A review by hannalizzy
The Awakening by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

lighthearted 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

1.0

The book was absolute dog water. 

First, the amount of grammatical errors and typos is astronomical. I don’t think the authors hired an editor at all, honestly. I was constantly cringing at how awkwardly phased everything was and how unnatural the story progression felt. 

Second, the main girls are young, and they are being constantly sexually harassed, in public AND BY TEACHERS, and NO ONE AROUND THEM CARES? They’re just told that “that’s how things are in Solaria” and they better get used to it. Consent? Never heard of her. 

The worst part about reading this book (besides actually finishing it) was the overwhelming feeling of profound disappointment I felt at such a cool story idea being mishandled beyond belief. I’m interested in the concept of Solaria, but that is it. The characters were shallow and completely stupid. The whole thing felt like a wattpad fantasy. 

To the person who told me this book would be like adult Harry Potter, I’m never forgiving you.

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