Amoura Awakened


Young Adult - Fantasy - General
342 Pages
Reviewed on 12/06/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Meg Kramer is an expert at writing in odd places. She penned her debut novel, Amoura Awakened, in the lobbies of her daughter’s many after school activities and appointments, and in her car outside her local bookshop.
Meg spent ten years working as an elementary educator, inspiring kids to explore their unique creativity and view themselves as writers. One day, she decided to take her own advice and wrote her book. Meg is a mother, an LGBTQIA+ ally, and an indie music enthusiast. When she’s not writing or “momming”, you can find Meg wandering the streets of San Francisco, hunting for magic in the cobwebs of the city’s oldest Victorians.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jaqueline Neves for Readers' Favorite

In Meg Kramer's captivating debut YA urban fantasy, Amoura Awakened, readers are invited into a world where magic intertwines with the struggles of adolescence. Protagonist Amoura Renly, far from ordinary, grapples with her newfound magical abilities after a violent encounter with a bully. Seeking solace and understanding, she enrolls at Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined in San Francisco, only to find herself entangled in a society that fears and suppresses magical abnormalities. As Amoura delves into the mysteries surrounding her magical connection, she unravels dark secrets that threaten her existence. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Meg Kramer's writing in Amoura Awakened is akin to an enchanting tapestry, weaving together the ordinary and the magical with mesmerizing finesse. The plot gracefully unfurls, maintaining an engaging pace that expertly navigates moments of heightened tension and contemplative introspection. The action sequences are not just described; they burst forth vividly, pulling readers into the enchanting realm where witches and humans coexist. Kramer's characters are not merely players in the narrative; they are intricately crafted individuals, each driven by their desires and grappling with insecurities, rendering them both relatable and undeniably compelling. Throughout Amoura Awakened, Kramer subtly threads themes of identity and acceptance, infusing the narrative with a profound depth that resonates with readers. The exploration of these themes adds layers to the story, elevating it beyond a mere magical fantasy. In this tale of friendship, danger, and self-discovery, the author skillfully navigates the complexities of human emotions and the magical world they inhabit. As I delved into the pages, I found myself immersed in a world that challenges perceptions and tugs at the heartstrings.

Miche Arendse

In Amoura Awakened by Meg Kramer, Amoura Jimenez Renly, a young girl who is being relentlessly bullied, realizes that she is more different than she ever imagined. When the bullying becomes a catalyst for a series of events that lead her to Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined, Amoura will be faced with trials she never thought possible to overcome. Not only will she learn new things about herself but she will find a strength that goes beyond her magical abilities.

I enjoyed Amoura Awakened by Meg Kramer, not only for the creative magical world and system in the book but for the simple fact that the story demonstrates one’s inner strength in the face of adversity. Amoura faces a multitude of challenges, most of which are relatable to the majority of young people. Issues with not fitting in or feeling different, being bullied, and feeling like an outsider are all things that come up within the plot. Another thing I noticed was that Amoura Awakened reminded me of the Harry Potter books in the way that a downtrodden girl finds her place in a magical school where she makes both friends and enemies alike. This story gives the same amount of action and feeling with tons of character growth, along with twists to keep you guessing as to what will happen next. Kramer did a fantastic job with this book and I found myself easily becoming immersed in the story for hours at a time. Amoura Awakened is worth the read.

Stephanie Chapman

Meg Kramer’s Amoura Awakened features the first-person narration of Amoura Renly’s discovery of her identity. Amoura finds she has uncontrolled magic when the taunts of a school bully make her become enraged. Dr. Blackwood has assured the authorities it wouldn't happen again since uncontrolled outbursts are illegal. Dr. Blackwood told Amoura and her adopted dads she could learn to control her magic if she took the enrollment exam for Elderwood School for the Magically Inclined. At Elderwood, she becomes friends with Bea and June on the first day. Every night she has dreams of a woman in white telling her to find Elmira Briar. As school progresses, Amoura struggles with casting spells and feels that she doesn't belong. However, during a break for the holidays, Mrs. Mulgarden reveals that Amoura is more powerful because her magic is inside her. What does this mean for Amoura?

Meg Kramer builds suspense and intrigue throughout the entire story. Watching every moment through Amoura’s eyes, it was easy to understand her inner turmoil. Her dreams were vivid, and she was determined to listen to the woman’s clues. I was suspicious of Dr. Blackwood because she fought against another faculty to get Amoura into school. I also thought the naive innocence that June expressed was an act. How did she pass her exam for Elderwood with her meekness? The revelations Amoura discovers add twists to the unpredictable plot. Believing in yourself is a recurring theme. Mrs. Mulgarden, Dr. Blackwood, and several of Amoura’s friends reinforce the message. The engaging dialogue gave insight into learning how the supporting characters view Amoura. I was stunned at the ending. Amoura Awakened will appeal to fantasy readers who enjoy stories about witches and the powers they gain as they grow.