Why DNF? I don’t feel this pressing need to continue.

Like: Slowly reveals stuff, immediately got pumped soon as I read it

This magnificent novel surpassed all my expectations with diverse characters, imaginative world building, and meaningful takes on the challenges humankind can expect to confront!

This book reminded me a lot of The Epic Crush of Genie Lo which was one of my favourite quick reads of 2017. They both have epic Protagonists who discover they have powers they never knew, they both have to balance life in the 'real' world with the new paranormal dimension that has become their reality, they both have to battle ridiculously huge levels of evil and also somehow function as human beings. They definitely aren't the same books by any stretch of the imagination but there are a lot of similarities there and I think it's safe to say that if you liked The Epic Crush you'll probably enjoy Awoke.

The biggest thing that Awoke does that I don't remember in The Epic Crush is the romance element. Quite a large portion of the plot is dedicated to romantic elements which for me, wasn't particularly bothersome but I know that'll be a deciding factor for other readers.

If I could have had one wish for this book it would have been slightly more concrete worldbuilding. It's not that the ideas aren't there, a lot of thought has gone into how the paranormal world and the human world interlock, but there is occasionally a lack of detail that stopped me from being able to completely immerse myself in this world.

I make a point of recognising when I'm reading a 'diverse' book and when I'm not, because it helps me to be accountable in my reading life, what I want to stress is that this is not a good book because it is diverse. Nor is it good despite being diverse (though I don't know what arse badger might ever suggest that!). It is diverse and it is good and together that makes for a wonderful read. I'll be excited to see what else K.T. Conte produces in the future!

My rating: 4/5 stars

By the way, I received a digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It's The Mortal Instruments for black girls! Nice to see a black girl on the cover of a book by a black author, and it's a Cassie-Clare style urban fantasy, at that.