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DAMON – For twenty-five years he’s served as a plaything for the gods. With no memory of his past, he has no way of knowing if this is his ultimate fate, but he senses there has to be more to life.

Damon’s hope for more comes in the form of the Sirens’ newest recruit. Elysia is unlike any trainee he’s ever met. Not only can she remember where she came from—an ability the Sirens block—but she has an instant connection to Damon, one he’s never felt and doesn’t understand. Soon Damon is willing to do anything to have Elysia. Even risk the wrath of the gods to break her out of Olympus so he can keep her for himself.

But Damon’s past isn’t a mystery to everyone. Evil forces are at work beneath the surface, and before long, Damon realizes that the connection he shares with Elysia isn’t a random coincidence. His fate—and the darkness it brings—was cemented long ago. And when it is finally revealed, no one will be safe.


AWAKENED can be read as a stand-alone book.

Other books in the Eternal Guardians

MARKED (currently free on Amazon) – Book 1
ENTWINED – Book 2
TEMPTED – Book 3
ENRAPTURED – Book 4
ENSLAVED – Book 5
BOUND – Book 6
TEMPTED – Book 7
RAVAGED – Novella, Book 7.5

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2016

121 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read

About the author

Elisabeth Naughton

75 books3,155 followers
Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.

Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.

Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.

Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

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5 stars
651 (51%)
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440 (34%)
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155 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,859 reviews210 followers
April 6, 2016
Have you started this series yet? If the answer is no then ignore this and go download Marked, the first book in this series that as I write is free on kindle. Ok that's got that out of the way as this is a series that just builds with its hunky Argonauts ( descendants of the gods) giving us a whole new twist on Greek mythology. It's such an incredible insight into the all too selfish Gods who reside on Mount Olympus and the never ending feud they face with the Titans and guess who is stuck in the middle protecting the human realm? Yes you've guessed it these Eternal Guardians!
With this book we are moving further into the future and there's a new generation snapping at our favourite guardians heels. Elysia is the daughter of Demetrius and Isadora and heir to the throne of Argolea but overhearing them discuss binding her to someone she doesn't love sees her running away. Unfortunately forces are at work to use Elysia as a pawn and she is taken prisoner by the Sirens and told that Zeus has selected her to undergo the training needed to become part of his dangerous elite guard . Elysia isnt really a warrior but she is no quitter either and being thrown onto an island with tasks to undertake seems simple enough but that all changes when she rescues Damon and a visceral connection is formed. Ok Elysia gets through the first tests but back on Olympus it's soon revealed that Damon serves Aphrodite as a pleasure slave and yet he clearly has all the training of a warrior ( which frankly Elysia needs to survive!) but can Elysia really trust him? It doesn't help matters that Damon has no memory of his life before Aphrodite claimed him and yet something doesn't add up. Just why was Elysia chosen ? Fate is fickle at times but surely these two are meant to be together?
Oo what a way to continue this series. On the one hand there are still those who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals of power and revenge and then of course there are those who are caught up in all the machinations . I loved seeing the 'next' generation get involved and hope the author catches up with Max again soon but for now it's all about Damon and Elysia. Yes it was fun seeing the old gang but it was Damons big reveal that really brought this story crashing into life and believe it or not I think he was the most dumbstruck ! I can say very little but it's a corker and that's a fact . Pairing up a smart, nurturing Elysia with the strong sexy Damon clearly meant the author could let her wild side out to play and that's just what she did here so have iced water on standby . Such an enjoyable world to get lost in with larger than life characters and the added goodness of all the mythological aspects. What do I say? Intense from the start and a nonstop adventure fuelled by camaraderie and of course love. This was another fabulous instalment , more please!
I was gifted a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Alex is The Romance Fox.
1,461 reviews1,241 followers
October 31, 2016

Awakened is the 8th book in the Eternal Guardians series by Elisabeth Naughton.

The story takes place 25 years after the last book.
“Twenty-five years is nothing but a blink of the eye to the gods. And peace is as fleeting as the wind. It will end. It will end soon.”
And it's now the Argonauts Next Generation.

The heroine, Elysia, is the daughter of Isadora & Demetrius (their book #3 in the series, Tempted https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...)

Damon has no memory of his life except for the last 25 years, which he has spent being Aphrodite's playtoy.

He also trains the new Sirens, which Elysia is now one of them.

The two of them find themselves alone with each other on a deserted island and join forces and their wits to getting rescued.

We meet up with characters from the previous books and get a look into their lives now.

This story had a lot going on.....action, suspense, romance, sexy scenes, hot chemistry, twists and turns and some secrets revealed.

The author continues building a world of mythology and fantasy combined with some unforgettable and engaging characters that makes this series such an enjoyable one.

A great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,426 reviews22 followers
April 21, 2016
It's the Argonauts the Next Generation! Woo hoo! The heroine, Elysia, is the daughter of Isadora and Demetrius. The identity of the hero is lost to memory. Damon and Elysia are worthy to carry on the Guardians of Eternity, and I look forward to more 2nd gen books!

I loved the story. It had suspense, deep love, smexy times, distrust, comic relief... There's a heartwarming ending and a set-up for a new story line.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,555 reviews274 followers
January 21, 2018
4 1/2 "Soul mate" Stars!

Loved it! The series jumps 25 years since the last book.

Both Elysia and Damon were awesome characters. This edition was really all about them. There isn't that much fighting action or active conflict with the gods- There was a lot of scheming on the part of Zeus; but the action in this one was more strategic than physical fighting. Lots of what is he up to and how will it affect Elysia and Damon. But Elysia and Damon And how they were building their relationship was the focus. Not a whole lot of other side stories going on. I loved that!

However, I did not love the catalyst for the story to get going.

Anyway, I can't wait for what may be coming next! Zagreus!!? Max!? Talisa!? ZAGREUS!!!!! (Goodness his book has a lot of potential.) Fingers crossed it's coming. Please Ms. Naughton???! Soon.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
November 14, 2021
Awakened
4 Stars

With no memories of his past, Damon has spent the last 25 years as a slave in Aphrodite's Pleasure Palace. His one respite is his occasional assignment training new Siren recruits in the arts of war, strategy, and seduction. But when the newest recruit, Elysia, awakens in Damon dormant thoughts, emotions, and desires, they will have to decide if their love is worth angering the vengeful and manipulative gods who have their own plans for the pair.

Series note: This installment in the Eternal Guardians series continues from where the previous novella left off, and continues the ongoing Orb of Kronos story arc. It is, therefore, recommended that the books be read in order.

While the twists, turns and revelations of the plot are predictable, the romance between Damon and Elysia is sweet and sexy. They are both likable characters although Elysia's naivete is sometimes irksome, and their physical and emotional bond is intense and believable.

The cameos by the previous couples in the series is an added bonus as readers are able to catch up with their lives.

Looking forward to the next book and hope it will be published soon.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
April 15, 2016
Elisabeth Naughton’s Awakened has become my favorite book in the Eternal Guardians Series. Damon has belonged to the goddess Aphrodite for twenty-five years. He remembers nothing from his life beforehand. He is loaned to the goddess of war, Athena, to help train the incoming sirens. He finds himself drawn to new recruit, Elysia. He will do anything for her. He discovers that their meeting was not an accident, there are other forces at play. Awakened takes place in Olympus and Argolea. This mythological fantasy is suitable for adult audiences.

Elisabeth Naughton does an amazing job with her character development. I love that characters from the earlier books still play a vital role throughout the story. Damon is a terrific character with lots of layers. I love Elysia. She is brave and determined. I like that she doesn’t let her parents push her around. I like that she doesn’t give up. I think it is great how loyal Talisa and Maximus are to her, especially Maximus. Zeus and Athena make excellent opponents; they are crafty and powerful.

The plot was exceptional, full of action and mystery. I loved this story. Elisabeth Naughton does a great job of protecting the integrity of the mythological characters while creating a new tale. I appreciate how things that happened in previous books played such an important role in this novel. Awakened is a difficult book to put down full of nonstop excitement. Followers of the Eternal Guardians will not want to miss this book. If you haven’t read the Eternal Guardian Series yet, I recommend following them in order. I think you would be able to comprehend it as a standalone, but you wouldn’t get near the same amount of investment to the characters knowing their background stories.

Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for mer.
1,521 reviews65 followers
June 15, 2016
I was afraid to pick this book, I worried I might not enjoy it after previous flunked. Well, I should have picked it sooner because it turned out great!

I LOVE IT!

So for the story this time in this series, it is set twenty-five years later. Most of kids of Argonauts are grown up! They’re Theron’s, Zander’s, and Demetrius’. In this book, it’s the Demetrius’ daughter, Elysia. Okay, I feel awkward reading the book especially on romance part because you see, I used to craze and fantasize about Elysia’s dad. So, when reading Elysia and Damon’s story, boy I feel old LOL

Damon is a sex slave but thinks life is more than that. He is actually quite a broken man and reading about him is heartbreaking. So when he meets Elysia who is a royal, he feels undeserving. Well, some part of me just died when he thought as such about himself. Elysia though don’t care about his past and all she cares is the sincerity, caring, protective, and love that is in Damon. What makes me go all gaga over their romance is the faith and trust they have for each other is extremely strong. I am in beyond awed. I can say that reading about their feelings for each other alone is enough making you hot and bothered and melt, without the smut part! Well, at least for me.

The only reason I don’t give solid five stars is because I really don’t like the push-and-pull going-ons in romance because it’s annoying and tiring. Luckily, there are just a few scenes. If it was more, it would give the book a very bad impression to me.

It felt amazing to read the previous characters as well because I missed them. I liked reading the Fates too because they are so funny with Zagreus tagged along, it just created an excellence combo.

I believe this series is still a long way to go because a lot still left unanswered. I hope there will be a new book soon and I just cannot wait!
Profile Image for Donna.
600 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2016
There is a bit of time between the publishing of the books in these series but that does not diminish their impact with me in the least. I discovered the first book – Marked – as a freebie for my Nook a few years ago and I was immediately hooked. There are so many aspects of these that intrigued me from the start and they have only gotten better as the series continues.

I won’t go into a retelling of the plot because reviews like that seriously bug me but I will say that anyone who has been a fan of these books will not be disappointed in this. Everything I have come to know and love about these stories – the Argonauts, Argolea, the gods, the Sirens, the Fates, the love stories – it’s all here. My beloved Argonauts are all present & accounted for and I loved catching up with each of them to see how their lives have improved since finding their soul-mates.

Elisabeth Naughton’s writing and plot is spot on with this one. Just when I think they can’t get any better, they do and I love that EN is able to keep the plots fresh and moving forward. There is not one dull moment in any of them and they don’t feel like a re-telling of another story. I would seriously love to see her cache of mythology info though. There are so many details and tidbits to appease the mythology loving geek in me.

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,481 reviews71 followers
July 17, 2018
It feels like forever since I read a book in this series, and I loved diving back into the guardians world.

This book has moved on, it's now the next generations turn to find love.

I liked Elysia, she had a strength that showed through and determination. She is D's daughter and knows how to look after herself, to a degree but siren training want in her plans. Damon is siren trainer, his drawn to the new recruit in a way he can't explain and you can feel the pull between them.

This story kept me turning pages, some of them pages were extremely hot!

A tale of temptation, love and of course some twists and danger.

4.5 eternal stars
Profile Image for Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder).
2,232 reviews
April 1, 2016
Wow! This book makes me want to re-read the series again! Talk about bringing together a bunch of story lines into one. Naughton does this seamlessly. I had to think back and place characters I had forgotten about. This book has everything: Gods, demi-Gods, witches, Sirens, Argonauts, political intrigue, monsters, deception, and seduction training-of all things! You will want to have read the previous books in the series to appreciate this one.

The time frame has jumped ahead 25 years from the last book. We follow Elysia, daughter to Queen Isadora and Argonaut Demetrius as she tries to escape an arranged bonding. Things do not go at all like she wants and she ends up not only on Pandora but then at Olympus as a trainee for the Sirens. She has a helping hand given by one of the trainers--Damon.

Things are not as they seem. Events don't happen as they typically do for Siren trainees. Damon behaves differently once he meets Elysia. The bad Gods are still so horribly bad. The whole mess will keep you hanging on the end of the page!

Loved seeing the comaraderie between the Argonauts. Catching up with the soul mates and all the children. Really liked seeing the Fates and their decision to meddle or not in the outcome of events. Grab this series for a wonderful twist on paranormal. Can't wait for the next one!

*ARC provided by the author for an honest review
Profile Image for Sonia Cristina.
2,272 reviews79 followers
June 15, 2016
Quando li a sinopse e comecei a leitura, achei estranho que o protagonista fosse um tal de Damon e a heroína uma tal de Elysia; não reconhecia os nomes. Por uma review soube facilmente que este livro acontece 25 anos após os anteriores e os filhos dos protagonistas anteriores são agora adultos, sendo Elysia filha de Demetrius e Isadora, a rainha de Argolea. Já a identidade de Damon não é logo evidente mas depois de perceber que tinha perdido a memória há 25 anos atrás, rapidamente soube de quem se tratava :) Muito engenhoso, Ms. Naughton!

Não gostei muito da parte passada em Olympus, o treino de Elysia para se tornar uma Siren de Zeus. Apreciei a cumplicidade que se formou entre ela e Damon, mas não me apaixonei por este casal nem pelo início do seu romance. Felizmente, mais à frente a ação toma um rumo diferente que apreciei muito melhor.

Foi um prazer rever os Argonauts e as suas heroínas, adoro estes personagens (principalmente Orpheus!) e passar mais um bocado em Argolea.

Profile Image for Leigh.
1,397 reviews324 followers
April 16, 2016
Eternal Guardians has always been one of my favorite series. I loved all the books with the exception of Nick's book. I think my biggest problem with that book was that my expectations were really high and I had waited so long for his book that I was disappointed. Well I lost track of this series and while I was a little unsure about Awakened I decided to give it a chance and boy am I super happy that I did. The story is set 25 years in the future and the children of the Guardians are all gown up. This is Elysia's story and she is Demetrius and Isadora's daughter. I loved Elysia she was loyal, sweet, and brave. Damon has been a pleasure slave in Aphrodite's palace for 25 years and has no memory of a life before that time. When he meets Elysia he is immediately drawn to her but doesn't understand what he's feeling. The chemistry between these two was super sexy and I loved every minute of it. So much happens in this book that if your a fan its a must read and if your not a fan yet start at the beginning its so worth it. I can't wait for more in this series.


***ARC provided by NetGalley***
Profile Image for Dolores Johnson.
303 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2018
Not my favorite -- Elysia's immaturity and almost wanton lack of rationale had me wavering between rating this book between 2 or 3 stars. The overall story arch is the saving grace that has me awaiting news of the next book.
Profile Image for MummysVampire.
434 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2018
Please tell me there will be more Guardians! The last 2 books have be my favourite and I need to know what happens with Ziggy 😀

Max and Talisa need their stories too ❤️

Brilliant series that I powered through! Must read 5/5
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
October 14, 2025
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Title: Awakened
Series: Eternal Guardians, #8
Cover Rating:
Gold star

Book Rating:
5 star



About the Book:
DAMON – For twenty-five years he’s served as a plaything for the gods. With no memory of his past, he has no way of knowing if this is his ultimate fate, but he senses there has to be more to life.

Damon’s hope for more comes in the form of the Sirens’ newest recruit. Elysia is unlike any trainee he’s ever met. Not only can she remember where she came from—an ability the Sirens block—but she has an instant connection to Damon, one he’s never felt and doesn’t understand. Soon Damon is willing to do anything to have Elysia. Even risk the wrath of the gods to break her out of Olympus so he can keep her for himself.

But Damon’s past isn’t a mystery to everyone. Evil forces are at work beneath the surface, and before long, Damon realizes that the connection he shares with Elysia isn’t a random coincidence. His fate—and the darkness it brings—was cemented long ago. And when it is finally revealed, no one will be safe.






My Thoughts:
I am so ecstatic over Awakened. I have been dying to get more of this world because I've loved it so much from the birth of it. I am so happy that Elisabeth is continuing the journey and the characters because there is still so much potential in the Guardians world. I really loved Damon and Elysia because they weren't jaded, they weren't contaminated by their previous experiences in their lives, they were grounded, they were honest and they were heroes that you really wanted to dig into. You get a tad depth but I wish I'd gotten a lot more but there was so much to take in that I was happy with what we got. Elysia was great too because I was worried that our characters would wind up with the role reversal (Damon being the more feminine or weaker counterpart) but the way Elisabeth brought her to life they wound up being equals which was great.

I am glad you get the cameo mentions of the previous cast because there is still so much there but I was relieved that Naughton allowed herself to continue the generations and the responsibilities and burdens they carry and the way their world affects their lives... it all allows you to see what happens to their future which is interesting if you go back and start at the beginning after reading this book which I did because you get so much more of a bigger picture.

