Book of Dreams

by Traci Harding

Kyle is a young man with no future and no past. Orphaned at a young age, he is bitter and uses his tough upbringing as an excuse for his lack of direction in life. But a mysterious parcel is about to change his view of himself, his parents and the world in which he lives. An old leather-bound book, intricately embossed with creatures and strange beings, is left on Kyle's doorstep with no card or note attached. The book issues Kyle a personal challenge - to finish reading the book and face the innermost truth about himself, or forfeit any chance of finding his true destiny.

The Book of Dreams is an exploration of the self, via the creatures, elementals and personal guides that dwell beyond this physical world. It is a personal quest of discovery that leads to the understanding of the spiritual warrior that dwells within the depths of every human soul. ENTER...if you dare.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Audiobook, Contemporary

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Traci Harding, is an Australian science-fantasy author who currently has twelve books in publication, on the Voyager label of HaperCollins Publishers Australia.

Her work blends fantasy, fact, esoteric belief, time travel and quantum physics, into adventurous romps through history, ulternative dimensions, universes and states of consciousness.


The Ancient Future Trilogy
Book 1 -The Ancient Future 1996
Book 2 -An Echo in Time 1997
Book 3 - Masters of Reality 1998

Stand Alone Novels
The Alchemists Key 1998
Book of Dreams 2002
Ghostwriting 2003

The Celestial Triad
Book 1 – Chronicle of Ages 1999
Book 2 – Tablet of Destinies 2000
Book 3 – The Cosmic Logos 2001

The Mystique Trilogy
Book 1 – Gene of Isis 2005
Book 2 – The Dragon Queens 2007
Book 3 – The Black Madonna 2008


Triad of Being
Book 1 - Being of the Field 2009
Book 2 - The Universe Parallel 2010
Book 3 - The Light Field 2012

The Time Keepers
Book 1 - Dreaming of Zhou Gong 2013
Book 2 - Forthcoming
Book 3 - Forthcoming

The Ancient Future is currently listed on both the Dymock’s Top 101 Books. Along with The Alchemist's Key, The Ancient Future has been published in Complex Chinese for worldwide release.

The first book of the Mystique Trilogy -Gene of Isis is now to be published in Russian, Czech, Slavic, Greek and Romanian, as is book two The Dragon Queens.

Reviews

[Melanie]

Not for me after all. Was in the adult section of the library app but is actually YA... and weird at that.

[Ariel Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the Australian indigenous spirituality context, this book demonstrates Traci Harding's own highly spiritual advancement as she writes without cultural or social biases. She is unique among authors for those seeking their own spiritual path. Any book written by Traci Harding has a message to the reader, and is based on spiritual truths.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book with so much potential, that didn't deliver. I really liked it at the beginning, I thought there was a good balance of prose and dialogue, the narrator was good, and I was intrigued to see how the mysterious elements might come together. Instead of panning out as an insightful blend of mystery and fantasy, inspired by Aboriginal shamanism, however, it ended up being a load of unoriginal new-age rubbish. Essentially, the hero goes on a quest that culminates in the spiritual revelation that he "hates every ounce of Caucasian blood in his body." Somehow, someone experiencing deep guilt for actions not carried out by themselves, or even during their lifetime, but rather by others of their "breed" decades ago, doesn't scream "enlightenment" to me.

[Gavin Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magical tale, dedicated to her brother, told by a master story teller.

I love all of Traci's work and have a very special place in my heart for this one.

I pray we see this magic grow into a full reconciliation between the 1st nations people of our land, and the new world population that have joined them here, and that, one day, we of the new will gain true understanding of the real guardians of this place.

Always was, always will be.

[Bethany · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 30% ISH.

Blurb seemed to have potential, but really wasn't for me in the end.

This was down as an adult book from my library, but actually seemed more like a children's book, written from the POV of an adult with some cuss words thrown in occasionally. I found myself day dreaming, realising I had no idea what was going on any more I decided to throw in the towel.

[Chimene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always wary about giving three stars - it can sometimes seem lacking but this was a solid 3 star. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.

Lots of different ideas. Story thread throughout - could have been a little more fleshed out around the aboriginal spiritual ideas/stories/creatures but this may have been my curiosity.

