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Fated #2

Awakened

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Book Two of the Fated Series

Time is running out. Areya has just two weeks to awaken her powers and save Ash before the poison takes his life.
To stand a chance, she must master the abilities buried within her—powers that could change her fate forever. With Calyx by her side, Areya’s strength grows quickly, but her newfound abilities raise as many questions as answers.

An ancient prophecy speaks of a royal destined to wield all four heir powers, but the line between savior and sacrifice blurs as Areya uncovers fragments of a terrifying truth in the enchanted land of Balgeira. There, she unearths a dark secret about the gods—beings once worshiped as Gardonia’s saviors. But the truth is far more sinister, and the cracks in their legacy are impossible to ignore.

Amid rising threats, fierce rivalries, and unspoken feelings, Areya must face the growing weight of her choices. Every step forward brings her closer to a greater sacrifice. But the clock is ticking, and the gods are watching.
Will she awaken her powers in time to save Ash—or will her destiny awaken a far darker fate?

Awakened, the seductive and thrilling second installment in the Fated romantic fantasy series, pulls you deeper into a world of power, passion, and peril.

671 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2025

47 people are currently reading
207 people want to read

About the author

Cosette Verga

8 books122 followers

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5 stars
125 (61%)
4 stars
57 (28%)
3 stars
17 (8%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Readergirl {semi-hiatus}.
128 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2026
This book was.

That was what I was going to say before I met the ending and oh my FRIGGIN GODS what an ending it was. I'm typing this at the speed of FRIGGIN LIGHT cuz I wanna hop into the next book so bad, so basically expect me to drunk-person-explain my way through this review.

Okay, so most of the book wasn't this good. It was honestly kinda getting bad. I'm not going to lie most of it felt like a filler. Even as i flipping die over that ending, I do have to acknowledge that around 80 percent of it is basically nothing. And it's a pretty chunky book.

The Power Games - oh my god ohhh the Power Games. This is not a good oh my god. This is a bad oh my god. The Power Games were cringe af. They made me feel as if an octopus was doing aerobics in my tummy they were extremely cringy.

For the most part of the book I was flabbergasted as to why they are acting like flipping teens when they're all 20-something-year-olds. Which added to the cringe-aspect.

And, last thing, it's kinda a bit unbelievable for me that everyone automatically loves Areya? I mean sure it's okay if some people do it but when there's no resistance at all it gets kinda boring?

But lords of lords did the ending make up for everything and single-handedly push the rating from a whimpering would-have-been-one-star to three-plus-star. Can't wait to read the next book. Now.

3.2-the-ending-made-up-for-it-so-i-forgive/5

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚.𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚

𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭
Thank you SO MUCH to Cosette Verga for sending me the ENTIRE SERIES to review on request. I AM SO EXTREMELY GRATEFUL THANK YOUU.
Profile Image for Laura Smith.
576 reviews24 followers
February 9, 2026
AWAKENED BY COSETTE VERGA
OUT NOW
Book 2 in the Fated series.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Absolutely Stunning cover.
"This book is the kind of love you fight for"😍
I've been hooked on this second book just as much as I was on the first one.
The main character are amazing.
The banter and laughs are everything.
I can really see these books being made into films.
One word.... Chipmunk 🐿
247 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2025
Time is running out, and the gods are watching…

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Awakened, the second installment in Cosette Verga's Fated series, draws us deeper into the richly magical realm of Balgeira, where secrets are as powerful as spells and destiny is a double-edged sword.

At its core is Areya, a young princess teetering on the precipice of destiny, against time to awaken the full extent of her abilities—not just to deliver a prophecy passed down through centuries, but to rescue Ash, the boy she loves, from a death sentence penned in poison. The clock is ticking, and the pressure? Suffocating.

What to Expect:
• High Stakes & Heart-Pounding Tension:
With only two weeks left to rescue Ash, every second matters. The pace is fast, but never hurried—each page throbs with tension, emotional depth, and impending failure.
• Complex Worldbuilding:
Verga skillfully opens up her fantasy world, particularly in the nation of Balgeira—a world filled with ancient magic and divine deception. The god revelations are bold and philosophical, placing the tone of the story on a darker, deeper level.
• Character Evolution:
Areya becomes stronger, but also more conflicted. Her path is as much about self-discovery as it is about magic.
Calyx, the constant guardian, adds depth to the tale with his unshakeable devotion and cryptic history.
And Ash? Even as he disappears, his presence remains—through memory, urgency, and the emotional bonds he's created with Areya.
• Prophecy & Power:
The prophecy that is the focus of the series brings a mythic draw—particularly as Areya moves closer to being the one who possesses all four heir powers. But with power comes the question of truth: Is she the savior… or the sacrifice?

