The Awaken Saga

Secrets. Suspense. International intrigue. And a romance that refuses to stay out of danger.

When American teen Kat Barrett follows a cryptic scavenger hunt to Romania, seeking answers about her father's sudden death, she never expects to uncover a dangerous secret—or fall for a reformed criminal with secrets of his own.

What begins as a puzzle-filled mystery quickly spirals into a high-stakes thriller as Kat and Maksim find themselves caught between a ruthless crime syndicate and the ghosts of Maksim's past. From the streets of Bucharest to Barcelona, Paris, and beyond, Maksim and Kat are drawn deeper into a world where nothing is what it seems and trusting the wrong person could be deadly.

Book 1 - Awaken the Dawn

Book 2 - Dawn to Dusk

Book 1.5 (an interlude novel ft. Maksim) - First Light of Dawn

WORLDWIDE PRAISE FOR THE AWAKEN SAGA

"Go ahead, go add this to your TBR!" - Books with Cats (Cyprus)

"Ellis K. Popa (delivers) an amazing story full of mystery, intrigue and romance." - John Benedict, Bestselling Author of Adrenaline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A gripping and unforgettable read that heralds Popa as a rising star in the genre..." - Elicia Meairs, Netgalley (US) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"This (is) simply one of the best books I’ve ever read." - BookGirlBrown Reviews, Bookfluencer (US) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Kat was amazing and a kick-ass character." - Kriti, This Reader Girl (India) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"...there were many nights where I told myself 'just one more chapter' yet continued reading for many more..." - Kasey Morris, Romania Enthusiast (US) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I loved the twists in the tale."- Helen F., Librarian (UK) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The book was absolutely amazing . . . . I can't wait to see what happens next." - Scarlet Le Clair, Netgalley (UK) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Awards - Awaken the Dawn

Cascade Awards - WINNER

Blue Seal Awards - WINNER

Storytrade Awards:

~ Best YA Adventure - WINNER

~ Best Debut - Finalist

Firebird International Book Awards:

~ Best Debut - WINNER

~ Best Suspense - WINNER

~ Multicultural Fiction - 2nd Place

The Selfie Awards (London Book Fair) - Short List

The Wishing Shelf - Finalist

Killer Nashville Readers Choice - Finalist

The Claymores - Finalist

The BookLife Prize - Top 5: YA/Middle Grade

Page Turner Awards:

~ Culture Award - Shortlist

~ Best Book - Finalist

IAN Book of the Year - Finalist: Outstanding New Adult

Clue Awards - Finalist

Indie BookTok Awards - Finalist

Awards - Dawn to Dusk

American Fiction Awards:

~ Thriller - Finalist

~ Young Adult - Finalist

NYC Big Book Award - Distinguished Favorite: New Adult

San Francisco Book Fest - Runner Up

Silver Falchion - Top Pick

Readers Favorite - Silver Medalist

Firebird Awards:

~ New Adult Fiction - 2nd Place

~ Best Trailer - Honorable Mention

Global Thriller Awards - Short List

Indie BookTok Awards - Finalist (mulitple categories)