The Awakening (June 2023) Group Read Discussion

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

This is the group thread for The Awakening!

This thread is open for discussion beginning June 1st! Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed (mark as a spoiler) in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days of the month can be used to catch up if needed! Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads.

The Group Read Discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/01
01: Chapters 1-2 or 33 pages
02: Chapters 3-4 or 33 pages
03: Chapters 5-6 or 33 pages
04: Chapters 7-8 or 33 pages

Week of 06/05
05: Chapters 9-10 or 33 pages
06: Chapters 11-12 or 33 pages
07: Chapters 13-14 or 33 pages
08: Chapters 15-16 or 33 pages
09: Chapters 17-18 or 33 pages
10: Chapters 19-20 or 33 pages
11: Chapters 21-22 or 33 pages

Week of 06/12
12: Chapters 23-24 or 33 pages
13: Chapters 25-26 or 33 pages


You can read the group book at any time during the month and at your own pace. This is the pace the group will be using, but if you read ahead or will be giving spoilers, please mark them (click the "some html is ok button"). If you have any questions a mod or another member can help you.

[Kristina]

I have only read the first 4 chapters, but it feels like a Young Adult version of The Black Dagger series by JR Ward, but in a school setting.

[Laura ☾]

I haven’t read that series, but I’m a few chapters into this and it very much seems like typical YA fantasy so far.

[Helen 2.0]

Finally starting this one today. I need a "guilty pleasure" type read to balance out some of the more serious things I've been reading lately.

[Laura ☾]

I finished this - it was a quick, easy read but nothing that special so far - I have heard that the series picks up a few books in though!

I’ll be here to discuss more once others catch up

[Helen 2.0]

I’m at 50% - how does this group feel about content/trigger warnings?

Before people start you may want to know the story contains (view spoiler)[many instances of non-consensual touching and assault. Also extreme bullying and hazing. (hide spoiler)]

[Edith, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Actually, this is really good to know. Very considerate of you Helen, thank you!

[Helen 2.0]

Edith wrote: "Actually, this is really good to know. Very considerate of you Helen, thank you!"

Of course!! Even if something’s not a trigger for me I tend to find I can deal with “dark” themes better if I know what I’m getting into ahead of time.

[Kristina]

I am on chapter 10. This is a lot darker than I thought it was going to be. I am intrigued on where the story line is going to go.

[Helen 2.0]

Ok I officially finished the book...very much not my cuppa. I ended up doing a lot of skimming near the end.

(view spoiler)[It was just bullying and hazing and abuse, over and over and over. The plot had to squeeze in through the cracks between scenes of the twins being emotionally and physically violated. Not fun for me to read. (hide spoiler)]

I would only keep going on the off chance that (view spoiler)[I might get to see the twins have their revenge...but I feel like that's not going to happen. My guess is they will forgive the Heirs like they've already pretty much forgiven Orion despite the assault and attempted murder. So I won't keep going unless someone tells me for sure that they get justice. (hide spoiler)]

[Kristina]

Ok so I am not intrigued anymore. I think I need some adulting character development and some answers to whatever it is we are trying to figure out.

[LiteraryCryptid]

I realize I'm a little late to the reading, but I just got my copy.

This is giving off serious vibes of: Divergent, Twilight, and Harry Potter all wrapped up in one. . . It feels like every 2010 dystopian teen novel with just a bit of adult language added in. . . I don't know how I feel about this book yet, but it's been kind of easy to guess the plot so far.

[LiteraryCryptid]

This book is not worth the hype it had. I'm about halfway through and I've lost all interest in it, going to finish for the Summer Days Challenge, but I'm deeply regretting having picked up the next book along with this first one.

Very little hope that it can turn around for the better by the end.

[Jen K]

Just started this one for the group read and not so encouraged by the comments. It is a quick read so far at least. It kind of feels like Twilight mixed with Deadly Education ish. I guess the idea is okay but not loving it yet. The hot mean boys seem a bit unnecessary.

[Jen K]

Okay, I finished and it was kind of terrible. Pretty much nothing happened for 400 of the 400+ pages. The issues of lack of consent are really disturbing and more so when it evokes lust. Also the portrayal of teachers is insulting at best even accounting for a different culture.

[Laura ☾]

Jen K wrote: "Okay, I finished and it was kind of terrible. Pretty much nothing happened for 400 of the 400+ pages. The issues of lack of consent are really disturbing and more so when it evokes lust. Also the p..."

100% agree - it was a real mess

[Kristina]

I finally finished it. Not my jam. The commentary on this thread was worth the read. You guys were making me laugh.