What do you think?
Rate this book
The Onoma Series #1
Eve of Awakening
Eve Pallue’s façade of purpose falters when a near death experience exposes the frailty of her existence, and she must come to grips with a reality that death ultimately wins. A hidden memory of a forgotten mother surfaces, and Eve’s bodyguard, Randall, takes advantage of her weakened state, trying to capture her devotion and lace her into his ambitious agenda. A dying therapist and her unlikely caretaker lead Eve on a journey of Truth; and a catastrophic fire catapults Eve into a life she has always feared, destroying the only one she has ever known. Eve awakens to severe burns and a pair of doting, elderly sisters who nurture Eve’s newfound faith and guide her on the path to eternal purpose.
296 pages, ebook
First published September 23, 2013
8 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Alisa Hope Wagner
43 books130 followersAlisa Hope Wagner is a modern day anchorite writing words of inspiration and imagination.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 18, 2014
I was handed a copy of this book by a very good friend who is close with the author. she described it to me as a christian book about a futuristic society. interested to see what kind of story can come from a writer living in my city, i read it as soon as i could. after the first few chapters i couldnt put it down. i found myself skipping my lunch break to continue reading. it was definitely not what i expected from a christian novel (in a good way) I myself am religious at times but the main character in this book, Eve, i found myself sort of relating to her in a way. questioning things about god, being an introverted person, sort of shutting myself off at the world at times. even though the character was a female she did a very good job of tackling the issues she was confronted with and had an amazing ending (I actually didn't want it to end). overall i have to say it was one of the best books I've read this year. it reminded me a lot of the works of Ayn Rand (Anthem, Atlas Shrugged) and The Hunger Games with the whole dystopian future/strong female lead vibe. I'm looking forward to reading more by Mrs Wagner in the future.
January 29, 2014
"Eve Of Awakening" by Alisa Hope Wagner is a story that grabs you from the very first page and does not let you go until the very last. The intrigue moves the story to a climatic and unexpected end. What if the world as you know it, changed from one moment to the next and your life is thrown into a series of events that threaten your survival? What if the person you trusted most betrays you in the worst way? Eve is a woman who lives in a society mandated by efficiency, run by rank, with little or no socialization. When someone tries to kill her, Eve goes through an Awakening and is no longer safe in the world she knows. She has no where to go, but she finds a most unconventional ally, who tells her the path she must take before it is too late. Will Eve make it through the many challenges that she faces or will outside forces bring her down? Does she find her life's purpose and find faith, hope and God in the process?
"Eve Of Awakening" by Alisa Hope Wagner is an inspiring story that will touch your heart and set you on your own journey to self-discovery and purpose. Alisa Hope Wagner
"Eve Of Awakening" by Alisa Hope Wagner is an inspiring story that will touch your heart and set you on your own journey to self-discovery and purpose. Alisa Hope Wagner
March 1, 2014
What a thought provoking book! I was not expecting to receive deep messages concerning how I lead my life from this dystopian book. I thought I was going to read the typical futuristic world where the main character was trying to fight against the system. Instead, I was surprised to find out how much more this book had to offer.
Eve of Awakening had a refreshing plot. We met a woman named Eve who was caught up with the cold, futuristic world. In this world, communication had been simplified, sleep had been reduced in order to have more hours of productivity, family relationships were discouraged, leisurely things were seen as a waste of time, and religion was seen as a threat. Life was about being stuck to LPSs (similar to iPads) and being able to produce every single moment. Eve grew up in this type of world believing that productivity was the only right way to live. It wasn't until she almost died in her Sleeper--sleeping machine--did Eve began to realize that there was more to life.
I quite enjoyed Eve's character. She was the perfect example on how people are today when it comes to technology. She reminded me on how many of us are constantly glued to our devices and how our social skills have changed dramatically due to these new gadgets. As a result, we keep asking for more and newer technology to keep us occupied. Reading how this future world was run by devices, it made me realize on how much I was spending on my gadgets. It made me evaluate my priorities. Next, Eve did not know who God was. She didn't believe that He was real. With her "awakening," she soon opened up to the idea that He did exist and struggled to accept him as part of her life. I was able to relate to Eve in this aspect for I too had and still have questions about my relationship to our Lord. Eve was a very believable character.
