Awakened

by R.L. Pope

With high school behind her and a future of endless possibilities ahead, Lia should be excited about starting her life. Instead, she feels lost. So, when her aunt in Wyoming calls with a job offer, she jumps at the opportunity. Assuming any plan, even if it means moving to the middle of nowhere, is better than no plan at all.

Her decision is a turning point and her reality begins to crumble as unexplainable events occur. Shifting her question from who to what am I? In Wyoming, she gets her answer as she enters a world she thought only existed in Fairy Tales. She’s half-Fairy. She learns she has powers and that she’s part of a prophecy meant to determine the fate of the three realms. Her future of endless possibilities disappears in a flash, leaving one predestined path.

As Lia immerses herself in this newfound world of magic, her heart becomes entangled between two young men bound by the same prophecy. Despite her yearning for a normal life, Lia is no ordinary teenager; she’s a reluctant hero thrust into an epic battle between light and dark.

In a whirlwind of love, power, and destiny, Lia navigates a complex landscape, discovering that the line between good and evil isn’t always clear. Can she embrace her powers and accept her calling, or will the allure of normalcy prove too strong? In this enthralling YA fantasy, Lia must embrace her true self and decide where her allegiance lies before it’s too late.

Genres: Fantasy

342 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2022

About the author

Rachel discovered her passion for writing while living in Grand Teton National Park when on a whim, she decided to write down one of her dreams, and just like that, her debut novel, Awakened was born. These days she lives in Australia with her husband, their two boys and dog.

Reviews

[Rajereader_Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing like I've read before it has twists, it has turns and the ending is not something I saw coming at all!! I NEED to know what happens next in Lia's journey because that ending broke me!!
Love how Lia always says what's on her mind and tells it like it is, she doesn't beat around the bush, except for when it comes to her love life, which, fair.
Great storytelling and was able to immerse myself in the story, for a debut book it was superb.

[Rachel Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a story exactly like this. So I wrote it! Hope you like it :)

[Haley Rothweiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best fantasy novels I've read! It is a blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy elements. My husband and I visited Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park during our honeymoon -- so the setting brought back beautiful memories. I loved the main character, Lia, and her journey of self-discovery. The friendships and blossoming crushes were sweet and bring you back to young adulthood. This book was fast-paced and the ending was NOT expected!

[Megan DeBose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! The plot sucks you in and keeps you interested all the way till the end! You will not regret reading this wonderful YA fantasy!

[Kelsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the YA novel, Awakened by @rlpope in exchange for an honest review and once I saw the blurb, I leapt at the chance!

Awakened is one of those books that kept me up way past my bedtime, and was worth the sleepless nights. I was completely enthralled by Lia's journey into discovering her Fairling side, and swept away with the incredible world building and complexity of the characters that joined her on her adventure.

This book is much more than a prophecy laden adventure with 2 dimensional characters and a plot you can guess immediately. Just when you think you know what is in store for Lia, something changes and grabs your imagination again (hence staying up late to find out where her story was going).

Lia faces many challenges throughout the story, some dark and violent and others end in impossible choices, but it's all woven together in a narrative that works so well.

If you're after:

✨️ strong MFC
✨️ prophecy and the chosen ones
✨️ twist on traditional fairy lore
✨️ love triangle with two brothers (that's not forced for plot)
✨️ strong sister bond
✨️ twists and turns
✨️ magic awakening
✨️ an ending that will leave you staring at the roof wanting at least another 4 books of what fate has in store for Lia.

Then this is the YA story for you! If you enjoyed books like, Vampire Academy and The Mortal Instruments, then this book has similar vibes.

I have no idea if R.L.Pope has more stories planned for this world, but if she does - then I'm first in line to read them. If you've not checked this out, you should. It will definitely surprise you.

[Adeline Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story to be quite engaging; teenage me would have been obsessing over it. Personally, I love fast-paced novels, so at times, I wish I could read faster to get to the action. The world-building was intricate yet easy to follow, delving into fates and how the universe has a larger plan. I loved the writing style; it was unique, and the analogies were descriptive, offering fresh ideas. The characters were very relatable, and I wished I could give them all a big hug. It felt like a high school crush blossoming. My favorite quote was "easy killer," mainly because the banter was spot-on.
This is a perfect YA fantasy novel!

[Amanda Darga · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I had to read it twice!

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A not-to-be-missed story. Brings me back to my days as a teenager obsessing over a story and it’s characters. Each character reaches out and touches you and will make you nostalgic at any age. This young adult book blends the mythological with the modern world perfectly. Easy to read and quickly goes by. I so enjoyed this book. Surprising twists and a suspenseful storyline. Read read read!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been needing a good fantasy to get me out of my reading slump, and this book did it! Although now I have to wait for the next one! (there's no release date that I can find anywhere! Send HELP!!)

Do yourself a favor and read this book. ESPECIALLY if you loved:

The Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Fable by Adrienne Young
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

[Erika Ufnowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful must read! Stayed up late with a flashlight cause couldn't put it down. Swept away with the magic this book brings. Well written and keeping you on edge of seat, RL Pope brings the beauty of the mountains and fairies into your heart, while tugging at your heartstrings with a love story you can't but help to get swept up in.

[Stefani Wilkens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good YA fantasy! With engaging characters and a fast pace, this prophecy-driven fantasy keeps you interested all the way through. The world building is very well executed and the relationships between the characters are authentic and endearing. Overall I’d recommend to anyone looking for their next YA adventure.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awakened is excellent and I highly recommend it. It is a captivating and exciting read with unexpected twists and turns throughout the book. I was pulled right into the story and it’s surroundings as though I was there!

[Brenna Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book! Couldn’t put it down and now longing for more. It took me back to my teenage days as a bookworm and enthralled me from the beginning. The character development was perfection. The fantasy was spot on. When’s the next!!??

[Katrina Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story. Couldn’t put it down!

[Daniel James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read filled with action and wonder

[Briana Placek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! If I didn't have to chase 2 kids around I wouldn't have been able to put it down. I felt like I was right there with the characters.