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flowersofquiethappiness's review
4.0
The tension only rises here in book two. I continued to be impressed with this world that Tess lives in. For the record, I loved Tess, even if she tends to be quite frustrating at times. But Luka? *swoon* And that ending?! Not nice, Ms. Ganshert. Not nice at all.
reneesmith's review against another edition
5.0
I read this series on Kindle this summer & really enjoyed it. Bought this first book for my students & they're loving it! Must read.
cara_cee's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really enjoyable. As with the first it's sets a great pace. It doesn't leave holes and the story progresses quickly. It's a little less self-deprecating than the first, but could still have eased up on that aspect. I like all the characters and their development. Again some parts were a bit 'YA novel 101' but it makes for a fun read.
danielledavids_'s review against another edition
5.0
My love for dystopias is no secret and this series is a good one! original and unexpected but still the same sort of formula in most dystopias. yes, you have to wade through a little bit if teen angst, but its worth it. the story, the characters, the mystery are all so developed that it keeps me craving more. love! onto book three! I'll be sad when this series is over!
jezzebelljc's review
5.0
The Good
Such a great follow up to The Gifting. I'm amazed at where this series is going. The Awakening has a great mix of meeting new characters, learning more information, action, and suspense.
Our two main characters Tess and Luka are on the run. They meet a fountain of other great characters on their trek. We also get to see some of the characters from the first story every now and then which I enjoyed. I love that there is no one you can trust in this series.
This is a very creative and interesting story. The Awakening spent a large majority of the time with our characters in the dream world where they are training to hone their skills as a Fighter and a Shield against a darkness that the rest of the world says doesn't exist.
The Bad
Very cliffhanger ending that has you wanting to immediately jump into the next book. Thankfully, I don't have to wait. I would've been very annoyed reading this one before the third was out.
The Romance
In The Gifting, Tess and Luka pretended to be in a relationship to explain why they were spending so much time together. This has blurred a lot of things and caused quite a bit of confusion on Tess' part who doesn't feel that Luka could actually have any feelings for her beyond the connection they share with their gifts. I enjoy both of these characters. Even though Tess is brash and often does exactly what she's told not to, I appreciate that she is willing to do anything to save people she cares about. While Luka is a great guy, he doesn't do a good job of talking about his feelings and just assumes that his actions tell Tess all she needs to know. I would agree with that if not for the pretending to be in a relationship before and the appearance that he is overly concerned with her safety. That part comes off more big brotherish, so honestly I understand Tess' confusion.
There are characters added in this one, Link and Claire, who are attracted to Tess and Luka. It causes quite a bit of jealously. I don't feel it's an actual love square, but it adds confusion on the feelings between Tess and Luka and where they stand. Wouldn't it be nice if they talked a little more about how they feel.
Conclusion
A little unnecessary jealously thrown in for conflict in the relationships. A lot of action and suspense, mixed with amazing characters. Some you feel you can trust, but really I won't be trusting anyone until the final pages of the third book. I love the concept of this story and how it seamlessly mixes the Paranormal with Dystopia genres. Amazingly gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending. Definitely recommended.
*Originally given 4 1/2 stars at JC's Book Haven
"Our mission resulted in three dead ends - a dead man, a missing man, and a runaway teenager."
Such a great follow up to The Gifting. I'm amazed at where this series is going. The Awakening has a great mix of meeting new characters, learning more information, action, and suspense.
Our two main characters Tess and Luka are on the run. They meet a fountain of other great characters on their trek. We also get to see some of the characters from the first story every now and then which I enjoyed. I love that there is no one you can trust in this series.
This is a very creative and interesting story. The Awakening spent a large majority of the time with our characters in the dream world where they are training to hone their skills as a Fighter and a Shield against a darkness that the rest of the world says doesn't exist.
The Bad
Very cliffhanger ending that has you wanting to immediately jump into the next book. Thankfully, I don't have to wait. I would've been very annoyed reading this one before the third was out.
The Romance
In The Gifting, Tess and Luka pretended to be in a relationship to explain why they were spending so much time together. This has blurred a lot of things and caused quite a bit of confusion on Tess' part who doesn't feel that Luka could actually have any feelings for her beyond the connection they share with their gifts. I enjoy both of these characters. Even though Tess is brash and often does exactly what she's told not to, I appreciate that she is willing to do anything to save people she cares about. While Luka is a great guy, he doesn't do a good job of talking about his feelings and just assumes that his actions tell Tess all she needs to know. I would agree with that if not for the pretending to be in a relationship before and the appearance that he is overly concerned with her safety. That part comes off more big brotherish, so honestly I understand Tess' confusion.
There are characters added in this one, Link and Claire, who are attracted to Tess and Luka. It causes quite a bit of jealously. I don't feel it's an actual love square, but it adds confusion on the feelings between Tess and Luka and where they stand. Wouldn't it be nice if they talked a little more about how they feel.
Conclusion
A little unnecessary jealously thrown in for conflict in the relationships. A lot of action and suspense, mixed with amazing characters. Some you feel you can trust, but really I won't be trusting anyone until the final pages of the third book. I love the concept of this story and how it seamlessly mixes the Paranormal with Dystopia genres. Amazingly gut-wrenching cliffhanger ending. Definitely recommended.
*Originally given 4 1/2 stars at JC's Book Haven
"Our mission resulted in three dead ends - a dead man, a missing man, and a runaway teenager."
rachel1887's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jmeyers888's review
4.0
This one reminded me at lot of the matrix. Especially with them sitting in dentist chairs, attached to a computer that has code that makes no sense to the average person except for the quirky, light hearted programmer. And them practicing their fighting skills in a simulated dojo. Also they are able to defy gravity and do crazy fighting moves, which they can’t to in the “real world.” A demon who reminds me a lot of Mr. Smith from the matrix chases after Tess, and he keeps calling Luca, Mr. Williams during his interrogation. And last but not least, there is a prophecy which says “the one” will defeat evil.
With all that being said, the book was still very good. And I do recommend it. I love the matrix, but I just kept getting reminded of it so much, I lowered my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star.
With all that being said, the book was still very good. And I do recommend it. I love the matrix, but I just kept getting reminded of it so much, I lowered my rating from a 5 star to a 4 star.