No Time to Cry carries you through a roller-coaster of highly intense emotions. Henry's narrative is powerful enough to make you live the twins' journey. This story is told at a vertiginous pace, addictive from the first page. Such dynamic rhythm (plus the fantasy world) is ideal for breaking from the routine. Dream Guardian series' first book portrays a pair of twins that are both similar and different. It is brilliant how Henry manages to keep their personalities separate. But despite their differences, you can tell they are siblings. The book's world-building is simply outstanding. The dream realm is an ambitious theme for a fantasy book: seemingly simple but challenging if you want to do it right. Henry owns this theme, and the result is a marvelous story. This book is perfect for those who enjoyed Laini Taylor's Daughter of Shadow and Bone. The topic is different (so it doesn't seem like you are reading a copy), but the sensation of reading it is the same.