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BirthRight #2

Awakening

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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B006NU4GII

Be careful what you wish for...

A seemingly innocuous love spell caused Catherine, Sian, Laura, and Kassandra to cross worlds in search of their soul mates. But more than love drew them to Gar'nyse. Truths are revealed and lives forever altered after an attack at the castle. An age old feud between two archaic families threatens to tear the world they've arrived in apart. As the ultimate weapons in such a war the four girls are the only hope for peace.
But one of them lies unconscious from the attack, and the destiny that awaits her when she wakes will change everything.

274 pages, ebook

First published December 8, 2011

56 people are currently reading
555 people want to read

About the author

Nicole MacDonald

11 books168 followers
Nicole MacDonald is a thirty something year old Kiwi who loves to read and moonlights as a novelist. An avid reader from a young age, writing only occurred to her a few years ago after reading a book that didn’t quite hit the spot.
Daily scribbles eventuated into the BirthRight Trilogy, an Epic Fantasy Romance with women who know how to wield a sword, AND swing a punch. A literary journey that included six months of long sword training, as well as ju-jitsu lessons, and self defence lessons for Nicole.
When not writing Nicole loves to watch all manner of documentaries, escape to her family's cabin in the woods, and spend time with her other half and their fur critters.
You can keep up with her writing at www.nicolemacdonald-author.com or on the BirthRight Trilogy's facebook page.

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5 stars
369 (51%)
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220 (30%)
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103 (14%)
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22 (3%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Steph at  Starry Night Book Reviews.
170 reviews68 followers
December 23, 2011
I loved it!! if you thought the 1st was good the 2nd is just wow! But Nicole girl you killed me at the end OMG!!! and now I have to wait!! I must say this book is so well written. at times it had me laughing so hard even crying sometimes. I can not wait for the 3rd one but I will be sad to see it end after book 3 lol I love the girls and their guys so much!

P.S Iggy really creeps me out lol I don't like him..
Profile Image for Nicole MacDonald.
Author 11 books168 followers
July 16, 2012
As the middle book this was a delight and headache to write, but I do feel my style has improved in leaps and bounds :) I love how the relationships deepen and enjoyed the opportunity to really show these girls as hard-working and determined, even with being terrified of what is to come. Courage has nothing to do with a lack of fear! It's all about facing your fears.
170 reviews
February 28, 2012
My intial frustrations carry over to this edition, with better results. I was easily able to shift with the perspectives and found them refreshing rather than trying. The characters and imagery were even more descriptive and inviting in this installment; so much so that I wanted to jump into the screen to personally harm one of them, on more than one occassion. Have tissues ready, get comfy and settle in for a thrilling ride!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
October 11, 2020
I am really loving this series. The girls are kick ass heroines. I loved the addition of Sito, the dragon. He is so much fun. He fits right in with the griffons. I am really not liking Iggy. He is really creepy and I hope Cat catches on to him. I am not happy about Elena's latest plan, either. Yes, there are risks but isn't there a better way? That ending is killer, though. Always a cliffhanger...
Profile Image for BookWormAli.
240 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2017
OH MY GOD!!!!

Ms. MacDonald you literarily ripped my heart out. I thought you might go this way but I prayed you wouldn't. What completely surprised me is the way Iggy handled it. I was waiting for smug triumph and instead he was saddened and empathetic. You continually amaze me.

I love this series but I'm scared to finish it. I don't want it to go this way yet all triumphs over dark require sacrifice. You make me believe I'm with the characters and I like and hate some of them. All the characters feel well rounded to me and I really want to punch Jenveit SO BAD!!!

The pain of Elena and what will she be willing to lose to gain victory? Iggy's quest for the perfect Thalian line. Cat and Alex...I cant go there yet. Loi and Sabyn, can they hold the group together?
There is so much contained in this world you have created and you make me want to see it all, even the bad.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
January 4, 2013
Book two of the Birthright Trilogy picks up shortly after the cliffhanger in book one! Our four young women who have 'spelled' themselves into another place and time are caught up in a battle to save this realm from the evil sorceress, Jenviet! Each has their own distinct personality, their own special power and are searching for and possibly finding "Mr. Right" in this fantasy world full of Griffons, Dragons, and magic!

The author's writing style allows the reader to see the story from different POVs, enhancing the reading experience and filling out each scene and event! Suspend reality and live, love, laugh and battle with these characters!
Profile Image for Jen.
1,143 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2012
Why do they all end in cliffhangers?? So annoying, but it keeps me coming back for more so I guess it's smart. This second installment improved a lot from the first. I had trouble following who was talking in the first book, but this one was more clear. It's a little "fairy tale" in that everyone is paired off and all romantic and happy but when you find your soulmate I guess that's "normal." The story flowed and moved really well in this book, setting up for the big battle against Jenviet. I'm looking forward to the final book.
Profile Image for Mowo.
42 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2012
Awakening did not disappoint me at all. The slight twist in the beginning threw me a bit, but it worked. I loved how we got to see more of an in depth relationship between the couples. Everyone is just so perfect for each other. The story had just enough action, romance, and intrigue (for me) to keep me reading well into the night. I can't wait to 'Feel The Burn' in the next installment. Thanks for a wonderful story and please keep writing...
Profile Image for Cabiria Aquarius.
473 reviews34 followers
June 26, 2017
Every good story has the wicked villain that's always a step or two ahead of the good guys. Every good story wrenches at your heartstrings. Every good story leaves you wanting more. Every good story leaves you unable to start another story until an appropriate time off of letting the story you finished sink in.

This story is no different. Definitely more pulls on the heartstrings than the first one possibly. The third one is bound to be worse in that area. Or maybe better depending.

When I read I imagine that either I am the main character or a friend of the main character and in this I think I was a bit of both. In a sense. My was happy and joy and sad and angry and frustrated when the characters were.


Every good story takes you to another world for a little while.
710 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2021
It has been a while since I read the first book in this series and I struggled to remember the story line. We didn't get much of a synopsis to bring us up to speed. The story is interesting but I'll be honest with you, in my opinion this could have been a single book and that is without reading the third one yet. There is just too much wasted time. If I had to read one more description of Cat's clothes, the training exercises, or the flights of the griffons and dragons, I would just give up. I barely stopped from skimming. Just tell the story, it is plenty interesting without all the filler.
64 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2019
WOW! I thought that The Arrival was fantastic but Awakening surpasses it in leaps and bounds. I give it a 10 star rating; what a roller coaster of emotions, from chuckling out load to bawling my eyes out. Two major twists in the plot that I didn't see coming, what a shocker! I highly recommended book 1, but now I'm telling you that you just have to read the whole trilogy, if you don't, then you are truly missing out on one of the best reading experiences that I've had in a long time.
Profile Image for Fiona Andrew.
767 reviews16 followers
December 12, 2017
OMG. What’s story. I’m literally on the edge of my seat, it is so exciting. All is coming together to destroy Jenviet all the armies are marching towards the South. The Elementals are ready and willing. I can not recommend this book enough. I am thoroughly enjoying the series. Off to read book three.
414 reviews
August 5, 2019
Awakening

A great book. The girls are training hard learning to use their powers to fight and heal. The men have had to go to villages and help build magical walls to keep the villagers safe from the DaNira. They finally decide on when to leave but they are trying to do it secretly and it didn't work.
Profile Image for Vicky Edwards.
140 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2023
**This is a review of all 4 books in this series.**

I love the cast of characters in this series. They are realistic and made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put the books down and devoured the entire series in just a few days. I would have given the books a 5-star rating if it were not for all of the grammatical errors throughout. I will gladly revise my review if these are fixed.
Profile Image for Gay Deputee.
244 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed book 2. A great story, well written, lovable characters ... what more can we want? oh, I know ... BOOK 3! Still could use a bit more editing.

i received this book as an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen.
76 reviews
November 14, 2017
All because of a spell... for love.

Four friends find out that this new world they have come too has more secrets tying to their past.

Tempers flared and passions rise all the while they train and prepare for battle.

Fun and vividly imaginative. This sequel to The Arrival was spot in enjoyable.
27 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2018
Unbelievable, he's dead? WHY THE HELL did you do that?!!! If she goes for that annoying self centered Ignatius, I will So hate them all
1 review
January 30, 2020
what a great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book Reading Gals  .
1,062 reviews38 followers
June 19, 2013
Review By: Sarah

Title: The Awakening

Series: BirthRight Trilogy Book #2

Author: Nicole MacDonald

Genre: SciFi/Fantasy

Blurb: Be careful what you wish for...
A seemingly innocuous love spell caused Catherine, Sian, Laura, and Kassandra to cross worlds in search of their soul mates. But more than love drew them to Gar'nyse. Truths are revealed and lives forever altered after an attack at the castle. An age old feud between two archaic families threatens to tear the world they've arrived in apart. As the ultimate weapons in such a war the four girls are the only hope for peace.
But one of them lies unconscious from the attack, and the destiny that awaits her when she wakes will change everything.

Thoughts: In this next installment of the BirthRight Trilogy, I must say that the author has definitely started of the book with a bang! The story immediately caught my attention in a big way - major secrets and events are revealed that really snag your attention and keep you utterly captivated throughout. For those of you have already read Book #1, The Arrival, you are in for an adventure with this one! I didn't think the world itself could get any better, but MacDonald surprised me with the introduction to the 'Northerner' Leseach, stafandral dragon Sito, more insight into the centaurs, along with more species that I have never even heard of. The world becomes even more vibrant and realistic in this second installment!

If you are new to the series, you are bound to fall in love with this book! However, I do advise that you read the first one before you begin this one. You really need the background from the first one since it is so important to the overall storyline - and it would be really confusing without it! Not only do you get the whole background, but you are introduced to the world and the characters in the first one that is really essential to getting the full impact of this story. While the first one was not as captivating for me as this one, trust me it's worth a read just to obtain a full understanding of the whole series.

My only critique with this one - as with the first one - is the changes of the point of view in the book. However, coming into this second installment, I really felt that the transitions between these points of view were much smoother in this second novel - and not nearly as distracting to the overall book. Now, whether that is because I came into the book after the first one with a better knowledge of MacDonald's writing, or because MacDonald made an attempt to ease these transitions for the reader, or simply because the story was so spellbinding I couldn't quite turn the pages fast enough, I really can't say! What I can say is that this is a book not to be missed!

While the book is a trilogy, and it is necessary to finish off with a cliffhanger, MacDonald managed to strike the perfect balance with this one - leaving me wanting more! I didn't feel like I was simply dumped off in the middle of sentence or something with this one as I did in the first. I am anxious to read the continuation and see where the author takes us in the next step of this fascinating journey. A definite must read must. Can't wait to read the final installment!

Book #3 from the BirthRight trilogy, Feel The Burn, is out now!

Rate: A

http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Profile Image for Karen.
1,314 reviews41 followers
May 11, 2014
I fell in love with this trilogy with the first book and am glad to have continued. After being a bit confused with the writing style at first, changes between character pov was hard to follow, I was ready this time and it was much easier to follow who was being focused on. The main characters have grown and are becoming even more real for me. The situations are getting more tense and the side characters are starting to come more into focus as they start to interact more with the girls. The relationships are deepening and coming to mean more to everyone. I really appreciate that they are growing into their love for each other and not simply in the midst of instant love.

The story begins 2 months after the attack at the end of book one with Cat and Alek both asleep after stopping Jenviet, while everyone waits for them to Awaken. The other girls have been given the whole truth about their situation and have chosen to deal with it in their own ways. Loi ( Laura) has stayed at the castle to wait for them to wake up, while Sian has gone to stay with Citaan and Gredel to help the soon to be parents, and Kassie has gone to the home of her man, Rumal, to get away from the pressure. No matter where they are though, they still want their friends to finally wake up.

When Catherine finally wakes she is told something which changes her way of thinking about her past and present. She at least has a little time to assimilate it all while she waits for Alek to wake up as well. When he finally does it is time to start training in earnest for the attack to destroy an enemy who has no conscious and would do anything to gain their powers. But as they train they are also aware of the fact that they all may not come back, including the men they have grown to love.

I really appreciated the attention to detail, but could have done with fewer training sessions and trips to the practice room. But since we were there so often it would have been nice to get more background on Patel and Rashid since we got so much more into Ignatius and his warped thinking. I do not like Iggy, he is a creepy guy who thinks he is better than everyone and is a nasty kind of voyeur. Once again we end things with a cliff-hanger (not my favorite thing)but it was a good one and I just have to know what happens next. This left me in tears because I so wanted things to be different. I say, go for it.
Profile Image for Lexie.
135 reviews10 followers
December 20, 2012
This book picks up 2 months after the cliff hanger of the first book. Secrets are revealed regarding the girls & Alec’s true heritage (which I’m not going to spoil for anyone). As the girls and Alec practice the use of their powers and fighting techniques new alliances and friendships are formed. The girls lives are irrevocably changed as they train to defeat Jenviet (the evil Sorceress). Love conquers most things, but will it combined with the girls linked powers prevail? I hope so, because it’s another cliff hanger!!! Nicole, you’re killing me here!! I wish you didn’t have to work full time and could devote all of your time to writing! :) But a girl’s gotta pay the bills & provide for her fury companions (my beagle would kill me if she didn’t get her treats, ha).

The second book is even more interesting than the first as relationships are strengthened, and each of the charters power grow stronger. I love that the girls are such skilled warriors, yet their vulnerable side is shown as well. At this point the writing style is 2nd nature to the reader, and quite enjoyable. I loved how Cat would nod off during Council meetings, and Loushka had to sit outside remaindering her to stay awake and keeping her informed of what was going on. The story is extremely creative with so many great imaginary creatures vividly described so you could see them in your mind. There were many times where I had to laugh out loud at the antics of the griffins, Audi and Nnelg, as well as the main characters. This book is well worth the price. I just wish I were a slower reader so I could savor it more! Anyone not reading this series is truly missing out!
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
May 19, 2012
Great continuation from The Arrival...... Nicole MacDonald leaves you again in the middle of a battle so you have the anticipation of Book #3.

***Spoiler Alert***

The Awakening starts off after the 1st battle with Jevient & you are not sure if Alek and Cat are okay. They are okay eventually & there is a hidden secret that Elena must share that will change the lives of all of the Elementals from Earth as well as Alek.

Once the secret is out Cat has a hard time grasping and coming to terms with the truth & the severity of the situation that Elena has created. She feels guilty about Alek & their pasts and futures, she feels sadness for her Earth family that she left behind, and she feels sorrow for the Kind & Queen and a past that could have been different for all of those involved. But she must move forward to the task at hand to defeat Jevient at all costs.

The 4 Elementals train, train, & then train some more. Sian links with a dragon named Sito & helps him with the loss of his family & friends. Sito is a great addition to the book. He helps the Griffons leap easier & can speak to anyone he wants to.

This book ends with the beginning of the march to the South to fight Jevient. The orders have been given to kill any of the Elementals if captured by Jevient in order to prevent her from taking their powers. It leaves you knowing that 1 Elemental has been captured along with a very important counsel memeber.

I will be purchasing Book #3 once it is released. Awesome series so far.
Profile Image for Linda.
463 reviews
February 15, 2017
As the adventure continues Cat, Loi, Sian and Kassie take their training to the next level. As everyone prepares for war love is all around. A new life comes into the world and a souls link is severed. well worth the read.
Profile Image for Andy Angel.
562 reviews46 followers
July 9, 2013
This book is the second part of The Birthright trilogy and follows on from the cliffhanger ending of book 1.

The girls, Cat, Laura, Sian and Kassandra are still in their new world and are coming to terms with their new 'elemental' powers and abilities which they will need if they are to defeat Jenivet. I will not go into the details and after effects of the cliffhanger here because you really need to read book 1 before you head into this volume. This is a 3 part story not 3 separate stories.

There is a fair bit of romance in this book so I guess it may be more aimed at a female audience but there is a good bit of action and adventure too so guys, give it a go, you'll be glad you did.

The characters here work well together both the human and creatures (especially the Griffins - they really cracks me up).

My main fear here was that this book may suffer from "middle book syndrome" where things just drift along waiting to be tied up in the final volume -definitely not the case here though. This volume stands up well and ends with another cliffhanger.

Also, the different perspectives for the different characters were a lot easier to get on with in this volume.
Profile Image for Mindy.
643 reviews9 followers
May 13, 2013
Okay, so if you read the review of book 1(link) you know that I freaked out when it ended abruptly. Good thing I had book 2 to read so that I could continue the story. Book 2 picks up right after book 1 ends and just gets better and better. First we find out surprising information about Cat and all three of the other girls, but mostly Cat. Then they prepare for battle with the evil witch woman.

As they prepare to go to war something horrendous happens. It is so horrible that it throws one of the girls in to full elemental status and pushes everyone to a new fervor for the coming war. I spent most of the end of the book in tears.

And while the book does not end so horribly abruptly, it does end on a disconcerting note as you find that the sorcerous is not as virtuous as initially thought. At least it was disconcerting to me.

I so love this series. I am totally hooked and involved in this story. And even though it is after midnight, I have to read book 3 because I can’t just leave the story here.

I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.
Profile Image for Erin.
335 reviews
July 25, 2012
Off the bat this book is a lot easier to read than book #1. This may be partially because I got used to MacDonald's writing style but she also switched between characters less often. MacDonald might also have just developed more as an author, too bad she didn't give up her liking for cliff hangers!

Knowing the characters better now than I did in book #1 I found this book easier to get into and also appreciated that some of the more minor characters were developed and given personalities. Some of them are still pretty much stock pretty-boy characters but whatever.

Given the cliff hanger and how absorbed I got into this book there's not much doubt I'll eventually read book #3.

Finally, for those with delicate sensibilities, reader be warned. If books had a rating system this book would be for mature audiences only due to some somewhat unexpected adult content.




Profile Image for Katherine.
2,866 reviews13 followers
May 25, 2015
Great!
A real improvement from the first book. I found that the flow was a lot better, from longer POV instances, to simply smoother transitions. The whole thing felt just that bit more polished.
As to the story itself I quite enjoyed. I liked that it didn't have that same angst that the first one had for a bit. Also the progression of the story felt quite a but more clearly defined and focused. It helped me really embrace the story.
If you're looking for a book without a cliffhanger..... this one isn't exactly? But it's still pretty clear you're left dangling on a line. And I wasn't very appreciative of the fact that this one didn't start off right from the previous cliffhanger, but once she laid out the past the story worked out.
Better! Enjoyable! Excited to read the last!
Profile Image for Jack Murphy.
270 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2016
The first book in the series, Arrival, ended in a cliffhanger and now Awakening ends in another cliffhanger.I want to scream. However, this book didn't disappoint. It flowed better then the first book. I loved how we got to see the relationships develop between the couples. Everyone's just so perfect for each other. Even the pets have relationships. The story certainly had enough action, romance, and intrigue to keep me reading well into the night and early hours before work. I can't wait to read 'Feel The Burn', where I hope they finally destroy the evil Sorceress Jenviet.

Nicole, thanks for this thoroughly entertaining story and I look forward to your future books.
Jack Murphy
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
December 22, 2016
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book and my opinion are honest!

I loved book 2!
I think that the title of the book was accurate.
"The Awakening"
Book 1 was about setting up the scene for the trilogy + background for the 4 girls.
Book 2, it was about their powers + the relationships.
Kassie, Cat, Sian, and Loi are training super hard for the war to come.
Now, they will really found out what they are made of.
I simply loved the storytelling.
The author takes you on the journey along with the characters.
Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down.
I can't wait to start reading book 3.
Profile Image for Clare.
1,297 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2012
I really enjoyed this book - I don't know whether it was all down to the fact that I had read the first one, but I thought that it was much easier to follow. Each of the characters voices seemed to be easier to differentiate. So whilst there was a lot of first person narrative form various characters, it wasn't as confusing as the first book.
I really enjoyed how the author has taken very modern women and put them into an almost medieval setting, and left all the men to cope with their attitudes! I'm really looking forward to the last instalment! Can't wait!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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