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Falling Under #2
Dreaming Awake
She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…
When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.
Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.
And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…
When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.
Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.
And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2012
73 people are currently reading
6972 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Hayes
35 books1,283 followersGwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to).
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
January 10, 2012
It’s too bad that the main thing I did like in the first book was virtually absent in this one. What one thing? Those nightmare snippets of sisters sewn together, of burning men and the like, well… little of those were in this one.
I’d come into this knowing what I disliked in Theia and Haden, so there were no big surprises from their department. The last one ended with things upside down. Instead of love having conquered all, making someone better than they were, they’d been placed on equal footing. Instead of one bettering himself, there was a downgrading of sorts, a la Fiona and Shrek (it seems trolls and demons have a need for love too, just not outside their kind.)
For all that, I was surprised by how not annoying I found Theia to be. All of them in fact, left me feeling little in terms of liking/disliking. Yes, there were moments where she was dense, when they were all dense. But over all, there was nothing in this (or them) for me to feel strongly about. I feel the same way for this book as I do for pudding. As in, “OK. Thank You. What else you got for me?” Things are not helped by what perceived as a clunky storyline on the part of her sidekicks. A love spell gown awry? A love that’s recognized a little too late? All those side bits didn’t mesh too well in the end.
The most interesting bit is how not all of it is told by Theia or by Haden’s disembodied voice for that matter. Those moments with Donny, Gabe and Amelia exclusively were interesting peeks into what made them tick. This is true even if some of their worst nightmares revealed them to be vain fools.
2/5
I’d come into this knowing what I disliked in Theia and Haden, so there were no big surprises from their department. The last one ended with things upside down. Instead of love having conquered all, making someone better than they were, they’d been placed on equal footing. Instead of one bettering himself, there was a downgrading of sorts, a la Fiona and Shrek (it seems trolls and demons have a need for love too, just not outside their kind.)
For all that, I was surprised by how not annoying I found Theia to be. All of them in fact, left me feeling little in terms of liking/disliking. Yes, there were moments where she was dense, when they were all dense. But over all, there was nothing in this (or them) for me to feel strongly about. I feel the same way for this book as I do for pudding. As in, “OK. Thank You. What else you got for me?” Things are not helped by what perceived as a clunky storyline on the part of her sidekicks. A love spell gown awry? A love that’s recognized a little too late? All those side bits didn’t mesh too well in the end.
The most interesting bit is how not all of it is told by Theia or by Haden’s disembodied voice for that matter. Those moments with Donny, Gabe and Amelia exclusively were interesting peeks into what made them tick. This is true even if some of their worst nightmares revealed them to be vain fools.
2/5
May 4, 2017
Okay, so I still REALLY liked this book, but there was a time, you know, after Varnie died, when I had to just sit the book down and walk away from it for awhile. Varnie was my favorite character gosh dang it! My heart is completely broken!!! :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
This was just stupid enough to be fun.
on-hold
August 14, 2012Just got the book, woo-hoo! I miss Varnie. :') And Donny!
I couldn't help but sneak a little peek, either. Can you blame me?
“What are you going to do?” Donny wondered.
“Sit here and look pretty,” Varnie answered.
Ame gave him the You’re joking, right? stare. “Varnie’s job is to help keep me centered. He’s a strong psychic, but he’s not really into practicing witchcraft.”
“Or demon summoning, for that matter, but nobody ever listens to me about that,” he interjected.
“The last one worked just fine,” Amelia argued, gesturing her head towards me. “We got her back, didn’t we?”
Donny sighed heavily. “Can we get started? Gabe hates these things and when he gets nervous, his hand gets sweaty.”
Gabe glared at her. “Most girls just want me to take them to the movies, a nice dinner now and then. You’re the first one who makes me go to séances and exorcisms.”
“I’m not any happier about it than you are. It’s not my fault my best friends are nut jobs and demons.”
“Focus, people,” Varnie admonished.
*bursts into laughter* WHY DO THE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK ALL HAVE TO BE SO AWESOME?
I couldn't help but sneak a little peek, either. Can you blame me?
“What are you going to do?” Donny wondered.
“Sit here and look pretty,” Varnie answered.
Ame gave him the You’re joking, right? stare. “Varnie’s job is to help keep me centered. He’s a strong psychic, but he’s not really into practicing witchcraft.”
“Or demon summoning, for that matter, but nobody ever listens to me about that,” he interjected.
“The last one worked just fine,” Amelia argued, gesturing her head towards me. “We got her back, didn’t we?”
Donny sighed heavily. “Can we get started? Gabe hates these things and when he gets nervous, his hand gets sweaty.”
Gabe glared at her. “Most girls just want me to take them to the movies, a nice dinner now and then. You’re the first one who makes me go to séances and exorcisms.”
“I’m not any happier about it than you are. It’s not my fault my best friends are nut jobs and demons.”
“Focus, people,” Varnie admonished.
*bursts into laughter* WHY DO THE CHARACTERS OF THIS BOOK ALL HAVE TO BE SO AWESOME?
January 31, 2012
I love the fantasy world Gwen Hayes created: dark, terrifying, haunting, chilling, twisted, creepy and lovely at the same time.
April 17, 2017
Mhe. MHE. Just a big fail. For several reasons. 1 stars for mentioning Renesmee, another star for Theia to notice that she's stupid and do the Edward. (This is another letter to my future self, something a few bloggers and I started because we were marathoning HIMYM and thinking, "Hey, we need things like that??" And yeah, I regret everything. ;))
* * *
Dear Patricia,
you have started this book in January, but then noticed that you just couldn't keep reading it. Then in February you've picked it up again and about 8 hours prior to writing this you have actually finished the novel. As a little side-note, I won't talk lots about the content, becauseI'm a bad person and think that most of it would spoil people who have not read the books yet. So, here are just some impressions.
