Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Review: Awaited by Lynn Rush

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Awaited
Lynn Rush
Series: Wasteland, #2
Release date: May 1st, 2012
by Crescent Moon Press

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The voice is a powerful thing…

Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.

He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

*A copy was provided by Lynn Rush for review purposes*
  
In Wasteland we met half-demon David, in Awaited, we get acquainted with Russell. Theoretically, this could be read as a stand-alone – although I don’t suggest it – meaning the book is in the same world, but we go through unique stories with familiar characters who will eventually meet up for the bigger picture. Like Wasteland, you can expect a lot of action and romance in this fast paced paranormal novel.

It starts with a bang when Russell and Durk’s plane crashes and they meet the only other survivor – Annabelle. I had met Russell in the first book so I was happy to get to know him better as he’s a great character. He’s a very old soul who’s starting to lose sight of himself in his loneliness. He’s a complex hero; I grew to understand and admire his strength, his determination. Annabelle is an instantly intriguing character as well. She’s mute, she has supernatural healing, and then she turns… bizarre. We meet her as a weak, feeble girl who grows immensely throughout this novel. Being mute makes it hard to get a read on her which left me equally sympathetic and wary. Thus, I enjoyed trekking through her history, as well as speculating about her future. She’s a really peculiar character with a story that is positively engrossing.

With such intricate personalities, we clearly need some romance, and Lynn delivers. Russell feels an unexpected, but intense attraction towards Annabelle. Surprisingly, even though it’s an instant attraction, it’s deep and powerful. You know there are supernatural forces at work which makes it especially interesting; Russell’s feelings for her are almost overwhelming even to himself. As with the first book, their connection is felt passionately throughout the story and only intensifies the plot. This is great since the romance itself plays a fairly big part in this book. Their tale is torturous and heartbreaking, but unquestionably romantic.

The world that Lynn has introduced us to in Wasteland is broadened in this sequel. We learn more about the war between angels and demons, as well as how their powers can be manipulated. This is one of the very few angel stories that I was able to get immersed in. It’s creative with an original lore that gives us constant surprises and never ending action. The twists keep you perpetually glued to the pages while the plot is revealed in a consistent manner, giving us plenty of excitement without it being overwhelming.

If you’re new to this series, you should know that it’s labeled in the new New Adult genre, meaning it’s not quite adult, but still very mature for a YA novel. It’s got steamy scene with characters that are in their late teens/early 20s. Consequently, this is a story that both YA, and adult readers could really get into. If you enjoy great world building with compelling characters and lots of action – the Wasteland series has got to be on your shelf!

4 Hot Espressos

The Wastelands series so far:

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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19 Responses to “Review: Awaited by Lynn Rush”

  1. Nick

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this series before, but it seems really awesome.
    This book looks like it’s really action-packed, so I’m definitely going to check it out 🙂

    Great review, Giselle 🙂

  2. Amy

    This sounds like a great series. I will have to check it out. I love books with a lot of action. I don’t remember if I read your review for Wasteland, before, but I am going to go check it out now.

  6. Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan

    Awesome review Giselle. I’m feeling a bit fed up with angel books at the moment though. But you don’t sound like your a fan of them either and you enjoyed this one. I think I’ll check them out. I do love a good romance which this sounds like it has tons of 🙂

  12. Danny

    I do actually love the cross over between Yound Adult and Adult.. I like protagonists who are a little older but not too old. At first I thought this would be a adult paranormal romance, but this sounds even better!
    PLUS – Angels and Demons is always a big win for me!

  14. Ron C. Nieto

    Oh… This sounds right up my alley. Right in tune with my current obsession with angels/demons/though characters and mature approaches, at least.

    Thanks for bringint this to my attention! I hadn’t heard of it before… 🙂

  15. Vegan YA Nerds

    This sounds like an interesting book and series and thanks for reviewing it as I’d never heard of it. I’m now doubly interested because it’s New Adult!

  16. Damaris (GoodChoiceReading)

    I just came across Wasteland yesterday and added it to my TBR. Your review for the second book makes me want to go pick up Wasteland now. Wahhhhhhhh! LOL I need to bring my review list down!

    Great review girl!

  17. LynnRush

    Thanks you guys for your support! Hope you enjoy the story!!
    Yep, Nick, there is some action packed into the story for sure. 🙂 The New Adult is an exciting new space. Such fun to write!! 🙂

  18. Novels On The Run

    Not heard of this series…am I living under a rock? It sounds all rather intriguing!!Half-Demon…well they are always nice…plane crash..worst fear…*pick me up off floor* and a complex hero…yessss intriguing..*thud* on tbr pile:D

    Thanks for sharing:D

    MIchelle