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Redeemer Chronicles #1
Awakening
Being the Chosen One could kill her …
Victoria Saveron knows two things for certain. Dark forces want to kill her, and her friends have cooler powers than she does. Katrina can shapeshift and Tellen can tap into destructive magic currents.
Everything else is uncertain and rumors abound.
Victoria might be the Chosen One, whatever that means. Her father might be able to help them, but only if they can find him. Coldhaven’s villagers might be able to offer them food and shelter. Some fool might be running around unlocking Darkland portals to raise an undead army.
The further Victoria and her companions get on their journey, the more dangers and betrayals they face. They must awaken Vic’s true powers or forfeit the world.
***
This is Book 1 in the Redeemer Chronicles series. It's followed by The Holy War and Reclaim the Darklands. Audiobooks are available for books 1-3 singly or as a combination title. There is also a prequel series called Aeris Legends. The first story is called The Huntsman and the Healer, but even that is preceded by a very short story called River's Edge Ransom.
Victoria Saveron knows two things for certain. Dark forces want to kill her, and her friends have cooler powers than she does. Katrina can shapeshift and Tellen can tap into destructive magic currents.
Everything else is uncertain and rumors abound.
Victoria might be the Chosen One, whatever that means. Her father might be able to help them, but only if they can find him. Coldhaven’s villagers might be able to offer them food and shelter. Some fool might be running around unlocking Darkland portals to raise an undead army.
The further Victoria and her companions get on their journey, the more dangers and betrayals they face. They must awaken Vic’s true powers or forfeit the world.
***
This is Book 1 in the Redeemer Chronicles series. It's followed by The Holy War and Reclaim the Darklands. Audiobooks are available for books 1-3 singly or as a combination title. There is also a prequel series called Aeris Legends. The first story is called The Huntsman and the Healer, but even that is preceded by a very short story called River's Edge Ransom.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2016
About the author
Julie C. Gilbert
135 books299 followersJulie C. Gilbert teaches high school chemistry and writes Young Adult, science fiction, fantasy, mystery/thriller, poetry, and Christian stories.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 24, 2016
Awakening is a book with a cover that doesn't do it justice! When I first saw the cover I wasn't thinking fantasy. I was thinking one of those fun realistic fiction reads I used to read as a kid(Island of the blue dolphins, Little House on the Prairie, etc.)
But this is a fantasy! So don't let the cover fool you! Awakening is an allegory that follows different characters with the main one being Victoria.
The first two things I loved about this book was the instant leap into action and Vic's voice. Now, instant action isn't a must, but this story pulled it off and kept me turning the pages.
Now I have to gush about Gilbert's amazing talent at getting in her character's heads. Vic's pov especially was simply amazing. Within two pages I was already going, "ooh, this is good" because it was so well-done and I already felt like I knew Vic.
All of the pov characters really shone through and their voices were unique and consistent. But Vic's was really, wow, just impressive.
Since it is an allegory, there is a certain amount of theological points included and there were a couple things that didn't agree with what I personally believe. If it hadn't been an allegory, I would've been find with them, but I do hold allegory's to a different standard.
The plot was intriguing, and I kept wondering what the villains were going to do next and how Vic and her friends would handle everything. The story was too short! But I do see that it's book 1, so I know there'll be more to come!
Overall giving it 3.5 stars.
But this is a fantasy! So don't let the cover fool you! Awakening is an allegory that follows different characters with the main one being Victoria.
The first two things I loved about this book was the instant leap into action and Vic's voice. Now, instant action isn't a must, but this story pulled it off and kept me turning the pages.
Now I have to gush about Gilbert's amazing talent at getting in her character's heads. Vic's pov especially was simply amazing. Within two pages I was already going, "ooh, this is good" because it was so well-done and I already felt like I knew Vic.
All of the pov characters really shone through and their voices were unique and consistent. But Vic's was really, wow, just impressive.
Since it is an allegory, there is a certain amount of theological points included and there were a couple things that didn't agree with what I personally believe. If it hadn't been an allegory, I would've been find with them, but I do hold allegory's to a different standard.
The plot was intriguing, and I kept wondering what the villains were going to do next and how Vic and her friends would handle everything. The story was too short! But I do see that it's book 1, so I know there'll be more to come!
Overall giving it 3.5 stars.
January 25, 2018
Living in a world where the undead walk among you is quite scary. Living in a world knowing that only the silver magical bracelets on your wrist are keeping you from turning into one yourself is absolutely terrifying! Victoria is just trying to survive, not really understanding why the world works the way it does. Gilbert has an interesting take on a new world, one where a chosen will be testing to either fill the destined prophecy or ignore it. Victoria is the chosen. This quirky, young girl is funny, smart, witty, and courageous. She is also lost, but as the story unfolds, readers are able to come to their own conclusions along with the characters who have traveled on this journey with Victoria. This book is filled with adventure, mystery, action, and magic.
Victoria, Vic for short, is looking for her father. He left on a hunt and hasn't returned, so she is determined to search for him. That burden comes with knowing that not everyone she may come across will be an ally. Because her mother was a powerful witch, from the Saroth and her father, a guardian of the Bereft descended from the Arkonai, both groups frowned upon their union which makes them unfavorable toward Victoria. Some may even be willing to destroy her for fear of what she will become. With her two friends, Victoria holds her head high and barrels through, knowing that she has a pretty fair shot at finding the answers that she seeks. She knows not who or what she is, but things start to add up and little tidbits here and there start unraveling around her. Her mother, killed by zombie attack, visits her to warn of hardships and destiny along with the path that she has chosen. What is to become of her if she continues on her journey, knowing that death is sure to follow for the ones that she loves? What can she do other than follow her moral compass? Lines blur and what is right and what is wrong become difficult to identify. Will Victoria be able to make the best decision when she finally figures out who is behind the deceit?
Gilbert has a superb fantasy that is short and easy to listen to, as this is a review of the audio book. It sounds like it is very well written and flows really well. The characters development is on par and Jacques, the narrator, does a fantastic job at gripping the strengths and weaknesses of the author's characters. Since this is the first installment in the Redeemer Chronicles, readers are able to jump right in and test the waters. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy, this story may be a great read for you.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the Audiobookworm Promotions, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a five-star rating for Awakening by Julie C. Gilbert.
Victoria, Vic for short, is looking for her father. He left on a hunt and hasn't returned, so she is determined to search for him. That burden comes with knowing that not everyone she may come across will be an ally. Because her mother was a powerful witch, from the Saroth and her father, a guardian of the Bereft descended from the Arkonai, both groups frowned upon their union which makes them unfavorable toward Victoria. Some may even be willing to destroy her for fear of what she will become. With her two friends, Victoria holds her head high and barrels through, knowing that she has a pretty fair shot at finding the answers that she seeks. She knows not who or what she is, but things start to add up and little tidbits here and there start unraveling around her. Her mother, killed by zombie attack, visits her to warn of hardships and destiny along with the path that she has chosen. What is to become of her if she continues on her journey, knowing that death is sure to follow for the ones that she loves? What can she do other than follow her moral compass? Lines blur and what is right and what is wrong become difficult to identify. Will Victoria be able to make the best decision when she finally figures out who is behind the deceit?
Gilbert has a superb fantasy that is short and easy to listen to, as this is a review of the audio book. It sounds like it is very well written and flows really well. The characters development is on par and Jacques, the narrator, does a fantastic job at gripping the strengths and weaknesses of the author's characters. Since this is the first installment in the Redeemer Chronicles, readers are able to jump right in and test the waters. If you are a reader of young adult fantasy, this story may be a great read for you.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the Audiobookworm Promotions, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a five-star rating for Awakening by Julie C. Gilbert.
July 7, 2021
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.25 of 5
There are certain YA books that I recognize I am probably not going to enjoy. I would base this partly on themes, publisher's descriptions of the book, and even, yes, book covers. Don't judge a book by the cover? Well, yes, to some extent you can and should. Why? Well, that's probably worth a blog post in itself. But let's leave it with the idea that I would not have requested or accepted this book if the above book cover had been presented to me. Instead, the book I have has a moody, angry looking teen in a dark, ominous forest. That, with the description of a young girl fighting against the idea that she might be 'the chosen one' in a fight against an undead army, sounded pretty cool.
I received this book though InstaFreebie - a site where self-published authors try to get their books out to a new audience. I read and review a lot of books, and while most of these are from established publishers, I really enjoy finding a self-published author whose work is deserving of a wider audience, which is why I take books like this as well.
