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Awakened Fate #1
Awaken
Running away from home was never Chloe Kowalski's plan. Neither was ending up the target of killers, or having her body change in unusual ways. She only wanted a vacation, someplace far from her crazy parents and their irrational fear of water. She only wanted to do something normal for once, and maybe get to know her best friend's hot stepbrother a bit better at the same time.
But the first day she goes out on the ocean, strange things start to happen. Dangerous things that should be impossible. Things to which 'normal' doesn't even begin to apply.
Now madmen are hunting her. A mysterious guy with glowing blue eyes is following her. And her best friend's stepbrother seems to be hiding secrets all his own.
It was supposed to be a vacation. It's turning out to be a whole lot more.
But the first day she goes out on the ocean, strange things start to happen. Dangerous things that should be impossible. Things to which 'normal' doesn't even begin to apply.
Now madmen are hunting her. A mysterious guy with glowing blue eyes is following her. And her best friend's stepbrother seems to be hiding secrets all his own.
It was supposed to be a vacation. It's turning out to be a whole lot more.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2014
1202 people are currently reading
3514 people want to read
About the author
Skye Malone
26 books173 followersSkye Malone writes action-packed fantasy and paranormal romance. A fan of magical books since childhood, they adore stories that pit ordinary characters against extraordinary odds and reveal the strength within. Abandoned buildings are their passion, along with old castles and deep, dark parts of the forest where anything is possible. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in English literature, Skye lives in the Midwest with a retired racing greyhound and a three-legged mutt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
June 4, 2016
It was an okay book. Thus, 3 stars!
The plot is kind of flat, there weren't twists and turns that will blow a reader's mind and keep him anticipated.
The storyline was consistent, and the pacing wasn't too fast neither too slow.
Skye Malone's writing style is too simple, but it's somehow good. I think it's just lacking.
Malone made a make-believe world that is truly different from all the mermaid-themed books. It was complicated, but she managed to make it clear and distinct to her readers. The same goes with the originality of her character's abilities, BUT I cannot feel the connection between them. I sometimes find it weird that Chloe and Bailey are best friends, since Chloe doesn't share that much to her.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. And since it's just the first of many, I'll give the next ones a try! I also think that there's still more to this.
The plot is kind of flat, there weren't twists and turns that will blow a reader's mind and keep him anticipated.
The storyline was consistent, and the pacing wasn't too fast neither too slow.
Skye Malone's writing style is too simple, but it's somehow good. I think it's just lacking.
Malone made a make-believe world that is truly different from all the mermaid-themed books. It was complicated, but she managed to make it clear and distinct to her readers. The same goes with the originality of her character's abilities, BUT I cannot feel the connection between them. I sometimes find it weird that Chloe and Bailey are best friends, since Chloe doesn't share that much to her.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. And since it's just the first of many, I'll give the next ones a try! I also think that there's still more to this.
August 3, 2023
This was a pretty good start to a series about a young women discovering things about herself and others she never had a clue about. Chloe has never even seen the sea or been in water as her parents kept her away and lived in Kansas, but when she disobeys them and heads to the sea for a holiday with her neighbour and friend Bailey, things start to happen.
As things slowly unveil, Chloe is discovering things about herself and others that she had had no clue about. It was well done until the ending, which became a convoluted mess unfortunately. As there are about a zillion follow up books, I'm not sure I will read them all, but do have the second one already on my kindle. Really good until the messy ending. 3.5 stars
As things slowly unveil, Chloe is discovering things about herself and others that she had had no clue about. It was well done until the ending, which became a convoluted mess unfortunately. As there are about a zillion follow up books, I'm not sure I will read them all, but do have the second one already on my kindle. Really good until the messy ending. 3.5 stars
August 25, 2016
An exciting portrait of a modern girl becoming a mermaid in the most shocking way. Very good.
Review from Babel at Torre de Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
The angle of the novel is YA, so the dialogues between the teen characters are suitably juvenile. As to the plot, I found it engaging particularly in how it unfolds in ways that enhance the mystery. Chloe's magnetic pull towards the ocean is described in an appealing and vivid fashion. So much that I felt the attraction myself!
From the excitement about seeing the ocean for the first time to the madness that envelops her at the revelation of her true nature, the story is full of details. Chloe finds herself surrounded by enemies, subject to a physical transformation that tests her sanity and the alienating isolation of her situation.
Through the double point of view, the reader gets to see the sea people's world, with a cast that includes an earnest hero with the name of Zeke. I really liked him. And his underwater culture is rich with cool technology and unfathomable dangers that I found quite intriguing.
There's also Bailey and Noah and Maddox, siblings who along with their parents support Chloe in this very unsettling chapter of her life. They end up being awesome characters and act in some of the most exhilarating action scenes in the novel.
I was very satisfied reading the striking repercussions of Chloe discovering she's a sea-creature. Both her symptoms and her reactions to them are very well described and feel believable.
In the climactic end, there is a whirlwind of surprises, action, emotional connections, rabid enemies with an insidious plan, and a bittersweet cliffhanger that opens up wonderful possibilities for the next book. And who wouldn't want to know what happens next?!
Review from Babel at Torre de Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
The angle of the novel is YA, so the dialogues between the teen characters are suitably juvenile. As to the plot, I found it engaging particularly in how it unfolds in ways that enhance the mystery. Chloe's magnetic pull towards the ocean is described in an appealing and vivid fashion. So much that I felt the attraction myself!
From the excitement about seeing the ocean for the first time to the madness that envelops her at the revelation of her true nature, the story is full of details. Chloe finds herself surrounded by enemies, subject to a physical transformation that tests her sanity and the alienating isolation of her situation.
Through the double point of view, the reader gets to see the sea people's world, with a cast that includes an earnest hero with the name of Zeke. I really liked him. And his underwater culture is rich with cool technology and unfathomable dangers that I found quite intriguing.
There's also Bailey and Noah and Maddox, siblings who along with their parents support Chloe in this very unsettling chapter of her life. They end up being awesome characters and act in some of the most exhilarating action scenes in the novel.
I was very satisfied reading the striking repercussions of Chloe discovering she's a sea-creature. Both her symptoms and her reactions to them are very well described and feel believable.
In the climactic end, there is a whirlwind of surprises, action, emotional connections, rabid enemies with an insidious plan, and a bittersweet cliffhanger that opens up wonderful possibilities for the next book. And who wouldn't want to know what happens next?!
June 11, 2014
3.5 Stars for me.
I really enjoyed this book. For some reason, I just like mermaids. I say, "for some reason" because I can't swim so obviously, I'm not a water person, LOL. But I've always been fascinated with mermaids probably because of my fear of water. Always wondering what's lurking beneath the waters and our oceans. Plus the idea of mermaids ... just awesomesauce.
I do believe this falls under YA. I was hoping it was NA. It was very engaging and interesting. I loved the history aspect of it and world building though it wasn't too detailed (not detailed enough, really).
It's a great start to the series though and it does leave off on a mini-cliffhanger. Nothing drastic. Just leaves you hanging, waiting for the continuation.
I can't wait to see where the story line will go or what will happen. We (the readers) are still in the dark as the heroine is about this whole new world so, I suppose we will find out more as the series goes on :0)
It does give off a possible love-triangle vibe.
I really enjoyed this book. For some reason, I just like mermaids. I say, "for some reason" because I can't swim so obviously, I'm not a water person, LOL. But I've always been fascinated with mermaids probably because of my fear of water. Always wondering what's lurking beneath the waters and our oceans. Plus the idea of mermaids ... just awesomesauce.
I do believe this falls under YA. I was hoping it was NA. It was very engaging and interesting. I loved the history aspect of it and world building though it wasn't too detailed (not detailed enough, really).
It's a great start to the series though and it does leave off on a mini-cliffhanger. Nothing drastic. Just leaves you hanging, waiting for the continuation.
I can't wait to see where the story line will go or what will happen. We (the readers) are still in the dark as the heroine is about this whole new world so, I suppose we will find out more as the series goes on :0)
It does give off a possible love-triangle vibe.
January 19, 2020
This was surprisingly good!
I didn’t expect great things from this but - astonishingly - I actually really enjoyed it! The storyline was fun and refreshingly different, the characters were quite well done, and the mermaid part of this was quite clever. The plot twists weren’t especially shocking and the romance was a bit annoying, but overall I really liked the book.
Thanks to amazon kindle and the author for the free book!
I didn’t expect great things from this but - astonishingly - I actually really enjoyed it! The storyline was fun and refreshingly different, the characters were quite well done, and the mermaid part of this was quite clever. The plot twists weren’t especially shocking and the romance was a bit annoying, but overall I really liked the book.
Thanks to amazon kindle and the author for the free book!
July 4, 2014
It hasn’t been two or three weeks since I made a statement that I wasn’t a fan of mermaid books, in a review for another site. I am about to take back those words. This book is YA, but as usual I completely enjoyed the whole thing.
Chloe is a teenager from Kansas, with extreme water phobic parents. She is just the opposite and can’t wait to see the ocean for the first time. She gets invited by her best friend, Baylie, to go with her to visit relatives on the coast of California. Her parents aren’t having any of it, so Chloe sneaks away. This one act changes her life forever.
This is part one of a series, and I think we are going to be getting a love triangle before it’s all over with. Chloe is pretty smitten with Baylie’s step-brother, Noah. To complete the triangle, Chloe meets a human looking creature, called a Dehaian, otherwise known as a merman. Zeke, the Dehaian, and Chloe share points of views in this book. Each chapter is either about her or him, and written in the first person. It worked well in this case, at least I thought so.
I thought the world building was pretty well explained by the author. Since it’s a first book, you kind of expect a lot of information, but I didn’t feel like this one was an info dump in any way. We learn just enough that we need to know, and I am sure we will probably learn more as the series continues. We mostly get the action that takes place on land, with a much shorter telling of the ocean action, from Zeke’s point of view. I am looking forward to reading more about the world under the water. Needless to say, there’s quite a bit of magic going on in the water.
This book ended up being a perfectly paced story of a young girl coming into powers she didn’t know she had, and learning about what she is. Along the way, she comes under attack by more of the strange creatures that look like humans, simply for what she is. There’s also a twist involved that I didn’t see coming(well maybe a bit), and another surprise too. I applaud the author for that! The premise could have been one of those same old, same old, mermaid books(or movies),but I thought the author handled it so well, that I was completely drawn into the story almost immediately. It had good main characters, and good side characters as well. It was a one day read for me, always a sign of a well written book for me. The next one comes out in August, and I can handle that better then waiting a year or more for it’s release. I know I will be buying the next one as soon as it comes out, because the cliffhanger was pretty intense. Yes I know, cliffhangers aren’t a favorite but a lot, if not most YA books, seem to feature them and this was no exception. As it was such a page turner, I am choosing to just go with it!
(RabidReads.com)
Chloe is a teenager from Kansas, with extreme water phobic parents. She is just the opposite and can’t wait to see the ocean for the first time. She gets invited by her best friend, Baylie, to go with her to visit relatives on the coast of California. Her parents aren’t having any of it, so Chloe sneaks away. This one act changes her life forever.
