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Awakening: Book One of Kira's Story
Book One of Kira’s Story in the Realm Series
Kira Metallurgist has always felt she was meant for more. Hoping to strike out on her own, she sets out on a new career at a time when world goes through unprecedented change. In a system that is based on castes and predetermined position, Kira embarks on a tumultuous journey that leads her toward a destiny that involves two men who call to her heart in different, yet powerful ways.
Tai Sentinel was born to a family of warriors. Like his father, he aspires to take on the highest military position in the Realm. A man of his word and with a stubborn sense of duty, he is surprised to find that all in the Realm is not as black and white as he thought. He’s even more surprised to realize that the woman he’s loved for years is the one who reveals it to him.
Gannon Consul knows the meaning of power. As next in line for leadership in his caste, he is well acquainted with the lengths to which the Realm will go to stop someone from reaching above their station. Gannon senses that change is coming. He just never expected that it would come in the form of the one woman who calls to him like no other.
For mature audiences.
Includes committed relationships with multiple partners.
Kira Metallurgist has always felt she was meant for more. Hoping to strike out on her own, she sets out on a new career at a time when world goes through unprecedented change. In a system that is based on castes and predetermined position, Kira embarks on a tumultuous journey that leads her toward a destiny that involves two men who call to her heart in different, yet powerful ways.
Tai Sentinel was born to a family of warriors. Like his father, he aspires to take on the highest military position in the Realm. A man of his word and with a stubborn sense of duty, he is surprised to find that all in the Realm is not as black and white as he thought. He’s even more surprised to realize that the woman he’s loved for years is the one who reveals it to him.
Gannon Consul knows the meaning of power. As next in line for leadership in his caste, he is well acquainted with the lengths to which the Realm will go to stop someone from reaching above their station. Gannon senses that change is coming. He just never expected that it would come in the form of the one woman who calls to him like no other.
For mature audiences.
Includes committed relationships with multiple partners.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2015
11 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Miller
4 books74 followersRebel Miller is a fiction author who overindulges in Pinot Grigio, caramel popcorn and an eclectic mix of movies, music and angst-filled romance novels.
She earned a graduate degree in Communications and Culture from Ryerson University in Toronto and an undergraduate degree from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. With a background in public relations, she enjoys promoting her work through social media and her website.
Rebel lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Canada with her husband and two sons.
Awakening: Book One of Kira's Story was her first novel.
She earned a graduate degree in Communications and Culture from Ryerson University in Toronto and an undergraduate degree from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. With a background in public relations, she enjoys promoting her work through social media and her website.
Rebel lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Canada with her husband and two sons.
Awakening: Book One of Kira's Story was her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 17, 2015
3.5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it (albeit begrudgingly).
What I loved:
*There is a definite dystopia feel and I was excited about that!
*There was great character build with all three of the H/H even the secondary characters were well rounded and had a build up for their parts in the next books.
*Kira is intelligent, loving, and her humanity was front and center you could see how much she cared not only for her family and friends but for their entire race as a whole. You can relate to her on a certain level and then turn around and shake your head at her for
being that little bit of clueless, because let’s face it we have ALL made mistakes.
*Gannon, he came off as an arrogant arcehole, but as you read and get to know him you find out that there is so much more to him than the façade he puts on because of his title you can see him battle between what he wants and what is expected of him. Reading
him find that AHA moment and then have it yanked away. You can’t help but feel for him.
*Tai, man I was rooting for him in the beginning but when it came to his fear ruling him and not giving Kira any options I swung in the other direction
What I disliked, which is what brought down the rating for me.
*Even though it talks about it being well accepted amongst their kind I couldn't wrap my head around the love triangle. It annoyed me to watch it play out, it aggravated me to read Kira throw herself at Tai, fail and then go to Gannon. So why did I deal with it and push
through? Simple, Kira made it plain and simple that she wanted Tai… TAI is the one that pushes her away. <- this will make you want to throat punch Tai.
*The only other thing I didn't like was that it’s a cliffhanger and I have to wait until the next book to find out what happens.
I hope the next book comes out SOON, I have a few theories about the direction Rebel is going to go and the wait is going to kill me.
(ARC providing in exchange for an honest review)
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it (albeit begrudgingly).
What I loved:
*There is a definite dystopia feel and I was excited about that!
*There was great character build with all three of the H/H even the secondary characters were well rounded and had a build up for their parts in the next books.
*Kira is intelligent, loving, and her humanity was front and center you could see how much she cared not only for her family and friends but for their entire race as a whole. You can relate to her on a certain level and then turn around and shake your head at her for
being that little bit of clueless, because let’s face it we have ALL made mistakes.
*Gannon, he came off as an arrogant arcehole, but as you read and get to know him you find out that there is so much more to him than the façade he puts on because of his title you can see him battle between what he wants and what is expected of him. Reading
him find that AHA moment and then have it yanked away. You can’t help but feel for him.
*Tai, man I was rooting for him in the beginning but when it came to his fear ruling him and not giving Kira any options I swung in the other direction
What I disliked, which is what brought down the rating for me.
*Even though it talks about it being well accepted amongst their kind I couldn't wrap my head around the love triangle. It annoyed me to watch it play out, it aggravated me to read Kira throw herself at Tai, fail and then go to Gannon. So why did I deal with it and push
through? Simple, Kira made it plain and simple that she wanted Tai… TAI is the one that pushes her away. <- this will make you want to throat punch Tai.
*The only other thing I didn't like was that it’s a cliffhanger and I have to wait until the next book to find out what happens.
I hope the next book comes out SOON, I have a few theories about the direction Rebel is going to go and the wait is going to kill me.
(ARC providing in exchange for an honest review)
July 27, 2015
This first debut book by Rebel Miller just was so well written that I fell in love with it! The authors grasp of character development and word building are excellent and the story was captivating. What we find in the story is an empire that has maintained the status quo regarding exploration and their caste system for millennia, but change is coming whether they are ready for it or not. The heroine of the book is a girl from a lower caste, who strives for something more. She goes to work in the Judiciary system and to her surprise she rapidly advances to a high level of responsibility. There are two men she becomes involved with, one is a family friend that is in a job as a protector/defender of citizens and the other is a high caste son of the leader of their society. This first book deals a lot with the developing relationships she has with these two men and secrets her family has kept for decades. For all is indeed, not what it seems. I am waiting excited to read the next book in this series. Rebel Miller, I predict, will become one of the better know authors of modern SciFi romance and we will be hearing much more about her book in future!
October 17, 2015
This isn't your typical world. This isn't your typical romance. This isn't your typical storyline. The complex detail of not only the setting, but also the characters is really interesting. I found myself reading as quickly as I possibly could to see what would happen. I really enjoyed the futuristic time and technology that was invented by the author. The love triangle was stressful and entertaining at the same time because I found myself rooting for both men rather than one. Definitely worth the read and I have to thank the author for letting me review this book!!! (Sorry for the late post, my midterms have been insane). Great first book!
May 9, 2016
In this dystopian novel where caste systems define who you are, Kira Metallurgist is a strong willed, intelligent and beautiful woman who finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with Tai Corporal - her brother's best friend whom she has secretly loved forever-, and Gannon Consul- the future leader of her realm - who has gained her love and trust. Although, Kira's relationship issues play a major role in the story, there is definitely a whole lot more to this book. In this well developed and engaging story, the reader can sense the unease growing among the castes, which will no doubt ultimately lead to an uprising. Tai and Gannon's devotion to Kira will endear each character to the reader. Loyalties will be tested when Kira learns a shocking discovery about her family that could endanger their lives.
I love the book's cover and I love that the book was a compelling alternative to typical new adult novels that have the standard bad boy/ good girl theme. I cannot wait to see what happens with this story in the next book. It was a refreshing and engaging read, that I would have given 5 stars, had it not been for all of the typos in the book.
I love the book's cover and I love that the book was a compelling alternative to typical new adult novels that have the standard bad boy/ good girl theme. I cannot wait to see what happens with this story in the next book. It was a refreshing and engaging read, that I would have given 5 stars, had it not been for all of the typos in the book.
March 25, 2018
One of the joys in being a book review blogger is getting to review novels that are outside of your normal reading wheelhouse. Reading’s greatest gift is the ability to take you to places that you have never visited, cultures that you are unfamiliar with, or ideas that go against the grain from the status quo.
I have crossed that threshold with reviews of novels like The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, Bag of Bones by Stephen King, and The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman. The Awakening (Book 1 of the Realm Series) by Rebel Miller has joined this group.
This novel came to my attention from a Book Riot Facebook post about black women romance novelists. Usually, I would have scrolled past the post but I choose click on it. The eye-catching cover caught my attention (Note to authors……book covers do matter!) and I clicked on the link to find out it’s a coming-of-age science fiction romance tale about a young woman named Kira Metallurgist living in a futuristic society called The Realm. The premise intrigued me and I decided to read it.
The story revolves around Kira, who is ready to strike out on own and make a life for herself. She begins a new career while her society is going through tremendous upheaval. Kira’s journey includes a rise and fall of a fledgling career, a tempestuous love triangle, and a world on the eve of destruction.
How does Kira navigate her way through all these changes in her life? Awakening, the first book in the Realm Series, sets in motion how she will learn about the harsh realities of one’s place in a society, the trials and tribulations of love, and the machinations of politics that can cause the disintegration of a world Kira once knew.
Rebel Miller does an excellent job with character development of Kira and the other characters in the novel. The world-building is solid and book’s strength is the pace and rhythm of the story. I did not feel like the novel dragged at all and the plot came to a solid conclusion.
However, I will write that Awakening is quite frank in its sexuality and presents unconventional partnerships in a favorable light. So, I will issue that as a warning for readers who are uncomfortable with those type of elements in human behavior.
Awakening is a solid, science fiction romance novel that will strike a chord with romance readers who want something outside of their normal reading experience and for science fiction readers who want something a little spicy in their reading as well.
I have crossed that threshold with reviews of novels like The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, Bag of Bones by Stephen King, and The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman. The Awakening (Book 1 of the Realm Series) by Rebel Miller has joined this group.
This novel came to my attention from a Book Riot Facebook post about black women romance novelists. Usually, I would have scrolled past the post but I choose click on it. The eye-catching cover caught my attention (Note to authors……book covers do matter!) and I clicked on the link to find out it’s a coming-of-age science fiction romance tale about a young woman named Kira Metallurgist living in a futuristic society called The Realm. The premise intrigued me and I decided to read it.
The story revolves around Kira, who is ready to strike out on own and make a life for herself. She begins a new career while her society is going through tremendous upheaval. Kira’s journey includes a rise and fall of a fledgling career, a tempestuous love triangle, and a world on the eve of destruction.
How does Kira navigate her way through all these changes in her life? Awakening, the first book in the Realm Series, sets in motion how she will learn about the harsh realities of one’s place in a society, the trials and tribulations of love, and the machinations of politics that can cause the disintegration of a world Kira once knew.
Rebel Miller does an excellent job with character development of Kira and the other characters in the novel. The world-building is solid and book’s strength is the pace and rhythm of the story. I did not feel like the novel dragged at all and the plot came to a solid conclusion.
However, I will write that Awakening is quite frank in its sexuality and presents unconventional partnerships in a favorable light. So, I will issue that as a warning for readers who are uncomfortable with those type of elements in human behavior.
Awakening is a solid, science fiction romance novel that will strike a chord with romance readers who want something outside of their normal reading experience and for science fiction readers who want something a little spicy in their reading as well.
August 31, 2015
This is an amazing read which kept me in thrall to the story until the last page. It is a very long time since I devoured a book in two sittings but this one demanded it. From the beginning the story line draws the reader in and holds fast through numerous twists and turns, introducing characters along the way that bring further mystery to keep the reader enthralled.
