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Awakening
In the rugged wilderness of Montana, Emily Collins grapples with reality far darker than her textbooks ever hinted at. College life fades into insignificance when she becomes a witness to horrors that defy logic.
The first murder was a shock—a visceral encounter with the man that would forever haunt her dreams. The second? A grim confirmation that her world had irrevocably shifted into the unimaginable. The man responsible for it all—Sebastian Demetrius? Not a human at all, but a vampire with eyes like shards of ice and an insatiable hunger. His sole purpose? To capture Emily—for reasons she cannot fathom.
Desperation drives her to seek refuge within a clandestine society called the Divinity—a group of vampire hunters sworn to eradicate the existence of bloodsucking creatures from all around the world. In doing so, she is forced to join their ranks and stumbles upon a secret that will forever alter her fate. Emily's journey into the hidden world is fraught with danger as she learns that her sheer existence was no mere accident. She had always been a pawn in a much larger scheme, in which her very blood carried dark secrets.
As Emily delves deeper, she unearths a truth that shatters her perception of reality. And her survival hinges on deciphering the truth behind why she exists. In a race to find her way back to normalcy, Emily faces impossible odds. She must embrace her newfound discovery, confront her own inner darkness, and resist the allure of forbidden love.
The first murder was a shock—a visceral encounter with the man that would forever haunt her dreams. The second? A grim confirmation that her world had irrevocably shifted into the unimaginable. The man responsible for it all—Sebastian Demetrius? Not a human at all, but a vampire with eyes like shards of ice and an insatiable hunger. His sole purpose? To capture Emily—for reasons she cannot fathom.
Desperation drives her to seek refuge within a clandestine society called the Divinity—a group of vampire hunters sworn to eradicate the existence of bloodsucking creatures from all around the world. In doing so, she is forced to join their ranks and stumbles upon a secret that will forever alter her fate. Emily's journey into the hidden world is fraught with danger as she learns that her sheer existence was no mere accident. She had always been a pawn in a much larger scheme, in which her very blood carried dark secrets.
As Emily delves deeper, she unearths a truth that shatters her perception of reality. And her survival hinges on deciphering the truth behind why she exists. In a race to find her way back to normalcy, Emily faces impossible odds. She must embrace her newfound discovery, confront her own inner darkness, and resist the allure of forbidden love.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 18, 2025
Emily was a great FMC, strong and independent. She's thrown into a paranormal world of vampires and the hunters after them. She must deal with learning about this whole new world along with trying to keep herself safe. There were so many twists and turns. The characters and world building was great. Ends on a cliffhanger.
February 15, 2026
Awakening by K.D. Villanueva. Big thanks to K.D. Villanueva and her team for this amazing book! I'm excited for what's to come from this author. This debut novel is awesome - the action starts right away and grabs your attention. The female lead is strong, feisty, emotional, and independent, and the dark fantasy romance genre fits perfectly. The spice is balanced beautifully with the action scenes. Some parts might slow down the pace a bit, but don't let that deter you - it's worth reading. If you're into vampires, secret societies, and cliffhangers, you'll devour this book.
November 16, 2025
I might be biased for Vampire books but… I loved it! It was fantastic.
I really loved Emily. She is very emotional compared to other FMCs I’ve read. I love that she wears her heart in her sleeve. She is really put through the wringer in the book. I also love that she is outspoken and is willing to do anything for her family.
I love Isaac and Ivan! I cannot wait to get more of their story. Their protectiveness is amazing but I need more details on the why.
I also love the growth with Alex. And I hope we get more family moments with all of the family together. I love that he slowly warmed up to Emily and is super brotherly by the end.
The first chapter started off really strong and I was shocked. I really liked the pacing of the story. As well as the world building. I don’t know how to describe the plot without spoiling it. But I would definitely recommend going in blind. I did for the most part and it was great. I had so many emotions reading this. I hate that this ending was this cliffhanger. It was a great ending but now I’m scared that I have to wait so long.
I really loved Emily. She is very emotional compared to other FMCs I’ve read. I love that she wears her heart in her sleeve. She is really put through the wringer in the book. I also love that she is outspoken and is willing to do anything for her family.
I love Isaac and Ivan! I cannot wait to get more of their story. Their protectiveness is amazing but I need more details on the why.
I also love the growth with Alex. And I hope we get more family moments with all of the family together. I love that he slowly warmed up to Emily and is super brotherly by the end.
The first chapter started off really strong and I was shocked. I really liked the pacing of the story. As well as the world building. I don’t know how to describe the plot without spoiling it. But I would definitely recommend going in blind. I did for the most part and it was great. I had so many emotions reading this. I hate that this ending was this cliffhanger. It was a great ending but now I’m scared that I have to wait so long.
