Awakened by Roseanna M. White Review

I absolutely love all of the historical fiction that I have read by Roseanna M. White. So, when I learned that she was writing a book in one of my favorite genres, I was so excited. Awakened blew me away. Though I hadn't realized it was going to be over 500 pages, so it took me longer to read than I wanted it to. But, when I got to around the 60% mark in the book I couldn't put it down. I had to know how the story was going to end. 

Awakened has mermaids and land dwellers, but not in the way you would imagine. The author created her own magical world which actually takes place many years in the future. If you are a Christian who is concerned about magic being part of the story, let me just say, it isn't "magic" in the way you would normally think of magic. There are some people who have these powers which are discovered once they are "awakened," but others remain "unawakened." This power comes from the Triada, their name for God. A name that obviously comes from the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the author's note in the back of the book, the author notes that Triada is the Latin word for Trinity. 

We get to see three points of view as we read the story. The first is Arden Bleu, step-sister to Jade whose point of view we also see. It is believed that Jade is the one who is going to be Awakened at the upcoming ceremony. Jade who is going to be something special. Arden, on the other hand, doesn't feel that she is anything special, especially because of the way those around them always seem to think Jade is the special one, and Arden isn't. Arden can't see her own beauty and importance because she is constantly comparing herself to her sister. But even though this could cause issues with some relationships, the sisters love and care for each other immensely. So, it is quite the devastation when Jade gets kidnapped, and Arden is determined to do whatever she can to help get her sister back. 

Enter Seidon, the Sea King, who has just arrived back in the area after years away. His is the third point of view in the story. Now, you would think the "sea king" would be a merman himself and live in the ocean. But, not in Roseanna M. White's world. Seidon is also a land-dweller, but he has the power to control water. While it is an important goal for him to find a wife who can bear an heir, he now has to deal with Jade's kidnapping that seems to have political reasons. There is a lot going on politically between the land-dwellers and the mer, but also a lot going on between different factions of the mer. I admit, it take me a bit to get it all straight in my mind, especially with all the twists and political intrigue. But that didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. 

The author truly made this future world come to life. I grew to love and care for the main characters and their friends and family. And she really did a great job making the villains ones you can't stand. She included some interesting twists, some that I was anticipating, but others that really surprised me. And I love the way God's Word is entwined in the story, from stories from ancient times to prophecies to the importance of trusting in God and being humbled by his mercy and grace. 

I fell in love with this world and am so glad to learn that the author has more books planned in this series. I can't wait to read them. If you are a fan of  Roseanna M. White's books, but not sure what to think of the fact that she is writing fantasy, let me urge you to give the book a chance. If you are a fan of fantasy, you will also want to read this book. Highly recommended. 

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.