This is part one of a series, and I think we are going to be getting a love triangle before it’s all over with. Chloe is pretty smitten with Baylie’s step-brother, Noah. To complete the triangle, Chloe meets a human looking creature, called a Dehaian, otherwise known as a merman. Zeke, the Dehaian, and Chloe share points of views in this book. Each chapter is either about her or him, and written in the first person. It worked well in this case, at least I thought so.
I thought the world building was pretty well explained by the author. Since it’s a first book, you kind of expect a lot of information, but I didn’t feel like this one was an info dump in any way. We learn just enough that we need to know, and I am sure we will probably learn more as the series continues. We mostly get the action that takes place on land, with a much shorter telling of the ocean action, from Zeke’s point of view. I am looking forward to reading more about the world under the water. Needless to say, there’s quite a bit of magic going on in the water.
This book ended up being a perfectly paced story of a young girl coming into powers she didn’t know she had, and learning about what she is. Along the way, she comes under attack by more of the strange creatures that look like humans, simply for what she is. There’s also a twist involved that I didn’t see coming(well maybe a bit), and another surprise too. I applaud the author for that! The premise could have been one of those same old, same old, mermaid books(or movies),but I thought the author handled it so well, that I was completely drawn into the story almost immediately. It had good main characters, and good side characters as well. It was a one day read for me, always a sign of a well written book for me. The next one comes out in August, and I can handle that better then waiting a year or more for it’s release. I know I will be buying the next one as soon as it comes out, because the cliffhanger was pretty intense. Yes I know, cliffhangers aren’t a favorite but a lot, if not most YA books, seem to feature them and this was no exception. As it was such a page turner, I am choosing to just go with it!
(RabidReads.com)
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December 21, 2015
Another tweeny protagonist with a vocabulary of approximately 12 words. Not even if you paid me. Not even if it was between life or death.
February 24, 2024
Awaken
I really enjoyed this book. I love a mermaid book and fantasy. This one had an element of terror to it as well. Halfway through the book I was starting to wonder how Diane and Peter put up with Chloe as a guest, as there is so much drama, but the latter quarter of the book explains how they can be so understanding. The characters are string and well described. Deserving of the five stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I love a mermaid book and fantasy. This one had an element of terror to it as well. Halfway through the book I was starting to wonder how Diane and Peter put up with Chloe as a guest, as there is so much drama, but the latter quarter of the book explains how they can be so understanding. The characters are string and well described. Deserving of the five stars.
July 26, 2016
I received a copy of Awaken in exchange for an honest review.
All Chloe Kowalski wanted was to see the ocean, but her crazy water-hating parents said a big fat NO when she asked to go on vacation to the California coast with her best friend, Baylie. So Chloe does what any sensible teenager would do - she goes anyway, running away from home.
At the beach house owned by Baylie's extended family, she meets Diane and Peter, parents to Baylie's stepbrothers, Maddox and Noah. Chloe has had a little bit of a crush on the super-hot Noah for a while now, but Baylie says he's been acting strange lately.
When Chloe first steps foot into the ocean she feels like a missing piece of herself has just been found. What she doesn't know is that she's setting off a dangerous series of events and putting a target on her back. Chloe is part dehaian (mermaid) and part landwalker (a person who can't stand to be near the ocean) and a dangerous mermaid cult, called Sylphaen, want her dead. How will Chloe handle it when she finally learns the truth about herself? Will her new friends think she's a freak or is it possible that they're hiding something too?
Meanwhile, dehaian Zeke noticed a change in the water the minute Chloe first entered the ocean and he wants to know what about this pretty girl caused that reaction in the water. Things seem even fishier to him when Chloe seems to have no idea what she really is. Zeke wants to get to the bottom of things and when the cult he thought had been eradicated goes after Chloe he has a strong urge to keep her safe. Will he get to her in time? Or will the Sylphaen sacrifice her to fulfill some crazy prophecy?
I've never read a mermaid-themed novel before but I absolutely loved Awaken!. The first line draws you in and before you even find out what Chloe is, you're dying to find out why Chloe's parents don't want her anywhere near the water. Their crazy reaction will shock you. I like that this story is told in alternating perspectives between Chloe and Zeke but it would have been an added bonus to have a few chapters in Noah's perspective to see into his head. The world of the Dehaians, with their magic and their technology (like the medicine and the relay station) was really imaginative and gave their underwater world much more dimension than your average mermaid story.
The only thing I found confusing was the Delaneys' relationship to Baylie. How were they related through marriage? I know it was meant to be complicated but I felt like I needed a family tree to illustrate it better.
Overall this book is great! The story keeps you interested and engaged, the characters are easy to like, the plot is well thought out and the conflicts and action are appropriately set throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the story and the ending makes you want to dive right into book two. I feel like there may be a love triangle brewing between Chloe, Noah, and Zeke in one of the future books. Read Awaken and you'll fall in love and be hooked on this series for sure!
All Chloe Kowalski wanted was to see the ocean, but her crazy water-hating parents said a big fat NO when she asked to go on vacation to the California coast with her best friend, Baylie. So Chloe does what any sensible teenager would do - she goes anyway, running away from home.
At the beach house owned by Baylie's extended family, she meets Diane and Peter, parents to Baylie's stepbrothers, Maddox and Noah. Chloe has had a little bit of a crush on the super-hot Noah for a while now, but Baylie says he's been acting strange lately.
When Chloe first steps foot into the ocean she feels like a missing piece of herself has just been found. What she doesn't know is that she's setting off a dangerous series of events and putting a target on her back. Chloe is part dehaian (mermaid) and part landwalker (a person who can't stand to be near the ocean) and a dangerous mermaid cult, called Sylphaen, want her dead. How will Chloe handle it when she finally learns the truth about herself? Will her new friends think she's a freak or is it possible that they're hiding something too?
