Review by Lioncourt -- Awakening by Tayma Tameem

[Lioncourt]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Awakening" by Tayma Tameem.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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She woke up cold and alone, in a permafrost-covered forest. She was tired with no memories but a name, her name, Katja. She stumbled out of the forest where she meet a stranger who takes her to the town. She later finds out she is the sister of the dreaded monarch at the tavern where found shelter and then flees. She finds refuge with old barn couple who agree to keep her hidden from her sister until she regains her memory.

In this suspenseful dual-timeline story of the princesses Amara and Katja depicts the life of the royal family and their struggles in dealing with the often misunderstood younger princess, who is touched by the spirit of winter. As Amara comes into her powers of ice manipulation and conjuring, her tempestuous powers begin to take over her as almost everyone tells her the darkness in her and her potential for evil. Katja helps her sister with basic self control and discipline to keep Amara from diving into the darkness with the help of the spirit of Brikkir- a fox familiar only the sisters can see.

This book delves deep into the issue about how people see things that they cannot hope to control or destroy. It show how most people automatically assume that because something is powerful, that thing is at its core, out to harm them. This is further compounded as it was in the case of the character Amara and how she was treated as something to be afraid of without the benefit of a doubt. It was also made clear how this assumption really hurts when it’s from parents to their own children.

Also the author, Tayma Tameem, beautifully explores the world of person of great power, their inner turmoil and how that shapes their view of the world. This is also explore with the character of Amara. I saw how she felt as her world made her feel unwelcomed because of her gifts and how she gives into this narrative of herself, becoming the very thing they feared.

I felt like the plots were well balance and the author, Tayma Tameem, left most questions of the book answered but she someway somehow set up the next book. To be honest, I really loved this book and fortunately there was nothing in the book that I did not like.

This action in this book was riveting and oddly pleasing. The beautifully worded chapters and thoughtful plots are more than enough to keep me coming back for when the next book is released.

For the aforementioned reasons, I rate Awakening by Tayma Tameem 4 out 4 stars. This is one book that I would recommend to all my fantasy loving friends.

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Awakening
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[Hazel Arnaiz]

I like your observation regarding the issues explored in the book. They make the story relatable to the real world. In real life, it is still prevalent that individuals with rare abilities are often misunderstood and treated differently. It makes the book timely. Thank you for your insights.

[Joseph_ngaruiya]

I'm moved by your review. I will get my copy. Thank you