Awakened by Anna Applegate

Awakened by Anna Applegate 4.5 STARS (2 of 3 in the Aryia Adams Trilogy)

Synopsis--Nothing is ever quite as it seems, at least not for Ariya Adams. She’s only recently discovered the supernatural world is real, and that world wants something from her. Her blood. Her unique ability to heal both werewolves and vampires with only a few drops gives Ariya a great power. However, that power has put her in unfathomable danger. James, her sexy vampire boyfriend and Protector, has done well keeping Ariya safe in the past. When a new, more powerful and manipulative evil comes into play, it may prove to be more than they can handle, especially when their forbidden affair makes Ariya more vulnerable to the deceptive new enemy seeking to control her. Her grasp on reality will be tested and twisted as she battles to save James, her friends, and herself. Despite her determination, she may be faced with a pain greater than she ever imagined. Even the most powerful abilities have limitations, and this time, the power of her blood might not be enough to save those she loves most. If all else is lost, will Ariya survive?
* I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Overall- Holy crap! I Loved this book!!! It really kept my attention throughout. There was plenty of action, mystery, romance and intrigue throughout that I didn't put the book down once!! I admit that I docked half a star though due to the first few chapters. I think the first few chapters are a bad representation of the rest of the book, instead of weaving the last books' story line into this book, I felt like the first couple of chapters were awkwardly reminding me what happened, and the flow felt a little off. This issue didn't last though, once we get to the first plot point in this book, the story line takes off, and truly captured my attention! Honestly though, I think the most difficult part of being an author-especially in a series- is figuring out how weave in the background without making it feel awkward, and in this instance, I don't think it detracted any in my overall feel of the book, or interest. I am so looking forward to the third book now, even more than I was the second!!!
I love the Ariya and James relationship, I can see how torn Ariya is over everything, and I feel just as torn! I love how the characters are so loyal and that friendship is such a major theme. It really makes me miss college and reminds me of all the good memories (though we didn't have vampires or werewolves where I went…that I know of!) COME ON BOOK 3!!!!!


Cover --Intense
Rating: PG 13 
Overall: mystery, romance, adventure 
Characters:  Ariya, James, Riley, Caroline, Nick
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Book Boyfriend: James Riley and Nick. 
Genre: New Adult /Paranormal/Vampires
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting Michigan 

Rachel Melvin as Caroline

Plot--The great thing about this 2nd book is that it not only picks up where it left off in the first, but it also continues moving forward with what felt like a "normal" plot line. Sometimes, I get the feeling that authors are writing another book in a series just because and the plot seems so awkward and misplaced. But that was definitely not the case here! After a crazy reveal at the end of book 1, the reader follows Ariya as she continues to figure out her relationship with James and this bizarre secret. I am slightly reminded of Vampire Diaries and The Originals, but not in the way where I fell like the author is repeating that storyline but that the story is starting to incorporate more paranormal beings than just the vampires (which is what it seems like the older books did) I also liked the history that the author tried to incorporate, giving the Vampires a beginning and a reason for being makes them far more likable!  The plot twists weren't completely unpredictable yet they weren't so obvious that I could figure it all out before getting to the end. There were some definite nail biter moments (especially near the end!) and I appreciate that the author is willing to do both, the "on the edge of my seat" and the "predictable" because mixing it up is what makes it all that much more fun to read. Honestly, I have no idea what to expect though from book 3 and I am VERY MUCH looking forward to seeing how everything works out, with Ariya and James and with the final adventure the gang has yet to finish!

Characters--

Aaron Tveit as James

James-- In this book, James remained fairly similar to his prior role. The ever protective, loving, charming, and serious James. Always looking out for whats best for Ariya, and doing what he can to protect and love her in the way she needs. I wish I understood where he was coming from sometimes, his actions at times seemed to leave me wondering why (because I know what Ariya is thinking of course!) But I really love his devotion to her and hope that they end up together and happy!!

Trevor Donovan as Riley

Riley- Riley was a big character in this one, in my opinion. There were times when I really wanted him to be with Ariya and times I thought "NO!!!" I really hope in the end things work out for him. I so want him to be happy!! I feel like I got to see the protective and loving side of Riley in this book. In book 1 he was caring and sweet, he was always friendly, but in this one, we really get to see that loving side of him that is easy to see why so many women could fall for him!

Dustin Milligan as Nick

Caroline and Nick- Oh Boy!! These two are quite the couple! I love their cuteness! What I missed in this book though was seeing them as a doting couple and Caroline as a friend. I was sad to see that Ariya and Caroline weren't always connecting like that had in the first book but I also understand that with everything going on, Ariya is struggling to figure out how she feels and what to say. Ariya is growing into her own and I hope Carolien doesn't get left behind because she's way too awesome!

Dianna Argone as Ariya

Ariya--This girl…what can I say. I loved her most of the time but a couple of times I hated her. I was worried she had given up and that she had lost her spirit. But alas I am so very happy with the outcome in the book. She is still her stubborn and friendly self. Always putting others first and trying to make everyone happy, willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves! even when its against the odds! I loved the natural emotional roller coaster that I went through with Ariya in this book! I could completely understand why she felt the way she did about everything. I felt like the author did such an amazing job of portraying Ariya as her appropriate age considering all the different things she went through and given her already crazy emotional state. Ariya is so strong and passionate, and loving and kind, I was really blown away by the consistent role of a friend that she played throughout the book. Quite loyal. I can't wait to see how she grows in the next book.