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A review by darkclouds
The Awakening by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Bullying, and Torture
Minor: Abandonment and Adult/minor relationship