A review by alyxbeau
The Awakening by Nora Roberts

reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is a very slow paced, dare I say boring, cozy fantasy attempt. I mean it is a cozy fantasy, just not a well done one. Not much really happens and Breen seems to just naturally have everything go right for her when it matters. I really do like the setting, and the general plot, but I don't think it is well executed. 

As an aside, I have huge issues woth the narration of Breen. The narrator of the audiobook does fine for every other character, but the way Breen is narrated is awful. I don't know ow anyone in real life who speaks with the pitch of their voice always ending UPWARDS. The lilt is usually a downwards ending unless there's is a question. It helps convey so many things - sarcasm, questions, statements, facts, tone of voice. It SEVERELY bothers me that no matter what her vlsemtences end with the upwards pitch.