Official Review: Awakened by J.T. Carroll

Kourtney Bradley · Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 18 Apr 2018, 14:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Awakened" by J.T. Carroll.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Being sixteen is tough on its own but imagine being bound by mystical family secrets that have only just begun. Being too grown for immature reactions and endeavors, yet too young for all the information at once proves to be a challenge in itself for Grey Corwen. For Grey, the simple move back to her mother’s mundane hometown was just that, simple- or so she thought. The sleepy little town of Erving proves to be anything but that, all the while testing her sanity and her patience. In J.T. Carroll’s debut to the Hidden Society Series, Awakened is a sure-fire way to ignite your interest and allow you a small glimpse into the mystical world of mystery and magic, while also introducing some memorable characters that will stay with you long after closing the last page.

Included in the Young Adult/Paranormal/Romance genre, Awakened possessed everything needed to keep me interested. From the amusing sibling banter between Grey and her brother Alex, to the quirky friendships made with Quinn, Paige and Emery, and to the intense and lustful brewing relationship with Declan, Grey’s character develops some amusing and entertaining relationships that are realistic and enchanting. With the afore mentioned group, readers will be pleased to discover some unforgettable characters, some of which quickly come into the forefront of the storyline, leaving readers wanting more and more. The author provides a clear and steady build up for the introduction of each character, allowing readers ample time to discover who they are individually.

The story is well-paced, giving readers enough time to get to know the characters and situations, but not so long as to become bored with them. I really liked that the story has an enchanting “old small town” feel yet remains modern for readers. I also enjoyed how the author provides just enough foreshadowing to get readers in the mood for what’s to come.

While the storyline itself was truly engaging and entertaining, the editing could use a closer examination, as there are a few instances throughout the story where the transition between scenes is a bit choppy and hard to follow. There is also a section in towards the end of the story where the names of two characters are mixed up, causing significant confusion for a romantic encounter between Grey and her brother.

Despite my few editing complaints, Awakened was an unforgettable story that I am looking forward to following throughout the remainder of the series. In a small town where everything is not quite as it seems, the characters in Awakened will keep you coming back for more and looking forward to the next book in the series. Overall, I give Awakened 3 out of 4 stars with hopes that other readers will enjoy the story as much as I have. Had the few editing errors been dissolved prior to my reading, I would have easily rated the story a full four stars. I would highly recommend this book to young adult readers who enjoy paranormal romance, or just simply adults looking for a quick and fun read.

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Awakened
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 20 Apr 2018, 07:46

It's too bad about the editing, but it sounds like a really interesting book. I'll have to look into it a bit more as young adult is one of my favorite genres (I'm a kid at heart. What can I say?) BTW, I love your quote! I was really into her series for a while (Qualify, Compete... something or other?) but then she took forever to release one of the book's and I kind of quit reading it.

Kourtney Bradley · Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 20 Apr 2018, 09:09

kandscreeley wrote: ↑20 Apr 2018, 07:46 It's too bad about the editing, but it sounds like a really interesting book. I'll have to look into it a bit more as young adult is one of my favorite genres (I'm a kid at heart. What can I say?) BTW, I love your quote! I was really into her series for a while (Qualify, Compete... something or other?) but then she took forever to release one of the book's and I kind of quit reading it.

Thank you! I'm a sucker for YA too! I immediately looked up the second book after finishing!

stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 20 Apr 2018, 11:37

Memorable characters and a well-paced plot with just enough foreshadowing sound like wonderful elements in this young adult novel. Thanks for introducing me to this book!

cpru68 · Post by **cpru68** » 20 Apr 2018, 14:01

At first glance, I thought the title was 'Awkward'! From the sounds of your review, the author did a good job on plot and storyline. I like a novel that has the old town feel. Most small towns have gossip and people aren't as nice as they appear to be. I hope the author takes your advice on the editing errors and makes some improvements. Thank you for this review, this one interests me now!

Libs_Books · Post by **Libs_Books** » 20 Apr 2018, 14:58

klbradley wrote: ↑18 Apr 2018, 14:58I really liked that the story has an enchanting “old small town” feel yet remains modern for readers

I like a book that's got a good sense of place, but I don't think this one's for me. I enjoyed your review, though - and gotta love that avatar!

crediblereading2 · Post by **crediblereading2** » 21 Apr 2018, 18:01

Except for the editing, everything else about this book seems to be balanced and fascinating. From the well-paced storyline to the role of each character and the quaint little town, the story has indeed captured my attention. Thank you for your honest review.

PlanetHauth · Post by **PlanetHauth** » 22 Apr 2018, 22:31

This sounds like an interesting book. I, too, have a soft spot for YA novels. I'm not entirely sure why I'm so drawn to them, but they make up a large part of my library.

There is also a section in towards the end of the story where the names of two characters are mixed up, causing significant confusion for a romantic encounter between Grey and her brother.

Or perhaps the author was channeling his/her inner V.C. Andrews and Flowers in the Attic?

bnoy · Post by **bnoy** » 23 Apr 2018, 23:09

That's such a shame that it needs more editing, however, your review is enchantingly great! You've definitely made me excited to read this book and the series as a whole. I have a great love of YA fiction and often find them lacking in one way or another. The way you've written the review and the explanation of characters and tones is refreshing to hear and I am so excited to read this.

Kourtney Bradley · Post by **Kourtney Bradley** » 24 Apr 2018, 07:50

Libs_Books wrote: ↑20 Apr 2018, 14:58
klbradley wrote: ↑18 Apr 2018, 14:58I really liked that the story has an enchanting “old small town” feel yet remains modern for readers
I like a book that's got a good sense of place, but I don't think this one's for me. I enjoyed your review, though - and gotta love that avatar!

That avatar is the closest resemblance to me possible.

Amy+++ · Post by **Amy+++** » 27 Jun 2018, 15:24

I love it! I come from a small town so I will enjoy reading this, (with the knowledge that my small town has no hidden secrets). It sounds suspenseful and charming with a little bit of everything thrown in for everyone. I think a lot people young and old will enjoy this book. Thanks for the review.