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We all have a little Dragon inside of us, something that struggles to find solace.….

Dreamer is the first book in a series that portrays life as a mixture of fantasy and reality. The main character, Magic, flows between the worlds, often preferring one more than the other. Both of his lives are fraught with their own dangers. He must struggle with illness and alternatively with the life of a Great Red Dragon.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2013

347 people want to read

About the author

Patrick O'Scheen

8 books66 followers
Who is Patrick O’Scheen? I ask myself this often. A sailor, a chef, a writer…even I’m uncertain. I know that writing is more than an enterprise for me. It’s a calling. Books and stories touch lives like nothing else. So who is Patrick O’Scheen…read and find out.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
1,569 reviews1,244 followers
July 15, 2016
A fun fantasy for mature readers. This book mostly takes places in a gaming world in the land or Marithe. This book stars two main characters:
Sheen-who, in Marithe, is a captain of the guard for the king. A loyal soldier with strong morals and a hatred for dragon-kind.
and
Magic-a beautiful young man who befriends Sheen and we soon learn is a Crimson Dragon.
In real life, these two are best friends. Sheen is rich but is unable who desperately wants to help his best friend, who has a serious illness.

While we do get glimpses into the real world, most of the story takes place in the game world. This world is vividly portrayed. The author does a fantastic job with the setting. From the capitol city, the the cliff edge and the castle, with various characters, both hated and loved. We learn of Umbra, who is also a player of the game, but I wish I know more about the game, as a game. Is it virtual reality, MMO, etc. Who is real, vs NPC? As a gamer, these facts would have been nice. Regardless, I couldn't help but love the world described.

The characters are amazing. Each character in the story is strong in their own right. Some I liked, others I wanted to toss over a cliff. each very unique. I couldn't help but be drawn to Magic especially. It is so easy to be drawn to him, both in the game and 'reality.'

The jumping back and forth from the game and reality was a little too spontaneous for me. Especially since the names are the same in both worlds. So it sometimes took a couple sentences to figure out what happened. One thing I wish I saw more here, was the real life, again also relating to others in their lives, what was wrong with Magic, and the time correlation from the game to real life.

Other than that unfulfilled desire for the book, I deeply enjoyed it. The themes were well thought out, the story nicely written. the pace is consistent and strong until the last 50 pages or so worth and then it had me sitting straight up, going through each page, rapidly devouring the story in anticipation to how it will end This is a wonderful fantasy world, with heroes, villains, dragons, magic and more. I must stress, though, that this is NOT a young adult book. So to all you mature fantasy fans, don't miss this fun read!
1 review
February 4, 2013
I love the writing... The scenes and the characters are painted beautifully. The story is really moving. This isn't my normal genre, but I took a chance and was well rewarded. I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Kandy Scaramuzzo.
Author 2 books16 followers
April 10, 2013
Parallel Universes Running Simultaneously
First off, I must put out there that this book is not for young teens. It has way too many sexual references and innuendos. As far as I know the book is not advertised for young teens, but with the reference to gaming and dragons, it is sure to attract some of the younger set.
This is a story that has two stories running at the same time. One takes place in modern times and the other one runs simultaneously during the days of kings and dragons. The major player in the story is named Magic and he is dragon in one story and an invalid in the other one. His buddy in modern day life takes care of him and the same guy gives him nothing but grief in the alternate universe.
It is an interesting story line and told in a most unique way. The story bounces back and forth between now and the old days. I must admit I was a bit confused when the bouncing started; I am not used to this kind of storytelling. This would have been my problem, not the author’s. Once I got used to the system, the story flowed along nicely. The farther we got into the story the more pronounced the shifting was between the two stories. Towards the end of the story, the shifting was less pronounced, but I was able to follow the tale seamlessly.
Magic and his buddy go through many trials and tribulations on both sides of the story line. The most amazing thing is the way the author sends both of these tales into a very busy spiral. The story is totally unpredictable and the characters are most original and colorful. I really don’t want to spoil the story for those who haven’t read it, so I won’t give too many details. They travel their different flight patterns, but both end up at the same stopping point at the same time. It was impressive the way the author wrangled that to all to end the way it did.
I really liked the book, not only did it have dragons, it had sub dragons. I have never heard of the sub dragons before, but the author made the believable. It was interesting the way the author used the same names and paralleled them to each other. The story was actually left with an opening for a sequel. I’m hoping this will happen and the dragon will reappear. Like I said, I really like dragons.
I gave this book five stars out of five stars based on originality and storytelling. It is a book I will definitely recommend to others. I thank the author for sharing it with me.