November 17, 2025
Awakening, Book 1 of The Hunted Series, was fun. It was full of mystery, action, and coming of self. The main FMC is super feisty and rightfully confused as she her past forcibly unravels destroying everything she thought she was. Twin brothers, Ivan and Isaac, continuously come to her rescue while everyone sees them as the enemy. This part of the mystery kept me coming back. I need to know more about Ivan and Isaac. What exactly is their attraction to Emily and why are they protecting her so fiercely. There's has to be more to the story. I'm excited to see how their relationship with Emily blooms. I'm also excited to find out what ends up happening with Emily. What more will she find out about herself? About her family? What other secrets will she uncover. Be forewarned, this book does end in a cliffhanger.
November 12, 2025
I loved this first novel by K.D.! Vampires and hunters and secrets, oh my!
I dug how Emily reacted to her entire world being turned upside down. And again. And again. And again. She continued discovering new secrets through the whole book which kept it fun & moved very well.
A college student suddenly thrust into a foreign world within our own, forced to confront shocking truths & secrets which were kept from her for her entire life. Oh, and her life is in serious danger. Like constantly. Because other people and beings want her for themselves. And they keep coming for her, almost like they know where she will be. Is there a mole?
Also, cliffhanger ending. And I need the next novel like now. Please and thank you. And thank you for allowing me to read this for you. I absolutely enjoyed it!!!
I dug how Emily reacted to her entire world being turned upside down. And again. And again. And again. She continued discovering new secrets through the whole book which kept it fun & moved very well.
A college student suddenly thrust into a foreign world within our own, forced to confront shocking truths & secrets which were kept from her for her entire life. Oh, and her life is in serious danger. Like constantly. Because other people and beings want her for themselves. And they keep coming for her, almost like they know where she will be. Is there a mole?
Also, cliffhanger ending. And I need the next novel like now. Please and thank you. And thank you for allowing me to read this for you. I absolutely enjoyed it!!!
November 9, 2025
Woah , this book starts off with a bang . The FMC Emily finds herself in a terrible predicament and unfortunately it doesn’t seem to get any better for her throughout the whole book. She uncovers so many lies and finds out what she knows about her life is a complete lie. I found myself questioning everything myself and trying to anticipate what was coming next. Emily finds herself in a love triangle with completely polar opposite men . In the mist of all this she is training to become a vampire hunter and defend herself to avoid being taken. Her development throughout this book was amazing and I feel like she started to find herself a bit more confident. Then BOOM she ends up finding herself into another predicament and now I’m left here waiting for book 2 . I have to know what happens next !
February 13, 2026
This book left me in a head spin for hours after reading it. The ending left me absolutely shooketh! When I finally put it down I had to message other readers to discuss what my thoughts were. All I can say is I now need the 2nd book!
The book has every thing a fantasy reader could crave in a dark romance, dark fantasy romance. Darkness that lurks in the night with a bloodlust for the main female lead. A female lead that refuses to let the circumstance of her life make her give up. Emily is ripped away from everything she knows and loves only to learn just became a battlefield.. Suddenly the creatures of the night are hunting her! Thrown into the world of secret societies. I loved Emilys spirit as she refused to let any challenge demolish her will to fight and her drive to find truths about who she is, who she thought she was and who she is becoming.
I promise if you give this book a read you will not be disappointed I was on the edge of my seat non stop with a constant rush of adrenaline, passion, sadness and even some laughs. Every single character in this book could stand on their own with how this story unfolds. By the end the only think you will be asking is "Where is book two?"
The book has every thing a fantasy reader could crave in a dark romance, dark fantasy romance. Darkness that lurks in the night with a bloodlust for the main female lead. A female lead that refuses to let the circumstance of her life make her give up. Emily is ripped away from everything she knows and loves only to learn just became a battlefield.. Suddenly the creatures of the night are hunting her! Thrown into the world of secret societies. I loved Emilys spirit as she refused to let any challenge demolish her will to fight and her drive to find truths about who she is, who she thought she was and who she is becoming.
I promise if you give this book a read you will not be disappointed I was on the edge of my seat non stop with a constant rush of adrenaline, passion, sadness and even some laughs. Every single character in this book could stand on their own with how this story unfolds. By the end the only think you will be asking is "Where is book two?"
February 13, 2026
What a cliffhanger?!?! I absolutely CANNOT wait till the next book comes out. I need to know what happens to Emily!
Now that that’s off my chest, let’s get to the nitty gritty of the book.
This book left me with so many questions, in a good way, that I’m trembling with excitement waiting for the next installment of this series.
Emily is such a strong FMC with so much character development. Not going to lie, she is a bit much with how strong her emotional state gets. It seems as if all she does is cry however, a lot has happened that she wasn’t prepared for, mostly her parents fault. When she is thrown into a life she didn’t even know existed, she grits her teeth and fights with all her might to protect herself as well as those she loves.
