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Pure/Dark Ones #6.5
Pure Awakening
I have always loved him.
Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him.
But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago:
They say he’s missing…
The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack. Every time we get close to a potential candidate to recruit into our ranks, they disappear, the most likely scenario being that Medusa and her minions got to them first.
And now she has Dalair.
I won’t rest until I get him back.
My name is Sophia Victoria St. James. I am Queen of the Pure Ones.
This is my Awakening.
Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him.
But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago:
They say he’s missing…
The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack. Every time we get close to a potential candidate to recruit into our ranks, they disappear, the most likely scenario being that Medusa and her minions got to them first.
And now she has Dalair.
I won’t rest until I get him back.
My name is Sophia Victoria St. James. I am Queen of the Pure Ones.
This is my Awakening.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2018
27 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Aja James
30 books595 followershttps://aja-james.blog/
Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.
Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!
Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.
Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com
Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.
Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!
Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.
Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 21, 2020
Update: On this nth re-read of this series, I have to say Sophia has always annoyed me, but this is her book, likely the first of several, because her story has just begun, truly begun, in this novella. She's still not my fav heroine in the series, but I hold out hope for her. Kick some ass and go get your man, Sophia!
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!
I've been waiting for this book with baited breath since I finished ARC for Dark Redemption. It's been days since I got it in my inbox, it won't even come out until end of year, according to author. And I told myself I need to pace my reading, but I can't help it!! I just had to gobble it up!! I dont mind that I'm reading this like 6 months before it's supposed to be out, bc I KNOW I'll be rereading it again and again before end of year :P
I read it very slowly, word for word, because I didn't want to miss anything. And then I re-read it word for word just to make sure.
It was soooooo goooood!!
And also VERY different from AJ's other novels in the series, though of course, her writing style is very recognizable and provides the continuity, as does the overall world-building and storyline.
I don't even know how I should write this review without giving too much away. There's so much back story from previous novels, but at the same time, if you just started the Pure/ Dark Ones series with this novella, it won't leave you totally in the dark either. It just makes you want to read more and find out what in the world happened in Sophia's past life!
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start over.
Very brief overview, which I typically don't do in reviews but feel it necessary to do so this time
This is a NOVELLA first of all. It's about half the length of a full book. AJ wrote in her newsletter that she wrote this book just for her loyal readers, because so many of us have been clamoring for Sophia's story. Except, she made it very clear that this is Sophia's story but just the beginning, just the tip of the iceberg. And boy, is it a TIP. I mean, that ending!!! It's like AJ likes to torture her readers! (In the best possible way tho)
Second, this novella is told from entirely Sophia's first person present-tense POV. Which is a departure from AJ's other novels. We always get first-person POV in the Prologue and Epilogue of her novels but the rest of the full-length works are in 3rd person omniscient, so you get perspectives from all characters. But this one is totally from Sophia's lens, and the reader gets to experience everything she experiences as she experiences them. With that, of course there will be many unanswered questions, because we don't get to hear/ see the other characters' POVs at all, esp. the ones we want to understand, like Dalair and the creature.
Third, we get insights into who Sophia is, how she became this way, but only her current human incarnation. The rest of her very long past is still very much a tantalizing mystery. BUT, we do know that To be honest, I've never liked Sophia much. First of all, I'm not a big fan of teenagers in general, even tho I was obviously one of them at one point :P But the immaturity and angst, the wishy-washy indecision, the melodrama...can't stand it! I've read a couple of highly aclaimed YA books and really disliked the emotional aspect of those books despite other things to recommend them. So I think it's a general rule that I'm just not fond of teenagers. So my dislike of Sophia is prob more related to that than to her as a character. That being said, this book has made me like her a bit more. Certainly in the end when she very clearly knows what she wants for once. No more wishy-washiness.
Fourth, it finally happens!!!!!!! Enuf said.
So many unanswered Qs. So much to look forward to. I don't know what to do with myself until I get MORE!
FIVE F**KING AMAZING, ADDICTIVE STARS!!
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!
I've been waiting for this book with baited breath since I finished ARC for Dark Redemption. It's been days since I got it in my inbox, it won't even come out until end of year, according to author. And I told myself I need to pace my reading, but I can't help it!! I just had to gobble it up!! I dont mind that I'm reading this like 6 months before it's supposed to be out, bc I KNOW I'll be rereading it again and again before end of year :P
I read it very slowly, word for word, because I didn't want to miss anything. And then I re-read it word for word just to make sure.
It was soooooo goooood!!
And also VERY different from AJ's other novels in the series, though of course, her writing style is very recognizable and provides the continuity, as does the overall world-building and storyline.
I don't even know how I should write this review without giving too much away. There's so much back story from previous novels, but at the same time, if you just started the Pure/ Dark Ones series with this novella, it won't leave you totally in the dark either. It just makes you want to read more and find out what in the world happened in Sophia's past life!
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start over.
Very brief overview, which I typically don't do in reviews but feel it necessary to do so this time
This is a NOVELLA first of all. It's about half the length of a full book. AJ wrote in her newsletter that she wrote this book just for her loyal readers, because so many of us have been clamoring for Sophia's story. Except, she made it very clear that this is Sophia's story but just the beginning, just the tip of the iceberg. And boy, is it a TIP. I mean, that ending!!! It's like AJ likes to torture her readers! (In the best possible way tho)
Second, this novella is told from entirely Sophia's first person present-tense POV. Which is a departure from AJ's other novels. We always get first-person POV in the Prologue and Epilogue of her novels but the rest of the full-length works are in 3rd person omniscient, so you get perspectives from all characters. But this one is totally from Sophia's lens, and the reader gets to experience everything she experiences as she experiences them. With that, of course there will be many unanswered questions, because we don't get to hear/ see the other characters' POVs at all, esp. the ones we want to understand, like Dalair and the creature.
Third, we get insights into who Sophia is, how she became this way, but only her current human incarnation. The rest of her very long past is still very much a tantalizing mystery. BUT, we do know that To be honest, I've never liked Sophia much. First of all, I'm not a big fan of teenagers in general, even tho I was obviously one of them at one point :P But the immaturity and angst, the wishy-washy indecision, the melodrama...can't stand it! I've read a couple of highly aclaimed YA books and really disliked the emotional aspect of those books despite other things to recommend them. So I think it's a general rule that I'm just not fond of teenagers. So my dislike of Sophia is prob more related to that than to her as a character. That being said, this book has made me like her a bit more. Certainly in the end when she very clearly knows what she wants for once. No more wishy-washiness.
Fourth, it finally happens!!!!!!! Enuf said.
So many unanswered Qs. So much to look forward to. I don't know what to do with myself until I get MORE!
FIVE F**KING AMAZING, ADDICTIVE STARS!!
January 20, 2020
Update: I now want to know about the Creature just as much if not even more than Dalair and Sophia! It's going to be gut wrenching! Can't wait!!
All I can say is: AJ, you better write 1000+ pages explaining in excruciating detail everything that went on between all of Sophia past lives with Dalair!!! I want their story to last and last!! But please don't make me wait too long!! Give me some more novellas in between if you have to, preferably in Dalair's POV next time. We never hear from him. He's soooo mysterious! I just know he'll be a Hero to end all Heroes!
Where do I begin?? I'm speechless. I absolutely loved this novella and wished it could have been a full-length book. I wasn't ready for it to end. I want to know all about Sophia and Dalair, both their past and their future. But it seems I will have to wait, possibly quite a while because the author said before that this is just the beginning for their story.
Why Adriana Lima? Cuz that's who I envision when I think about Sophia (a little more grown up).
I think PUC's review covers a number of things really well, so I won't repeat them: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Here's what I loved about this book, though honestly I think I love Pure Rapture the best in the entire series. I reserve the right to change my mind :) Maybe one day when I get Sophia and Dalair's full story I'll like that one best. The anticipation tho. I don't know if anything will be able to meet my expectations now that the author has built my anticipation to such unprecedented heights!!
Sophia's evolution, a lot of her story and the missing pieces we've been wondering about from previous books.
Dalair...being totally scorching, blazing HOT!
That guy doesn't actually look like Dalair, in my opinion, but I can't find and gifs HOT enough!