At first the story line appears to follow a simple direction but this soon expands as each well thought out character enters the story. They each add their own perspective to the story which in turn adds further depth to the complexities that keep the reader held fast. From what seemed to be an intriguing romance between three people we are brought into and become part of a massive rebellion in its infancy through to an attempted coup to take out the leaders of the society which is slave to it. Throughout the happenings of the rebellion the central character grows into a strong person in her own right and deals with personal issues as well as issues surrounding her relationships and her position in the society she lives in, often having to face odds that most would turn and run from.
This is definitely a book for adult audiences only but I heartily recommend it to that group of readers.
I was provided with an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour
At first the story line appears to follow a simple direction but this soon expands as each well thought out character enters the story. They each add their own perspective to the story which in turn adds further depth to the complexities that keep the reader held fast. From what seemed to be an intriguing romance between three people we are brought into and become part of a massive rebellion in its infancy through to an attempted coup to take out the leaders of the society which is slave to it. Throughout the happenings of the rebellion the central character grows into a strong person in her own right and deals with personal issues as well as issues surrounding her relationships and her position in the society she lives in, often having to face odds that most would turn and run from.
This is definitely a book for adult audiences only but I heartily recommend it to that group of readers.
I was provided with an e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour
October 7, 2015
** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out very strong. I was captivated by the new world the author had created and I was excited to continue reading and learn more. However, while reading, you do learn more and more about the world and system that runs it, but noting becomes very clear. A few BIG moments in the book, moments that were written like they were very important, didnt seem like much to me and I think it was just because I had some trouble keeping up with what everything meant. By the end of the book, things become a little easier to understand.
Kira was a very easy character to relate to. I understood her emotions and confusions. I felt along with her when everything happened during the story and genuinely wanted her to find the path she was meant for.
There are 2 love interests in this book, Gannon and Tai, I found my self switching sides throughout the book, based on each characters reaction to certain situations.
All in all, this was a very worth while read. The book held my attention, and created an entirely new world to learn about. I will be reading the next book to see if my predictions and wants come to pass.
This book started out very strong. I was captivated by the new world the author had created and I was excited to continue reading and learn more. However, while reading, you do learn more and more about the world and system that runs it, but noting becomes very clear. A few BIG moments in the book, moments that were written like they were very important, didnt seem like much to me and I think it was just because I had some trouble keeping up with what everything meant. By the end of the book, things become a little easier to understand.
Kira was a very easy character to relate to. I understood her emotions and confusions. I felt along with her when everything happened during the story and genuinely wanted her to find the path she was meant for.
There are 2 love interests in this book, Gannon and Tai, I found my self switching sides throughout the book, based on each characters reaction to certain situations.
All in all, this was a very worth while read. The book held my attention, and created an entirely new world to learn about. I will be reading the next book to see if my predictions and wants come to pass.
September 4, 2015
I am happy to have had the opportunity to read Awakening and act as host with the Meraki book tour. There is a link to the book giveaway below.
I was very impressed when I started reading this book to find such a strong, no nonsense central female character in Kira. Although politics and class ranking are inevitable, she knows what she wants to make of her life and goes after it. She doesn't apologize or explain her reasoning for some choices and that is perfectly okay.
Being caught between two men doesn't become the most important line to follow in the story which is refreshing as well. The writer allows you to get to know the characters as individuals and hopefully they will be brought to life more in the follow up books.
I look forward to reading the next installments of Kira's story and delving deeper in her world and that of those around her.
Follow the link to be entered into a giveaway for Awakening and good luck!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
I was very impressed when I started reading this book to find such a strong, no nonsense central female character in Kira. Although politics and class ranking are inevitable, she knows what she wants to make of her life and goes after it. She doesn't apologize or explain her reasoning for some choices and that is perfectly okay.
Being caught between two men doesn't become the most important line to follow in the story which is refreshing as well. The writer allows you to get to know the characters as individuals and hopefully they will be brought to life more in the follow up books.
I look forward to reading the next installments of Kira's story and delving deeper in her world and that of those around her.
Follow the link to be entered into a giveaway for Awakening and good luck!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...?
October 4, 2015
First off, look at the cover! It’s gorgeous! *swoons*
Now, I’ve never been a big fan of space-based scifi. That said, something about this book begged me to read it, and I’m so glad I did. There is a lot of world building, no doubt, but it’s all necessary and none of it feels like it overshadows the characters or their arcs at all.
