Among the Fallen: Restless Dreams

by Scott Beadle

This book is no longer in print or available, originally in was a beta version for testing the water so to speak. A new, fully completed version will be available in the Spring of 2014, called Among the Fallen: Sins of a God

374 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2012

About the author

I'm friendly enough, I get really grouchy and especially on certain things. If I'm grouchy trust me, it's not personal. There's normally a reason behind it that's probably not your fault, if it is your fault I'll quietly tell ya.

What do I do?

Much Stuff.... I actually get bored doing one thing, so I've got like multiple jobs, tasks, projects and hobbies. Different days, different amusements thats my theory. Amazingly having a brain that actually gets bored just sitting, is a curse of sorts, people interest me, their brains especially... i like stuff that makes me think.

Scott Beadle, Facebook profile

I have never judged anyone on anything they do... one mans poison is another mans fun, But when you step out of your own shoes and into someones mind for a just a few moments... you walk away with that little bit extra. I learn from peoples experiences other than my own, thats why we have voices after all.

Reviews

[Christina Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really angry with this book. I lost a lot of sleep because I just couldnt put it down! This book is incredibly fast paced for the most part and there are just no points that are a good place to put it down. Every end of a chapter will make you want to get straight into the next. This instalment takes the story of Alex and Blackwater to a whole other level.

Although I did really like the first book in the series, this one was far more enjoyable than Resurrection. I love Alex as a much tougher, darker character and less of the whiny spoilt child she was in the first. This book did have the gore slightly tone down in comparison to the first. There was still plenty of it there, dont worry it was just not every gory thing you can possibly think of all at once, in every scene which I felt like it was in the first. Different areas Alex visited were all completely different with their own macabre atmospheres.

This time focused a bit more on Alex's coming to terms with what she has become and growing up emotionally as well as getting a lot more powerful and bonding nicely with her awesome suit. There is also a lot more focus on the people of Blackwater and what they went through in their final days, which was absolutely gut wrenching and just horrifically sad in some parts.

I really cannot wait for the next instalment of this series. I really cant.

[Joanne Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review on Among the Fallen: Resurrection... Among the Fallen: Resurrection
... was glowing, the originality of the title was fresh, skillfully constructed and I was looking forward to Restless Dreams so much, that I tried to predict how Alex's story would unfold. One thing, I never expected the next chapter to be out so quickly. It was either pre-written or rushed out - but does Restless Dreams match it's predecessor?

Put simply ----- HELL YES! Part two is a lot longer, more in depth, better written and so unpredictable - it was a joy to read. The writers have taken a rather unique and brave move on this one. Books normally pick one view point, either narrated, told by the protagonist or told from a first or third person. Why? Because they are the rules to writing a good, readable book. Restless Dreams, however, switches from third person to Alex's narrative - it's seamless, divided by chapter and works surprisingly well - it breaks boredom incredibly effectively and helps build Alex's personality, keeping the fear but at the same time - developing her personality with impressive results.

Restless Dreams, fully takes advantage of the fact that "Resurrection" has pre-laid out the story - if you read this one without looking at the first, you'll be lost without a chance of rescue. Is it a fault? Well no, it says "part 2" clearly on the front, so why should the writers back-track? :0)

Restless Dreams is impressive on many levels. The imagination of these writers is way beyond the readers, it's like a sadistic teasing narrative, and believe me - it takes no prisoners at all.

Resurrection was about that, Alex accepting the mission, her murder, the task ect. Restless Dreams, concentrates on Alex's 'change to the Fallen' - it's very obvious from the start that she is one of them, it makes no effort at hiding that fact at all, which made me wonder what exactly it was hiding. Well, to be honest, it dont seem to be hiding anything, concealment is prob a better word for it. It is, like the first, a horrific page turner - concentrating on biblical elements and the development of her central core - the clever thing about Alex, is that she's very likable because her balance of personality is spot on. Like us, and unlike other story heroes/ heroines, she is flawed - there are aspects of her personality and history, that cast a shadow over her personality. In Restless Dreams, she does quite a lot of soul seeking - judging her own flaws as well as hardening to the horror around her.

There are a few very notable chapters in Restless Dreams. The Hospital/ Asylum chapters are the highlight of the book. The Fallen are totally ruthless at haunting Alex, and they do it well. Just when Alex and the reader gets a grip, the writer pull the carpet from under your feet and you fall down with a very painful thump. The Asylum chapters are some of the most atmospheric and chilling parts of any book and any story ever told. I cant give too much away, but what I can say, is that the Among the Fallen series has just got a hell of a lot stronger - and I have no doubt in my mind that this series is going to become very popular over time.

Is it better than Among the Fallen: Resurrection. It's good question. But it's also an unfair question - it's defiantly better writing, faster paced and does hand you some very thought provoking questions - its also the same story, so comparison is pretty pointless. They are both very very good - but where Resurrection has a special place in my heart through its originality - Restless Dreams beats it ten fold on imagination and pace. Its a very clever installment and holds up to the original flawlessly. If I had to choose between the two, Restless Dreams wins on content, action and atmosphere - but Resurrection definitely has a soft spot for me.

I really would love to see this series on the big screen, faithful but sticking to the source material, this book is made for film - I have no doubt in my mind - I can only imagine what it will be like. Among the Fallen is spreading fast around the web, I know a lot of people reading it and I haven't seen a single negative review as yet - but to be honest, its such a gripping story, I can't see anyone hating it - but saying that, it def aint for everyone. Well done boys, a brilliant story, fantastic series - can't wait for the next :0) 5 out of 5 (again!!!!!)

[Vanessa Budd-baker]

will update my review once finished, but enjoying the follow on so far! ;-)