The Reawakened

by Jeri Smith-Ready

Book Overview

She is Rhia, bound to the Spirit of Crow and gifted with vision. In a world besieged by escalating conflict, fate has marked her to deliver the Reawakened from oppression. Now, with a mighty army of Descendants threatening to crush what's left of her people's magic, she must trust an ancient prophecy and accept the power that is her birthright--the power of life and death itself. For while the storm of revolution rages, the legacy of the Reawakened...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373802714
• ISBN13: 9780373802715
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Luna Books
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

great conclusion to an amazing adventure

Fast forward almost 20 years. The war has gone on and the Descendants have occupied much of Rhia's homeland. She and Marek have done all they can to help her people and protect their son and daughter. Rhia's brother is the key person in the defense against the invaders. Smith-Ready moves her story smoothly from Rhia's story to that of her niece. Daughter of Rhia's brother whom abandoned his family so that he may covertly fight the war. The characters (and readers) all wait for Raven to bestow her Aspect on one character of the story, because we know this will be the deciding factor of the war. Be prepared to wait the entire book. Wait for surprises, tears, heartbreak, and love. I could not put this book down. I would even scan and watch for names, just to make sure the storyline would pick up with them soon (something I never do). This whole series is a wonderful find! Although, I would highly recommend you read them in order, or you would not have a clue as to what is going on.

take advantage of your insomnia [no spoilers]

"The Reawakened" neatly finishes the "Aspect of Crow" trilogy nearly 20 years beyond the prior novel. Rhia the Crow and Sura, Lycas' daughter, dominate the novel which is separated into two parts, the second being one year later. While not loaded with military or political maneuvering, the solid plot offers well-written action sprinkled with romance. The battles are not explicit, the relations between characters and Guardian Spirit believable, and the Guardian Spirit powers suitably balanced. Lycas, a second phase Wolverine, plays an important part in the struggle against the Descendents who have established a foothold on the lands with settlers supported by a military presence. Lycas and his people are rather clever in how they attempt to drive the Descendents back home. I find most exciting the Bestowing process when all the various Spirits interact with the subject. The inventive ending extends a small window of opportunity for a future series. A comprehensive appendix including a list of Guardian Spirits and their respective powers would have been useful. I recommend this series to any fan of the romance/fantasy genre. Thank you.

deep metaphoric cultures at war thriller

Twelve years ago the feral Descendents of the Ilion Army took advantage of the schism between the four Spirit villages attacked Velekos and Asermos. The war between them is nasty with one side unconcerned with collateral damage to innocents. There is the fundamental value of the world at stake in a winner takes all conflagration. The Spirit uses animal magic that has made them increasingly more powerful with each new generation; the Descendants loath Spirit magic as evil. However, the Descendents outnumber their enemy and increasingly appear to be winning the hostilities. The Spirit followers pray that the ancient prophecy that claims the only Spirit Raven who has failed to guide a human will do so soon as the dark days are turning bleaker. Spirit mages Rhia of the Guardian Crow Spirit and her husband Marek accompany their eighteen years old son Nilik, who they hope is the one as he seeks vengeance against the murdering Descendents who killed his girlfriend; He joins his uncle's army while the hostilities remain unabated. Rhia must deliver the REAWAKENED if her side is to survive. Fans of the Aspect fantasy (see VOICE OF CROW and EYES OF CROW) will relish this entertaining finish but newcomers will be lost for much of the tale. The story line is filled with action, but driven by the desperation of Rhia and her family as a way of life is to be decided between clashing cultures. With a nod to Native-American nineteenth century heritage (including war with the invading American armies, Jeri Smith-Ready provides a deep metaphoric trilogy of cultures at war. Harriet Klausner

Outstanding Conclusion to a Phenomenal Trilogy!

In the Aspect of Crow trilogy, people are gifted with the aspect of a Spirit. When they reach a certain age they venture into the wilderness for three days with no food or shelter and await their bestowing. But then there are the Ilions who are much like we are. They do not embrace the Spirits. They fear the magic and only want to claim the land and suppress the ones who embrace what they do not understand. In the first book, Eyes of Crow, Rhia is bestowed with the gift of Crow. She helps people pass on to the other side, freeing their souls. On her way to Kalindos to train with another Crow, she meets Marek. Together, Marek helps Rhia accept her Crow aspect and Rhia helps him overcome his past. They may have found love but the inevitable war begins at the end with a battle with the Ilions. Tragically, lives are lost, but out of that battle an Ilion is saved and healed. Which leads you into the second book, Voice of Crow, and a wonderful romance. However there are some tough moments to get through in regards to Marek and Rhia. And now, 18 years later, in The Reawakened, the war between the ones who embrace the Sprits and the Ilions is here. With the Ilions trying to gain full control over the two main cities, Asermos and Velekos, there is still resistance. Several of the characters from the previous two books play important roles in this one, as well as the children and babies from Voice of Crow, now grown with their Spirit aspects bestowed upon them. In Voice of Crow a prophecy revealed that The Raven would bestow her gift on one child born of a Crow. The people have held on to that hope, because Raven has never bestowed her Aspect and they believe that when she does it will save their people. In Voice of Crow you're left wondering if one of two babies will be gifted with Raven. In The Reawakened, it's battle to push back the occupation of the Ilions. To regain their land and freedom, to make a stand. The Aspect of Crow Trilogy is an Epic story encompassing all three books. The first book was wonderful, the second was fabulous, and the third was superb!! Combined together, producing one Phenomenal Trilogy! The abundance of emotions I felt while reading this book was almost too painful to read at times, but I couldn't help but turn the page knowing hope was there. No matter how much violence and bloodshed it was there as long as they did not give up hope. No one person did not feel the affects of the war with the Ilions. Even the relationship between Dravek and Sura seemed hopeless. My insides were twisted through so many parts of this book. For Jeri Smith-Ready to be able to express in words, giving you that feeling over and over again, shows how truly talented she is. Not one time did I feel certain the outcome would be joyous and happy. She kept you on the edge of your seat, turning page after page, wondering what would happen next. The Reawakened was a superb conclusion to this Trilogy. More than I ever bargained for. There is romance in

A Recommended Read!

The war has begun.... Guardian Spirits have guided Rhia and her people in all that they do. The war with the Descendants threatens all of that while Rhia and her fellow Crows are wearied from the deaths. Rhia is in her second phase Aspect, a phase that brings great power but also great responsibility. Many of the younger generation imbued by various other Guardian Spirits want to increase their powers to help the cause, but at what personal cost? Sura, Dravek, Kara, and Etarek are on a forbidden path, one that will have them questioning if their choices were indeed worth it. And just who is the prophesied Raven? Stop reading if you haven't read EYES OF CROW and VOICE OF CROW and immediately pick them up! The Aspect of Crow series should be read in order as the nuances of the characters and the storyline are carefully built throughout each book in this phenomenal trilogy. Rhia's character growth in particular is a key part of the series and is best appreciated if the books are read in the correct order. Jeri Smith-Ready does a beautiful job at creating legends that make the reader truly care. It was all I could do to not peek to see which character would be revealed as Raven! The mythology behind the trilogy is superbly explained and THE REAWAKENED brings the entire story full circle. THE REAWAKENED is a powerful book. Readers should be prepared to experience a gamut of emotions. Jeri Smith-Ready takes readers from sadness, to grief, to outrage, to sheer rage, to relief, to yes, even joy. The concept of heroism is paramount as multiple characters display it in ways that are deeply gripping and yes, even painful and yet a sense of hope permeates the entire story. Even in the midst of the most awful, most despairing moments, there is still that glimmer of hope for a better future. Never have I read a trilogy that exemplifies the spirit of freedom in so meaningful and poignant a way! THE REAWAKENED packs one emotional punch that stays with the reader long past the last page. Without a doubt, Jeri Smith-Ready is a master at creating the perfect blend of ambience, character development, and storyline. THE REAWAKENED concludes a trilogy that ranks among the best in the genre. Highly recommended! COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES