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The Dark Rituals #1
Awakening
She’ll do anything for vengeance, even confront death itself.
Born a healer, nineteen-year-old Colina has been taught to fear dark magic. But now vengeance and survival are her only goals, and she seeks the help of the Death Dealers—dark mages who wield the death arts, drawing their power from the spirits of the unsettled dead.
Colina asks a death dealer named Luke for help. Little does she know convincing him to train her will be the easiest part of her journey.
Three dark rituals, each more terrifying than the last.
If she survives her trials, what will she become?
This book contains violence and dark themes such as demons and possession. Full list of content warnings can be found at the beginning of Chapter 1.
Author’s Note: This series originally appeared on Wattpad with over three million reads and it was published with a Digital First house in 2015. I’m now relaunching the series as New Adult with new covers and additional content. )
Born a healer, nineteen-year-old Colina has been taught to fear dark magic. But now vengeance and survival are her only goals, and she seeks the help of the Death Dealers—dark mages who wield the death arts, drawing their power from the spirits of the unsettled dead.
Colina asks a death dealer named Luke for help. Little does she know convincing him to train her will be the easiest part of her journey.
Three dark rituals, each more terrifying than the last.
If she survives her trials, what will she become?
This book contains violence and dark themes such as demons and possession. Full list of content warnings can be found at the beginning of Chapter 1.
Author’s Note: This series originally appeared on Wattpad with over three million reads and it was published with a Digital First house in 2015. I’m now relaunching the series as New Adult with new covers and additional content. )
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
699 people are currently reading
3843 people want to read
About the author
Catrina Burgess
6 books199 followersWriting New Adult Paranormal Romance as Catrina Burgess and writing New Adult Angsty Contemporary as Friday Burgess
I write because it helps keeps the darkness away and reminds me that there is magic in the world. I live with one husband, two dogs, and a cat named Shitty Kitty in a small mining town in Arizona. At night this place is definitely spooky. I swear I’ve heard the wind giggle, and sometimes there’s a very odd breeze. Luckily, I love all things that go bump in the night. I adore old movies. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan.
I’ve been known to eat pizza and cold Chinese food for breakfast, and I’m the queen of the board game Stratego. I’ve never been beaten. NEVER!
You can find me online at:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/catrinaburg...
I write because it helps keeps the darkness away and reminds me that there is magic in the world. I live with one husband, two dogs, and a cat named Shitty Kitty in a small mining town in Arizona. At night this place is definitely spooky. I swear I’ve heard the wind giggle, and sometimes there’s a very odd breeze. Luckily, I love all things that go bump in the night. I adore old movies. I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan.
I’ve been known to eat pizza and cold Chinese food for breakfast, and I’m the queen of the board game Stratego. I’ve never been beaten. NEVER!
You can find me online at:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/catrinaburg...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
October 3, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Full Fathom Five and NetGalley.)
“Whatever it takes,” I vowed.
This was an okay story, but the pace was a bit slow.
Colina started off as an understandable character; she’d lost her family, she was grieving, and she wanted revenge, but then by the end of the book she’d turned into a bit of a lunatic! She went from trying to avenge her parents deaths to doing some very bad things, and coming up with some very bad plans.
The storyline in this was about Colina wanting to become a death dealer so that she could avenge her families murders, and then turned into a hunt for a death dealer who had been kidnapped.. Colina seemed to get worse as her powers increased though, and she realy did do some questionable stuff.
There was a little bit of romance, but unfortunately, it did not end well!
The ending to this had a surprise death, which I really didn’t see coming! Colina’s plans following this were not good though! I’m worried that she really has gone off the deep end now.
6 out of 10
“Whatever it takes,” I vowed.
This was an okay story, but the pace was a bit slow.
Colina started off as an understandable character; she’d lost her family, she was grieving, and she wanted revenge, but then by the end of the book she’d turned into a bit of a lunatic! She went from trying to avenge her parents deaths to doing some very bad things, and coming up with some very bad plans.
The storyline in this was about Colina wanting to become a death dealer so that she could avenge her families murders, and then turned into a hunt for a death dealer who had been kidnapped.. Colina seemed to get worse as her powers increased though, and she realy did do some questionable stuff.
There was a little bit of romance, but unfortunately, it did not end well!
The ending to this had a surprise death, which I really didn’t see coming! Colina’s plans following this were not good though! I’m worried that she really has gone off the deep end now.
6 out of 10
December 30, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Around 11% into Awakening, I knew this was not going to be the book for me. The pace is easy to follow, story fairly straightforward, but the writing very problematic. For anyone who reads many books, substandard plotting and lack of writing chops can become insurmountable obstacles to enjoying a story. But for those who don't see the cliches, I'm sure Dark Rituals will be a fun romantic read.Story: Teen Colina is a former healer with an axe to grind and revenge on her mind. She seeks out handsome Luke to teach her the Death Arts - and will have to undergo horrifying rituals in order to wield the scary power of death.
For me, the roadblockers that prevented me enjoying this story are:
- Egregious Instaluv. E.g., within an hour of meeting the cute guy, he saves her, she saves him, she lusts after his half naked body, and ends up sniffing his manly scent while being annoyed at the other women lusting after her Luke. Honestly, we are given NO reason why he would be interested in her/her him other than his looks and her looks. Certainly, no personalities or characters were developed to get an insight into this miracle insta luv. It was this passage that really set it off for me, happening after meeting him 10 hours or so previous:
"He looked a bit dangerous and, well, let's be honest - hot. I wasn't the only one who thought so. Girls on the street were turning to check him out as we walked by. I edged closer, pleased to find that today he smelled like cedar and leather. When I caught myself leaning in for another whiff, I forced myself to slow down and walk behind him."
There was just too much silly romance and not enough plot.
- Characters were all over the place. E.g., Luke is first angry, then suspicious, then fawning, then laughing, then standoffish, then solicitous, then serious - all within about a 10 minute period of first talking to our character. It made all the characters very unbelievable since they reacted solely to immediate remarks or situations rather than having an intrinsic personality.
Here's a good example from shortly after their first meeting: "He had looked at me before with both anger and amusement, but I wasn't sure what emotion was now blazing from those dark eyes. They were filled with such intensity, and as he watched me his lips slowly curved up into a smile. It was the first time I had seen him really smile. I honestly don't know what I would have done, but I didn't get a chance to find out because as quickly as that smile had appeared, it disappeared."
Luke, like the other characters, was either schizophrenic or poorly written. I'm suspecting the latter.
- Guy saves girl who threw herself into danger stupidly. Do we really need another heroine who does stupid things that should get her killed/maimed but miraculously doesn't? E.g., Colina goes running out into a magical battle armed with - wait for it - a baseball bat. What can she do? Nothing except get the guy hurt trying to protect her from her own stupidity. But hey, it furthers the plot since he accidentally gets her hurt so he can then fawn over her in remorse (instead of kicking her out of the house after roundly yelling at her, as he should have).
- There were a *lot* of cliches and overworn phrasing. I started wincing involuntarily while reading. "Don't let the bedbugs bite" "I'm alive and kicking." "Snug as a bug in a rug." "Hang in there!" Not exactly creative writing. It could have been a tic of the main character - or it could just be really uninventive writing.