Meanwhile, dehaian Zeke noticed a change in the water the minute Chloe first entered the ocean and he wants to know what about this pretty girl caused that reaction in the water. Things seem even fishier to him when Chloe seems to have no idea what she really is. Zeke wants to get to the bottom of things and when the cult he thought had been eradicated goes after Chloe he has a strong urge to keep her safe. Will he get to her in time? Or will the Sylphaen sacrifice her to fulfill some crazy prophecy?
I've never read a mermaid-themed novel before but I absolutely loved Awaken!. The first line draws you in and before you even find out what Chloe is, you're dying to find out why Chloe's parents don't want her anywhere near the water. Their crazy reaction will shock you. I like that this story is told in alternating perspectives between Chloe and Zeke but it would have been an added bonus to have a few chapters in Noah's perspective to see into his head. The world of the Dehaians, with their magic and their technology (like the medicine and the relay station) was really imaginative and gave their underwater world much more dimension than your average mermaid story.
The only thing I found confusing was the Delaneys' relationship to Baylie. How were they related through marriage? I know it was meant to be complicated but I felt like I needed a family tree to illustrate it better.
Overall this book is great! The story keeps you interested and engaged, the characters are easy to like, the plot is well thought out and the conflicts and action are appropriately set throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the story and the ending makes you want to dive right into book two. I feel like there may be a love triangle brewing between Chloe, Noah, and Zeke in one of the future books. Read Awaken and you'll fall in love and be hooked on this series for sure!
June 30, 2014
Awaken was a total surprise. It's a different and refreshing mermaid story that combines many supernatural being, handsome and awkward situation but mostly an interesting background story that held me captive until the end!
I was greatly surprised by the turns of events, the secrets and many discoveries I found throughout the book were intense and exciting. I have to mention the talented author of this book: Skye Malone who has many gifts such as awesome storyteller, great written skills and a wonderful creativity.
It's easy to make a plain story with mermaids because these creatures are so mystical and embedded in our folklore and our mind. They are magical and mysterious but they still held a special place on my list of favorite paranormal being. Maybe it's a girl thing! Skye Malone has succeeded in creating a stimulating plot, scenes filled with action, lively characters and more!
I can't wait to read the sequel of Awaken. The way it ended, after this great cliff-hanger, I just need to know what will happen to Chloe, Noah and Zeke! Loved all the twist and as I mentioned before, I was surprised and thankful for them. They add so much to the whole thing and that's why this book stands out!
I recommend this title to every YA Paranormal Romance readers and fan, mainly if you crave mermaids ones! For those of you out there who are wishing to read something different from the simple mermaid story and mostly to everyone who are looking for a wild journey, Awaken is surely the book for you! A must-try!
I was greatly surprised by the turns of events, the secrets and many discoveries I found throughout the book were intense and exciting. I have to mention the talented author of this book: Skye Malone who has many gifts such as awesome storyteller, great written skills and a wonderful creativity.
It's easy to make a plain story with mermaids because these creatures are so mystical and embedded in our folklore and our mind. They are magical and mysterious but they still held a special place on my list of favorite paranormal being. Maybe it's a girl thing! Skye Malone has succeeded in creating a stimulating plot, scenes filled with action, lively characters and more!
I can't wait to read the sequel of Awaken. The way it ended, after this great cliff-hanger, I just need to know what will happen to Chloe, Noah and Zeke! Loved all the twist and as I mentioned before, I was surprised and thankful for them. They add so much to the whole thing and that's why this book stands out!
I recommend this title to every YA Paranormal Romance readers and fan, mainly if you crave mermaids ones! For those of you out there who are wishing to read something different from the simple mermaid story and mostly to everyone who are looking for a wild journey, Awaken is surely the book for you! A must-try!
January 19, 2018
This is a review for the series through book #5
I like the overall concept of this story, the idea of mermaids and such, and the curse that keeps them near the water, the Beast... But honestly it was very slow and lacked development. I got several books in the series at once for a really great price, so I kept reading hoping against hope it would improve, but alas it just got worse.
I don't mind stories that follow multiple threads, actually I love them, but this, this was a bit much for me. The entire series is written in first person, and not just one character, but all of the main characters which at last count was about 6 or 7. And not only that, when switching to another characters POV (point of view) you were frequently rehashing a scene that you had just read from another POV. It got really annoying and really old, I just don't see why it could not have been written from an omniscient POV. I felt like I needed to take notes to keep up with who was who and where they were! And to top it off there was very little character development, the personalities were very static and all teen angst, even some of the adults!
The only reason I am giving it two stars is because the concept/idea of the story is great, however the execution of it was horrible.
I like the overall concept of this story, the idea of mermaids and such, and the curse that keeps them near the water, the Beast... But honestly it was very slow and lacked development. I got several books in the series at once for a really great price, so I kept reading hoping against hope it would improve, but alas it just got worse.
I don't mind stories that follow multiple threads, actually I love them, but this, this was a bit much for me. The entire series is written in first person, and not just one character, but all of the main characters which at last count was about 6 or 7. And not only that, when switching to another characters POV (point of view) you were frequently rehashing a scene that you had just read from another POV. It got really annoying and really old, I just don't see why it could not have been written from an omniscient POV. I felt like I needed to take notes to keep up with who was who and where they were! And to top it off there was very little character development, the personalities were very static and all teen angst, even some of the adults!
The only reason I am giving it two stars is because the concept/idea of the story is great, however the execution of it was horrible.
January 19, 2020
4 stars!