The villains are great! Their presence is so strong. Even the biggest one that has still only been mentioned!!! Think Klaus Mikaelson but Katherine’s vindictive killer streak. Love it!!!
The support characters add so much depth and chemistry to the story as a whole. The plot twist was most definitely twisty! Did NOT see that coming!
I just have one important question that needs answered. Where the F*** is Isaac when everything goes up in flames?!?!?!
Now that that’s off my chest, let’s get to the nitty gritty of the book.
This book left me with so many questions, in a good way, that I’m trembling with excitement waiting for the next installment of this series.
Emily is such a strong FMC with so much character development. Not going to lie, she is a bit much with how strong her emotional state gets. It seems as if all she does is cry however, a lot has happened that she wasn’t prepared for, mostly her parents fault. When she is thrown into a life she didn’t even know existed, she grits her teeth and fights with all her might to protect herself as well as those she loves.
The villains are great! Their presence is so strong. Even the biggest one that has still only been mentioned!!! Think Klaus Mikaelson but Katherine’s vindictive killer streak. Love it!!!
The support characters add so much depth and chemistry to the story as a whole. The plot twist was most definitely twisty! Did NOT see that coming!
I just have one important question that needs answered. Where the F*** is Isaac when everything goes up in flames?!?!?!
February 26, 2026
A Dark, Twisted Paranormal Romance with a Chilling Start
Awakening is the first book in The Hunted series, and it kicks off with a brutal, shocking opening that immediately hooks you in. This paranormal romance with horror elements follows Emily Collins, a young woman whose life is turned upside down after witnessing her friend’s gruesome murder at the hands of a supernatural killer. The story blends mystery, suspense, and dark romance, with Emily caught between human detectives and enigmatic, otherworldly strangers who seem to know far more than they let on.
The mystery and supernatural intrigue play a big role in this book. They slowly are getting introduced and everything is described very detailed. Emily starts off as a very vulnerable character but with the help of the friend group she manages to come out pretty damn strong. I love how the group of friends are portrayed. They sound like a tight knitted bunch and feel like found family.
There were a couple of sections of the book that could have been faster passed after that strong opening, and I would really love to know more about our villain, Sebastian, but I'm sure this will happen in the next installment. I know I'm looking forward to reading that book.
Awakening is the first book in The Hunted series, and it kicks off with a brutal, shocking opening that immediately hooks you in. This paranormal romance with horror elements follows Emily Collins, a young woman whose life is turned upside down after witnessing her friend’s gruesome murder at the hands of a supernatural killer. The story blends mystery, suspense, and dark romance, with Emily caught between human detectives and enigmatic, otherworldly strangers who seem to know far more than they let on.
The mystery and supernatural intrigue play a big role in this book. They slowly are getting introduced and everything is described very detailed. Emily starts off as a very vulnerable character but with the help of the friend group she manages to come out pretty damn strong. I love how the group of friends are portrayed. They sound like a tight knitted bunch and feel like found family.
There were a couple of sections of the book that could have been faster passed after that strong opening, and I would really love to know more about our villain, Sebastian, but I'm sure this will happen in the next installment. I know I'm looking forward to reading that book.
November 13, 2025
First of all, I would like to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC.
Overall, I liked the book, especially the setting, which took me back a bit to when I was reading Shadowhunters , and I loved that aspect.
Of course, being the first book in a series, part of the text is used to explain the worldbuilding, but these concepts are well diluted throughout the narrative, avoiding lengthy initial explanations.
The plot starts at a very fast pace, but as the story develops, there are chapters that slow down the narrative a bit.
I liked the main characters in general and found them well characterized and consistent in their actions. I am very curious to see how their journey will develop in the next chapters of the saga, having only had an initial taste of it.
It is definitely an enjoyable read, and I am curious to read the sequel.
Overall, I liked the book, especially the setting, which took me back a bit to when I was reading Shadowhunters , and I loved that aspect.
Of course, being the first book in a series, part of the text is used to explain the worldbuilding, but these concepts are well diluted throughout the narrative, avoiding lengthy initial explanations.
The plot starts at a very fast pace, but as the story develops, there are chapters that slow down the narrative a bit.
I liked the main characters in general and found them well characterized and consistent in their actions. I am very curious to see how their journey will develop in the next chapters of the saga, having only had an initial taste of it.
It is definitely an enjoyable read, and I am curious to read the sequel.
November 27, 2025
Ahh the ending !! A ending I did not expect and a cliffhanger!! Impatiently waiting for the next book so I can figure out what happens next!
But on that note. I would say this was a pretty good vampire world. The FMC is cool but just a bit too emotional for me personally. She caused things that most likely wouldn’t have happened if she would just listen and stop being so stubborn. But the Hunters are pretty stubborn and narrow minded too. The secrecy was sooo painstakingly annoying.