- Really, really bad dialogue. E.g., his answer after just meeting her as to why he will train her in his forbidden death arts: ""Because you were so desperate." He inched toward me, "Because I saw something in your eyes that told me you needed to do this."" Great for romantics who don't need any sort of reality in their reading but not for someone who enjoys a well written book.
All of the above take place within the first 15% of the book. I'm sure there is an enjoyable story in there - a mindless guilty pleasure for many. For me, I've come to demand more from the books I read and just couldn't slog through this particular story. It was in great need of an excellent editor to go beyond the grammar issues and craft out a better story from the romantic goo and trope-ridden writing. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
March 3, 2014
A paranormal story unlike any other. If you are looking for an original plot look no further. Awakening is a story filled with the need for revenge and a character who takes an ugly path in order to survive and avenge the deaths of loved ones. Filled with so many unexpected twists and unbearable pain. It is beautifully, yet horrifyingly descriptive. I couldn't put it down! Every single time I thought I was getting to a lull where I might be able to stop reading, the hooks dug in deeper.
Colina goes through some horrific trauma and the author portrays her going through PTSD in a such a raw way. It is a very realistic portrayal of someone going through so much pain at once. Colina undergoes quite the change as tragedy molds her into someone much stronger. I feel like witchcraft is portrayed exactly as it should be in this book, it doesn't come easy.
One thing I can say for sure is that this book is nothing like what I expected. I will be looking forward to more from this author.
Colina goes through some horrific trauma and the author portrays her going through PTSD in a such a raw way. It is a very realistic portrayal of someone going through so much pain at once. Colina undergoes quite the change as tragedy molds her into someone much stronger. I feel like witchcraft is portrayed exactly as it should be in this book, it doesn't come easy.
One thing I can say for sure is that this book is nothing like what I expected. I will be looking forward to more from this author.
April 18, 2014
I have received this copy free, In exchange for a honest review
I loved this, the romance, the powerful magic, the heroism and the revenge all mixed wonderfully, I really liked Luke, he is the perfect book crush, he is definitely going on my Ficional boyfriends list :). Though I did have few problems with the main character, for the most part her actions where excusable but some of the ways she reacted were flat out stupid and heartless. Over all this book came together nicely, I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal/horror books with some romance. But be prepared for a cliffhanger, that ending was crazy. I just have to read the next book!
Few extra comments I would like to add below in spoilers
I loved this, the romance, the powerful magic, the heroism and the revenge all mixed wonderfully, I really liked Luke, he is the perfect book crush, he is definitely going on my Ficional boyfriends list :). Though I did have few problems with the main character, for the most part her actions where excusable but some of the ways she reacted were flat out stupid and heartless. Over all this book came together nicely, I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal/horror books with some romance. But be prepared for a cliffhanger, that ending was crazy. I just have to read the next book!
Few extra comments I would like to add below in spoilers
July 23, 2025
Corina sets down a dark path to save her family. The journey along the way proves dark and dangerous. Will she get what she came for the in the end or will she regret everything in her quest for vengeance.
July 3, 2015
I received a copy from the author exchange for a review
Colina desperately seeks to become a Death Dealer, she will do anything, pay anything to become one. Her revenge will be achieved no matter the cost but what will she pay?!
We follow Colina through the Rituals and journey to become a Death Dealer; who are fear and hated by everyone. It was interesting reading about Healers and Death Dealers magic and how polar opposite they are; one heals ill and protect the soul, the other release souls from their bodies and use souls to protect them-selves. I loved the adventures we go through with Coline, all the creepy and tense rituals to become a Death Dealer and how she psychological change from a healer to a death dealer. The romance was kind of insta however the characters didn’t act it very much until later in the book, which was nice, sweet and didn’t over take the plot.
That ending was shocking, what a twist; I didn’t think that was going to happen…
Overall, it was a great supernatural/paranormal novel, even though the main character made some stupid and thoughtless choices and actions; which at time were understandable. I really enjoyed it; I wonder what going to happen in next book!
Challenge- Jumanji Challenge
Revenge, Romance, Magic, Death, Rituals, Action, Supernatural, Adventure.
Colina desperately seeks to become a Death Dealer, she will do anything, pay anything to become one. Her revenge will be achieved no matter the cost but what will she pay?!
We follow Colina through the Rituals and journey to become a Death Dealer; who are fear and hated by everyone. It was interesting reading about Healers and Death Dealers magic and how polar opposite they are; one heals ill and protect the soul, the other release souls from their bodies and use souls to protect them-selves. I loved the adventures we go through with Coline, all the creepy and tense rituals to become a Death Dealer and how she psychological change from a healer to a death dealer. The romance was kind of insta however the characters didn’t act it very much until later in the book, which was nice, sweet and didn’t over take the plot.
That ending was shocking, what a twist; I didn’t think that was going to happen…
Overall, it was a great supernatural/paranormal novel, even though the main character made some stupid and thoughtless choices and actions; which at time were understandable. I really enjoyed it; I wonder what going to happen in next book!
Challenge- Jumanji Challenge
February 17, 2014
I got this book in exchange of an honest review
Awakening is about the journey of Colina, a healer who witnessed the death of her family and now is searching for revenge. Being a healer has no match for the murderers so she went to Luke, a young death dealer, and ask him to train her to become a death dealer, a total opposite of her kind. Luke doesn't want to do it, but because of the sudden change of their situation, he was pushed to help her undergo the three rituals. Will Colina survive the three rituals and achieve her revenge?
Awakening was told in Colina's POV. I loved the story line and I was hooked from the beginning. It has an unexpected twist and heart-wrenching scenes. I really didn't expect that ending. It was a brilliant way to lead you to the next book. I like Luke more than Colina. Luke was the rational one in this book. He carefully sought out everything before acting on it. It just breaks my heart when...
What I don't like sometimes in this book is Colina. She was sometimes so closed off that she can't understand things. It was like talking to a child that you have to repeat everything for her to understand, but even though she agreed, it doesn't mean that she really gets it.
Recommended to those who love magic and the dark side of it. There are ghosts, banshees, wizards, gypsy and demon in this book.
Awakening is about the journey of Colina, a healer who witnessed the death of her family and now is searching for revenge. Being a healer has no match for the murderers so she went to Luke, a young death dealer, and ask him to train her to become a death dealer, a total opposite of her kind. Luke doesn't want to do it, but because of the sudden change of their situation, he was pushed to help her undergo the three rituals. Will Colina survive the three rituals and achieve her revenge?
Awakening was told in Colina's POV. I loved the story line and I was hooked from the beginning. It has an unexpected twist and heart-wrenching scenes. I really didn't expect that ending. It was a brilliant way to lead you to the next book. I like Luke more than Colina. Luke was the rational one in this book. He carefully sought out everything before acting on it. It just breaks my heart when...
What I don't like sometimes in this book is Colina. She was sometimes so closed off that she can't understand things. It was like talking to a child that you have to repeat everything for her to understand, but even though she agreed, it doesn't mean that she really gets it.
Recommended to those who love magic and the dark side of it. There are ghosts, banshees, wizards, gypsy and demon in this book.
March 25, 2014
what an amazing and fun read. The inside is JUST as good as the outside.
In the first chapter, you instantly are introduced to Darla, Luke and Colina.
From there, the action and adventure are on! You get to know healers and dark wizards - and how those each wield their power.
By and large the creepiest moment was Colina going through each level of the test - the first was the most shocking and her reaction was so well done - I don't blame her.
I loved reading this!
In the first chapter, you instantly are introduced to Darla, Luke and Colina.
From there, the action and adventure are on! You get to know healers and dark wizards - and how those each wield their power.
By and large the creepiest moment was Colina going through each level of the test - the first was the most shocking and her reaction was so well done - I don't blame her.
I loved reading this!
October 3, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I felt quite sorry for the main character in this at the start, but I wasn't a huge fan of her. Unfortunately, as the book progressed, I liked her less and less.
This wasn't a bad read, but it did feel rather long. It dragged a little bit because of it, and felt like it took me days to read.
Overall, An okay read.
I felt quite sorry for the main character in this at the start, but I wasn't a huge fan of her. Unfortunately, as the book progressed, I liked her less and less.
This wasn't a bad read, but it did feel rather long. It dragged a little bit because of it, and felt like it took me days to read.
Overall, An okay read.
December 17, 2013
The plot twists and turns on this wild horror ride. Enter the world of death dealers as Catrina introduces you to Luke, Corlina, and Darla. Follow Corlina and her friends as she deals with becoming a death dealer and leaving her healer past behind. A must read by an exceptional upcoming author.
October 8, 2015
I was very kindly given a copy of this book from Full Fathom Five through NetGalley in return for an honest review - Many thanks!
Sometimes, you get used to a genre and it's conventions. It's comfortable. You pick the book up and you know you can count on certain things. And the sometimes you pick up a book in that genre, expecting those typical conventions, and you get something wholly and wonderfully surprising.
And that's what I got here.
Colina is a healer, but after something terrible happens, she decides healing magic won't cut it. She needs something stronger. She needs it to protect herself. She needs it for revenge. At times, she's not sure which of those is the truth. But when the terror that drove her to such a drastic decision gets other people roped into the trouble, she makes new friends, gets new powers and tests the limits of her own strength and courage.
First of all, I really liked that this story centered on someone who'd been a healer, and featured healing magic heavily. I was always surprised at how few magic-filled worlds had healing magic. I know some people would say it just makes things too easy... but that's what magic does. It never made much sense when healing magic didn't exist unless there was a reason within the system.
This book surprised me in a lot of great ways. I really liked Colina at the beginning, and while I found myself liking her progressively less and less as she underwent trials to gain dark powers, I didn't find her less *interesting,* just less likeable - and I think that was the point, done in small, wonderful ways. The ending completely took me by surprise, the progression of relationships within it were natural and lovely and the magic made me interested to learn more.
Also, I like that unlike a lot of urban fantasy, this is almost a ghost story. The magics, the plot, the characters - there's a heavy focus on ghosts and spirits, on loss and pain and the inability to accept terrible things. The inability to accept people doing terrible things, to you and to people you love. A clash of rational and emotional played out over a story of revenge and salvation. People's reactions were largely realistic even when those reactions tore at my heart.
It's not a perfect story. There's a bit of a pacing issue that, while never even close to a deal-breaker, made some parts drag. Also, if you're the sort of person who needs stories to have roundly happy endings, you're going to want to stay away from this. This isn't a story for neat little bows, it's a story that's bit rough and dark but no less fascinating for that. I also found it highly enjoyable, and I think I'll be continuing with the series. I'm not always a fan of dark stories, but when it works, it works. :)
Sometimes, you get used to a genre and it's conventions. It's comfortable. You pick the book up and you know you can count on certain things. And the sometimes you pick up a book in that genre, expecting those typical conventions, and you get something wholly and wonderfully surprising.
And that's what I got here.
Colina is a healer, but after something terrible happens, she decides healing magic won't cut it. She needs something stronger. She needs it to protect herself. She needs it for revenge. At times, she's not sure which of those is the truth. But when the terror that drove her to such a drastic decision gets other people roped into the trouble, she makes new friends, gets new powers and tests the limits of her own strength and courage.
First of all, I really liked that this story centered on someone who'd been a healer, and featured healing magic heavily. I was always surprised at how few magic-filled worlds had healing magic. I know some people would say it just makes things too easy... but that's what magic does. It never made much sense when healing magic didn't exist unless there was a reason within the system.
This book surprised me in a lot of great ways. I really liked Colina at the beginning, and while I found myself liking her progressively less and less as she underwent trials to gain dark powers, I didn't find her less *interesting,* just less likeable - and I think that was the point, done in small, wonderful ways. The ending completely took me by surprise, the progression of relationships within it were natural and lovely and the magic made me interested to learn more.
Also, I like that unlike a lot of urban fantasy, this is almost a ghost story. The magics, the plot, the characters - there's a heavy focus on ghosts and spirits, on loss and pain and the inability to accept terrible things. The inability to accept people doing terrible things, to you and to people you love. A clash of rational and emotional played out over a story of revenge and salvation. People's reactions were largely realistic even when those reactions tore at my heart.
It's not a perfect story. There's a bit of a pacing issue that, while never even close to a deal-breaker, made some parts drag. Also, if you're the sort of person who needs stories to have roundly happy endings, you're going to want to stay away from this. This isn't a story for neat little bows, it's a story that's bit rough and dark but no less fascinating for that. I also found it highly enjoyable, and I think I'll be continuing with the series. I'm not always a fan of dark stories, but when it works, it works. :)
June 13, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
To begin, I have a new appreciation for dark magic and ghost stories. Generally, I get all paranoid and afraid when I read books or see movies dealing with ghosts, because it is a part of the supernatural world that is so real. But this book didn't scare me. I also liked this book because it had a lot of unusual aspects that are normally not in books. The main one is the topic of revenge. Generally, we are taught that revenge isn't a good thing. Always be the bigger person, but in this story the main character is hell bent on revenge and I love it. It is wonderful to see how far she is willing to go to enact this revenge; apparently, it is to go as far as becoming a death dealer--magic that people generally abhor. The other aspect that is interesting is the idea of death magic. We are also taught that only the evil hearted deal in death magic, and that it can slowly make your soul rot; but this book paints death magic in a new light, so to speak. The other main character, Luke, is a death dealer and he is a very good guy. Sure, he has bound banshees to protect himself, but the other things death dealers do is help people pass on to the other side. This aspect of death magic is regarded as abhorrent, but is actually really cool. They can help people by pushing the soul of a dying, suffering person, to the other side and freeing them from their pain. What is so bad about that?
All in all, this story was very exciting and very interesting to read, and I am looking forward to reading the next books so I can see more of this world explored, because that was one of the things I didn't like about this book. The magic world that is created is so interesting but we only get a glimpse of it. I want to know more about death magic, and healing magic, and the other types of magic out there. What about how they are able to live in a world with non mage-born people? People clearly know about the death dealers, but are they all mage born?
The other thing that held me up was the writing. There were a lot of repeated cliches and back and forth with the character. Colina has said that she is willing to do anything to become a death dealer but kept going back in forth on whether she can do it or not. She's gone this far, she might as well finish it. So, her character kind of bothered me. I hope she matures more in the next book.
Other than a few minor things this book is definitely worth the read. I loved it.
To begin, I have a new appreciation for dark magic and ghost stories. Generally, I get all paranoid and afraid when I read books or see movies dealing with ghosts, because it is a part of the supernatural world that is so real. But this book didn't scare me. I also liked this book because it had a lot of unusual aspects that are normally not in books. The main one is the topic of revenge. Generally, we are taught that revenge isn't a good thing. Always be the bigger person, but in this story the main character is hell bent on revenge and I love it. It is wonderful to see how far she is willing to go to enact this revenge; apparently, it is to go as far as becoming a death dealer--magic that people generally abhor. The other aspect that is interesting is the idea of death magic. We are also taught that only the evil hearted deal in death magic, and that it can slowly make your soul rot; but this book paints death magic in a new light, so to speak. The other main character, Luke, is a death dealer and he is a very good guy. Sure, he has bound banshees to protect himself, but the other things death dealers do is help people pass on to the other side. This aspect of death magic is regarded as abhorrent, but is actually really cool. They can help people by pushing the soul of a dying, suffering person, to the other side and freeing them from their pain. What is so bad about that?
All in all, this story was very exciting and very interesting to read, and I am looking forward to reading the next books so I can see more of this world explored, because that was one of the things I didn't like about this book. The magic world that is created is so interesting but we only get a glimpse of it. I want to know more about death magic, and healing magic, and the other types of magic out there. What about how they are able to live in a world with non mage-born people? People clearly know about the death dealers, but are they all mage born?
The other thing that held me up was the writing. There were a lot of repeated cliches and back and forth with the character. Colina has said that she is willing to do anything to become a death dealer but kept going back in forth on whether she can do it or not. She's gone this far, she might as well finish it. So, her character kind of bothered me. I hope she matures more in the next book.
Other than a few minor things this book is definitely worth the read. I loved it.
June 7, 2014
This is such a dark and complex book . I absolutely love the world that is created here even though it is terrifying! I could not stop reading!! I think that Burgess does a wonderful job of creating a world that has many aspects of the urban paranormal fantasy world that we are starting to become accustomed to but is still absolutely unique - and of dropping us into this world without preamble. Colina and Luke are both such intriguing characters - both so complex and complicated. I love seeing them develop as individuals and seeing their relationship unfold (which by the way unlike so many of the young adult books I have read of late the romance here seems so realistic and genuine with equal parts passion and trepidation). It is really interesting to see Colina’s transition for shell shocked healer to death dealer (with a little something more). Going through the psychological changes that Colina experiences are what really make the book for me. They give it another layer that we don’t always experience in urban paranormal fantasy. In a lot of ways this is as much a psychological thriller as it is a paranormal one. Even the rituals that Colina must go through to become a death dealer deal less with supernatural and more with Colina’s opening herself up to her fears and this new world she finds herself in. Opening herself to death itself. I was intrigued by the way death dealers are portrayed throughout this novel. On the one hand they are viewed in their world as villains because of their connection to the dead but I think that they are so much more complex than how many people see them. I wish at times that Colina would embrace that complexity a little more throughout her journey. I know that she is conflicted because of her past and because in a lot of ways this seems like a direct contradiction to how she has been raised as a healer but for much of the book she never really embraces her choice. And when she does it is still only in terms of her revenge which without giving away any spoilers I think results in many of the events that transpire near the end. I think that is wonderful read for people who like Jim Butcher or Simon RR Green. I cannot wait to see who Colina becomes.
January 11, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book particularly easy to read. I'm not sure if that was because it was on my Kindle, or simply because I quite liked it and found the characters easy to engage with. Possibly a combination of both.
It was really good to see a book written entirely from one POV. After multiple POVs making my head spin in a lot of other books, this one was much less likely to give me a headache. I found the main character, Colina, to be an interesting, well-rounded heroine who wasn't over-powered and who wrestled with some pretty major dilemmas.
I did like a lot of the supporting characters, but if I'm honest, I wasn't too sold on the romance. I could buy there being feelings between Colina and Luke, but not so much that they were in love after only a few days. I felt that there was a lot I didn't know about Luke that I would have liked to find out.
The whole theme about this book was pretty dark, so I wasn't surprised that a lot of the reading was pretty depressing. I thought that the rituals worked really well and that Colina's reactions to them fit in well with her established character and upbringing. I think I would have liked to see a bit more explanation about the different magic in the world and exactly how it all fit in. There were the implications that the magic was accepted in the society, but I didn't know how or why it came about, or even if the book was set in a version of this world or not.
It was good to see how Colina's existing power reacted with the new ones she gained, almost twisting the power she was naturally born with. I was gratified to see that she didn't become all-powerful and that there were still consequences she had to deal with. I felt that the events of the book and different characters' reactions to her made a lot of sense.
I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book in this series. It ended pretty hopelessly and it would be good to see how things pick up later for the characters.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I found this book particularly easy to read. I'm not sure if that was because it was on my Kindle, or simply because I quite liked it and found the characters easy to engage with. Possibly a combination of both.
It was really good to see a book written entirely from one POV. After multiple POVs making my head spin in a lot of other books, this one was much less likely to give me a headache. I found the main character, Colina, to be an interesting, well-rounded heroine who wasn't over-powered and who wrestled with some pretty major dilemmas.
I did like a lot of the supporting characters, but if I'm honest, I wasn't too sold on the romance. I could buy there being feelings between Colina and Luke, but not so much that they were in love after only a few days. I felt that there was a lot I didn't know about Luke that I would have liked to find out.
The whole theme about this book was pretty dark, so I wasn't surprised that a lot of the reading was pretty depressing. I thought that the rituals worked really well and that Colina's reactions to them fit in well with her established character and upbringing. I think I would have liked to see a bit more explanation about the different magic in the world and exactly how it all fit in. There were the implications that the magic was accepted in the society, but I didn't know how or why it came about, or even if the book was set in a version of this world or not.
It was good to see how Colina's existing power reacted with the new ones she gained, almost twisting the power she was naturally born with. I was gratified to see that she didn't become all-powerful and that there were still consequences she had to deal with. I felt that the events of the book and different characters' reactions to her made a lot of sense.
I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book in this series. It ended pretty hopelessly and it would be good to see how things pick up later for the characters.
March 16, 2014
If you’re looking for a unique and intriguing read then look no further!
Awakening is the story of Colina, a healer, whose life has been completely destroyed. She has no one left to turn to so she goes to the most unexpected place for help. Luke is a death dealer. Which as you can guess is on the other end of the career spectrum as a healer. Luke is so surprised with Colina that he jokingly agrees to help her just to find out why she’s so desperate. However, things become very complicated when they are attacked at Luke’s shop because Colina is there, and his sister is abducted. Now Luke is desperate to get Darla back and will do whatever it takes, including training Colina to become a Death Dealer. Together they risk everything in order to get Darla back and to avenge Colina’s family.
I really enjoyed this story! I felt so bad for Colina, but she was so strong and an admirable character. She had been taught her entire life to stay away from Death Dealers so it was a really big deal that she trusted Luke enough to help her. And Luke, oh Luke, obviously I loved him! The ‘not so’ bad boy. He may have tried to be a bad boy, but you could tell he had a soft spot for Colina from the moment she walked into his shop. The trials that Colina had to go through were so intense and crazy, and there were times I was cringing on the inside wondering what was about to happen. And the ending! Holy Cow! I was NOT expecting it to end that way. I’m quite heartbroken :( and I’m going to start Possession as soon as I can!
Overall, this a great book and I would definitely recommend it to fans of paranormal young adult! Thank you Catrina for allowing me to read and review this!
Awakening is the story of Colina, a healer, whose life has been completely destroyed. She has no one left to turn to so she goes to the most unexpected place for help. Luke is a death dealer. Which as you can guess is on the other end of the career spectrum as a healer. Luke is so surprised with Colina that he jokingly agrees to help her just to find out why she’s so desperate. However, things become very complicated when they are attacked at Luke’s shop because Colina is there, and his sister is abducted. Now Luke is desperate to get Darla back and will do whatever it takes, including training Colina to become a Death Dealer. Together they risk everything in order to get Darla back and to avenge Colina’s family.
I really enjoyed this story! I felt so bad for Colina, but she was so strong and an admirable character. She had been taught her entire life to stay away from Death Dealers so it was a really big deal that she trusted Luke enough to help her. And Luke, oh Luke, obviously I loved him! The ‘not so’ bad boy. He may have tried to be a bad boy, but you could tell he had a soft spot for Colina from the moment she walked into his shop. The trials that Colina had to go through were so intense and crazy, and there were times I was cringing on the inside wondering what was about to happen. And the ending! Holy Cow! I was NOT expecting it to end that way. I’m quite heartbroken :( and I’m going to start Possession as soon as I can!
Overall, this a great book and I would definitely recommend it to fans of paranormal young adult! Thank you Catrina for allowing me to read and review this!
October 9, 2015
In Awakening, the first installment in the Dark Rituals series, a former healer turns to the Death Arts to seek revenge.
Seventeen-year-old Colina was born a healer. But after a horrific event forces her to leave her clan, she becomes desperate to learn the dark magic of the death dealers, mages who draw their power from the spirits of the dead. Colina was taught to fear and hate death dealers, but becoming one of them is the only way for her to get the revenge she seeks—and the only way for her to survive.
I started reading this book beacuse the cover caught my eye, the description also made me think ooo sounds interesting im glad I did as this book I didnt want to put down.
So basically this young girl is a healer but her family are killed so she turns to a death dealer to help her learn the dark arts to seek revenge on her families attackers, full of twists ad turned from the start of the story that keeps readers gripped and turning the pages.
My favourite part was all the trails she has to go throught to become a death dealer and she learns that shes not an original death dealer as she also has healer powers so theres alot more it.
This is the first book in the series the dark rituals set, it is very well written, enjoyable story line only down side was the love happened within days of colina and luke meeting each other literally a day after, things started to blossom between then and I felt it was abit corny but also work well given the story and enhanced the story.
Ideal read for fans of Maria v Snyder boosk study glass and the helaer series.
I would like to read the rest of this series and shall given time due to in this copy you got a sneak peak at book two and all ill say is what your I need to read it know to find out why is she there and how its left me wanting more.....
Got copy of book from net gallery for an honest review.
January 10, 2015
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
This is one of the most action packed books I’ve read so far this summer, it was very much a fantastic read all round. It had everything a good paranormal book should have, action, lots of spooks and at least a little bit of a love story.
The main characters Colina and Luke, Colina is a girl with a horrifying past, that leaves her very much alone that is until she meets Luke and his sister Darla. They come together when Colina comes looking for someone who can teach her a new kind of magic so she can get revenge. Luke is a death dealer, who can help her get revenge he reluctantly agrees when he faces family trouble. Luke is a strong male character who means no show of hiding his feelings for Colina which in my opinion is a real breath of fresh air. As Luke begins to teach Colina the magic which he practices they are forced into the most unlikely situations bringing them together in the greatest of ways.
There were only a very few secondary characters and most of them were only present for a short period of time. Like Darla, Luke’s sister or Freddy who comes together in the final battle to help our duo kick ass.
The pacing was great offering twists and turns and then an epic final battle ending in a way which left us begging for more.
The story line was fantastically original- when I used to imagine learning magic I think Harry Potter not anymore. The dark and grizzly way this was portrayed has completely changed my view. As well as the absolute brilliant ending which means I will be buying the next one and the one after that, for as long as they are being written.
An absolutely brilliant book, I will recommend it to everyone I know and everyone I meet. A very solid 4 star rating.
This is one of the most action packed books I’ve read so far this summer, it was very much a fantastic read all round. It had everything a good paranormal book should have, action, lots of spooks and at least a little bit of a love story.
The main characters Colina and Luke, Colina is a girl with a horrifying past, that leaves her very much alone that is until she meets Luke and his sister Darla. They come together when Colina comes looking for someone who can teach her a new kind of magic so she can get revenge. Luke is a death dealer, who can help her get revenge he reluctantly agrees when he faces family trouble. Luke is a strong male character who means no show of hiding his feelings for Colina which in my opinion is a real breath of fresh air. As Luke begins to teach Colina the magic which he practices they are forced into the most unlikely situations bringing them together in the greatest of ways.
There were only a very few secondary characters and most of them were only present for a short period of time. Like Darla, Luke’s sister or Freddy who comes together in the final battle to help our duo kick ass.
The pacing was great offering twists and turns and then an epic final battle ending in a way which left us begging for more.
The story line was fantastically original- when I used to imagine learning magic I think Harry Potter not anymore. The dark and grizzly way this was portrayed has completely changed my view. As well as the absolute brilliant ending which means I will be buying the next one and the one after that, for as long as they are being written.
An absolutely brilliant book, I will recommend it to everyone I know and everyone I meet. A very solid 4 star rating.
February 27, 2014
Colina was still training to be a healer. but one day, her family was killed by a group of men, destined to destroy every last one of them. she was temporarily spared because her brother had hidden her in the kitchen, with a spell to conceal her location. the men continued after her, forcing her to seek the Death Dealer Guild for help. she met Luke, who was reluctant to train her until Darla, his sister was captured by these men. to became a dark wizard, Colina had to survive three trials. first she had to die and returned, then she had to be possessed, and lastly brought someone over to the other side, indirectly killing them. with the men tight on their trail, the duo were forced to speed things up for survival.
i received a free e-book from the author in exchanged for a review. seeing the cover itself had my curiosity blossomed uncontrollably. lucky for me, the book was available for free reads. Colina was an easy to love character, even Luke and Darla, James and Sarah, those that they came in contact with, were highly likable characters. there were times Colina seemed naive or childish, but seeing the situation that she was thrown into, it was already impressive that she managed to keep a sane mind. infusing Colina's trials into their life and death escape plan made everything even more intense, sometimes also emotionally engaging. the book was impossibly difficult to put down, and an absolute fast read that i couldn't wait to lay my hands on the second installment.
my review: here
i received a free e-book from the author in exchanged for a review. seeing the cover itself had my curiosity blossomed uncontrollably. lucky for me, the book was available for free reads. Colina was an easy to love character, even Luke and Darla, James and Sarah, those that they came in contact with, were highly likable characters. there were times Colina seemed naive or childish, but seeing the situation that she was thrown into, it was already impressive that she managed to keep a sane mind. infusing Colina's trials into their life and death escape plan made everything even more intense, sometimes also emotionally engaging. the book was impossibly difficult to put down, and an absolute fast read that i couldn't wait to lay my hands on the second installment.
my review: here
March 18, 2014
I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review
OMG I SO LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS.
This book is about a healer babe who journeyed to survive and to avenge. She met a death dealer guy who pushes her away at first but later became her only source of guide, survival and love. When things became worse for both of them, Colina has to save her guy's sister while trying to save her own life, they face an unexpected change in life and an unexpected entities that will rock both their world.
The book cover is scary, which I like because it made the book interesting, but the content of this book is scarier than the cover. Every chapter is great. There are things you did not expect to happen and will left you utterly surprised. I was reading this book while having goosebumps. The story is so amazing. It keeps on seducing you into reading. I never got bored. This is amazing! I really love it!
The ending is so heartbreaking. I did not even expect that to ever happen. This book is like a trickster, you think you know what will happen but then it will strike you back and caught you off guard. Are you kidding me?
This is a treasure!!
I so recommend it guys! Read it and tell me what you think!
As appeared in my new(young)blog.
OMG I SO LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS.
This book is about a healer babe who journeyed to survive and to avenge. She met a death dealer guy who pushes her away at first but later became her only source of guide, survival and love. When things became worse for both of them, Colina has to save her guy's sister while trying to save her own life, they face an unexpected change in life and an unexpected entities that will rock both their world.
The book cover is scary, which I like because it made the book interesting, but the content of this book is scarier than the cover. Every chapter is great. There are things you did not expect to happen and will left you utterly surprised. I was reading this book while having goosebumps. The story is so amazing. It keeps on seducing you into reading. I never got bored. This is amazing! I really love it!
The ending is so heartbreaking. I did not even expect that to ever happen. This book is like a trickster, you think you know what will happen but then it will strike you back and caught you off guard. Are you kidding me?
This is a treasure!!
I so recommend it guys! Read it and tell me what you think!
As appeared in my new(young)blog.
May 19, 2014
Well, let's start.
This book is really great. Like REALLY REALLY GREAT. But it has some mistakes and one of them is really huge (and the reason why I didn't gave this book 5 stars).
The main problem was the world. Who are the healers? What kind of special powers do they have? Who are the death dealers? Are there more "weird" races? Well, nobody knows. The author should write at least few lines about the world and how it's everything going in this world.
To talk about story line. It was awesome. I liked that it was something new, no just kind of weird "rebellion stuff" with "the chosen one". I really liked the end. I need to read the second book...one day (hope I'll get to it. I have just too many things on my read list now).
I don't want to talk about Colina...I want to talk about LUKE! First thing, the kiss was just too soon. Sometimes it's too late, but I wanted to wait more for it :D Even if it wasn't the main point of the book. I need to wait for a kiss at least until the end of first book. Luke was awesome. I want to marry him. Can I marry him? Please! He's just so sexy...the only thing left here is to hope that one day when the movie (and I'm sure this book will be a big thing) come out, LUKE WILL BE SEXY!
*I don't want to write more because I can't help myself and not say any spoiler <3 But I love this book.
This book is really great. Like REALLY REALLY GREAT. But it has some mistakes and one of them is really huge (and the reason why I didn't gave this book 5 stars).
The main problem was the world. Who are the healers? What kind of special powers do they have? Who are the death dealers? Are there more "weird" races? Well, nobody knows. The author should write at least few lines about the world and how it's everything going in this world.
To talk about story line. It was awesome. I liked that it was something new, no just kind of weird "rebellion stuff" with "the chosen one". I really liked the end. I need to read the second book...one day (hope I'll get to it. I have just too many things on my read list now).
I don't want to talk about Colina...I want to talk about LUKE! First thing, the kiss was just too soon. Sometimes it's too late, but I wanted to wait more for it :D Even if it wasn't the main point of the book. I need to wait for a kiss at least until the end of first book. Luke was awesome. I want to marry him. Can I marry him? Please! He's just so sexy...the only thing left here is to hope that one day when the movie (and I'm sure this book will be a big thing) come out, LUKE WILL BE SEXY!
*I don't want to write more because I can't help myself and not say any spoiler <3 But I love this book.
August 31, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review.
When I first heard about AWAKENING (DARK RITUALS, BOOK#1) was through my Nephew. He had read the story on Wattpad and told me I had to read it. So, when it became available on Netgalley, I decided it was time to read it. I am glad I did! Catrina Burgess has a hit, and she is an Author to watch out for. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Colina watched her family being killed and now she could be next. Her family is part of the healers, but now Colina wants to learn to be a Death dealer. Death dealers are the most feared in the caste system, for they can control the spirits of the dead. Now Colina needs to learn how to become a Death dealer so she can get revenge for her families death, but she finds out there is more to the killings that she thought. Her family was part of a dark ritual to release a demon. As Colina completes the three rituals to become a Death dealer she finds out that she can do things that no other Death dealer can do. Is this because she was a Healer, or is something darker going on? This is such a great dark mystery, and I recommend it to everyone. I give AWAKENING (DARK RITUALS, BOOK#1) 5/5 STARS.
When I first heard about AWAKENING (DARK RITUALS, BOOK#1) was through my Nephew. He had read the story on Wattpad and told me I had to read it. So, when it became available on Netgalley, I decided it was time to read it. I am glad I did! Catrina Burgess has a hit, and she is an Author to watch out for. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Colina watched her family being killed and now she could be next. Her family is part of the healers, but now Colina wants to learn to be a Death dealer. Death dealers are the most feared in the caste system, for they can control the spirits of the dead. Now Colina needs to learn how to become a Death dealer so she can get revenge for her families death, but she finds out there is more to the killings that she thought. Her family was part of a dark ritual to release a demon. As Colina completes the three rituals to become a Death dealer she finds out that she can do things that no other Death dealer can do. Is this because she was a Healer, or is something darker going on? This is such a great dark mystery, and I recommend it to everyone. I give AWAKENING (DARK RITUALS, BOOK#1) 5/5 STARS.
January 29, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Awakening had me gripped from the first to the last page. From the beginning Catrina Burgess managed to create this other world where magic fitted into the everyday life of how we live, making the paranormal aspect a bit less surreal and easier to relate.
Awakening is about a teenage girl called Colina and her life after the murder of her family. On the run from the dark wizards that killed her family, Colina finds Luke, a young death dealer willing to train her to become a part of his guild, as her magic as a healer isn't enough to go after the people who were there that night, to avenge her parents death. With the murderers hot on her tail, they are on a rush against time when Luke's little sister Darla is kidnapped by the men, with only days until they kill her as a sacrifice. In a final show down against the dark wizards, lives will be lost, hell raised and an unexpected turn of events for Colina-ones that could change all of humankind.
Riveting and fast paced, leaving you wanting to jump straight in to the next book!
Awakening had me gripped from the first to the last page. From the beginning Catrina Burgess managed to create this other world where magic fitted into the everyday life of how we live, making the paranormal aspect a bit less surreal and easier to relate.
Awakening is about a teenage girl called Colina and her life after the murder of her family. On the run from the dark wizards that killed her family, Colina finds Luke, a young death dealer willing to train her to become a part of his guild, as her magic as a healer isn't enough to go after the people who were there that night, to avenge her parents death. With the murderers hot on her tail, they are on a rush against time when Luke's little sister Darla is kidnapped by the men, with only days until they kill her as a sacrifice. In a final show down against the dark wizards, lives will be lost, hell raised and an unexpected turn of events for Colina-ones that could change all of humankind.
Riveting and fast paced, leaving you wanting to jump straight in to the next book!
July 21, 2025
So many twists I never saw coming!
I’m one who likes to make theories early on in the book to see if I’m right, and I just had no idea what to expect with this book. I was clamoring for more the entire time, begging my tired eyes to stay open just one more chapter. Going to start Possession immediately!
I’m one who likes to make theories early on in the book to see if I’m right, and I just had no idea what to expect with this book. I was clamoring for more the entire time, begging my tired eyes to stay open just one more chapter. Going to start Possession immediately!
September 7, 2014
Awakening was a very emotional story because of Colina's life and backstory. Colina is a very strong young woman who has gone through a lot in her life, it's what's dictating her actions in the story. The author shows how PTSD is affecting this young girl and her emotional turmoil. The paranormal aspect to this story is phenomenal, it's extremely original and actually makes sense. There's a bit more of a realistic side to this story then a lot of YA paranormal which adds to the story. The romance in this book is definitely age appropriate, and it's very sweet to see it bloom from beginning to end. I'd recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal, YA and some romance.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
December 15, 2013
In the Awakening, Dark Rituals, Book 1, Catrina Burgess magically combines a world of death, love, ancient mythology and revenge. Written in first-person text, the reader follows Colina as she describes numerous terrifying experiences through her own eyes. During this adventure she gains strength, wisdom and more. The story line moves along at a good pace and entertains you the entire time. Though I will not spoil the plot here, the book ends well and leaves a broad spectrum of possibilities for the next book in the series.
December 20, 2013
I absolutely loved this book!! These kinds i share with my friends. If i had my own copy i would love to read it again multiple times. If i could i would even volunteer to go to place to place just read this book!
February 6, 2016
I nearly cried at the end.
September 23, 2025
✨ Book Review ✨
📖 Awakening (Dark Rituals #1) by Catrina Burgess
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I thoroughly enjoyed Awakening, the first book in Catrina Burgess’ Dark Rituals series.
This story immediately hooked me with its fast-paced plot and addictive blend of fantasy elements with just the right touch of mild spice. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Colina, our FMC, was a strong lead overall, though at times, I felt her decision-making wavered and made her seem a little weaker than I’d like. That said, she still held her own, and I’m curious to see how her character grows in the next instalments. Luke, the MMC, brought a nice balance—sometimes a bit harsh, but still ultimately likeable and intriguing.
One thing I wished for was more detail about the Guilds—their history, power, and influence. I have a feeling this will be expanded on in the later books, and I’m excited to see where that goes.
As for the ending? I didn’t quite anticipate the twist. I knew something more was coming, but I definitely didn’t put it all together until the very last moments, which made it a satisfying surprise.
I can’t finish this review without highlighting one of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Pick yourself up. Get it together. Not because others have it worse than you. Not because you owe it to anyone to put on a smile. But because you are stronger than you imagine."
✨ Overall, Awakening is a fun, dark, and gripping start to the Dark Rituals series. If you like fast-moving plots with fantasy vibes, emotional stakes, and a hint of spice, this book is worth picking up
📖 Awakening (Dark Rituals #1) by Catrina Burgess
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I thoroughly enjoyed Awakening, the first book in Catrina Burgess’ Dark Rituals series.
This story immediately hooked me with its fast-paced plot and addictive blend of fantasy elements with just the right touch of mild spice. It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Colina, our FMC, was a strong lead overall, though at times, I felt her decision-making wavered and made her seem a little weaker than I’d like. That said, she still held her own, and I’m curious to see how her character grows in the next instalments. Luke, the MMC, brought a nice balance—sometimes a bit harsh, but still ultimately likeable and intriguing.
One thing I wished for was more detail about the Guilds—their history, power, and influence. I have a feeling this will be expanded on in the later books, and I’m excited to see where that goes.
As for the ending? I didn’t quite anticipate the twist. I knew something more was coming, but I definitely didn’t put it all together until the very last moments, which made it a satisfying surprise.
I can’t finish this review without highlighting one of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Pick yourself up. Get it together. Not because others have it worse than you. Not because you owe it to anyone to put on a smile. But because you are stronger than you imagine."
✨ Overall, Awakening is a fun, dark, and gripping start to the Dark Rituals series. If you like fast-moving plots with fantasy vibes, emotional stakes, and a hint of spice, this book is worth picking up
January 14, 2018
Oh man. I am still reeling from this book. I have a certain type of story that I like, and this one was checking off all the boxes. I expected things to proceed one way, and that seemed to be where they were going. At one point I thought about what would happen if , but this is the first book in a series of four, so that seemed highly unlikely. And then it happened. It. Was. Devastating. Things got dark. Like, I don't know if everyone can come back from this.
I really liked Colina. She had been through hell and was seeking the power to take her revenge on those who had destroyed everything in her life. I dig it. Power comes with a price, however, and Colina begins to lose the person she was. She's concerned about this increasing darkness and lack of feeling, but she's on a mission. The outcome of her becoming a death dealer was super intriguing, and I can't wait to see more of this in the next book. She is not in a good place in the end, and I kind of feel like she either has to fight her way back to who she was, or become the biggest bad of them all. I'm kind of hoping for the latter.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
I really liked Colina. She had been through hell and was seeking the power to take her revenge on those who had destroyed everything in her life. I dig it. Power comes with a price, however, and Colina begins to lose the person she was. She's concerned about this increasing darkness and lack of feeling, but she's on a mission. The outcome of her becoming a death dealer was super intriguing, and I can't wait to see more of this in the next book. She is not in a good place in the end, and I kind of feel like she either has to fight her way back to who she was, or become the biggest bad of them all. I'm kind of hoping for the latter.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
August 28, 2015
In Awakening, the first installment in the Dark Rituals series, a former healer turns to the Death Arts to seek revenge.
Seventeen-year-old Colina was born a healer. But after a horrific event forces her to leave her clan, she becomes desperate to learn the dark magic of the death dealers, mages who draw their power from the spirits of the dead. Colina was taught to fear and hate death dealers, but becoming one of them is the only way for her to get the revenge she seeks—and the only way for her to survive.
Colina asks a young death dealer named Luke to help her, but he’s reluctant to train her in the Death Arts. Little does she know convincing him to teach her will be the easiest part of her journey. To become a death dealer, Colina will need to undergo three dark rituals, each more terrifying than the last. At the same time, she’ll have to deal with her growing feelings for her mentor. Too bad the first ritual involves him strangling her to death.
As Colina undergoes the trials, she discovers an untapped darkness within herself. If she survives the horrific rituals and gains dark power, what will she become?
Catrina Burgess’ Dark Rituals series originally appeared on Wattpad with over three million reads. Awakening is the first book of four and was named Wattpad’s Best Suspense Story of 2014.
- - - - -
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique, inventive world; complex characters/motivations; magic, demons, ghosts, zombies—a smorgisboard of paranormal; action-packed plot; at times flat descriptions/prose
Huge thanks go out to netgalley, Full Fathom Five, and Catrina Burgess for sending me a galley of this read! (this in no way changed how I rated or will review this book.)
Okay, so...the cover for this book is a bit weird. There's a LOT going on in the picture—dark, foreboding swirlies of color, a girl with her back to the reader and a light in her palm, clawed hands reaching from the mists/shadows... It's a lot to take in, and I'm not sure it does this read justice, but I have to admit it was one of the first things that caught my eye about the book—so I guess it did it's job in the end.
Now, you might be looking at my star rating and thinking, “wow...that's a bit low, isn't it?” You might take one look and think, “huh. I don't think that reads for me.” Please, PLEASE, don't! Just because this book wasn't really MY cup of tea, doesn't mean it wasn't good or worth your time! You might just find you love the read; most of the reviews I've seen on it so far, in fact, have all been raves. Now, let's get into the review, yes?
There's a LOT going on in this book. I'm not sure if that worked for me or hindered me—at times, it felt like our main character, Colina, was being pulled in so many different directions even SHE wasn't sure what was happening. In a way, I think this made it difficult to see HER outside of her actions/motivations. She was so intent on finding revenge, so focused on forging her own path down the dark road she chose, I think she lost a lot of things along the way. Like integrity. Like humanity. While I appreciated her focus and drive, while I liked her as a character...I feel like she lacked something important overall.
Luke, on the other hand, seemed to pick up the slack in the places she fell short...but also fell flat at the same time. The sort of basically insta-love didn't help to mold or shape him as a character; Colina was so inward-focused, we didn't even really get to see him from HER perspective, because she never took the time to get to know him. They just... They didn't really connect, despite their connection, if you know what I mean? Their relationship didn't work for me, to be honest. I didn't really care about them as a couple.
I DID love the world, and find the story intriguing. But again, I feel like there was SO MUCH happening—Colina was the first of her kind to want out of one magic and into another; Colina was the first person ever to do THIS, the first person ever to achieve THAT, the first person ever to do anything because apparently in this world everybody sticks to the status quo. Yes, I just quoted High School Musical—and now the song is stuck in my head. But really, I'm not joking about this—apparently in this world, nobody ever does anything just because they WANT to. Nobody ever makes mistakes, or chooses to forge their own paths, or... pretty much anything else.
I wish we were given more of the world. I wish we were given better looks into and at our characters. I wish Catrina Burgess had slowed down enough to actually EXPLAIN what was happening, instead of glossing over everything and pushing for the climax. While I really loved the inventive spin Catrina Burgess put on magic, spells, ghosts and the like, I feel like the story was wrapped in a camoflauge ribbon—it was hard to keep track, especially with her emotions flip-flopping all over the place. I found the characters intriguing...but sort of one-dimensional. There WAS some character growth—but that growth was thrown away in a very rash, stupid decision.
So yes. I enjoyed this read, but it isn't one of my favorites. I want to know what happens next—but I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series. Overall, I found this book interesting and complex; I just wish it wasn't QUITE so filled with things, and focused more on the important bits—character growth, world building, descriptive and imaginative prose. I'd recommend to lovers of magical realism, fantasy, and paranormal settings.
Seventeen-year-old Colina was born a healer. But after a horrific event forces her to leave her clan, she becomes desperate to learn the dark magic of the death dealers, mages who draw their power from the spirits of the dead. Colina was taught to fear and hate death dealers, but becoming one of them is the only way for her to get the revenge she seeks—and the only way for her to survive.
Colina asks a young death dealer named Luke to help her, but he’s reluctant to train her in the Death Arts. Little does she know convincing him to teach her will be the easiest part of her journey. To become a death dealer, Colina will need to undergo three dark rituals, each more terrifying than the last. At the same time, she’ll have to deal with her growing feelings for her mentor. Too bad the first ritual involves him strangling her to death.
As Colina undergoes the trials, she discovers an untapped darkness within herself. If she survives the horrific rituals and gains dark power, what will she become?
Catrina Burgess’ Dark Rituals series originally appeared on Wattpad with over three million reads. Awakening is the first book of four and was named Wattpad’s Best Suspense Story of 2014.
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Rating: 3/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: unique, inventive world; complex characters/motivations; magic, demons, ghosts, zombies—a smorgisboard of paranormal; action-packed plot; at times flat descriptions/prose
Huge thanks go out to netgalley, Full Fathom Five, and Catrina Burgess for sending me a galley of this read! (this in no way changed how I rated or will review this book.)
Okay, so...the cover for this book is a bit weird. There's a LOT going on in the picture—dark, foreboding swirlies of color, a girl with her back to the reader and a light in her palm, clawed hands reaching from the mists/shadows... It's a lot to take in, and I'm not sure it does this read justice, but I have to admit it was one of the first things that caught my eye about the book—so I guess it did it's job in the end.
Now, you might be looking at my star rating and thinking, “wow...that's a bit low, isn't it?” You might take one look and think, “huh. I don't think that reads for me.” Please, PLEASE, don't! Just because this book wasn't really MY cup of tea, doesn't mean it wasn't good or worth your time! You might just find you love the read; most of the reviews I've seen on it so far, in fact, have all been raves. Now, let's get into the review, yes?
There's a LOT going on in this book. I'm not sure if that worked for me or hindered me—at times, it felt like our main character, Colina, was being pulled in so many different directions even SHE wasn't sure what was happening. In a way, I think this made it difficult to see HER outside of her actions/motivations. She was so intent on finding revenge, so focused on forging her own path down the dark road she chose, I think she lost a lot of things along the way. Like integrity. Like humanity. While I appreciated her focus and drive, while I liked her as a character...I feel like she lacked something important overall.
Luke, on the other hand, seemed to pick up the slack in the places she fell short...but also fell flat at the same time. The sort of basically insta-love didn't help to mold or shape him as a character; Colina was so inward-focused, we didn't even really get to see him from HER perspective, because she never took the time to get to know him. They just... They didn't really connect, despite their connection, if you know what I mean? Their relationship didn't work for me, to be honest. I didn't really care about them as a couple.
I DID love the world, and find the story intriguing. But again, I feel like there was SO MUCH happening—Colina was the first of her kind to want out of one magic and into another; Colina was the first person ever to do THIS, the first person ever to achieve THAT, the first person ever to do anything because apparently in this world everybody sticks to the status quo. Yes, I just quoted High School Musical—and now the song is stuck in my head. But really, I'm not joking about this—apparently in this world, nobody ever does anything just because they WANT to. Nobody ever makes mistakes, or chooses to forge their own paths, or... pretty much anything else.
I wish we were given more of the world. I wish we were given better looks into and at our characters. I wish Catrina Burgess had slowed down enough to actually EXPLAIN what was happening, instead of glossing over everything and pushing for the climax. While I really loved the inventive spin Catrina Burgess put on magic, spells, ghosts and the like, I feel like the story was wrapped in a camoflauge ribbon—it was hard to keep track, especially with her emotions flip-flopping all over the place. I found the characters intriguing...but sort of one-dimensional. There WAS some character growth—but that growth was thrown away in a very rash, stupid decision.
So yes. I enjoyed this read, but it isn't one of my favorites. I want to know what happens next—but I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series. Overall, I found this book interesting and complex; I just wish it wasn't QUITE so filled with things, and focused more on the important bits—character growth, world building, descriptive and imaginative prose. I'd recommend to lovers of magical realism, fantasy, and paranormal settings.
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