The Awakening as Told by the Boys by Susanne Valenti & Caroline Peckham

So, we’re all completely aware that Seth is super in love with Caleb, right? Like, there’s no confusion there. 

While I enjoyed reading this retelling from the boys perspective, their actions aren’t made acceptable by their parents vitriol. Darius? More so, because it’s a systemic problem of abuse and violence. Seth, though? Oh, your mommy yelled at you? Boo fucking hoo. They retraumatized those two girls with their deepest fears. Horrific and inexcusable no matter the background. Still hate Seth, marginally okay with Darius, Orion can get it, Caleb feels like he’ll be a fun side quest but not much more than that which is unfortunate because he’s the only reasonable one of all the heirs. At this point it’s almost impossible to not just root for him to get out from under the other three’s thumbs and get the girl. 

Max and Grus 4 life.