Return

Awakened Fate #3

by Skye Malone

For Chloe, the ocean was supposed to mean safety and for a time, it almost did. She overcame the Sylphaen's drugs. She discovered an unforeseen attraction to Zeke, one that he shares for her. A life underwater seemed possible, until she learned that nothing was as it appeared.

After an unspeakable betrayal shattered everything she thought she knew about Zeke's world, she and Zeke have fled the ocean for the one place Chloe never expected to want to go.

Home.

But the challenge of living as a mermaid over a thousand miles from the ocean isn’t the only problem facing her. Home has changed. Enemies are waiting, ones she never saw coming. Her little Kansas town is full of surprises.

Including Noah, the guy she left behind.

*** Book Three of the Awakened Fate series ***

The Awakened Fate Series
#1 - Awaken
#2 - Descend
#3 - Return
#3.5 - Abide: An Awakened Fate Novella
#4 - Arise (coming December 2014)
#5 - Become (coming early 2015)

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2014

About the author

Skye 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.

If you'd like to hear about Skye's latest releases, sign up for their new release mailing list ! You'll be the first to learn of new books, new events, and all the exciting book-related news.

Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in this series about a girl who discovers that she is half Deharian, otherwise known as a kind of mermaid person. She was kept away from the ocean by her adopted parents, who are part of a group called Landwalkers. Landwalkders were once Deharian, but are now unable to go anywhere near the ocean. After sneaking away from home to join her best friend Baylie at the ocean for a vacation, things change drastically in her life.

Chloe is a teenager, and has gone through a lot in all three of these books. She has been befriended by Zeke, also a Deharian, and has gone to his home under the ocean. Once there she was caught up in all the politics and intrigue of this realm, and comes close to being killed-more than once. When this book begins, she and Zeke are back on land and fleeing from both the Deharian’s that want her dead, and the Greliaran’s who are a race that was engineered to kill Deharian’s. To make things even more interesting, her other friend, Noah, Baylie’s step brother, has now been revealed as a Greliaran. Not good news when Noah and Chloe kind of have a thing for each other. And now Zeke and Chloe kind of have a thing as well. So yes, it’s a love triangle. But then this is young adult, and that seems to be the thing to do in YA books.

This time the story is told from three points of view, Chloe, Zeke and Noah-but not in the first person. I like all three of these characters, but have jumped back and forth on which of the two young men is my favorite. For their part, they both love Chloe, and Chloe jumps back and forth almost as much as I did between the two. Pretty big odds against her surviving a relationship with Noah due to what he and his family are. There’s a slew of bad guys, as well as a mad scientist. Not surprisingly, I am not a fan of Chloe’s adoptive parents either.

The last book took place mostly in the ocean, and this one takes place completely on land again. For some reason, I have enjoyed the time on land in these books, better than the under sea times. Maybe because I have such a hard time trying to picture people talking, or doing whatever else under water. I know, it’s fantasy and all that. But still.

There’s already a fourth book out featuring these characters, and a novella featuring another one of the Daharian’s, and I have already bought both of them. I am not sure how many books are in this series, but I will be reading them as soon as possible because of all the good characters, the intrigue both below the ocean and on land, the different premise involving the Daharian’s and the Landwalkers, and with this book, the discovery of a force that could take out mankind if it’s not stopped. And that doesn’t even delve into which guy gets the girl!

Recommended for young adults and adults that enjoy a good fantasy, one with action, violence, mystery, and a bit of a romance at times.(RabidReads.com)

[Megan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time reading this. I really enjoyed it. I absolutely hated Chloe’s parents and how they treated their daughter. But in a good way…not that the author wrote it wrong haha! When a book makes you feel things, it’s good.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that just happened.

Right from the start, Chloe’s in danger again. She cannot catch a break! From the second Earl asked Zeke if he wanted something else to drink, you knew it wasn’t going to go well. Even if I was secretly hoping that just this once things would be okay. And can I just say, Chloe having additional “powers” and Zeke to coming to Kansas? Yes please!

But that’s not all is it? From the very beginning, the book grabs you then doesn’t let you go. I don’t want to spoil all of the dilemmas Chloe, Zeke and even Noah face but Return is definitely intense. And the ending? Saving the world seems like a pretty big task for a group of five, especially when everything always goes wrong! I’m hoping that Arise will finally reveal the Beast!

[D Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing story continues!

I can NOT believe the adults in this series! I'm still in knots over whether I'm on Team Zeke or Team Noah. Going to go buy the next book!

Contains swear words (f***, G** included), violence, and no sex scenes.

[Ronda]

That went quick!

Now, the real story comes out. Questions are answered. Loyalties are divided, or are they! Sat in the edge of my seat U did!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action

Another great YA paranormal fantasy book by Skye Malone! The characters and the action keep you reading to see what is next!

[Susan Saltos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read all 9 books in the series. It's really good. Mermaids, wizards, and other newly created supernatural figures. This was a unique story and a real page-turner. I highly recommend.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure as to why I'm still reading this series. All of the novels are only just okay, because there nothing special. They're just kind of there, so I keep reading them. But I must like them a little bit at least, because I'm still reading these novels. Which must mean that I like them as some sort of level. Which is okay I guess.

In this novel Chloe has been through a lot. She's been chased all over the place by people who want to kill her. Then when she went to get some help for her condition Zeke's family attacks her as well. If it's not one thing with her then it's another, and it's starting to wear Chloe out. However, it's not only her anymore, but Zeke too. Because Zeke helped Chloe out with his brother Ren, so now he can't go home. Not for a while at least. His brother Niall is still out there working for the cult. The cult that still wants to kill Chloe. Chloe and Zeke are still trying their hardest to avoid them, but now they have to worry about Noah's family as well. Noah's cousins have gotten word about what Chloe is and they want a piece of her, literally. Noah and his family are Greliaran. A being that was created to kill Chloe and the people like her. And they all really want to kill Chloe now. A fact that both Chloe and Zeke are well aware of and are trying to avoid at the same time. Except it's not always that easy, because now a friend of Noah's cousins is after them as well. So Chloe does the only thing that she can think of, she calls her parents. Her parents are ecstatic to see her and they almost don't even care about Zeke. However, there's something about them that's not quite right. They have this gleam in their eyes and when they demand that Chloe go with them she starts to wonder if she's even safe.

This novel is a lot like the other two in the series. It's a young adult novel with urban fantasy within it. It also has a bit of action, adventure, and mystery within it. The mystery is kind of obvious when you further read this novel. So is the action and adventure as well. The plot of this novel just sort of leads the reader to where it wants to be. Which isn't necessarily a good thing. Because this novel has another plot twist to it. One that can certainly be seen coming from miles away. That's why my recommendation isn't a very good one. Because I do wholeheartedly believe that this novel isn't really worth your time at all.

*Read on June 7th, 2016

[Taylor Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes home sweet home is anything but sweet...

I received a copy of Return in exchange for an honest review.

With the Sylphaen still after Chloe, she and Zeke head for land. They believe if Chloe can stand being away from the ocean without getting sick the safest place for her will be back home in Kansas, and Zeke is determined to accompany her as far as he can stand it.

When they reach land Chloe and Zeke seek shelter at a house isolated in the woods, only to be attacked by Earl, the greliaran owner, who wants to get revenge against all dehaians after the death of his daughter.

Chloe and Zeke manage to escape and head East, but they're being tracked by Noah's crazy uncle and cousins. They make it as far as Nebraska before they have to call Chloe's parents to come get them, but sometimes home sweet home is anything but sweet. A whole new set of problems waits for Chloe and Zeke back in Chloe's hometown.

Can Chloe and Zeke trust Chloe's parents? Why are they acting so strange? How will Chloe react when she's face to face with Noah again and he's begging her to believe he didn't mean anything he said? Will Chloe and Zeke be able to escape their latest run-in with trouble before it's too late?

Return is a great addition to the Awakened Fate series! Sometimes when a series has 3 or more books the storyline begins to get stale or repetitive by book three or four but this series keeps being fresh and interesting. Yes, the Sylphaens are still after Chloe but in Return Chloe, Zeke, and Noah face new challenges and enemies.

I was shocked by the length Chloe's parents would go to keep her under their control, but Chloe remained a strong character throughout all the horrors she faces in this book. Zeke and Noah are both crazy about Chloe and I'm dying to see who she picks in the end. I also really liked that we finally got to learn a little about the mysterious "beast" everyone is so worried about.

This book definitely doesn't disappoint, I loved it just as much as the first two books and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. This series and this author's writing are quickly becoming my escape after a long day!

[Rhyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one by far was the most romantic. Each time a kissing scene came up I would get all excited and bubbly inside, while jumping up and down in my head. The love between two characters (no spoilers) was so vibrant and so alive that I constantly wanted to keep reading. I often stayed up at night much later than I should have when reading this book because it drew me in so deep.
I felt (the way a reader should) I had a true connection with Chloe and I loved her character. She - in my opinion - had the coolest powers and while reading it, I had the desire to really want to be a Dehian. I mean, how cool would it have been to be able to form a tail, swim beneath the waves at ridiculous speeds and live a life of adventure and romance so strong that if you could feel it, it would knock you to the floor?
This book was probably in my top three favourites in the series and I often debate with myself if it really was my absolute favourite, I can't really decide on it though because I loved them all to much to put into words. this book series is a definite MUST READ!!! And again, I don't care what other people say about it, I loved it so much and anyone like me will love it to!!! I mean, I have read it like five times, each time had been amazing!!!

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt pretty excited to delve into the third part of this series because the previous book is amazingly thrilling. That could mean that Chloe could be going back to what she knows, land, and that it could take a slower pace. Oh, was I wrong! That’s not the case as she runs into plenty of dangers that keep her and the reader breathless.

Since she sets foot on land again, threats keep piling up in a non-stop race to save her life. From all corners and types, people try to hurt her, stop her, use her or kill her.

Once again, this story blows my mind with the savagery that haunts the characters. One of them is going to suffer a peculiarly forlorn fate. Chloe also deals with her emotions towards the two very different hotties that care for her, Noah and Zeke, sworn enemies by nature. Both have so many merits.

Several important snippets of those people’s mythology, both landwalkers and dehaians, are pieced together in the final section of this book. So among life-threatening chases and all kinds of crazy adversaries, Chloe has to face an apocaliptic message that keeps changing who she thinks she is.

I’m really hooked on this series. Now excuse me while I go read the next adventure.

(First reviewed on Torre de Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com)

[Kaylin Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return by Skye Malone is the third book in The Awakened Series. This series is one of my top favorite mermaid series.

In this book, we learn a bit more about the Sylphaen and their master, Wisdom kirzan. We also get a better understanding as to what Chloe is and why everyone wants her dead. When Chloe was born, she awakened the beast. The beast is still weak, but he is coming.

I am completely in love with Zeke. In the beginning I wasn't sure who I liked more, Noah or Zeke. After book 2, it was Zeke. He is willing to do so much for Chloe. He goes above and beyond daily for her. And you have to remember, its not easy for him being a fish out of water.

In this book, there were so many surprising and shocking situations. I would be all happy thinking something was finally going to be okay and then BAM, it wasn't. This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Skye Malone has an amazing mind! I can't get enough of this series.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the series was better than the second. I believe that is because you were given more of the secrets everyone seems to be hiding and as more things start to be revealed the story starts to come together. The characters keep doing and saying the exact opposite of what their inner dialog had said just a page before, which was kind of annoying, but I given those situations they are going through its no wonder they keep second guessing everything. I mean what would you do if everyone you tried trusting even just a little turned out to be someone who was trying to kill you...every time!

I do have a few theories on how this series will end, but then again I haven't been right about anything that has happened so far.

[Kim Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew it was too good to be true. I thought I had found a series that would carry through right to the end , but that isn’t the case. A story that started out about a young girl finding out that she’s half mermaid has now ended up with people who can turn kind of into rock and yet remain kind of human, and let’s not forget the torture of the merman and the violence. This is a young adult book? I question that. In any event, once a book goes down the road to Torture, cruelty, and violence, I’m done. Too bad, too, because this started out really good. And, oh one more thing, it turns out that the half human half mermaid girl is going to be the savior of the world apparently. I guess someone else is going to have to read about it because I won’t.

[Cameron Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

well im not going to lie im very diss-pleased with this series and a bit miffed that i wasted a christmas present on it, but also im annoyed that the story ends on such a bad cliff hanger, plus there wasnt a lot of development of the main character and the whole plot was just verry un satisfactory. of course I feel no guilt in admitting that I desperately wish to know the fate of the characters and the world apparently, but this is most likely dew to my obsessive compulsive to finish book series completely lol

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still 3 stars because I like it but I'm not blown away either. I feel like I'm getting tired of "Chloe's safe" and the next hour "oops, nope, she's in danger again".
I'm also being VERY cautious with the love story here. I absolutely hate love triangles. HATE them. So we'll see how the story develops.

[Lloyd L Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so maybe things could go better if we were back in Kansas? Maybe yes, maybe no. Can Chloe catch a break? Just trade in your fin for some feet and things will be better, right? Theoretically! A roller coaster ride for sure!

[\=^-^=/ · Rating 5 out of 5]

OHMIGOD NOOO I NEED THE OTHER BOOKS AFTER THIS 1 NOW!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book looking forward to reading book 4

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

[Mary Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I really want it to be made into a TV show!!!!

[Nicole Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with this series

Appsolutely live this series. It keeps your attention and on the edge of your seat. Would recommend this to anyone!!