Julie C. Gilbert's writing is fine. She has a good insight on the thoughts and concerns of teen girls (does this come, in part, from being a high school teacher?). The concept for this series is good - it must be good, it's pretty common. Which is definitely one of the down-sides. There wasn't much here to separate this, in a positive way, from a library's-worth of YA books with reluctant female protagonists who first have to discover themselves before they can save the world.
The development of the story took a back seat to our leading character (Victoria Saveron) sighing and contemplating. And rather than letting the reader discover Miss Saveron's deficiencies by showing them to us in action, we have one chapter, almost half way through the book, where Victoria says:
As the title spins in my mind, I expect a sense of excitement, pride, joy, or eagerness to discover what my future holds. Instead, I feel uncertainty, confusion, and even a slight sense of outrage.
This is a bad idea for many reasons.
And then she lists her ten faults, such as "I'm not a people person," "I am short and slight," "I don't speak very well." And that's the chapter.
While the writing itself is okay, the story could have been developed more, giving the reader more opportunity to grow with Victoria, rather than simply reading about her. I can see where this would appeal to some, but not to this reader.
Looking for a good book? Awakening by Julie C. Gilbert is the first book in a Young Adult series that has limited appeal as there are many books with the same themes and plots available to readers.
I received a free digital copy of this book through instafreebie.com.
There are certain YA books that I recognize I am probably not going to enjoy. I would base this partly on themes, publisher's descriptions of the book, and even, yes, book covers. Don't judge a book by the cover? Well, yes, to some extent you can and should. Why? Well, that's probably worth a blog post in itself. But let's leave it with the idea that I would not have requested or accepted this book if the above book cover had been presented to me. Instead, the book I have has a moody, angry looking teen in a dark, ominous forest. That, with the description of a young girl fighting against the idea that she might be 'the chosen one' in a fight against an undead army, sounded pretty cool.
I received this book though InstaFreebie - a site where self-published authors try to get their books out to a new audience. I read and review a lot of books, and while most of these are from established publishers, I really enjoy finding a self-published author whose work is deserving of a wider audience, which is why I take books like this as well.
Julie C. Gilbert's writing is fine. She has a good insight on the thoughts and concerns of teen girls (does this come, in part, from being a high school teacher?). The concept for this series is good - it must be good, it's pretty common. Which is definitely one of the down-sides. There wasn't much here to separate this, in a positive way, from a library's-worth of YA books with reluctant female protagonists who first have to discover themselves before they can save the world.
The development of the story took a back seat to our leading character (Victoria Saveron) sighing and contemplating. And rather than letting the reader discover Miss Saveron's deficiencies by showing them to us in action, we have one chapter, almost half way through the book, where Victoria says:
As the title spins in my mind, I expect a sense of excitement, pride, joy, or eagerness to discover what my future holds. Instead, I feel uncertainty, confusion, and even a slight sense of outrage.
This is a bad idea for many reasons.
And then she lists her ten faults, such as "I'm not a people person," "I am short and slight," "I don't speak very well." And that's the chapter.
While the writing itself is okay, the story could have been developed more, giving the reader more opportunity to grow with Victoria, rather than simply reading about her. I can see where this would appeal to some, but not to this reader.
Looking for a good book? Awakening by Julie C. Gilbert is the first book in a Young Adult series that has limited appeal as there are many books with the same themes and plots available to readers.
I received a free digital copy of this book through instafreebie.com.
January 26, 2018
This tale had many of the elements that I really enjoy in a story and yet I didn’t fall in love with it. First, we have a Chosen One and while I have read and enjoyed many tales that have this element, it didn’t grab me here. Vic isn’t convinced she is a chosen one but she does think she’s a bit different from those around her. She pretty much grew up in this isolated cabin and sometimes her dad would go off for days leaving her to take care of everything. So she’s got some skills and yet I didn’t feel they were employed much.
The shape shifting element initially intrigued me. I like how Vic and her friends have multiple animals they can shift into. However, there were times when there was some info dumping about how this or that magic worked, including the shapeshifting snake and that bit about the berries.
Katrina was initially a worthy character being determined once she decided on something. She was the serious one of the three. Her character got a bit muddled as the story went on and sometimes I had trouble distinguishing her from Vic. Meanwhile, Tellen was the goof ball. He more than once pretended to be poisoned or such and considering that us and the main characters know that Vic is on someone’s hitlist, it didn’t come off as funny. Tellen didn’t make me laugh once.
So there’s a little political intrigue and that was pretty straight forward. It pretty much was just used to set us up for a big fight scene at the end. Now I really did like those last few scenes. The tension was there, the action, the drama. It was a good mix and I really did want Vic and her friends to make it through OK.
So while there’s all the elements I enjoy in a fantasy tale, it was still just meh for me. Oh, and there’s zombies but I didn’t feel their full potential was used in this story. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Caitlin Jacques was OK for this story. She does have a good voice for Vic, however I felt that sometimes her character voices were a bit muddled. Her male character voices were sometimes masculine and sometimes not. She did do Tellen really well. The sound quality is not the best. The volume varies a bit and sometimes it sounds like it was recorded in a cavern. Jacques didn’t always put emotions into the narrations even during desperate moments. So this narration could have used some polishing. 3.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The shape shifting element initially intrigued me. I like how Vic and her friends have multiple animals they can shift into. However, there were times when there was some info dumping about how this or that magic worked, including the shapeshifting snake and that bit about the berries.
Katrina was initially a worthy character being determined once she decided on something. She was the serious one of the three. Her character got a bit muddled as the story went on and sometimes I had trouble distinguishing her from Vic. Meanwhile, Tellen was the goof ball. He more than once pretended to be poisoned or such and considering that us and the main characters know that Vic is on someone’s hitlist, it didn’t come off as funny. Tellen didn’t make me laugh once.
So there’s a little political intrigue and that was pretty straight forward. It pretty much was just used to set us up for a big fight scene at the end. Now I really did like those last few scenes. The tension was there, the action, the drama. It was a good mix and I really did want Vic and her friends to make it through OK.
So while there’s all the elements I enjoy in a fantasy tale, it was still just meh for me. Oh, and there’s zombies but I didn’t feel their full potential was used in this story. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Caitlin Jacques was OK for this story. She does have a good voice for Vic, however I felt that sometimes her character voices were a bit muddled. Her male character voices were sometimes masculine and sometimes not. She did do Tellen really well. The sound quality is not the best. The volume varies a bit and sometimes it sounds like it was recorded in a cavern. Jacques didn’t always put emotions into the narrations even during desperate moments. So this narration could have used some polishing. 3.5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 7, 2018
This was my first book by Julie C. Gilbert. So I was unsure what to expect fro her writing style. I was pleasantly surprised though. I Liked her writing style quite a bit. I liked how she gave you just enough background at any given time to keep the story flowing and not leave you scratching your head. Her characters were well defined and each had their own personality that came through very nicely. The book was written with alternating chapters featuring the point of view of the different main characters. This did get me confused a couple of times and I had to go back and see which character was speaking. I do not usually choose books featuring vampires and zombies, but when I read the blurb on the book it still sounded like a decent story. I am glad I chose the book, even with my aversion to vampires and zombies. The vampires and zombies did not really play a large roll in the book, yes they are the bad guys but they did not have large speaking parts.
Awakening is the first book in the Redeemer Chronicles series. The series is aimed toward Young Adult and is Fantasy. There was no colorful language or sexual situations in the book, so would be appropriate for even younger teens.
Victoria Saveron Vic to her friends, is the main character in the book. She is or at least everyone but herself believed to be the Chosen One. Vic doesn't believe she is the Chosen One considering all of her friends have more and better powers then she does.
Katrina and Tellen are her friends. They take off on a journey to find Vic's Father to help her recognize her true powers. If they survive the journey. Someone is unlocking Darkland portals to raise an undead army to take over the word, and Vic and her friends need to find out her true powers or loose the world as they know it.
This is a short book. If it were not part of a series I would not be happy with the ending at all, guess I will just have to wait for book 2. hopefully it won't be a long wait.
I was given my copy of this book from AudioBookWorm Promotions
Awakening is the first book in the Redeemer Chronicles series. The series is aimed toward Young Adult and is Fantasy. There was no colorful language or sexual situations in the book, so would be appropriate for even younger teens.
Victoria Saveron Vic to her friends, is the main character in the book. She is or at least everyone but herself believed to be the Chosen One. Vic doesn't believe she is the Chosen One considering all of her friends have more and better powers then she does.
Katrina and Tellen are her friends. They take off on a journey to find Vic's Father to help her recognize her true powers. If they survive the journey. Someone is unlocking Darkland portals to raise an undead army to take over the word, and Vic and her friends need to find out her true powers or loose the world as they know it.
This is a short book. If it were not part of a series I would not be happy with the ending at all, guess I will just have to wait for book 2. hopefully it won't be a long wait.
I was given my copy of this book from AudioBookWorm Promotions
January 28, 2018
Should she or should she not believe all this nonsense about being the chosen one? Well, she’s young, not powerful, with only 2 friends, actually with only a handful of people she’s talked to all her life. What’s so special about her? Well someone out there had different plans for her.
The Redeemer Chronicles start with a great story, while skipping all introductions. Bits and pieces of the history are explained throughout the book, by more than one character. That’s the most impressive thing about this book. We have our young main character, whose inexperience is visible from the start, but we get as well the other characters’ opinions. Be they Victoria’s friends or foes, they all have a contribution to her development.
She stars as an innocent teenage girl, on a mission to find her father, but in the process learns more about herself than she ever could imagine. Her idea of not having cool powers, or not being strong like her friends, or having a dull life (actually no social life at all) will soon prove to be wrong, as everything has its purpose.
The narration was not bad at all. I liked how Caitlin Jacques managed to transform her voice and perform each POV distinctively. When it comes to our main character’s voice, she kind of overdid it in the beginning, as she sounded a bit spoiled in my opinion. There are some effects here and there, for example when Vic hears a voice in her head, and were very welcomed.
Even if I had some issues with the many characters involved and with the multiple places the action jumps to, I liked the audiobook quite a lot and I think this is such a great start for a great series. 4 stars from my end.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The Redeemer Chronicles start with a great story, while skipping all introductions. Bits and pieces of the history are explained throughout the book, by more than one character. That’s the most impressive thing about this book. We have our young main character, whose inexperience is visible from the start, but we get as well the other characters’ opinions. Be they Victoria’s friends or foes, they all have a contribution to her development.
She stars as an innocent teenage girl, on a mission to find her father, but in the process learns more about herself than she ever could imagine. Her idea of not having cool powers, or not being strong like her friends, or having a dull life (actually no social life at all) will soon prove to be wrong, as everything has its purpose.
The narration was not bad at all. I liked how Caitlin Jacques managed to transform her voice and perform each POV distinctively. When it comes to our main character’s voice, she kind of overdid it in the beginning, as she sounded a bit spoiled in my opinion. There are some effects here and there, for example when Vic hears a voice in her head, and were very welcomed.
Even if I had some issues with the many characters involved and with the multiple places the action jumps to, I liked the audiobook quite a lot and I think this is such a great start for a great series. 4 stars from my end.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
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January 27, 2018My rating of this book is a 4 each for performance and story.
This really is a great introduction to the series.
Julie C. Gilbert weaves a wonderful story. I really liked the main 3 characters within the story and the way that the story unfolds. The characters have very defined personalities and I really liked how they interacted with each other. Sarah, a brave, wise, villager is another character that I really liked. The wolfs identity is a surprise and a welcome one. This is not your average zombie story. The Zombies are not the main focus in this book. Battles between the different factions are the focus of this first story. Victoria is not confident in her abilities however her strength and self-belief develop as the story unfolds. The finale is brilliant! The narrator was the perfect choice for this book Caitlin Jacques narration delivered the book in a way that drew you into the story.
There is a lot of information given in the first few chapters which was necessary to follow the story but it was delivered in a way that didn’t overwhelm the listener. The personalities of the characters are well developed and the multiple points of view make the story easier to follow. The introduction of new characters is done smoothly and adds a steady build to the books conclusion.
The narration by Caitlin Jacques flows seamlessly despite the multiple points of view, she delivers an exciting dialogue that draws the listener into the story and the different characters voices are distinct and well chosen based on their characteristics.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This really is a great introduction to the series.
Julie C. Gilbert weaves a wonderful story. I really liked the main 3 characters within the story and the way that the story unfolds. The characters have very defined personalities and I really liked how they interacted with each other. Sarah, a brave, wise, villager is another character that I really liked. The wolfs identity is a surprise and a welcome one. This is not your average zombie story. The Zombies are not the main focus in this book. Battles between the different factions are the focus of this first story. Victoria is not confident in her abilities however her strength and self-belief develop as the story unfolds. The finale is brilliant! The narrator was the perfect choice for this book Caitlin Jacques narration delivered the book in a way that drew you into the story.
