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The Dreamwalker
Everyone loves a good mystery – and Sam Gardener is certainly one of those. Abruptly pulled from school years before, nobody has seen or heard from him since – until now. Returning to high school for his senior year, he is not the same friendly boy his classmates remember, and the rumors are flying. None, however, come close to the truth. The bearer of a strange and frightening supernatural ability, Sam strives to regain control of his life.
Along with some unlikely new friends with secrets of their own, Sam learns that his own mystery is only the tip of the iceberg in the quaint town of Witch Lake. With their help, he must learn the strength of his own gift, and lose the fear that comes with it. With their help, he can stand against the gathering darkness. Together, they can face the truth of Witch Lake, but alone? They will be lost beneath the surface, drowning in depths none could foresee.
Along with some unlikely new friends with secrets of their own, Sam learns that his own mystery is only the tip of the iceberg in the quaint town of Witch Lake. With their help, he must learn the strength of his own gift, and lose the fear that comes with it. With their help, he can stand against the gathering darkness. Together, they can face the truth of Witch Lake, but alone? They will be lost beneath the surface, drowning in depths none could foresee.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2013
59 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Bishop
4 books11 followersI have been writing since I was in first grade. Story telling has always been a huge part of my life, from staging elaborate story games for the neighborhood kids to world building with friends who also loved to write later in life.
I've tried my hand at as many different forms of writing as possible, including plays and scripts - even webcomics! My favorite, however, is always going to be books.
I've tried my hand at as many different forms of writing as possible, including plays and scripts - even webcomics! My favorite, however, is always going to be books.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 4, 2013
The Dreamwalker (The Witch Lake Chronicles)
Please note that, although I received a free copy as a routine Amazon promotion, this is a spontaneous and unbiased review of this book.
Sam Gardener is an enigma, born in Witch Lake but scarcely known by anyone but his mother. He's been home-schooled until now but has returned to high school for his senior year. The book begins with his first day back at school and understandably it's a tense day for him, particularly since the rumours about why he was pulled out of school are far less surprising than the truth. In a strange twist, he makes an unusual new friend whilst waiting to visit the school's guidance counsellor and this friend quickly becomes a huge part of his life, explaining some of the town's mysteries to him and helping him integrate himself further into the school. However, things are rarely what they seem in Witch Lake and it takes very little time before Sam is forced to reconsider how he views his new friends, his teachers and even himself.
This is a very engaging book and you are drawn into the action and become attached to the characters very quickly. The tension and the action escalates very quickly and, although you get a few chances to catch your breath, you're pulled along with the story from the start right up to the very surprising end. There are very few books that I'd consider to be compulsive reading, but this certainly was one for me. My only regret is that the book ended and that I'm going to have to wait until the next one comes out.
I can't really find anything that I could fault the book on and, as a result, I feel fully justified in giving it a full five star rating. It's a book that can be read by almost anyone of any age, although I'm sure that it's been aimed squarely at the Young Adult market. It's definitely a book you'll finish once you've started it, and I'm almost certain you'll enjoy it!
Please note that, although I received a free copy as a routine Amazon promotion, this is a spontaneous and unbiased review of this book.
Sam Gardener is an enigma, born in Witch Lake but scarcely known by anyone but his mother. He's been home-schooled until now but has returned to high school for his senior year. The book begins with his first day back at school and understandably it's a tense day for him, particularly since the rumours about why he was pulled out of school are far less surprising than the truth. In a strange twist, he makes an unusual new friend whilst waiting to visit the school's guidance counsellor and this friend quickly becomes a huge part of his life, explaining some of the town's mysteries to him and helping him integrate himself further into the school. However, things are rarely what they seem in Witch Lake and it takes very little time before Sam is forced to reconsider how he views his new friends, his teachers and even himself.
This is a very engaging book and you are drawn into the action and become attached to the characters very quickly. The tension and the action escalates very quickly and, although you get a few chances to catch your breath, you're pulled along with the story from the start right up to the very surprising end. There are very few books that I'd consider to be compulsive reading, but this certainly was one for me. My only regret is that the book ended and that I'm going to have to wait until the next one comes out.
