Title: Awakening
Author: Lucy A McLaren
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5 stars)
I was kindly sent an ARC of Awakening in exchange for a review.

First of all, I offer my apologies that it took me longer than anticipated to read this. Do not let that overwrite the fact that I loved this book!

This book is a wonderful debut, I found little to pick fault with.

It's a multi point of view story and once I was acquainted with who was who, I found myself invested in the story, and garnered an emotional connection to three of the characters.

There is drama from the very beginning and a great amount of world and lore building. You know who the bad guys are, you know what they're doing but not why. One of the characters points of view you follow is someone who is on the opposing side and it's interesting to read in comparison to following our two other main characters. There is great character development through the book, especially towards the end. Those you think are the enemy aren't, and those you think are friends aren't. There are some twists and turns in the last third of the book. And, be warned, it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Oh, and a special mention to the two wonderful furry sidekicks in the book!

All in all this was a great read, and I very much need book 2 in my life. I look forward to reading more from this author.