There is so much that I liked about this book but I can't list it all what I can say is that everyone should read this series.



Disclaimer:
Krissys Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Note:
If any of Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews has been helpful please stop by to like my post or leave a comment to let me know what you think. I love hearing from you!

996 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2020
25 years later...

It has been 25 years since Ari returned and took his fallen son's place in the Argonauts. In that time a new generation has grown into adults, including the queen's daughter Elysia. Elysia is wisked away under the guise of being chosen as a trainee in Zeus' Siren Army. As part of her first trial, she rescues Damon who turns out to be a trainer and servant to the gods. But not everything is as it seems and there is always a more sinister plan in the works when the gods and the Argonauts are involved. Damon and Elysia's story is a key turning point and puts a plot twist to this never ending power struggle.

The series as a whole is quite an adventure and the sizzling romance scenes in each book make a perfect balance to the story. I have seriously enjoyed each book and eagerly await the next.
I am really enjoying the audiobooks as well. The use of the same narrator throughout each book has kept the build of world consistent.
Profile Image for Kirstin Rocker.
162 reviews
August 25, 2024
🗡️ Review 🗡️
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📚 Awakened by Elizabeth Naughton
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4 1/2⭐
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📖 Summary
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Elysia is grown up but about to be forced into an arranged marriage. She decides to run as a way to escape her future as ruler and living bound to a man she doesn't like let alone love. Only she is captured by Zeus's sirens and they inform her she has been chosen to undergo training to be apart of his sirens. That's when she meets Damon. She feels drawn to him and thinks he seems familiar but she can't place why. Her memories that had been stripped slowly comes back. By the time they learn who he really is and what they really are they have to return back to Elysia's realm. But everyone is suspicious of Damon and by the end they learn they had every reason to be.
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🔥I loved that we got a book on one of the children from the original characters. I know the next book will have the second child of the original characters too and that's always fun to read. I also like that Elysia became a bad ass warrior.
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,114 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2019
Starts out a bit confusing, since this takes place 25 years after the previous story. Elysia and her cousins are all grown up. But when Elysia finds out that her mother the Queen wants to arrange a binding for her with the council’s leader son like any rebellious child, she runs away. Unfortunately it’s straight into another form of binding: the Sirens. While there she finds a missing Argolian to help her.

Footnote: 1) It looks like at this point the books change from novels to 1001 series novelettes. Not sure why as long as they keep coming. But I hope to get a full novel later.

2) The method of giving the seven labors reminds me of how they got stuff in the Hunger games.

Fave scenes: Elysia working with the bamboo, the Fates conversation, Orpheus’s interaction with his twins, and Nick’s surprise for Zeus.
Profile Image for Kymnesha Edwards.
148 reviews
August 28, 2018
Cerek is back and thanks the gods, in a lot of ways Elysia is like her mother before she grows a pair and became the queen her people need. Elysia like her parents was dropped on Pandora and has to survive the creatures on the island and complete seven tasks. This book like all the books in this sires start off kinda slow but when it takes off it takes off. I love these sires and all the Argonauts and can't wait to see how this ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sara Sánchez.
96 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2020
Just wow! It was fucking amazing! I was a little disappointed at the beginning, missing these 25 years, but it was only going more interesting paga by page until went "wow" I wasn't expecting that and surprised me... I simply love it!
968 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2020
I am so glad we got to see what happened to Cerek, I was really wondering what atrocity Zeus was going to put him through. He had a devious plan and Cerek had no clue with his memory being wiped. So glad Elysia believed in him.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,567 reviews82 followers
January 17, 2021
I thought I'd be annoyed that this book takes place 25 years after the last one, but I really wasn't. The enw generation act a little immature for their ages, but I'm putting it down to an Argolean thing. Loved it.
Profile Image for Amelia .
194 reviews
January 13, 2019
I love her twists and turns.
I already have future mates theorized.
Profile Image for Kim.
350 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2019
I LOVED this one!!!! Can’t wait for number 9.
Profile Image for WonderWomanNZ.
1,381 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2021
Wow that was a big jump forward in time….. I enjoyed this book, but the ending has still left me hanging, I am sure that is because there is more books to come in this series.
Profile Image for Lucy .
225 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2023
The whole not knowing who you are is a bit over done. Not to mention he's old enough to be her father. Wrong match. I just couldn't get that outta my head who he was.
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