Review: WOW!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 28, 2013
I was lucky enough to read this amazing book before its release, and lucky is hardly a word to describe the honor it really was. The first book in this trilogy, Protected, completely engrossed me with its non-stop action, twists (especially that ending!), and the creativity of the story itself... But Awakened, oh gosh, this book had me flying through the pages, unable to put it down. I can't tell you how many times I contacted the author, sweating bullets, freaking out, and praising this story. Just when you think you know where this story is heading, you find you're wrong. And I'm a HUGE sucker for originality and imagination, and this book absolutely captivated me in that department. Kudos to Mrs. Applegate for diving deep into her creative side!Ariya grows so much as a character throughout book two. It comes down to her needing to find that inner strength, when James and her friends' lives rely on it, and that makes her growth believable, commendable, and real. I really LOVED her character in this book.And the budding romance that occurred in Protected is taken to a whole new level in Awakened. The sexual tension is undeniable, and I absolutely love that in any book. I'll admit that I'm the perve who devours books because I'm waiting for the characters to just get the inevitable out of the way. But I also don't like to be completely distracted from the story because of it, and found the balance between the increasing intensity of James' and Ariya's relationship, and the story itself very well done.If you enjoyed the first book, you will LOVE the second! Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!! I don't like to give spoilers in reviews, but I promise this sequel will not disappoint.