Reviews with content warning for Torture - The Awakening

Feels like a Harry Potter fanfic and Mary Sue, but still an enjoyable read, if that’s what you’re into. Has a rough start with the main characters (twins, as are the authors) are ripped out of the mortal world and thrust into Solaria where they are supposed to claim their inheritance and thrones as Queens.

Fairly predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable for the sheer relaxing nature of the novel. Even though the typographical errors (an entire paragraph was duplicated and > replaced apostrophes on a few instances — perhaps due to self-publishing?) and rushed plot detracted from the novel, I couldn’t stop reading, which is why I gave the book a second star.

Since there is some promise, hopefully the future books in the series show the authors taking more time with their craft rather than rushing to get the word count.

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axahean's review against another edition

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3.5

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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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art_books_chemistry's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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micaelamariem's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

Liked this and hated that I liked it because of all the er ethical considerations. And everyone makes me mad

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midnacine's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.5

Overall, I enjoyed this! The story was interesting and engaging, the world building was pretty intense and unique, and the little bit of spice was enticing.
But goddamn, getting past the poor writing was a struggle. About 100 pages in, the only way for me to continue was to start annotating just so I could edit as I read. I restructured sentences, corrected grammar and spelling, and added punctuation where necessary. It honestly felt like no one but the authors read through the book before sending it out to print. And don't even get me started on the fact that Tory and Darcy- two 18-year-old girls who were supposed to have grown up in the US- used terms like "sports kit" and "postie", which are very British terms.
But again, I enjoyed it. So am I gonna read the rest of the series, no matter how infuriating it is? Absolutely.

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phdoyle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

4.25

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allisonbraun's review

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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