Something different and enjoyable

[Lauri Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like what I expected. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it!
Wasn't expecting to have an aboriginal spin but it was pleasantly refreshing. Almost feels like there could be some truth to this book......who knows :)

[Domi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, but compelling and beautiful, making it difficult to put down.

[Love0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the indigenous culture in Australia and the rise of capitalism. With mythical creatures, various deities and elementals this was a very earthly novel to ingest.

[Yvonne Boag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyle is a orphan whose mother died in childbirth. His childhood consists of a series of abusive foster families, so he has grown up not trusting anyone and only relying on his best friend Matt and himself. After being fired from work Kyle comes home to discover a mysterious brown package lying on his doorstep. What the package contains will challenge Kyle's perceptions of the world and himself.

Somewhat clunky dialogue and an unbelievable plot (but hey this is fantasy). Traci Harding redeems herself in what she is trying to accomplish. The descriptions of the Outback are beautiful and so are the people Kyle finds there. Three and a half stars.

[Jeremy Cartner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Traci Harding's writing style which makes for a pleasant reading experience. This is another one of her stand alones (she is known for her fantasy series) and I was looking forward to this immensely, and while I enjoyed the novel it didn't exactly set my world on fire. The premise was promising and the characters well drawn but for some reason it didn't connect with me. Don't get me wrong; it's enjoyable and if you've read any her previous books you will definitely find plenty to like here, but it won't linger in your memory. The less said about the ending the better. A good time waster.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember enjoying this book a lot when I first read it. Yet while I've re-read most of Traci's other books, many (read: all the series) not just once but four, five, six or more times, this is a book I never went back to. Now, more than ten years since first reading this book, I found a copy... Apparently it's time to read this book again... And here's to hoping I'll love it as much as the first time!

Update: I did indeed very much enjoy reading this book again! :-)

[Carla Khoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man o man did I love this book. You'll feel empowered to love your sun burnt country by the end of this one - or you'll fall in love with Australia if you're not from round'ere ;)

This is another fast paced book, full of magic, mystery and baddies that are so easy to hate cos they're horrible. LOVE IT.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stand alone book and was the first one of her books I read. I bought it in a second hand book store and fell in love with it. It was becasue of this book that I sought out others she had written and the best thing is that she is an Australian author.

[Olivia Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not like this book. I finished it only because I started it and I wanted to see if it improved. I notice that Traci Harding has written many novels and is rated highly. I am keen to read another of her books to see if this one was just a story that gel with me.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books by Traci Harding. Review to follow..

[Ross Neilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Not as good as earlier works entertaining and an easy fast pace read

[SBC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but not the ending.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice story but not enough 'meat' in the plot. everything happens too neatly, too easily...too predictable

[Sarah Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay if anyone has been watching my progress through writing reviews, you will notice I love all of Traci's work. This was no exception. I loved the plot twists yet easy to understand plot.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story though writing was a little over the top for me in places. Likeable characters.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often find it difficult to find a good, solid story that has an Indigenous Australian lead. In fact, Book of Dreams has so far been the only such story. I’m constantly searching for new ones, and the fact that Harding was able to write a tale that paints a minority group in a good light and highlights some of their daily difficulties was amazing. Yet, although the Indigenous aspect of this writing is phenomenal, it is also the spiritual knowledge that is imparted throughout that has made me fall in love with this novel again and again and again.

Harding writes some very subtle, yet insightful tales of our own power to govern change in our lives. The overarching tale within Book of Dreams is about taking your past, present and future and gaining control over it. Although Kyle is dealt an incredibly crappy hand in life, he is able to (eventually) understand that these experiences cannot be a basis on which to build a horrible existence. Bitterness and anger at the past is not a way to continue to live, and it isn’t until he accepts the past for what it is and begins the process of healing that he is able to find a new life, love and reason for being.

I’ve studied Native Title in Australia through a few of my University courses, and it is always a fascinating area and discussion. Harding’s grasp of this legislation is great, and her bibliography at the end of the story attests to the fact that she has done her research in regards to this sensitive topic. Yet, it is the fact that she is able to find a way in her happy ending to re-grant rights to traditional lands when native title has been extinguished that is most enjoyable. After all, who doesn’t love a happy ending?