What Sets It Apart:

Cosette Verga pushes into the romantic fantasy category with the perfect amount of slow-burn romance, found family, and high fantasy suspense. The prose is hypnotic and engrossing, with the right amount of emotional resonance to leave you sensing the gravity of each decision Areya makes.

There's a gradual revelation of truths—regarding the gods, the past, and Areya's place in it—all along the way that keeps you guessing until the end.

Final Thoughts:

Awakened is a compelling mix of magic, prophecy, romance, and rebellion. It takes all that Fated brought to the table and raises it—higher stakes, richer emotion, darker secrets. Throne of Glass, The Kiss of Deception, or From Blood and Ash fans will feel right at home in Verga's stunningly dangerous world.
Profile Image for Brandy.
207 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2025
This book is getting a 4.5 stars from me. I really am enjoying the authors writing style with these books. They are super fast reads even with them being longer books. They keep the story moving and even have banter along the way. The spice isn’t too spicy but gives enough to show the connections. The first part of the book is where Areya learns to use her powers by the assistance of Calyx. Then comes the rescue. Some things go very right, some not so right and we learn just how powerful Areya is even without the heir power. Then the middle third of the book has some great banter and parts that left me laughing. There is a “pink” part that had me rolling laughing. Giants come into play and even some games while on a mission to recover items for the doctor back home. After the wedding, comes the last part of the book and the new mission. Some insights were brought to Areya that Ash is not going to be happy with but knowing Areya needs to follow this destiny to save everyone. The book leaves on a cliff hanger of course and you can read the description of the next book to figure out what exactly happened. My only thing is if fated mates are so rare, and only new ones are really brought around during time of need……… who else is mated we don’t know about……
If your looking for a book that has magic, romance, some funny banter, leaves on cliff hangers and leaves crumbs all through the book to hopefully be answered by the next, definitely look at these books. I can’t wait to see how powerful Areya becomes.
Profile Image for Shayla McGlynn.
2 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
As an ARC reader, Awakened by Cosette Verga was a beautifully immersive romantasy with a strong emotional core. The story unfolds slowly, allowing the world, magic, and characters to develop naturally. The magic feels personal and tied closely to identity and power, which adds depth and tension to the narrative.

The romance is a true slow burn, built on emotional connection, trust, and quiet moments rather than instant attraction. The chemistry is subtle but powerful, making the relationship feel authentic and earned. Character growth is a major strength, especially the protagonist’s journey toward self-discovery and autonomy.

The pacing is deliberate, but it works well for the story, enhancing the atmosphere and emotional payoff. Overall, Awakened is a thoughtful and engaging romantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy introspective characters, rich mood, and slow-burn romance.
Profile Image for Ellen.
44 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

Awakened definitely had me sitting there like, what the hell is happening but in a good way. There are a lot of different storylines happening in this book, and while it’s clear they’re all going to connect, we’re still very much in the phase of learning what goes where. It felt chaotic at times, but intentionally so.

The pacing in this book was much better than the first. There’s a lot of backstory and detail, which I really appreciated, even if there were moments where it lulled a bit for me and honestly, that’s more about my need to know everything immediately than an actual flaw in the story.

I do like Ash and Areya, but their love is very all-consuming… and sometimes it felt like okay, I get it. On the other hand, I absolutely love Calyx and Ree. Their dynamic is so compelling, and I can’t wait to see how that relationship develops. Watching friendships grow alongside the romance was one of my favorite parts of this book. The character development across the board is incredible, and there were moments where I was genuinely giggling and laughing out loud. The banter is so good.

The world-building was also a huge improvement. The information was paced really well, and I never felt overwhelmed or like I had to reread sections to understand what was happening. I’m completely invested in Ree’s character and dying to know what her big reveal is. The plot development from book one to book two is honestly impressive.

Emotionally, this book hit hard. The reunion with her family was heartbreaking and sweet, easily my favorite part. The scene with Agidius in the cell, sharing his memories of Cynthia, absolutely wrecked me. I think part of why I connect more with Calyx and Ree is because their relationship feels fought for and earned.

The main reason I bumped this up to four stars is the writing itself. You can truly see how much the author’s writing has grown between book one and book two. The storytelling feels more confident, more polished, and more intentional. It’s clear a lot of research and craft went into this installment, and it shows.

There may have been a bit of filler that could’ve been trimmed, but overall I was invested and eager to see what happened next. I’m really excited to continue the series and see where all these storylines and side quests lead.

If you love romantasy with strong character arcs, layered plots, and emotional moments, this series is absolutely worth continuing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
11 reviews
Read
January 21, 2026
Book two somehow managed to deepen everything I already loved. The themes of motherhood continue in a way that feels intentional and emotionally rich, adding even more weight to the story without ever slowing it down.

The characters truly shine here — I feel so connected to their journeys, and the pacing made this one such a fun, immersive read. It genuinely felt like I was living inside this world rather than just reading about it. And the Power Games… if you know, you know. Absolute highlight. So fun, so ridiculous, and so satisfying to experience .

This book had me laughing, crying, and fully invested from start to finish. That emotional range is something this series does incredibly well, and it’s a big reason I’m excited to jump into book three (after a brief pivot for a buddy read!).

I did drop my rating slightly to 4.5⭐️ but no question this is easy to round up to five, only because if you’re not super familiar with romantasy, the complexity of the world-building and conflict layering can feel like a lot at times. And I strive for my 5 stars to be for a book I would recommend to any reader, and this one is for romantasy fans or romantasy curious. Still, an amazing continuation of the series and a total win for anyone who loves immersive, emotionally driven fantasy.
133 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2025
I am loving this series! This book was giving me Acotar vibes with some scenes. I was an emotional wreck reading this one, so many tears! I also laughed my ass off too, because there are a lot of laughs in this one! The ending is heartbreaking and I am going into the 3rd book with high hopes. I am completely invested in these characters, especially the found family. There are a lot of couple pairings in this book and one of them, well, let's just say I am not a fan :( Let's hope that these characters have a LOT of growth because one of them, I think I would just rip out her hair! LOL
Profile Image for Kirstin McCalmont.
107 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
I gotta say… this book SWEPT me off my feet! I absolutely can’t love it enough. The entire book was a journey of self love, healing, laughter, learning and more. The amount of times I literally giggled and wanted to kick my feet was unparalleled 🤣 Calyx has my WHOLE heart. I absolutely adore him and all he is for Reize and Areya.

The way Ash just absolutely LOVES Areya, out loud and unwavering is ❤️❤️❤️. It helps her grow and heal and I can’t love that journey enough.

But for all the high highs- there were some LOWS too. I can’t wait to get started on book 3- this is a world I’m just not ready to leave.
Profile Image for Pattersen Roman.
6 reviews
February 5, 2026
This story is absolutely heart wrenching!!! I’m crying, I’m laughing, I’m completely and totally sucked in! I loved the first book but this one was just incredible! So much happened and yet it didn’t feel like overkill… this is an absolute journey!

I cannot get enough of this series. The writing is wonderful, the underlying message of loving people so completely while understanding where they’ve been and what hardships have hardens their hearts to is so relatable especially in my life. Loving every piece of someone, especially the bad parts, because we’re all imperfect and all have baggage. But when you find that person that will help you carry it, even the darkest parts of you, it all becomes clear. This is the path God made for you to walk, every beautifully painful part, and it’s completely worth it.

If you haven’t started this series you’re totally missing out! How is this not more popular on BookTok?

On to Book 3!!!

I am a part of the Fated Review Team and I am leaving this review of my own free will and opinion… I freaking love this series!
Profile Image for Beth.
13 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
I loved how Areya grew in the second book of this series. Many authors spend little time on the preparation on the Mc to go into their ventures or journeys. Cosette took the time to grow areya and the supporting characters in this book. As well as left us on another enormous cliffhanger! I enjoyed the strength in herself that areya found in awakened. The title I feel is very suited also.
Profile Image for Anna.
84 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
The development of Areyas powers is beautifully done. I love how C and her are becoming best friends through the training and planning and worrying about Ash. They help and support each other no matter what. Even though they have known each other only for a very short period of time.
Ash has to survive a hard and gruesome time and he still has nightmares because of it but Areya shows him that it's okay to feel vulnerable and that she is his safe place where he can let go.
Reize is such an interesting and lovely character. She is loyal, amazing, strong and fierce. I can't wait to dive deeper into her story and her secrets.
The family plots of that book are so beautiful. There is so much love and joy - it makes you ache!
I love the different places in the world and they are beautifully described. The world building is top tier. The giant world - definitely not what you expect!
It is messy, it is chaos, it is heartbreaking, it is laugh, it is joy, it is heart-wrenching, it is beautiful.
Profile Image for Emily Azevedo.
93 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed how much happens in each and every one of these books. This series has to be the best explanation of a found family that I’ve ever read.

So much love and so much chaos. Absolute 10/10. I’ll be busy reading her next book immediately 🫡

Long live the Queen!
4 reviews
September 17, 2025
This book was so much fun to read! The spice level was a little higher than the previous one, but it totally makes sense with Areya and Ash’s fated love blossoming. I absolutely loved the world-building, and the complexities in the characters and relationships with one another. Areya, especially, grows so much, growing into her many powers, rescuing so many people (and animal), and expanding her family and friends through her journeys and revelations. So much happens in Awakened, and I was not expecting all the twists and turns waiting for me.
Profile Image for Danielle M.
6 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2025
Okay, this book brought so much more depth to this world and these characters. It made me fall in love with this story even more. I can not wait to see what happens with Areya next
Profile Image for Nyx.
19 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2025
Loved it!

I love how we get to see so much more of Areyas power. The brother/sister relationship she develops with Calyx is wonderful. The banter and teasing between them makes me giggle. Seeing her find certain people, it almost made me cry.
The games! I loved that lmao
I laughed so many different times throughout this book.
I feel like my heart is going to get broken in the next one though
Also SHAE?!?!? REALLY? lol


I did receive this book as part of a review team and am leaving this review of my own will.
Profile Image for Yesilovesreading.
156 reviews
September 15, 2025
I loved this one so much!!! The whole book I kept thinking something is going to happen.. something bad is coming and then it did. And I was still shocked at the turn of events! Some parts made my lol so much. I forever have Calyx running scared from an animated teddy bear pictured in my head! Haha iykyk lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea.
70 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2025
This was a great second book. I loved seeing the relationships grow and deepen. I truly can’t pick a favorite character because they’re all great. I laughed so much when a few of them take a trip somewhere. Without spoiling anything, it was hilarious. Cosette did a great job bringing this fantasy world to life and I’m excited to continue on with the journey.
Profile Image for Ambreezy83.
85 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2025
It’s a slow burn with a little spice but oh so good. The story telling in this series is top notch and keeps you hooked. Nothing is overlooked and the attention to details is impeccable. Moving right thru to the next one. This is a great series.
Profile Image for Liz Baylus.
25 reviews
November 10, 2025
Whenever I start to fall in love with a longer series, I always experience a little bit of hesitation when I start all the books after the first because I’m worried it won’t live up to my expectations from the first book. Especially when that first book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case for Awakened, the second book in Cosette Verga’s Fated series, and I am so incredibly excited to hype up yet another of her books!! My emotions were all over the map, from laughing one minute to sobbing the next, because the characters I fell in love with in book one? Held absolutely nothing back in book two, and to be completely honest, kept that same energy through the rest of the series 💜 the pacing kept me on the metaphorical edge of my seat, the spice was SPICING, the character development was some of the best I’ve seen, and I had no idea just how much farther I was going to fall for these characters.
Profile Image for Sarah.
130 reviews9 followers
October 31, 2025
The emotional depth and plot development in this blew book 1 out of the water. Areya’s character development was rewarding to see and there’s even more that I think we’ll see in the next book. The love story between Ash and Areya was just perfection. I felt the chemistry and deep love between them. I loved the moments of Areya doubting herself and not feeling like she was enough and how she conquered those fears. There were a lot of names and places and my brain was trying to piece it all together, but I still had a great time and can’t wait to see how it all comes together next book. There were also so many other bits that left me wondering/questioning that I know we will eventually get answers to and makes me want to keep reading, in addition to all the other reasons mentioned. This is the kind of series I really enjoy-starts off light and slow and builds and builds to something really complex and developed, with each book getting better and better.
3 reviews
April 9, 2025
This book was outstanding, I really enjoyed reading it!! I loved the first book by this new author but this second book was even better!! I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, what a wonderful ride!! I absolutely cannot wait for the third installment due out this summer!!
Profile Image for Amber.
564 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2025
Slow burn
Hidden heir
Fated mates
Enemies to lovers
Forgotten past
Ancient prophecies
Cursed hero
Morally gray protector
Tragic love

Thus is the kind of love you fight for. Filled with heartbreak and tension. The banter was perfection. I’m hooked on this series and jumping right into the next one right away!
The covers are absolutely stunning and is what caught my attention at first.
What’s an emotional roller coaster! This book wrecked me! I laughed, I cried, the ending, leaving me in heartbreak!
We dive deeper into this magical world of Balgeria, where there are secrets that do as much damage and hold as much power as a magic spell! Araya, who is a princesses against time, to learn the full set of her abilities, to rescue Ash, the boy, she loves, who is sentenced in poison!
Such a compelling magical story with prophecies and high stakes, i’m so invested in these characters, and the way Ash loves Araya out loud, steadfast and seeing Areya and seeing Areya grow and come into her powers more was ❤️‍🔥
The thrills and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one day and night! One word. Addicted. Jumping into the next book now byyeeee
Profile Image for Natalie.
186 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2025
Wow fated is the first book in the series and cosette was a new author to me. I thought wow shes really great how she brought us to a world of make believe.. Then the second bomb dropped in my mailbox and shoot me sideways, im been feasting upon it til 3am cause its so dam great.. Cosette really makes you feel like you are one of the characters yourself. Fighting her grandma and uncle side by side. Through the tears, pain and victory. You cant help thinking how can one family cause so much pain, danger on one of their own. I love the close relationship areya and calyx developed how hes sworned to go to the end of the world fighting with her to get back ash and reize back. This story has so much action it makes on head spin. Im so thankful I found cosette shes blown my mind with her series. Leaving me like a vampire needing more blood.. Cant wait for the part 3 i know the series is just going to get better and better with each novel...
Profile Image for Swiftiequeen420.
93 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2025
Cosette has done it again. She is an amazing fantasy writer! The world building the different destinations within the world. Her descriptions of the different places are incredible. Watching Areya grow and become more confident and learn how to harness her power was such a beautiful thing to witness. Ash's love and adoration for Areya will NEVER cease to amaze me. The words this man says are *chefs kiss* I also loved getting to see Areya's relationship with her found family form and blossom. I loved all the reunions and this book was just perfect if you are a romantasy lover! Oh and don't get me started on the plot and the twists and turns throughout the whole book! So many times I was shook by the events and secrets being revealed! 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ofc and I can't wait to read the next one! 😍😍😍
Profile Image for Ami Rigor.
29 reviews
October 8, 2025
Another wonderful book

Man, this book put me through an emotional wringer. Get your tissues ready. If you enjoy having a good laugh, found family, a bit of spicy romance, magic and an overall good time, you’ll love this book. Please note it ends on a cliffhanger. You need to read the next book to find out what happens. I want to say so much but I’m trying hard not to go into details and spoil the book. I feel like the cheaters are friends and family at this point. The end of the book … What Ash must’ve felt. So many tears shed. READ THIS BOOK
Profile Image for Janusha Rambally Moonsamy.
18 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2025
This book is a Marvel to go through.
Cosette Verga spins your emotions with brilliant consideration and flawless execution. The unexpected twists and turns of this story leave you emotionally wrecked. It will make you fly in elation, break your heart more than once, then make you giggle and laugh and wrap you up in love. It is an Experience, DON'T HESITATE. The Journey is getting better and better. Get on it...The books are a MUST READ.
133 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2025
Outstanding. The story continues to develop beautifully from book 1 Fated. It keeps on following Areya and we gets snippets from the past, and of how the decisions taken by others, sacrifices made and the fates combined to get her to be the person she is today: ready to shoulder the responsibilities as the lives of many depend on her.
6 reviews
July 8, 2025
Awakened was such a great read! I read the entire book in 2 days. The story expanded to places I couldn’t imagine and the chemistry the developed between Areya and Calyx is heartfelt. This book brought out all my emotions from laughter to tears. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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