Kira grew on me immediately, mostly because of her drive to succeed. I also love that she had a romance arc, but it didn’t overshadow her character arc.
The two love interests, Tai and Gannon, were actually pretty good, even though I generally hate love triangles. I was a little annoyed at times by the way the triangle played out, but overall it was pretty well done.
The plot itself was complex without being confusing—just exactly how I like my plots!—and it made for an engaging read.
Now, I’ve never been a big fan of space-based scifi. That said, something about this book begged me to read it, and I’m so glad I did. There is a lot of world building, no doubt, but it’s all necessary and none of it feels like it overshadows the characters or their arcs at all.
Kira grew on me immediately, mostly because of her drive to succeed. I also love that she had a romance arc, but it didn’t overshadow her character arc.
The two love interests, Tai and Gannon, were actually pretty good, even though I generally hate love triangles. I was a little annoyed at times by the way the triangle played out, but overall it was pretty well done.
The plot itself was complex without being confusing—just exactly how I like my plots!—and it made for an engaging read.
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March 25, 2020This book was reviewed on Episode 4 of Season 1 of The Turn On Podcast.
visit us at www.theturnonpodcast.com to listen in!
visit us at www.theturnonpodcast.com to listen in!
August 25, 2015
Kira Metallurgist has been in love with her brothers best friend Tai for years when she finds out that he has feelings for her as well but refuses to act on said feelings. Kira is not the type of person who lets one rejection ruin her life and meets Gannon , the future leader of her caste who she is obviously attracted to. As these relationship dramas proceed , Kira is facing the biggest challenge of all , her new job. She throws everything into her work but with a society that is restless , her career might end up doing more harm than good.
The reason I wanted to read this book was a)the cover and b) the fact that it was a New Adult novel in a genre that wasn't contemporary. Despite the fact that the main reason it was NA not YA was the relationships , it was refreshing to see that with a more dramatic backdrop. I'm not a science fiction person but I loved this book! The writing was wonderful and the characters were well developed and interesting.
Kira has clear goals and won't let any of the people in her life tell her what to do. She is headstrong and stubborn but also rational while making decisions. She doesn't do things to spite anyone , she does it for the benefit of either herself and the realm. Most of the time , I loved Kira...Most of the time. This brings me onto the elephant in the room , the love triangle that is clearly stated in the blurb. Tai and Gannon seemed pretty similar to me at the start , both powerful , arrogant men and I thought that Tai was the better choice for Kira. Tai refuses to act on his feelings for Kira as he thinks that an occupation with him would lead her to danger but he never gave her the choice and that irritated me. Gannon on the other hand , surprised me in his charming ways and how he loved Kira's stubbornness , where as Tai dreaded it. Kira is in love with Tai but she still pursued a relationship with Gannon and as his feelings progressed , it felt to me that she was leading him on. I hope that Kira realises that Tai is not the one she should choose (can you guess who I ship?) and grows up a little bit in that sense in the rest of the series.
There were a lot of side characters and subplots that I hope we get to explore in the next book but for me the most intriguing part of this book was the world. It's set in a world where there are inhabitants on many planets and the way they worked or in this case , didn't work together was incredibly interesting. I loved that the main characters are all involved with the law so we got to see a lot of the politics! There were a few...odd things about the world but I'm sure I'll come to accept them as the norm in the future.
Overall , I really enjoyed this book and I'm thrilled that I signed up for the tour , otherwise I might not have read it! I'd definitely recommend this book as I looked forward to picking it up every time and never felt bored. It's an impressive first book to what seems to be a promising series!
The reason I wanted to read this book was a)the cover and b) the fact that it was a New Adult novel in a genre that wasn't contemporary. Despite the fact that the main reason it was NA not YA was the relationships , it was refreshing to see that with a more dramatic backdrop. I'm not a science fiction person but I loved this book! The writing was wonderful and the characters were well developed and interesting.
