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Dream Walker #1
Unnatural
In order to survive, she'll have to sacrifice everything she knows and embrace everything she fears.
Penelope Kendall is a gate guard on the verge of a breakdown. When threatened with criminal charges for defending herself, her only hope is to escape into the dubious safety of the forest.
But the wilderness outside the walls of her city has been evolving and mutating for generations, creating a harsh environment not meant for human survival. Fortunately, help arrives in an unexpected form - one of the very Unnaturals she had been defending her city from.
Along the way, Penelope learns that she has the ability to send her spirit into the dream plane, a dangerous and formidable skill that allows her to reach into the minds of others. Between running for her life and grappling with her strange psychic abilities, she must accept all of herself if she wants to her ability to Dream Walk, her responsibility for her own outcomes, and the burgeoning attraction she feels for her companion, doomed though it may be.
348 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2022
10 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
H.M. DuVal
5 books17 followersH M DuVal is a mother, Kinesiologist, and author of the Dream Walker series. She has always had a passion for good stories: telling them, sharing them, and getting lost in them. Fiction and fantasy genres, with a healthy dose of romance, are her favorite. She loves the incredible power they have to spirit us away from the mundane and into the sensational, and believes that shift in perspective helps us find the magic inside our own lives. She hopes that while reading her work, you are similarly transported.
H M DuVal lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with her husband, children, and assorted rescue animals. Adopt, don’t shop!
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @author.h.m.duval for release news and updates. Go to linktr.ee/hmduval to learn more!
H M DuVal lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with her husband, children, and assorted rescue animals. Adopt, don’t shop!
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @author.h.m.duval for release news and updates. Go to linktr.ee/hmduval to learn more!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2023
*Minimal, if any spoilers*
I must first and foremost thank and commend H.M. Duval for her creation of Penelope!
I recently had the pleasure of reading "UNNATURAL" by H.M Duval (Book 1 of the Dream Walker series), and I must say, it was a truly remarkable read. From the start, I was captivated by the story of Penelope, a strong and complex Black woman navigating a dystopian world.
Duval's ability to create a character that centers around a Black woman while not focusing on her race is a testament to her skill as a writer. "UNNATURAL" is a refreshing departure from traditional narratives, providing representation and depth to a character who is much more than just her ethnicity. She created a Black woman and GAVE her a story, but didn’t tell HER story, if that makes sense. This why I will always champion for non authors of color to include diverse main and side characters! This book is proof it can be done.
As someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards the dystopian romance genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Duval's storytelling is masterful, drawing you in from the first page and immersing you in a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.
Penelope's life as guard and protector of her family in Arberdon from the death of Unnaturals, is overshadowed by Ben, who holds power as one of the city's head protectors (we don’t like Ben, he’s a POS). Ben is well-liked and respected among the community making things even harder for her to escape him. However, Penelope's life takes an unexpected turn when she flees for family’s and her own safety, unintentionally embarking on a journey with an unnatural being named Abel, who is believed to be a threat to her existence. Right?
The enemies to lovers storyline between Penelope and an UNAT is a slow burn that adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Duval skillfully explores themes of biases and judgments.
Through their shared experiences and challenges, they begin to question the societal norms and expectations that have shaped their perceptions of each other. Making us look at our own ingrained beliefs and open ourselves up to the possibility of connection with those who are different from us.
One of the standout aspects of "UNNATURAL" is Duval's phenomenal writing. Her prose is exquisite, seamlessly transporting you into the story and making you feel as though you are living in this dystopian world alongside Penelope. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the story to life in a truly immersive way.
I was so enamored by "UNNATURAL" that I couldn't help but reach out to Duval for an ARC of the second book in the series. I'm thrilled to say that it's on its way, and I can hardly contain my excitement to continue Penelope's journey in UNTOUCHABLE (which releases Nov. 17th, 2023). Does Penelope follow through on her promise to Abel? Does he betray her? Does Ben find her? Is her family okay? Do they both survive the journey? I need to know!!
In conclusion, "UNNATURAL" is a powerful and diverse dystopian romance that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. H.M Duval's ability to create a captivating story while also providing representation is commendable. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world and make you question your own biases, I highly recommend giving "UNNATURAL" a read. You won't be disappointed.
Five stars all the way!
I must first and foremost thank and commend H.M. Duval for her creation of Penelope!
I recently had the pleasure of reading "UNNATURAL" by H.M Duval (Book 1 of the Dream Walker series), and I must say, it was a truly remarkable read. From the start, I was captivated by the story of Penelope, a strong and complex Black woman navigating a dystopian world.
Duval's ability to create a character that centers around a Black woman while not focusing on her race is a testament to her skill as a writer. "UNNATURAL" is a refreshing departure from traditional narratives, providing representation and depth to a character who is much more than just her ethnicity. She created a Black woman and GAVE her a story, but didn’t tell HER story, if that makes sense. This why I will always champion for non authors of color to include diverse main and side characters! This book is proof it can be done.
As someone who doesn't typically gravitate towards the dystopian romance genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Duval's storytelling is masterful, drawing you in from the first page and immersing you in a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.
Penelope's life as guard and protector of her family in Arberdon from the death of Unnaturals, is overshadowed by Ben, who holds power as one of the city's head protectors (we don’t like Ben, he’s a POS). Ben is well-liked and respected among the community making things even harder for her to escape him. However, Penelope's life takes an unexpected turn when she flees for family’s and her own safety, unintentionally embarking on a journey with an unnatural being named Abel, who is believed to be a threat to her existence. Right?
The enemies to lovers storyline between Penelope and an UNAT is a slow burn that adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Duval skillfully explores themes of biases and judgments.
Through their shared experiences and challenges, they begin to question the societal norms and expectations that have shaped their perceptions of each other. Making us look at our own ingrained beliefs and open ourselves up to the possibility of connection with those who are different from us.
One of the standout aspects of "UNNATURAL" is Duval's phenomenal writing. Her prose is exquisite, seamlessly transporting you into the story and making you feel as though you are living in this dystopian world alongside Penelope. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the story to life in a truly immersive way.
I was so enamored by "UNNATURAL" that I couldn't help but reach out to Duval for an ARC of the second book in the series. I'm thrilled to say that it's on its way, and I can hardly contain my excitement to continue Penelope's journey in UNTOUCHABLE (which releases Nov. 17th, 2023). Does Penelope follow through on her promise to Abel? Does he betray her? Does Ben find her? Is her family okay? Do they both survive the journey? I need to know!!
In conclusion, "UNNATURAL" is a powerful and diverse dystopian romance that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. H.M Duval's ability to create a captivating story while also providing representation is commendable. If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world and make you question your own biases, I highly recommend giving "UNNATURAL" a read. You won't be disappointed.
Five stars all the way!
February 27, 2023
A quest about escaping abuse and beginning to find oneself, this novel begins to setup what I expect will be an epic series. I am fascinated with all the mysteries and questions swirling around Abel and the new world Penelope is exploring.
October 7, 2023
DuVal has created such a well-rounded and beautifully original dystopian novel, unlike anything I have read before. I read a lot of science fiction and don't get me wrong-- I love me some vampire and wolven stories, but the world she has created is so unique and thought out. The characters and their world have so much depth, it's as if you have actually visited!
The story is 100% a slow burn; it is gripping and beautiful, it had me entranced in the seemingly monotonous travels while also being anything but. I have so many questions and I love how she left the reader wanting more... There seem to be so many loose ends but I know, with the way the authors brain works, everything has been laid out to perfection.
The main character, Pen, is relatable and courageous. She has so much grit and I love, love, love the interactions and moments with Abel. Abel is another amazing character that I just can't quite figure out but I'm loving their time together. I can barely wait to see where they are going and how they will get there.
And as much as I love Pen and Abel, their time together is the subplot to the action packed story of Pen and her adventures of escaping her world to save her family. DuVal's writing is so exquisite! She knows exactly what she's doing with this slow burn and I cannot fathom how she has all of this in her head!!
Can barely wait for Book 2!
The story is 100% a slow burn; it is gripping and beautiful, it had me entranced in the seemingly monotonous travels while also being anything but. I have so many questions and I love how she left the reader wanting more... There seem to be so many loose ends but I know, with the way the authors brain works, everything has been laid out to perfection.
The main character, Pen, is relatable and courageous. She has so much grit and I love, love, love the interactions and moments with Abel. Abel is another amazing character that I just can't quite figure out but I'm loving their time together. I can barely wait to see where they are going and how they will get there.
And as much as I love Pen and Abel, their time together is the subplot to the action packed story of Pen and her adventures of escaping her world to save her family. DuVal's writing is so exquisite! She knows exactly what she's doing with this slow burn and I cannot fathom how she has all of this in her head!!
Can barely wait for Book 2!
April 2, 2023
This book exceeded my expectation of a regular epic quest book. Her main character, Pen, meets what other books can lack, a real woman. As a female reader, I feel that sometimes books are generalizing and patronizing. But not this one. We see who she has had to become and who she wants to be but also, the very real struggles and pitfalls one would normally face in finding who they are. You never pity Pen, you connect with something in your own life and empathize and see her. And that in turn, makes you see you, better then you thought! Looking forward to the next in the series and can’t wait to see the continuing journey the author takes us on.
September 9, 2024
I can't wait to read the next book!!! I MUST know what happens to Pen and Able!!!
August 2, 2023
A wonderful fantasy story. I don't normally read dystopian books, but this was done so well it didn't overwhelm the story. I adored Penelope and Abel and cannot wait for book 2!
April 1, 2024
Do you know that the light within is calling you too? I sure do! It's time to pick up this book and get reading to go on a dystopian world adventure. Penelope is living in a world that is dark and destructive. She must save herself! During this journey she realizes that she carries a light within. She also finds a best friend in the strangest of places with a slow burn of attraction that is set between them. He helps her through obstacles that are life wrenching. This isn't even the best part of the story, it's when she realizes that she has more inside her than just to fight for her own survival but her true calling. Now, in the life you are living, what's your story calling you to be... In this story Penelope is headstrong, raising above every obstacle that comes her way. We have a lot to embrace from Penelope. Let me know if you read this story and how it helps you focus in on your light within at readmybook.net I dare you, Go READ! So, we can get to book-talking. Everyone has life obstacles to overcome but are you just living for survival or to live for more, just like Pen. Love N Light, EVERYONE! Happy Reading. :-)
August 20, 2025
Wow, how do even put into words how much I loved this book! I have always been a sucker for a dystopian novel, but this just went to the top of my list of favorites. You've got Pen', she has had a rough life, with danger and unwanted things that have happened to her, and you have Abel, an "unnatural". When you finally get the courage to run from the danger after you, you find that your ally is someone that you were taught to fear and hate, when in reality they are your protector and travel companion.
The push and pull between Pen and Abel is fantastically done, even with only her point of view, you get a sense of the things Abel is feeling and his conflict with what he knows is right, and what he truly wants. The chemistry is there, for most of the book, but if you are expecting anything more than connection, you won't find that in book one.
I've been sucked into this world, and I cannot wait to take the journey into the next book. If you are looking for a unique, dystopian novel that will keep you curious and wanting more, this debut novel from H.M. Duval is for you!
The push and pull between Pen and Abel is fantastically done, even with only her point of view, you get a sense of the things Abel is feeling and his conflict with what he knows is right, and what he truly wants. The chemistry is there, for most of the book, but if you are expecting anything more than connection, you won't find that in book one.
I've been sucked into this world, and I cannot wait to take the journey into the next book. If you are looking for a unique, dystopian novel that will keep you curious and wanting more, this debut novel from H.M. Duval is for you!
October 17, 2025
Don’t ever be afraid to try something new!
