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Maya survived the first Tournament challenge only to learn that new and powerful enemies lurk in the Calistan palace. Even Lord Toric’s affection and guards aren’t enough to keep her safe, and she's still on her own in the Tournament--the alien lord is forbidden from interfering. As the list of deadly foes grows, Toric and Maya must uncover the traitor in the royal family who aims to murder Maya and destroy the Calistans' chance at reclaiming their homeland. Will Maya summon the strength and luck she needs to meet her highest destiny?

Heat level: Mild

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2016

83 people are currently reading
183 people want to read

About the author

Jayne Faith

37 books227 followers
Hi there! I'm Jayne Faith, author of the urban fantasy Ella Grey Series and paranormal romance Sapient Salvation Series. When I'm not tapping away at my keyboard while swilling coffee and tea, I'm playing with my dog; eating, flipping through recipes online, fantasizing about food, dreaming up my next meal (you get the idea); doing yoga or Pilates; or watching TV. Connect with me on Facebook, just search "Jayne Faith" or go to facebook.com/AuthorJayneFaith

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5 stars
109 (34%)
4 stars
122 (38%)
3 stars
63 (20%)
2 stars
15 (4%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,694 reviews342 followers
September 3, 2017
I first read Book #1 a few years back and was hooked as I was transported into a book that was like The Hunger Games meets Syfy meets Harem novels. Each year a group of males and females are chosen from Earth to go to the planet Calista, and there they fight in a tournament, sort of like The Hunger Games as they have challenges, deaths, and each participant has a guide. In the end, the winners will become part of the King's Harem. The Awakening has two storylines as it has the Tournament in which Maya is competing in but someone aka Akantha and possibly more want her dead as she is proving to be a threat as unlike any of the previous participants Maya has captured both Prince Toric and his brother Jeric's affections. The second storyline is that there is a prophecy which connects Earth and the planet Calista together and it seems that the prophecy is somehow connected to Maya especially when she learns her blind sister is having visions of Calistan life? Can Maya survive as it seems like everyone who gets close or tries to help her is either imprisoned or killed? Can Maya along with Prince Toric and the High Priestess get to the bottom of things before more people turn up dead and treacherous plans are formed. Find out in Book #2 of the Sapient Salvation series by Jayne Faith and Christine Castle. A fast paced series which will have you hooked and wanting to find out more.
Profile Image for Carmen.
164 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2020
I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one! Well, maybe that's only mostly true - I may have liked it a *little* less than the first one, but that's probably because I was already familiar with the world, so it was less "new" and awe-inspiring.
There's so many twists and turns in this, it kept my attention quite well. I found myself trying to keep track of every tiny detail to see if I could puzzle out what would happen next (sorta like a whodunnit without the murder), but I've not been able to - that's somewhat rare for me, and I love it!
The ending made me flail. Literally flail. I *NEEDED* the next book, and immediately jumped into it to find out what happened next!
Profile Image for Rachel.
328 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2018
There’s absolutely no reason that books 1 and 2 (and likely 3+ as well) couldn’t have all been put together in one book. The only reason it was done was to get more paying readers. (And, come on? $3.99 for each INSTALLMENT? What a rip off!!) But what I’ve been fed so far within both books 1 and 2 isn’t enough to make me want to purchase book 3. And, in fact, the way both of those books end - completely in the middle of paragraphs and situations without proper closure (or even a good spot for a segue) - makes me so angry that I REFUSE to buy another one of these books.

As to the storyline itself...it’s passably interesting. It’s like a sexy-fantasy version of the Hunger games with a romantic element in the winning vs. actual survival. Actually, it’s like The Selection by Kierra Kass meets Hunger Games. (And it even has the same title for book 1!!!) However, even that love story is shallow and a bit ridiculous. Lord Toric is in love with this woman because he senses her energy? How does he do that? Is he the only one who can do it? How did that happen? Why isn’t that explained? And as for Maya, why is SHE falling for him? Just because he’s sexy? Handsome? Mysterious?! EYE ROLL!

There’s enough here that it could be a really fantastic book (yes! ONE BOOK), but it falls short for lack of depth in many areas. It seems like a valiant effort of unknown authors trying to make themselves known. But it’s aggravating as the reader to have to bog through it.
Profile Image for Bex.
109 reviews
June 9, 2017
I absolutely loved these books, and they kept my attention right through to the end of the fifth book, which is rare for me! Highly recommended read. :) just sad I've come to the end! Read them all in under a week!
Profile Image for Wondra Vanian.
Author 64 books47 followers
January 26, 2019
The second book in the series is a little more disjointed because of the extra points-of-view but is still enjoyable. It moves at a swift pace and remains interesting throughout. I can’t wait to see where the third book goes.
Profile Image for Julie Bird.
1,158 reviews18 followers
August 7, 2017
Too short! Right in the middle of the action, it just stops!
Profile Image for Mandy.
830 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2018
OMG

OMG things are getting good. Shocked by this book. So much happened. I even cried a little. Shocked by the ending! Cannot wait to read more.
Profile Image for Stéphanie.
259 reviews28 followers
February 15, 2016
Jayne Faith and Christine Castle hooked me with their first book in this series. I think it’s the cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor that makes things really exciting. I’m a big fan of The Hunger Games, but quite honestly, I hate the flakiness of The Bachelor. I think it’s the terrifying idea of losing your life if you don’t win the competition that makes things way more compelling than the fake TV show. In my experience, self-published books can be pretty hit and miss, but in this case, I really think the authors are on to something.

This book is so much more than a game of survival and a love story between the two main characters. It’s also a story about two races coming together, despite their very different cultural views, and fighting for Earthfell’s freedom. Maya is from Earthenfell and she is one of the Obligates fighting in the Tournament of the Offered. Toric is the Lord of Calisto and the Sacred Texts say that no Calistan can step foot on Earthenfell until the prophecy says so. The whole idea behind the Sacred Texts and the Calistan religion is a little bit confusing. I hope more is revealed in the upcoming book so that things may be clearer and complete. The authors may be holding back purposely, but either way, I’m sure more is to come.

The attraction between Toric and Maya is really sweet. I really hope we see their relationship grow, despite their differences. Toric’s dark past and sexual needs shocked Maya but she’s not that innocent anymore. The Tournament has hardened her and she’s now ready to fight for her life, even if that means taking advantage of Toric’s obvious infatuation with her. The newest challenge in the Tournament will be difficult for Maya, and I honestly didn’t see this twist coming. I hate the fact the authors announced what the new challenge will be and ended the book on a cliffhanger. Since the next book might be coming out next month, I’m not too annoyed, but I’ll still be waiting impatiently.

The rest of the characters add a lot of antagonism and mystery to the story. Akantha, the Mistress of Tournament, is a ruthless and jealous woman. Engaged to Lord Toric’s brother, Jeric, she’s jealous of Maya who seems to have enthralled both brothers. She’s out to get Maya, and is willing to do whatever it takes for her to fail. Jeric is confused, and doesn’t know his place anymore. As Toric’s younger brother, he was once named heir when Toric was considered dead after being kidnapped for years. Now that Toric is back, it seems likes he's wandering without a path. I kind of feel sorry for him, even though I don’t agree with some of the things he’s done or said to Maya. Toric’s mother is another player in the political game. We don’t know much about her, and she hasn’t really had a prominent role in the story yet, but I anticipate her having a bigger role in the coming book.

Overall, I think this was a decent sequel. I hate the cliffhanger we were left with, and quite honestly the book could have been a little longer. Many questions were answered, yet many more have arose. The series so many different genres, including romance, young adult, science fiction and paranormal that I’m sure it will please many reader. As a fan of all these genres, I think the authors have created a wonderful mix.
Profile Image for Julia Stephanie.
2,114 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2017
Book 2 picks up right where the first left off and did NOT disappoint. I never thought that I would be so interested in 'alien' affairs but this series is addicting!
Profile Image for Taylor.
113 reviews14 followers
February 13, 2017
I enjoyed the first book in this series and was a little saddened to see that the second book didn't really live up to my expectations. It started off good, but then started to lag when I got towards the middle of the book. However, after a while it picked back up again, and then once again, it ended abruptly.

