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Based on a Dream #1
Treehugger
"Treehugger" is Book One of the "Based on a Dream" YA fantasy series.
For fourteen-year-old Chloe, planet hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a double life has its perks. Being Earth-born, however, simply bites. Chloe knows she will never fit in when high school starts; that's a given. It's not like she can reveal her true self and her unusual abilities on Earth anyway. She used to be okay with that, as long as her two best friends were part of her extraterrestrial life, understanding her the way nobody else could. That was before those friends vanished. That was before some jerk displayed her underwear on his head. Now two-thirds short of feeling whole, Chloe becomes an enemy to herself just as a terrifying nemesis threatens to resurface. Can she fight through weakened skills, fearsome flashbacks, and evolving relationships to meet her future head on? Does it really matter what world you're on when trying to find yourself?
For fourteen-year-old Chloe, planet hopping is a gift. Righting the wrongs of the multiverse on behalf of a mysterious life form is a privilege. Leading a double life has its perks. Being Earth-born, however, simply bites. Chloe knows she will never fit in when high school starts; that's a given. It's not like she can reveal her true self and her unusual abilities on Earth anyway. She used to be okay with that, as long as her two best friends were part of her extraterrestrial life, understanding her the way nobody else could. That was before those friends vanished. That was before some jerk displayed her underwear on his head. Now two-thirds short of feeling whole, Chloe becomes an enemy to herself just as a terrifying nemesis threatens to resurface. Can she fight through weakened skills, fearsome flashbacks, and evolving relationships to meet her future head on? Does it really matter what world you're on when trying to find yourself?
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Kea Alwang
6 books176 followersKea Alwang lives in New Jersey building worlds, reading, and indulging in severe caffeine and chocolate addictions. Her podcaster husband, film-obsessed son, book-munching daughter, and self-absorbed parakeet are among those who put up with her unnatural attachment to the keyboard. Despite creating characters who can’t wait to leave this planet, she actually loves the Earth, but wishes bullies and the word moist would just disappear.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 8, 2012
Chloe is the main character in this novel and not quite like the rest of humanity. She attends high school, but she feels like she is always on the outside looking in, not connected to the rest of her peers. She understands more than the average human and knows so much more about the universe. When she thinks about it, she doesn't know why she likes or helps the human race...leading to an intriguing story the reader may find hard to put down.
As far as science fiction goes, the author does not throw too much information at the reader. The reader will not be overly confused and will be able to follow the story without checking back too much. The author does use different terms that are exclusive to the book, they are not hard to pick up though. The reader will enjoy getting to know Chloe and her friends as they navigate the different issues the book explores. The events are relatively fast-paced, the reader will keep turning the pages to see what happens next. The author's way of writing is smooth and will keep the reader interested in the plot. This book is great for young adult/teen readers.
As far as science fiction goes, the author does not throw too much information at the reader. The reader will not be overly confused and will be able to follow the story without checking back too much. The author does use different terms that are exclusive to the book, they are not hard to pick up though. The reader will enjoy getting to know Chloe and her friends as they navigate the different issues the book explores. The events are relatively fast-paced, the reader will keep turning the pages to see what happens next. The author's way of writing is smooth and will keep the reader interested in the plot. This book is great for young adult/teen readers.
April 9, 2012
The beginning is really hard to get through and to be honest, if I wasn't reading to review it I probably would have given up. To be fair though, the author had to clear up the worlds and the characters and stuff in the beginning. I'm not saying this book was poorly written because the author was quite good at explaining things and the adventure was definitely there, it just takes a while to get there. I personally just had trouble getting through it-it just wasn't my cup of tea personally. This book did have its moments though, there were some interesting parts and I felt as though I could relate to Chloe when I was in high school (except for the whole I wasn't from another planet part). Don't expect this to be a quick and easy read-make sure you have the time to spend reading and understanding it.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading young adult science fiction and adventure stories.
*I received this book from the author*
I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading young adult science fiction and adventure stories.
*I received this book from the author*
February 21, 2012
I started out REALLY not liking this book and by the end,I loved it! I can't wait to read what's next for Chloe and her friends. So you are gonna need to hurry up that sequel, Ms. Alwang! Some of us are impatient. If you didn't make it past the first few chapter, like I was tempted to do, just hang in there!!
August 9, 2017
This is a coming of age story set into a scifi backdrop. It's a pretty good book. Well written and never boring, though the plotline is not the most exciting. Basically it's a story about a 14 year old girl struggling to deal with her place in the universe. She's a badass sort of space cop or maybe soldier is more apt, and yet is also a sometimes whiny, overly emotional teenage girl. Some might find the character annoying. I wouldn't go that far, but I wouldn't say I loved her either. Still, I enjoyed the book well enough. Don't know whether or not I'll go for the next one. Haven't decided yet.
April 26, 2012
Treehugger by Kea Alwang is basically about a specially chosen, planet traveling Earth girl named Chloe who is part of a group on a mission to protect the multiverse and spread the word that it exists. She however, struggles to fit in with people of her own species on Earth.
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The author's writing style was amazing. She seamlessly switched from present to past tense in a way that made it so easy to follow! I also love the characters and how the perspective changed. First we feel so bad for Chloe, beginning at the slumber party, to her depression. When the perspective changes, we can see how other people feel and how minuscule her problems really are. The author jumps write into the story, but gives the backround info in a way that does not sound listy and boring. Seeing the main character pick herself up both on Earth and Jacondor, and take control of her double life is amazing to read.
Kea Alwang also does a great job in making it interesting, but not confusing. Her creativity is astounding and yet I never struggled to understand what was happening. I also really liked how the antagonist of the story was introduced early, but the story didn't center around him. We get to see regular life on the planets and Chloe's struggles on Earth. And then, there is the foreshadows during the novel that make you wanting for more. I also enjoyed the fact that the protagonist had a history with the antagonist when she was very little. As the reader, the author finds a creative way to tell us what had happened the first time they met. The writing during this part was especially awesome too, how Chloe was transitioning from experiencing the regression as a seven year old, to reporting, to what her 14 year old self was feeling. (I won't elaborate because I don't want to give anything away;) )
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Everything was amazing, and the characters did not bother me at all. There were a lot of sub plots weaving within the greater plot which I thought was really cool. It has some humor, action and adventure. I strongly recommend everyone who likes this kind of stuff read this book, and even if you don't, you'll probably enjoy it anyway.
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The author's writing style was amazing. She seamlessly switched from present to past tense in a way that made it so easy to follow! I also love the characters and how the perspective changed. First we feel so bad for Chloe, beginning at the slumber party, to her depression. When the perspective changes, we can see how other people feel and how minuscule her problems really are. The author jumps write into the story, but gives the backround info in a way that does not sound listy and boring. Seeing the main character pick herself up both on Earth and Jacondor, and take control of her double life is amazing to read.
Kea Alwang also does a great job in making it interesting, but not confusing. Her creativity is astounding and yet I never struggled to understand what was happening. I also really liked how the antagonist of the story was introduced early, but the story didn't center around him. We get to see regular life on the planets and Chloe's struggles on Earth. And then, there is the foreshadows during the novel that make you wanting for more. I also enjoyed the fact that the protagonist had a history with the antagonist when she was very little. As the reader, the author finds a creative way to tell us what had happened the first time they met. The writing during this part was especially awesome too, how Chloe was transitioning from experiencing the regression as a seven year old, to reporting, to what her 14 year old self was feeling. (I won't elaborate because I don't want to give anything away;) )
Overall, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Everything was amazing, and the characters did not bother me at all. There were a lot of sub plots weaving within the greater plot which I thought was really cool. It has some humor, action and adventure. I strongly recommend everyone who likes this kind of stuff read this book, and even if you don't, you'll probably enjoy it anyway.
July 20, 2012
I am on pg 112. I am a speed-reader and can read a 500 page book in a week, easily. This book is 295 pages and I have been struggling through it for a week +. I like the cover, and the idea of the story, so I REALLY wanted to like this book. Really, I did. So far, this book is barely okay. My biggest problems with it are:
1) the use of the word, "wicked". Being a New Englander, I hear & use the word quite a bit. I just read a sentence, "I was too wicked tired" and my eyes screeched to a grinding halt. Really bothered me. And this was probably the 3rd time I've seen it. Your eyes are wicked tired. Done. Overcompensating with words for lack of a story line, perhaps? JUST MY OPINION! I got halfway through the book and I still don't understand where she is trying to go with the story.
2) To an extent, it feels like every 3rd or 4th word in some chapters is a nonsense, made up word. I mean, I get that we are talking planetary travel, and the author is trying to explain things that can't really happen & beings that don't really exist, but with that said...it makes for very hard & confusing reading....and I'm 29, not 15 like the book is targeted to.
I was planning on reading this with my daughter when she gets older, so I was pretty sad when in the first chapter the mean sleepover girls started making fun of a girl that Star describes as being autistic. Just the way the snotty girls were describing her & even Stars defense would (I think) make a person on the spectrum wicked insecure (see, THAT is how you use wicked!). My daughter being autistic, of COURSE it made me terrified for her future and these MEAN girls that she will for sure encounter [but that I wouldn't want to hand her a book that even had those insults directed at an autistic child].
I'll continue reading, but this one will deff not be one of my favorites, and I may hesitate to pass it on...at least not without a warning. I've stopped reading this book, it will go down as my first started & not finished book, ever. I'll pass it on & see what kind of review I get, maybe I'll try again someday :)
1) the use of the word, "wicked". Being a New Englander, I hear & use the word quite a bit. I just read a sentence, "I was too wicked tired" and my eyes screeched to a grinding halt. Really bothered me. And this was probably the 3rd time I've seen it. Your eyes are wicked tired. Done. Overcompensating with words for lack of a story line, perhaps? JUST MY OPINION! I got halfway through the book and I still don't understand where she is trying to go with the story.
2) To an extent, it feels like every 3rd or 4th word in some chapters is a nonsense, made up word. I mean, I get that we are talking planetary travel, and the author is trying to explain things that can't really happen & beings that don't really exist, but with that said...it makes for very hard & confusing reading....and I'm 29, not 15 like the book is targeted to.
I was planning on reading this with my daughter when she gets older, so I was pretty sad when in the first chapter the mean sleepover girls started making fun of a girl that Star describes as being autistic. Just the way the snotty girls were describing her & even Stars defense would (I think) make a person on the spectrum wicked insecure (see, THAT is how you use wicked!). My daughter being autistic, of COURSE it made me terrified for her future and these MEAN girls that she will for sure encounter [but that I wouldn't want to hand her a book that even had those insults directed at an autistic child].
I'll continue reading, but this one will deff not be one of my favorites, and I may hesitate to pass it on...at least not without a warning. I've stopped reading this book, it will go down as my first started & not finished book, ever. I'll pass it on & see what kind of review I get, maybe I'll try again someday :)
June 25, 2013
My Review: Treehugger is definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year! I was pretty excited to get a review copy of this one, and I'm super excited to say that it lived up to my expectations.
I'll start out with the characters! The main character, Chloe (aka Star of Earth) was most definitely my favorite. She was relate-able and different at the same time, she changed a whole lot throughout the book, and it was really easy to connect with her. CK!!! (one of Star's best friends) All I'll say is that I cannot wait to read more about him. I also loved Star's other friends on Jacondor. They were so diverse and different and awesome and fun to read about! Another character I'm dying to read more about is Niik.
I loved the world-building. It was incredible, and there were LOTS of worlds to build. I'm very impressed that I was able to picture them all pretty clearly. :) This book was mostly told from Star's point of view, but there were two or three chapters where it switched to another character. There wasn't anything obvious to indicate that the POV had switched, so it was confusing the first time it hap pend, but I really enjoyed it once I figured out what was going on.
Around page 50, this book pretty much glued itself to my hands. It was fast-paced and exciting, and there was always a lot going on. A lot happened in this book, but there's sooooo much more that could happen. I'm super excited for book two!
The only thing about this book that I didn't love was the first few chapters. This book took a lot of explaining to get started. It was interesting and definitely necessary, but it slowed down the beginning quite a bit. If you get the chance to read this book and find yourself bogged down by these chapters, don't give up! The rest of the book is more than worth it!
I'll start out with the characters! The main character, Chloe (aka Star of Earth) was most definitely my favorite. She was relate-able and different at the same time, she changed a whole lot throughout the book, and it was really easy to connect with her. CK!!! (one of Star's best friends) All I'll say is that I cannot wait to read more about him. I also loved Star's other friends on Jacondor. They were so diverse and different and awesome and fun to read about! Another character I'm dying to read more about is Niik.
I loved the world-building. It was incredible, and there were LOTS of worlds to build. I'm very impressed that I was able to picture them all pretty clearly. :) This book was mostly told from Star's point of view, but there were two or three chapters where it switched to another character. There wasn't anything obvious to indicate that the POV had switched, so it was confusing the first time it hap pend, but I really enjoyed it once I figured out what was going on.
Around page 50, this book pretty much glued itself to my hands. It was fast-paced and exciting, and there was always a lot going on. A lot happened in this book, but there's sooooo much more that could happen. I'm super excited for book two!
The only thing about this book that I didn't love was the first few chapters. This book took a lot of explaining to get started. It was interesting and definitely necessary, but it slowed down the beginning quite a bit. If you get the chance to read this book and find yourself bogged down by these chapters, don't give up! The rest of the book is more than worth it!
January 5, 2014
**Disclaimer: this author is the friend of a friend. However, I purchased my copy of this book and the sequel (Risktaker) off Amazon.com.
I love Chloe because I was that girl: brainy, nerdy, head-in-the-clouds, tortured by the mean girls. Never felt as if I belonged. Dreamed of a time and place where I was important and making a difference instead of struggling to be, if not accepted, then at least left alone by my peer group. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have a Star of Jacondra persona to morph into with the slam of my hand on a bracelet and a random timeline to another dimension of space and time.
This is a thought-provoking novel that draws you in slowly. If you're not a fantasy or sci-Fi fan, please don't judge this book too harshly. The characters develop over the course of the novel and series. The story is well paced and very well-edited. My only hang up in both books is the author's mistake of using "passed" for "past." This is self-publishing done right.
Ultimately, this book doesn't read like most YA novels. Sure, the main character is a teenager who is often impulsive and selfish but who is also loving and loyal and brave. I never get the "talked down to" feeling in this book the way I typically feel when reading other novels in the young adult genre. Honestly, I probably have passed by some great authors because I previously read so many crappy YA novels and started dismissing anything in the genre as a waste of time. Thankfully, this is NOT one of them. I'm grateful for my friend for recommending this author to me and that I actually bit the bullet and purchased the book. It's a great story. I can't wait for more in the series.
I love Chloe because I was that girl: brainy, nerdy, head-in-the-clouds, tortured by the mean girls. Never felt as if I belonged. Dreamed of a time and place where I was important and making a difference instead of struggling to be, if not accepted, then at least left alone by my peer group. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have a Star of Jacondra persona to morph into with the slam of my hand on a bracelet and a random timeline to another dimension of space and time.
This is a thought-provoking novel that draws you in slowly. If you're not a fantasy or sci-Fi fan, please don't judge this book too harshly. The characters develop over the course of the novel and series. The story is well paced and very well-edited. My only hang up in both books is the author's mistake of using "passed" for "past." This is self-publishing done right.
Ultimately, this book doesn't read like most YA novels. Sure, the main character is a teenager who is often impulsive and selfish but who is also loving and loyal and brave. I never get the "talked down to" feeling in this book the way I typically feel when reading other novels in the young adult genre. Honestly, I probably have passed by some great authors because I previously read so many crappy YA novels and started dismissing anything in the genre as a waste of time. Thankfully, this is NOT one of them. I'm grateful for my friend for recommending this author to me and that I actually bit the bullet and purchased the book. It's a great story. I can't wait for more in the series.
January 27, 2012
Treehugger by Kea Alwang is a sci-fi, fantasy type young adult adventure. The beginning few chapters kept me intrigued but a bit confused. As with most fantasy books or movies, it takes a bit to get used to the author's descriptions of worlds, characters, and language. Some of the names were difficult to figure out, but I think that added to the fantasy/sci-fi aspect of the story. It is futuristic in that there are multiple galaxies, worlds, humanoid and non-humanoid type creatures and more. As I read I got a nostalgic Star Wars type feeling for the ambiance of the different worlds.
I enjoyed reading of the strong relationship of the three main characters, but I felt that Chloe was a bit of a brat throughout most of the book. She had such a "poor me" type attitude that I got a bit fed up with her after a while. Her attitude makes her character more realistic and believable, so I'll forgive her for being a bit of a brat.
I think most fantasy and sci-fi fans will enjoy this book. Anyone who likes a good adventure will enjoy it as well. Chloe's struggles to fit in, her disappointment and frustration of missing her close friends, her determination to help when needed and her tenacity for getting in difficult situations makes her a believable character. I look forward to reading more by author Kea Alwang.
*I received a free kindle copy of this book for my review - for more info see my blog (and for a giveaway of this book!) ~ http://btweenprose.blogspot.com
I enjoyed reading of the strong relationship of the three main characters, but I felt that Chloe was a bit of a brat throughout most of the book. She had such a "poor me" type attitude that I got a bit fed up with her after a while. Her attitude makes her character more realistic and believable, so I'll forgive her for being a bit of a brat.
I think most fantasy and sci-fi fans will enjoy this book. Anyone who likes a good adventure will enjoy it as well. Chloe's struggles to fit in, her disappointment and frustration of missing her close friends, her determination to help when needed and her tenacity for getting in difficult situations makes her a believable character. I look forward to reading more by author Kea Alwang.
*I received a free kindle copy of this book for my review - for more info see my blog (and for a giveaway of this book!) ~ http://btweenprose.blogspot.com
April 4, 2012
a good relate-book for me, i think anyone who has been left behind or having trouble to fit in can definitely relate to this book..
chloe/star i think is a person anyone can relate to, i mean who among us didn't have trouble trying to fit in in a world you know you don't belong to. for example, when moving in to a new place, you have to start from scratch and make new friends again. you will feel helpless and alone if you know that others already made their stereotype about you based on what you look and what you can do. and chloe, on earth is a girl with kind of odd fashion sense and is able to do well on school where her "friends" are cool and popular. who didn't experience that in school?
i gave this book a 3star because of chloe's attitude. she has some inferiority complex because she knows that she doesn't belong to earth. she's somewhat a brat and feels sorry for herself most of the time. i think since she was able to accomplish many things at such a young age, she should be proud of herself and think of everyday on earth as a challenge and not as a burden.
i would definitely recommend this book to young readers and may this story inspire us that we are not alone in this world (even if at times we are)..
chloe/star i think is a person anyone can relate to, i mean who among us didn't have trouble trying to fit in in a world you know you don't belong to. for example, when moving in to a new place, you have to start from scratch and make new friends again. you will feel helpless and alone if you know that others already made their stereotype about you based on what you look and what you can do. and chloe, on earth is a girl with kind of odd fashion sense and is able to do well on school where her "friends" are cool and popular. who didn't experience that in school?
i gave this book a 3star because of chloe's attitude. she has some inferiority complex because she knows that she doesn't belong to earth. she's somewhat a brat and feels sorry for herself most of the time. i think since she was able to accomplish many things at such a young age, she should be proud of herself and think of everyday on earth as a challenge and not as a burden.
i would definitely recommend this book to young readers and may this story inspire us that we are not alone in this world (even if at times we are)..
November 19, 2015
The premise for this book was great. The Ethimarrow, the backstory to the Ethimarrow and Tarthimum, the Sentinals--it had potential.
The issues were difficult to move beyond, however. the first issue was that there were so many made up words in the beginning that it was hard for me to become interested. I ended up setting it aside for months. When I picked it back up, it took me days to get caught up on what little story there had been up to the point I put it down. Another problem was that suddenly, the POV changed from Star to CK. I felt that the speaker was still Star and that the story was continuing with Bettle. The CK I believed I had come to know was no where to be seen in the character at this point. There was another awkward POV shift where Lea was brought in, but thankfully we moved back to Star for the rest of the story.
There were many other awkward moments in the telling that caused me great exuberance when I realized I was nearly done.
The issues were difficult to move beyond, however. the first issue was that there were so many made up words in the beginning that it was hard for me to become interested. I ended up setting it aside for months. When I picked it back up, it took me days to get caught up on what little story there had been up to the point I put it down. Another problem was that suddenly, the POV changed from Star to CK. I felt that the speaker was still Star and that the story was continuing with Bettle. The CK I believed I had come to know was no where to be seen in the character at this point. There was another awkward POV shift where Lea was brought in, but thankfully we moved back to Star for the rest of the story.
There were many other awkward moments in the telling that caused me great exuberance when I realized I was nearly done.
March 15, 2012
I don't normally get into fantasy based novels; I have a hard time envisioning the author's thought up worlds and picturing complicated creatures. Not so with this story - in part because Kea Alwang chose to make Chloe (aka Star), an Earth-born, center of Treehugger - but mostly because her writing style is understandable and relatable.
I found myself flying through pages, wishing I had more than just 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there to devour Star's experiences. I can't wait for Book Two of the Based on a Dream series - I'll be reading it for sure!
Thank you Kea Alwang and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to win this book!
I found myself flying through pages, wishing I had more than just 15 minutes here and 20 minutes there to devour Star's experiences. I can't wait for Book Two of the Based on a Dream series - I'll be reading it for sure!
Thank you Kea Alwang and Goodreads for giving me the opportunity to win this book!
May 30, 2014
HEHEHE!
I refuse to write a long lengthy review on this one because then I will start speculating...
It was unique and descriptive and...I am headed straight to amazon to buy book two so I don't forget to read the second book in this series!
This is a YA Fantasy book for middle schoolers...and it was too much fun.
(Geez, I don't remember being this into fantasy as a middle schooler but obviously I am getting a thing NOW for YA fantasy)
This girl was so...I don't know. I just enjoyed this book and the characters and reading their struggles. The world came alive for me and I just have to know what happens next.
I refuse to write a long lengthy review on this one because then I will start speculating...
It was unique and descriptive and...I am headed straight to amazon to buy book two so I don't forget to read the second book in this series!
This is a YA Fantasy book for middle schoolers...and it was too much fun.
(Geez, I don't remember being this into fantasy as a middle schooler but obviously I am getting a thing NOW for YA fantasy)
This girl was so...I don't know. I just enjoyed this book and the characters and reading their struggles. The world came alive for me and I just have to know what happens next.
April 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit hard in the beginning when the author had to explain the different worlds and characters, but it stayed quite an enjoyable read throughout. I liked the idea of the three friends and the way we follow them on their voyage through the book. You certainly will enjoy this book if you like sci-fi and adventure books. If you are looking for an easy beach read, you might want to keep it in your library until you have the time to really concentrate on the story. Overall a nice book and a couple of hours well spent!
Note: I received this book from the author.
Note: I received this book from the author.
May 24, 2016
Not sure I like the whole "Kroter" plot, and the jumps betweens scenes/chapters/perspectives can be kind of confusing. Writing isn't so hot in some places, but I want to hear more about Niik, so I might read the second one.
February 23, 2012
I loved this book! It started of slow and the first few chapters took a while for me to read, but once I got into the story I really did enjoy it. I need a second book now.
February 5, 2014
I'm so sorry author. I just think it's awful......it's just not my type in books :/ I'm so sorry, but keep writing!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews