Review by gavinleigh -- Awakening by Tayma Tameem
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Review by gavinleigh -- Awakening by Tayma Tameem
Without knowing who you were, will you still be that same person? For whom and for what purpose would you use your power if you are blessed to wield it? Can everyone be identified as good or bad, everything seen as either black or white?
Awakening by Tayma Tameem tells the story of a girl without recollection of her memories except for the skills she has learned and her name, Katja. As she goes into an adventure where she meets people who will help her understand herself and her role in the Kingdom of Hale under the dictatorial leadership of Lady Snow, the past uncovers the story of princesses Katja- a very loving and brave sister- and Amara- her impetuous younger sister who was blessed by Brikkir, the Spirit of Winter, with power to control ice and snow.
The first thing that might come to mind is a famous animation film, but true to her words, Tameem offered a unique story that had me contemplate, surprised, and satisfied with the build-up. It leaned away from the usual plot of rivalry between heirs for the crown, and instead, shone the light on the unconditional love between sisters who will do everything to protect each other. The bond the princesses have is what most people aspire for themselves or their children. It reflected the sense of security from the judgment of people around you because of the assurance given by the only person that matters most. Aside from this, the novel also addressed the fear of facing destiny and giving up the dream-like life because of all the uncertainties that await the future. Furthermore, it emphasized the beauty of an uncomplicated and mundane life that people take for granted. Above all, Awakening highlights that there is always room for growth and forgiveness for people choosing this path.
Every character has a quality that can be relatable in more ways than one, and each of them has depth and impact on the whole story. The book is a rollercoaster ride, making you feel like you have already figured everything out and then drops you from another steep. The good thing about it is that these twists do not go overboard and eventually become nonsensical. Overall, it was a remarkably well-edited and well-thought-out book. On a side note, the last chapters can be overwhelming at first since this is where the events happen fast, and a lot of questions are getting answered. I must also mention that the cliff-hanger is infuriatingly good. I, therefore, give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
The story has a few well-detailed action scenes, which could be unadvisable to young readers, depending on their exposure to these kinds of stories. I recommend it to every reader looking for a fantasy novel filled with puzzles that challenge their observation skills and likewise to those who enjoy women of substance as lead characters.
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Awakening
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