Kira has clear goals and won't let any of the people in her life tell her what to do. She is headstrong and stubborn but also rational while making decisions. She doesn't do things to spite anyone , she does it for the benefit of either herself and the realm. Most of the time , I loved Kira...Most of the time. This brings me onto the elephant in the room , the love triangle that is clearly stated in the blurb. Tai and Gannon seemed pretty similar to me at the start , both powerful , arrogant men and I thought that Tai was the better choice for Kira. Tai refuses to act on his feelings for Kira as he thinks that an occupation with him would lead her to danger but he never gave her the choice and that irritated me. Gannon on the other hand , surprised me in his charming ways and how he loved Kira's stubbornness , where as Tai dreaded it. Kira is in love with Tai but she still pursued a relationship with Gannon and as his feelings progressed , it felt to me that she was leading him on. I hope that Kira realises that Tai is not the one she should choose (can you guess who I ship?) and grows up a little bit in that sense in the rest of the series.
There were a lot of side characters and subplots that I hope we get to explore in the next book but for me the most intriguing part of this book was the world. It's set in a world where there are inhabitants on many planets and the way they worked or in this case , didn't work together was incredibly interesting. I loved that the main characters are all involved with the law so we got to see a lot of the politics! There were a few...odd things about the world but I'm sure I'll come to accept them as the norm in the future.
Overall , I really enjoyed this book and I'm thrilled that I signed up for the tour , otherwise I might not have read it! I'd definitely recommend this book as I looked forward to picking it up every time and never felt bored. It's an impressive first book to what seems to be a promising series!
April 13, 2016
In this dystopian novel where caste systems define who you are, Kira Metallurgist is strong willed, intelligent and beautiful woman who finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with Tai Corporal - her brother's best friend whom she has secretly loved forever-, and Gannon Consul- the future leader of her realm - who has gained her love and trust. Although, Kira's relationship issues play a major role in the story, there is definitely a whole lot more to this book. In this well developed and engaging story, the reader can sense the unease growing among the castes, which will no doubt ultimately lead to an uprising. Tai and Gannon's devotion to Kira will endear each character to the reader. Loyalties will be tested when Kira learns a shocking discovery about her family that could endanger their lives.
I love book's cover and I love that the book was a compelling alternative to typical new adult novels that have the standard bad boy/ good girl theme. I cannot wait to see what happens with this story in the next book. It was a refreshing and engaging read, that I would have given 5 stars, had it not been for all of the typos in the book.
I love book's cover and I love that the book was a compelling alternative to typical new adult novels that have the standard bad boy/ good girl theme. I cannot wait to see what happens with this story in the next book. It was a refreshing and engaging read, that I would have given 5 stars, had it not been for all of the typos in the book.
February 15, 2019
Loved loved loved this. Loved the acceptance & normalcy of bi sexual men (and women), polygamy, and mental health issues. Loved the futuristic vibe Rebel Miller definitely pulled off. The sex scenes were descriptive, hot, and not at all cheesy. Kira, the protagonist is loveable and smart (I find it very hard to fall in love with main characters of books) and the love triangle was believable and had me wanting her to be with both most of the time. There is absolutely NOTHING that I disliked about this book! I can not wait to read the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2021
First thing first, I very much appreciate Rebel Miller for writing futuristic romance starring with interracial pairings that also involve with POC love interest. Most of the time, interracial pairing only involves with white love interest, not POC love interest.
Now, while I appreciate interracial pairings with POC love interest, I feel like this book is written with an aim toward teenagers. In this case, I am not the suitable target audience for this book. I recommend this book for young adults who want to delve into futuristic triangle love soap opera.
Now, while I appreciate interracial pairings with POC love interest, I feel like this book is written with an aim toward teenagers. In this case, I am not the suitable target audience for this book. I recommend this book for young adults who want to delve into futuristic triangle love soap opera.
March 22, 2016
DNF'd around 15%. The plot looked like it was amping up to be good...and then the cheesy romance slunk into view. Go away, love triangle. I started skimming huge chunks of the romance, and then it seemed like there was always just a lot of romance and not much else, which was not really what I signed up for. Pass.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews