Review: The Wicked Awakening Of Anne Merchant (The V Trilogy #2) by Joanna Wiebe


Genre:Paranormal, Fantasy, YA
Publisher: BenBella Books
Publication Date: January 20, 2015
 

Life and death, light and dark, spirit and flesh-on Wormwood Island, the lines are always blurred. For Anne Merchant, who has been thrust back into this eerily secretive world, crossing the line seems inevitable, inescapable, destined.

Now, as Ben finds himself battling for the Big V and Teddy reveals the celestial plan in which Anne is entwined, Anne must choose: embrace her darkly powerful connection to a woman known as Lilith and, in doing so, save the boy she loves...or follow a safer path that is sure to lead to Ben's destruction at the hands of dark leaders. Hoping the ends will justify the means, Anne starts down the slippery slope into the underworld, intent on exploring the dark to find the light. But as the lure of Lilith proves powerfully strong, will Anne save others-only to lose herself?


*Small Spoilers Below

When I read the first book The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant I was blown away by how original the story was. So naturally I went into Book #2 The Wicked Awakening of Anne Merchant with unbelievably high expectations because of it. Unfortunately, while I still loved the world and the characters (for the most part) within it, the story just couldn't hold up to the original this time around and here's why:

Anne - My god girl get over yourself. Anne this time around was just annoying. Instead of doing everything in her power to succeed at Cania Christy's games she instead focus almost all her attention on Ben to the point I'm pretty sure in some States she'd be classified as a stalker. Gone was the headstrong, bold and brave girl from the first book. Instead she was mostly just broody, manipulative and mean. Basically she went full Harper this go round. If I could give Anne some advice it'd be that no guy is worth destroying other people for.

Ben - I get he's tortured or whatever but c'mon man martyrdom does not suit you. Ben literally spends the entire book worrying about everyone except himself. A little self sacrifice is fine but at some point you have to realize your worth saving as well. I also think his and Anne's chemistry is lacking. In fact, I'd much rather see him just be her friend than a romantic interest. 

The Big V -  Now that we know the truth about Cania Christy you'd think the competition would take on a whole new meaning but instead I just think it serves as a poorly put together plot device this time around. I don't want to get too spoilery but their is a twist to the competition that sort of lessens the importance of it near the end. A race to life is exciting but I my heart really wasn't into any of th characters competing this time around now knowing what we do. 

Now although I did have a few issues with the story. Not everything was filled with doom and gloom. 

First up, I loved the introduction of the Seven Sinning Sisters. Their whole mythology is fantastic and I loved the personalities of each Sister. Huge highlight to the story for sure. 

Secondly, I loved, loved, loved, Dia the new headmaster. His character is what kept me coming back to the book even as Anne just frustrated me to no end. Dia is sexy, smart, talented and a bit naughty. He is also harboring a big secret which you will just have to figure out for yourself by reading this book. 

Lastly, I really liked Pilot in the sequel. Sure he's still a pretty big asshole but he also filled the gap left by moody, broody, Ben. I really hope things work out for him by the conclusion to the trilogy. 

In the end, while the story was filled with many emotional ups and downs I am still glad I read it. I look forward to the third and final book and can't wait to see where Anne's misadventures take us now that a pretty big bomb has been revealed. 

With that beig said, I'll be rating The Wicked Awakening of Anne Merchant ★★★.

*Copy reviewed provided by BenBella Books. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which for providing them.

Want to learn more about this book or Author? Click the links below!
Joanna Wiebe:
Goodreads Page
@jruthwiebe
JoannaWiebeFiction.com

If you would like to check out my review of the first book The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant you may do so by clicking here!

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