Scan barcode
lanaglennon's review
4.0
I started off reading this book thinking that I wouldn’t really like it, and boy was I wrong. I got hooked into it after the first few chapters and didn’t want to put it down. The characters were different, and the setting was interesting. Another thing that stood out to me was the dialogue. The author puts a twist on different words to make you really imagine how the characters talked.
I thought the plot was well developed. It started off kind of slow, but I understand now how important that was to later scenes. It was mostly well developed, although at times I felt like it left some things open, but that could become clearer in later books, so I’m not sure if it was intentional or not.
All of the main characters I feel like had a good feel to them, and the way that they “spoke” gave me a good idea of what they were like as people. There were enough connections within the book to our current society that I could understand what the author was trying to get at.
Sometimes the dialogue that was presented was more annoying and cumbersome than it was helpful. Some of the words I felt were unnecessarily altered, when using proper English could have been just as effective. While this was a good story, nothing was completely remarkable about it. I plan to read the next two in the trilogy, but this one does not make my ultimate favorites. If you have time and want a good read, go for it!
I thought the plot was well developed. It started off kind of slow, but I understand now how important that was to later scenes. It was mostly well developed, although at times I felt like it left some things open, but that could become clearer in later books, so I’m not sure if it was intentional or not.
All of the main characters I feel like had a good feel to them, and the way that they “spoke” gave me a good idea of what they were like as people. There were enough connections within the book to our current society that I could understand what the author was trying to get at.
Sometimes the dialogue that was presented was more annoying and cumbersome than it was helpful. Some of the words I felt were unnecessarily altered, when using proper English could have been just as effective. While this was a good story, nothing was completely remarkable about it. I plan to read the next two in the trilogy, but this one does not make my ultimate favorites. If you have time and want a good read, go for it!
ultraspy's review
3.0
This is an absolutely phenomenal book. Michelle Bryan has created a fascinating world full of kick-ass characters.
darquedreamer's review
5.0
Prepare to be taken on a dangerous journey of self discovery, the search for answers, and the awakening of a new power. Awaken gives us a "Wizard of Oz" like story with the introduction of a character as strong and as symbolic as the "Mockingjay." You will be inspired and impressed by our heroine Tara. Your heart will melt for the lovable Finn. You will feel wonder and suspicion toward Tater, and will fall in love with Jax.
I was immediately drawn in to the story by Tara's connection with Grada and Rivercross. With the style of writing in the book, I felt like I was in Tara's mind, experiencing and feeling everything she went through. I was heartbroken in losing Grada and Rivercross and determined to find answers alongside our heroine. When Tara comes across Finn, I couldn't help but fall in love with him and look at him like a little brother. Tater made for an interesting "jester" of sorts in the story. I was suspicious of him and yet was intrigued by his story telling and humorous manner. I enjoyed how Tara's power awakened each time she felt heavy stress, fear, or anger. It seemed so real and powerful! Upon meeting Jax, I first felt tension and anger toward him, but as the story goes on and his true character is revealed, I found myself falling for him and secretly wanting there to be some sort of romance there.
The journey made by these characters is intense and dangerous. The obstacles faced and the surprising twists really keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what happens when Tara finally embraces her fate and her power and decides to go after the Prezedant.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
I was immediately drawn in to the story by Tara's connection with Grada and Rivercross. With the style of writing in the book, I felt like I was in Tara's mind, experiencing and feeling everything she went through. I was heartbroken in losing Grada and Rivercross and determined to find answers alongside our heroine. When Tara comes across Finn, I couldn't help but fall in love with him and look at him like a little brother. Tater made for an interesting "jester" of sorts in the story. I was suspicious of him and yet was intrigued by his story telling and humorous manner. I enjoyed how Tara's power awakened each time she felt heavy stress, fear, or anger. It seemed so real and powerful! Upon meeting Jax, I first felt tension and anger toward him, but as the story goes on and his true character is revealed, I found myself falling for him and secretly wanting there to be some sort of romance there.
The journey made by these characters is intense and dangerous. The obstacles faced and the surprising twists really keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what happens when Tara finally embraces her fate and her power and decides to go after the Prezedant.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
aly36's review
5.0
I was quite excited and impressed with this book. I loved the character of Tara and she is a strong lead. I think this character's story took hold of me and wouldn't let me go. The post apocalypse world is sad yet fresh and new to me. I think that this author has a great talent and I could see this book as a movie. * I received this book from Netgalley---This is my honest review*
momwithareadingproblem's review
4.0
I am the world's worst person to judge a book by its cover, meaning that if the cover is cheesy or doesn't catch my eye I don't read it. Kinda like when you meet someone for the first time, you know first impressions stick. Same with book covers to me. So I started this book hesitantly, not sure if I would like it. Let me be the first to say I liked it and then some!
My reaction when finishing this book:
Awaken: New Bloods Trilogy by [a:Michelle Bryan|7866413|Michelle Bryan|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png] is the story of a young woman, just turned 18 living in a world after "The Shift." The land is like a desert, nothing grows, water and food are scarce, and to her there is just her small community. But on her "born day," tragedy strikes in the form of iron monsters killing all the adults and taking all the young'uns except Tara who was hidden by her Gra'da before the attacks. Now it is up to her to find what's left of her kin.
The characters in this story are brilliant! I loved Tara and her way of speaking. She was blunt and straight to the point, no beating around the bush, just honesty. Tara is a strong-willed (stubborn) character. I thought she was a perfect cross between Katniss Everdeen and Rogue from X-men, in fact while reading this is what I pictured:
Tara is even stubborn as she learns about being a "New Blood" or what she calls a mutie, but this endeared her to me even more. She is a relatable character especially as she learns that not all she's been told growing up in her small community is true.
The other characters she meets along the way - Finn, Tater, and Jax - I also adore. Finn is a boy around 12 with a "demon cat" as a pet who's community is destroyed the same as Tara's. He's high-spirited, inquisitive, and daring, and once he learns that Tara is out to find her kin, he argues to tag along. Tater is a middle-aged, "half-man" trader who comes upon the two one night in the dead woods and decides to take them with him to Littlepass. He is funny and knowledgable about the world outside Tara's community, but I wasn't too sure if I could trust him. Jax joins their party after they've been captured by Raiders. He is closer to Tara's age and provides a bit of a love interest. This is not your typical YA romance you see in most books today which was refreshing. It's subtle and I enjoyed that.
The world building is amazing. Imagine a world that is so far into the future that cars, technology, everything that makes us modern today is folk tale and legend to Tara. It was incredible! The Iron Bones chapter is amazing to me, seeing the ruins of a city through the eyes of someone who has never seen the buildings before, such a great feat for an author to describe. I loved it!
So why four stars and not five? Well, for me, I felt that the story dragged after the initial chapter. There was the hook of seeing as Tara did her community destroyed by the metal monsters, but after that it took a while for the flow of the story to pick up for me. Not that I didn't still enjoy it, but I wanted it to go a little faster. I didn't need half a chapter describing how lonely she was walking through the sandlands. Once I hit about the half way mark, the plot of the story really got my attention and I didn't sit it down til I finished it!
If I was not told, I would never have known that this was [a:Michelle Bryan|7866413|Michelle Bryan|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png]'s first novel. Little to no grammar issues that I found, the characters were well-developed, the world-building is amazing, and she left me wanting more! I have so many questions, the biggest being what was the Shift that caused this dystopian universe. If you enjoy YA dystopian with some sci-fi/fantasy thrown into the mix, you should really get a copy of this book. I personally can't wait for book two!
I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My reaction when finishing this book:
Awaken: New Bloods Trilogy by [a:Michelle Bryan|7866413|Michelle Bryan|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png] is the story of a young woman, just turned 18 living in a world after "The Shift." The land is like a desert, nothing grows, water and food are scarce, and to her there is just her small community. But on her "born day," tragedy strikes in the form of iron monsters killing all the adults and taking all the young'uns except Tara who was hidden by her Gra'da before the attacks. Now it is up to her to find what's left of her kin.
The characters in this story are brilliant! I loved Tara and her way of speaking. She was blunt and straight to the point, no beating around the bush, just honesty. Tara is a strong-willed (stubborn) character. I thought she was a perfect cross between Katniss Everdeen and Rogue from X-men, in fact while reading this is what I pictured:
Tara is even stubborn as she learns about being a "New Blood" or what she calls a mutie, but this endeared her to me even more. She is a relatable character especially as she learns that not all she's been told growing up in her small community is true.
The other characters she meets along the way - Finn, Tater, and Jax - I also adore. Finn is a boy around 12 with a "demon cat" as a pet who's community is destroyed the same as Tara's. He's high-spirited, inquisitive, and daring, and once he learns that Tara is out to find her kin, he argues to tag along. Tater is a middle-aged, "half-man" trader who comes upon the two one night in the dead woods and decides to take them with him to Littlepass. He is funny and knowledgable about the world outside Tara's community, but I wasn't too sure if I could trust him. Jax joins their party after they've been captured by Raiders. He is closer to Tara's age and provides a bit of a love interest. This is not your typical YA romance you see in most books today which was refreshing. It's subtle and I enjoyed that.