You weren't really disappointed, because your expectations weren't running as high as one would hope, but even though there were several parts in the novel that rubbed you the wrong way and I'm inclined to say that even though Gwen Hayes isn't a bad author, her work is just not for you. Sometimes it felt like she tried to hard, sometimes just like you're too old or bitter or yourself to have enjoyed it.
Yes, Dreaming Awake needs to get an extra star for lampshading the use of Twilight-ish themes, such as Renesmee, (No, she didn't get Theia preggers, calm down!) but it's impossible to say that it was a particularly good read, especially because the authors job is to manipulate the reader without the reader noticing it, and all that has happened while you read DA was that you noticed writing devices and nothing happened in your mind. - You felt really detached.
There is an author, Julia Quinn?, who once said that many authors get more credit if they kill cool people or give their protagonists something that is not a happy ending. It isn't that Theia and Haden didn't get their (sort of) Happy End, but the fact that Hayes did something that feels useless to you right now. While teenagers certainly have to experience grief and loss, in this case the death of the character didn't really add to the story except for mild annoyance. - So it's not even that you feel strong emotions about this particular (or any, really) event.
I don't know. Maybe right now you are missing things, and should just give the author a try later. But then people would again stand there and say: "But you already knew that you didn't like her other books, why did you read this one, then? Just for the lolz?" No. You actually thought that Dreaming Awake might be better than Falling Under, because you expected Theia to be different - in more ways than her body needing energy and her new abilities. She coulda been more mature, more experienced etc. but she was not and that did irritate you.
As for the death of you-know-whom: Could be that this person had to die (plot-wise) because he/she would otherwise have made it easier for Theia and the rest to manage everything, but it just didn't feel right. It really didn't.
What I'm trying to say here is that in a way this book was good. We have a Reversed Edward: Instead of being the Bella, Theia often chose to be Edward. Not sure yet if that's better, but I think not being Bella can only be better than being her. Right? So, Theia often tried to be rational about problems, and to distance herself from others, but it didn't feel mature, it just felt.. stupid. *le sigh* Hard to explain. Might work for some, but didn't work for me.
We also got some Anti-Slut-Shaming, and actually nice or interesting friends who are not portrayed as if they don't deserve the attention and affection of the heroine. (Yes, I'm looking at you Becca Fitzpatrick) Talking about Theia's friends, I also think that You're a little more dissatisfied with the book than you would have been if one of them had gotten another ending. (Or, well, two of them.)
Don't think you'll want to reread this, except if you really have changed. And I don't know if I'd like you to change that much. I mean, it's called dissociative identity disorder for a reason, okay honey?
All my best,
hope you ate some spring rolls today,
Patricia
PS: I know that this post sucks, but for some reasons while I disliked the book a lot, it didn't feel like it deserved a rant.
* * *
Thoughts before/while reading:
* * *
Dear Patricia,
you have started this book in January, but then noticed that you just couldn't keep reading it. Then in February you've picked it up again and about 8 hours prior to writing this you have actually finished the novel. As a little side-note, I won't talk lots about the content, because
You weren't really disappointed, because your expectations weren't running as high as one would hope, but even though there were several parts in the novel that rubbed you the wrong way and I'm inclined to say that even though Gwen Hayes isn't a bad author, her work is just not for you. Sometimes it felt like she tried to hard, sometimes just like you're too old or bitter or yourself to have enjoyed it.
Yes, Dreaming Awake needs to get an extra star for lampshading the use of Twilight-ish themes, such as Renesmee, (No, she didn't get Theia preggers, calm down!) but it's impossible to say that it was a particularly good read, especially because the authors job is to manipulate the reader without the reader noticing it, and all that has happened while you read DA was that you noticed writing devices and nothing happened in your mind. - You felt really detached.
There is an author, Julia Quinn?, who once said that many authors get more credit if they kill cool people or give their protagonists something that is not a happy ending. It isn't that Theia and Haden didn't get their (sort of) Happy End, but the fact that Hayes did something that feels useless to you right now. While teenagers certainly have to experience grief and loss, in this case the death of the character didn't really add to the story except for mild annoyance. - So it's not even that you feel strong emotions about this particular (or any, really) event.
I don't know. Maybe right now you are missing things, and should just give the author a try later. But then people would again stand there and say: "But you already knew that you didn't like her other books, why did you read this one, then? Just for the lolz?" No. You actually thought that Dreaming Awake might be better than Falling Under, because you expected Theia to be different - in more ways than her body needing energy and her new abilities. She coulda been more mature, more experienced etc. but she was not and that did irritate you.
As for the death of you-know-whom: Could be that this person had to die (plot-wise) because he/she would otherwise have made it easier for Theia and the rest to manage everything, but it just didn't feel right. It really didn't.
What I'm trying to say here is that in a way this book was good. We have a Reversed Edward: Instead of being the Bella, Theia often chose to be Edward. Not sure yet if that's better, but I think not being Bella can only be better than being her. Right? So, Theia often tried to be rational about problems, and to distance herself from others, but it didn't feel mature, it just felt.. stupid. *le sigh* Hard to explain. Might work for some, but didn't work for me.
We also got some Anti-Slut-Shaming, and actually nice or interesting friends who are not portrayed as if they don't deserve the attention and affection of the heroine. (Yes, I'm looking at you Becca Fitzpatrick) Talking about Theia's friends, I also think that You're a little more dissatisfied with the book than you would have been if one of them had gotten another ending. (Or, well, two of them.)
Don't think you'll want to reread this, except if you really have changed. And I don't know if I'd like you to change that much. I mean, it's called dissociative identity disorder for a reason, okay honey?
All my best,
hope you ate some spring rolls today,
Patricia
PS: I know that this post sucks, but for some reasons while I disliked the book a lot, it didn't feel like it deserved a rant.