I can't really find anything that I could fault the book on and, as a result, I feel fully justified in giving it a full five star rating. It's a book that can be read by almost anyone of any age, although I'm sure that it's been aimed squarely at the Young Adult market. It's definitely a book you'll finish once you've started it, and I'm almost certain you'll enjoy it!
February 22, 2017
The synopsis for this story had me intrigued right away. “Everyone loves a good mystery” is basically true, and I'm certainly one of them. This book didn't disappoint, and gave me a whole new outlook on the possibility of dreams. I was hoping for a good story, but it was even better than I expected.
This plot is simply fantastic- very original and creative. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll simply say that the idea behind this story is fascinating, and had my imagination spinning. The mystery and suspense presented was exciting and intriguing. The main characters were very interesting, all having their own secrets and problems. The side characters helped create a well rounded story, and gave it a sense of depth. The surprises that popped up were awesome, and the ending was completely unexpected, and left me wanting more.
The overall writing was good, although the writing style and I clashed a bit. Some parts seemed redundant, and slightly like repetitive filler, and there were some grammar issues. I did very much enjoy reading this book, though! The authors did a fantastic job of pulling me into Sam's world, showing what his life is like, living with the dangerous supernatural ability he has. Overall, I feel this is a solid four star mystery adventure. Definitely a book I'd recommend to any YA, supernatural, or paranormal fan.
*I was given an ebook copy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2013
Ok two reviews for the price of one:-
1.) The Quick Review - Great modern fantasy. Go read it.
2.) The Longer Review - This book makes you ask a question right from the start - Who, or what, is the Hero, Sam. It is question that keeps you glued from the beginning and, when answered, plunges you to into a journey of discovery which lets you learn with the hero and his bunch of unique friends.
The story is well written and paced and leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and the town of Witch Lake whose history weaves its way through the characters' lives.
The story ends with a shock and a great twist, and I can't wait for the next book in series.
1.) The Quick Review - Great modern fantasy. Go read it.
2.) The Longer Review - This book makes you ask a question right from the start - Who, or what, is the Hero, Sam. It is question that keeps you glued from the beginning and, when answered, plunges you to into a journey of discovery which lets you learn with the hero and his bunch of unique friends.
The story is well written and paced and leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and the town of Witch Lake whose history weaves its way through the characters' lives.
The story ends with a shock and a great twist, and I can't wait for the next book in series.
July 12, 2013
Ok. So I just finished this book ... after sitting on the couch for the last 30% reading because I just HAD to know what was going to happen ... which is always a good sign with me. I liked it. I really did.
The plot of the book is interesting and caught my attention from the very beginning. I like the main character and the friends that he made along the way. I would like to know more about them, in fact, so I'm hoping that in subsequent books in this series, we learn more about them. I'm pretty sure I held my breath through the very ending - hoping no one gets hurt, worrying about what's going to happen next. And the ending - not what I expected at all.
There's just one problem that I had with the book - the ending. Don't get me wrong, it was a good ending - like I said, not what I expected at all - but it just ... well ... ended. There was no real warning, minus the countdown my Kindle keeps at the bottom. I had more questions about the events of the evening, more I wanted to know about what happened that morning ... but then it was setting itself up for the second book in the series. It's kind of like when you watch the last episode of the season and then you have to wait around for the next season to begin again. Ugh. But I am very much looking forward to reading the next one. So, in my opinion, definitely worth the read.
By the way, for those keeping track, I did receive a free copy of this book with the promise that I would write a review on the book when I was done. Please don't hold that against my review, as I truly write what I think and feel on the story, never wanting to mislead anyone into reading something that I didn't enjoy myself.
The plot of the book is interesting and caught my attention from the very beginning. I like the main character and the friends that he made along the way. I would like to know more about them, in fact, so I'm hoping that in subsequent books in this series, we learn more about them. I'm pretty sure I held my breath through the very ending - hoping no one gets hurt, worrying about what's going to happen next. And the ending - not what I expected at all.
There's just one problem that I had with the book - the ending. Don't get me wrong, it was a good ending - like I said, not what I expected at all - but it just ... well ... ended. There was no real warning, minus the countdown my Kindle keeps at the bottom. I had more questions about the events of the evening, more I wanted to know about what happened that morning ... but then it was setting itself up for the second book in the series. It's kind of like when you watch the last episode of the season and then you have to wait around for the next season to begin again. Ugh. But I am very much looking forward to reading the next one. So, in my opinion, definitely worth the read.
By the way, for those keeping track, I did receive a free copy of this book with the promise that I would write a review on the book when I was done. Please don't hold that against my review, as I truly write what I think and feel on the story, never wanting to mislead anyone into reading something that I didn't enjoy myself.
July 27, 2013
You can also find this review at http://girlinthewoodsreviews.blogspot...
Detailed Review: First off, I thought this book was quite original and not too cliche like other books. But maybe what it lacked was a bit more pace. Overall though, the book fetched a quite high rating.
Sam Gardener has an ability he never wanted and thinks of it as a curse. When he returns to high school, he is changed. He is a loner and doesn't make the effort to make friends. Instead, he stays cut off from the real world. His only friends are the ghost of a long-dead witch and a werewolf. In order to uncover the mystery that is unfolding between two of his teachers, he explores his ability and ultimately finds him in dangerous situations.
Beware, the ending has a twist in it. And I really am curious to know how the two authors managed to pull off such an interesting story. It is truly well-written and well-planned but just needs a bit more excitement to really get the adrenaline pumping and heart racing. Overall, this is a good start for both authors. I would really love to see what they have in store for their next book!
Brief Review: I really thought this book was well-written and the story was really interesting and fascinating as well. If the authors could just make the story more exciting with more twists, I would be more than happy to give it a high rating. This is a must-read for fantasy, paranormal and mystery lovers!
Final Rating: 4.5/5 'Really Liked It!'
Detailed Review: First off, I thought this book was quite original and not too cliche like other books. But maybe what it lacked was a bit more pace. Overall though, the book fetched a quite high rating.
Sam Gardener has an ability he never wanted and thinks of it as a curse. When he returns to high school, he is changed. He is a loner and doesn't make the effort to make friends. Instead, he stays cut off from the real world. His only friends are the ghost of a long-dead witch and a werewolf. In order to uncover the mystery that is unfolding between two of his teachers, he explores his ability and ultimately finds him in dangerous situations.
Beware, the ending has a twist in it. And I really am curious to know how the two authors managed to pull off such an interesting story. It is truly well-written and well-planned but just needs a bit more excitement to really get the adrenaline pumping and heart racing. Overall, this is a good start for both authors. I would really love to see what they have in store for their next book!
Brief Review: I really thought this book was well-written and the story was really interesting and fascinating as well. If the authors could just make the story more exciting with more twists, I would be more than happy to give it a high rating. This is a must-read for fantasy, paranormal and mystery lovers!
Final Rating: 4.5/5 'Really Liked It!'
April 5, 2014
After disappearing for years, Sam returns to school for his senior year. However, he has not lost his unique ability, the ability to enter others’ dreams. He makes a new friend but finds out she is a supernatural being. However, this friend helps him to understand the mysteries that surround Witch Lake and the people who love there. This book manages to combine several genres into one cohesive whole, which impressed me a lot. I do not normally like many paranormal books, but this one engaged me from the outset. I found myself reading eagerly to see where the authors would take me next. The writing is quite good. I commend the authors for an original paranormal plot and storyline. The characterization is also well done. The ending left me, the reader, eager to read the next book in the series, as it was unexpected and not as totally satisfying as it could be. I enjoyed the method the authors used in the book, though I thought it would only make things harder to understand and follow. Not so. This is a pretty good book for those who enjoy paranormal mysteries, as both are here in abundance. In addition, there is a bit of horror mixed in to keep the reader engaged and wondering. I have not read anything like this or of the author before, but will look for something similar and by the author in the future. They have converted me to this paranormal type story big time. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
March 6, 2014
Let me start by saying: “I can’t wait for the next book to come out!” The Dreamwalker is a very intriguing book, not only for fans of the paranormal (such as myself) but also for people of all ages who are interested in a good adventure story. Although the characters are a strange mix of humans, ghosts, witches and werewolves, the story doesn’t follow the usual approach that we are all familiar with when it comes to stereotypes. The characters are beautifully portrayed and the dialogues have excellent punch lines. Once you start reading the book (I mean right from the first pages literally!) you will not be able to put it down.
March 10, 2014
He disappeared off the face of his social world when his dreams began threatening his life. Homeschooled and isolated from same age peers, he gets used to his own company.
The dreams haven't gone away, but he has learned a way to sleep without dreaming. So his mother makes him go back to school. The only thing worse than being the new kid, is being the weird kid that disappeared and came back.
Like most teenage boys, a girl catches his eye. All normal, until she walks through an object and he realizes she's a ghost. So his new start at normal isn't exactly going so well.
It just keeps getting better. He's sitting in class and notices a guy start to nod off. He tries hard not to fall asleep himself. That's the ultimate no-no. Oops, he did it again. He meets his new classmate in his dream. But this dream doesn't go the way he anticipated.
And thus the real adventure begins.
Loved this book from beginning to almost end. Why almost? Because now I'm hanging for far too long while I wait for the next book in the series.
The dreams haven't gone away, but he has learned a way to sleep without dreaming. So his mother makes him go back to school. The only thing worse than being the new kid, is being the weird kid that disappeared and came back.
Like most teenage boys, a girl catches his eye. All normal, until she walks through an object and he realizes she's a ghost. So his new start at normal isn't exactly going so well.
It just keeps getting better. He's sitting in class and notices a guy start to nod off. He tries hard not to fall asleep himself. That's the ultimate no-no. Oops, he did it again. He meets his new classmate in his dream. But this dream doesn't go the way he anticipated.
And thus the real adventure begins.
Loved this book from beginning to almost end. Why almost? Because now I'm hanging for far too long while I wait for the next book in the series.
August 20, 2016
I am not a huge fan of books about the supernatural, but I was caught up in Dreamwalker from the beginning. The book is about Sam, a young man who is just starting his senior year of high school, after having been home schooled for several years. His mom had taken him out of school because he 'saw things' in his dreams, only he didn't just see the scary things. The dreams morphed into real life, and Sam got physically hurt while asleep when he couldn't escape from the demons. Sam doesn't want to talk about his dreams at school because he thinks that his classmates will think he is crazy. He does make two friends, though one of them is a ghost. When Sam discovers that he can enter into the dream of others, he embarks on a quest to save one of his favorite teachers, with the help of his two friends.
Although I thought the book could have been a little more tightly written, the story line was captivating. Dreamwalker is a good choice for anyone who want an escape into a fantasy world. NOTE: I won this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.
Although I thought the book could have been a little more tightly written, the story line was captivating. Dreamwalker is a good choice for anyone who want an escape into a fantasy world. NOTE: I won this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review.
August 4, 2014
Sam is an ordinary teenager, just with a slightly more serious problem than the usual - when he falls asleep, he finds himself an unwilling participant other people's dreams and nightmares. The result has left him an outsider at school, behind on his school work, and worst of all, his parents' marriage has broken up.
I really like the concept here, and the characters are immensely appealing. However, I'm giving it a 3 star review because I think the pacing is very slow at the start. I can see this is the author's first novel, though, and think the next in the series will have both the imagination and the pace to make it a really compulsive read.
I really like the concept here, and the characters are immensely appealing. However, I'm giving it a 3 star review because I think the pacing is very slow at the start. I can see this is the author's first novel, though, and think the next in the series will have both the imagination and the pace to make it a really compulsive read.
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February 21, 2017
Check out my review here!
February 17, 2016
Some editing errors made it a little awkward to follow, but not the worst thing I've ever read
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews