The Awakening Book Review

“'Do you have a favourite book?'

'Why a favourite when there are so many, and I haven't read all of them?'"

Faeries, witchcraft, idyllic Irish countryside, dragons, copper tubs, loose leaf tea, myth, legend, a brooding male lead and an unassuming young woman coming into her power - The Awakening has it all and more.

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is a relaxing read full of delicious imagery sure to make you want to plan a spontaneous trip to Ireland.

The Awakening - Nora Roberts

Having read a few of her novels now, I am fairly certain Roberts herself is a witch (just a guess, so don't quote me on it) and this novel is packed full of magick! I was actually drawn in by the series name - The Dragon Heart Legacy. Although some of her other books included witchcraft and magick, I hadn't seen her go full fantasy yet so it seemed worth the read.

If you have never read a Roberts, this might be a great place to start. Especially if you like fantasy. Many fantasy novels can be quite dense, full of epic world-building, generously detailed descriptions, and extended journeys and quests. I love fantasy, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I just want to taste the fantasy-vibes without ordering the 4-course meal. The Awakening was that kinda book for me.

Summary

Breen is living a life designed by her mother that's amounted to feelings of dissatisfaction and no small amount of underwhelm. In a surprise turn of events she learns that her father, who left the family half a lifetime ago, has been sending her money all this time and her mother has kept it a secret. Equipped with a healthy bank balance, she strips off the doldrums of her life in Philadelphia and sets off to Ireland on a mission to not only find her estranged father but to find herself too.

Leaning into the life of a writer as she had always wanted for herself, Breen decides to blog about her travels as she adventures around Ireland with her best friend, Marco. Once they settle into a rural cabin near Galway, Marco heads back to the States leaving Breen to spend the summer on her own. But she soon discovers a whole world she didn't even know existed.

On a walk through the nearby woods, Breen discovers a tree that offers a portal to another realm - a place where fey take to the air alongside glittering dragons, where animals may actually be shapeshifters running through the trees, where two moons grace the night sky, and where she finds not only the truth about what happened to her father, but the truth about herself.

Now, a woman caught between two worlds, Breen must navigate her old life, new identity, and the looming responsibilities she has to this magickal world she inherited.

Book Review

This was a fun book to read. Roberts writes well about magick and folklore, speaking about the elements, rituals, legends, sabbats, and magickal beings in the way any modern witch would. She has either done her research or she practices a bit of magick herself. It's nice to see the craft well represented.

Having read my fair share of romance novels, this one only touched on romantic connection and had just one steamy scene to offer. It was not a closed door scene for those who are wondering, but it wasn't raunchy either. If you're looking for a solid romance novel to sweep you off your feet, this likely isn't it. It's definitely more of a fantasy novel for novice fantasy readers. I am hopeful though the romantic connection established will grow in the second book in the series, as the love interest was quite delectable. Who doesn't want to date a guy with a dragon?

All the characters Roberts created are exciting, colourful, and diverse. There are beautiful drag queens, queer folk, people of colour, shapeshifters, winged faeries, witches, elves, and even a god. You can definitely tell that this is the first book in a series, as she imbues such depth of character to each person and creature. I can't wait to get to know some of these characters better as I move through the series.

Let's talk about Ireland for just a moment - what a place. The setting in this novel is like a character in and of itself. The rolling hills, misty meadows, lush forests, green lakes and rivers, the country lanes... it's the perfect setting for this novel, and Roberts' love of her family's homeland really shines through.

Breen, the main character, has some significant inner struggles through the entirety of the book, most of which aren't really resolved by the end. A lot of them hit home for me personally, and I felt inspired to do a lot of paired journaling while reading this novel. She is complacent in many aspects of her life and yet struggles to believe she can do/have/be more than she is. Believing in herself IS, in the end, "The Awakening" she needed in order to truly shine and live as her most authentic self.

And couldn't we all stand to believe in ourselves a little more? To awaken to our true potential and purpose.

Best read under a tree or next to a river with a sweet and salty snack.

Inspired Journal Prompts

What areas of my life might I be dissatisfied with?

3 things I can do to change my situation or mindset

What would I do if I came into a large sum of money?

Where am I doubting myself or my abilities in life?

3 things I can do RIGHT NOW that will help banish that self-doubt

What does 'family' mean to me and who are the people in my family?

If I could have a magickal ability like in this story, which would I want and why?

About the Author

Nora Roberts is a literary legend - she is one of the most published authors of all time with more than 240 books to her name! She also writes as J.D. Robb, Jill March, and Sarah Hardesty. Although she is American-born, she has Irish ancestors on both sides and you can see her love for Ireland in not only this novel, but many others too!