* * *
Thoughts before/while reading:
Want to read
April 28, 2011Haden! *sigh*
February 24, 2012
This book was ok, not great but readable. My initial problem was that I read the first book in the series so long ago it was really hard to remember how it had left off, even after reading my rating/summary.
This book had a lot going on in it, but it really didn't get good until about half way through. Theia now had demon blood in her and she's trying to figure things out with herself and Haden. Her friends Donny and Amelia are still around, as well as Varnie and Gabe.
Basically, Theia doesn't know what she's capable of, but she does know that since her friends rescued her from "Under," that Mara will be coming back for her. She's also feeling the need to "feed" from those around her. She doesn't, but she does keep a lot of secrets from her friends about how she's feeling.
About 2/3 into the book, the story gets extremely confusing, more for the characters than for the reader. You begin to question whether what you read so far was real or not, just as the character is trying to figure out the same.
I guess it's worth reading if you liked the first book. I always like to finish a series, but if this one continues to a book 3, I think I'll pass on it.
This book had a lot going on in it, but it really didn't get good until about half way through. Theia now had demon blood in her and she's trying to figure things out with herself and Haden. Her friends Donny and Amelia are still around, as well as Varnie and Gabe.
Basically, Theia doesn't know what she's capable of, but she does know that since her friends rescued her from "Under," that Mara will be coming back for her. She's also feeling the need to "feed" from those around her. She doesn't, but she does keep a lot of secrets from her friends about how she's feeling.
About 2/3 into the book, the story gets extremely confusing, more for the characters than for the reader. You begin to question whether what you read so far was real or not, just as the character is trying to figure out the same.
I guess it's worth reading if you liked the first book. I always like to finish a series, but if this one continues to a book 3, I think I'll pass on it.
June 4, 2012
Beautiful book. Didn't care much for the first half (too slow and 'bumpy'), but the second half more than made up for it. Would have liked for a few things to be tied up e.g. Mara, but nonetheless, I loved how the book finished off, especially the last paragraph ;)
November 10, 2014
I'm done, I'm so done.
The story, the concept and the writing shows certain degree of promise, but I'm aloof to all of the characters and the painfully stupid romance between a 170 years old dude and a teenage girl.
The story, the concept and the writing shows certain degree of promise, but I'm aloof to all of the characters and the painfully stupid romance between a 170 years old dude and a teenage girl.
January 7, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
*** possible slight spoilers***
Theia is miraculously recalled from Under by her besties, Ame, Donny, Gabe and Miss Varney. Varney is a psychic and plays a larger roll in this installment. He helps bring her back tthrough the efforts of Ame's newly discovered spell casting talents. Back in Serendipity Falls, Theia tries to resume her teen life, but finds her remote father even more distracted and she finds that the deal she made with Haden's mother may have even deeper repercussions than she thought possible. While the blood following through her now includes a bit from Mara (Haden's nightmare of a mother), it also includes a bit of her power. This leads to some interesting plot twists later in the story.
Welcome to my Nightmare should have been the title of this book since all of Theia's friends are now involved in her life for better or worse and they are all exposed to Haden's mother just by being her friend. Theia finds herself with a need to feed on souls like Haden and doesn't realize she is doing it until Haden discovers her unwittingly drawing upon others. Some of her classmates are suffering from some weird illness that Theia believes Haden has something to do with, while the fact that Mara has come calling on her father makes the situation even more dire. It is a severe test of time to see if Theia and her friends can help the others at school while they are all pulled Under to face their fears.
I think I actually liked this one better than the first one which surprised me a great deal since I really loved the first one. It was so nice to see Theia really come into her own after her mousiness in the Falling Under. There was less of a romance and a lot more action, some of it a little horrifying. There is a lot more Ame and Donny in this one which helps quicken the pace and add more comical elements. I really don't think I can wait for the next installlment since this one left me hanging a bit. There are some sexual situations, alcohol use and some horrifying moments, so it is best suited to teens.
LOVED IT
*** possible slight spoilers***
Theia is miraculously recalled from Under by her besties, Ame, Donny, Gabe and Miss Varney. Varney is a psychic and plays a larger roll in this installment. He helps bring her back tthrough the efforts of Ame's newly discovered spell casting talents. Back in Serendipity Falls, Theia tries to resume her teen life, but finds her remote father even more distracted and she finds that the deal she made with Haden's mother may have even deeper repercussions than she thought possible. While the blood following through her now includes a bit from Mara (Haden's nightmare of a mother), it also includes a bit of her power. This leads to some interesting plot twists later in the story.
Welcome to my Nightmare should have been the title of this book since all of Theia's friends are now involved in her life for better or worse and they are all exposed to Haden's mother just by being her friend. Theia finds herself with a need to feed on souls like Haden and doesn't realize she is doing it until Haden discovers her unwittingly drawing upon others. Some of her classmates are suffering from some weird illness that Theia believes Haden has something to do with, while the fact that Mara has come calling on her father makes the situation even more dire. It is a severe test of time to see if Theia and her friends can help the others at school while they are all pulled Under to face their fears.
I think I actually liked this one better than the first one which surprised me a great deal since I really loved the first one. It was so nice to see Theia really come into her own after her mousiness in the Falling Under. There was less of a romance and a lot more action, some of it a little horrifying. There is a lot more Ame and Donny in this one which helps quicken the pace and add more comical elements. I really don't think I can wait for the next installlment since this one left me hanging a bit. There are some sexual situations, alcohol use and some horrifying moments, so it is best suited to teens.
February 19, 2012
It was good not great but still a good book. I liked it. I like Hayden the best. Just can't say that I was thrilled. But it was still a good read.
