So far, The Awakened series has been anything but what I've been expecting to read. After my initial disappointment in the second book, Archon's Queen, where characters and setting were changed compared to Prophet of the Badlands, I was once up for a complete change of cast for the major part of Grey Ronin, but this time I was waiting for it.
However, all these changes between the books makes it difficult to really feel for the characters. Normally the characters sort of grow on you as you continue the series, but here there's the need to get attached to completely new characters (for example the main character from the first book is mentioned about once in the entire book).
The new setting, of a futuristic Japan which has returned to a feudal system, also didn't really convince me. Granted, it sounds awfully cool, but it didn't make too much sense. In the second half though, there is a change of scenery and also the reappearance of some of the characters from mostly the second book. It could hold my interest better, but I wouldn't classify it an easy read. However, I still want to read the next book, of course.
Read my reviews of the previous books in this series:
Matthew S. Cox - Prophet of the Badlands
Matthew S. Cox - Archon's Queen
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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