Review: Awakening by Shannon Duffy
Title: Awakening
Author: Shannon Duffy
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publish Date: April 7, 2015
Synopsis (via Goodreads): A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.
Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darian, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.
Then Darian shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darian be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?
Synopsis (via Goodreads): A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy.
Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darian, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it.
Then Darian shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darian be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?
Awakening by Shannon Duffy was an ARC I received from Entangled for reading and reviewing purposes only. The day I received it, I couldn’t wait and put aside three other books to read this one. And I’m glad I did! It was an amazing read that I recommend to all lovers of YA dystopian novels.
I’ll be honest here, I was supposed to be watching a movie- currently am watching a movie while I’m writing this review. I just had to finish the last couple of pages, and I’m so glad I did. The ending was shocking and fantabulous! The whole book was shocking and fantabulous.
First Thoughts (NEW SECTION POSSIBLY ADDED TO REVIEWS. DO YOU LIKE IT?): I was excited for this. After reading the synopsis, I couldn’t wait to pick it up. I was reading this nonstop for the past three days! Awakening is a novel that you will not be able to put down. You’ll miss sleep and meals because you’ll be too caught up with the story that you won’t notice that the clock just struck eleven! (I know from experience lol)
I tried googling this story, and it took about 3 tries before I finally found it. It looks like there aren’t a lot of reviews on Goodreads, so I’m happy to be one of the first! (On a side note, does anyone have the Goodreads app? Does it work? I’m thinking about getting it, but I’m not sure.)
Cover: I have not seen the cover yet, so I don’t/can’t have any thoughts on it!
Characters: I really liked the characters of Awakening. They were a memorable bunch :)
Desiree- I have to say it, she was a bit dumb. I didn’t really like her as much as I’ve liked other heroines. Is that the right word or is that the drug? Whoops :)
Darian- I liked Darian. He was cool and tough. I really thought he was good for Desiree. Also, he was really smart. He hacked into the Protectorate, so that’s pretty cool. I just really don’t like that name for personal reasons, so I couldn’t call him my favorite character. Also, crap! I just realized that I’m not 100% sure what he looks like. He has indigo eyes if I recall, and black hair? I’m not sure. He sounds hot, but not as hot as Daemon Black :) I don’t remember getting a good description of him. I know he’s protective and smart, I just feel as if I didn’t know him if you catch my drift. I don’t really know anything about him. I feel as if I’m rambling. Am I making a sense? Well, it’s 11 pm and I’m tired. Also, I haven’t written a review in a while so excuse me.
Laken- I don’t really know a lot about Laken, but I don’t like her. You’ll understand once your read this book.
Asher- I have mixed feelings about this dude. He confuses me. I really want to think about the Asher as a young boy, but then he does something unexpected so now I can’t get a read on him.
Plot: This plot was unlike anything I have ever read before. Yes, it’s a typical dystopian novel of futuristic leaders controlling the world but are really in fact corrupt and no one knows about it but a few people. But it is different from any of the other dystopian books.
First off, The Protectorate grows corrupt early. Well, it’s always been corrupt but a soon-to-be revolution does not normally start off this early. It’s like the 2nd Generation of the people, and there is already people against them. Stories like the Hunger Games start off about a hundred years later or at least long enough to have 74 Hunger Games. This really set Awakening apart from the others.
Also, the whole concept of the Dreamscape was brilliant. People were afraid of nightmares, so they stopped dreaming on their own so they would never have them. They were afraid of nightmares, so they let machines sleep for them. They were not able to fall asleep on their own. I just find that crazy. They were afraid of nightmares that much that they let the government control them.
The Protectorate decided who you married, when and how you sleep, and how many kids you can have. I’ll let you find that number out on your own :) Also, they only allowed time for 5 minute showers because they didn’t want to waste water. I could not do that. I’d be one of the first rebels (if that’s really what they are).
One thing that I wanted to point out that I hope is not considered a spoiler is something that made me laugh. The people of this time period thought that ‘The Terminator’ movie was real! They kept the movie in the archives and showed it to people when they complained about having to do low-life jobs. I just found that hilarious and crazy! I made sure to write it down in my reviewer notes because I wanted to share it with everyone!
Ending: I’m not allowed to give any spoilers, so you’ll just have to read the book to find out about it. Just know that it was jaw-dropping, heart-racing, is-this-really-happening exciting. My nails are pretty much gone after reading it. I cannot wait for the second book!
Overall: This was an amazing book, and I am honored that I got the chance to read it. It is a book that I will not forget anytime soon. I don’t want to read another book because I’m not sure it’ll even come close to the awesomeness of this book. Shannon Duffy did an amazing job, and I can’t wait to read more of her works!
2 Comments
I enjoyed it too! :) It was definitely a fast read for me, which is refreshing since I'm usually quite a bit of a slow reader. Thanks for your review. I really like your style :) And I think....maybe... I did like Asher. There were moments that Darian was a little long-winded for me. And I think Desiree was on the same page :P. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteThanks!
I know, Asher is soooo confusing. I don't know how I feel.
Have a great day!
-Kayl