3.5/5 stars
Point, 2013
346 pages
YA Greek Mythology Paranormal
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Meg Cabot has long been one of my favorite authors and as a prolific writer, she's also at the top of my list for most read. Saying that, this series hasn't really done it for me. Though I dutifully read Abandon and Underworld, something seemed to be missing. When I had the chance to read Awaken, I was hoping to rediscover that Cabot magic while also checking off another series as finished.
And to my surprise, I actually really ended enjoying this book. Though there were times when Cabot's signature style annoyed me, I loved it when I was a teenager but now it no longer seems fresh and surprising, I was pretty swept away. The most enjoyable part was generally how take charge Pierce is. I read a comment somewhere about how previously John saved Pierce but now the cover shows a reversal with her saving him and I really like the strong female doing that while also retaining a sense of humor in the face of seemingly impossible odds.
It is difficult to review the third book in a trilogy without spoilers but I'm not going to go too in depth here other to say that I believe all the major players continue to be her with a few new introductions and the questions that have been posed throughout are addressed. Previously I remember not really enjoying the Pierce/John romance but I feel like that was toned down in this book and subsequently became more palatable. Pierce's parents also play a rather significant role in the plot, reminding me why I enjoyed them in the first place.
Overall: A satisfactory conclusion to the series-personally I think it ended up being my favorite although I'd have to carve out the time to read them all back to back to take a strong stance on the issue.
Cover: I do really love this cover-I think it's my favorite as it just seems very romantic to me with the purple rather than the color palettes of the previous covers.
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One of my nieces adores all things Meg Cabot, but I was not a big fan of Abandon and basically ended up abandoning it. I'm glad this wrapped the series up nicely for you!
ReplyDeleteHaha-I haven't been enjoying Cabot's series lately for some reason. I used to be such a huge fan and she was an auto-buy for me. Now though I am more likely to try through my library since I'm less assured of a great read.
DeleteI have liked a few of Meg Cabot's books but I read the first book in this series and was disappointed with it so I never continued with the series. I think I am picky especially when it comes to mythology and this kind of story line. For some reason I am not a fan of the Hades/Persephone myth either.
ReplyDeleteIt is good though when you find the final book to be your favorite in a series. A lot of times the last book can be really disappointing. I am glad you liked it.
I was so glad that this perked up the series-I remember struggling with the second book and am so happy that it improved here.
DeleteThe cover is gorgeous, I have another Greek mythology based series (Goddess Test) that I still have to get through so without a 'rave' review I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for your honesty.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover so much-the whole series is pretty and there are actually some videos about the creation, which is just neat.
DeleteI was happy with the way this ended the trilogy too. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI liked that it didn't leave me mad about resolutions or anything-it felt complete.
DeleteI'm not big on this series (don't like it at all), but I have been considering reading this one for completion. I just hope Cabot's next series is better!
ReplyDeleteTough decision-it does feel nice to finish (I should know) but your time may be better sent reading something you adore instead.
DeleteSo pretty! I'm curious to see how everything wraps up. I've been pretty lukewarm during the entire trilogy so I'm glad to hear that this one might be the best.
ReplyDelete-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
It still doesn't make this my favorite Cabot book or series by a long shot but it gave me some fonder memories at least.
DeleteI've only read the first book of this series (it seems like they took a while to be released? but maybe that's just me), so I think I need to do a trilogy re-read once I have access to all of them. Glad you mostly liked it! =)
ReplyDeleteI think it was one a year (typical, right?) for three years but it never hurts to reread if you have the time and inclination.
DeleteI haven't made it past the first one but yay for a satisfactory conclusion to the series. I loved the concept but it just didn't capture me like I'd hoped. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteIf you didn't like the first one, don't move on to the third-totally not worth it.
DeleteNot sure why I haven't read this series, because I love Meg Cabot. Maybe I'll put it on the list for summer 2014 :)
ReplyDeleteGreat-what Cabots are your favorites? I still love All American Girl and Teen Idol (I have a weakness for advice columns) in addition to the adult Boy Meets Girl.
DeleteI haven't read any Meg Cabot books yet, how pathetic is that? I have heard this series isn't her best work though.
ReplyDeleteHow have you never read ANY Meg Cabot? You need to give at least The Princess Diaries a shot since that was her big claim to fame originally.
DeleteLike you, I love Meg Cabot but wasn't a fan of this series. I didn't make it past the first book, but this third one actually sounds pretty promising. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI feel like over the past few years I have just become less of a Cabot fan in general, which makes me sad. She was such an important part of my reading life throughout high school.
DeleteMeg Cabot has been hit and miss for me. I have this one from the library right now and should be reading it soon. I'm glad you liked it. It can kind of ruin a series for me if it doesn't finish strong. Hopefully I'll like it too.
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings
Not sure how you felt about the previous books but I thought this one ended strong. Looking forward to your thoughts.
DeleteI did see that the library has a Cabot book...hm, this series? Must check it :)
ReplyDeleteI bet your library has a bunch of her books! She's written a gazillion (or at least 55 since that's how many I've read.)
DeleteI.. did not love the first two books. And I can barely remember anything from them (A) so not sure if I will read this third book. But I'm glad you enjoyed it, for the most part :D Awesome review. <3 The cover is gorgeous, though :D
ReplyDeleteProbably better not to finish then unless you really really want to cross off a series as finished-that was definitely part of my motivation!
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