J Ross Awakening Book Review: A Dark Fantasy About Resilience and Magic

Awakening by J. Ross is a gripping tale of a sorceress, Adanya who wakes up in a world she no longer recognises. After seventy years of magical sleep, she returns to betrayal, loss and a kingdom in ruins.
This is a dark fantasy about resilience and magic. It’s a story about rediscovery and reclamation of power. If you enjoy dual timelines, emotional depth and a female lead who grows through her pain, Awakening will cast its spell on you.
My Rating:
❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍
“A dark fantasy about resilience and magic.”
What the Book is About
Adanya, once a powerful sorceress, awakens from a spellbound coma... only to discover it’s been seventy years. Her homeland lies in ruins. And worse, the continent is now ruled by her former mentor, Nehanda, a tyrant with more magic than any one person should possess.
To stand against her old teacher, Adanya must reconnect with descendants of those she once loved, reclaim her powers, and rediscover the strength within herself.
Told across dual timelines – Adanya’s past and her present – the story slowly unveils the burden she carries, her painful upbringing, and the choices that led to her long slumber.
What Works
The emotional tone of Awakening is rich and immersive, and the world-building stands out. Every landscape feels as if painted on screen. The use of symbolism is also effective, especially in showing Adanya’s transformation from a timid girl into a reluctant hero.
Adanya’s journey is filled with layered emotions—loss, guilt and hope. And the dual timeline format adds gives you space to understand her dilemma. The story doesn’t just have everyone throwing spells around; it invites you to feel every spark.
What Falls Short
While the pacing of Awaening is generally strong, parts of it slow down due to repetitive internal monologues. Adanya’s doubts, though real and rooted in trauma, sometimes linger too long. But to be fair, her development wouldn’t be as authentic without acknowledging these struggles.
Some secondary characters are thinly sketched. A bit of their backstory would have helped balance the focus and added more depth to the story.
Who Should Read It
Fans of magical fantasy with an emotional female lead will enjoy Awakening. If you like stories about magic, healing from betrayal, and powerful protagonists, this book is worthy. It’s particularly ideal for those who enjoy personal growth over fast action, and don’t mind a little soul-searching.
Final Thoughts
Awakening is a story about rediscovering oneself in the aftermath of destruction. It’s not just a fight for peace, but a deeply personal quest to believe in oneself again. With rich world-building and a compelling heroine, Awakening is a magical and meaningful read. It doesn’t rush the journey, but walks with purpose through every shadow and shimmer.
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