Here I am stepping out of my comfort zone, to not only read a new to me author, but to also read a genre that is also something I usually do not gravitate towards. But let me tell you HM killed it! The world she has created is like nothing I’ve ever read, she writes in such a visual way you can’t help to feel like you are there right along side Pen & Abel.
Pen’s life journey is filled with challenges that aren’t for the weak, they are physical, emotional and mental, and she shows her strength throughout it all.
This is the first book in this series and you are definitely left wondering what Pen is going to have to face next. But do not fear, the entire series is complete so you can get the answers you need with a simple click.
HM has written a mix of dystopian sci-fi and fantasy, that is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m so glad I stopped by her table and bought her books!
Here I am stepping out of my comfort zone, to not only read a new to me author, but to also read a genre that is also something I usually do not gravitate towards. But let me tell you HM killed it! The world she has created is like nothing I’ve ever read, she writes in such a visual way you can’t help to feel like you are there right along side Pen & Abel.
Pen’s life journey is filled with challenges that aren’t for the weak, they are physical, emotional and mental, and she shows her strength throughout it all.
This is the first book in this series and you are definitely left wondering what Pen is going to have to face next. But do not fear, the entire series is complete so you can get the answers you need with a simple click.
HM has written a mix of dystopian sci-fi and fantasy, that is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I’m so glad I stopped by her table and bought her books!
November 6, 2023
This book is the epitome of one finding themselves while facing every challenge imaginable. Penelope is a night shift guard who enlisted so that her father or sister didn't have to. Her fiance is her boss but also has a lot of power within their town, which really scares Pen. He becomes abusive and controlling to Pen which causes her to finally stick up for herself and face criminal charges. She decides to escape and run beyond the cities walls so not to endanger her family even more. Not knowing what she is getting into and facing creatures of the forest she embarks on her new journey. Along the way, she meets an Unnatural and their dynamic is what drew me into this story.
This story is so well written and really sucks you in. It's empowering to see a story about abuse and her overcoming her fears and doing something about it. I have never read anything like this and absolutely loved it. If you need a page-turner, you need to read this book. I can't wait to read book 2!
This story is so well written and really sucks you in. It's empowering to see a story about abuse and her overcoming her fears and doing something about it. I have never read anything like this and absolutely loved it. If you need a page-turner, you need to read this book. I can't wait to read book 2!
January 8, 2024
An intriguing mix of fantasy and dystopian science fiction.
To protect her family and herself Gate Guard Penelope "Pen" Kendall flees from the only home she knows into a forbidding wilderness in HM Duval's secondary world "Unnatural." There Pen develops an uneasy alliance with Abel, one of the Unnaturals Pen has been protecting the city from and taught to hate. As the two travel across the continent, Pen comes to realize she has the power to enter the dreams of others.
Solid pacing. Interesting Characters. Inventive World.
Five Stars.
To protect her family and herself Gate Guard Penelope "Pen" Kendall flees from the only home she knows into a forbidding wilderness in HM Duval's secondary world "Unnatural." There Pen develops an uneasy alliance with Abel, one of the Unnaturals Pen has been protecting the city from and taught to hate. As the two travel across the continent, Pen comes to realize she has the power to enter the dreams of others.
Solid pacing. Interesting Characters. Inventive World.
Five Stars.
November 5, 2024
This story had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. From the anxiety and panic I felt surrounding the abusive relationship and need to GET OUT to the slow acceptance and comfort in Pen & Abel’s companionship, just.. Bravo! ♥️
“I didn't have names for all the subtle, soft things I felt for Abel. Things that felt like a full breath on a fresh day. The tight squeeze of your belly right before you start to laugh from your soul. The vibrating, intimidating energy of looking down from a great height.”
“I didn't have names for all the subtle, soft things I felt for Abel. Things that felt like a full breath on a fresh day. The tight squeeze of your belly right before you start to laugh from your soul. The vibrating, intimidating energy of looking down from a great height.”
November 25, 2023
Unnatural was riveting from the start. I immediately felt drawn in and stayed compelled until the end. Duval’s writing is both captivating and beautiful. It reminded me a bit of the Mistborn trilogy. She wrote the hopeless feelings of entrapment and suffocation in an abusive relationship so realistically. The characters were complicated and I appreciated their depth as they sorted through the obstacles thrown in their path. I’m eager to see how the characters continue to grow in Untouchable.
May 31, 2024
Riveting
Oh, I am so in love with Pen & Abel! They have both been through so much & show such strength of character! Keeping each other at arms length because of taboos, etc. Argh, I can't wait to see what the future holds for them! If they will survive the perils of their world? Accomplish their goals? Finally, say to hell with everyone else & explore what could be between them? Ack!!! I'm so excited to read more!
Oh, I am so in love with Pen & Abel! They have both been through so much & show such strength of character! Keeping each other at arms length because of taboos, etc. Argh, I can't wait to see what the future holds for them! If they will survive the perils of their world? Accomplish their goals? Finally, say to hell with everyone else & explore what could be between them? Ack!!! I'm so excited to read more!
May 13, 2025
I was captivated from the beginning. as a person that has delt with conflicting emotions and how you can literally feel as if you are losing your mind it helped me really connect to Pen. I could not put this book down. I have just loaded and will be reading the second book. I must know how this story continues.
September 15, 2023
WOW! I was blown away by Duval's debut. She hands us an epic dystopian world but slow burns us through Penelope's somber, fearful turned bold journey with an unlikely guide. I can't say enough about her attention to detail and the ability she has to transport you to the fictional world she's created. I am a nut for continuity throughout stories and Duval does NOT miss a note. I sometimes struggle with fantasy novels or new worlds because of learning all of the new settings and creatures but she gives so much time to the world around that you can't help but visualize and learn it all. Her writing is patient and beautiful and for the reader to form a relationship with the work. The best part? This is book one in a SERIES that I can't wait to continue.
January 15, 2024
Dystopian romance
Enemies to lovers
Lovely book!
Enemies to lovers
Lovely book!
July 12, 2025
Great start to this series! I NEED MORE! Can't wait to dive in to the next one!
January 16, 2025
I do not even know where to start with this review except that being a person who does NOT read scifi books nor fantasy books, I ATE this book up!
When I wasn't sleeping, I was reading!
If I was to explain what this book was similar to, I would say Hunger Games mixed with Vikings mixed with a 1960s time of segregation and false political motives.
Pen and Abel have this forbidden romance that will have you giggling like a school girl in some parts, rooting for them to get passed the slow burn in others and emotionally connecting to them in the rest.
This book does leave on a cliffhanger of sorts so definitely start reading the 2nd book "Untouchable" after reading this one and get ready to have it all come together in the 3rd book (coming soon!)
When I wasn't sleeping, I was reading!
If I was to explain what this book was similar to, I would say Hunger Games mixed with Vikings mixed with a 1960s time of segregation and false political motives.
Pen and Abel have this forbidden romance that will have you giggling like a school girl in some parts, rooting for them to get passed the slow burn in others and emotionally connecting to them in the rest.
This book does leave on a cliffhanger of sorts so definitely start reading the 2nd book "Untouchable" after reading this one and get ready to have it all come together in the 3rd book (coming soon!)
July 20, 2023
Urban Fantasy lovers MUST read!
I recently had the pleasure of reading the debut novel Unnatural from the talented author H.M. Duval. The book captivated me from start to finish, with its thrilling adventure, slow burn love story, intricate mystery, and well-crafted characters. I found myself completely absorbed in the narrative, unable to put the book down. It is without hesitation that I recommend this exceptional piece of literature to any fellow urban fantasy/romance book-lovers. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this exciting series.
I recently had the pleasure of reading the debut novel Unnatural from the talented author H.M. Duval. The book captivated me from start to finish, with its thrilling adventure, slow burn love story, intricate mystery, and well-crafted characters. I found myself completely absorbed in the narrative, unable to put the book down. It is without hesitation that I recommend this exceptional piece of literature to any fellow urban fantasy/romance book-lovers. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this exciting series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews