Back Cover Blurb
genre: YA mythic fantasy
. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth.
A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery’s family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a psychic for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn’t think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has a best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital—and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way.
When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened.
When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened deadly powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy. A thrilling debut novel based in Celtic mythology, Awakening is a gripping young adult fantasy rife with magic, romance, and mystery.
My Review
4.5 of 5 stars
I was pulled in from this story from the very beginning and sped right through it. One of the things this story really has going for it is the snappy pacing. Every scene seems to move the story forward and kept me flipping (or rather clicking) pages.
Something I really enjoyed about this book was the Celtic flavor. I absolutely loved the Irish dancing throughout the book, and was really impressed with how I could visualize those scenes. I also loved the Celtic names–they were definitely foreign, but still not so hard to pronounce that I stumbled over them. And Roarke was such an engaging and compelling character! I loved how sign language played into the book, and how music and dance worked together.
There are truly interesting and unique characters in this book. There was Roarke, of course. But I also loved Aunt Avril. She was eccentric, but still somehow outside the typical crazy-aunt stereotype that a lot of books have. I also loved McKayla, our main character. She was an interesting narrator, and I was rooting for her the whole time.
I felt that the author did a great job of revealing information as it was needed as opposed to overwhelming me with everything at the beginning. I loved how well thought-out the plot was, and how every piece of information I was given in the story contributed to the overall story.
Some of the transitions in the story were a little rough, and for me the ending was rushed; I would’ve liked it drawn out for a few more pages. However, the ending came together well and was a satisfying ending to this story. This book is obviously the first in a series, and I cannot wait for the sequel! A fantastic debut novel. Can’t wait to see what else comes from this author.
“AWAKENING is a wonder and a delight. Christy Dorrity is a talent to watch.”
~David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of Nightingale
“I thoroughly enjoyed AWAKENING, a captivating and unique debut novel that creatively integrates Irish dance.”
~ CHRIS NAISH, Riverdance member and Creative Director of Fusion Fighters Irish dancers.
Thanks for spreading the word.
Your question was, What is my favorite myth. I don't know if I have a favorite, but I love the idea of supernatual stuff. Werewolves, vampires and witches. Mermaids and driads. Giants and fairies. The world is just so much fun seen that way. <br />
Yay for blog giveaways!! I can't wait to read this book.