The characters were fantastic and just adored them. Pierce has come a long way. Her acceptance of her life, has made her stronger and more settled. John is wonderful this time around. He has a personality, and a sense of humor. Which is funny to me just because he is the keeper of the Underworld, but none the less, I was so happy to see him this way. their romance was still one that I just couldn't get enough of, it's just so sweet. The rest of the cast is all back too. Alex is still a piece of work. So bitter, and rash. I was really hoping that after all that happened to him before he would be grateful to Pierce and John. Nope, not so much. I will give him some credit, he came around for me toward the end, so in my book he redeemed himself. Kayla was just as great as before, and she was even better this time too. 
 The setting is one that I just love. The Florida Key is a beautiful place, as well as the Underworld that described. With John breaking the one major rule of not bringing back a human soul, he has caused a major disruption in the Underworld between life and death and now Pierce is doing everything she can do to fix it. The ships that take the soul to their places of rest are gone, the Fates are goner too. So Pierce was a little frantic at eh beginning but finds the strength needed. i didn't have a time where I was bored or lost interest at all, there seemed to be plenty going on. From evil Grandmothers and yes I said evil Grandmothers, to fights, and family drama. The ending was a bittersweet one for me, I hate to see the series ending but I was happy with the way Cabot ended it. Not the happily every after, but a realistic one that gave hope for Pierce and John as well as the rest of the group. 
 Awakened is amazing ending to a series that has been one of my favorites from the start. The Greek mythology was fascinating, and a wonderful retelling of Hades and Persephone.