There is a lot of information given in the first few chapters which was necessary to follow the story but it was delivered in a way that didn’t overwhelm the listener. The personalities of the characters are well developed and the multiple points of view make the story easier to follow. The introduction of new characters is done smoothly and adds a steady build to the books conclusion.
The narration by Caitlin Jacques flows seamlessly despite the multiple points of view, she delivers an exciting dialogue that draws the listener into the story and the different characters voices are distinct and well chosen based on their characteristics.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Julie C. Gilbert. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
December 27, 2020
Definitely an interesting world with magic and horrors that can be conjured from a dark world. This book is right in. For me, as the first book in a series, there was a bit too much action and not enough world-building. I would have loved some backstory to get to know the characters, the magic schools, some history which makes Vic being the Chosen Redeemer very important. Because Vic was sheltered from the world she is very naive and doesn't understand what is going on around her.
Despite that, this was still a good read. It was well written and enjoyable. Vic's friends seem to have interesting abilities and personalities that serve Vic well. I hope in the next book to see Vic come into her power and a stronger personality.
I received this book from story origin and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Despite that, this was still a good read. It was well written and enjoyable. Vic's friends seem to have interesting abilities and personalities that serve Vic well. I hope in the next book to see Vic come into her power and a stronger personality.
I received this book from story origin and am leaving a review voluntarily.
January 7, 2025
I am glad I read a prequel short story first about Victoria's parents because this story about Vic bored me. The magic was less "magical" than in the short, there is nothing about Daniel and Victoria's mother (whose name I forget) (and I really wanted more of them), crazy Uncle Jack is still around (which is fine though I wish Daniel was featured more than Jack), and Vic at the age of 13 is the redeemer of the world.
The cover art is also awful **for the story.** Both for the regular book and the audiobook. They're nice covers overall but they don't capture the story.
Will not be continuing with the series.
The cover art is also awful **for the story.** Both for the regular book and the audiobook. They're nice covers overall but they don't capture the story.
Will not be continuing with the series.
July 11, 2017
This was an enjoyable quick read. The story follows the common fantasy plot of the "chosen one" not realizing who he/she really is and having others want to use her/him to further some plan (usually evil). However, the characters are interesting, the author has created different magical "races" with animosity between the races, with the main character being a hybrid with one parent of each race, and the book has multiple twists and surprises. It is fun to watch the evolution of the characters, especially Victoria (the Chosen Redeemer).
November 24, 2017
I received this book for free from a contest from the author.
This was a good, quick fantasy story. The story evolving kept my interest. And learning about all the different characters was
interesting. The story was well written and was done in alternating POV of several characters. This allowed you to understand
the characters and their motives better. I am not a fan of zombies, but these were well done so I didn't mind them as the main
monsters. This was an interesting story and I would recommend it for all young adults.
This was a good, quick fantasy story. The story evolving kept my interest. And learning about all the different characters was
interesting. The story was well written and was done in alternating POV of several characters. This allowed you to understand
the characters and their motives better. I am not a fan of zombies, but these were well done so I didn't mind them as the main
monsters. This was an interesting story and I would recommend it for all young adults.
March 21, 2018
Couldn’t put this Christian fantasy/allegory down. Lots of action as we follow Vic and her friends who are trying to find her father, a Huntsman who is off fulfilling a contract. Her companions are from different magical races, who are at enmity with each other. As the book goes on, we discover that Vic is the Chosen Redeemer, who must stop the Outcast from enslaving the planet. We see friendship tested, difficult choices, and the care that the One has for His people. I received a free copy of this book. This is my honest review.
February 25, 2018
A quick read that flew by so fast, it left me wanting more to read. I loved the characters as they explore their powers and what they are capable of when they put their minds to closing the dark world that let the bad in. I loved the writing style that made it a very readable book. I need to read the 2nd book now to see what else happens. Stay tuned in.
June 12, 2019
I usually love books by Julie C Gilbert. I love her Heartfelt Case books and I love her Devya's Children books. Also her Golden City Captives was good and her Spirit's Bane was phenomenal. But this book didn't captive me as much. It's fast paced and there's a lot going on. It screams Urban Fantasy with zombies and all types of paranormal creatures, but the main character is a Mary Sue where everything comes a little too easily. I believe it would have been better if it was extended and the pace slowed a bit, however, I did enjoy it and listened to book 1 & 2 in audio. However, I think I'll stick with Julie's other series'.
January 23, 2018
My review is based on the Audiobook. Awakening is Book 1 in the Redeemer Chronicles and is a fast past captivating story told in multiple POV's. The narrator just a fantastc job at bringing the story to life.
February 4, 2022
I tried,but could not finish this book.It just seemed too teenager oriented and I couodn't keep up.Narration was good.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 14, 2022
okay sorry to say but this book was a bit boring for me, i just couldn't get into it. dont get me wrong its not a bad book its just not for me, but my daughter did love it, i just didnt.
But i did like the narrator, she did a really good job.
But i did like the narrator, she did a really good job.
April 17, 2018
Well, well, this was a deliciously messed up book!
October 6, 2019
An ok fantasy story but probably aimed at young readers. It feels quite rushed & could include a lot more detail.
Read
December 6, 2023I was not expecting zombies.
This is a good book: Clean writing. Fairly distinct characters. Quickly drew me into the story.
I'm curious about Shadow...
This is a good book: Clean writing. Fairly distinct characters. Quickly drew me into the story.
I'm curious about Shadow...
January 15, 2024
Great writing! A compelling tale.
October 8, 2019
The story is great. I had a bit of difficulty getting into it. But I have this with a lot of books. I was pleasantly surprised what the story was about. When I had read the synopsis I had the feeling it was going to be more crimelike, idk why I had that feeling.
Is a nice fantasy young adult book, just not 5 hours, Ideal to listen to for an evening crafting.
One minor point is that I didn't really like the narrator. But this is something that is very much a personal choice. I'd say, just go for it. Because the story is great.
Is a nice fantasy young adult book, just not 5 hours, Ideal to listen to for an evening crafting.
One minor point is that I didn't really like the narrator. But this is something that is very much a personal choice. I'd say, just go for it. Because the story is great.
April 21, 2017
Creepy monsters and non-stop danger
I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would based on the other stories I have read by the author. I think this was primarily due to personal taste regarding some of the elements in the story rather than writing style or ability though.
I don't like zombies and avoid zombie stories so having them as some of the featured monsters in "Awakening" was an unpleasant surprise. Also it seemed that Victoria went from one danger to the next with very little consequence (they always seemed to get away quite easily) so I wasn't ever truely afraid/worried about the characters.
I did find the pattern of changing the speaker for every chapter to be a little jarring. I had to figure out who was speaking now and then get back into the story each time it happened.
I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would based on the other stories I have read by the author. I think this was primarily due to personal taste regarding some of the elements in the story rather than writing style or ability though.
I don't like zombies and avoid zombie stories so having them as some of the featured monsters in "Awakening" was an unpleasant surprise. Also it seemed that Victoria went from one danger to the next with very little consequence (they always seemed to get away quite easily) so I wasn't ever truely afraid/worried about the characters.
I did find the pattern of changing the speaker for every chapter to be a little jarring. I had to figure out who was speaking now and then get back into the story each time it happened.
July 4, 2017
Awakening is the first book in the Redeemer Chronicles series. I enjoyed this adventurous fantasy novel. I would recommend this book to teens and adults alike. The story is told in alternating viewpoints of multiple characters. They each have a unique voice with problems they each need to work through. Overall, I thought the story was fun and a very quick read.
Victoria Saveron is the 'chosen one'. Well, everyone else thinks she is. While she is learning her new found powers, her best friends are there to protect her. When her father comes up missing they embark on a journey to find him. Along the way they encounter monsters and zombies who want to kill Victoria. There is a dark lord creating a undead army. It looks like this dark lord has Victoria and her powers right in his sights. Will these three be able to survive?
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influence by this.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
Victoria Saveron is the 'chosen one'. Well, everyone else thinks she is. While she is learning her new found powers, her best friends are there to protect her. When her father comes up missing they embark on a journey to find him. Along the way they encounter monsters and zombies who want to kill Victoria. There is a dark lord creating a undead army. It looks like this dark lord has Victoria and her powers right in his sights. Will these three be able to survive?
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All my opinions and thoughts are in no way influence by this.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
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