As much as I enjoyed this book and how much I learned from it, I could not give it five stars. The second half of the book got a little too "preachy" for me. I understand that the author was trying to show Eve's growth and acceptance of God, but I would have liked to have seen more action. I felt that the big problem on how the World Government that was trying to kill Eve was completely ignored in this part of the book. I wanted to know what was going on outside of the Colonies or how life was like in the Colonies. Other than that, this was still a very good book.
As a whole, I enjoyed this book. I usually don't read Christian fiction but I'm glad I gave this one a try. Eve's story is obviously not done and I am looking forward to reading where her adventures lead her.
Eve of Awakening had a refreshing plot. We met a woman named Eve who was caught up with the cold, futuristic world. In this world, communication had been simplified, sleep had been reduced in order to have more hours of productivity, family relationships were discouraged, leisurely things were seen as a waste of time, and religion was seen as a threat. Life was about being stuck to LPSs (similar to iPads) and being able to produce every single moment. Eve grew up in this type of world believing that productivity was the only right way to live. It wasn't until she almost died in her Sleeper--sleeping machine--did Eve began to realize that there was more to life.
I quite enjoyed Eve's character. She was the perfect example on how people are today when it comes to technology. She reminded me on how many of us are constantly glued to our devices and how our social skills have changed dramatically due to these new gadgets. As a result, we keep asking for more and newer technology to keep us occupied. Reading how this future world was run by devices, it made me realize on how much I was spending on my gadgets. It made me evaluate my priorities. Next, Eve did not know who God was. She didn't believe that He was real. With her "awakening," she soon opened up to the idea that He did exist and struggled to accept him as part of her life. I was able to relate to Eve in this aspect for I too had and still have questions about my relationship to our Lord. Eve was a very believable character.
As much as I enjoyed this book and how much I learned from it, I could not give it five stars. The second half of the book got a little too "preachy" for me. I understand that the author was trying to show Eve's growth and acceptance of God, but I would have liked to have seen more action. I felt that the big problem on how the World Government that was trying to kill Eve was completely ignored in this part of the book. I wanted to know what was going on outside of the Colonies or how life was like in the Colonies. Other than that, this was still a very good book.
As a whole, I enjoyed this book. I usually don't read Christian fiction but I'm glad I gave this one a try. Eve's story is obviously not done and I am looking forward to reading where her adventures lead her.
August 11, 2016
Eve of Awakening
By: Alisa Hope Wagner
Alisa Wagner is a fresh, new voice in Christian dystopian futuristic fiction. Even after finishing the story, I can’t get Eve Pallue out of my head. She searches for truth, trying to figure out how who she is, struggling to find her true friends. Everything people today search for, Eve searches for, but in the future where there are no freedoms and everyone follows the same rules, trying to get ahead of everyone else by producing information plugged into their Life Production System (LPS). The more information they produce, the higher their standing.
Eve sleeps in a sleeper at night to minimize the amount of sleep she needs and it malfunctions. She has an awakening that causes her to have flashbacks from when she was younger. Eve is an Elite Efficientist. Colonials are lower class. She is the top Efficientist as the daughter of Arthur Pallue, who had groomed her to take this position. If you love futuristic stories you will love this one. Descriptions make everything understandable and believable. I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Who is Randall, Eve’s bodyguard? Is he who he seems? The woman Eve starts dreaming about, how does she figure into what is going on? How does God fit in the future? All time is spent producing information; there isn’t extra time for hobbies, religion, or other frivolously spent moments of time. Eve has developed Life Plethoricity, a new way of doing things; music is banned— it causes emotional stimuli, which consumes energy and inhibits efficiency.
Eve of Awakening is a great, fun futuristic read. You’ll come to care for Eve and not want her story to end! Along the way, you’ll discover God’s truth and love are not far away.
By: Alisa Hope Wagner
Alisa Wagner is a fresh, new voice in Christian dystopian futuristic fiction. Even after finishing the story, I can’t get Eve Pallue out of my head. She searches for truth, trying to figure out how who she is, struggling to find her true friends. Everything people today search for, Eve searches for, but in the future where there are no freedoms and everyone follows the same rules, trying to get ahead of everyone else by producing information plugged into their Life Production System (LPS). The more information they produce, the higher their standing.
Eve sleeps in a sleeper at night to minimize the amount of sleep she needs and it malfunctions. She has an awakening that causes her to have flashbacks from when she was younger. Eve is an Elite Efficientist. Colonials are lower class. She is the top Efficientist as the daughter of Arthur Pallue, who had groomed her to take this position. If you love futuristic stories you will love this one. Descriptions make everything understandable and believable. I cannot wait to read more by this author.
Who is Randall, Eve’s bodyguard? Is he who he seems? The woman Eve starts dreaming about, how does she figure into what is going on? How does God fit in the future? All time is spent producing information; there isn’t extra time for hobbies, religion, or other frivolously spent moments of time. Eve has developed Life Plethoricity, a new way of doing things; music is banned— it causes emotional stimuli, which consumes energy and inhibits efficiency.
Eve of Awakening is a great, fun futuristic read. You’ll come to care for Eve and not want her story to end! Along the way, you’ll discover God’s truth and love are not far away.
February 23, 2014
***4.5 stars***
Eve of Awakening is a powerful story set in a dystopian world. After a second civil war in the Unites States, government has taken a firm control that is stifling. The people are set into two classes, the efficients, and the colonials. Eve is the highest ranking efficient. She has been taught from birth to maximize her time and not involve herself in trivialities, such as free time or religion.
A near death experience propels her to take a closer look at the life that she has shunned. The life of socialization and religion. She has many decisions to make, to do so would be life altering.
This book is a dystopian/apocalyptic book. It deals with the signs foretold before Christ comes again to the Earth. Christianity is shunned and persecuted. Government dictates life. A huge division between those who follow Christ and those who want to gain favor in the world.
I liked that the message of the book is Christ centered. A dramatic change of heart and mind can and will happen once a person turns to Him. The book has a very solid plot. It has characters who are lovable and well developed.
It appears that this is the first book with more to come. I look forward to following Eve on her journey to righting the wrongs and bringing people unto Christ.
Eve of Awakening is a powerful story set in a dystopian world. After a second civil war in the Unites States, government has taken a firm control that is stifling. The people are set into two classes, the efficients, and the colonials. Eve is the highest ranking efficient. She has been taught from birth to maximize her time and not involve herself in trivialities, such as free time or religion.
A near death experience propels her to take a closer look at the life that she has shunned. The life of socialization and religion. She has many decisions to make, to do so would be life altering.
This book is a dystopian/apocalyptic book. It deals with the signs foretold before Christ comes again to the Earth. Christianity is shunned and persecuted. Government dictates life. A huge division between those who follow Christ and those who want to gain favor in the world.
I liked that the message of the book is Christ centered. A dramatic change of heart and mind can and will happen once a person turns to Him. The book has a very solid plot. It has characters who are lovable and well developed.
It appears that this is the first book with more to come. I look forward to following Eve on her journey to righting the wrongs and bringing people unto Christ.
December 30, 2013
Eve of Awakening is an enthralling, innovative dystopian story that pulled me in and captivated my attention to the very last page, and then left me wanting more! (I was very excited to learn that the author is working on two more books in the series!) The story is set in a futuristic world so realistic and possible that I easily pictured Eve as she sat at her LPS (Life Production System) and again as she struggled to connect her crumbling present with a past - and people - who are catching up to her and changing the way she views the world.
I was amazed at Ms. Wagner's unique imagination and the details woven into the plot that created realistic, memorable characters, as well as how her story shows the man-made gods of technology and efficiency ruling our lives. The author also beautifully portrays how the one true God can't be legislated away or His Word hidden from those with eternity written in their hearts. This book is both an exhilarating, fast-paced read as well as a heralding call that technology and productivity can't replace relationship - with our Creator or with those around us. Eve's journey is tense, emotional, exciting, and strengthened by the author's strong voice and vivid imagination.
I highly recommend Eve of Awakening!
I was amazed at Ms. Wagner's unique imagination and the details woven into the plot that created realistic, memorable characters, as well as how her story shows the man-made gods of technology and efficiency ruling our lives. The author also beautifully portrays how the one true God can't be legislated away or His Word hidden from those with eternity written in their hearts. This book is both an exhilarating, fast-paced read as well as a heralding call that technology and productivity can't replace relationship - with our Creator or with those around us. Eve's journey is tense, emotional, exciting, and strengthened by the author's strong voice and vivid imagination.
I highly recommend Eve of Awakening!
February 2, 2014
I could not put this book down. I seriously can see this in movie form! I'm only disappointed that I have to wait for the next book!
January 5, 2015
My debut novel!
June 29, 2014
I finished Eve of Awakening by Alisa Hope Wagner a couple of weeks ago while on a business trip and really liked it. Not knowing me if you read that statement it obviously would not mean much to you.
I was pleasantly surprised as I would not normally (whatever that is) have picked up a futuristic genre book. I am more of a history and biography reader.
However, after getting started I could not wait to get to the next chapter to see what would unfold for Eve Pallue's Awakening. That word, awakening, has multiple meanings in this story and one is very profound for Eve and could be for you too.
Eve of Awakening has the suspense (don't read ahead)of 24 with the wisdom and kindness of two elderly sisters that reminded me of the Baldwin Sisters on The Waltons, minus "the recipe", definitely an odd combination of characters. They do, however have a recipe for living life they share with Eve that is better for you than the Baldwin Sisters version. I also found some of the futuristic content is really relevant right now. The future is already here in some respects.
If you normally read futuristic type books you will love it. If you don't, like me, take a break from whatever your normal genre is and give it a shot. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised like me.
I was pleasantly surprised as I would not normally (whatever that is) have picked up a futuristic genre book. I am more of a history and biography reader.
However, after getting started I could not wait to get to the next chapter to see what would unfold for Eve Pallue's Awakening. That word, awakening, has multiple meanings in this story and one is very profound for Eve and could be for you too.
Eve of Awakening has the suspense (don't read ahead)of 24 with the wisdom and kindness of two elderly sisters that reminded me of the Baldwin Sisters on The Waltons, minus "the recipe", definitely an odd combination of characters. They do, however have a recipe for living life they share with Eve that is better for you than the Baldwin Sisters version. I also found some of the futuristic content is really relevant right now. The future is already here in some respects.
If you normally read futuristic type books you will love it. If you don't, like me, take a break from whatever your normal genre is and give it a shot. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised like me.
January 26, 2014
Eve Pallue's facade of purpose falters when a near death experience exposes the frailty of her existence, and she must come to grips with a reality that death ultimately wins. A hidden memory of a forgotten mother surfaces, and Eve's bodyguard, Randall, takes advantage of her weakened state, trying to capture her devotion and lace her into his ambitious agenda. A dying therapist and her unlikely caretaker lead Eve on a journey of Truth; and a catastrophic fire catapults Eve into a life she has always feared, destroying the only one she has ever known. Eve awakens to severe burns and a pair of doting, elderly sisters who nurture Eve's newfound faith and guide her on the path to eternal purpose.
December 27, 2013
I can't even begin to write how much I adore this book! The futuristic world is so new and interesting yet frighteningly possible. We are headed towards a world of Efficienist where production is more important than our very own children. I love Eve Pallue and her struggle towards abandoning everything she knows to fight for the truth. The plot line will excite you and the characters will move you. I can't wait until the sequel and to continue the journey with Eve as she struggles to live a life of purpose and meaning!
December 26, 2015
Alisa's freshman novel was a joy to read. Her novel ideas about the shaping of the world to come, the trials and triumphs of the faithful and the awakening of faith and spiritual growth in Eve, make for a rapid read and an eager springboard for book number two.
I look forward to the sequel, not only to see how the story continues, but to see how Alisa's talents blossom as a novelist.
I look forward to the sequel, not only to see how the story continues, but to see how Alisa's talents blossom as a novelist.
December 17, 2015
Oddly enough, I want to read the sequel, which Alisa tells me is on the way. The ending left me hanging, and the entire story really made me contemplate my life as a blogger and podcaster. It was a neat commentary of our lives in the Information Age in regards to life production stations and how status is created in this fictitious world.
January 28, 2014
Captivating storyline that has you from the get go. The heroin of the story is easy to cheer for and her plight will have you glued to the pages. I don't often read a book in one sitting…this one I couldn't put down!
August 24, 2020
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
23rd August 2020
TITLE: Eve of Awakening
AUTHOR: Alisa Hope Wagner
Star Rating: 4.5
‘This novel has everything! A clever plot, a frightening futuristic world, a strong-willed and intelligent female hero, and an uplifting spiritual message. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Eve of Awakening is excellent in many ways. Written by Alisa Hope Wagner, it offers the reader a complex and gripping plot, a host of captivating characters, and a future setting that’s not only scary – it might just happen! It is set in a world where ‘efficiency/productivity’ is everything. EVERYTHING! And there is no room – no need even – for God. But when Eve, the protagonist, is almost killed, she begins a spiritual journey, accepting God into her life.
Now, as you can probably tell, this is a Christian novel. And much of the novel, particularly the second half, tends to focus on Eve’s attempts to understand God, not only that he exists but whether he should be a part of her life. Although the setting is very much dystopian, it is in no way The Hunger Games. But it is thought-provoking particularly in terms of the setting and how technology can destroy so many things if we allow it to. How many teenagers (and adults) do you know who are totally addicted to Facebook and/or Twitter? I know lots. How many people do you know who buy pretty much everything on Amazon, having it delivered directly to the door? If I were honest, I do that all of the time! Well, the author has cleverly based her futuristic world on this – and it is scarily possible!
In terms of writing style, the novel is also excellent. The author has superb writing skills and works hard to develop her characters (particularly Eve) through speech and the way they interact with the futuristic world. The pacing is also very good, particularly in the first half of the novel where the author keeps the plot moving while, at the same time, introducing the reader to the dystopian setting.
So, what didn’t I like? Not a lot to be honest. Personally, I’m not religious, so the Christian tone was a little lost on me. But this novel was not written for me. It was written for the ‘Christian’ market. And, in terms of what they possibly might enjoy, I suspect this will fit the bill perfectly. For, not only is it focusing very much on a woman trying to find her God, it is also balanced by a refreshingly clever plot, an uplifting message, and a host of well-developed characters.
Can I recommend it? Absolutely!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
23rd August 2020
TITLE: Eve of Awakening
AUTHOR: Alisa Hope Wagner
Star Rating: 4.5
‘This novel has everything! A clever plot, a frightening futuristic world, a strong-willed and intelligent female hero, and an uplifting spiritual message. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Eve of Awakening is excellent in many ways. Written by Alisa Hope Wagner, it offers the reader a complex and gripping plot, a host of captivating characters, and a future setting that’s not only scary – it might just happen! It is set in a world where ‘efficiency/productivity’ is everything. EVERYTHING! And there is no room – no need even – for God. But when Eve, the protagonist, is almost killed, she begins a spiritual journey, accepting God into her life.
Now, as you can probably tell, this is a Christian novel. And much of the novel, particularly the second half, tends to focus on Eve’s attempts to understand God, not only that he exists but whether he should be a part of her life. Although the setting is very much dystopian, it is in no way The Hunger Games. But it is thought-provoking particularly in terms of the setting and how technology can destroy so many things if we allow it to. How many teenagers (and adults) do you know who are totally addicted to Facebook and/or Twitter? I know lots. How many people do you know who buy pretty much everything on Amazon, having it delivered directly to the door? If I were honest, I do that all of the time! Well, the author has cleverly based her futuristic world on this – and it is scarily possible!
In terms of writing style, the novel is also excellent. The author has superb writing skills and works hard to develop her characters (particularly Eve) through speech and the way they interact with the futuristic world. The pacing is also very good, particularly in the first half of the novel where the author keeps the plot moving while, at the same time, introducing the reader to the dystopian setting.
So, what didn’t I like? Not a lot to be honest. Personally, I’m not religious, so the Christian tone was a little lost on me. But this novel was not written for me. It was written for the ‘Christian’ market. And, in terms of what they possibly might enjoy, I suspect this will fit the bill perfectly. For, not only is it focusing very much on a woman trying to find her God, it is also balanced by a refreshingly clever plot, an uplifting message, and a host of well-developed characters.
Can I recommend it? Absolutely!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
August 1, 2022
Author Alisa Hope Wagner’s Eve of Awakening is set within a dystopian world, but there is a beacon of hope that shines throughout this Christian fiction novel. The author takes readers on a journey to a vivid futuristic world, where humans are strictly divided into two classes – Efficientists and Colonialists. It’s a world where everything is controlled by machines, high performance and high productivity is encouraged, while faith and religion have taken a backseat. The protagonist, Eve, is one of the champion performers of this world – a top-order Efficientist.
Her outlook on life changes after having a near-death experience. She returns to the life of devotion that she has shunned to prioritize productivity. Readers will follow Eve’s profound journey of awakening to the power of God and learn how he can restore peace and happiness in one’s heart.
Eve of Awakening is anything but a typical Christian fiction novel. The author has vividly illustrated an ultra-tech-savvy futuristic world while subtly hinting toward the gloomy future humanity is headed towards. Readers will recognize current institutions and technology that parallel the world that the author has created. Covering everything from communications, remote working, shopping, and how we socialize, there is an eerie feeling that our society could be headed in a similar direction as those in the novel.
The author uses easy to understand language to tell her captivating story. It’s easy to get swept away with the story within the first few pages because of how simple language that allows you to lose yourself within the story. The character of Eve is developed with care and attention, giving a detailed back story and showing her growth as she discovers a past she had forgotten. Eve’s internal conflict is relatable to those who have struggled with their spirituality and worked to find their way back to God.
Eve of Awakening is a captivating Christian science fiction novel with a compelling plot and a captivating protagonist. Everything from the characters to the storyline has a sense of intrigue that seems baked into it, which is something that kept me coming back to this novel again and again.
Her outlook on life changes after having a near-death experience. She returns to the life of devotion that she has shunned to prioritize productivity. Readers will follow Eve’s profound journey of awakening to the power of God and learn how he can restore peace and happiness in one’s heart.
Eve of Awakening is anything but a typical Christian fiction novel. The author has vividly illustrated an ultra-tech-savvy futuristic world while subtly hinting toward the gloomy future humanity is headed towards. Readers will recognize current institutions and technology that parallel the world that the author has created. Covering everything from communications, remote working, shopping, and how we socialize, there is an eerie feeling that our society could be headed in a similar direction as those in the novel.
The author uses easy to understand language to tell her captivating story. It’s easy to get swept away with the story within the first few pages because of how simple language that allows you to lose yourself within the story. The character of Eve is developed with care and attention, giving a detailed back story and showing her growth as she discovers a past she had forgotten. Eve’s internal conflict is relatable to those who have struggled with their spirituality and worked to find their way back to God.
Eve of Awakening is a captivating Christian science fiction novel with a compelling plot and a captivating protagonist. Everything from the characters to the storyline has a sense of intrigue that seems baked into it, which is something that kept me coming back to this novel again and again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews