A review by alexreviewsit
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

5/5 stars on a reread. This is still my favorite of the series out of the 11 books I've read so far in this series. I got spurred into a reread after watching the first season of the TV show. 

I don't know what type of magic J.R. Ward uses to craft this series, but everything is so well thought out. While each book focuses on one main couple, so many stories are happening at once. The characters are so real and vibrant, the action and angst is strong, and I couldn't put it down. Infinity stars. 
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5/5 stars. I’ve been WAITING for Zsadist’s book since he was first introduced. This book gave me everything I’ve ever wanted and more. This was like dopamine straight to my head  in book form.

I saw another review of this series referencing it as a “soap opera” type book rather than action/plot focused and It really helped me have a different view on the series. I think that was my main issue in getting used to the series because I went in wanting more plot than we end up getting. 

Zsadist and Bella have such a great story arch together. Zsadist’s background was so dark and emotional to read about in flashbacks. Phury’s flashback and his leg!!!! This book really went there!

This series is so interesting in how it is structured by having so many POVs and different stories happening at the same time including villain POV. I’d say this is more of a vampire book series than strictly a romance series. It’s definitely different than what I expected from just the cover.

The character development really stepped up in this book. Phury, Tohrment, John, Rehvenge and Butch had so much added to their backgrounds even as side characters. 

The writing uses so much slang that was not of the times for the mid-2000s. Like referring to instant messages as “messies.” Some stuff was part of the time period but some must have been totally made up. I also can’t get over the references to G Unit and other rappers randomly. 

The series so far set this book up perfectly and SO MUCH happens to the cast of characters. I had my mind blown by the little ending twist and did not expect it at all.