Reviews with content warning for Adult/minor relationship - The Awakening

It had potential as a premise then quickly falls off. The storyline is a little addicting, but some of the things that happen are unnecessary and extremely off-putting.

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jesshart8's review

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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panels2pages's review

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.25

What a complete hot mess of a book. Imagine Harry Potter fanfiction that is made up of the largest stewpot of underdeveloped fantasy elements you've ever encountered. This is less of a "book one" in a very long series and more of a "part one," as I'll tell you now that there's absolutely no resolution to any issues raised in this book at all.

A fae-filled world that also features vampires, werewolves, dragons, peguses (pegusi?), and other fantastical creatures who feed off the weak. This is a leech-filled society perfectly content to bully and energy-rape anyone too weak to defend herself. But the four elements are also integral to the magic system... But also somehow the system is based on the zodiac? It's... a lot. But don't worry. You won't be bogged down by world-building as there's very very little of that.

I read this for a book club and after 13% of the book, considered quitting the book club and never speaking to those folks again. At 60% through I was changed. Forever warped by the promise of narrative redemption. Spoiler alert: I found none, but I was still compelled to finish the book. It read like 50 Shades of Grey or Twilight. You know it's bad, but it's easier to get off the ride by finishing it out, maybe. I don't know. I read it. I liked it at moments, but in that way you like McNuggets before they make you feel like a piece of garbage later.

I absolutely abhor the ways in which consent is repeatedly and overtly violated throughout this book. But it's also consciously justified as a completely acceptable way of life in fae-world.

Have I mentioned they have ipads with FaeBook? Or cars because who needs magic to travel in fairyland? I'm mad all over again. Read with caution.

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ifoundcallie's review

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dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

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thechaoshour's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I love the general idea of this book but it was executed poorly. The characters were unlikeable and I found the plot slow and boring. It was just a lot of bullying and abuse from the Heirs and not much plot. Plus the writing was not good and it needs some new editing but as I understand it, this book was earlier in their careers. I’m curious enough to keep reading for now in hopes they get better.

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darkclouds's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

Colour me stupid. For I haveth picked up yet another abomination, only this time, I'm a fool who is trapped in its snare.

The appeal this series has on people is what initially piqued my curiosity and if you know me, I love to waste my own time and sate my curios noggin by diving headfirst into books that most likely would strip my braincells rather than add to the tally.

I... didn't know much about this series at all. The hype and fanart was enough to seal the deal and I gratefully thank Kindle Unlimited for providing me access to these hefty books with heftier price tags. I dodged a bullet there. I'm not quite sure where to begin because it's been a few days since reading ZA1 and I'm torn.

It's terrible. Let's set that straight. Absolutely doggone ridiculous.

But reader, I am having the time of my life.

That's right. Sue me. Bind me. Curse me. I actually am a little besotted with this clusterfuck of a series and it's deluded, toxic and twisted vibes. The cringe. The red flags galore and the ever so slow build up of plot. If there is one. Not really sure what it is yet but I suppose we'll get there.

It's a bully romance. I think. And also a forbidden student/teacher romance. I also think. But also slow burn. So nothing is actually happening yet. Nothing actually is happening for a while actually. I'm in awe that these books get thicker and thicker with so many words and yet... it all leads to what? Excessive and elongated scenes that are really unnecessary sometimes and just endless bouts of frustration as the two female leads face severe abuse and humiliation.

And really, I'm here for them. For their revenge era. I think what I grew to appreciate and allow myself to bypass the awkward writing and the ridiculous dialogue, was the detail of Tory and Darcy not having a "light switch moment" where their hidden celestial powers suddenly pulled them out of a ugly situation. You know what I'm talking about? The books where the lead discovers they have hidden powers but no idea how to harness it but miraculously gains the ability when in a pickle? THAT. I'm grateful this wasn't the case here so it felt a little more kosher. The build up of their powers and abilities was the only realistic part of this entire book. They're weak. Ignorant. It was oddly refreshing. So I'm here for their shine a light moment when they finally do get to bite off more than they can chew and have the backbone and strength to get away with it.

I've used ridiculous a lot but I can't really find any other word to describe the circus that is this set up. This world. The characters. The dialogue that sends me to my knees cackling because I can't process it being real.

I'm having a blast though. I'd recommend only for those with ample patience and here to crack jokes at every turn of this disaster. If you like to watch bad movies to tickle your funny bone then dig in.

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silverrae's review

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4.0

After accepting the egregious amount of run on sentences, out of place British spelling, and the occasional typo, it turned out to be an entertaining read.

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