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The Wake Up
What if you could see the angelic or demonic manifestations of people's characters in mirrors? And what if, in your world, this gift was fatal?
Since early childhood, Lexi has repressed a rare ability to See. For most of her life, and from most people who know her, this is a well-kept secret. Raised by a family of mirror-makers, glass-blowers, and wolves, Lexi trains herself to See selectively, plagued by her otherness. She comes of age when the nation's leader bans man-made reflective surfaces, plunging the nation into a dystopia where government agencies annihilate families like Lexi's and redraw the lines of normalcy, tradition, and trust.
As her family breaks apart, Lexi falls for a man whose secrets run even deeper than hers. Betrayal and deceit ignite dangerous consequences in a world of blurring realities. Caught up in a battle as old as time itself, the last mirror-maker must revamp a break up into the greatest wake up of her life, embracing her forbidden capabilities in an attempt to rouse her world from darkness.
THE WAKE UP is a modern-day parable about love, truth, and self-discovery. It examines how our choices determine the manner in which we live before we die, and how we stop fearing the monsters beneath the bed once we discover them within us.
Since early childhood, Lexi has repressed a rare ability to See. For most of her life, and from most people who know her, this is a well-kept secret. Raised by a family of mirror-makers, glass-blowers, and wolves, Lexi trains herself to See selectively, plagued by her otherness. She comes of age when the nation's leader bans man-made reflective surfaces, plunging the nation into a dystopia where government agencies annihilate families like Lexi's and redraw the lines of normalcy, tradition, and trust.
As her family breaks apart, Lexi falls for a man whose secrets run even deeper than hers. Betrayal and deceit ignite dangerous consequences in a world of blurring realities. Caught up in a battle as old as time itself, the last mirror-maker must revamp a break up into the greatest wake up of her life, embracing her forbidden capabilities in an attempt to rouse her world from darkness.
THE WAKE UP is a modern-day parable about love, truth, and self-discovery. It examines how our choices determine the manner in which we live before we die, and how we stop fearing the monsters beneath the bed once we discover them within us.
- GenresDystopia
Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Angela Panayotopulos
8 books73 followersAngela Panayotopulos is a Greek-American storyteller and coffeeholic. She earned her Creative Writing M.F.A. from George Mason University at 22, and has since ghostwritten over 40 books. Her personal publications include The Art of War: a Novel, inspired by her grandparents' ordeals during WWII (named as one of The National Herald's Top Picks of 2017), The Wake Up (recipient of the Readers' Favorite Book Award for Supernatural Fiction; Bronze, 2020), and two children's books: I Love You Grandma & Grandpa (also in Greek: Γιαγιά & Παππού, Σας Αγαπώ Πολύ!) and How Much Love Can a Heart Hold?
Her perfect day includes hazelnut coffee, books, hugs, and Greek dancing.
Her perfect day includes hazelnut coffee, books, hugs, and Greek dancing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 25, 2021
”He thought he’d outlived war. Ultimately, war outlived everyone.”
I was sucked into The Wake Up from page one. In a dark, bleak world where political conflict is building by the day and the average person you pass on the street is unable to sense their angel or demon sides, Lexi has been blessed/cursed with the ability of a Seer. Her family has cautioned her to hide her abilities since the time she was a child. When it’s discovered reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass) magnify and help to identify the good and darkness within people, they are banned. Lexi, from a family of glassblowers, sees her family torn apart.
This gorgeous novel has so many facets, from Lexi’s Greek family with whom she’s very close, to her wolf protectors, to a dark love triangle that will leave you questioning what you believe at every turn. I loved the vivid descriptions, from the brutal sawing of a demon horn in a bathroom, to how it felt to train as a glassblower. The worldbuilding was intricate and well-drawn so that I felt like I was standing in every scene. It’s the use of language that makes “The Wake Up” shimmer, tasty prose that make the action scenes feel breathless and the descriptions lovely. I loved the inclusion of quotes at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the way the shifts in perspective and time added to the feeling of unease at being in Lexi’s world. A good dystopian leaves you feeling constantly unsettled, and this was deliciously dark. Such wonderful shades of gray. I can’t wait for book two.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
I was sucked into The Wake Up from page one. In a dark, bleak world where political conflict is building by the day and the average person you pass on the street is unable to sense their angel or demon sides, Lexi has been blessed/cursed with the ability of a Seer. Her family has cautioned her to hide her abilities since the time she was a child. When it’s discovered reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass) magnify and help to identify the good and darkness within people, they are banned. Lexi, from a family of glassblowers, sees her family torn apart.
This gorgeous novel has so many facets, from Lexi’s Greek family with whom she’s very close, to her wolf protectors, to a dark love triangle that will leave you questioning what you believe at every turn. I loved the vivid descriptions, from the brutal sawing of a demon horn in a bathroom, to how it felt to train as a glassblower. The worldbuilding was intricate and well-drawn so that I felt like I was standing in every scene. It’s the use of language that makes “The Wake Up” shimmer, tasty prose that make the action scenes feel breathless and the descriptions lovely. I loved the inclusion of quotes at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the way the shifts in perspective and time added to the feeling of unease at being in Lexi’s world. A good dystopian leaves you feeling constantly unsettled, and this was deliciously dark. Such wonderful shades of gray. I can’t wait for book two.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
October 8, 2020
My rating 4.1
“The Wake Up” by Angela Panayotopulos is a solid YA dystopian paranormal novel, very well written, but the story itself is slower at times and I feel like something is missing to make the story complete. The idea of the story itself is great but I think it should be expanded a bit in some parts to get a true picture of the dark world in which the protagonists live after the president decides to destroy all the mirrors. The characters in the book are very well described, especially the main character who goes through a catharsis in which her soul is purified. With his writing, the writer introduces us to a world in which mirrors show us as we are. Everyone has good and evil or yin and yang in them, and the only question is, which path we will choose. Demons and angels are in us and fight for our souls, especially in crises. Many times in human history when darkness taking power over people, there are always individuals who resist and try to illuminate the world with light. If you save only one man or woman you can save the world. The main character Lexi is such a person, she struggles with her soul, she sees people as they are without mirrors, but the hardest thing is to see her soul. Lexi will have to discover and expose her soul to the core to find her way to the light.
I would recommend the book to YA and other readers who like dystopia and the paranormal, and demons and angels.
“The Wake Up” by Angela Panayotopulos is a solid YA dystopian paranormal novel, very well written, but the story itself is slower at times and I feel like something is missing to make the story complete. The idea of the story itself is great but I think it should be expanded a bit in some parts to get a true picture of the dark world in which the protagonists live after the president decides to destroy all the mirrors. The characters in the book are very well described, especially the main character who goes through a catharsis in which her soul is purified. With his writing, the writer introduces us to a world in which mirrors show us as we are. Everyone has good and evil or yin and yang in them, and the only question is, which path we will choose. Demons and angels are in us and fight for our souls, especially in crises. Many times in human history when darkness taking power over people, there are always individuals who resist and try to illuminate the world with light. If you save only one man or woman you can save the world. The main character Lexi is such a person, she struggles with her soul, she sees people as they are without mirrors, but the hardest thing is to see her soul. Lexi will have to discover and expose her soul to the core to find her way to the light.
I would recommend the book to YA and other readers who like dystopia and the paranormal, and demons and angels.
June 16, 2019
The Wake Up by Angela Panayotopulos is familiar in the sense that it’s a paranormal dystopian with a bleak view of the future. But the author gives this tale her own new and refreshing take that makes for a whirlwind of an interesting story.
Lexi is a glass makers daughter with the ability to see people for what they truly are inside mirrors. In this world there is a ban on reflective objects and people try to hide from their true natures.
The prose is beautiful and poetic, sometimes so deep that I had to read it twice.
Lastly, I have to mention the gorgeous cover. I know it shouldn’t matter but I picked this book because the fanciful art initially drew me in.
4.5 Stars for this unique story!
Lexi is a glass makers daughter with the ability to see people for what they truly are inside mirrors. In this world there is a ban on reflective objects and people try to hide from their true natures.
The prose is beautiful and poetic, sometimes so deep that I had to read it twice.
Lastly, I have to mention the gorgeous cover. I know it shouldn’t matter but I picked this book because the fanciful art initially drew me in.
4.5 Stars for this unique story!
May 9, 2019
I can’t tell you how many times I went back and forth on this review. Four stars or five?
On one hand, there’s way too much time spent on Dominic. And world building blarts annoyed me (sometimes erroneously called plot holes), such as why on earth were people leaving the east coast and finding sanctuary in California? The Big Bad was president of the US. And there were more of the same.
On the other hand, the author used simile like a master: “The day after Lexi’s graduation had dawned strangely drab after a week of consecutive summery days, like a cough punctuating a soprano’s solo.”
And her definition of love—yeah, I’ll let this one ruin the rest of my life.
Plus, I love the symbolism—the red coat, the wolves, Grandfather’s house.
And one piece of actual wisdom: Angels and demons—which one wins? Whichever one you feed.
Really, the last time I was this conflicted was when I read Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Summer Tree. I didn’t keep my copy—being shelved on a physical bookshelf in my house means I loved this volume and want to read it again and again, and ST wasn’t quite that good. But Kay became a true master of fantasy, a writer I read assiduously and don’t bother to dissect in reviews. I’m too busy oooing and aahing.
So, four stars. But I bet future offerings from this author are even better.
On one hand, there’s way too much time spent on Dominic. And world building blarts annoyed me (sometimes erroneously called plot holes), such as why on earth were people leaving the east coast and finding sanctuary in California? The Big Bad was president of the US. And there were more of the same.
On the other hand, the author used simile like a master: “The day after Lexi’s graduation had dawned strangely drab after a week of consecutive summery days, like a cough punctuating a soprano’s solo.”
And her definition of love—yeah, I’ll let this one ruin the rest of my life.
Plus, I love the symbolism—the red coat, the wolves, Grandfather’s house.
And one piece of actual wisdom: Angels and demons—which one wins? Whichever one you feed.
Really, the last time I was this conflicted was when I read Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Summer Tree. I didn’t keep my copy—being shelved on a physical bookshelf in my house means I loved this volume and want to read it again and again, and ST wasn’t quite that good. But Kay became a true master of fantasy, a writer I read assiduously and don’t bother to dissect in reviews. I’m too busy oooing and aahing.
So, four stars. But I bet future offerings from this author are even better.
January 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I've never read one like it. The story follows Lexi (who is described as dark-haired, but I kept imagining as a blonde for some reason--a bright spot in a dark world), who can See demons, which gets her into a world of trouble. She's close to her family, but as they are each separated from her for various reasons, she becomes lost and desperate for love. Unfortunately for her, that love comes in the shape of Dominic, who is, without giving too much away, just awful for her.
The story is dreamlike, flitting through time from scene to scene, sometimes skipping months at a time, sometimes going backwards. It often takes place in Lexi's head, and for me, she became almost more of an emotion than a person, which helped build the world around me as a reader.
I also loved the symbolism of the wolves, and the wolves themselves.
The real reason to read this story, though, is the prose. It's a beautifully written book. The perspective changes are skillfully used and the final segment leaves the reader anxious for a sequel, because it appears things didn't unfold the way I originally thought. I'll be looking forward to it!
The story is dreamlike, flitting through time from scene to scene, sometimes skipping months at a time, sometimes going backwards. It often takes place in Lexi's head, and for me, she became almost more of an emotion than a person, which helped build the world around me as a reader.
I also loved the symbolism of the wolves, and the wolves themselves.
The real reason to read this story, though, is the prose. It's a beautifully written book. The perspective changes are skillfully used and the final segment leaves the reader anxious for a sequel, because it appears things didn't unfold the way I originally thought. I'll be looking forward to it!
October 7, 2019
The Wake Up has everything that you’d look for in a dystopian novel. Bleak and dark. Shattered Society. Baddies in charge that make you fear your current reality. This book has a unique twist in where the main character, Lexi, can see the true nature of people within reflective surfaces. That might seem like it’s contrived, and I’ll be honest and say that going in I expected as much, but it’s done very well. The prose here is actually rather beautiful and I was always intrigued with the premise-even if I sometimes loathed Lexi (I always came back around to her).
My main gripe is that it never felt quite “big” enough. The story never seemed to elevate itself to the premise. This didn’t prevent my enjoyment at all, just a general feeling I had at the end. All in all, Panayotopulos has put together a wonderful read and I look forward to checking out what else she has in store.
My main gripe is that it never felt quite “big” enough. The story never seemed to elevate itself to the premise. This didn’t prevent my enjoyment at all, just a general feeling I had at the end. All in all, Panayotopulos has put together a wonderful read and I look forward to checking out what else she has in store.
April 27, 2019
Rating 3.5
I was immediately drawn into this book, captivated by the author’s imagination and fluent, descriptive writing. Set vividly in the rural landscape of Virginia, the depiction of Lexi, the heroine, and her Greek immigrant family and their glassblowing enterprise was beautifully done. ‘The chill of the glass and the crackle of the fire were languages she could fathom and echo.’ It had a magical, Arcadian quality about it which made it easy to believe that Lexi really was an angel, able, through the medium of reflective surfaces, to see the devil’s horns invisible to others, and which marked out humans tainted with something evil.
After the dramatic incident in Chapter 1, the tension rachets up in Chapter 4 with the arrival at the factory of a Dark One: ‘A black boot appeared, extending towards the ground…Black sunglasses hid his eyes...the lenses, twin black holes, swallowed the light.’ The atmosphere of menace is skilfully built up; I was holding my breath, all set for a sort of modern myth with epic Good v. Evil clashes featuring Lexi as a crusading heroine.
But then the author seemed to veer into a different genre, a state-of-the-nation fable with Orwellian overtones and a political message specific to a time, a place and a well-known president. When said president (with devil’s horns) really goes over to the dark side, bringing in Rule 666 (!) which decrees that all glass and mirrors should be forbidden, the glass-blowing firm is shut down and Lexi’s family is plunged into tragedy. We are in a world of grey enclosures without light, where a shadowy, sinister government employs agents to punish and destroy those who refuse to toe the line (and even those who do). The symbolism of the horns became less clear for me: Lexi herself has a pair, accompanied by wings, as does Dominic, the doctor she falls hopelessly in love with (but who isn’t what he seems). This key character is introduced into the story shortly after Lexi’s initiation into a secret group of fellow ‘Seers’ by her friend, Khalil, whom she follows into a derelict building before stepping through two red doors into a sort of Narnian parallel universe: ‘As in deserts and in novels, things here were not as they seemed.’
There was an uneasy dissonance between these fluctuating worlds, the way the story-line developed with Lexi’s new friends in the magic oasis of the Tzami, her ‘sanctuary’, with its rugs and candles, its fireplace, bookshelves, olive trees and rose bushes, and, in the unrelentingly grey ‘real’ world, with her growing obsession with Dominic, which reads more like a contemporary novel about a nasty, controlling relationship. ‘Are you stupid or just pretending to be stupid?’ the patronising Dominic asks at one point. I was hoping our once-feisty heroine would click her fingers and command her fearsome wolf to give the toxic doctor a nasty bite in the derriere. Instead, as the affair degenerates, she goes into a surrealist meltdown.
I so much wanted this to be a novel in which the imaginative, meticulous, obviously talented Angela Panayotopulos kept me enthralled until the end, which I’m sure she could have done with ease. But the different genres and writing styles, though individually well done, distracted from the flow of the narrative and a full engagement with the characters. Lexi’s devotion to her family, in particular her ‘Pappou’, rang true, but both her relationship with Dominic and with the Seers was less convincing.
Having said this, there is much to appeal in this first volume of a planned series, as revealed in the enthusiastic reviews of other readers.
I was immediately drawn into this book, captivated by the author’s imagination and fluent, descriptive writing. Set vividly in the rural landscape of Virginia, the depiction of Lexi, the heroine, and her Greek immigrant family and their glassblowing enterprise was beautifully done. ‘The chill of the glass and the crackle of the fire were languages she could fathom and echo.’ It had a magical, Arcadian quality about it which made it easy to believe that Lexi really was an angel, able, through the medium of reflective surfaces, to see the devil’s horns invisible to others, and which marked out humans tainted with something evil.
After the dramatic incident in Chapter 1, the tension rachets up in Chapter 4 with the arrival at the factory of a Dark One: ‘A black boot appeared, extending towards the ground…Black sunglasses hid his eyes...the lenses, twin black holes, swallowed the light.’ The atmosphere of menace is skilfully built up; I was holding my breath, all set for a sort of modern myth with epic Good v. Evil clashes featuring Lexi as a crusading heroine.
But then the author seemed to veer into a different genre, a state-of-the-nation fable with Orwellian overtones and a political message specific to a time, a place and a well-known president. When said president (with devil’s horns) really goes over to the dark side, bringing in Rule 666 (!) which decrees that all glass and mirrors should be forbidden, the glass-blowing firm is shut down and Lexi’s family is plunged into tragedy. We are in a world of grey enclosures without light, where a shadowy, sinister government employs agents to punish and destroy those who refuse to toe the line (and even those who do). The symbolism of the horns became less clear for me: Lexi herself has a pair, accompanied by wings, as does Dominic, the doctor she falls hopelessly in love with (but who isn’t what he seems). This key character is introduced into the story shortly after Lexi’s initiation into a secret group of fellow ‘Seers’ by her friend, Khalil, whom she follows into a derelict building before stepping through two red doors into a sort of Narnian parallel universe: ‘As in deserts and in novels, things here were not as they seemed.’
There was an uneasy dissonance between these fluctuating worlds, the way the story-line developed with Lexi’s new friends in the magic oasis of the Tzami, her ‘sanctuary’, with its rugs and candles, its fireplace, bookshelves, olive trees and rose bushes, and, in the unrelentingly grey ‘real’ world, with her growing obsession with Dominic, which reads more like a contemporary novel about a nasty, controlling relationship. ‘Are you stupid or just pretending to be stupid?’ the patronising Dominic asks at one point. I was hoping our once-feisty heroine would click her fingers and command her fearsome wolf to give the toxic doctor a nasty bite in the derriere. Instead, as the affair degenerates, she goes into a surrealist meltdown.
I so much wanted this to be a novel in which the imaginative, meticulous, obviously talented Angela Panayotopulos kept me enthralled until the end, which I’m sure she could have done with ease. But the different genres and writing styles, though individually well done, distracted from the flow of the narrative and a full engagement with the characters. Lexi’s devotion to her family, in particular her ‘Pappou’, rang true, but both her relationship with Dominic and with the Seers was less convincing.
Having said this, there is much to appeal in this first volume of a planned series, as revealed in the enthusiastic reviews of other readers.
March 14, 2021
There is surely an audience for this book. It deserves a place alongside the Twilight series. A classic tale of good versus evil, featuring two wolves, one black, one white and called Yin and Yang as well as human protagonists female (good) and male (evil).
Unfortunately, for me, the premise did not gel. The idea that good and evil reside in each of us, competing to influence our behaviour, I can understand and accept as a reasonable hypothesis. What takes this book into the realm of fantasy is the notion that those twin attributes manifest themselves as horns, a tail and wings which can only be seen by especially gifted individuals, and, then, only in a mirror.
Some people react to the sight of their own reflection by going berserk and performing mass murder. The government (of the USA) responds by banning mirrors, destroying every reflective surface and those who manufacture them. We are not told why this attribute suddenly materialises in the twenty first century and only in the USA - people are able to escape persecution by crossing the border into Canada.
Of course, I understand that it is an allegory. But as an explanation for the eruption of violence in USA society it seems too much like a cop-out to be a valuable contribution to a necessary debate.
The book is extremely well written with a great many excellent passages of description containing superb metaphors. The principle characters are well drawn, especially the grandfather, clearly modelled on the author's own grandfather, patriarch of an American/Greek family who lived through the second world war as it was played out in Greece and surrounding nations.
From time to time the narrative moved ahead too fast for the plot with some scenes slipped in as a backward look at an event that preceded the point in time the main story had reached, interrupting the flow.
Overall, this is a book that will appeal to the present generation of young adults in the same way as Twilight did to my grand daughter a decade or more ago. If you are, or someone you know is, in that demographic, go grab a copy.
Unfortunately, for me, the premise did not gel. The idea that good and evil reside in each of us, competing to influence our behaviour, I can understand and accept as a reasonable hypothesis. What takes this book into the realm of fantasy is the notion that those twin attributes manifest themselves as horns, a tail and wings which can only be seen by especially gifted individuals, and, then, only in a mirror.
Some people react to the sight of their own reflection by going berserk and performing mass murder. The government (of the USA) responds by banning mirrors, destroying every reflective surface and those who manufacture them. We are not told why this attribute suddenly materialises in the twenty first century and only in the USA - people are able to escape persecution by crossing the border into Canada.
Of course, I understand that it is an allegory. But as an explanation for the eruption of violence in USA society it seems too much like a cop-out to be a valuable contribution to a necessary debate.
The book is extremely well written with a great many excellent passages of description containing superb metaphors. The principle characters are well drawn, especially the grandfather, clearly modelled on the author's own grandfather, patriarch of an American/Greek family who lived through the second world war as it was played out in Greece and surrounding nations.
From time to time the narrative moved ahead too fast for the plot with some scenes slipped in as a backward look at an event that preceded the point in time the main story had reached, interrupting the flow.
Overall, this is a book that will appeal to the present generation of young adults in the same way as Twilight did to my grand daughter a decade or more ago. If you are, or someone you know is, in that demographic, go grab a copy.
November 30, 2018
Characters
Lexi. Lexi. Lexi. Where do I start? You are going to love/hate her but by the end you'll miss her. At least I did! Dominic, Gabriel, and Zach are all central to Lexi's story. Yet it isn't just about her. Her story feeds into other stories as well. Changing those she interacts with. There is some head hoping and I didn't love some of the flash back stories, but they weren't too distracting. More like "Get back to the main story, I want to know more!" kind of way.
Plot
This story had a deep dystopian feel, over something that seemed very odd to me at first. However, as the novel and story progresses the plot expands to take on broader meanings and deeper themes. It went in directions I hadn't thought of. It lulls you into a state of expectation and then throws a horrible but wonderful curve ball. Be warned, this is not a lighthearted novel, the darkness has to have its moment before the light will matter.
Overall
Wow! This novel had a slow start, but after about 30% it really picks up and then I couldn't put the book down. I had to force myself to plug in my phone and go to bed, then I woke up in the morning to finish it. A fantastic book! Very colorful and vivid language throughout the book. Almost lyrical. Each chapter starts with a quote that connects to the theme of the chapter.
Was this novel perfect? No. Did its imperfections distract from the amazing story? Not at all!
Rating
5 stars
If you love dytopian novels and vivid descriptive language, this is a must read!
Where did I get a copy?
The author send me one. This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
Lexi. Lexi. Lexi. Where do I start? You are going to love/hate her but by the end you'll miss her. At least I did! Dominic, Gabriel, and Zach are all central to Lexi's story. Yet it isn't just about her. Her story feeds into other stories as well. Changing those she interacts with. There is some head hoping and I didn't love some of the flash back stories, but they weren't too distracting. More like "Get back to the main story, I want to know more!" kind of way.
Plot
This story had a deep dystopian feel, over something that seemed very odd to me at first. However, as the novel and story progresses the plot expands to take on broader meanings and deeper themes. It went in directions I hadn't thought of. It lulls you into a state of expectation and then throws a horrible but wonderful curve ball. Be warned, this is not a lighthearted novel, the darkness has to have its moment before the light will matter.
Overall
Wow! This novel had a slow start, but after about 30% it really picks up and then I couldn't put the book down. I had to force myself to plug in my phone and go to bed, then I woke up in the morning to finish it. A fantastic book! Very colorful and vivid language throughout the book. Almost lyrical. Each chapter starts with a quote that connects to the theme of the chapter.
Was this novel perfect? No. Did its imperfections distract from the amazing story? Not at all!
Rating
5 stars
If you love dytopian novels and vivid descriptive language, this is a must read!
Where did I get a copy?
The author send me one. This is a voluntary review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
March 4, 2021
Sometimes we devour a book. Sometimes they devour us. And sometimes, once it spits us back out, we see the world through new eyes.
The Wake Up is precisely that: a call to arms, to action. A challenge to accept the truth, that we are demon and angel both. From the very first page, it’s obvious—this book wasn’t written, it was wrought. Born into the world kicking and screaming, with attitude to burn. At times, like any ride worth taking, it almost flies off the rails, so driven and raw it outstrips mere words, fights the constraints of language. But it’s this wild spirit, this giddy abandon, that makes it so hard to put down.
As for the plot, I won’t spill its secrets. I’ve signed a pact in blood. Suffice it to say that it’s got the right hooks on which to hang a tail. There are family secrets, ugly betrayals, a grimly imagined future. A pair of wolves, a pair of lovers, scattered shards of broken glass. Thanks to its subversive power, you’ll never glance in a mirror again, not without dreading what you might find there, the other who’s staring back. Then again, that’s the magic of any great book. It compels us to see ourselves.
If you want a neat and tidy read, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. But if you’re ready to have your eyes torn open, then it’s time for a Wake Up call.
The Wake Up is precisely that: a call to arms, to action. A challenge to accept the truth, that we are demon and angel both. From the very first page, it’s obvious—this book wasn’t written, it was wrought. Born into the world kicking and screaming, with attitude to burn. At times, like any ride worth taking, it almost flies off the rails, so driven and raw it outstrips mere words, fights the constraints of language. But it’s this wild spirit, this giddy abandon, that makes it so hard to put down.
As for the plot, I won’t spill its secrets. I’ve signed a pact in blood. Suffice it to say that it’s got the right hooks on which to hang a tail. There are family secrets, ugly betrayals, a grimly imagined future. A pair of wolves, a pair of lovers, scattered shards of broken glass. Thanks to its subversive power, you’ll never glance in a mirror again, not without dreading what you might find there, the other who’s staring back. Then again, that’s the magic of any great book. It compels us to see ourselves.
If you want a neat and tidy read, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. But if you’re ready to have your eyes torn open, then it’s time for a Wake Up call.
March 13, 2020
The Wake Up is an exceptional dystopian fantasy that follows Lexi and her ability to see what others wish to hide. Panayotopulos writes through various characters showing how the inner moral compass and actions of an individual can reflect as horns or wings. After a paranoid President passes a law concerning mirrors. Lexi tries to move forward, not forgetting the devastating incident that pulled her family apart. Along the way, she finds a dashing doctor and classmate who unveils a secret that helps Lexi feel less alone. The Wake Up takes you into a philosophical journey with Lexi and her long-time companion wolf, Yang.
I loved the first chapter, but then it felt a little slow, but it picked up and took me down the rollercoaster ride I knew was coming. I didn’t question the political decisions of the government to avoid jumping out of Panayotopulos’s world. The text in each chapter was rich, centered on our nightmares, and our connections with heaven and hell. I loved that through Lexi, I learned about the norms of a Greek-American family. This is what I believe made The Wake Up more enjoyable because you credit Lexi’s role models and her upbringing to her decisions, choices, and bravery to do what others are unable to.
I loved the first chapter, but then it felt a little slow, but it picked up and took me down the rollercoaster ride I knew was coming. I didn’t question the political decisions of the government to avoid jumping out of Panayotopulos’s world. The text in each chapter was rich, centered on our nightmares, and our connections with heaven and hell. I loved that through Lexi, I learned about the norms of a Greek-American family. This is what I believe made The Wake Up more enjoyable because you credit Lexi’s role models and her upbringing to her decisions, choices, and bravery to do what others are unable to.
April 19, 2019
This book is a mash up of several different genres. A little paranormal, a little dystopa, a little romance. Most dystopia I read, it's generally a virus or war that has wiped out society. This is an entirely new take where it's reflective surfaces where certain people with seeing abilities can see inner demons and angels. This is all brought about when President Davis sees his inner demon. When President Davis was being described in the book, I had to check the publication date as certain parallels with the description of his hair will make you think of certain people..
The way the book ended leaves me wondering if this is the first book in a larger series or if we are meant to use our imagination with the ending. I could see several possible sequels to this book, even before the ending
The way the book ended leaves me wondering if this is the first book in a larger series or if we are meant to use our imagination with the ending. I could see several possible sequels to this book, even before the ending
January 17, 2020
The Wake Up by Angela Panayotopulos is a dystopian fantasy novel set in a turbulent period in an unravelling and conflicted United States. Lexi, the daughter of a family of glass-blowers, possesses the rare ability to ‘See’ people for who they truly are, namely demons or angels (whether they know it or not). Lexi herself is part-demon, and what she sees happening all around her is an assault against her kind. This battle between good and evil is the main conflict of this book, and the events that happen to her and her family is what drives the main narrative.
From the opening chapter, it became clear to me that The Wake Up was going to be perfectly dark and brilliantly bleak book. There is something special about the way that Panayotopulos writes and delivers her story, and it is evident that this novel is a labour of love. Panayotopulos uses brilliantly and meticulously crafted descriptions throughout, and by employing a strong use of simile and metaphor, she creates a sort of poetic element to her work. Whilst this can seem a little wordy at times, the delivery is certainly unique, and I found that my mind was conjuring fantastic images of Lexi and her world.
As the plot progresses, Panayotopulos creates some very interesting and very contemporary plot points, centering around (dare I say it) an unhinged president with a bad haircut. As someone from the UK (and yes, don’t ask: I am aware that we have someone of a similar nature in charge), I found that the satire around phrases such as ‘building a wall around our perimeters would only serve to keep the horrors within’ was something that really resonated with me. In general, I found the issues that the story raised to be a fantastic bit of satire that did a very good job at holding a mirror to the world around us.
The characters in The Wake Up were more than enjoyable, particular Lexi, who was a very good lead. I did, however, cringe a little at the introduction of her first love interest, Dominic. I’m not sure if it was deliberate or not by the author, but it seemed a little out of character to make such an independently minded, strong-willed, brave and courageous woman into a shadow of herself by entering a controlling relationship where Dominic constantly berates and undermines her. I found relationship format a little cliche and thought that, as a character, Lexi would have seen the warning signs much sooner.
At the end I was left asking: what is the purpose of Lexi being a demon? What are her powers and where are they going to lead her? Whilst the demonic world Lexi lives in did not quite come into its own for me, that does not mean that it won’t in the future. This novel is setting up for something later on, and I am interested to see how Lexi grows as a person and how the battle between good and evil comes to life.
From the opening chapter, it became clear to me that The Wake Up was going to be perfectly dark and brilliantly bleak book. There is something special about the way that Panayotopulos writes and delivers her story, and it is evident that this novel is a labour of love. Panayotopulos uses brilliantly and meticulously crafted descriptions throughout, and by employing a strong use of simile and metaphor, she creates a sort of poetic element to her work. Whilst this can seem a little wordy at times, the delivery is certainly unique, and I found that my mind was conjuring fantastic images of Lexi and her world.
As the plot progresses, Panayotopulos creates some very interesting and very contemporary plot points, centering around (dare I say it) an unhinged president with a bad haircut. As someone from the UK (and yes, don’t ask: I am aware that we have someone of a similar nature in charge), I found that the satire around phrases such as ‘building a wall around our perimeters would only serve to keep the horrors within’ was something that really resonated with me. In general, I found the issues that the story raised to be a fantastic bit of satire that did a very good job at holding a mirror to the world around us.
The characters in The Wake Up were more than enjoyable, particular Lexi, who was a very good lead. I did, however, cringe a little at the introduction of her first love interest, Dominic. I’m not sure if it was deliberate or not by the author, but it seemed a little out of character to make such an independently minded, strong-willed, brave and courageous woman into a shadow of herself by entering a controlling relationship where Dominic constantly berates and undermines her. I found relationship format a little cliche and thought that, as a character, Lexi would have seen the warning signs much sooner.
At the end I was left asking: what is the purpose of Lexi being a demon? What are her powers and where are they going to lead her? Whilst the demonic world Lexi lives in did not quite come into its own for me, that does not mean that it won’t in the future. This novel is setting up for something later on, and I am interested to see how Lexi grows as a person and how the battle between good and evil comes to life.
July 5, 2019
What an amazing read!
4.5 stars rounded to 5 because once the action picked up, I couldn't let go of the book until I was done, and yes, it wasn't before 4 am.
The narrative style and chapter organization took me a little getting used to at first, and the back-up story was a little long before we got to the actual plot, but again, it all works out great!
Angela Panayotopulos has a wonderful poetic style, that creates vivid images and opens the eyes on a new way to see the world. At times, the narration was so rich, I had to reread sentences two or three times, wondering at the beauty and the truth that rang behind the words.
This paranormal dystopian story is seen through the eyes of different characters, which shows the two sides of a same coin. All characters are absolutely relatable, and they all stirred feelings in me (albeit different). They represent the American society as the melting pot that it is, and I enjoyed learning some more about the Greek and middle eastern culture.
Some parts in the story brought tears, others knowing smiles and some laughter. There were unexpected plots twists that left me speechless at times, and I loved it! I believe the author did a wonderful job, and while this book could be read as a standalone, I hope a sequel is in the works.
4.5 stars rounded to 5 because once the action picked up, I couldn't let go of the book until I was done, and yes, it wasn't before 4 am.
The narrative style and chapter organization took me a little getting used to at first, and the back-up story was a little long before we got to the actual plot, but again, it all works out great!
Angela Panayotopulos has a wonderful poetic style, that creates vivid images and opens the eyes on a new way to see the world. At times, the narration was so rich, I had to reread sentences two or three times, wondering at the beauty and the truth that rang behind the words.
This paranormal dystopian story is seen through the eyes of different characters, which shows the two sides of a same coin. All characters are absolutely relatable, and they all stirred feelings in me (albeit different). They represent the American society as the melting pot that it is, and I enjoyed learning some more about the Greek and middle eastern culture.
Some parts in the story brought tears, others knowing smiles and some laughter. There were unexpected plots twists that left me speechless at times, and I loved it! I believe the author did a wonderful job, and while this book could be read as a standalone, I hope a sequel is in the works.
September 29, 2019
One evening, an elderly Cherokee man told his grandson a story, passed forward through generations, about a battle that goes on inside people’s minds” “There is a battle between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. The other is good.”
The grandson though about it then asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee replied, “the one that you feed.”
I heard this story a long time ago and the last line often floats into my mind. Part paranormal, a little dystopian and part romance, “The Wake Up” feeds on this story too, but its approach is original. There are even two wolves, Yin and Yang, in the novel. Then we have the fireflies. Like their flying paths, the novel jumps back and forth, both in time and places. Sometimes you see it coming, sometimes you don’t. In the end, the whole novel is a parable - banning all the mirror in a modern world is possible only in a parable - and the reader must find a way to understand it. At times, the writing is vivid and dynamic, but mostly is philosophic and poetic.
Lexi is a compelling character, and we follow her both as child and adult (the firefly path). She has a special gift: she can See the good and the evil in the mirror, and she is not afraid of her gift while most people prefer to fear and ignore it. Through the story, she finds love, betrayal and loss; she is sometimes lost but, in the end, she finds her path.
The grandson though about it then asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee replied, “the one that you feed.”
I heard this story a long time ago and the last line often floats into my mind. Part paranormal, a little dystopian and part romance, “The Wake Up” feeds on this story too, but its approach is original. There are even two wolves, Yin and Yang, in the novel. Then we have the fireflies. Like their flying paths, the novel jumps back and forth, both in time and places. Sometimes you see it coming, sometimes you don’t. In the end, the whole novel is a parable - banning all the mirror in a modern world is possible only in a parable - and the reader must find a way to understand it. At times, the writing is vivid and dynamic, but mostly is philosophic and poetic.
Lexi is a compelling character, and we follow her both as child and adult (the firefly path). She has a special gift: she can See the good and the evil in the mirror, and she is not afraid of her gift while most people prefer to fear and ignore it. Through the story, she finds love, betrayal and loss; she is sometimes lost but, in the end, she finds her path.
November 20, 2018
The Wake Up is unique and compelling. This is an epic story of good vs evil in a not-too distant future United States where a mad man, a self-serving despot and liar, is elected President.
The story weaves together every-day living — family meals, a family business, college classes, coffee shops, bar-hopping, hospital visits, and newfound love — with the unthinkable aftermath of preposterous laws and regulations designed to protect and enhance the self-serving President’s power.
I found myself charmed by the seamless continuum from realistic to uncanny, and by the unlikely hero, Lexi. Lexi is a college student who loves her family and friends, and opens her heart to a handsome boyfriend, only to witness his mask of kindness melt away and expose his rotten inner core. Lexi suffers. Her family suffers. Her family’s business of glass and mirror-making suffers. But Lexi emerges courageous, determined to fulfill her family destiny no matter the danger, no matter the personal cost.
This is a story of unmasking. This is a story of regular people whose regular lives become shattered in the wake of unconscionable government actions. And this is a story of regular people who discover inner strength and mystical awareness when they confront evil and stand fast.
The story weaves together every-day living — family meals, a family business, college classes, coffee shops, bar-hopping, hospital visits, and newfound love — with the unthinkable aftermath of preposterous laws and regulations designed to protect and enhance the self-serving President’s power.
I found myself charmed by the seamless continuum from realistic to uncanny, and by the unlikely hero, Lexi. Lexi is a college student who loves her family and friends, and opens her heart to a handsome boyfriend, only to witness his mask of kindness melt away and expose his rotten inner core. Lexi suffers. Her family suffers. Her family’s business of glass and mirror-making suffers. But Lexi emerges courageous, determined to fulfill her family destiny no matter the danger, no matter the personal cost.
This is a story of unmasking. This is a story of regular people whose regular lives become shattered in the wake of unconscionable government actions. And this is a story of regular people who discover inner strength and mystical awareness when they confront evil and stand fast.
January 2, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Could be very minor spoilers.
An interesting blend of dystopia, love, fantasy and the battle of good against evil. Lexi, a young accounting student living in the DC area comes from a close-knit family of Greek heritage, there's Pappou, Yiagia and two wolves: Ying and Yang. There's the odd Greek dessert thrown in here and there, which always catches my attention!
Lexi struck me as a vibrant young lady, not afraid to go her own way and certainly wouldn't turn down romance if it came in the right variety. I certainly was intrigued by the whole glass and mirror thing, especially the concept of Seeing. The banning of mirrors and reflective surfaces was original in my mind, albeit with a little sprinkling of Fahrenheit 451.
I think the author set out to give an interesting mix to things. Maybe Lexi is a reflection of Panayotopulos, herself? The author certainly can write and describe things nicely, there were few highlights on my kindle, I should say. The favourite part for me was the first meeting and interaction with bad-boy Dominic, I wanted to see where that was going. Then someone else? Naughty Lexi!
I suppose the downside for me was that second half of the novel seemed to run out of puff. That's probably because I'm not a die-hard fantasy fan. I wanted more info about the suppressing regime and the story just seemed to encircle around too few characters until about 70% then some others popped in. I also thought that the writing, while powerful, swift and littered with elevated descriptions didn't quite match the level of intrigue and peril.
I'm a cynical lover of "grown-up" dark dystopia, and for me the story, while it tried to throw up some tension, just seemed too glossy/YA for my tastes. I do, however, think that after reading other reviews that people who are into this genre really enjoyed it, so it certainly will find it's target market easily. It has been well executed and I applaud the author for that.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
An interesting blend of dystopia, love, fantasy and the battle of good against evil. Lexi, a young accounting student living in the DC area comes from a close-knit family of Greek heritage, there's Pappou, Yiagia and two wolves: Ying and Yang. There's the odd Greek dessert thrown in here and there, which always catches my attention!
Lexi struck me as a vibrant young lady, not afraid to go her own way and certainly wouldn't turn down romance if it came in the right variety. I certainly was intrigued by the whole glass and mirror thing, especially the concept of Seeing. The banning of mirrors and reflective surfaces was original in my mind, albeit with a little sprinkling of Fahrenheit 451.
I think the author set out to give an interesting mix to things. Maybe Lexi is a reflection of Panayotopulos, herself? The author certainly can write and describe things nicely, there were few highlights on my kindle, I should say. The favourite part for me was the first meeting and interaction with bad-boy Dominic, I wanted to see where that was going. Then someone else? Naughty Lexi!
I suppose the downside for me was that second half of the novel seemed to run out of puff. That's probably because I'm not a die-hard fantasy fan. I wanted more info about the suppressing regime and the story just seemed to encircle around too few characters until about 70% then some others popped in. I also thought that the writing, while powerful, swift and littered with elevated descriptions didn't quite match the level of intrigue and peril.
I'm a cynical lover of "grown-up" dark dystopia, and for me the story, while it tried to throw up some tension, just seemed too glossy/YA for my tastes. I do, however, think that after reading other reviews that people who are into this genre really enjoyed it, so it certainly will find it's target market easily. It has been well executed and I applaud the author for that.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
June 8, 2020
Pros: Lyrical prose. Poetic and allegorical. Cast features much cultural diversity.
Possible cons: Unusual structure including set up and unlikely wrap up. More character and theme driven than plot driven. Plot requires substantial suspension of disbelief.
In the paranoid dystopia of Angela Panayotopulos’s paranormal novel, The Wake Up, a mad president, threatened by the demon he sees in his own mirror, bans all reflective surfaces.
A Virginian glass-making factory is destroyed in the resulting purge. But worse, the glass-maker’s daughter, Lexi, possesses the power to detect inner demons and angles, a power the president fears. Lexi’s gift could mean prison or death.
Then time passes. Lexi grows up, slowly separates from her shattered family and suffers a romantic disaster. Flash backs explore Lexi’s history and introduce additional characters. By and large, these plot elements come together in a last conflict, but much of this book is operating on a deeper, more abstract level, exploring the good and evil inherent to each human’s nature.
This rolling, allegorical feel meshes well with the author’s beautiful prose. Instead of saying, “time passed,” she says:
The world continued to revolve, somehow. The wind breezed through the neighborhoods and pushed the hands of household clocks. Waves rose and fell with the regularity of a sleeping god’s snores. People cupped snowflakes in the hands, scraps of divinity that melted at the human touch, as ephemeral as time.
And since I’ve lived in Maryland and the District, I appreciated a poetic visit to the mid-Atlantic’s seasons. So although The Wake Up may not follow the “rules” of a typical paranormal novel, it is a lovely read that I recommend.
Possible cons: Unusual structure including set up and unlikely wrap up. More character and theme driven than plot driven. Plot requires substantial suspension of disbelief.
In the paranoid dystopia of Angela Panayotopulos’s paranormal novel, The Wake Up, a mad president, threatened by the demon he sees in his own mirror, bans all reflective surfaces.
A Virginian glass-making factory is destroyed in the resulting purge. But worse, the glass-maker’s daughter, Lexi, possesses the power to detect inner demons and angles, a power the president fears. Lexi’s gift could mean prison or death.
Then time passes. Lexi grows up, slowly separates from her shattered family and suffers a romantic disaster. Flash backs explore Lexi’s history and introduce additional characters. By and large, these plot elements come together in a last conflict, but much of this book is operating on a deeper, more abstract level, exploring the good and evil inherent to each human’s nature.
This rolling, allegorical feel meshes well with the author’s beautiful prose. Instead of saying, “time passed,” she says:
The world continued to revolve, somehow. The wind breezed through the neighborhoods and pushed the hands of household clocks. Waves rose and fell with the regularity of a sleeping god’s snores. People cupped snowflakes in the hands, scraps of divinity that melted at the human touch, as ephemeral as time.
And since I’ve lived in Maryland and the District, I appreciated a poetic visit to the mid-Atlantic’s seasons. So although The Wake Up may not follow the “rules” of a typical paranormal novel, it is a lovely read that I recommend.
June 19, 2020
The Wake Up is a dystopian urban fantasy and sometimes a romance. I say romance only because the story spends a significant amount of time on Lexi's love relationships. The protagonist Lexi is a young woman in a very messed up world. Her home life has also become a mess. The premise is that some people are able to see others in the reflection of a mirror for who they are at that moment. People either have horns or wings. Some people can't handle the knowledge.
The President makes a ruling outlawing reflective surfaces after a mass shooting is linked to a young man staring at a mirror. Reflective glass and mirrors are no longer allowed. Lexi's family runs a glass-blowing factory. The new law is devastating. A mob attacks Lexi's home. Her mother nearly dies in the attack and winds up comatose in a hospital. Lexi's father is committed to an institution. Lexi and her younger sister must rely on her grandfather. This is the messed up world Lexi enters as a young adult after completing college. She struggles with relationships as she strives to understand who she is and find her purpose in this new world.
The Wake Up is beautifully written. Panayotopulos masterfully weaves the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood into her story. If you enjoy elegant prose and imagery, The Wake Up is for you.
The President makes a ruling outlawing reflective surfaces after a mass shooting is linked to a young man staring at a mirror. Reflective glass and mirrors are no longer allowed. Lexi's family runs a glass-blowing factory. The new law is devastating. A mob attacks Lexi's home. Her mother nearly dies in the attack and winds up comatose in a hospital. Lexi's father is committed to an institution. Lexi and her younger sister must rely on her grandfather. This is the messed up world Lexi enters as a young adult after completing college. She struggles with relationships as she strives to understand who she is and find her purpose in this new world.
The Wake Up is beautifully written. Panayotopulos masterfully weaves the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood into her story. If you enjoy elegant prose and imagery, The Wake Up is for you.
August 9, 2021
A seamless blend of dystopia and supernatural
When one can see the inner demon residing in a person- alerting one to the true nature of the person sitting next to you, is it a curse or a boon? Does it help one be on their mark or does it provoke extreme reaction?
This story is a reflection of human mature, the undercurrents of emotions and their effects on one's actions.
There are many things to like in this book. It starts out with a beautiful description, which shows the author's mastery over language, gradually getting expanding the story eith different scenarios starting wth phrases which immediately grip your curiosity! Its a gripping tale laying out the foundation of the start of a dystopian society rooted on a supernatural cause! The way author has taken major events like shooting in schools and random events such as political figures breaking camers of the paparazzi, seemingly unrelated incidents and woven them together is commendable.
The narrative matches the fresh concept and the style grips one right frok the start which makes this story unputdownable.
When one can see the inner demon residing in a person- alerting one to the true nature of the person sitting next to you, is it a curse or a boon? Does it help one be on their mark or does it provoke extreme reaction?
This story is a reflection of human mature, the undercurrents of emotions and their effects on one's actions.
There are many things to like in this book. It starts out with a beautiful description, which shows the author's mastery over language, gradually getting expanding the story eith different scenarios starting wth phrases which immediately grip your curiosity! Its a gripping tale laying out the foundation of the start of a dystopian society rooted on a supernatural cause! The way author has taken major events like shooting in schools and random events such as political figures breaking camers of the paparazzi, seemingly unrelated incidents and woven them together is commendable.
The narrative matches the fresh concept and the style grips one right frok the start which makes this story unputdownable.
August 8, 2021
Suspense...check
Betrayal...check
Twists and turns...double check
The paranormal gifts and abilities are extraordinary in this book. Just when you think you know what's going to happen...bam! you so don't. I can't recommend this book enough. It'll pull you in and you won't be able to put the book down. Just a fair warning.
Betrayal...check
Twists and turns...double check
The paranormal gifts and abilities are extraordinary in this book. Just when you think you know what's going to happen...bam! you so don't. I can't recommend this book enough. It'll pull you in and you won't be able to put the book down. Just a fair warning.
November 17, 2018
3.5 stars
Fun ideas and punchy writing but lacks emotional impact.
Review to follow.
Fun ideas and punchy writing but lacks emotional impact.
Review to follow.
February 20, 2020
The Wake Up is a fantasy book that follows the life of Lexi, who can “See” both the angels and the monsters within people when she catches their image in a reflection. When the president tries to obliterate this practice by banning all reflective surfaces, Lexi's life is turned upside down as she suffers one loss after another. While many people would have given up after the first tragedy or two, Lexi's strength allows her to keep rebuilding her life after each new defeat and to inspire others like her to resist the oppression against all odds.
This book is an inspiring story about love and loss, trust and betrayal and about determination, bravery, self sacrifice and resilience.
Both the characters and the world they inhabit are extremely well developed. The pacing is well done with just the right amount of tension to keep you up at night- to keep turning the pages. And while the themes are familiar the concept is original, engaging and thought provoking.
This book is an inspiring story about love and loss, trust and betrayal and about determination, bravery, self sacrifice and resilience.
Both the characters and the world they inhabit are extremely well developed. The pacing is well done with just the right amount of tension to keep you up at night- to keep turning the pages. And while the themes are familiar the concept is original, engaging and thought provoking.
October 11, 2019
This book is exceptionally well written with a rich style and leisurely pace suited toward adult readers. The story has a fantastical element – the ability to see others as angels or devils through the use of mirrors – but this ability and its underlying commentary works equally well as a metaphor for the duality within the human heart.
The story follows Lexi from childhood to adulthood. She has a gift; she sees horns or wings in a person’s reflection. It’s an ability she hides in a dystopian world where fear of other and fear of the unknown result in the targeting of those who craft mirrors, the life’s work of her family. She seeks acceptance among others like herself, faces betrayal, and must eventually come to terms with who she is and the power she holds, the duality within her, and by association within each of us.
The reality of the story will ring familiar with undertones of the hysteria and brutality of Nazi Germany. Except this is the US, and hopefully not a vision of a future. There are parallels to modern politics, and in that respect, this book has undertones of a cautionary tale. At the same time, the entire story serves as a metaphor for the painful process of self-discovery —growing up and growing deep. It’s quite easy to identify with Lexi and her situation.
Violence is used sparingly but with impact. The middle of the book focuses on Lexi’s love relationship, but without teenage bated breath and angst. This is a much more serious book than that. Fantasy readers hoping for lots of traditional fantasy tropes won’t find it here, but The Wake Up is an excellent read.
The story follows Lexi from childhood to adulthood. She has a gift; she sees horns or wings in a person’s reflection. It’s an ability she hides in a dystopian world where fear of other and fear of the unknown result in the targeting of those who craft mirrors, the life’s work of her family. She seeks acceptance among others like herself, faces betrayal, and must eventually come to terms with who she is and the power she holds, the duality within her, and by association within each of us.
The reality of the story will ring familiar with undertones of the hysteria and brutality of Nazi Germany. Except this is the US, and hopefully not a vision of a future. There are parallels to modern politics, and in that respect, this book has undertones of a cautionary tale. At the same time, the entire story serves as a metaphor for the painful process of self-discovery —growing up and growing deep. It’s quite easy to identify with Lexi and her situation.
Violence is used sparingly but with impact. The middle of the book focuses on Lexi’s love relationship, but without teenage bated breath and angst. This is a much more serious book than that. Fantasy readers hoping for lots of traditional fantasy tropes won’t find it here, but The Wake Up is an excellent read.
October 26, 2019
Angela Panayotopulos’ The Wake Up was a delightful surprise. Before reading I was sure a horned human would turn into a wild animal and begin eating the citizens of the town and some hero would save the day with grit and magic after much conflict and bloodshed. Instead, I get a finely crafted allegory of the human condition and what is possible in spite of what we are.
Good and Evil are ancient considerations for us humans and well-written books about such things are to be cherished. And this book is written well.
Panayotopulos was a little too enthusiastic with her similes which seemed to scurry across the pages like an army of black ants. Some were beautiful while others were distracting, favoring form over function. Much of her writing worked quite well, like this painful beauty:
“One floor down, Death crept through a crack of ripped plastic. It wandered around the halls and stopped at a door, poking its head into the room and then slipping closer to the bed. The man with the swallow tattoo raised his head from the pillow, sensing change. Death cocked its head at him and smiled, though the man couldn’t see. ‘Helen?’ the man whispered. ‘I’ve missed you.’ Death lowered its head and stole his last breath with a kiss.”
The English language has not been better served.
It’s a wonderful book, especially for those who like to think a bit, and who seek to be better tomorrow. The ending, sadly, was how it had to be leaving this question: Is a mirror a metaphor?
Good and Evil are ancient considerations for us humans and well-written books about such things are to be cherished. And this book is written well.
Panayotopulos was a little too enthusiastic with her similes which seemed to scurry across the pages like an army of black ants. Some were beautiful while others were distracting, favoring form over function. Much of her writing worked quite well, like this painful beauty:
“One floor down, Death crept through a crack of ripped plastic. It wandered around the halls and stopped at a door, poking its head into the room and then slipping closer to the bed. The man with the swallow tattoo raised his head from the pillow, sensing change. Death cocked its head at him and smiled, though the man couldn’t see. ‘Helen?’ the man whispered. ‘I’ve missed you.’ Death lowered its head and stole his last breath with a kiss.”
The English language has not been better served.
It’s a wonderful book, especially for those who like to think a bit, and who seek to be better tomorrow. The ending, sadly, was how it had to be leaving this question: Is a mirror a metaphor?
January 30, 2020
I was hooked on page eight with this line—Katie Sanders was an Ivy League grad, with a squeaky-clean record that deserved Geico’s lowest car insurance rates—and was eager to take a fun ride with Katie Sanders.
But the story quickly took a disturbing turn and all of a sudden a young girl named Lexi is the primary character who can 'See' the devil inside Katie Sanders.
And the disturbances just kept coming—horns and devils, hydras, wolves, wings and mirrors that show the evil and divine in all of us. This story reminded me of American Gods and it has the same surreal quality that will thrill Neil Gaiman fans.
The plot follows Lexi and her family of glass-makers as the world is turned upside down by a demagogue politician, Daimon, who sounds eerily like our current president. Only this fictional president wants to destroy all the glass and mirrors in the country because he convinces the country that glass and mirrors cause mass shootings. That was the one part of the plot that didn’t hold up as well for me.
Panayotopalos does an excellent job with her character names, freighted with symbolism, from Gabriel the grandfather to Daimon the satanic president. And, she’s given readers a fantastical story with luscious lines of descriptive prose, excellent writing, and a concept of a dystopian world that will send shivers up your spine.
But the story quickly took a disturbing turn and all of a sudden a young girl named Lexi is the primary character who can 'See' the devil inside Katie Sanders.
And the disturbances just kept coming—horns and devils, hydras, wolves, wings and mirrors that show the evil and divine in all of us. This story reminded me of American Gods and it has the same surreal quality that will thrill Neil Gaiman fans.
The plot follows Lexi and her family of glass-makers as the world is turned upside down by a demagogue politician, Daimon, who sounds eerily like our current president. Only this fictional president wants to destroy all the glass and mirrors in the country because he convinces the country that glass and mirrors cause mass shootings. That was the one part of the plot that didn’t hold up as well for me.
Panayotopalos does an excellent job with her character names, freighted with symbolism, from Gabriel the grandfather to Daimon the satanic president. And, she’s given readers a fantastical story with luscious lines of descriptive prose, excellent writing, and a concept of a dystopian world that will send shivers up your spine.
December 4, 2019
The Wake Up is literature at its finest. Sharp, poetic, dark, with glimmers of light here and there. The story rolls along, never flagging, always surprising, breaking new ground again and again. The main character, Lexi, has a special gift. She can “See” horns like those of the devil on evil people that she meets. As if that premise were not unique enough, you wouldn’t believe where this sophisticated yet accessible story goes from there.
This novel is technically a fantasy but reminds me more of the Iliad than of the repetitive tropes of conventional fantasy. Like the Iliad, descriptions are lush and moving. Instead of the gods and goddesses of the Iliad, this book has angels and demons. Unlike the Iliad, characters in the Wake Up are relatable and nuanced (it could be that literature has advanced over the last 3000 years, or maybe civilization has).
I did chuckle when Dupont Circle appeared in the middle of a nightmare sequence. I once went through Dupont Circle at 4 AM with no traffic and still had to go around it twice! Nightmare indeed.
This novel is technically a fantasy but reminds me more of the Iliad than of the repetitive tropes of conventional fantasy. Like the Iliad, descriptions are lush and moving. Instead of the gods and goddesses of the Iliad, this book has angels and demons. Unlike the Iliad, characters in the Wake Up are relatable and nuanced (it could be that literature has advanced over the last 3000 years, or maybe civilization has).
I did chuckle when Dupont Circle appeared in the middle of a nightmare sequence. I once went through Dupont Circle at 4 AM with no traffic and still had to go around it twice! Nightmare indeed.
December 12, 2019
The first comment I'll make is that the writing is excellent. There is a great counterbalance between flow and punch, a difficult blend to master but the author has done an exceptional job of knowing when to hit hard & fast and knowing when to let the narrative breathe. The pace of the story varies a bit but there's a very definitive feeling of it being a conscious, deliberate choice. Definitely gets points for style.
A minor complaint (and if I have to level one) stems from just how many genres this story could fit into. At times the "identity" felt a little fuzzy, but overall it didn't detract from my enjoyment. For the most part the characters were fun to read about, I could get behind most of the motivations, and overall I'd say it was a very enjoyable read. I will be checking out the next instalment and I commend Ms. Panayotopulos for the fun, stylish read! One of the best indie titles I have read in a long time.
A minor complaint (and if I have to level one) stems from just how many genres this story could fit into. At times the "identity" felt a little fuzzy, but overall it didn't detract from my enjoyment. For the most part the characters were fun to read about, I could get behind most of the motivations, and overall I'd say it was a very enjoyable read. I will be checking out the next instalment and I commend Ms. Panayotopulos for the fun, stylish read! One of the best indie titles I have read in a long time.
November 20, 2018
The Wake Up was an interestingly and surprisingly dark “dark fantasy”, especially the beginning, living up to the genre. It revolves around a unique and beautifully presented idea and illuminates some interesting themes—about relationships, society, and so forth—in a lyrical fashion. The language was pleasing and easy to read, flowing smoothly throughout the story. I’ve also read The Art of War: a Novel by Angela, and I was happily surprised to find a recurring character in Gabriel. I think that I especially liked the rich descriptions and vibrant imagery throughout this novel.
April 4, 2019
Devils walk among us…
And Lexi can see their horns in the reflections.
But she’s not the only one. They are “seers" everywhere.
Some seers don’t understand their gift and go crazy. The non-seers are scared and they think faulty mirrors are to blame.
A new devil for a president abolishes all reflective materials, but that’s just the start.
Will Lexi and the other seers survive?
You’ll love The Wake Up because it's a brilliantly written dystopian tale combining paranormal themes with human emotion.
Get it today!
And Lexi can see their horns in the reflections.
But she’s not the only one. They are “seers" everywhere.
Some seers don’t understand their gift and go crazy. The non-seers are scared and they think faulty mirrors are to blame.
A new devil for a president abolishes all reflective materials, but that’s just the start.
Will Lexi and the other seers survive?
You’ll love The Wake Up because it's a brilliantly written dystopian tale combining paranormal themes with human emotion.
Get it today!
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