We Awaken

We Awaken
author: Calista Lynne
published: July 14th 2016
pages: 180
my rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review!

Victoria Dinham doesn’t have much left to look forward to. Since her father died in a car accident, she lives only to fulfill her dream of being accepted into the Manhattan Dance Conservatory. But soon she finds another reason to look forward to dreams when she encounters an otherworldly girl named Ashlinn, who bears a message from Victoria’s comatose brother. Ashlinn is tasked with conjuring pleasant dreams for humans, and through the course of their nightly meetings in Victoria’s mind, the two become close. Ashlinn also helps Victoria understand asexuality and realize that she, too, is asexual.

But then Victoria needs Ashlinn’s aid outside the realm of dreams, and Ashlinn assumes human form to help Victoria make it to her dance audition. They take the opportunity to explore New York City, their feelings for each other, and the nature of their shared asexuality. But like any dream, it’s too good to last. Ashlinn must shrug off her human guise and resume her duties creating pleasant nighttime visions—or all of humanity will pay the price.

We Awaken is a short but really amazing book. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised.



The reason I still only gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars is because I had my problems with the paranormal parts of the book. It plays a big part in the book and the concept is great as well but I think it could've been executed a bit better. I would have loved to get more information about how Ashlinn conjures the dreams of everyone at once and how she can have a day off even though someone is always sleeping somewhere.

Other than that I adored this book. There are way not enough LGBT+ books out there and I don't think I've ever heard of a book that features a same-sex, asexual, interracial romance between the main characters. I'm not an expert on asexuality but I think it was portrayed accurately.
Even though it was kind of insta-lovey I didn't really mind because it was done so well.
Ashlinn and Victoria make a perfect couple, they are so cute together and really show how you can be in love without any sexual tension.
I also really loved the communication between the two. Even though they didn't even kiss they always made sure that the other was ok with what was happening. They where so sweet and caring around each other it was almost too perfect.

This all sounds very fluffy and happy but not all of the book is that way. It does get really sad at one point and the ending was bittersweet.

The writing style was also great. It was light and fluent but not too simple and fit the atmosphere perfectly.

After writing this review, I'm actually thinking about changing my rating for the better but for now, I'll leave it as it is. I really hope more people pick this book up and enjoy it as much as I did.