Awaken

The Cure Chronicles #2

by K.A. Riley

Leaving behind the people she loves most in the world, Ashen sets off into the wilderness in hopes of finding the elusive group of rebels know as the Consortium. But when she finds herself among strangers in the former ski town locals have named the "Bastille," secrets begin to reveal themselves, friendships prove as fragile as glass, and Ashen begins to understand just how powerful her enemy really is. When her brother, Kel, goes missing, Ashen is forced to return to the place she despises...where she's faced with a cruel and brutal choice that will break her heart.

This is the second book in the Cure Chronicles.

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Ebooks, Audiobook, Romance, Fantasy

332 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2021

About the author

K. A. Riley is a writer of speculative and science fiction, dedicated to creating worlds just different enough from our own to be entertaining, intriguing and a little frightening all at once. For Riley, writing isn't a job. It's a laboratory where readers can wander into a land of ideas; it's a playground where they can scamper around, giggling, gasping, and freaking out to their hearts' content.

Riley is the top-secret pen-name of a NYT and USA Today best-selling author.

Reviews

[Ashley Zuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was promising but somehow the author lost me here and I couldn’t finish this book. Ashen is incredibly naive and I struggle to continue to connect with her because of it. Finn is also a bit of a disappointment. They both choose to trust someone who has proven to be untrustworthy. Ashen trusts a group Willy nilly after going through this huge ordeal with the Arc… I guess I just can’t find it relatable that she would be so trusting when they gave her ZERO reasons to. They constantly threw out little clues that they weren’t great and yet she trusted them fully. Then she finally finds the rebel group and they just… take her to their secret entrance??? No blindfold? Like what in the world. Any secret organization that ran that way would not survive as long as they had.

Book one o was willing to look past her naivety as she was new to the world. So her immediate trust and “love” of a man she barely knows might make sense but with everything that happens since I just feel like she should have smartened up a bit.

At this point I just can’t finish the book. I’m too frustrated in reading it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure. DNF at 76%

The first book wasn’t bad. Not amazing, either, but enough that I continued on to the next book just to see what would happen and I’ve paused for several days at around the 75% mark. It’s just not that good. There is a lot being thrown at us and while it DOES tie into what might happen after book 1 ends, it’s too different and not as interesting to me.

So I’m quitting the series. Which is a little ironic to me since I waited so long to read the series since I knew it wasn’t complete. A lack of anything else interesting to read had me say ‘what the heck. why not?’ and jump in before the third book was even published (albeit short only by a few days).

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read this book after I had finished the first one, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book was beautifully written in a way that continues the intriguing story of Ashen and Finn. Both of these characters continue to develop and their bond also deepens. Along every corner there was suspense which left me anxious to see what would happen next. There were also quite a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming which added to the sense of mystery this book entails. The ending left me wondering what would happen to Finn and how Ashen would continue to develop and mature. I would absolutely recommend this book to people who are looking for a story that will shock them, intrigue them, and make them fall in love with the characters.

[molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

So bad

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhh…

I loved the Hunger Games series, but I was kind of hoping this series would be revolutionarily different? Instead it’s the same story, characters and plot but with slight tweaks. I guess if I had just finished reading Hunger Games and was sad about not having any more of the same content to read this would definitely be fulfilling. After reading this second book though, I’m just going to cancel my pre-order for book four and find something else.
Very disappointed.

[Christina's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty excited about this series. I hate that each book ends abruptly on a cliffhanger but they are all written so it's all good, onto the next one

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I read in two days and I again have devoured this book. I would start the third if it wasn’t so late in the night. Also I feel as though I have to pace myself since the book club isn’t discussing the third book until over a month from now but ugh…I just want to keep reading and already have a feeling that I’m gonna feel lost once I’ve finished this series. Did I like this book better than the first? I’m not sure. I definitely liked learning about the Bastille and the Pit.

[Kiki Donohoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was much better than the first one. It had action and lots of romance. There was a great mix of both and the plot kept a steady pace. It was easy to keep up with. This is now one of my favorite dystopian books. I personally would suggest this.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was better than the 1st one. This one had a lot of twists & turns that were not expected. It had me tearing up at a few spots.

[Brie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. Only read because I had previously purchased the book. More of the same from book 1- too unbelievable and too much jumping around. I won’t continue the series.

[Maddison Hagland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again. Really enjoyed this book. Now onto the third!!

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I seriously cried when Finn died! This book is amazing! I am reading the 3rd book now! Would recommend

[Mackenzie Thackston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book but not until 40% through it and from there it picked up. The beginning is necessary to build the rest of the plot. Trust the author and read this book and this series!!!

[Kyra Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start to in the beginning, but then about half way through it started to get exciting. Definitely some “no way” moments. I hated ending on a cliffhanger though!! Onto book three I have to find out what happens next.

[Laura Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book and was not disappointed in this one. There was a couple sports where things seemed a bit rushed and awkward but I overall really enjoyed the story and can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens.

[Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this continuation of The Cure, I was concerned it would lose its thunder but not at all.

Ash is now on the run in search of The Consortium and is picked up by what she believes to be trusted individuals. She enters a location in the woods called The Bastille but quickly finds out things are not as they appear. Veer, the commander of The Bastille, feigns allegiance to The Consortium and Ash quickly has to battle for her life. With a surprise friend she is able to escape The Bastille and finds herself having to enter the Arc once again to save Kel her younger brother. This time she has friends on the outside that are prepared to go to battle and create an uprising!

I can’t wait to read the next story, the action was really packed into this story and I loved every minute!

[Alethea Frederick ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate some of the harsh reviews of this book/ this series. If you are a Twilight, Divergent Series, or Hunger Games fan - this series is very fulfilling & similar. Being a YA dystopian book- of course, some moments are predictable. That is kind of part of the genre. Awaken (Book #2 of The Cure Chronicles) is just as intriguing as the first book. Personally, I love the cheesy parts with Finn & Ash, and I think it is comparable to that of the Divergent series romance. Predictable, but it still makes you smile/ feel warm & fuzzy anytime they share moments together. I love this series so far & will continue to recommend it to my students & friends!

[Pamela Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of my seat !!!

I loved the first book ,but the second book I couldn't read it fast enough. I needed to know what was going to happen next. Now I HAVE to read the next one !


.

[Annie Kosar · Rating 5 out of 5]

And It Continues in Dystopian Noir Beauty….

Wow!!! So THRILLING!!! Twists that I NEVER saw coming!! And….SOOO MUCH is revealed and yet too many questions remain….which make you just want to keep devouring this series!!!:-). Millions of stars for this one!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Second Book

This second book was almost as good as the first. My only complaint is a slow beginning. However that was to be expected in order to introduce the new group. I have to say that I’m definitely a fan of this author. Looking forward to the conclusion.

[Trudy J Briggs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cringy

This series is so cringy. The way Ash talks, how quickly she fell in "love". The pace of the book is weird and the whole fight scene and her saying "ohh this is actually kind of fun". What!? You're fighting your lover and it's fun?

Such a disappointment. 🙄

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been on a dystopian kick and this series has been fabulous. There are a few things that you can sort of predict but there are lots of twists that I never saw coming. I have had a hard time putting the book down!

[Jessa Fae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Significantly better than the first book

First book was very predictable with little interest, though well written. This one is much better, with a great storyline that kept me reading the whole way through. Now I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

[The Autistic Bookclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was the premise of The Cure Chronicles that really gripped me and pushed me on to reading the second book in the series - Awaken by K.A. Riley - and it continued to intrigue me with plenty of twists and turns. The group at The Bastille were fascinatingly different to those at The Arc or in The Mire and I was desperate to find out more about their strange ways and see what part they played in the fight against The Directorate.

Sometimes, as series continue, they have a tendency to overly complicate a plot that was so strong and simple in the first book. There were moments of this in Awaken. The cure isn't a cure but it kind of is a cure, it won't cure you but we'll call it a cure? I didn't really understand it honestly, but with the focus moving more onto the resistance fighters it doesn't actually seem that important anymore.

The main romance was still so overly dramatic and cringey that I found myself skipping the long paragraphs where Ashen craved the touch of her one true love in life - you know that guy who stalked her two weeks ago and who she spent most of her time thinking about rather than her prisoner little brother. Bur despite this, my main critique was it all felt a bit easy. Ashen had seemingly befriended/dated/pined for the only two people in The Arc who had the ability to build pretty much any technological device she required. An animatronic owl that can scout out areas to ensure they're safe? Sure. 30 invisibility cloaks so the resistance can wander around unseen? Easy. A device that can alter her appearance so no one recognises her as Ashen Spencer? Piece of cake. I never felt any real jeopardy because whenever trouble was on its way, Finn and/or Rys would pull out some new invention that they'd just whipped up with no one noticing. The two guys were a bit interchangeable. They had the same skills, the only difference between their characters is Ashen liked one and hated the other.

I'll keep reading the series because I am genuinely interested in where the story goes, but I may have to skip the corny lovey dovey bits.

[Rylee Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel, Awaken, by K.A. Rylie, is a captivating escapist story with an engaging plot. Ashen, the main character, has just escaped from the Directorate with help from her boyfriend Finn. She leaves behind her brother and boyfriend to seek refuge with an opposing force, the Bastille, against the Directorate. She hopes to save her boyfriend and brother, but can she truly trust the Bastille? The author hints at various political themes throughout the novel, such as feminism. The overall message of the story is to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Ashen is extremely resourceful, and her father is known for fighting against the Directorate. Here, the text states this relation, “‘I should have guessed who you were,’ the woman says with an approving grin. ‘Only Oliver’s daughter would be resourceful enough to have found her way out of the Arc when no one else has managed it’” (Rylie 31). This title and recognition among the Bastille, however, place a target on her back. She isn’t always welcomed by those who live there and wants to fit in, “But part of me is morbidly curious to see the ceremony, to be an insider in the workings of the Bastille” (Rylie 67). Ashen goes on to find that the Bastille isn’t as pure and innocent as she once believed. They are an allied force of the Directorate. Ashen realizes she isn’t safe the moment she sees the Duchess’s face, “I stop breathing as our eyes meet across the crowd. I stare at her, sickened by the sight of her tight smile, her cold eyes, and the knowledge that somehow, she can see me” (Rylie 141). In her quest to find her father’s force, she was trapped in an allied force of the Directorate, and now she is in danger again.
The novel, Awaken, by K.A. Rylie, has many twists and plot points that keep every second interesting. From thinking she found refuge, to not fitting in, to having to escape the Directorate once again, there is always action occurring throughout the story. The writing pulls readers in and makes them feel sympathy for Ashen. This book is a great read to escape real life and embark on a crazy journey.

[Camille Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genuinely WHAT THE HECK IS THIS FORCED ROMANCE WITH PERIC. I WANNA DIE, I HATE THIS FORCED FLIRTATION, and whole high school crush crap. I HATE THEM together and was angered about the whole first ⅓ of the book. I don’t like the new braindead characters Cyntra & Piper & Kyra who are just so docile the whole beginning of the books is just lunch table conversations, girl talk, and dances. Peric the new cynical character develops a crush after she saves his life from 2 men apart of the real resistance and later he tries to kiss her, ick. Thank goodness she swerves him and is sold on her love with Finn.

Things I liked include her finding the Bastille society, the questionable marital ceremony, slow reveal of being a puppet town was nice/rose reveal, the execution of the rebel guards via guillotine, and I’m glad how they portray her has an intelligent distrusting character surrounded by brainwashed teens which reveals her greater values and likeable rebellious flame in the face of tyrannical rule. I like that she’s the only character who wants to end the corrupt directorate (without also seeking her affection or feeling indebted to her from a crush).

I like the rescue of her brother Kel, and the return of Rhys and his spy owl Atticus. I like the scenario of pinning Finn and Ashen in a similar competition gladiator fight to the death, and enjoyed having Diva come back. However, most of the novel was fairly slow pacing and I wish there was more action in the latter half of the book. I wish this book didn’t copy the last books climax being so similar with a gladiator battle and would’ve liked more variety.

[Bella Fothergill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the epic series that is The Cure Chronicles! I’ve been flying through these books one after another—I honestly don’t know if I could have been patient enough to wait for the next release! This is a page-turner that I struggled to put down, and before I knew it, I had finished it.
Ashen’s journey is full of twists and turns as she navigates the blurred lines between friends and enemies, good and bad, trust and betrayal. New allies turn out to be foes, leading her straight into the hands of her worst enemy. Once again, she finds herself out on her own, fighting to survive without the people she loves.
K. A. Riley’s writing is so engaging that it keeps you flipping pages faster than you can count. I really admire how the story moves at a gripping pace while maintaining deep emotional engagement throughout.
If you enjoyed the first book, The Cure, you’ll be eager to dive into Awaken to find out what happens to this heroic teenage girl. Her strength and determination in yet another dire situation make this a must-read.
I give this book 5/5 stars for its gripping plot, relatable characters, and emotional depth.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review – The Awaken

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Cure Chronicles series and ends in a cliffhanger. Ash reunites with Finn and meets the rebels. There are a lot of horrific situations that Ash is forced into. I love the fun inventions that both Finn and Rhys create to help Ash. The romance between Finn and Ash is now serious, but very ‘G’ rated.

>The evil purpose of the small towns that seem to be left alone outside the pod, or Arc is revealed. I liked how the author tried to create realistic environments amongst the technology. The rebels in the caves are losing their eyesight, which seems like a logical problem.

>This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I wonder if either Finn or Ash would have started fighting back if not for their feelings for Ash. I also thought it was funny how no one ever escaped from the Arc, yet Finn, Rhys and Ash seem to be able to come and go at will.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the domination of the wealthy over the poor continues in this second volume of the series. It seems that the Consortium is gone; or is it? In what at first appears to be an independent city we see a young woman about to be married but we never see who she is marrying.

All may not be the way it seems in the village. Further, there's an owl that seems to be following Ash around. Then it's time for a French history demonstration, Finn, someone going missing, another arena fight and something out of a Hitchcock movie about birds.

Throughout Ash demonstrates he ability to face whatever's thrown at her. A good addition to the series.

[Savanna Mackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book series is interesting if you want a fast paced romance fantasy novel that is high stakes and always has something going on. Throughout the whole story I was yelling at Ashen to actually think and start to question some of the people she trusted. Why does she automatically assume this random group that is kept alive by the arc and is constantly telling her they aren't going to give her information that they are the rebels her father helped hide. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY APART OF THE ARC AND NOT HER ALLIES!!! The whole thing was just so frustrating because 90% of the conflict could've been avoided if she would have just ran away sooner.

I do love the romance between her and Finn but it always confused me that they got together so quickly. Finn just happened to have a crush on her for 8 years after he got into the arc??? It makes no sense why he likes her so much because apparently they weren't even close before he got moved to the Arc. I honestly just don't understand why he is helping her so much but I love the romance so I am just gonna chose to turn a blind eye....

I liked this book but it's just not super memorable so that's why I gave it a 3 stars. I like it but a year from now I probably won't remember much about it.