We don't actually know that much about Dalair throughout the 6 books before this one. Only Pure Healing and Dark Longing have anything about Sophia and Dalair. What keeps me on the edge of my seat is that we STILL don't know much about him, but the bits we do get to discover are sooooo tantalizing! Like - he has a one-track mind. He's a one-woman man. He's pretty impervious to other women flirting with him (see Book 6). He's stoic and understated but with a hidden sense of humor (that first meeting tho!) And like Sophia, I'm an ass woman, and apparently, Dalair has the goods!!
In some ways, I like the fact that this book is solely focused on Sophia and Dalair, mainly Sophia. I like the shift in voice to completely first person narrative, getting more inside her head and thinking and feeling what she's thinking and feeling. I feel like we haven't seen enough between Sophia and Dalair to fully appreciate why she fell in love with him and esp. why he fell in love with , and that's something to really look forward to.
I have a feeling Ms. James is going to give us a few more love stories before she gets back to Sophia and Dalair, and because I love reading everything she writes, I'm OK with that. But STILL! I really really really want to find out about S&D! Please don't make us wait too long!
What I wrote when cover came out *Haven't read yet, but once again, I'm giving this 5 stars just for the cover! Oh my goodness! I think this is my favorite cover to date in the series! Not that I don't love the beautiful men, but this one looks dreamy! And reminds me more of fantasy book covers vs. paranormal romance. I can't believe the creativity of this author!*
All I can say is: AJ, you better write 1000+ pages explaining in excruciating detail everything that went on between all of Sophia past lives with Dalair!!! I want their story to last and last!! But please don't make me wait too long!! Give me some more novellas in between if you have to, preferably in Dalair's POV next time. We never hear from him. He's soooo mysterious! I just know he'll be a Hero to end all Heroes!
Where do I begin?? I'm speechless. I absolutely loved this novella and wished it could have been a full-length book. I wasn't ready for it to end. I want to know all about Sophia and Dalair, both their past and their future. But it seems I will have to wait, possibly quite a while because the author said before that this is just the beginning for their story.
Why Adriana Lima? Cuz that's who I envision when I think about Sophia (a little more grown up).
I think PUC's review covers a number of things really well, so I won't repeat them: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Here's what I loved about this book, though honestly I think I love Pure Rapture the best in the entire series. I reserve the right to change my mind :) Maybe one day when I get Sophia and Dalair's full story I'll like that one best. The anticipation tho. I don't know if anything will be able to meet my expectations now that the author has built my anticipation to such unprecedented heights!!
Sophia's evolution, a lot of her story and the missing pieces we've been wondering about from previous books.
Dalair...being totally scorching, blazing HOT!
That guy doesn't actually look like Dalair, in my opinion, but I can't find and gifs HOT enough!
We don't actually know that much about Dalair throughout the 6 books before this one. Only Pure Healing and Dark Longing have anything about Sophia and Dalair. What keeps me on the edge of my seat is that we STILL don't know much about him, but the bits we do get to discover are sooooo tantalizing! Like - he has a one-track mind. He's a one-woman man. He's pretty impervious to other women flirting with him (see Book 6). He's stoic and understated but with a hidden sense of humor (that first meeting tho!) And like Sophia, I'm an ass woman, and apparently, Dalair has the goods!!
In some ways, I like the fact that this book is solely focused on Sophia and Dalair, mainly Sophia. I like the shift in voice to completely first person narrative, getting more inside her head and thinking and feeling what she's thinking and feeling. I feel like we haven't seen enough between Sophia and Dalair to fully appreciate why she fell in love with him and esp. why he fell in love with , and that's something to really look forward to.
I have a feeling Ms. James is going to give us a few more love stories before she gets back to Sophia and Dalair, and because I love reading everything she writes, I'm OK with that. But STILL! I really really really want to find out about S&D! Please don't make us wait too long!
What I wrote when cover came out *Haven't read yet, but once again, I'm giving this 5 stars just for the cover! Oh my goodness! I think this is my favorite cover to date in the series! Not that I don't love the beautiful men, but this one looks dreamy! And reminds me more of fantasy book covers vs. paranormal romance. I can't believe the creativity of this author!*
January 29, 2021
If I forgot all else, I must remember this one thing. This one person. The only reason for my existence.
Did I love this book? YES!
Did I also want to throw my Kindle across the room? ALSO, YES!
AHHHHH THE ENDING! If I were a nail bitter, you bet your ass, I’d be biting them. This was SO INTENSE for a short novella! I’m always a bit wary of novellas, because often times they don’t add much to the series except fluff, but this was not the case at all! I wasn’t expecting so much jam packed into this! I swear, Pure Awakening was everything I didn’t know I needed, and I got way more than I bargained for.
Honestly, I’ve always liked Sophia, and I think she's had it pretty rough. It's not easy being surrounded by sexy AF people 24/7/365, alright? I'm kidding... I loved the first person POV and I think it was very much needed in the series because Sophia plays a pivotal role in the world of the Pure/Dark One. (Not that the others aren't important...)
Sure, Sophia could be a little vexing at times, but she's human and she made human choices! For so long, Sophia has had to carry the weight of her ‘role’ on her shoulders while being so aware of her shortcomings. She has so many questions but her friends can only do so much to help her. And her yearning for some semblance of normalcy while being an outcast at school, made it impossible for me not to empathize with her. To top it all off, her closest friend, Dalair, had started avoiding her. Given her sensitive nature, she certainly wasn't in the most enviable position. I loved how authentic Sophia was as a teenager but seeing her mature into a fierce young woman by the end of the book was truly the highlight for me. I feel like a proud mom! I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I just know she's going to woop ass and I can't wait for all that she's going to accomplish.
And now, where do I even begin with the oh-so mysterious Dalair? I was so happy to see his return in Dark Redemption but the happiness was very much short lived... The little flashbacks we had of him with little Sophia in this novella hit me right in the feels. His scars run so deep and we’re sort of alluded to why… BUT I NEED MORE! I can’t bear his suffering and torment any longer! The attraction between Sophia and Dalair was undeniably hot... but of course, it's never that easy. The unspoken words… the longing gazes… Sophia and Dalair's arc is going to be the death of me, I know it.
I can’t forget to mention how much I loved the support system Sophia had. Her found family was so heart-warming. I giggled a lot at their ‘advice’ and really enjoyed their words of wisdom. Especially Aella! She's such a great friend.
For some reason I wasn’t expecting this novella to be SOOOOOO HOT AND SEXY. I didn't blame Sophia for perving on Dalair... because, girl, same.
I can’t wait for Sophia and Dalair’s book, I’ve been waiting since Pure Healing! I just know it’s going to be EXPLOSIVE. PLEASE TELL ME DALAIR HAS A NOVELLA TOO! I desperately need to know EVERYTHING about these two or else I’m going to EXPLODE! Part of me is gutted that the next book is about Seth and Jade but I’m sure Aja James will make it worth my while… I’m kidding, I know it’s gonna be fantastic!
Rating: 5/5
October 22, 2018
5 stars!
Please note: this is not a standalone book (the whole series is not standalone as the stories build on each other.)
The Pure/Dark Ones series continues with a novella focused on Sophia (the Pure Ones' reincarnated Queen, who is still human) and Delair (aka, "The Paladin" who is one of the inner circle of the Pure Ones). In the book prior to this one ("Dark Redemption"), Delair is captured by "The Creature" who has been turning Pure and Dark Ones to serve its (and "Medusa's" at times) nefarious purposes. The Pure Ones have feared the worst has happened to Delair, and Sophia is especially affected as she has been drawn to Delair all of her life. In this installment, Delair is sent to carry out one of "The Creature's" missions, and the target is the Pure One's Queen.
What I liked:
--- As always, Ms. James artfully employs the use of flashbacks to provide the back story of the characters. We learned a lot more about Sophia's childhood to gain better insight into what she has experienced growing up under the ever-present guard of the Pure Ones' elite warriors.
--- The action sequences keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat!
--- Oh, the steamy goodness!!
What I didn't like as much:
--- OMG! Readers of this series have been looking forward to Sophia's and Delair's story since the start of the series, but this installment was over all too quickly and left off with a giant cliffhanger! AAAHHH! Why?! ;)
Overall, this was another stellar addition to an enthralling series that features intriguing story lines, complex world-building, and some hot lovin'!
(Please note --- I received an advance copy this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.)
Please note: this is not a standalone book (the whole series is not standalone as the stories build on each other.)
The Pure/Dark Ones series continues with a novella focused on Sophia (the Pure Ones' reincarnated Queen, who is still human) and Delair (aka, "The Paladin" who is one of the inner circle of the Pure Ones). In the book prior to this one ("Dark Redemption"), Delair is captured by "The Creature" who has been turning Pure and Dark Ones to serve its (and "Medusa's" at times) nefarious purposes. The Pure Ones have feared the worst has happened to Delair, and Sophia is especially affected as she has been drawn to Delair all of her life. In this installment, Delair is sent to carry out one of "The Creature's" missions, and the target is the Pure One's Queen.
What I liked:
--- As always, Ms. James artfully employs the use of flashbacks to provide the back story of the characters. We learned a lot more about Sophia's childhood to gain better insight into what she has experienced growing up under the ever-present guard of the Pure Ones' elite warriors.
--- The action sequences keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat!
--- Oh, the steamy goodness!!
What I didn't like as much:
--- OMG! Readers of this series have been looking forward to Sophia's and Delair's story since the start of the series, but this installment was over all too quickly and left off with a giant cliffhanger! AAAHHH! Why?! ;)
Overall, this was another stellar addition to an enthralling series that features intriguing story lines, complex world-building, and some hot lovin'!
(Please note --- I received an advance copy this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.)
April 25, 2018
So, again, I'm using review space to talk a little about the book.
To set expectations, this will most likely be a novella (it may change, but so far, that's how I'm picturing it).
Second, it's entirely from Sophia's first-person POV. I started writing this as a nod to my loyal readers, because you keep asking for more of Sophia, so here she is :) But then, I realized as I write that it's actually a great opportunity for me to help the reader understand more about her, why she is the way she is, the struggles she has in her role. So thank you, dear readers, for pointing me in the right direction!
Third, just to be clear, this is NOT Sophia's full story. She is still growing and learning. Her ultimate story will be *epic* =^.^= For those of you who are getting into the Pure/Dark Ones for the first time, this is a great Book 1 for you. You're jumping in the middle of the action, and where better to start?
I hope you like it! And thank you for reading my series!!
XOXO
Aja
To set expectations, this will most likely be a novella (it may change, but so far, that's how I'm picturing it).
Second, it's entirely from Sophia's first-person POV. I started writing this as a nod to my loyal readers, because you keep asking for more of Sophia, so here she is :) But then, I realized as I write that it's actually a great opportunity for me to help the reader understand more about her, why she is the way she is, the struggles she has in her role. So thank you, dear readers, for pointing me in the right direction!
Third, just to be clear, this is NOT Sophia's full story. She is still growing and learning. Her ultimate story will be *epic* =^.^= For those of you who are getting into the Pure/Dark Ones for the first time, this is a great Book 1 for you. You're jumping in the middle of the action, and where better to start?
I hope you like it! And thank you for reading my series!!
XOXO
Aja
May 29, 2022
I want more!!!! I've been waiting to read Dalair and Sophia's book since the first time I knew she had a crush on him and when he said this,
Choose me, not him. Choose me this time.
After the above quote, I just wanted to read their book. Sadly this book is a novella and it features only Sophia's POV. However, I enjoyed reading this, I finally know how she ended up with the Pure ones and her childhood in this reincarnation.
This book picked up immediately after the previous book, the other characters were barely in this, it was mainly Sophia and Dalair.
I was on the fence with Sophia before but after this I love her character, she has come a long way, a very long way. I've always liked Dalair and I feel so bad for him, can't wait for his book and novella.
The romance was over the roof top, now that's chemistry.
Choose me, not him. Choose me this time.
After the above quote, I just wanted to read their book. Sadly this book is a novella and it features only Sophia's POV. However, I enjoyed reading this, I finally know how she ended up with the Pure ones and her childhood in this reincarnation.
This book picked up immediately after the previous book, the other characters were barely in this, it was mainly Sophia and Dalair.
I was on the fence with Sophia before but after this I love her character, she has come a long way, a very long way. I've always liked Dalair and I feel so bad for him, can't wait for his book and novella.
The romance was over the roof top, now that's chemistry.
August 17, 2021
I didn't love this book as much as I loved the previous six books of the series. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that, so far, I'm not a fan of Sophia. I haven't found anything about her to care about yet.
Honestly, she bores me. I was hoping that by the time I got to her book that she would inspire something in me, but I got nada. It didn't help that this entire novella is told from her perspective.
I did like getting some background on how Sophia was raised and I enjoyed watching the dynamic between all of these characters that I love. How could I not love seeing these people in a different light?
The scenes between her and Dalair were entertaining and had me on edge as to what would happen next. Would Dalair snap out of the mind control? Would his love for Sophia save him? And would Sophia have her Awakening and finally remember (and reveal) what happened between her and Dalair in her previous incarnation?
All I know is that I'm excited to see what the Creature has up their sleeve for my people. This guy is hilarious to me and I can never guess what they're up to or their motivations for doing certain things. So I'm off to read the next!
Find the full review HERE
November 1, 2019
Broken....that is how I feel after reading this. I was tempted to wail on my review in anger. I had to take sometime to remove my wants and look at the work.
Brilliantly written. Strong emotions were torn from me. Emotions I typically do not like to feel. Sophie and Dalair have held my attention from the start. The teasing James makes me suffer through to learn their outcome makes me angry but after considering her work I know she is leading me down a path of exceptional story telling. James is silently asking her readers to trust her and enjoy the ride.
Beautiful series!
Happy reading! DD💕
Brilliantly written. Strong emotions were torn from me. Emotions I typically do not like to feel. Sophie and Dalair have held my attention from the start. The teasing James makes me suffer through to learn their outcome makes me angry but after considering her work I know she is leading me down a path of exceptional story telling. James is silently asking her readers to trust her and enjoy the ride.
Beautiful series!
Happy reading! DD💕
January 23, 2020
Omg!
I’m so heartbroken right now!! I didn’t see this coming! All I kept screaming in my head was NO over and over! This can’t be how it will end for Sophia... I won’t believe that. Amazingly written and loved getting to know her backstory! On to the next!
I’m so heartbroken right now!! I didn’t see this coming! All I kept screaming in my head was NO over and over! This can’t be how it will end for Sophia... I won’t believe that. Amazingly written and loved getting to know her backstory! On to the next!
March 11, 2021
If people saw me now,they would be laughing!Here i am fan-girling (more like screaming),dancing and doing some Disco dance moves to get out all my frustrations,excitement and giddyness!"Pure Awakening" is WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR since book one.Just to get a closure and understanding of the relationship between the Pure One Queen Sophia Victoria St. James and the Pure One warrior Dalair who always have guarded her.I just want more and i honestly want to jump ahead to their story directly!😍😍😍
Aja James knows the power of her imagination and WOW does she deliver everytime!She is one of the best writers in this genre in my opinion,she writes so good!Sophia is a character i always enjoyed encountering while Dalair was more irresistible with how mysterious he was.In this novella however i felt how utterly sexy he is and with every scenes with them together i had to hold my breath.I know there is more to their story..and i can`t wait to find out!I know for sure it will be epic!
Aja James knows the power of her imagination and WOW does she deliver everytime!She is one of the best writers in this genre in my opinion,she writes so good!Sophia is a character i always enjoyed encountering while Dalair was more irresistible with how mysterious he was.In this novella however i felt how utterly sexy he is and with every scenes with them together i had to hold my breath.I know there is more to their story..and i can`t wait to find out!I know for sure it will be epic!
September 5, 2024
:SECOND READ - Dalair 💘 I'm still a sucker for his enduring devotion and visceral vulnerability:
Tears suddenly well in my eyes unbidden as I stare unblinkingly back at him. Everything inside of me hurts. For him, for me, for both of us. I don't understand it. I just know that my heart is literally coming apart.
I wish Dalair didn't have a past in which he loved another woman, and a present in which he loves her still. If it were just Dalair and me, alone in our own little world, I feel like things would be a lot simpler, clearer. Things would finally fit.
I have always loved him. I was created, made, born to love him. Everything else is deception.
Dalair 💘
My favourite meet cute was Tal and Ishtar’s (for being the sweetest), but now it’s tied with Dalair and baby Sophia’s first meeting (for being the funniest!)
How dare he not love me on sight! I’m told very often that I’m the cutest baby there ever was. …I release a particularly odiferous gas into my diaper and narrow my eyes at him. Just you wait, tall man. …His nostrils flare as the essence of my fart bomb floats his way, and his entire face blanches beneath the golden bronze. Ha! Take that! “You did that on purpose, didn’t you, little mite?” he murmurs softly, a glint of respect in his eyes.
Not that it isn’t sweet too in its own way:
…suddenly I know everything will be all right. As long as he takes me with him. I raise my arms and reac-h out to him, letting out a loud demand. He grimaces at the high-pitched noise and rubs his ears as if I hurt him. Nevertheless, he picks me up and out of the crib, dangling me in his hands at arm’s length. “No need to shout, little mite,” he says softly. “Have a care for my sensitive ears.” I pedal my legs and wriggle my body to make him hold me closer. He obliges and awkwardly tucks me against his chest. Heaven. I sigh and snuggle closer, breathing in the scent of his skin where the notch at the base of his throat is revealed by his black shirt. I am comforted at last.
I adored seeing these strong warriors from little Sophia’s perspective. I felt nostalgic, I miss them all.
…when I ask Leonidas if he’d like to play Monopoly with me for the third time in one day and he answers, “I’d love to, Sophia, but Xandros is waiting for me out back to train.” What he really means by the baring of teeth that he’s trying to pass for a smile is that he’d rather be beaten black and blue in training with Alexandros than play another round of board games with me. 🤣
Honestly, I’m pretty jealous of Sophia, growing up surrounded by such pure people - funny Tristan, storyteller Seth, affectionate Ayelet and Aella, knowledgeable Orion and Eveline, aggressive Leonidas, and regal Alexandros… though of course my weakness is reserved, solemn, unsmiling men like Valerius and Dalair. 🤗
I’ve said this before, but I’m the biggest sucker for childhood sweethearts or when the heroine develops a wholesome crush in her formative years. I really ADORE the attachment in flashbacks of Inanna and Alad, Ishtar and Tal, and now Sophia and Dalair before they were on the precipice of womanhood.
She was so exuberant with her adulation.
I know he’s the handsomest man I’ve ever seen. I tell him so quite often, just to see that rare smile of his. He always dismisses my declarations as the whims of a little girl, but I’m very serious. One day, I’m going to marry him, like Ayelet is “mated” to Tristan. I tell him not to grow too old before I can catch up to him. He just says with a warm glint in his silver eyes, “Mm hmm. You do that, little mite.” Life is good. I am the luckiest girl in the world.
She slept with only him until she turned 2; she ran only to him for comfort when she hurt herself; she loved Dalair more than anything and anyone else in the world! Until he pulled away. Ugh, I felt for Sophia. Childlike crush aside, to have the person you’re closest to distance themselves abruptly, treating you with imperturbable and impersonal politeness must have hurt.
Losing Dalair, my Dalair, is the worst part about being Queen.
Aja James navigated the delicate balance well; it’s not an easy feat to convince us that Dalair’s attraction and love towards Sophia is pure without making us uncomfortable. I mean, he’s watched her grow up!
So yes, Dalair detached himself from Sophia and discouraged her affections. But seriously, I was just as mesmerized as Sophia with Dalair. I can’t blame her! When she was older and interrogated him about what he’s most attracted to and he answered the smell of orchids, I was like yes, yes, I see, and which type of orchid exactly, Dalair? *takes out notebook and pen* And when she was like Do it again! Punish me some more! I was nodding in agreement LOL
“She’s an idiot, Dalair,” I say vehemently and hug him tight. “She doesn’t deserve you.” “You don’t even know her,” he accuses gently, but I can hear a smile in his voice at my staunch loyalty to him. “I hate her,” I state with absolute certainty.
Sophia’s really growing on me. And I appreciate that she’s plagued by pimples, just like how I love that Grace isn’t a blinding beauty. Although I feel she was wiser and more mature when she was younger than when we first met her as a university student? (Can’t believe it’s been less than a week since I started the first book. Feels like so long ago that I read Pure Healing and got excited for Dalair’s story!)
“I have all of my memories. I do not need to be reminded. You are the one who must remember.” “Remember what exactly?” “Remember that you want me.”
Finally, I want you I want you I want you I want you turned into I love him I love him I love him I love him. I have always loved him.
I can’t say much else without giving the plot away, I just want to give some love to my favourite non-spoiler parts. This was too short, just a teasing taste of Dalair to keep me hooked. I need more Dalair! I was holding my breath with every mention of him. Sigh. Dalair 💘💘
Tears suddenly well in my eyes unbidden as I stare unblinkingly back at him. Everything inside of me hurts. For him, for me, for both of us. I don't understand it. I just know that my heart is literally coming apart.
I wish Dalair didn't have a past in which he loved another woman, and a present in which he loves her still. If it were just Dalair and me, alone in our own little world, I feel like things would be a lot simpler, clearer. Things would finally fit.
I have always loved him. I was created, made, born to love him. Everything else is deception.
Dalair 💘
My favourite meet cute was Tal and Ishtar’s (for being the sweetest), but now it’s tied with Dalair and baby Sophia’s first meeting (for being the funniest!)
How dare he not love me on sight! I’m told very often that I’m the cutest baby there ever was. …I release a particularly odiferous gas into my diaper and narrow my eyes at him. Just you wait, tall man. …His nostrils flare as the essence of my fart bomb floats his way, and his entire face blanches beneath the golden bronze. Ha! Take that! “You did that on purpose, didn’t you, little mite?” he murmurs softly, a glint of respect in his eyes.
Not that it isn’t sweet too in its own way:
…suddenly I know everything will be all right. As long as he takes me with him. I raise my arms and reac-h out to him, letting out a loud demand. He grimaces at the high-pitched noise and rubs his ears as if I hurt him. Nevertheless, he picks me up and out of the crib, dangling me in his hands at arm’s length. “No need to shout, little mite,” he says softly. “Have a care for my sensitive ears.” I pedal my legs and wriggle my body to make him hold me closer. He obliges and awkwardly tucks me against his chest. Heaven. I sigh and snuggle closer, breathing in the scent of his skin where the notch at the base of his throat is revealed by his black shirt. I am comforted at last.
I adored seeing these strong warriors from little Sophia’s perspective. I felt nostalgic, I miss them all.
…when I ask Leonidas if he’d like to play Monopoly with me for the third time in one day and he answers, “I’d love to, Sophia, but Xandros is waiting for me out back to train.” What he really means by the baring of teeth that he’s trying to pass for a smile is that he’d rather be beaten black and blue in training with Alexandros than play another round of board games with me. 🤣
Honestly, I’m pretty jealous of Sophia, growing up surrounded by such pure people - funny Tristan, storyteller Seth, affectionate Ayelet and Aella, knowledgeable Orion and Eveline, aggressive Leonidas, and regal Alexandros… though of course my weakness is reserved, solemn, unsmiling men like Valerius and Dalair. 🤗
I’ve said this before, but I’m the biggest sucker for childhood sweethearts or when the heroine develops a wholesome crush in her formative years. I really ADORE the attachment in flashbacks of Inanna and Alad, Ishtar and Tal, and now Sophia and Dalair before they were on the precipice of womanhood.
She was so exuberant with her adulation.
I know he’s the handsomest man I’ve ever seen. I tell him so quite often, just to see that rare smile of his. He always dismisses my declarations as the whims of a little girl, but I’m very serious. One day, I’m going to marry him, like Ayelet is “mated” to Tristan. I tell him not to grow too old before I can catch up to him. He just says with a warm glint in his silver eyes, “Mm hmm. You do that, little mite.” Life is good. I am the luckiest girl in the world.
She slept with only him until she turned 2; she ran only to him for comfort when she hurt herself; she loved Dalair more than anything and anyone else in the world! Until he pulled away. Ugh, I felt for Sophia. Childlike crush aside, to have the person you’re closest to distance themselves abruptly, treating you with imperturbable and impersonal politeness must have hurt.
Losing Dalair, my Dalair, is the worst part about being Queen.
Aja James navigated the delicate balance well; it’s not an easy feat to convince us that Dalair’s attraction and love towards Sophia is pure without making us uncomfortable. I mean, he’s watched her grow up!
So yes, Dalair detached himself from Sophia and discouraged her affections. But seriously, I was just as mesmerized as Sophia with Dalair. I can’t blame her! When she was older and interrogated him about what he’s most attracted to and he answered the smell of orchids, I was like yes, yes, I see, and which type of orchid exactly, Dalair? *takes out notebook and pen* And when she was like Do it again! Punish me some more! I was nodding in agreement LOL
“She’s an idiot, Dalair,” I say vehemently and hug him tight. “She doesn’t deserve you.” “You don’t even know her,” he accuses gently, but I can hear a smile in his voice at my staunch loyalty to him. “I hate her,” I state with absolute certainty.
Sophia’s really growing on me. And I appreciate that she’s plagued by pimples, just like how I love that Grace isn’t a blinding beauty. Although I feel she was wiser and more mature when she was younger than when we first met her as a university student? (Can’t believe it’s been less than a week since I started the first book. Feels like so long ago that I read Pure Healing and got excited for Dalair’s story!)
“I have all of my memories. I do not need to be reminded. You are the one who must remember.” “Remember what exactly?” “Remember that you want me.”
Finally, I want you I want you I want you I want you turned into I love him I love him I love him I love him. I have always loved him.
I can’t say much else without giving the plot away, I just want to give some love to my favourite non-spoiler parts. This was too short, just a teasing taste of Dalair to keep me hooked. I need more Dalair! I was holding my breath with every mention of him. Sigh. Dalair 💘💘
April 12, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Pure Awakening is a novella in the "Pure/Dark Ones" series. And yeah I skipped over these books haha and I was instructed I was in error and that I MUST read these books. Now I haven't had a issue with Sophia like I know other readers of this series have, I mean her prologue in Pure Healing still CRACKS ME UP!! But I also was content waiting for her to grow up and mature into herself throughout the series. So the novella's are part of her story and hopefully we see her get a HEA. Pure Awakening is where we get to see the background of Sophia, some flashbacks, and seeing the first tensions between Sophia and the one she loves..Dalair but also get some elements dealing with the "creature".
My Outlook
I will be honest in that even though I don't have any particular issue with Sophia, I also haven't a invested interest in her either but after reading this one, I do want to see more of her and Dalair's book and seeing them find their path together. There is actually quite a bit that happens in this short one but fair warning there isn't a HEA in this one. Hopefully we get it at the end of their story which I believe is in Pure Providence but I could be wrong haha This is really the first half of their story and we see the beginnings of it. It was really fascinating see this develop as it did. I found myself so intrigued in them as a pair because you know that there is so much to their story. I also found the setup of them being kidnapped by the "creature" to be interesting especially in what happens to Dalair. It can really be heartbreaking to see what he was before and then how he is changed and the way in which Sophia deals with that change. Its definitely a story that will keep you on edge all the way through and even if you had previous issues with the characters, this novella will really make them come alive for the reader and have you itching for more. Aja James really worked her magic on this one because I don't know how long I can wait to read the finale. :) Typical behavior from this author though, what does one do? (LOL)
Overall View
I found Pure Awakening to be a tantalizing read that kept me on the edge, in my feels and wanting so much more for this pairing!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building: 5
Cover: 3
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Steam: 4
Heart & Feels:4
Ending: 3
Overall View: 4.25
March 29, 2021
This book was so so needed!
I have loved reading about Sophie and I feel like I have watched her grow. This book just added so much more to that. We have see her go from being a bit annoying and self centered in the 1st 2 books to actually grow into an adult-ish female.
How awesome is it that she finally gets to her awakening (which just means that I need Sophie's full story ... I need to know her life like ASAP). We know that she has this soul deep connection with Dalair, but I mean seriously how hottttttt were they and you totally know he is fighting the mind control.... I could just feeeeeeell him trying to fight it and protect/ love her.
The creature is kind of growing on me... I feel like he has this huge connection with Sophie and Dalair that we are seriously missing. I feel like I need to re read this book just to see if I just missed something. I need to know more about "it" as well. Kind of can't help but like it a a little bit.
and of course I'm off to the next book.... YES!
I have loved reading about Sophie and I feel like I have watched her grow. This book just added so much more to that. We have see her go from being a bit annoying and self centered in the 1st 2 books to actually grow into an adult-ish female.
How awesome is it that she finally gets to her awakening (which just means that I need Sophie's full story ... I need to know her life like ASAP). We know that she has this soul deep connection with Dalair, but I mean seriously how hottttttt were they and you totally know he is fighting the mind control.... I could just feeeeeeell him trying to fight it and protect/ love her.
The creature is kind of growing on me... I feel like he has this huge connection with Sophie and Dalair that we are seriously missing. I feel like I need to re read this book just to see if I just missed something. I need to know more about "it" as well. Kind of can't help but like it a a little bit.
and of course I'm off to the next book.... YES!
March 3, 2019
While reading Dalair’s story,i realised i needed another look at Sophia’s POV. To clear at least a few questions up. To see how Dalair’s POV aligned with Sophia’s. And i still keep finding little crumbs....even reading Awakening for the 3d time!
I really needed to read this story again. Really needed to feel Sophia’s Awakening once more. To see for myself the choices she had,the decisions she made. I also needed to know how much Dalair was still himself,if and how much,she could reach in to see his soul......I needed to see for myself once more the past and possible future of the Queen of the Pure Ones.
Short,but só important. Finally,i get to know the person Sophia really is. I got to hear about her childhood,how,and why,she came to live with the Royal Zodiac. Who Dalair is,and always has been,to her. Her insecurities,her doubts if she’s worth the trouble. Her need to be “normal”, like any teenager. Her knowledge that she isn’t.....and how that can hurt sometimes. Until finally,Sophia gets to know who she is. Really is,and always has been. This is her Awakening. She ís the Queen of the Pure Ones! Only....what about Dalair? Damn! I need to know what happens to everyone after this! I need Pure Ecstasy!
I really needed to read this story again. Really needed to feel Sophia’s Awakening once more. To see for myself the choices she had,the decisions she made. I also needed to know how much Dalair was still himself,if and how much,she could reach in to see his soul......I needed to see for myself once more the past and possible future of the Queen of the Pure Ones.
Short,but só important. Finally,i get to know the person Sophia really is. I got to hear about her childhood,how,and why,she came to live with the Royal Zodiac. Who Dalair is,and always has been,to her. Her insecurities,her doubts if she’s worth the trouble. Her need to be “normal”, like any teenager. Her knowledge that she isn’t.....and how that can hurt sometimes. Until finally,Sophia gets to know who she is. Really is,and always has been. This is her Awakening. She ís the Queen of the Pure Ones! Only....what about Dalair? Damn! I need to know what happens to everyone after this! I need Pure Ecstasy!
July 25, 2018
Where do I start without being boring?!? Impossible not to be. Period. Because the Pure One/Dark One series is getting better and better and BETTER!
Even after six books, the saga of this paranormal world of vampires and myths remains a remarkably well developed, well-written, coherent, rhythmic and startling twist that grips the reader's attention from beginning to end.
It’s a complete package of thriller, adventure, drama, suspense, love... SEX and even drugs (besides special bullets, the villains use hallucinogens too) and Rock’N’Roll (Aja’s soundtrack = Linkin Park, Evanescence… F*cking Great kind!!! To read her books I prefer ‘Five Finger Death Punch, Tokyo Blade, ZWylder)
...Whatever,
Get ready to laugh, cry, fall in love and sigh and 'OHH(s)', 'HMMM(s)', 'AHHH(s)' and 'YES' ... 'YESSSSS' and even ‘ARGHHH(s)’ or 'WTFs' without blinking. Because 'Pure Awakening' is just a preview from the long-awaited romance between Sofia and Dalair (sure a delicious piece but, unfortunately, at least for me, it’s not the entire cake... 
Do you want to know something more about what happen with them and others PO/DO?!? With IT and Medusa minions?! 
I BET YOU DO. But as I don't like spoilers all I'm telling you is that Sophia's memories come to the surface when her faithful guardian returns and the attraction between them becomes uncontrollable. 
The problem is that he is under the evil control of the enemy.
Soooo... you can imagine the drama, right?
No… WRONG…
YOU CAN'T IMAGINE ANYTHING. ....CUZ... in AJ’s universe, nothing is what it seems and nothing happens by mere chance. 
This is why this series is so unique, so amazing…
‘Pure Awakening’ = Sofia’s POV = 100% recommended
January 7, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
I have always loved him.
Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him.
But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago:
They say he’s missing…
The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack. Every time we get close to a potential candidate to recruit into our ranks, they disappear, the most likely scenario being that Medusa and her minions got to them first.
And now she has Dalair.
I won’t rest until I get him back.
My name is Sophia Victoria St. James. I am Queen of the Pure Ones.
This is my Awakening.
Blurb:
I have always loved him.
Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him.
But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago:
They say he’s missing…
The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack. Every time we get close to a potential candidate to recruit into our ranks, they disappear, the most likely scenario being that Medusa and her minions got to them first.
And now she has Dalair.
I won’t rest until I get him back.
My name is Sophia Victoria St. James. I am Queen of the Pure Ones.
This is my Awakening.
June 23, 2021
It was soooooo cute seeing baby Sophia and child Sophia. They were the best. It was over the top cute seeing and understanding their relationship from the beginning... now we want more.
But I can't believe she fell for the trap! For me she violated something very precious that can't be brought back. That made me very sad.
4.5 stars.
But I can't believe she fell for the trap! For me she violated something very precious that can't be brought back. That made me very sad.
4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
Purch Amazon November 30, 2018
Pure Awakening by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3.5 Stars.
This is a tough one for me. There is a lot I loved and a lot I didn't. It is definitely adult, but the 1st half felt more young adult.
I, personally have a hard time with anything young adult. I will admit there were a couple of places in the first half that slowed me down just a little. This was due to the young adult aspect.
The good thing is that the writing is superb. The flow of the story keeps you involved and before you know it, your at the end.
There is suspense and mystery. Answers to some. Clues to others. We learn more about Sophia in this reincarnation, but not much about her previous lives. I needed a bit more about her past incarnations. Some of those pivotal moments.
I love the way it ended. Sophia has finally grown up.
She has Awakened.
She is now a woman who knows her true heart.
She Will Not give up on her most treasured desire, Dalair.
I didn't find any typo nor editing errors.
And I highly recommend this series.
Pure Awakening by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
3.5 Stars.
This is a tough one for me. There is a lot I loved and a lot I didn't. It is definitely adult, but the 1st half felt more young adult.
I, personally have a hard time with anything young adult. I will admit there were a couple of places in the first half that slowed me down just a little. This was due to the young adult aspect.
The good thing is that the writing is superb. The flow of the story keeps you involved and before you know it, your at the end.
There is suspense and mystery. Answers to some. Clues to others. We learn more about Sophia in this reincarnation, but not much about her previous lives. I needed a bit more about her past incarnations. Some of those pivotal moments.
I love the way it ended. Sophia has finally grown up.
She has Awakened.
She is now a woman who knows her true heart.
She Will Not give up on her most treasured desire, Dalair.
I didn't find any typo nor editing errors.
And I highly recommend this series.
June 3, 2018
This book might be a novella but it sure packs a punch , i've been waiting for Sophia & Dalair's story forever & yes we get a taste of it but omg i so want more . Dalair has always been a big part of Sophia's life but he distances himself from her as she gets older , now thrown together by creature Sophia gets a taste of what could be if Dalair was hers but sadly for her she didn't listen when he told her what his command was concerning her . This is crush turned love turned to heart break & you live every second of it with Sophia although there is a tiny glimmer of hope at the end . Creature wanted & got Sophia's awakening , she now knows who she was & what she did but this time she won't be making the same mistakes again , why creature pushed for the awakening is another question altogether .
February 10, 2019
A tiny 120 Kindle-page necessary nugget of what may be one of THE penultimate couples in the series (though my money is on The Creature & Ms TBD) was a teaser of satisfying (‘I have always loved him’ damn right little girl) while setting the groundwork for a much bigger future payoff (‘This is my Awakening’ about f’ing time ‘mite’), potency. Sophia has actually never bothered me in all her One Direction youthful girlish foolishness - she knows she’s a useless-waiting-to-be’ness. Dalair never much caught my eye, even his short-stature (about 6ft 2-4inches compared to the goliaths surrounding him) was shrug worthy.
Until the infamous dance-scene aka ‘Choose Me’...
digression...isn’t icky Ere one of the Creatures...faces?...
While I’m not surprised of what the S/D backstory turned out to include once revealed, I was struck dumb when the first Klennex came out - hint: there’s a crib, a 1 year-old, and a baby-reach. The exquisite agony of Dalair’s love for each version of *mine* and his sacrifice (yet again) for that love, makes him 8ft tall. Get ready D, your Queen is coming for you.
Until the infamous dance-scene aka ‘Choose Me’...
digression...isn’t icky Ere one of the Creatures...faces?...
While I’m not surprised of what the S/D backstory turned out to include once revealed, I was struck dumb when the first Klennex came out - hint: there’s a crib, a 1 year-old, and a baby-reach. The exquisite agony of Dalair’s love for each version of *mine* and his sacrifice (yet again) for that love, makes him 8ft tall. Get ready D, your Queen is coming for you.
July 30, 2019
Ohhhh this book broke my heart .... Sure hope some happy endings is coming soon.
April 1, 2022
DISCLAIMER : This review may contain some spoilers.
STARS :
GENTRE : Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Where do I begin? It's been a long time since I have read a good novella. Most of the time, they include a short and hurried romance between not-so-important side characters which I end up not liking, much, because of the rushed courtship, scenes and in short, everything. So, I loved how Aja chose to use this novella to give us just a small glimpse of Sophia’s present incarnation, from the time she was just a one-year-old, a veritable baby to the present when she is almost 20 (Maybe? I am not sure about her current age) So, this novella can be said more of a new-adult one rather than strictly adult because we see Sophia’s struggles through her own eyes while she comes of age.
This novella is entirely in Sophia’s first-person present POV, even her flashbacks about her past years in the current incarnation. This was a deviation from Aj’s other books that swap between third-person individual and third-person omnipresent POVs because of which we are in the dark about the Creature and Dalair’s motivations and thoughts leaving us with many unanswered questions. (By now, I should be accustomed to AJ’s way of writing but I can’t help but search, no, more like demand for the answers.) What little we get of Creature, makes me question how will AJ, in the end, justify his actions, especially after what he did in the previous book and now with kidnapping Sophia. Still, since he did not try to overtly hurt Sophia (if there is a level of hurting) so I am still, kinda, on the fence about him so sue me.
Sophia, in other books, did not give off ‘queen’ vibes, like Jade. She felt more of a teenager but like many other readers, I adored her for being the perfectly imperfect teenager among a group of warriors whose life spanned more than several millenniums. Despite her melodrama, she felt like a breath of fresh air with her teenage angst, boyfriend problems, and issues with self-discovery. At times, I did not want to read about her supposedly ‘inconsequential’ problems in the face of grave ones being faced by the Pure and Dark Ones alike but coming to think of it, she was slowly worming her way into my heart, unbeknownst to me. As we get further insight and her thought process behind those actions, this novella made me think of all those instances and remember those mundane moments fondly and sometimes even with excitement, especially her interactions with Ere and Dalair.
Nothing can be said much about the content of this novel without giving away spoilers. While AJ encouraged the readers to start with this novella as their introduction to the Pure/Dark Ones if they haven’t already begun with it but I would still recommend you take the plunge from the very first book so as to get the fullest out of this novella. While there were instances where I felt that AJ was reiterating the world-building to my frustration, they were very few (thankfully!) and will not be able to give you the complete experience.
Furthermore, we get to see a new perspective of the Pure Ones from Sophia’s eyes after reading about them in the previous novels and get mundane details about their lives. Their interactions with teen Sophia, especially those of Aella had me snorting and laughing like mad.
The only thing that kept niggling me was the fact that Sophia’s monologues in the prologue and epilogue of other books painted a picture that was vastly different from the one I am picturing about her in this novella. But later on, I felt this was justified later on because there is a moment where she tells us that she tries to hide her insecurities and issues with self-awareness by putting on a brave and cheery face so as not to trouble her guardians and friends. Still, there at the back of my mind remained disbelief as to how a child of just 1-year-old and 5 years could think so clearly and use big words, not at all suitable for a child.
Despite me lamenting the absence of other POVs, I was happy that this novella was focused on Sophia and her relationship, or lack thereof, with Dalair. (Something that is common with Ava and Ry’s novel) The rare instances where we got to see there to interact, had ratcheted my curiosity sky high because we do not know their backstory. Even in this book, we only get to know Sophia’s and that too only about this incarnation. So we are still more or less ignorant about Dalair history except for the fact that With such a prelude for their future romance along with now and Dalair being no longer himself after being forced to turn into a zombie-evil guy, I am excited to see how AJ spins their story.
I was having so good of a time while reading this novella that when it ended, I couldn’t help but want more. Now that the entire series is out, I know that before coming to S&D’s story, there are several novels in between along with another novella in Dalair’s POV. (I am excited to read that but can’t read the series out of turn for the fear of missing something important) The epilogue had me bracing myself for the emergence of the new ‘queen’ finally accepting herself with all the imperfections to realize her true potential.
I will give this book 5 “phenomenal” STARS.
P.S. We finally get THE SCENE we have been waiting for.
Plot Summary for Personal Book Tracking. BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. Click at your own risk!!
STARS :
GENTRE : Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Where do I begin? It's been a long time since I have read a good novella. Most of the time, they include a short and hurried romance between not-so-important side characters which I end up not liking, much, because of the rushed courtship, scenes and in short, everything. So, I loved how Aja chose to use this novella to give us just a small glimpse of Sophia’s present incarnation, from the time she was just a one-year-old, a veritable baby to the present when she is almost 20 (Maybe? I am not sure about her current age) So, this novella can be said more of a new-adult one rather than strictly adult because we see Sophia’s struggles through her own eyes while she comes of age.
This novella is entirely in Sophia’s first-person present POV, even her flashbacks about her past years in the current incarnation. This was a deviation from Aj’s other books that swap between third-person individual and third-person omnipresent POVs because of which we are in the dark about the Creature and Dalair’s motivations and thoughts leaving us with many unanswered questions. (By now, I should be accustomed to AJ’s way of writing but I can’t help but search, no, more like demand for the answers.) What little we get of Creature, makes me question how will AJ, in the end, justify his actions, especially after what he did in the previous book and now with kidnapping Sophia. Still, since he did not try to overtly hurt Sophia (if there is a level of hurting) so I am still, kinda, on the fence about him so sue me.
Sophia, in other books, did not give off ‘queen’ vibes, like Jade. She felt more of a teenager but like many other readers, I adored her for being the perfectly imperfect teenager among a group of warriors whose life spanned more than several millenniums. Despite her melodrama, she felt like a breath of fresh air with her teenage angst, boyfriend problems, and issues with self-discovery. At times, I did not want to read about her supposedly ‘inconsequential’ problems in the face of grave ones being faced by the Pure and Dark Ones alike but coming to think of it, she was slowly worming her way into my heart, unbeknownst to me. As we get further insight and her thought process behind those actions, this novella made me think of all those instances and remember those mundane moments fondly and sometimes even with excitement, especially her interactions with Ere and Dalair.
Nothing can be said much about the content of this novel without giving away spoilers. While AJ encouraged the readers to start with this novella as their introduction to the Pure/Dark Ones if they haven’t already begun with it but I would still recommend you take the plunge from the very first book so as to get the fullest out of this novella. While there were instances where I felt that AJ was reiterating the world-building to my frustration, they were very few (thankfully!) and will not be able to give you the complete experience.
Furthermore, we get to see a new perspective of the Pure Ones from Sophia’s eyes after reading about them in the previous novels and get mundane details about their lives. Their interactions with teen Sophia, especially those of Aella had me snorting and laughing like mad.
“However, the most important part is not his size, but rather how he uses what he’s got.”
She spears me with a particularly intense stare to make her point more…pointed.
“It’s just easier, in my experience, to find and satisfy the right places in a woman when he’s equipped with a sword and not a needle.”
I cough and just about choke on my own spit. This is as much as I can handle on the P-topic for one day…
…I manage to croak, “When I was asking about body parts, I was thinking of chest, biceps, hands—that sort of thing.”
Typical, mundane body parts, in other words! Aella tsks at me and goes back to flipping magazine pages.
“You have a lot to learn, my Padawan,” she chides.
No kidding! That’s why I initiated this enlightening (and all too stimulating) little chat.
The only thing that kept niggling me was the fact that Sophia’s monologues in the prologue and epilogue of other books painted a picture that was vastly different from the one I am picturing about her in this novella. But later on, I felt this was justified later on because there is a moment where she tells us that she tries to hide her insecurities and issues with self-awareness by putting on a brave and cheery face so as not to trouble her guardians and friends. Still, there at the back of my mind remained disbelief as to how a child of just 1-year-old and 5 years could think so clearly and use big words, not at all suitable for a child.
Despite me lamenting the absence of other POVs, I was happy that this novella was focused on Sophia and her relationship, or lack thereof, with Dalair. (Something that is common with Ava and Ry’s novel) The rare instances where we got to see there to interact, had ratcheted my curiosity sky high because we do not know their backstory. Even in this book, we only get to know Sophia’s and that too only about this incarnation. So we are still more or less ignorant about Dalair history except for the fact that With such a prelude for their future romance along with now and Dalair being no longer himself after being forced to turn into a zombie-evil guy, I am excited to see how AJ spins their story.
I was having so good of a time while reading this novella that when it ended, I couldn’t help but want more. Now that the entire series is out, I know that before coming to S&D’s story, there are several novels in between along with another novella in Dalair’s POV. (I am excited to read that but can’t read the series out of turn for the fear of missing something important) The epilogue had me bracing myself for the emergence of the new ‘queen’ finally accepting herself with all the imperfections to realize her true potential.
Though I remember my past lives and the mistakes I made, I will not be defined or inhibited by them. I am not those women who lived different lives in different times, making different choices that led to this present.
I am myself.
I know what I want. Who I want.
The male I have always loved, no matter the time or place or physical shell.
Loving him has reignited my slumbering soul. A soul that has been self-sacrificing in the past, always doing what needs to be done for the greater good.
Well, no longer.
This incarnation is a selfish bitch. Screw the universe and all the obstacles it throws in my way.
I’m a woman on a mission. I’m going after what I want.
And I won’t rest until I get him back.
I am Sophia Victoria St. James. Queen of the Pure Ones.
This is my Awakening.
I will give this book 5 “phenomenal” STARS.
P.S. We finally get THE SCENE we have been waiting for.
Plot Summary for Personal Book Tracking. BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. Click at your own risk!!
January 23, 2019
My deepest gratitude to Aja James for the ARC. Sophia's novella was short and totally captivating! Even when there was no Happy Ending, I still loved the intriguing images of the ancient past between Sophia and Dalair. I got such a kick out of catching a glimpse of how spectacular and kickass Sophia was now that she had her Awakening.
The novella was like the window into Sophia's heart and her life, from the time she was only a year old until now, almost twenty years later. Sophia herself was the narrator. I enjoyed getting to know her. Loved how she took her training as the Destined Queen of the Pure Ones seriously.
This novella has been like a great prequel to Sophia's and Dalair's book! I'm looking forward to it!
The novella was like the window into Sophia's heart and her life, from the time she was only a year old until now, almost twenty years later. Sophia herself was the narrator. I enjoyed getting to know her. Loved how she took her training as the Destined Queen of the Pure Ones seriously.
This novella has been like a great prequel to Sophia's and Dalair's book! I'm looking forward to it!
12-13-18: An edited version to be posted on Amazon. Everything was the same but without too much spoiler.
My deepest gratitude to Aja James for the ARC. Sophia's novella was short, yet totally captivating! Even when there was no Happy Ending, I still loved those intriguing images of the ancient past between Sophia and Dalair. I also got such a kick out of catching a glimpse of how spectacular and kickass Sophia was now that she had her Awakening.
The novella was like the window into Sophia's heart and her life, from the time she was only a year old until now, almost twenty years later. Sophia herself was the narrator. I enjoyed getting to know her. Loved how she took her training as the Destined Queen of the Pure Ones seriously.
My favorite scene was when Dalair and Sophia were together intimately, at last! Their loving was so beautiful, so magical, at the same time so sad, and so poignant. He had all of his memories, but his soul and his heart weren't his. He was completely mind-controlled. The saddest aspect was that the scene was all planned by their captors. They knew Sophia would have had her Awakening then. And she did! She remembered everything, all of her past lives and mistakes. She now realized what she wanted for this incarnation. WHO she wanted. She wouldn't rest until she got Dalair back!
“Pure Awakening” is definitely an incomparable prequel to Sophia's and Dalair's book! I'm looking forward to it! Dying to read it!
March 31, 2021
What sorcery is Aja dipping into? No, seriously, this is a good question. Especially coming from me because I think I just found my first 5 star book. In this series. It's a novella.. and it's all about Sophia. What the what? Did hell freeze over? Can someone let me know if pigs are flying around outside? I need some answers.
Now I think everyone knows how I feel about Sophia. She is definitely annoying and self-absorbed. I'm also sure that my dogs are annoyed with me being frustrated with her. Yet, somehow this book changed my opinion of her (for now). Yes, she was still annoying but baby her and the all the backflashes made her a different person.
Plus having Dalair around, even in zombie-mode, made her more likable. I just felt so bad for him and I wanted my baby to be back to normal. It didn't happen and I'm not sure how to feel about that little heartbreaking moment but I'm hoping - seriously freaking hoping - that Sophia becomes a little badass.
Not sure what's going to happen to Dalair down the road but I do want him back to his normal self please and thank you. Also the creature is still having me guessing as to who it is. I JUST WANT ANSWERS!
November 15, 2020
Phew, I am gobbling this series up so fast! A wiser woman might tell herself to stop, slow down, savour the books a little, maybe learn a little moderation. But I am not a wise woman in this regard, and I fear I am beyond help!
I don't even know how to rate this because DAMN. We get spoiled with our HEAs in the romance world and, well, that just isn't what you get with this book. However, I expected that when I started reading (thank god! Or I would have been extremely livid) so it didn't destroy me toooooooooo much.
I found Sophia fun and relatable and I enjoyed getting inside her head and memories a little more. Dalair... well, who knows considered he wasn't exactly in a clear state of mind............
For that reason, it was hard for me to feel the romance as much as I wanted. But I'm giving it 4 stars not because of the romance, but because it's a great addition to the storyline, and to appreciate this series, I'm learning you have to get invested in the overall plot arc.
Stilllllll I need some series HEA mushiness after this because sheeeeesh.
I don't even know how to rate this because DAMN. We get spoiled with our HEAs in the romance world and, well, that just isn't what you get with this book. However, I expected that when I started reading (thank god! Or I would have been extremely livid) so it didn't destroy me toooooooooo much.
I found Sophia fun and relatable and I enjoyed getting inside her head and memories a little more. Dalair... well, who knows considered he wasn't exactly in a clear state of mind............
For that reason, it was hard for me to feel the romance as much as I wanted. But I'm giving it 4 stars not because of the romance, but because it's a great addition to the storyline, and to appreciate this series, I'm learning you have to get invested in the overall plot arc.
Stilllllll I need some series HEA mushiness after this because sheeeeesh.
September 7, 2020
5 here's my bleeding heart stars!
1. I never truly knew how I felt about Sophia. Whether I liked her or not. But the beginning of her story made me really like her. But girl...I'm gonna need you to put your badass pants on now and get your man!
2. O Dalair...he is so much more than he seems and I need more from him. I desperately wanted to know what was going on in his head. Since we only get Sophia's POV, we really can only guess.
3. That cliffhanger....😭. We get such a beautiful scene between them and I just knew the hammer was about to fall.
4. I'm real intrigued by Creature.
5. I need Sophia and Dalair's story!!! I have so many questions.
Great installment to this series even though it was only a novella.
1. I never truly knew how I felt about Sophia. Whether I liked her or not. But the beginning of her story made me really like her. But girl...I'm gonna need you to put your badass pants on now and get your man!
2. O Dalair...he is so much more than he seems and I need more from him. I desperately wanted to know what was going on in his head. Since we only get Sophia's POV, we really can only guess.
3. That cliffhanger....😭. We get such a beautiful scene between them and I just knew the hammer was about to fall.
4. I'm real intrigued by Creature.
5. I need Sophia and Dalair's story!!! I have so many questions.
Great installment to this series even though it was only a novella.
February 17, 2021
Yes! Tjis was short, but great! That's the reason I kept reading this series even though I hated quite a few of the installments. Sophia and Dalair are worth waiting for.
Merged review:
Re-read in February 2021
I rarely re-read anything these days, both because I changed my reading habits (I try to avoid binge reading) and because the experience rarely improves the book, even if I had initially enjoyed it.
I felt like I had to read this one again before reading Pure Destiny, for maximum emotional impact.
Pure Awakening really did improve upon the re-read, because a lot of thing became more clear after reading the other books in the series.
I really liked it, so I bumped up my rating from 4 to 5 stars :)
Merged review:
Re-read in February 2021
I rarely re-read anything these days, both because I changed my reading habits (I try to avoid binge reading) and because the experience rarely improves the book, even if I had initially enjoyed it.
I felt like I had to read this one again before reading Pure Destiny, for maximum emotional impact.
Pure Awakening really did improve upon the re-read, because a lot of thing became more clear after reading the other books in the series.
I really liked it, so I bumped up my rating from 4 to 5 stars :)
June 27, 2018
4.5 ⭐
ARC provided by the author. This was a very good read.
Sophia is finally accepting her feelings, but her one and only (Dalair) isn't the same since he was abducted by the cruel dark princess and her minions. Could Sophia save him or has she lost him forever??? God I can't wait for the next books in this saga.
ARC provided by the author. This was a very good read.
Sophia is finally accepting her feelings, but her one and only (Dalair) isn't the same since he was abducted by the cruel dark princess and her minions. Could Sophia save him or has she lost him forever??? God I can't wait for the next books in this saga.
June 14, 2020
5 stars. Really enjoyed
February 8, 2019
Dalair and Sophia
I normally provide a highlight summary of the novel, but I feel this novella doesn't lend itself to one without spoilers. This book is Sophia Victoria St. James, the Pure Ones reincarnated queen, and Dalair's, the Paladin, book. We have a lot of flashbacks to tell us Sophia's present reincarnation. We receive Sophia's memories of Dalair's during her childhood. She has had a love-hate relationship with him, especially during her hormonal teenage years. Because the novella is told to us from Sophia's point of view, Dalair's still remains a mystery to the reader. In the end, all the Creature orchestrated to awaken Sophia is accomplished. We are left in the dark as to the reason why it was important to the Creature that Sophia awakens to her past reincarnated lives.
I kept wanting the present story to move forward more than all the flashbacks. I realize the back story is important to our understanding of the characters and the atmosphere of the novella. The Creature pulling the puppet strings is in the background. Dalair's brief glimpses of his true self reveals him to be an honorable and loyal man who can feel pain, despite being the mindless creature created by Medusa. Sophia latches on to these moments and shows her love to him. Overall, this is an interesting, intriguing beginning to Sophia and Dalair's story. I look forward to reading more in a future novel.
I normally provide a highlight summary of the novel, but I feel this novella doesn't lend itself to one without spoilers. This book is Sophia Victoria St. James, the Pure Ones reincarnated queen, and Dalair's, the Paladin, book. We have a lot of flashbacks to tell us Sophia's present reincarnation. We receive Sophia's memories of Dalair's during her childhood. She has had a love-hate relationship with him, especially during her hormonal teenage years. Because the novella is told to us from Sophia's point of view, Dalair's still remains a mystery to the reader. In the end, all the Creature orchestrated to awaken Sophia is accomplished. We are left in the dark as to the reason why it was important to the Creature that Sophia awakens to her past reincarnated lives.
I kept wanting the present story to move forward more than all the flashbacks. I realize the back story is important to our understanding of the characters and the atmosphere of the novella. The Creature pulling the puppet strings is in the background. Dalair's brief glimpses of his true self reveals him to be an honorable and loyal man who can feel pain, despite being the mindless creature created by Medusa. Sophia latches on to these moments and shows her love to him. Overall, this is an interesting, intriguing beginning to Sophia and Dalair's story. I look forward to reading more in a future novel.
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