Aelurus Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Awaken. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Tara awakens on her eighteenth birthday to gifts from her Grada. Her happiness is short lived, though, as horror is unleashed on her village. Before Grada closed Tara away from the carnage to come, he made her promise to tell those in Littlepass what happened. As she makes her journey, will Tara find more destruction along the way?

Awaken is the cross between a dystopian and a science fiction novel. I did not like the verbage used, as it seemed like a cheap ploy to get into character. It seemed unlikely that, after many years, the environment would still be as harsh and the animals scarce. I also found it hard to believe that Grada would not have prepared Tara for what might come, considering the tremendous amount of danger that she could face. Awaken felt like a missed opportunity for a good novel and, therefore, it is not a book I would recommend to other readers.

This was a ok story.
Just be ready for a slow story.
Even when it was supposed to be exciting it still seemed to plod along at a slow pace.
Maybe it was me but I just did not gel with the story like I thought I would.

I was quite excited and impressed with this book. I loved the character of Tara and she is a strong lead. I think this character's story took hold of me and wouldn't let me go. The post apocalypse world is sad yet fresh and new to me. I think that this author has a great talent and I could see this book as a movie. * I received this book from Netgalley---This is my honest review*

Great read! I love the heroine and Finn' s relationship. I would love to see her with Ajax. Different take on the apocalypse. I will be reading. #2 right away!

Prepare to be taken on a dangerous journey of self discovery, the search for answers, and the awakening of a new power. Awaken gives us a “Wizard of Oz” like story with the introduction of a character as strong and as symbolic as the “Mockingjay.” You will be inspired and impressed by our heroine Tara. Your heart will melt for the lovable Finn. You will feel wonder and suspicion toward Tater, and will fall in love with Jax.

I was immediately drawn in to the story by Tara’s connection with Grada and Rivercross. With the style of writing in the book, I felt like I was in Tara’s mind, experiencing and feeling everything she went through. I was heartbroken in losing Grada and Rivercross and determined to find answers alongside our heroine. When Tara comes across Finn, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him and look at him like a little brother. Tater made for an interesting “jester” of sorts in the story. I was suspicious of him and yet was intrigued by his story telling and humorous manner. I enjoyed how Tara’s power awakened each time she felt heavy stress, fear, or anger. It seemed so real and powerful! Upon meeting Jax, I first felt tension and anger toward him, but as the story goes on and his true character is revealed, I found myself falling for him and secretly wanting there to be some sort of romance there.

The journey made by these characters is intense and dangerous. The obstacles faced and the surprising twists really keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to read the next book and find out what happens when Tara finally embraces her fate and her power and decides to go after the Prezedant.

This was a pretty good read. One of the things that I liked right off the bat was the voice that Tara was given, although it also kinda wore me down at times just because it's different from what I'm used to. She talked kinda choppy and not in typical English. She had kind of an accent? Not sure that's the right word for it but yeah we'll go with that. So yes, the voice was unlike other books which set it apart right away.

I thought the story was pretty interesting, but I did see some of the plot twists coming. Sometimes characters would try to be all mysterious about things and talk in "riddles" but really it was all straight forward. That's why it was sometimes annoying reading things Tara said or did. She was constantly confused and not getting things right away that really weren't all that complicated. But even then I'm still very curious to see how the overall story continues. There's a lot of questions left unanswered about the Prezedant, where he came about, what he does for his experiments, what he's looking for--I think that's really one of the driving forces in the book for me.

Some of the things that kinda took this book down for me in terms of rating were: Tara's lack of understanding, her one-track mind, and the fact that she had to be constantly rescued. Tara seemed really slow to understand the most straight-forward and simple things that people told her. She couldn't understand she was special, what kind of effect her New Blood powers had--it was kind of annoying that it took her so long to get things. Also along the same lines, the author made her have a terrible habit of asking way too many questions at once. She also tended to be very determined to get things done her way and only later would consider the consequences for other people. Which was only annoying because she did it a lot of times, but then was shocked when other people pointed it out to her during other instances. Lastly, I know that Tara was important, but it did get old to have people coming in to rescue her all the time. I wanted Tara to kick more butt on her own, but I'm pretty sure we'll get to see that in the next book when she learns more about her powers. I'm excited to see where the story goes and to meet the infamous

Also along the same lines, the author made her have a terrible habit of asking way too many questions at once. She also tended to be very determined to get things done her way and only later would consider the consequences for other people. Which was only annoying because she did it a lot of times, but then was shocked when other people pointed it out to her during other instances. Lastly, I know that Tara was important, but it did get old to have people coming in to rescue her all the time. I wanted Tara to kick more butt on her own, but I'm pretty sure we'll get to see that in the next book when she learns more about her powers. I'm excited to see where the story goes and to meet the infamous

Lastly, I know that Tara was important, but it did get old to have people coming in to rescue her all the time. I wanted Tara to kick more butt on her own, but I'm pretty sure we'll get to see that in the next book when she learns more about her powers. I'm excited to see where the story goes and to meet the infamous Prezedant.

This is a book that really deserves a chance. It has some bumps, but the trip is worth the read.

This is a YA fiction story that has a Western influence to it. It seems lately that more and more of the books I am reading have a Western setting - not that I mind! This story is your typical YA fantasy story. You've got your plucky heroine, who denies everything about her identity and powers until she no longer can. You've got the ragtag crew of friends who are a source of comfort and help. You've got a budding love interest that starts off with the whole heart-pounding-really-fast-when-close scenario. And you've got an evil villain who pretty much stays in the shadows but is looming in everyone's minds. The story moved at a fast pace and had a good host of characters. I didn't really like Tara that much, because she seemed a little ... slow in her ability to comprehend what was going on. I get tired of stubborn main characters unless they have something unique about them - and unfortunately, Tara was not unique. Maybe it was the fast pace, but I felt like the story lacked depth. There was nothing that made it overly special, and there was nothing that pulled at my emotions. While it was well-written, there was just nothing memorable about it. I hope the sequel deviates more from the norm because I can definitely see the potential in this series!

I wanted to like this, I did...but. The fault may lie with me - I've simply read too many of this type of book. You know, 'special young person with unique gift who is the only one to save the world'. The author did craft interesting characters and has a deft hand with dialogue. I just wanted a new twist, a different take, an unusual angle on the same old story.

<b>*Actual rating 3.5 stars*</b>

I really enjoyed <i>Awaken</i>. I found the concept of the New Bloods intriguing and the <i>Fallout</i>-esque landscape was cool and familiar. There are a lot of thesame plot elements here that can be found in many a post-apocalyptic read, but I found the writing skillful enough to keep me interested at least. Tara was a cool heroine who didn't immediately go ga-ga over a cute boy and managed to be both realistic and human. I loved Tater and Finn and Cat as well!

The biggest problem I had with <i>Awaken</i> is that it is incredibly similar to <i>Blood Red Road</i>, almost to the point of being plagiarism (though nothing is outright <i>stolen</i>, the similarities are uncanny). This is likely the reason it hasn't been picked up for print yet.

All in all I had a good time reading it but I fear <i>Awaken</i> will become white noise in the endless "post-apocalyptic/dystopian YA" sea.

<b><i>Thank you to NetGalley and Aelurus Publishing for the opportunity to R&R</i></b>

Awaken by Michelle Bryon is a sci-fi and fantasy and teens and ya read.
The world is broken. Tara is alone. But within her a power grows.
An absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. Hooked from page one. Loved Tara Finn and Jax. Loved how Michelle described the place. It felt like I was there with them. Can't wait to read more from Michelle Bryon. Highly recommended. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

When raiders come to Tara's village, she is told to hide. Once the dust settles, the adults are dead and the children taken. Tara must leave the only home she's ever known and travel across the wastelands searching for her kin. Along the way, she'll gather companions to aid her on her journey and discover a power she never knew lurked inside her blood.

Although this is a dystopian teen novel, the setting feels more magical than most, as if the world ended with a magical apocalypse rather than a technological or biological one. The characters are well-developed; Tara is a complex character and most of the secondary characters are fully developed too. I particularly liked Finn and his domesticated wildcat. I personally was not a fan of the colloquial language, but if dialect in text doesn't bother you, you will find a fast paced adventure novel within the pages. Would recommend for fans of Moira Young.

It's Mad Max meets The Hunger Games. Admittedly I was drawn to the book since the main character and I share the same first name which isn't commonly used in American literature. Even if it was for a superficial reason I was glad I found this book because the author is incredibly detailed. She really makes you feel as if a movie is playing before your eyes as you can see the world and her character come alive.

Initially the speech patterns used by the main character were a little difficult to handle as she spoke with a dialect most often associated with the poorly educated in the south. It's told from her first person point of view but eventually you will get used to the way she talks as you become more invested in finding out what is going on with her.

I can't wait for the next one as I'm very curious to see if she is going to embrace her destiny.

Awaken by Michelle Byron
Published by Aelurus Publishing (2017)
ISBN: 978-0-9956325-8-5

Tara is alone, afraid and determined to find her kin that was kidnapped during a raid by men on a metal beast. We follow Tara on her journey from River-cross to her future; many years in our future after sickness and death had ravished the land of all substance and life. Tara just had her 18th born day and has already endured more heart ache than one child should ever have to. She was abandoned in the sand land by her parents, and then adopted by Grandy, but now he along with the rest of her village has been slain. Her granda's final words to her was to follow the rivers edge to another town and ask for a healer; however, before she could question him he locked her in the cellar and took off towards the fight. Along Tara's journey to follow her granda's orders she meets a orphan boy no older than 10 born days and his devil cat, a old trader with a knack for story tailing and a young man with the bluest eyes and the biggest distaste for her. Together they escape from a group of men who wish to sale them to the president and from muties who wish them harm; to find sanctuary in a underground bunker. Tara follows her heart to rescue the kin that was stolen from her, and the destiny she was born into. The only question is: Is Tara a savior or the pond of destruction?

The book gives you an almost realistic view of what the world could be if our land was ravished by death and chemical warfare. Michelle pulls you in with her vivid descriptions of the world Tara must endure through her story telling of how it once was. I found my book, well tablet, hard to put down! I could not wait to see what mule-turd would ignite the fire that was within Tara and her witty commentary was entertaining. I found my self equally invested in Ben, whom we unfortunately only meet for a short time, and the budding (what I hope to be romance) kinship with Tara and Jax. Which as a after thought so remind me of Jax and Tara off of SOA! I can't wait to read book 2, she left it with such a tough cliff hanger!

Though I totally enjoyed the read and honestly couldn't put it down. I did unfortunately find it hard to begin. The blatant and purposefully disregard for spelling and syntax was a little off putting. I found myself having to re-read some parts just to make sure I got the correct word. I do respect and see the need for Michelle to give the characters a since of their own time; however, with this book suppose to be in the future it makes me wonder if mostly rednecks and hillbillies survived.

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 star review due only to the syntax of the book, the purpose spelling errors do make it hard to read at times; however, this in no way takes away from the fact that this is a strong story line and magnificent read. I would, and am, going to be recommending this to not only my adult readers, but to my pre-teen ones as well. I do believe that readers of all ages will enjoy this book.

You cannot find this beauty on shelves just yet; however you can contact Michelle Byron for more info at any of her info below:

Twitter: @michellebry101
Facebook: /MichelleBryan.Author
Website: www.michellebryanauthor.com
Email: michellebyran200@gmail.com

A real roller coaster ride couldn't put it down characters are well developed