Review: The Awakening: Fate in Motion by Suzanne Boisvert

For anyone who loves a conspiracy-laced sci-fi thriller, The Awakening: Fate in Motion by Suzanne Boisvert is a standout new novel that will keep you satisfied from start to finish. A decidedly dark read, this book combines real-world fears, far-fetched conspiracy theories, ancient religious sects, invading aliens and government coverups in a masterful, unpredictable page-turner.

The main premise of the novel is that an ancient, evil force, Sar, long banished from Earth and awaiting a return to rule, has finally reawakened. Infiltrating the planet through the very highest halls of power, his takeover seems unobstructed, given the petty squabbles and easily manipulable hearts of humans. His puppeteering can be seen in mankind’s shameful scars throughout time, most notably in the rise of Hitler and Nazism, a chunk of history that figures heavily in the novel, and in the background of key characters.

Three central characters drive the action in the novel – a pop star named Lanie Montrose, a CIA agent James Sinclair, and Dr. Suki Carter, a psychiatrist who cares for Lanie. Despite their very different lives, all are bound by a strange link to the supernatural. Various bizarre events and relationships in their lives have hinted at this extra-sensory connection, and it soon becomes apparent that they will be the trio to stand against the onslaught of Sar. An unexpected series of events makes these disparate strangers allies in the ultimate battle to save Earth and humanity.

On the surface, this is a compelling sci-fi adventure, but there are also deeper layers of significance. Sar, for one, is an ancient force of evil that can invade and alter the hearts and minds of men. His influence, if not his physical presence, has always played a part in shaping the human experience. In this way, Sar is the manifestation of humanity’s faults, a scapegoat/symbol for the perpetual evils that plague the world. Much of the book’s revelations also relate to conspiracy theories and secret societies, such as the Knights Templar and governmental coverups of alien landings on Earth, and Boisvert does an excellent job of linking pure sci-fi imagination with real-world suspicions, making it easy to become immersed in this strangely plausible plot.

The pacing of the novel starts off very quickly and balances out in the middle, while the quick chapter cuts and varied perspectives keep the reading fresh and engaging. Touching on so many different hot-button subjects is an ambitious risk, but Boisvert manages to artfully link the seemingly random plot strings. Showing occasional flashes of Ursula K. Leguin, the prose is sparkling and poignantly chosen, although there are some sections where the exposition becomes too concentrated. There are very few technical errors, but certain scenes and conversations, particularly in the center of the novel, could be sharpened or shortened.

The most impressive part of this story is the richness of the characters. Wrestling with family drama and history, discovering romance, experiencing loss and evolving into selfless heroes makes for an intense evolution of Suki, Lanie and James. Boisvert is careful to keep the focus on the human elements of this novel, despite the out-of-this-world threat they are facing. Calling this an uplifting adventure would be inaccurate, but The Awakening is a challenging and rewarding read for those who seek a balance between sci-fi thrills and thought-provoking prose.