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True love never dies.

In just a few days a new arrival at Selene's high school will turn her entire world upside down. She's never met anyone so attractive—or so mysterious—before this, but Jace's unyielding insistence that they've known each other for decades can't be denied—not given how familiar he feels to her.

In the hidden world of gods and fairies what you don't know can get you killed faster than anything else and only those you love have any chance of saving you.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2015

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427 people want to read

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Dean Murray

61 books316 followers

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5 stars
120 (44%)
4 stars
82 (30%)
3 stars
48 (17%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Alexandra WhimsyPages.
219 reviews25 followers
June 5, 2016
I picked up this book for free on my kindle app, in the mood for some light reads to enjoy while on my way to work, classes, or whenever I would have some spare time but didn’t feel like taking my book out of my bag (yes, we all know that all of us, booklovers, actually carry a real book with us at all times. I wonder, can you buy a clutch big enough to sneak a book to a party, too? Hm… might be too dark to read though, nevermind this crazy idea.)

Now! How would I describe this book?

Cheesy, young adult novel with a hint of a somewhat engaging story. Definitely, easy to read if you ignore some bits, exactly what I was going for at that time.

The amount of cheesy scenes was over the top, however the idea behind the book was actually interesting and I would like to know what happens next but the romance was described in a way that made me stop reading the book few times. What a shame!

If someone out there actually read the entire series, please tell me that it is OK to proceed with the next book, that it will develop the world a lot more, that we will find out the background stories of the main characters...

Another critique I have is that the book could be a bit longer, I can’t really say that there were a lot of events in the first book and it definitely finished on the cliffhanger, sort of forcing readers to pick up the next book because the first one seems incomplete.

I am very reluctant here. I want to know how the story develops but at the same time I don't think I can handle anymore of “Jace’s hot body” descriptions. I get it that YA is usually filled with these romances but I wish it was written in a more subtle way, make us guess instead of putting it all on the plate. Also, you can see that the romance was written by a man and not woman, especially when we see the thoughts of female characters.

If the storyline wouldn’t be interesting by itself I would definitely give the book 2 stars and never even ponder to keep up with the series. But it was captivating and the cliffhanger ending is killing me. So I am considering (but just considering) to read the next book.
Profile Image for Mills.
1,872 reviews171 followers
August 25, 2015
DNF @ 43%

I had the strangest sense of deja vu reading Reborn. It's like I'd read this book before...

Oh wait: I have. It's called Every Damn YA PNR Since Twilight. I'm beyond bored.

The heroine has no personality and fewer brain cells. I can only conclude this from the fact that two people that she met a couple of days before tell her and she automatically believes them, assumes they're telling the truth and doesn't freak out at all. Consider me incredulous. She needs a new vocabulary. Everything is just terrible. She's madly in instalove and constantly threatening to burst out of her towel while around the hero who - for considering he can alter the passage of time - never seems to find the time to put a t-shirt on.

And so on and so forth. I really can't be bothered to read any more. Any pluses? I'd say a great cover, but on closer examination, that girl really needs a hot dinner or ten. Not one of Jace's I-cooked-these-topless magic burgers though please. He and his mad skillz need to get over themselves and put some damn clothes on.
Profile Image for Ronnae Stately.
773 reviews
January 14, 2026
Selene is a high school student who isn’t really what she seems. She has enemies everywhere but her biggest nemesis is a girl named Sandra and her cronies. And when the book first opens up Sandra slashes all of Selene’s tires because of a boy she just happens to run into. It turns out that the boy, Jace, has been looking for her for 18 years. Him and his sister are what they call awakened and they have been looking for her since she last died. The awakened are Gods of a sort that have powers that help them maintain an immortal life span. We get to learn all about the awakening through the telling of this story from Jace and his sister, Kat. We are also introduced to Selene’s little sister, Ari, who is a pain in the rear but what do you expect from a young teenager. Their dad has been raising them since his wife died and has a job that is tireless and doesn’t amount to anything. He works at a factory that is owned by Sandra’s dad and she lords that power over Selene at all times. We also meet Bethany, a little fairy, that somehow was contrived at Selene’s last incarnation. At the end of this first book in this series we find out that Selene wasn’t just married to Jace but also to someone named Kyle. Can’t wait to see what’s next in this little series about Gods with limitless power.
Profile Image for TEE.
128 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2017
Intrigued by the world and idea of this story more than the characters or writing. Read this as part of a large, free group of YA books. This was one of the few that actually made me want to read the next one. The rest, so far, would be 2 or 1 star ratings. If I wasn't in the mood for cheesy YA the day I picked this up, it probably wouldn't have gotten a 3. As it was, it hit the spot and left me wanting a little more. If you feel like or enjoy corny simple reads, pick it up. Worth a quick read on a rainy day.
Profile Image for Amarie Avant.
Author 53 books661 followers
May 31, 2017
Superb ending! At the beginning, I had a hard I slightly hard time with all of the description but I understand it was to build up the story. I wanted Selene to be stronger in the beginning but she grew and the underlying love story was great. That cliffhanger has me ready for the next book.
Profile Image for naomi keers.
8 reviews
January 16, 2017
wow

I happened upon this book but accident. the best thing I have read and it kept me captivated. it was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Mettert.
87 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2021
Unfortunately I could not finish this book. I lost interest. It’s not poorly written or anything it just couldn’t hold my attention.
Profile Image for Ira.
740 reviews14 followers
November 2, 2015
English version of the review at the bottom!

Da ich bereits ich einige andere Bücher des Autors gelesen hatte, die mir sehr gefielen, freute ich mich sehr, als ich entdeckte, dass er noch Vorableser für sein neuestes Werk, den ersten Band der Awakening-Reihe suchte. Nachdem klar war, dass es ihm tatsächlich um eine ehrliche Rezension ging, bewarb ich mich um ein Vorabexemplar.

Um es kurz zu machen - ich war absolut begeistert von dem Buch, auch wenn ich am Ende auf einen Cliffhanger stieß, der mich lange überlegen ließ, ob ich dafür einen Stern in der Wertung abziehen sollte, Cliffhanger und ich, wir haben es nicht so miteinander. Die wollen mich ärgern und ich falle regelmäßig darauf rein und ärgere mich tatsächlich.

Da aber das Buch insgesamt nicht nur ausgesprochen gut geschrieben ist, sondern mit viel Fantasie und einer wirklich gut durchdachten und überzeugenden Story aufwartet, habe ich Dean Murray schließlich zwar grummelnd, aber dann doch von Herzen kommend seinen Cliffhanger weitgehend verziehen.

Mir gefällt sehr, wie der Autor auf gelungene Weise reale Motive und fantastische Elemente miteinander paart. Seine Charaktere sind überzeugend und authentisch, so dass ich bereits nach wenigen Seiten mitfieberte und liebend gerne hier mit geholfen, dort den, bzw. eher die eine geschüttelt und auf den Pott gesetzt hätte und - ja, wie gesagt, ich fieberte eifrig mit.
Sehr sympathisch fand ich auch, dass es zwar durchaus den klassischen coolen Protagonisten mit viel Geld gibt, dieser Charakter aber sehr komplex ist und mich durch seine sympathische Art und die achtsame und respektvolle Weise, wie er mit seinen Mitmenschen umgeht sehr schnell für sich gewann.
Auch die anderen Protagonisten sind sehr vielschichtig und gewinnen von Seite zu Seite an Komplexität und Authentizitä hinzu. In Kombination mit der spannenden und detailreichen Geschichte und dem tollen, mitreissenden Schreibstil, ist dies wieder einmal ein Buch, das ich kaum aus der Hand legen mochte.
Mir hat es wirklich gut gefallen und ich kann es uneingeschränkt empfehlen!

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I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. After having read several other books by this author I was very pleased when I read that he was searching for testreaders for his newest book. When I was convinced that he really wanted an honest review I applied for an ARC.

To make a long story short – I was really enthralled by this book – even despite the rather major cliffhanger at its end. Clifhangers and I – we don't get along very well. They annoy me – and I always let them get to me.

As I found the book amazingly well written and the story imaginative, well constructed and convincing story, I excused the cliffhanger – not completely but mostly.

I really like how well the author mixes real and fantastic elements. His characteres are convincing and authentic and made me share the thrill of their adventures, sometimes making me wish that I could help some one or else shake someone just to get a little bit of sense in him or her and – well, as I already mentioned – I was thrilled.

Concerning the characters I also love that there is indeed the classic cool guy with a lot of money but in contrast to most other characters of this kind he is very complex and won me over by his sympathetic nature and the attentive and respectful manner in which he treats his fellow beings.

The other protagonists also show many facets and with each page they gain complexity and authenticity. In combination with the gripping story and the colourful writing, it is one of those books that I didn't want to put down once I started reading it.
I really liked it and can highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Tiffany W..
77 reviews
September 5, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

After reading the Reflection series, Dean Murray has become one of my favorite authors. I love his imagination and his writing style, which make me stick to his books every time I read them and cannot help from asking for more.
A month ago I found out about this new series and I was very excited, so quickly I asked to join the launch team.

I wasn't disappointed.
I spent all my free time reading it and couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the book all the way through, the tempo is just right, although in this book there are a bit too much back story and information. I loved the plot and was amazed by the author's imagination. Reincarnation is a very common theme, but somehow Dean Murray just knows how to turn it into something new and special. I got excited as Selene finds out more and more about her past life, her new life and her own powers, and I'm looking forward to book 2 to find out more.

In this book different elements are mixed together. Mythology and reincarnation was a clever match, the descriptions are convincing, and mixing with other fantastic elements make them even more exciting and special.

Overall the characters are lovable to me---of course the classical perfect guy is there---rich, handsome, has an incredibly beautiful mansion, and in most books he has a star-crossed lover. (I have to admit that I do enjoy this though...) The Jace in this book reminds me of Jace Lightwood from Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series. Putting them together in comparison, the Jace in this book seems nicer since that the other one is described as reckless, but they are both special in their own way and I love them both.

As for Selene, the POV character of this book, she really frustrates me sometimes but in some scenes her annoying reactions are reasonable. As her journey goes further and she learns more, I hope to see her improve. (Not only her powers but also her personalities)

The whole story is pretty convincing and well accomplished. If you are a YA paranormal romance lover or someone who loves stories about reincarnation/reborn/fate, don't miss out this one.

The cliffhanger at the end is annoying me. Can't wait for the next book!


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Themes: Pantheon wars, reincarnation, reborn, star-crossed lovers
Genre: YA, paranormal romance
Rating: Overall: 5/5
creativity: 5/5
writing: 5/5
characters: 4/5
Profile Image for Emily.
106 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2020
I read the author's other series before reading this one and oh crap. This was so much better than expected. If you are in the search for a good romance/fantasy with some action involved this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Steph S..
13 reviews
February 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

Just like all of the his other books, Dean pulled me into this book within the first chapter. I love the Characters and all of the little details that he adds. There are a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming but it all made for a great addition to the story.

I love to see how the characters interact with each other, and how they all deal with a situation in different ways. (I will even admit that I cried in a few places

I was thrilled with how the story was going, and had to stay up early into the morning to finish it because I just couldn't put it down. Then just leaving it with a (my jaw dropping) cliff hanger. I was ready to start right into reading the next book just to see what happens next.

As with all of Dean's other books that I have read I feel like a fly on the wall and can easily get lost in yet another great world that he has created.

I really like how he combines the real and not so real worlds and makes it fit perfectly.

I would highly recommend this book to any of my friends and family, and anyone else that I can get to listen to me.

I can't wait to read the next book and see what his great mind will come up with next.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,198 reviews119 followers
February 26, 2015
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.

This is the story of Selene, a high school girl who has inner strength and wisdom, but is trying to keep her head down and be as invisible as she can be until high school is over. This is mainly because her dad works at the local factory that is owned by the father of the bane of her life, Sandra. Sandra is a bully and content to pick on Selene. This appears as nothing more than a spoilt little rich girl to start with but, as is typical in Dean's stories, nothing is quite as it seems.

These characters are all multi-dimensional with very real fears, laughs and loves. There is no insta-love in this story (thank goodness) although there is a reconnection that is made. The back story is given to you in a drip feed fashion so that it doesn't overpower the current story but you are still getting the information needed for a deep understanding of what is happening.

This is a gripping story that will draw you in but one warning, it does come with a cliffhanger ending that will sucker-punch you and leave you gasping. If you like paranormal romance that comes complete with intense emotion then I can highly recommend this one. Another fantastic series by Dean Murray starts with a bang!
Profile Image for Brandy Lawley.
18 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2015
Another wonderful, exciting series!!!!!!!!

I am so excited about Reborn!!! As much as I read it's not very often that I come across a book that I just can't put down. This was not your everyday fantasy story either. There may be gods and even fairies, but what a wonderful new story. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone. Doesn't matter if you normally read romance or fantasy or neither. You will enjoy this book. When an exceptional author tells a unique story, enjoyment is a given. I am so impatient to find out what happens to everyone. Impatiently waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
December 3, 2017
I read this as a part of the Love. Magic. Adrenaline! Collection.
I really liked this book. It was easy to read and it just kept you guessing. I started thinking that it was along the lines of Fallen, but I was wrong. The story is so different from other paranormal books. The teen angst was woven just enough to give a little romance and the book moved along enough. Being the first book in a series there was a lot of introducing things and getting to know characters that the action was fairly minimal. Typical first book style there is a cliffhanger at the end. This means book two is definitely needed.
3 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2015
I was so excited to get the email telling me Dean had created yet another spectacular world to suck me into. I was hooked by these characters within the first chapter & I absolutely love the depth he gives them. I was already a huge fan of Dean's writing from the Reflections series & this book just furthered my love of his writing! I have already recommended this book to friends & am so excited to see what else is in store!
Profile Image for Lisa Rector.
Author 37 books59 followers
October 3, 2016
This is a classic story where the girl learns she has powers, and the majority of the novel is spent in training. Written in a very high school, juvenile format. I loved the creative nature of the powers and was intrigued by this style of demi-gods taken from every mythology out there. They can be reincarnated and burn their memories to harness their power. Just wish the novel was written better. The end left with a cliffhanger, but I wasn't won-over enough to purchase the next novel.
3 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2015
I read this book in one sitting & can not wait for more. I am a big fan of Dean Murray's writing & was immediately drawn into this story. I always manage to be amazed at the depth he gives his characters & this book was no different. I love Selene & Jace, but Kat is my favorite. The ending provide fan excellent twist to Selene's story & I can't wait to see where this goes!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
144 reviews
July 21, 2016
Overall a pretty good book. Being the first book in the series there was a lot of build up and back story going on. Seems like just as we were starting to get to the action the book ended. on one hand it is super frustrating and on the other I suppose it does its job of making you want to read the next book.
Profile Image for Amber J..
670 reviews30 followers
December 17, 2015
This is a really cool and unique paranormal story!! Love the sexual tension between Selene and Jace as well as the underlying mystery go their pasts. Another awesome page turner that I couldn't put down...well done Dean!!!!
Profile Image for Melissa.
32 reviews
April 23, 2016
Great book! Fun to read. The cliff hanger at the end guarantees you will want to read the next book!
34 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2016
Addictive

Could not put the book down! The exciting journey pulled at me the whole way through. Waiting to see when/if she got old memories back was driving me nuts. Great read!
Profile Image for Kellie.
Author 32 books320 followers
January 24, 2017
Interesting concept

This was a great, clean ya paranormal romance. Very creative concept and likable characters. It ends on a total cliffhanger, so be prepared for that!
Profile Image for Anna.
644 reviews
March 5, 2015
interest to bread great storyline can't wait for the next books in this series
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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