AWAKENING

In this second installment of O’Connor’s (Silevethiel, 2013, etc.) YA fantasy series, a young man, fighting to save the world, is tested when an old adversary returns to wreak more destruction.

When Darrak learns it’s his destiny to save not only his home planet, Earth, but also a distant planet called Dragonath from a form of dark magic called Halla, he and his friends never expect that all their efforts in this difficult endeavor might be for naught. Darrak’s belief in his mission gives him faith as villain Payton Niemel aims to take over the Dragonath city of Mystandia in one cataclysmic battle, threatening the planet as Darrak has come to know and love it. In Mystandia, the Grand Sorcerer has recently died, and Capt. Rorend knows that Princess Iornwen is the logical successor. Iornwen’s confidence, tenacity, skills as a sorceress and humility are unmatched, and Rorend—who has loved her from afar for decades in spite of their class differences—is certain the position is hers. But the previous Grand Sorcerer, Laronem, explains his reasoning for appointing her brother Ipzaag to the position instead, and even Rorend could not argue. After she spent 40 years away on Earth, her enduring youth, which her people take for granted, is wavering—Iornwen is dying. As the group rebuilds, Darrak binds them together as Ipzaag embraces his leadership role and Iornwen struggles with guilt over her impending fate. Although readers unfamiliar with the first book in O’Connor’s series may find themselves a bit lost in the first few chapters, the intriguing, fast-paced storyline and luscious prose quickly prove this installment’s worth as a stand-alone. While Darrak continues to mature, Iornwen’s drive to sacrifice herself in light of her impending death is heart-wrenching, and YA fans will find themselves rooting for the rest of the well-developed cast as well.

With a touch of sci-fi, this penultimate installation of a fantasy series delivers rich characters and complex plotlines.