One thing that I absolutely loved about The Awakening was how we were able to get more points of view than just Maya and Toric's. I wasn't expecting the perspective change, but am so thankful that Lunaria's point of view was thrown in. Turns out, I really like her character!

Despite the slowness towards the middle of the book and the cliffhanger, I still like the overall story and am extremely interested to see where Faith takes it. I just have way too many questions that I desperately need answered!!
Profile Image for Chris Torretta.
899 reviews39 followers
February 6, 2016
This picks up right where book one leaves off. It is fabulous if you read book one, but if not, I suggest reading that straight away! This does have a little bit to remind, but certainly not enough to stand alone!

The first had a great setting of anticipation. The intensity that grows as the plot grows, is still there, but for different reasons. Maya and Toric have so much to talk about, but the more they talk, the more questions they both have (and the reader too!!).


With how the first ending I knew this was going to start big, and it did! Adding to that is the world building and sci fi element that, honestly would normally bore me but just pulls me in! There is so much going on that surrounds these two that neither can take a breath before they have to start worrying all over again.


Maya is such a great character. I liked her in book one, but she is even better in this. She somehow has deeper emotion and even though there are definitely times when she cries, the reason for her tears is so understandable that I cried with her!


I also really enjoy that the pov changes. That is something else that normally drives me crazy but I like being able to look behind the curtain (so to speak) and check out what some of the others are thinking. Especially Toric!


There are also letters that are written by Maya's family and friends. Although one of these left me even more curious and wondering if there is yet another enemy that she has to worry about.


In short: This is such a fantastic story. I was not able to put it down. Cannot wait for book two!
14 reviews
February 4, 2017
So good it pisses me off.

Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Where do I start??!!
It had me going. Then something happened in the book..... Something that made me cry for HOURS telling myself, "Screw it. I'm not reading the rest. Nope."

After a cup of tea, started reading it. I couldn't. Just sit there crying and groaning the rest of my life, so what the heck?!!
I give it five stars because, GOSH DANGIT, it made me emotional the entire time! Yes I cred! And you will too!! (I don't care who you are, you will be heartbroken!!)
Ughhhhhhhhhh! Now I have to buy the next one. The author just keeps deciding to end these books at the freakin worst moments!!!! STOP DOING THAT!! (I'm just kidding. You're making a lot of money that way) lol
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
May 18, 2017
Now that Maya has survived round one and her and Lord Toric are getting closer people are starting to suspect that things are changing. Are the changes good or bad, not everyone can decide? Maya still wants to go home but is starting to have strong feelings for Lord Toric, and has no idea what to do with that. Lord Toric needs Maya for himself but also for his people although he can not tell others about it.
This story is getting very interesting. Can't wait to see where it is going!
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy for my honest review.
187 reviews5 followers
February 7, 2016
Nothing predictable except an excellent sequel!

This book is every bit as intriguing as the first. Plots and twists along with a very creative world keeps my mouth watering and my eyes hungry for more! The main characters are well developed and the secondary ones add a depth of conspiracy and mystery to the fervor of a species only wanting to return home. Throughout the centuries, however devoutly the aliens follow the auspices of prophecy, it seems love is certain to die when dreams come true at the time of return.
Profile Image for Dena.
4,484 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2016
Ooooooh Drama

Akantha is turning out to be a very dangerous opponent and there is someone else in the mix that I wish I knew who. There are so many parts going on that I'm hoping I didn't miss anything. All the people that support Maya are in trouble and I can't believe no one thinking of them it seems selfish. I'm hoping that Toric will get a clue sooner than later. Jeric is a unknown and I hope he is on the winning side.
14 reviews
March 24, 2017
A little cliche but good follow up in the series.

The second book of this series is a good follow up and had me still eager for the next in the series. There's a rather cliche ending for one of the characters but its for showing the reality of the world to Maya. It's like she needed a reminder even with her insta-love relationship with Toric.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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