Awakening by Shannon Duffy

Awakening

by Shannon Duffy

Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out - her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbour, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape-a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants - and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late?

Reviewed by bookishzelda on

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The world in Awakening is not unlike many dystopian societies. People are struggling to find a way out of the “Manic Age” and the Protectorate offers them a peaceful alternative. The catch is that their lives are controlled down to how many kids they can have and who they marry. What I thought was different is the way they control them. They control their dreams, each person implanted with a chip at birth that syncs up their nervous system.

We are introduced to Desiree who is getting ready for her pre-binding ceremony with her Protectorate chosen mate, Asher. She is a rule follower it seems but you can tell she has doubts in the back of her mind. The person chosen for her, the job chosen for her don’t really seem to make sense but she reminds herself that the government knows best. As things come to light we really see her change but really I think she starts to act more like her true self.

I have to say, Darian is definitely a swoony book boyfriend for me. Maybe it’s his blue baseball cap (love guys in baseball caps) or his knowing smirk but I was totally smitten. It’s cute how he exudes confidence and brings out a different side Desiree. It’s like she can’t help rising to his challenges. I also like how he tries to tell Desiree what to do in order to protect her but doesn’t fight her on it if she is determined. It always seems like more of a partnership between them.

Asher really surprised me. I was expecting him to be the way that Desiree described as kids but then we she goes on her date with him, he seem sweet. I really liked that because honestly that happens. The bullies grow up and figure out that they weren’t so great.

The book also has strong side characters. Asher, Coral, Owen, Shia, Desiree’s parents, Larkin and so forth. Make the world have more depth because each has their own opinions.Each have their level satisfaction with the government.

At first I was wondering why they don’t put trackers in the implant for the Dreamscape but then I realized how long can you live with no sleep at all. So I’m guessing they are figuring you are not going to get far if you “escape”.The Terrorscope terrifies me. I obviously have some of the same fears because just reading about it. I was getting chills.

I thought although it’s hard to for a dystopia to find that way to be unique. I really liked the way Awakening used Dreams to control people. Plus I loved Desiree and Darian. When you have a book with characters you want to root for it makes it something you enjoy reading. So yes pick it up check it out and fall in love with Darian...I mean the book.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 15 April, 2015: Finished reading
  • 15 April, 2015: Reviewed