February 8, 2012
THE FAERYS VIEW
Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes was absolutely fantastic, I was waiting for this sequel to Falling Under and when I was allowed to view the ARC I was beside myself with joy! Gwen Hayes has a true talent for grabbing the reader and taking them on a marvelous ride of ‘mythological’ proportions.
I don’t want to re-hash the book but discuss more of the changes that occur since the first book, Falling Under. First thing: THEIA! She has really grown into a strong self-reliant heroine, her maturity rate and ability to cope with everything going on in Dreaming Awake makes her one of my all time favorite kick butt ladies! I disagree with a few of her choices but I understand why she did them. There’s a bit of a lack of communication between herself and Haden but I’ll address this later. Gwen Hayes really nailed Theia’s character spot on-she was the perfect blend of innocence and Mara. Theia refuses to hurt anyone yet she constantly fights with the Mara side of her that craves a taste of those ‘delightful’ souls. To Theia’s heartbreak, she does quite a bit of harm but isn’t aware of it. Read the book to find out!
Haden has a chance to see things from a different point of view; he is, in my very own humble opinion, one of the hottest bad boys in fiction this year! He fights his half demon side and when he embraces his human side he is the epitome of swoon worthy goodness. Again, Ms. Hayes wrote his character as a ‘human’ so beautifully and flawlessly as he makes the transformation that I felt his wonder and awe as I believe she meant for us to feel it.
Secondary characters were as fantastic as the main characters! Amelia, a friend that is as loyal as they come with her own ‘budding’ powers and Donny, who is a riot yet just as loyal. Then comes in Varnie, the local psychic who is much hotter without making himself up as a woman with the ‘mysterious’ psychic get up. Theia and Haden couldn’t ask for better or more loyal friends and I couldn’t have asked for more entertaining reading with them included in Dreaming Awake.
The romance and love between all the characters in Dreaming Awake is perfect; no love or romance is forced upon the reader, any romance between any characters (hint, hint-evil grin) develops naturally and I love that!!! Haden and Theia’s love becomes stronger, more real-more developed and more mature---Just MORE! The thing is about the romance and love between Theia and Haden is that is feels natural and real, not forced. A true connection between souls who are willing to do anything for that person who is their soul mate, I felt that Ms. Hayes narrative made this connection believable to the reader as she did with any other love connections that may or may not have happened in Dreaming Awake (Big ~wink~).
The Realm of Under is featured a bit more prominently as is Mara, Haden’s evil conniving mother who literally makes Theia’s life hell. What Theia, Haden and friends go through in Dreaming Awake is action packed, creepy as all get out and truly kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this one in one sitting and I have to say it is most definitely one of my favorite series and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the Falling Under Series!
Ms. Hayes is on my ~go to authors~ list for many reasons but the biggest being her amazing ability to write a scene that can either bring me to tears or make me laugh out loud, her descriptive talent is absolutely phenomenal and visualization is so very easy when reading her writing. That’s just a few reasons why I count her as one of my favorite authors but there are many more.
Dreaming Awake gets a One-Sit-Read from me! The highest honor I ever give and this is the first one this year!
THE FAERY SAYS DREAMING AWAKE ROCKED MY WINGS!
*Thank you to ATWT and the publisher for allowing me to view this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes was absolutely fantastic, I was waiting for this sequel to Falling Under and when I was allowed to view the ARC I was beside myself with joy! Gwen Hayes has a true talent for grabbing the reader and taking them on a marvelous ride of ‘mythological’ proportions.
I don’t want to re-hash the book but discuss more of the changes that occur since the first book, Falling Under. First thing: THEIA! She has really grown into a strong self-reliant heroine, her maturity rate and ability to cope with everything going on in Dreaming Awake makes her one of my all time favorite kick butt ladies! I disagree with a few of her choices but I understand why she did them. There’s a bit of a lack of communication between herself and Haden but I’ll address this later. Gwen Hayes really nailed Theia’s character spot on-she was the perfect blend of innocence and Mara. Theia refuses to hurt anyone yet she constantly fights with the Mara side of her that craves a taste of those ‘delightful’ souls. To Theia’s heartbreak, she does quite a bit of harm but isn’t aware of it. Read the book to find out!
Haden has a chance to see things from a different point of view; he is, in my very own humble opinion, one of the hottest bad boys in fiction this year! He fights his half demon side and when he embraces his human side he is the epitome of swoon worthy goodness. Again, Ms. Hayes wrote his character as a ‘human’ so beautifully and flawlessly as he makes the transformation that I felt his wonder and awe as I believe she meant for us to feel it.
Secondary characters were as fantastic as the main characters! Amelia, a friend that is as loyal as they come with her own ‘budding’ powers and Donny, who is a riot yet just as loyal. Then comes in Varnie, the local psychic who is much hotter without making himself up as a woman with the ‘mysterious’ psychic get up. Theia and Haden couldn’t ask for better or more loyal friends and I couldn’t have asked for more entertaining reading with them included in Dreaming Awake.
The romance and love between all the characters in Dreaming Awake is perfect; no love or romance is forced upon the reader, any romance between any characters (hint, hint-evil grin) develops naturally and I love that!!! Haden and Theia’s love becomes stronger, more real-more developed and more mature---Just MORE! The thing is about the romance and love between Theia and Haden is that is feels natural and real, not forced. A true connection between souls who are willing to do anything for that person who is their soul mate, I felt that Ms. Hayes narrative made this connection believable to the reader as she did with any other love connections that may or may not have happened in Dreaming Awake (Big ~wink~).
The Realm of Under is featured a bit more prominently as is Mara, Haden’s evil conniving mother who literally makes Theia’s life hell. What Theia, Haden and friends go through in Dreaming Awake is action packed, creepy as all get out and truly kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this one in one sitting and I have to say it is most definitely one of my favorite series and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the Falling Under Series!
Ms. Hayes is on my ~go to authors~ list for many reasons but the biggest being her amazing ability to write a scene that can either bring me to tears or make me laugh out loud, her descriptive talent is absolutely phenomenal and visualization is so very easy when reading her writing. That’s just a few reasons why I count her as one of my favorite authors but there are many more.
Dreaming Awake gets a One-Sit-Read from me! The highest honor I ever give and this is the first one this year!
THE FAERY SAYS DREAMING AWAKE ROCKED MY WINGS!
*Thank you to ATWT and the publisher for allowing me to view this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
January 9, 2012
*Don't read this if you haven't read Falling Under. It would spoil some plot lines.*
This picks up right after Falling Under. Haden has rescued Theia from Under. They're home trying to go back to a somewhat normal life. This is a little hard now that Theia has Mara demon blood mixed in with her own. She now possess' demon qualities and cravings that she's finding hard to fight. Also, both Haden and Theia know that just because they escaped Under doesn't mean that Mara has forgotten them. They know she'll come back looking for revenge on them and the ones they love.
I love the fantasy world Gwen Hayes created, dark, terrifying, and lovely at the same time. It's nice to have the contrast of the fantasy world with the normal teenage one. The relationships with Theia and her friends is fun even with the ominous cloud hanging over them. The secondary characters are well done and you find yourself invested in their stories as much as Haden and Theia's. Donny and Gabe's relationship, even though reluctant on Donny's part, was so sweet. Oh Amelia! There were some plot twists concerning her and in the end I was so sad for her, all I can say is: Nooooo!!!! There were some nice steamy moments between Haden and Theia too.
Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion to this series. On a side note, I'm always a sucker for a pretty cover (this one is so pretty), and I loved that the dress on this one tied into the story in the end.
This picks up right after Falling Under. Haden has rescued Theia from Under. They're home trying to go back to a somewhat normal life. This is a little hard now that Theia has Mara demon blood mixed in with her own. She now possess' demon qualities and cravings that she's finding hard to fight. Also, both Haden and Theia know that just because they escaped Under doesn't mean that Mara has forgotten them. They know she'll come back looking for revenge on them and the ones they love.
I love the fantasy world Gwen Hayes created, dark, terrifying, and lovely at the same time. It's nice to have the contrast of the fantasy world with the normal teenage one. The relationships with Theia and her friends is fun even with the ominous cloud hanging over them. The secondary characters are well done and you find yourself invested in their stories as much as Haden and Theia's. Donny and Gabe's relationship, even though reluctant on Donny's part, was so sweet. Oh Amelia! There were some plot twists concerning her and in the end I was so sad for her, all I can say is: Nooooo!!!! There were some nice steamy moments between Haden and Theia too.
Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion to this series. On a side note, I'm always a sucker for a pretty cover (this one is so pretty), and I loved that the dress on this one tied into the story in the end.
July 18, 2012
In all honesty, it was a good book HOWEVER! I did not care for the part where she left him for "his own good" NO! I am absolutely sick of that. What ever happened to strenght in numbers? This is ridiculous! Despite that, I found that the twists and turns that the book took were quite entertaining. I was like "huh....I am genuinely suprised". I did put the book down a couple of times because it was a little slow in the beginning but by the end I was like "OMG! OMG!" This is why I gave it a four stars. Everything BEFORE like page 100 is just............there are no words. Either way, I am kind of hoping that this isn't a trilogy but I am sensing that it is. However I have no clue as to what it would be about. The hardships of under mixed with the hardships of the real world? I don't.................. Nevertheless, I will read the third book (if there is one. Is there?) because I have already read the first two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2012
First, I have to say that Dreaming Awake is much better than Falling Under. I'm a big fan of dark, scary, twisted tales and this book is most definitely one of those. It would be a good anime. I kept imagining Haden as Kaname Kuran from Vampire Knight.
Want to read
June 18, 2011YES YES YES! I can't freaking wait for this book to come out!!! :)
September 21, 2012
Wow, this sequel really took me by storm! In the first book Theia meets Hayden, prince of Under. Since that's the land of nightmares, her life gets interesting fast. She's inexplicably drawn to him both in dreams and in reality. Despite early missteps they manage to fall in love. (Please don't tell me you think that's a spoiler or I may smack you). In the process both of them have changed, for the better and for the worse.
Now they're dealing with those for the worse parts and they are a doozy. Theia really comes into her own in this book, which breaks it away from the typical "I love him so I'm going to be brave" mantra that exists in almost all books for females. As Theia battles Haydens psychopath mother and takes control of her own life and the fate of Under the writer really shines. Plus we get glimpses into the minds of Theia's friends Ame and Donny, something I really didn't mind:)
In conclusion- since even I need those- I loved this book and I'm totally going through Gwen Hayes's backlist!
Now they're dealing with those for the worse parts and they are a doozy. Theia really comes into her own in this book, which breaks it away from the typical "I love him so I'm going to be brave" mantra that exists in almost all books for females. As Theia battles Haydens psychopath mother and takes control of her own life and the fate of Under the writer really shines. Plus we get glimpses into the minds of Theia's friends Ame and Donny, something I really didn't mind:)
In conclusion- since even I need those- I loved this book and I'm totally going through Gwen Hayes's backlist!
February 21, 2012
B.R.I.L.L.I.A.N.T.
November 12, 2024
The first book was so much better!
January 2, 2013
The first book was enjoyable, but 2 weeks after finishing this book, I honestly cannot tell you what the fuck this one was about. It was so utterly dull.
June 18, 2017
This was a nice sequel and conclusion. I liked how it seemed to move at a faster pace then the first one. I liked how her friends were all there for her considering what she was. Of course the best part was knowing we got a happy ending.
November 26, 2018
This sequel was pretty wicked and fun. Sure, it wasn’t the most original or well-developed story I’ve ever read, but I’m a sucker for Persephone/Hades retellings, and the ending to this one really satisfied me. If you liked book one, I’d definitely recommend checking out this second installment.
September 19, 2023
Reading this series made me almost go into a reading slump because I came to the realization...once again that I will never have an obsessive passionate love like that 🙃
idc what anyone else says that's what I want shh 🤫
idc what anyone else says that's what I want shh 🤫
March 20, 2018
A great sequel that ends the story perfectly.
February 17, 2015
Actual rating would probably be closer to 2.5 stars I think. This book had all the possibility to be better than the first with how it could play out. Unfortunately, the execution of the story fell totally flat. Theia seriously annoyed the hell out of me for pretty much the entire story. It was just stupid how she "dealt" with all the issues that were happening to her and around her. How could she possibly think she was doing the right thing by keeping EVERYTHING to herself? That and how does she immediately assume that it's Haden affecting eveybody when, hello, she's also part demon now and suffering from a hunger she has difficulty controlling considering it just happened to her. How can you not put two and two together? And why did it never seem suspicious to her when all the sneetches were practically throwing themselves at her? She knows that Haden's mom is a succubus, whose blood in now running thru her own veins, and she's seen Haden use his lure on people. Seriously. There's only so much blindness to reality one can take from another person. There was only one thing that bothered me about Haden in this book. He's supposed to be 170 years old right? Even though with the whole time flowing differently in Under thing he's only 17 in human years, he's still 170. So it just seemed kind of ridiculous when he started acting like a 13 year old little girl in love for the first time. Yes, okay, he was in love for the first time, but come on! It was better the times when he manned up throughout the book. Especially when he was building his army. And fighting. Any hot guy who knows how to use a sword is totally swoon worthy in my book. It was interesting to find out why Ame was obsessed with Mike even though it kind of just seemed to be thrown into the story just because it could have been and explain Ame's "powers". Toward the end we get stories from Donny's and Ame's point of views and I found Donny's to be pretty bad. All it did was make her look like even more of slut than she already did by going on about all the protection she insists on using and yadda yadda. It also cast Gabe into a slightly bad light, or at least a disappointing one. I would never have guess that he was THAT vain. Ame's was a little more interesting except for what we find out with it. When Theia was locked up and watching thru the snowglobe there was one part that actually had me thinking it was pretty cool. That is, until we find out what it really was. I did like the idea of how the book ended though. I do kind of wish that Theia would have acted a bit more mature about accepting her role at the end, but considering she is only 17 and not too bright, it didn't surprise me how she acted and her reasons for taking up that mantel.
March 27, 2012
I really enjoyed it! It was strangely addicting and enthralling. For a first novel that disappointed me, I really liked the sequel. Dreaming Awake was, hands down, better than its previous, Falling Under. I wasn't very much impressed with Falling Under, because I felt it was the same story so common in YA fiction. Nothing I haven't seen before. I didn't like Theia or Haden in the first book, but I loved Amelia, Gabe, Varnie, and Donny (especially Donny!!). They were enough to make me have some semblance of hope for the second book. So, although I gave two stars to Falling Under, I looked for Dreaming Awake in bookstores when it came out. I must admit, I wasn't much thrilled to read it, but now I'm glad I did. It didn't disappoint one bit, and I enjoyed every last detail; the prose, writing style, secondary characters, and the action. Theia very much grew from the first book, and I can see the maturity and presonal growth that Gwen Hayes portrayed in her. I also warmed up a bit to Haden, too, and I never thought that would happen. In the first book, I disliked him because of his temper and the way he controlled Theia a little bit. But I will be honest. In this book, Haden changed from a possessive, jealous jerk to a great love interest that clearly loves the protagonist with all his heart. The romance improved and matured, and I can see the love between Haden and Theia. I loved it! Antoher thing I like about Dreaming Awake is Hayes's way of describing and building the setting that we all came to know of as the realm of Under. It was fresh and original; something you never see in YA paranormal literature. But Hayes nailed it! I loved Mara,as well. She was the villian of our story, and Hayes found a way to make her coniving and frightening,yet at the same time, enjoyable to read about. Are you one of those out there sick of all these half-assed villians out there that don't even have a single ounce of intimidation in them? Well, now you have found one that isn't like that at all. Mara clearly had hell in mind for Theia and her friends (literally, by the way), and her personality spoke of her scheming and dangerous plans that she had for Theia for revenge. I loved every moment of reading it! Dreaming Awake was action-packed, especially in the end, and I can honestly say that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wanted to know everything all at once, and I was rooting for Theia the entire time to go and kick Mara's ass. I can't help but also love Donny and Amelia. I enjoyed Ame's relationship with Varnie. Although the reader didn't exactly get front seats to witness their romance develop, I want to say that their love was one of the best I ever read about. I'm not ashamed to admit I choked up a little bit in the end. I also love Donny and Gabe. Donny is one snarky, awesome bitch, and I think she's my favorite character in the series ever. Her relationship with Gabe was amazing and real. You can obviously see clearly that they were made for each other. Gabe put up with Donny's bullshit, and Donny refuse to admit her feelings for him. But it was so damn obvious that they were crazy about each other....So I loved this story so much! I enjoyed every single second of reading Dreaming Awake, and if I could, I would make the due date to the third book come here by now already. I can't wait to see what will happen next,now that *spoiler alert* Theia and Haden are rulers of Under. I hope everything work out for everyone in the book, and I'm looking forward to picking the third book up when it gets here.
November 24, 2012
If this is the end of this series, I say that it makes for a good one. I ended up enjoying it more than I had expected, despite how much the character frustrated me in the first half of the book. I guess it was a lot like how they acted in the first book. The second half was much better. It seems to be the end of the series. I hope so. It ended on a good spot, even if it leaves some questions. I didn't feel like those questions had to be answered in some sort of absolute. It's an HEA (or as much of one as these characters can get, considering the situation), so I'd say it's safe to assume things work out for the best.
The book starts off with Theia's return to the human realm from Under via the demon summoning spell Haden and her friends perform. It progresses with Theia unable to control her demon urges to feed, but deciding not to speak with Haden or her friends about what she was dealing with. This frustrated me to no end. Considering everything that the group has been through, the least she could do was open her mouth and talk to someone. At least, she could have spoken with Haden. He knew better than anyone what she was dealing with. Yet, she made her problems so much worse by not saying anything. Students at her school were being drained and letting her jealousy lead her to believe it was Haden, she never really stopped to think about what she had been doing. Instead, she pushes Haden and basically accomplishes nothing in doing so. I wanted to smack her for that. I wanted to smack her for being too slow to realize she was luring those boys in, too. How could she not see that they were reacting to her in the same way that girls reacted to Haden? Seriously, how slow on the uptake can one person be? In the end of the story, she redeemed herself for me. She really stepped up and took responsibility. I was still annoyed that she was adamant about being broken up with Haden, though. Thank goodness he got through to that thick skull of hers.
As for Haden, I liked him quite a bit in this book. Yes, he should have told Theia what he had been planning. I know why he didn't, but it wasn't the smartest thing he ever did by not discussing that whole thing with her. Still, he was pretty awesome in this book.
Theia's friends also stepped up once again. Varnie most of all. Seeing things from the POVs of Donny and Amelia in the second part of the book was a nice touch. I enjoyed that scene on the beach with Amelia and Varnie just about the most out of this whole book. Save for the very end scene with Theia and Haden. That scene was a bit fade to black and left us wondering as to can they or cant they, but it was a sweet touch. I think it was a perfect spot to end the series on.
In the end, I was proud of Theia and Haden with the way they handled things. Theia was right that despite everything, Mara got exactly what she wanted all along. Ironic how that all worked out.
The book starts off with Theia's return to the human realm from Under via the demon summoning spell Haden and her friends perform. It progresses with Theia unable to control her demon urges to feed, but deciding not to speak with Haden or her friends about what she was dealing with. This frustrated me to no end. Considering everything that the group has been through, the least she could do was open her mouth and talk to someone. At least, she could have spoken with Haden. He knew better than anyone what she was dealing with. Yet, she made her problems so much worse by not saying anything. Students at her school were being drained and letting her jealousy lead her to believe it was Haden, she never really stopped to think about what she had been doing. Instead, she pushes Haden and basically accomplishes nothing in doing so. I wanted to smack her for that. I wanted to smack her for being too slow to realize she was luring those boys in, too. How could she not see that they were reacting to her in the same way that girls reacted to Haden? Seriously, how slow on the uptake can one person be? In the end of the story, she redeemed herself for me. She really stepped up and took responsibility. I was still annoyed that she was adamant about being broken up with Haden, though. Thank goodness he got through to that thick skull of hers.
As for Haden, I liked him quite a bit in this book. Yes, he should have told Theia what he had been planning. I know why he didn't, but it wasn't the smartest thing he ever did by not discussing that whole thing with her. Still, he was pretty awesome in this book.
Theia's friends also stepped up once again. Varnie most of all. Seeing things from the POVs of Donny and Amelia in the second part of the book was a nice touch. I enjoyed that scene on the beach with Amelia and Varnie just about the most out of this whole book. Save for the very end scene with Theia and Haden. That scene was a bit fade to black and left us wondering as to can they or cant they, but it was a sweet touch. I think it was a perfect spot to end the series on.
In the end, I was proud of Theia and Haden with the way they handled things. Theia was right that despite everything, Mara got exactly what she wanted all along. Ironic how that all worked out.
March 11, 2012
Páni! Já prostě ani nevím, co na to všechno pořádně říct. Ani nevím, jestli jsem se nějak výrazně na tohle pokračování těšila anebo spíš ne. První díl byl hodně dobrý, ale skončil tak všelijak, že klidně nemusel mít pokračování, přitom mohl. Chápete, co tím blábolením vůbec myslím?
Theia se dostala ze světa nočních můr a teď by se měla opět zapojit do života, jaký vedla dříve. Jenže to dost dobře není možné, protože nic nemůže být takové, jaké bývalo. Haden i Theia moc dobře ví, že je Mara nenechá jen tak uniknout, a proto společnými silami bojují proti tomu, co přijde. Ovšem nemůžete být připravení na všechno. Vždycky se objeví něco, co byste nečekali a co byste si nedokázali představit ani v těch nejhorších nočních můrách.
Čtení knihy jsem dlouho odkládala. Nejspíš to bylo z toho důvodu, že jsem měla obavy z vývoje událostí. Ale nakonec mě druhá kniha překvapila stejně jako to udělala ta první. Tahle série vybočuje z klasických YA příběhů stylem, jakým je psána. Máte tu klasickou paranormální zápletku, ovšem do toho všeho se vám sem tam vystřídají pohledy, objeví se popisy děje a postav tak zrůdné, že kdyby z toho byl film, rozhodně by šlo o pořádný horor, anebo se vám celý příběh převrátí naprosto vzhůru nohama.
Takových knih není moc a myslím si, že ne všem se budou líbit. Svým způsobem jsou i dosti složité, protože nikdy nevíte, na čem jste a jestli je příběh tak ujetý a příšerný, nebo tak promyšlený a skvělý. Byly momenty, kdy jsem si říkala, jestli to Gwen myslí vážně, když mě krmí jedním blábolem za druhým a pak zase chvíle, kdy jsem byla ze všeho naprosto paf, dokonce jsem i v jednom momentu uronila několik slz, protože... tohle jsem rozhodně nečekala.
Kniha má v sobě něco, co vám přijde přitažlivé. Vztah Hadena a Theiy je prostě zvláštní. Byli byste nejradši, kdyby na to konečně hupsli a bylo by po problému. Ale ono vlastně ne, on by vznikl problém další. A tak si jenužíváte to žhavé jiskření a říkáte si, že je to prostě síla.
Děj druhého dílu je mnohem akčnější než tomu bylo u toho předchozího, je zde i míň romantiky, více odhalování a boje proti nebezpečí. Potvrdila jsem si, že ze všech nejvíc jsem si zamilovala právě Hadena, protože na něm krom té jeho démonské půlky prostě něco je. A taky proto, že jsem naprosto propadla jeho odlovování "love". To je prostě strašně cute! Hned za Hadenem je tam ovšem Gabe, který se mi zalíbil už dříve. Theia je jako hrdinka silná a je hezké vidět, že se mnohem více projevuje a bojuje. Ame, Donny i Varnie prostě patří do party a vážně bych to bez nich nešlo. CHyběli by mi.
Vypadá to, že třetí díl se nechystá, i když kniha skončila zase tak, že by nějaké to pokračování klidně i mohlo být.
Theia se dostala ze světa nočních můr a teď by se měla opět zapojit do života, jaký vedla dříve. Jenže to dost dobře není možné, protože nic nemůže být takové, jaké bývalo. Haden i Theia moc dobře ví, že je Mara nenechá jen tak uniknout, a proto společnými silami bojují proti tomu, co přijde. Ovšem nemůžete být připravení na všechno. Vždycky se objeví něco, co byste nečekali a co byste si nedokázali představit ani v těch nejhorších nočních můrách.
Čtení knihy jsem dlouho odkládala. Nejspíš to bylo z toho důvodu, že jsem měla obavy z vývoje událostí. Ale nakonec mě druhá kniha překvapila stejně jako to udělala ta první. Tahle série vybočuje z klasických YA příběhů stylem, jakým je psána. Máte tu klasickou paranormální zápletku, ovšem do toho všeho se vám sem tam vystřídají pohledy, objeví se popisy děje a postav tak zrůdné, že kdyby z toho byl film, rozhodně by šlo o pořádný horor, anebo se vám celý příběh převrátí naprosto vzhůru nohama.
Takových knih není moc a myslím si, že ne všem se budou líbit. Svým způsobem jsou i dosti složité, protože nikdy nevíte, na čem jste a jestli je příběh tak ujetý a příšerný, nebo tak promyšlený a skvělý. Byly momenty, kdy jsem si říkala, jestli to Gwen myslí vážně, když mě krmí jedním blábolem za druhým a pak zase chvíle, kdy jsem byla ze všeho naprosto paf, dokonce jsem i v jednom momentu uronila několik slz, protože... tohle jsem rozhodně nečekala.
Kniha má v sobě něco, co vám přijde přitažlivé. Vztah Hadena a Theiy je prostě zvláštní. Byli byste nejradši, kdyby na to konečně hupsli a bylo by po problému. Ale ono vlastně ne, on by vznikl problém další. A tak si jenužíváte to žhavé jiskření a říkáte si, že je to prostě síla.
Děj druhého dílu je mnohem akčnější než tomu bylo u toho předchozího, je zde i míň romantiky, více odhalování a boje proti nebezpečí. Potvrdila jsem si, že ze všech nejvíc jsem si zamilovala právě Hadena, protože na něm krom té jeho démonské půlky prostě něco je. A taky proto, že jsem naprosto propadla jeho odlovování "love". To je prostě strašně cute! Hned za Hadenem je tam ovšem Gabe, který se mi zalíbil už dříve. Theia je jako hrdinka silná a je hezké vidět, že se mnohem více projevuje a bojuje. Ame, Donny i Varnie prostě patří do party a vážně bych to bez nich nešlo. CHyběli by mi.
Vypadá to, že třetí díl se nechystá, i když kniha skončila zase tak, že by nějaké to pokračování klidně i mohlo být.
December 5, 2011
Dreaming Awake is a powerfully written, emotionally gripping story that hooks you and keeps you there as the rest of the story unfolds. It's beautifully written, almost lyrical in a sense, and the imagery is quite powerful and heartwrenching. This is the second installment in this gripping trilogy, filled with romance, betrayal, friendship, and heartache. The pace picks up a great deal and there is quite a bit of action, the character's are amazingly written and utilized in the best possible way. This time around, Theia struggles with the fact that the deal she made with Mara may just be her own un-doing in a sense.
I'm not usually one for straight up love stories, so I was happy that there was a bit more action and point to the storytelling and a little less focus on the romance, as beautifully written as it was. With a bit of Mara's blood rushing through her veins, Theia is finding that there's power in it, and has come to the startling realization that she has this urge she never possessed before to feed on souls, which throws a couple of monkey wrenches into the story later on. Theia doesn't realize until it's pointed out to her later, that she's actually been drawing on this power. It was nice to see that her character development progressed in this book, that she became stronger and was able to overcome some of the obstacles thrown in her direction. The bond of friendship Theia shared with Ame and Donny, was definitely one of the best things about this novel. They were willing to go above and beyond, to ensure their friend's safety no matter what.
Hayes world-building and masterfully written imagery of the Under are grotesquely mesmorizing and will pull you into the story right along with the terrifying character's that are basically walking nightmares. There are walking skeletons and one of the most imaginative yet disturbing things I've read about to date, sewn together handmaidens. The way these handmaidens are described, will give you chills. It's such a distorted vision filled with dark magic, intense vulnerability, and terrifying fears that may or may not come to pass. Not since this series, have I seen Under depicted in such a way that it left me visibly shaking while reading. And the cliffhanger that it leaves you with, will drop your jaw.
This is definitely a book that you will want to read.
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