3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Being sixteen is tough on its own but imagine being bound by mystical family secrets that have only just begun. Being too grown for immature reactions and endeavors, yet too young for all the information at once proves to be a challenge in itself for Grey Corwen. For Grey, the simple move back to her mother’s mundane hometown was just that, simple- or so she thought. The sleepy little town of Erving proves to be anything but that, all the while testing her sanity and her patience. In J.T. Carroll’s debut to the Hidden Society Series, Awakened is a sure-fire way to ignite your interest and allow you a small glimpse into the mystical world of mystery and magic, while also introducing some memorable characters that will stay with you long after closing the last page.
Included in the Young Adult/Paranormal/Romance genre, Awakened possessed everything needed to keep me interested. From the amusing sibling banter between Grey and her brother Alex, to the quirky friendships made with Quinn, Paige and Emery, and to the intense and lustful brewing relationship with Declan, Grey’s character develops some amusing and entertaining relationships that are realistic and enchanting. With the afore mentioned group, readers will be pleased to discover some unforgettable characters, some of which quickly come into the forefront of the storyline, leaving readers wanting more and more. The author provides a clear and steady build up for the introduction of each character, allowing readers ample time to discover who they are individually.
The story is well-paced, giving readers enough time to get to know the characters and situations, but not so long as to become bored with them. I really liked that the story has an enchanting “old small town” feel yet remains modern for readers. I also enjoyed how the author provides just enough foreshadowing to get readers in the mood for what’s to come.
While the storyline itself was truly engaging and entertaining, the editing could use a closer examination, as there are a few instances throughout the story where the transition between scenes is a bit choppy and hard to follow. There is also a section in towards the end of the story where the names of two characters are mixed up, causing significant confusion for a romantic encounter between Grey and her brother.
Despite my few editing complaints, Awakened was an unforgettable story that I am looking forward to following throughout the remainder of the series. In a small town where everything is not quite as it seems, the characters in Awakened will keep you coming back for more and looking forward to the next book in the series. Overall, I give Awakened 3 out of 4 stars with hopes that other readers will enjoy the story as much as I have. Had the few editing errors been dissolved prior to my reading, I would have easily rated the story a full four stars. I would highly recommend this book to young adult readers who enjoy paranormal romance, or just simply adults looking for a quick and fun read.
******
Awakened
View: on Bookshelves
Like klbradley's review? Post a comment saying so!