1 review1 follower
February 24, 2013
A well thought out fantasy adventure with a surprising twist. The main characters are gamers who's virtual world often seems more real than life. There are two stories, two conflicts and a massive struggle of good versus evil.
The great red Dragon, Magic, must choose a path that might destroy his world or break a woman's heart.
Profile Image for Francis Guenette.
Author 11 books46 followers
May 11, 2013
Dreamer, Patrick O’Scheen’s first book in the Marithe series, is a marvellous read. The dual themes of love and fealty penetrate the relationships of lovers, friends, and families that have been created by necessity. Bonds are forged that bear no limit of species, gender, time or space.

Two main characters move back and forth from a “real” world where Scheen is a wealthy man who has never known the love of a friend. He has formed a strong relationship with Magic, a man whose health and strength are slowly seeping away. They enter a world of gaming that carries the reader right along with them into the fantasy land of Marithe. In this gaming world, Magic is a dragon who can shape shift to human form and Scheen is the faithful captain of the King’s guard.

Throughout the book, the author moves us effortlessly between these two worlds, as adventures of life and death play out in each. In Marithe, we encounter an evil sorceress, a great crimson dragon, lesser dragons called morgiths, kings, queens, and children (dragon, morgith, and human). All these characters weave their way into our thoughts and emotions. The author never allows us to fall into the trap of shallowly judging anyone’s actions as good or evil. As humans are challenged in their belief that all dragons are inherently evil, so too is the reader challenged in what they may deem the faults or missteps of the various characters. The reader is invited to become part of a constantly shifting and complex game where the stakes are high.

I have always been a sucker for a book with a dragon as a main character. Dreamer did not disappoint. The idea is original, the writing is smooth and clear, the characters appealing and well-drawn. A few reviewers have mentioned that this is not a book for teens due to sexual innuendo. I would argue that the author deftly handled most of the sex scenes by letting the readers use their imagination, and I suspect most teens have been exposed to much worse in any popular music video.


Profile Image for Amanda Fanger.
44 reviews6 followers
March 11, 2013
Once I got into reading Dreamer, it was irresistible. While the adult content of this book was a bit high for my liking, the overall concept of the story was amazing.

The characters were well-rounded with believable and realistic goals that were expertly woven together to create this vast tale. Every time I turned a page, another layer of complexity was added to intensify the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual storyline and the symbolism found between Magic and Scheen's life and the "game" which was a welcomed escape from the "real world" and its problems. The descriptions were perfect, not overpowering, but just enough detail to set my imagination in the right direction.

As a writer with several of my own fiction stories in the workes, Dreamer is a book that causes me to reevaluate the writing in my own manuscripts. Patrick O'Scheen is a masterful author and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Profile Image for Morgan.
Author 17 books56 followers
May 8, 2013
Dreamer by Patrick O'Scheen is an emotion-packed fantasy, operating on more than one level. The author's ability at world building transported me into an alternate universe, where dragons, wizards and royalty are commonplace, and anything is possible. At times, I couldn't tell what was real and what wasn't. Was the author himself part of the story? Maybe so, maybe not. In certain respects, all authors are anyway.
I recommend this book for fans of fantasy, or anyone who just wants to escape into a virtual world.

Patrick O'Scheen
4 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2013
Brilliantly fantastic....passion, depth, emotionally charged....this book is the first fantasy book I can recall ever reading...and Patrick O'Scheen has turned me into a major fan of fantasy writing...two worlds collide and new friendships everlasting are formed...life is given...and life is taken away...and anything that could possibly happen in between....a cleverly designed plot that carries you to the depth of your imagination to heights of your dreams...if you love fantasy this book is a must read...
Profile Image for Mona Rodriguez.
Author 1 book12 followers
August 20, 2014
Patrick O’Scheen pulls it off in Dreamer, using excellent word-imagery to make the world of dragons and morgiths and magic and sorcery surprisingly believable. He takes the reader on a journey that crisscrosses kingdoms and relationships with a mostly likeable cast of unlikely friends. Simultaneously, he tells two stories etched in two different time periods, using two of the same characters. Unique and enjoyable.
1 review
February 23, 2013
This genre is right up my alley. The one thing that drew me in, was the detail that the author provided. I could envision various scenes and items by his description alone. His writing "put" me in the world, something I enjoy very much experiencing. I for one, look forward to the next novel in this series.
Profile Image for Liz Estes.
9 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2013
This book was written with great attention to detail. Mr. O'Scheen gave awesome concepts. It's just hard to describe the attention and passion and just overall heart that was obviously put into the writing of this novel. Normally, I am not a fantasy reader, but I read 308 pages of fantasy today. I was consumed and absorbed in the sheer wonder of everything that was written.

Magic is a powerful character that at first you can't decide if you should fear or love. He is beautiful but fierce. His character makes you want to run and hide, but hug and give compassion.

Scheen is a brilliant soldier that the author leads into a powerful position that his life has so many twists and turns. The reader has to be very careful because if they're not it would be so easy to miss something and have to back track to see what happened that they may have missed.

