I read and loved S.J. Bolton’s ‘Sacrifice’ and carried it with me everywhere. I was so looking forward to reading her previous novel, ‘Awakening’ but found I never got into it as much as I did ‘Sacrifice.’ Both books have a strong, independent female protagonist and both are set in a small, rural community. Both are very easy to read and have strong storylines but for some reason, ‘Awakening’ sat next to my bed pretty much all day and was left there until I picked it up again at bedtime. That usually is an indication to me of how much I love a book. If it’s on the kitchen table when I’m making dinner or nestled in my arms on the sofa, or accompanying me to school pick-up, then I know I’ve found a new best friend. Sadly, poor ‘Awakening’ didn’t follow me round…
I feel that comparing a book to its’ predecessor is like comparing one sibling against another and I don’t like to do it BUT I must say that the characters in ‘Awakening’ just aren’t as convincing or interesting as those in ‘Sacrifice.’ Clara isn’t as likeable as Tora and I actually found her quite annoying and contrite. The male ‘love interests’ were also dull and slightly stereo-typical.
Not wanting to completely ‘slate’ the book, I do have to say that the storyline was a very interesting one and had a few twists and turns along the way. It was suspenseful and creepy enough to make those little hairs on the back of the neck raise up now and again (love that in a book!) I have to say though that there were a few too many snakes in it for my liking! The only snakes I like are jelly ones!! Lol! (Also slightly partial to the Choccy ones too. Yum!)