I was sent a physical paperback copy of this book for an honest review by the author/publisher
Some of it was really cliche and some of the stuff that happened was too convienent, but this was a really entertaining book. I can't wait to read the second book. I really really need it! Review going up in September on my blog!
www.livthebooknerd.blogspot.com
I was sent a physical paperback copy of this book for an honest review by the author/publisher
Some of it was really cliche and some of the stuff that happened was too convienent, but this was a really entertaining book. I can't wait to read the second book. I really really need it! Review going up in September on my blog!
www.livthebooknerd.blogspot.com
November 19, 2016
!!REVIEW COMING SOON!!
September 10, 2019
Sorry, but no
The author makes the adults look like idiots. The main character is a whiney baby, and the "bad guy" is dumb. Sorry.
The author makes the adults look like idiots. The main character is a whiney baby, and the "bad guy" is dumb. Sorry.
October 27, 2016
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
"Mermaid, Chloe. That's what humans would call you. Or, you know, merman for me..."
I wasn't really sure what I was thinking going into this series just for the simple fact that I've never read a mermaid book before but I ended up pleasantly surprised. The writing style was great and guided the storyline fairly well. Without spoiling anything I will say I got kind of caught up a bit in the middle when Chloe finds out she's a mermaid and when her friend finds out it seemed weird but it was all cleared but chapters later, which I very much appreciated because it would have ruined everything for me. So if you read it and make it to the middle and decide not to finish please read on, it will all make sense in the end. The book is also a contemporary and I was actually pretty happy to find that the book wasn't just focused on that. I think the author taking a different approach like that was nice and refreshing. I was screaming and laughing at some parts so that pretty much sums up that I will be getting the next book to continue this thrilling series. Recommend to people who read and enjoyed the Of Poseidon series. Full review coming on https://opalsbookjems.wordpress.com/
"Mermaid, Chloe. That's what humans would call you. Or, you know, merman for me..."
I wasn't really sure what I was thinking going into this series just for the simple fact that I've never read a mermaid book before but I ended up pleasantly surprised. The writing style was great and guided the storyline fairly well. Without spoiling anything I will say I got kind of caught up a bit in the middle when Chloe finds out she's a mermaid and when her friend finds out it seemed weird but it was all cleared but chapters later, which I very much appreciated because it would have ruined everything for me. So if you read it and make it to the middle and decide not to finish please read on, it will all make sense in the end. The book is also a contemporary and I was actually pretty happy to find that the book wasn't just focused on that. I think the author taking a different approach like that was nice and refreshing. I was screaming and laughing at some parts so that pretty much sums up that I will be getting the next book to continue this thrilling series. Recommend to people who read and enjoyed the Of Poseidon series. Full review coming on https://opalsbookjems.wordpress.com/
December 17, 2014
This was interesting. Even though there was a point where I felt like not much happened for quite awhile (in the middle of the story), I didn't feel like it dragged or anything. Thank goodness. I loved lots of things about this book. I especially loved the last 20% or so. I really liked the whole "drawn to the ocean" thing, the spikes, Noah and , the mer-cult and I also loved how Chloe ditched her parents in the beginning! lol. I know, I'm bad... but I really felt her desperation to get back to the ocean! (It actually brought me back to a scene near the end of another mermaid book I know.)
The world building is great too. And I enjoyed the characters both below and above the water. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
The world building is great too. And I enjoyed the characters both below and above the water. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!
February 9, 2018
I got this book for free on my Kindle, but I think I'd be mad if I actually paid money for this book. It was really simple and the fantasy words were just thrown all over the place without a good explanation on what they are. Some of the dialogue seemed really unnatural, which also leads to the whole crush on Noah too. It was just really unnatural, especially since it sounds like it was the first time meeting Noah, that she had a huge crush on him and he like basically already guessed what she was. It was an alright read.
February 7, 2017
Wow! Totally Awesome Read!
OK, I now officially love mermaids. Skye Malone opens you up to a whole new world surrounding mermaids. I love it when an author can surprise me with unexpected twists and turns that make the story that much better. Malone is truly a talented author. She gives us just enough to always want to know more. I can't wait to read Descend, book two, but first you mustn't pass this book up. Its really an exceptional story.
OK, I now officially love mermaids. Skye Malone opens you up to a whole new world surrounding mermaids. I love it when an author can surprise me with unexpected twists and turns that make the story that much better. Malone is truly a talented author. She gives us just enough to always want to know more. I can't wait to read Descend, book two, but first you mustn't pass this book up. Its really an exceptional story.
June 22, 2017
Amazing!
Two worlds collide. Action, it's such a great storyline. I cannot wait to read what happens next. What I didn't like was the couple curse words throughout the story but I did enjoy it. I am a big fan of mermaids and this happened to intrigue me more. I think I found a new favorite writer! Keep up the great work!
Two worlds collide. Action, it's such a great storyline. I cannot wait to read what happens next. What I didn't like was the couple curse words throughout the story but I did enjoy it. I am a big fan of mermaids and this happened to intrigue me more. I think I found a new favorite writer! Keep up the great work!
May 17, 2021
To be honest it this seems more like it should be on Wattpad. It was honestly an ok book, it just had a few inconsistencies. I really did enjoy this, but I wouldn't necessary recommend it to anyone. Oh and it left me to wonder whether the characters ever shower. If you read the book you'll understand why.
August 31, 2016
I am giving it a 3 because while it was a very interesting book, it took a while for me to get hooked into the book. It actually took me the longest to read! The ending really did pick up and I will be ordering the second one soon. :)
June 20, 2014
I rarely enjoy a mermaid book, but I liked this one! Review to come during upcoming Blog Tour.
August 3, 2017
4,5 stars - it is possible that this review has spoilers-
Awaken is the first book in the Awaken Fate series by Sky Malone. Awaken follows two views to the story. That of Chloe and that of Zeke. And I think the balance between the points of view between this two is good. Chloe does not have a clue of what she is. She is totaly unformiliar and even a little freaked out about what she becomes and the point of view told by Zeke makes the balance in this.
It is easy to read. You keep turning te pages and at sertain times the story takes a turn. That makes you keep on reading. This book tells about magic, beeing different, and romance. It tells the story of Landwalkers- humans- Dehaians and Greliaran.
I liked this book. And I would like to read the next book in this series. Maybe it will be a 5 stars!
Running away from home, what surely was not hear idea to do but it happened, is only the top of the Iceberg because she is also target of killers and her body changes in unusual ways. She wanted a vacation, do something normal for a change andof courseget to know her best friendshot stepbrother better.
But the firstday she goes out on the ocean, strange things start to happen. Madmenmake her day a lot darker and an mysterious guy with glowing blue eyes is following her.
Some lines out of the book:
- You see, I've always been drawn to the ocean. It makes sence I guess.-
- And besides, Noah went way beyond decent - looking, straight on to hot. -
- They'd punished me for asking them to paint my room blue.-
- I swam a bit closer, my ears beginning to pick out their words over the waves.-
- wich would give me a chance to ask her what she'd done to the water without risking the humans hearing.-
- But we were underwater. We schould be drowing.-
- I watched as a man and woman loaded the girl into a car and then sped away.-
- Becouse I belonged there.-
- So beautifully, wonderfully right...-
- A pair of scanned photographs were placed side by side...-
- "They could be sisters," Baylie whispered.-
It wasn't possible.... A century ago, their cult has been wiped out in one of the only acts that united every nation in the dehainian world.-
Awaken is the first book in the Awaken Fate series by Sky Malone. Awaken follows two views to the story. That of Chloe and that of Zeke. And I think the balance between the points of view between this two is good. Chloe does not have a clue of what she is. She is totaly unformiliar and even a little freaked out about what she becomes and the point of view told by Zeke makes the balance in this.
It is easy to read. You keep turning te pages and at sertain times the story takes a turn. That makes you keep on reading. This book tells about magic, beeing different, and romance. It tells the story of Landwalkers- humans- Dehaians and Greliaran.
I liked this book. And I would like to read the next book in this series. Maybe it will be a 5 stars!
Running away from home, what surely was not hear idea to do but it happened, is only the top of the Iceberg because she is also target of killers and her body changes in unusual ways. She wanted a vacation, do something normal for a change andof courseget to know her best friendshot stepbrother better.
But the firstday she goes out on the ocean, strange things start to happen. Madmenmake her day a lot darker and an mysterious guy with glowing blue eyes is following her.
Some lines out of the book:
- You see, I've always been drawn to the ocean. It makes sence I guess.-
- And besides, Noah went way beyond decent - looking, straight on to hot. -
- They'd punished me for asking them to paint my room blue.-
- I swam a bit closer, my ears beginning to pick out their words over the waves.-
- wich would give me a chance to ask her what she'd done to the water without risking the humans hearing.-
- But we were underwater. We schould be drowing.-
- I watched as a man and woman loaded the girl into a car and then sped away.-
- Becouse I belonged there.-
- So beautifully, wonderfully right...-
- A pair of scanned photographs were placed side by side...-
- "They could be sisters," Baylie whispered.-
It wasn't possible.... A century ago, their cult has been wiped out in one of the only acts that united every nation in the dehainian world.-
January 9, 2024
Awaken by Skye Malone
Awakened Fate is, duh, a series of NINE books (again, after years, why do I always click on books part of a long series? Damn, I need to be loaded ASAP).
Obviously a fantasy teen novel. However, thankfully, it wasn’t filled with teenage angst like most, and the plot was very straight forward. I too enjoy the ocean. I’m however human. Anyway, the story is about Chloe, a girl who dreamt of seeing, entering, and surrendering to the ocean since she was a kid. For some odd reason, her parents didn’t like her talking about the ocean, drawing/painting the ocean, didn’t want her room to be painted in blue either. And her uncle thinks he’s Napoleon. When that line came about, I knew I’d enjoy the sense of humor, and the % of liking this book was getting higher with each passing page.
It’s a two POV book, Chloe and Zeke; Chloe has a friend with a beach house. Chloe was invited several times to come by. Parents didn’t let her. She decided to kinda run away on a beach vacation. Little does she know, her life is about to change. And yes, it’s a mermaid book and she��s the main character, please put 2 and 2 together. Zeke is a merman, and while in search for his sister he encounters a girl that shot electricity towards the ocean and somewhat changed but didn’t. He’s on a mission to uncover the mystery of the cute red-haired girl staying by the beach line.
As each page is turned, evil plots are revealed, the past comes to light, side characters (one is a crush, might turn romantic at one point next book? Or will she choose the “fish”?) that were understanding turn out to be Hulk-like with a touch of Human Torch? Flame on! If I remember correctly. Anyway, at one point she’s injected with something and she’s forced to transform, she ends up kissing her crush, which came subtly, but you could see it coming. And then she’s diving towards the bottom of the ocean and the end comes abruptly; in my way of seeing things, it could’ve gone on a few more chapters. This book was too short but also packed with goodies.
Awakened Fate is, duh, a series of NINE books (again, after years, why do I always click on books part of a long series? Damn, I need to be loaded ASAP).
Obviously a fantasy teen novel. However, thankfully, it wasn’t filled with teenage angst like most, and the plot was very straight forward. I too enjoy the ocean. I’m however human. Anyway, the story is about Chloe, a girl who dreamt of seeing, entering, and surrendering to the ocean since she was a kid. For some odd reason, her parents didn’t like her talking about the ocean, drawing/painting the ocean, didn’t want her room to be painted in blue either. And her uncle thinks he’s Napoleon. When that line came about, I knew I’d enjoy the sense of humor, and the % of liking this book was getting higher with each passing page.
It’s a two POV book, Chloe and Zeke; Chloe has a friend with a beach house. Chloe was invited several times to come by. Parents didn’t let her. She decided to kinda run away on a beach vacation. Little does she know, her life is about to change. And yes, it’s a mermaid book and she��s the main character, please put 2 and 2 together. Zeke is a merman, and while in search for his sister he encounters a girl that shot electricity towards the ocean and somewhat changed but didn’t. He’s on a mission to uncover the mystery of the cute red-haired girl staying by the beach line.
As each page is turned, evil plots are revealed, the past comes to light, side characters (one is a crush, might turn romantic at one point next book? Or will she choose the “fish”?) that were understanding turn out to be Hulk-like with a touch of Human Torch? Flame on! If I remember correctly. Anyway, at one point she’s injected with something and she’s forced to transform, she ends up kissing her crush, which came subtly, but you could see it coming. And then she’s diving towards the bottom of the ocean and the end comes abruptly; in my way of seeing things, it could’ve gone on a few more chapters. This book was too short but also packed with goodies.
July 7, 2019
I'm blown away! I certainly didn't know what to expect. Creatures of fantasy are a topic I love to read about and this book did not disappoint me at all.
Things I love about this book: 1. The unique words - When the author takes the time to create words to match unique cultures and characters in their story, I absolutely love that. 2. Well-written characters who are unique from each other - Yep, Skye Malone nailed this one. 3. Riveting plot - Bingo again! I'm going to read book two as soon as I'm able. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thing I didn't like: The only thing I had a real issue with was the parents lying to the child for their entire life and sheltering them so hard it really is abusive. It's too reminiscent of Cinderella for me. To be fair, this seemed to work well for the way the plot needed to play out. It's just not a favorite trope of mine. It also made me question how in the world Chloe didn't come out of that situation more scarred.
My favorite character is Zeke so far and I'd love to hear more of his story. My least favorite characters are probably Chloe's parents.
I would like to read more of her work and see what her other characters experience, though, because the author has really done a great job with this book. She's obviously researched her topic and has created vivid characters in a vivid world decorated with delightful details in just the right places.
If you love fantasy, mythical creatures in modern settings, clean reads, and adventure, you'd probably enjoy this one. I'd also recommend it for teens and up.
Things I love about this book: 1. The unique words - When the author takes the time to create words to match unique cultures and characters in their story, I absolutely love that. 2. Well-written characters who are unique from each other - Yep, Skye Malone nailed this one. 3. Riveting plot - Bingo again! I'm going to read book two as soon as I'm able. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thing I didn't like: The only thing I had a real issue with was the parents lying to the child for their entire life and sheltering them so hard it really is abusive. It's too reminiscent of Cinderella for me. To be fair, this seemed to work well for the way the plot needed to play out. It's just not a favorite trope of mine. It also made me question how in the world Chloe didn't come out of that situation more scarred.
My favorite character is Zeke so far and I'd love to hear more of his story. My least favorite characters are probably Chloe's parents.
I would like to read more of her work and see what her other characters experience, though, because the author has really done a great job with this book. She's obviously researched her topic and has created vivid characters in a vivid world decorated with delightful details in just the right places.
If you love fantasy, mythical creatures in modern settings, clean reads, and adventure, you'd probably enjoy this one. I'd also recommend it for teens and up.
September 25, 2017
Chloe Kowalski lives in Kansas, but she has an obsession with the ocean which she can’t explain. To complicate matters, her parents have an almost insane aversion to water, and won’t even let her learn to swim. One summer, she runs away—although, it’s not her intent to run away, she just wants to see the ocean, so she sneaks off with her best friend to her blended family’s home on the coast.
Once there, though, strange things begin to happen. Her attraction to the ocean grows stronger, and one day, while out for a boat ride, the ocean acts up and the vessel capsizes. Underwater, Chloe sees a strange boy, and finds that she can talk to him; underwater. Then, she’s attacked in a bookstore by a clerk acting mad, and soon she learns that a band of killers are after her. Her only way to survive is to come to grips with what she really is, a mixture of human and mermaid.
Awaken by Skye Malone is a riveting paranormal tale that explores the intersection of the human world and the world of the inhabitants under the sea, and the conflicts that plague both. The characters, human and nonhuman, are rich in detail and motivation, and the action is nonstop. I only had one gripe about the story, a point of logic; while Chloe’s parents have gone to great lengths to conceal her heritage by keeping her away from water, it’s not explained how they dealt with bathing, drinking, or mundane tasks like washing dishes. This small point notwithstanding, it was still an entertaining story.
Once there, though, strange things begin to happen. Her attraction to the ocean grows stronger, and one day, while out for a boat ride, the ocean acts up and the vessel capsizes. Underwater, Chloe sees a strange boy, and finds that she can talk to him; underwater. Then, she’s attacked in a bookstore by a clerk acting mad, and soon she learns that a band of killers are after her. Her only way to survive is to come to grips with what she really is, a mixture of human and mermaid.
Awaken by Skye Malone is a riveting paranormal tale that explores the intersection of the human world and the world of the inhabitants under the sea, and the conflicts that plague both. The characters, human and nonhuman, are rich in detail and motivation, and the action is nonstop. I only had one gripe about the story, a point of logic; while Chloe’s parents have gone to great lengths to conceal her heritage by keeping her away from water, it’s not explained how they dealt with bathing, drinking, or mundane tasks like washing dishes. This small point notwithstanding, it was still an entertaining story.
May 4, 2021
A little tedious
This book felt a little tedious. I can’t decide whether or not to give it 3 or 4 stars. I skimmed most of it. The entire book could have been different if the girl’s parents had just been honest with her. The world is intriguing, and I would like to know more about the three (?) different species in the book. I do have some questions about the mermaid part. At the end of the book Zeke said the drug the main character was injected with forces a change. However, he injected her with that drug in the hospital earlier and she didn’t change. So...what one is it? The main character’s parents tried keeping her from touching water because she will change if she does. So...what about baths/showers? Glass of water for a drink? What about chores around the house that use water for cleaning (ex: dishes)? What about rain? Is it just when she is being immersed? Because that wasn’t clear, and there was even a part in the book where Zeke put a drop of water on her arm to make sure she was a mermaid before giving her medicine and her skin changed. It isn’t consistent.
This book felt a little tedious. I can’t decide whether or not to give it 3 or 4 stars. I skimmed most of it. The entire book could have been different if the girl’s parents had just been honest with her. The world is intriguing, and I would like to know more about the three (?) different species in the book. I do have some questions about the mermaid part. At the end of the book Zeke said the drug the main character was injected with forces a change. However, he injected her with that drug in the hospital earlier and she didn’t change. So...what one is it? The main character’s parents tried keeping her from touching water because she will change if she does. So...what about baths/showers? Glass of water for a drink? What about chores around the house that use water for cleaning (ex: dishes)? What about rain? Is it just when she is being immersed? Because that wasn’t clear, and there was even a part in the book where Zeke put a drop of water on her arm to make sure she was a mermaid before giving her medicine and her skin changed. It isn’t consistent.
April 10, 2024
This was definitely another easier read so a good one if you're in a bit of a reading slump. The writing wasn't the smoothest, but it was still good and the story was pretty solid all things considered. I do wish there would have been a little more character development, especially in the side characters who mostly just kind of felt like they were just...there, but I'm hopeful we get more of that in the following books.
I like that instead of doing a love triangle like the story seemed primed to do, it was made pretty clear that Chloe's only interest was in Noah so there was none of that annoying, messy, who will she choose drama that you find all too often in young adult books.
Overall, I found Chloe to be a decently likable main character. I wish we had more insight into her and that there had been better processing for her finding out the truth about her life and everything, but, again, I'm hopeful we get more of that in the following books.
I am also looking forward to finding out more about the villains in this as the first book did not give much away on them.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series at some point.
I like that instead of doing a love triangle like the story seemed primed to do, it was made pretty clear that Chloe's only interest was in Noah so there was none of that annoying, messy, who will she choose drama that you find all too often in young adult books.
Overall, I found Chloe to be a decently likable main character. I wish we had more insight into her and that there had been better processing for her finding out the truth about her life and everything, but, again, I'm hopeful we get more of that in the following books.
I am also looking forward to finding out more about the villains in this as the first book did not give much away on them.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series at some point.
January 20, 2017
Hidden Realms Anthology
Chloe has always wanted to visit the ocean but her parents are creepily adverse to her having anything to do with water. So like any good teenager, she goes on vacation with her friend Bailey to a beach house. Turns out that she is part mermaid and there is a whole cult of creatures that want to sacrifice her to in order to gain more power. While all this is going on she gets closer to Bailey's brother Noah who has his own secrets. Zeke is a merman who discovers Chloe and can't figure out how she doesn't know what she is and why she seems to be different.
This was very ok. There were so many angles to it, and I didn't think it was explained very well...I still couldn't tell you how Bailey's family is all related. And there were just too many made up words that didn't have a clear pronunciation (I know there was a guide in the front but I don't have the patience to flip back and forth on the kindle app) so I ended up just getting the gist of things instead of an actual understanding.
Chloe has always wanted to visit the ocean but her parents are creepily adverse to her having anything to do with water. So like any good teenager, she goes on vacation with her friend Bailey to a beach house. Turns out that she is part mermaid and there is a whole cult of creatures that want to sacrifice her to in order to gain more power. While all this is going on she gets closer to Bailey's brother Noah who has his own secrets. Zeke is a merman who discovers Chloe and can't figure out how she doesn't know what she is and why she seems to be different.
This was very ok. There were so many angles to it, and I didn't think it was explained very well...I still couldn't tell you how Bailey's family is all related. And there were just too many made up words that didn't have a clear pronunciation (I know there was a guide in the front but I don't have the patience to flip back and forth on the kindle app) so I ended up just getting the gist of things instead of an actual understanding.
January 5, 2017
This is a very interesting story about Mermaids. I enjoyed the world of the mermen, it was different from many of the books I have read. They even have a heretical sect that is out causing problems.
The book had pretty good pacing. The characters were good, but I didn't relate of connect to them at all. I felt more like an outsider watching the events rather than caught up in the book. Even though I didn't connect, this is a solid book with a lot of things to recommend it.
It looks as if there may be a love triangle. The potential is there, even though there wasn't much romance in this book. The story is more about Chloe learning of the heritage that has been hidden from her. This story felt like an introduction for events to come. That makes sense, because it leaves the reader hanging with Chloe's life hanging in the balance.
Overall, this is a cute book written for teens. There is mild swearing and some violence.
The book had pretty good pacing. The characters were good, but I didn't relate of connect to them at all. I felt more like an outsider watching the events rather than caught up in the book. Even though I didn't connect, this is a solid book with a lot of things to recommend it.
It looks as if there may be a love triangle. The potential is there, even though there wasn't much romance in this book. The story is more about Chloe learning of the heritage that has been hidden from her. This story felt like an introduction for events to come. That makes sense, because it leaves the reader hanging with Chloe's life hanging in the balance.
Overall, this is a cute book written for teens. There is mild swearing and some violence.
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