Awaken by Meg Cabot (Abandon #3)

(Yes, that is my cat. Say hi to Kattla)

Original Title: Awaken

Year Published: 2013

Published by: Macmillan Children's Books

Number of Pages: 348

First Sentence: "In school they told us to follow the rules."

Goodreads Rating: 4/5

Plot:

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew that by accepting the undying love of John Hayden she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, but now her happiness and safety in the realm are threatened. The Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules and revived a dead soul. If the balance of life and death isn’t restored, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home on Earth will be wiped out by the Furies’ wrath. Pierce has already cheated death once . . . can she do it again?

My thoughts:

This is the final book of the Abandon trilogy. It was a good ending to the trilogy, but it also made me want more books with these characters. It picks up right after book number 2, which left us in the Underworld facing chaos. There is a really unexpected and dramatic start to this book which I can't go into detail of since it would only mean spoilers for you. In fact, there isn't really possible to do an in-depth review of the book without spoiling it. 

I will tell you this though. There is a lot of action going on, and all the loose ends are being tied up. We get to learn a lot more about Isla Huesos history, and a lot more background information which leads to so many aha moments. That is actually the main reason for why I gave this book a 4 instead of a 3. Because, to be honest, there are lots of things in these books that can be seen as quite bad (I mean, it's not the Princess Diaries). However, I really enjoyed them, hence the 4 rating. 

Do I recommend it? 

Yes, I do, along with the first two books. It is an enjoyable trilogy and worth reading. 

Underworld by Meg Cabot (Abandon #2)

Original Title: Underworld

Year Published: 2013

Published by: Macmillan

Number of pages: 309

First Sentence: “Pierce keeps having the most terrible nightmares.”

Goodreads rating: 3/5

Plot:

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance . . . on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there . . . and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

My thoughts:

This is the second book in a trilogy of three. I liked the first book and I liked the second one as well. But that is about it. There is no wow feeling when reading these books. Yes, they are entertaining and worth reading, but they lack that umpf-feeling.

Pierce, once again, finds herself in the Underworld. This time there seems to be no way out. So she slowly starts to learn more about her new home and the other inhabitants there. I liked Pierce, although she can come off as whiny and selfish. Other than that, she is an okay main character.

I also have to say that I've come to realise when reading the second book that I have issues with the male main character. He is over-controlling and dominant, which is for Pierce's safety. He also literally tricks her into doing the one thing that will keep her in the Underworld. Come on! Do all YA-writers have to make their guys like this? There is nothing romantic about it, it is just someone who wants to control every step you take and that is verging on abuse. Write male characters who want to protect, yes, but also allow the woman freedom to make her own choices.

Despite this, the book is good. It is a really interesting take on the Hades/Persephone myth, and the whole basic idea of the book seems really great. It is too bad that the execution is rather lacking.

Do I recommend it?

Well, yeah, although you could probably find other books that are much better than this. It wasn't a complete waste of time though and I did find it really entertaining at times.