By Donna Edwards, Associated Press
One day, Wilder suddenly wakes up to be able to speak and understand all languages. But what appears to be the evil cool ability turns out to be overwhelming by the endless flow of words flowing through New York City’s city. Luckily there is a small covenant of witches, who takes Wilder under their wings and is ready to help them control their powers.
After reading the first few chapters, you may think that AE Osworth’s sophomore novel “Awakened” is about people from Capital-M Magic or Trans, or families discovered. And they wouldn’t be wrong. However, it turns out to be about artificial intelligence and personal growth. Then throw in tarot cards, moral dilemmas and unrequited love.
Dedicated to “A man who was betrayed by J.K. Rowling,” the novel quickly resembles “Harry Potter” and is totally unmistakably his own.
“Awakened” is clearly aimed at adults and teenagers. The novel has F-bombs, jobs that get in the way of adventures, drug shows, and even one spicy sex scene, but with the nostalgic voices of childhood magic and fantasy stories, sometimes transforming into other realities, and characters can emerge.
It takes a few chapters to really progress, but it won’t be wiped out afterwards. The first is mystery and magic, and then characters, and then characters.
In “Awakening,” magic is not exactly science. There are no textbooks or hogwarts. Everyone’s powers are different. Quibble can tear through time and space, giving you a level of travel ability that is close to teleporting. Artemis is able to see the magic and allows her to be identified when the witch wakes up. And Mary Margaret has pocket dimensions that allow her to be easily “released.”
Osworth decorates characters through action, clothing and inner thoughts. To be honest, almost cruel, omniscient narrators often suddenly stripped the characters’ actions, revealing their mental and emotional damage, or healing.
Next, you will actually meet the narrator, adding an excellent twist near the end of the first act. This is not a satisfying surprise at first or last, but this is when the novel moves from a whimsical, entertaining modern fantasy to a creepy, terrifying sci-fi.
“Awakened” is a huge story of a mind, not just people burned by former literary heroes. It’s also for those who need to be reminded of what it’s like to see childlike wonders, just as adults navigate the cruel world at times. For those who love multiplayer role-playing games in large quantities but are off by rampant misogyny who tend to overtake those spaces. Or, honestly, for those who want a fresh, modern magical quest. Osworth’s writing is seductive and sweet, with a flavourful balance of Easter eggs and descriptions of sensations, exciting adventures, realistic dialogues and satisfying revelation.
“Awakened” was recently released by Grand Central Publishing.
