The Reviews Are In
What They Say About Awakening The Mystic
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite (Audio book)
“Rob Dorgan’s audiobook, Awakening the Mystic, is a spiritual journey disguised as a novel. We follow Ren Devlin, a yoga teacher whose life is irrevocably altered when he performs a seemingly miraculous act. This propels him and his partner, Sean, into an unwanted spotlight. Overwhelmed, Ren retreats inward through meditation, where he encounters his “council,” a fascinating blend of astrological deities. This cosmic assembly, led by Saturn and Venus, guides Ren on a path of self-discovery and healing, forcing him to confront his past, ego, and deepest fears. The narrative weaves together diverse spiritual philosophies, exploring themes of higher consciousness, love’s power, and the true meaning of healing.
The characters in Awakening the Mystic are vessels for exploring complex spiritual and emotional landscapes. Initially, a reluctant figure thrust into notoriety, Ren represents the everyman struggling with extraordinary circumstances. His authenticity shows in facing his past, particularly his challenging relationship with his childhood religious views on the LGBTQ+ community and women. As Ren’s life partner, Sean provides an anchor of love and support, grounding his experiences in genuine human connection. The language is accessible, and the prose is excellent, with short sentences that infuse the writing with drama. The author deftly explores themes of consciousness, spiritual energy, and personal growth.
Awakening the Mystic by Rob Dorgan is a spiritual gift, expertly narrated. The narrative voice is clear, and the audio is superbly accomplished. Meditative music enriches the narrative voice, providing a background for exploring the energy communicated in this enthralling work. This is more than fiction; it is a story that is nuanced and filled with spiritual wisdom, and the audio allows the book’s wisdom to reach the hearts of listeners.”
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite
“In Awakening the Mystic, Rob Dorgan delivers a captivating tale that follows Reynolds “Ren” Devlin, a yoga teacher who struggles with his identity, spirituality, and the cosmic repercussions of a single, miraculous event. After a tragic accident leads to the resurrection of a young boy named Mike, Ren finds himself thrust into the spotlight, facing the challenges of love, ego, and his past choices. As he navigates the media frenzy and the attention, he must connect with the spiritual council — the gods and goddesses of the zodiac — specifically with Saturn and Venus, who head the council. Ren must face his past and the religious beliefs he grew up with on a journey toward healing while harnessing his gifts. Alongside him is Sean, his partner, who helps him to connect more deeply with himself and find serenity amid the chaos.
The characters in Awakening the Mystic are vividly drawn; Ren is introspective yet relatable, exemplifying the struggles of many who seek purpose and meaning in a messy world. His partner, Sean, provides a grounding contrast, often challenging Ren to confront his fears and reevaluate his expectations. They are supported by figures like Dottie Gant, a wealthy and wise matriarch, who acts as a conduit for growth and a bridge between ordinary life and mystical phenomena. The setting is impeccably written, transitioning from the intimate, cozy confines of Ren and Sean’s home to the electrifying atmosphere of media scrutiny. Rob Dorgan infuses the writing with realism and humanity, weaving scenes from ordinary life into the story while allowing the spiritual elements to emerge effortlessly. This is a story of self-discovery, healing, and purpose. It is crafted in exquisite prose and filled with exciting and intelligent dialogues. You’ll question much of what you know about religion, faith, and healing after encountering Ren.”