Awaken

What a fantastic book!

What a fantastic book!

A fascinating unique fictitious life after death adventure.

A unique fictitious account of the after life of Lucy Donovan a college student who dies during a tragic car accident. At the start of the story the reader is immediately at Lucy's side as Lucy awakens in the afterlife. Lucy who is not aware she has passed on is immediately in panic mode wondering who the strangers are around her bed. Lucy is not only dead she has been specifically chosen by a group called the Patronus. Patronus are a special group of guardian spirits who guard and accompany other spirits after their death.

I really enjoyed this book and found the story unique and interesting until I came across vampire like demons during the story. Although I love the paranormal I just cannot get into any sort of vampire drama. I can happily say though, that I did like how Ross kept the vampire confrontations to a minimum throughout the story. I also felt Ross could have held back a little on Lucy's obsession with Max. I totally got her concept on how Lucy felt a connection with Max, but it just seemed a little bit much. I feel this is a great start for Ross, however I also feel she needs to show more strength when it comes to her depictions of the scenery, and other realms. Since this is book one for Ross she certainly has time to improve her next book. I am definitely open to reading a sequel to this book.

“Awaken” took me by surprise. Besides the stunning b

“Awaken” took me by surprise. Besides the stunning book cover, I also liked the concept of chosen ones becoming guardians in the afterlife to protect other spirits awaiting judgment before moving on, from being stolen by supernatural forces who wants to ensure the survival of their species. It is yet again another refreshing look at vampires, werewolves, faeries and such; although - except for the vampires – werewolves and faeries are not the main focus of this book. As I’ve had my fill of vampire and werewolf themed books, I enjoyed this one more for its take on guardians and guides in the afterlife.

Who knew that in heaven you’ll find a waiting room with magazines dated from the 1980s, a coffee station and water cooler? Even more astonishing is finding that the realm of the after-life is not much different from the world we know. Chinese takeout, all your favorite television channels, buffet breakfasts and a fully equipped spa are only some of the familiar things you’ll come across in this realm. And as wonderful as all that sounds, I was slightly disappointed that the author didn’t put a little more imagination into this. Instead, she just duplicated our world. Having a realm where anything is possible at her fingertips, I’m surprised she chose not to be more creative and wow the reader with a whole new magical world! But……that’s just me. Hopefully, the next book in the series, “Avenge”, will do all that!

I liked all the characters, and again I was so happy to find another female lead who isn’t a, whiny, spoiled little drama-queen, which you so frequently find in YA novels. Considering the new life Lucy had to embrace, and also surviving a horrendous attack soon after she arrived in her new world, she takes her duties as a Patronus (guardian) seriously. Her dogged determination and fearlessness to protect innocent souls from the evil trying to snatch them away, is remarkable to say the least. And what I wouldn’t give to have one of those cool bracelets the guardians get to wear, with which you can……no, wait, let me not spoil it for you. But trust me, you’ll also want one!

A delightful little twist to this tale is how the author worked well-known historical figures into the story. A lot of time is spent detailing the training sessions Lucy had to partake in to help her develop the skills necessary for the battles ahead of her. After said training sessions, I was as exhausted as she was since the author described it so well! She really got my adrenaline pumping and I felt ready for the fight along with Lucy. I felt giddy knowing we’re ready to go and kick some vampire butt!

This quick, well-written read will definitely appeal to the young adult market of readers aged 16 and up. “Awaken” is the first book in a new series that will definitely knock your socks off!

great book

- not my usual topic of reading but found it hard to put down

A read you will love and won't regret!

Lucy Donovan is a college student out for a fun weekend with friends to celebrate her graduation right around the corner. A celebration that never came thanks to a drunk driver. She was happy and excited one minute and the next, waking up only to find out she was actually dead and that she had a whole new destiny ahead of her! One more important the she could ever imagine possible!
When Lucy wakes up from her life and into another realm she learns that she has been chosen to be something bigger then she could of ever imagined...Something very few are selected for, to protect the souls of the dead from the evil of Vampires and werewolves! These souls have to be protected until they're judgment day at all cost! As if that was not enough for her to cope with and try and understand she also has strong feelings for a member of her team, Max. She can not comprehend what it is she's feeling or why she has such a strong pull towards this man she just met! When Max approaches Lucy with the news that a very important soul to her is about to be released Lucy must quickly train and meet the requirements made to allow her to guide and protect this soul...But, the vampires already know who she is and find her a serious threat. She has powers beyond what most do in the realm that have been there for hundreds of years but will it be enough to save the most important soul in the world to her? Will she learn what it is she feels for Max or why she feels it?

Review:
This book captivated me from the very first couple pages! I instantly thought hmmm...well this is a interesting start...and I could not wait to finish it! I loved the twist in it and the fact that even there was a little romance it was not the only story in this book!The reason behind they're amazing pull is captivating on it's own!!! However this book leaves you wanting more and your mouth hung open at the end wanting to know what happened next! You may even find yourself trying to make the next pages appear even though they don't exist! I really look forward to the continuance of this story to find out how well Lucy will grow and where her relationship will lead her! Thank you Sarah M Ross for this wonderful book! 5 Stars!

Unique story

Sarah M. Ross has a fresh voice and story to add to the paranormal realm of books. Her writing is imaginative and intriguing. She has a very creative story and has presented it in a captivating manner.

Lucy is off to have a fun weekend. She doesn't know what happens to her when she wakes to a strange room and unfamiliar people. She soon discovers that she was in an accident and she has passed away. Her body was brought to another realm and revived. The process took 5 months. She is now a Patronus. The job of a patronus is to protect the souls of the newly dead and bring them to a safe spot where they can wait to receive judgement.

The job has some serious danger involved. The vampires, werewolves, and fairies all want to steal the souls before they are taken to the waiting area. These paranormal creatures are dying out and take the souls to increase their numbers.

She finds herself working with a team. There are several teams that cover areas all over the world. They have a rough job, but they have a great rapport in the team. They are friends and very supportive of each other. It doesn't hurt that one of the guys is incredibly handsome and makes her heart flutter. His name is Max and she is instantly drawn to him. There is some secret. There and a reason, but no one wants to give her the information she craves. She knows her feelings and sudden attraction are not normal.

This book is very engaging and easy to get lost in. I liked the characters. I really liked Lucy and Max. They have an undeniable chemistry. I would only recommend this book to those who are 16 or older. The main characters range in age from 22 to over 900. The ending is abrupt and lets you know that this is the beginning of the story. The next book is scheduled for later this year. There is swearing and the use of the "f" bomb.

I received a copy to review through my participation with a book tour for this book. This does not alter my opinion.

Great read!!

I had the lovely opportunity to review this book for this tour. I have to say it's like nothing any book I've ever read before. It was sweet, romantic, heartwrenching, but yet exciting book. I have to say that Sarah writes about strong characters going through trials and tribulations and somehow managing to find love...even on the other side. I know what you're thinking, I'm not into scify. I'm into romance. Yeah, that's what I thought too. Then I read this book and couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one to come out! Get your copy today!!

Great read!

Excellent book! This was an easy read that I couldn't put down. While in the popular genre of vampires and other realms, this book offers a unique twist and the ending leaves me wanting the sequel now. Must read!

A Must Read

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life. Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose. Further complicating her life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued. Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life. Review: Oh my…the ending. I think next to the definition of cliffhanger. It’s one of the most suspenseful endings. My heart stopped midbeat once I realized that there wasn’t a next page. This novel has many peaks and valleys for me: The thing about paranormal novels is that you have to take an already developed concept, and somehow make it into something original. I think that Ross does this. However, at the same time, some concepts were so hard to swallow…and they kept being thrown at you, one after the other. Ross does a magnificent job of creating this world. If you could believe it when J.K. Rowling created this world of Harry Potter’s wizardry, or when Stephenie Meyer created sparkly vampires that had a diet that consisted mainly of animal blood, then you’ll be able to believe Ross’ afterlife, filled with vampires, werewolves, and wayward souls. I didn’t like how Lucy finally accepts her situation in the afterlife. One moment Lucy is skeptical and doesn’t believe that she’s actually dead, and then she does. There is this disconnect, concerning Lucy’s acceptance. It’s like the reader is missing something, which is a shame, because she seems so believable before that point. However, Lucy’s personality soon makes up for it. She’s stubborn and doesn’t listen, and has some issues. All qualities that I love in a protagonist. She also gifted, and her tenacity also is a tool. Lucy also has a strong bond with her sister. It is what clearly motivates her and gives her strength. This sisterly bond isn’t often written about, and it was exquisitely done. It is a bond that transcends time, and life or death. It’s another kind of love, and readers will be lucky to read. The highlight of Awaken, however, is Lucy and Max’s relationship. One word to describe their relationship: swoon. From the very first moment that they are introduced, you instinctively know whatever happens between them is going to be hot. The unresolved sexual tension builds throughout the entire plot, and just when you finally it’ll get resolved, the novel ends! It’s like Ross just gave you one chip and put the rest of the bag conveniently out of reach, but in sight. You’ve got to be cruel to be kind. Stay tuned for the sequel Avenge coming out late summer/fall 2012. ARC provided by Author. Fun Tidbit: Once upon a time, way back when, I was once one of the eight graders that Ms. Ross taught to love books :)

a really good read...

Lucy is headed out for a weekend of sun, sand and surf before she graduates college. But not long into the trip a drunk driver ends her life in a horrific car crash. Weird thing is she wakes up. But what she wakes up to is not her old life, but a new one. She is now a Patronus and its now her job to help guard spirits until they are to go to their final destination.

Lucy learns that someone she was very close to will soon need guarding. So with the help of her new family; Cassie, Max, James and Adam help her train. Will she be able to protect this person and herself from the soul stealing vampires? Not only that, Lucy keeps wondering why she has such a strong connection to Max. Anytime she is around him, she melts. She thinks the feeling is mutual for him too until he starts pulling vanishing acts. Little does she know that there is history between them that is old as time itself…literally!

Awaken was such a good book. I laughed at times with this book (‘crap on a cracker’ is now a fav phrase for me) and I even cried towards the end of the story (my heart was just broken!) Ross did an excellent job with her debut book and I really look forward to more and more from her. And if you don’t already believe in soul mates, read Awaken and you just might!(

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