The world building is amazing. Imagine a world that is so far into the future that cars, technology, everything that makes us modern today is folk tale and legend to Tara. It was incredible! The Iron Bones chapter is amazing to me, seeing the ruins of a city through the eyes of someone who has never seen the buildings before, such a great feat for an author to describe. I loved it!
So why four stars and not five? Well, for me, I felt that the story dragged after the initial chapter. There was the hook of seeing as Tara did her community destroyed by the metal monsters, but after that it took a while for the flow of the story to pick up for me. Not that I didn't still enjoy it, but I wanted it to go a little faster. I didn't need half a chapter describing how lonely she was walking through the sandlands. Once I hit about the half way mark, the plot of the story really got my attention and I didn't sit it down til I finished it!
If I was not told, I would never have known that this was [a:Michelle Bryan|7866413|Michelle Bryan|https://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-d9f6a4a5badfda0f69e70cc94d962125.png]'s first novel. Little to no grammar issues that I found, the characters were well-developed, the world-building is amazing, and she left me wanting more! I have so many questions, the biggest being what was the Shift that caused this dystopian universe. If you enjoy YA dystopian with some sci-fi/fantasy thrown into the mix, you should really get a copy of this book. I personally can't wait for book two!
I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
bec_sherman's review
4.0
This one started slow for me, but didn't take long for me to get hooked. It only had 8 chapters, but they were long ones. I prefer more, shorter chapters so I can finish a chapter on my commute to work. The story is written from Tara's point of view, so it's great to learn things along the way as Tara learns them. I enjoyed meeting the new characters along the way and fell in love with them too. This story was about Tara's journey to Littlepass, and the trial and tribulations along the way.
It ended on a cliff hanger - but given I have book 2 I'm okay with that as I can get straight into it. I normally don't like cliff hangers. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into book 2!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
It ended on a cliff hanger - but given I have book 2 I'm okay with that as I can get straight into it. I normally don't like cliff hangers. I'm looking forward to getting my teeth into book 2!
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
courtneyslynn's review
3.0
**this book was given to me in return for an honest review**
When starting this book, my first thought was, 'I hate hoe Tara talks.' The way she pronounces things and puts things together pains me. I mentally corrected her speech in my head as I went along. With this being like a post apocalypse book, she should know how to speak properly. Everyone else in the book seems to but her. Other than that, I love her personality, her hair color rocks! And I need her and Jax to just get together! Finn is the sweetest kid and keeps it light hearted when you feel there is none. I admit the plot did pull me in. The cover didn't entice me though. I wish I could understand more of what happened to the world to make it like it is now. All in all, the plot was pretty good. I enjoyed that despite Tara's way of talking. Thanks for the opportunity to read this!
When starting this book, my first thought was, 'I hate hoe Tara talks.' The way she pronounces things and puts things together pains me. I mentally corrected her speech in my head as I went along. With this being like a post apocalypse book, she should know how to speak properly. Everyone else in the book seems to but her. Other than that, I love her personality, her hair color rocks! And I need her and Jax to just get together! Finn is the sweetest kid and keeps it light hearted when you feel there is none. I admit the plot did pull me in. The cover didn't entice me though. I wish I could understand more of what happened to the world to make it like it is now. All in all, the plot was pretty good. I enjoyed that despite Tara's way of talking. Thanks for the opportunity to read this!
spaceyfaerie's review
3.0
A action-packed ride full of all that post-apocalyptic awesomeness with a paranormal twist. Throw in drawling accents, bantering dialogue, a mysterious villain, and you have Awaken. Needs a bit of polishing grammatically, but beyond that this was a very enjoyable read. And I totally ship Tara and Jax, but I'm kinda torn about Ben too...ah, ye feels!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
veereading's review
2.0
This is a YA fiction story that has a Western influence to it. It seems lately that more and more of the books I am reading have a Western setting - not that I mind! This story is your typical YA fantasy story. You've got your plucky heroine, who denies everything about her identity and powers until she no longer can. You've got the ragtag crew of friends who are a source of comfort and help. You've got a budding love interest that starts off with the whole heart-pounding-really-fast-when-close scenario. And you've got an evil villain who pretty much stays in the shadows but is looming in everyone's minds. The story moved at a fast pace and had a good host of characters. I didn't really like Tara that much, because she seemed a little ... slow in her ability to comprehend what was going on. I get tired of stubborn main characters unless they have something unique about them - and unfortunately, Tara was not unique. Maybe it was the fast pace, but I felt like the story lacked depth. There was nothing that made it overly special, and there was nothing that pulled at my emotions. While it was well-written, there was just nothing memorable about it. I hope the sequel deviates more from the norm because I can definitely see the potential in this series!
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this novel as an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
More...