I’m ready to see what happens in this world of vampires and hunters cause there’s a war going on and I want the FMC to grow ! Be braver, level minded and kick some vampire butt!
But on that note. I would say this was a pretty good vampire world. The FMC is cool but just a bit too emotional for me personally. She caused things that most likely wouldn’t have happened if she would just listen and stop being so stubborn. But the Hunters are pretty stubborn and narrow minded too. The secrecy was sooo painstakingly annoying.
I’m ready to see what happens in this world of vampires and hunters cause there’s a war going on and I want the FMC to grow ! Be braver, level minded and kick some vampire butt!
February 22, 2026
"For someone who tends to run from her problems, you
don't seem that good at it."' He chuckled.
This book had me reacting out loud to the fiaht scenes, side eveing Harry, and wanting to hug Emily while also telling at her to stop doubting herself. She has no idea how strong she really is and it hurts to watch her be afraid of that power. The vampire twins, Issac and lvan, had me like will they or won't they. And honestly... could this turn into a why choose situation because I would not be mad at it Sebastian is absolutely despicable. Alexander though....I feel like a romance might be coming for him.
don't seem that good at it."' He chuckled.
This book had me reacting out loud to the fiaht scenes, side eveing Harry, and wanting to hug Emily while also telling at her to stop doubting herself. She has no idea how strong she really is and it hurts to watch her be afraid of that power. The vampire twins, Issac and lvan, had me like will they or won't they. And honestly... could this turn into a why choose situation because I would not be mad at it Sebastian is absolutely despicable. Alexander though....I feel like a romance might be coming for him.
November 24, 2025
if you like vampires, secret societies, and feisty fmcs then you’ll definitely enjoy this. emily is thrown into a world that has been hidden from her her entire life and fights against all odds. it does end in a cliffhanger so be prepared for that!!
November 25, 2025
arc reader here!!!!! OMG also being named Emily myself SHE is a freaking badass. her world gets rocked with many twists. she handles it like a badass! she is not your normal meek heroine I love that!!!! I highly recommend this book. been one of my favorite read this year 💕
December 30, 2025
I neeeed book 2 right now!! This book is so good! 😍
November 22, 2025
ARC Review for ‘Awakening-The Hunted Series’ by KD Villanueva.
I went into this book super stoked! The first few chapters were thrilling and I kept turning those pages.
The storyline is actually really intriguing, explanations how the vampires are ranked, how many vampire clans there were, how they were turned, those aspects were really interesting and well thought out.
Around 40% I started noticing that the story began to drag a little, lots of repetitive thoughts too, to the point I honestly felt Abby was just whining and crying too much, repetitive inner dialogues and questions, to the point I actually skipped them when I noticed her spiraling thoughts again.
I just am the kind of reader that doesn’t like drag and repetitive dialogues.
She felt more like a young teen than someone early adult. Sorry KD.
When reaching the final 6 chapters, it finally picked up again, having some action and bombshell info, and I was totally invested again, only to reach that cliffhanger 🤣🫣
I still rate this book a 4/5⭐️ due to the storyline, again, it actually is really good!
I look forward to reading the 2nd installment, because I need to see what happens next.
I went into this book super stoked! The first few chapters were thrilling and I kept turning those pages.
The storyline is actually really intriguing, explanations how the vampires are ranked, how many vampire clans there were, how they were turned, those aspects were really interesting and well thought out.
Around 40% I started noticing that the story began to drag a little, lots of repetitive thoughts too, to the point I honestly felt Abby was just whining and crying too much, repetitive inner dialogues and questions, to the point I actually skipped them when I noticed her spiraling thoughts again.
I just am the kind of reader that doesn’t like drag and repetitive dialogues.
She felt more like a young teen than someone early adult. Sorry KD.
When reaching the final 6 chapters, it finally picked up again, having some action and bombshell info, and I was totally invested again, only to reach that cliffhanger 🤣🫣
I still rate this book a 4/5⭐️ due to the storyline, again, it actually is really good!
I look forward to reading the 2nd installment, because I need to see what happens next.
November 20, 2025
I'm in awe of this debut novel. The emotions, the characters, the plot! I'm ready for book two! Thank you to the author for the ARC. Great read! My kind of vibes!
January 7, 2026
Read #1: August 1-4, 2024
Beta Read Review
Absolutely blown away and I cannot see how far this one goes in the development process! ❤️🔥
Read #2: December 2025
ARC Read Review
Still an absolutely beautiful book and I loved seeing the changes throughout!
Read #3: ??
Finished Copy Review
TBD???
Beta Read Review
Absolutely blown away and I cannot see how far this one goes in the development process! ❤️🔥
Read #2: December 2025
ARC Read Review
Still an absolutely beautiful book and I loved seeing the changes throughout!
Read #3: ??
Finished Copy Review
TBD???
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews