Thursday, August 29, 2013

Awaken

Awaken by Meg Cabot
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.

Other Opinions:
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28 comments:

  1. 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!

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    1. Haha-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.

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  2. I 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.

    It 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.

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    1. 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.

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  3. The 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.

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    1. I love the cover so much-the whole series is pretty and there are actually some videos about the creation, which is just neat.

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  4. I was happy with the way this ended the trilogy too. Great review.

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    1. I liked that it didn't leave me mad about resolutions or anything-it felt complete.

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  5. I'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!

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    1. Tough decision-it does feel nice to finish (I should know) but your time may be better sent reading something you adore instead.

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  6. So 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.

    -P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex

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    1. 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.

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  7. I'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! =)

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    1. I think it was one a year (typical, right?) for three years but it never hurts to reread if you have the time and inclination.

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  8. I 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*

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    1. If you didn't like the first one, don't move on to the third-totally not worth it.

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  9. Not sure why I haven't read this series, because I love Meg Cabot. Maybe I'll put it on the list for summer 2014 :)

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    1. Great-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.

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  10. I haven't read any Meg Cabot books yet, how pathetic is that? I have heard this series isn't her best work though.

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    1. How 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.

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  11. Like 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!

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    1. I 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.

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  12. Meg 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.

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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    1. Not sure how you felt about the previous books but I thought this one ended strong. Looking forward to your thoughts.

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  13. I did see that the library has a Cabot book...hm, this series? Must check it :)

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    1. I 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.)

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  14. I.. 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

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    1. Probably 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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