Umbra is a beautiful and wonderful character that is caught in a turmoil of love, trust, and passion that leads through life with dignity and heart. She has a powerful personality that overcomes the reader. She knows her mind even when her heart is in a state of confusion over which way she could go.

The best advice I can give you is to read this book. I don't believe any review could give you a completely clear picture of what is contained in the pages of this book. All I can say is it is the best fantasy book I can ever remember finishing and I am looking forward to book 2, Seer, when it is released I will be one of first to purchase it..because now I just have to know.
Profile Image for Carrie Blair.
64 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2013
This book is a wonderful read. It is has a dual setting one of real life where two friends who find love in the friendship they both desire. One is sick and only wants the companionship that his roommate can offer. The scene is set in his friends home while they are playing video game.
The author seemlessly moves the story to the video game reality where both friends have a role in this video world. This world "magic is a great dragon who is able to shift into human form he is also looking for life and friendship.
This is an excellent first book for the series to come. I can't wait until the next book is out.
Profile Image for Sonia Brock.
Author 8 books25 followers
April 1, 2013
Review of Dreamer Chronicles of Marithe Book One

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

In the beginning I was a bit confused by the concept of reading parallel points of view. However, as the book progressed the purpose became more evident and I was hooked and I found myself devouring the pages. Dreamer is beautifully written with a unique vision and flow. Very reminiscent of the style of Michael Moorcock's The Last Emperor of Melnibone Chronicles. A true must read for the Science Fiction Fantasy (Dragon, Sword and Sorcerer) Fan!

Sonia Taylor Brock
Profile Image for Jennifer Reeves.
16 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2013
Absolutely loved it! The detail and the characters had me hooked! Once I got started it barely out it down. If I didn't have to shower and whatnot, I would've been held up in my room, where I like to read, all day. It took me a few days to get it read, but I enjoyed every minute. This book is fanfreakingtastic! Patrick O'Scheen is brilliant! I can't wait to get my hands in the next book, and continue the journey. I'm so hooked! Keep up the writing Patrick! Cause this bookworm needs more Marithe!! ^_^
Profile Image for Patrick.
Author 8 books66 followers
April 24, 2013
It's difficult to talk about your own work. This is Adult Fiction. Of course, I think you should read it! I hope you enjoy.
Profile Image for S. Policar.
Author 24 books135 followers
November 30, 2013

Dreamer follows Magic the Dream Ender and Scheen, whose first name I believe was Oliver, though that's only mentioned once in the entire book. The reader never learns Magic's real name. Even in the non game portions of the story he's simply known as Magic. The story tells the tale of two unlikely friends who play a game, though the kind of game is left to imagination of the reader. In the game, Scheen is a captain in the king of Marithe's guard, and Magic, well Magic is one of the few remaining great crimson dragons left in their world. Two unlikely friends both in game in the real world that suffer so many things side by side.In game there's a lot of battles, betrayal, trust issues, love, deception, and shocking revelations. In the real world, there's the enemy known as time itself.
This book will touch the reader in ways the good ones always do, and I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears at the end. I shared in the joy with Marabelle was introduced and Gabriel gave her not surprising full name. I have to wonder if Scheen caught onto it though. Then again, perhaps Scheen knows and it's way of repaying the debt he owes.
I found only one or two minor errors, but I'm not even sure if my copy of this is an ARC or not, I've had it since around the time the book released so I'll speak nothing more on them.
I would highly recommend this book to any lover of the fantasy genre, and even to lovers of game based books.
On a side note, I absolutely LOVED how Patrick incorporated the ancient dragon lore about names holding power into this story. It's a beloved lore cherished by many dragon lovers and one that seemed to have all been forgotten until now.
I look forward to reading Seer when I have the chance as well as any other adventures that come forth from Marithe.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws and will hold Magic in my memory and my heart for years to come.


5paws
cusreviews

Profile Image for Linda.
1,377 reviews
August 23, 2013
I've always loved dragons so I was really excited about reading a book about dragons and I wasn't disappointed....much. I won't get into details on what I didn't like, because that would spoil the ending, but I can say it happens to be about Magic who was my favorite character. Although I did understand the "why", I still held out for something else.

I loved how the book was about 2 people who escaped the harsh realities of life into a new world where there was magic, dragons, good vs. evil, kings and queens; where anything was possible. Real life was filled with pain, but then so was the fantasy world they escaped to. It was interesting how the story shifted from fantasy land Marithe back to reality. It was almost seemless, and maybe that was because most of the story did take place in Marithe. In both realities, Scheen is healthy and rich, but there were other differences from his real life to his fantasy life. Magic was his best friend in reality, but in Marithe, their relationship was filled with distrust, jealousy, and betrayals. In reality, Magic was seriously ill, yet in Marithe, he was healthy, but hated, mistrusted, and betrayed. Although physically superior to everyone else, his life was still filled with pain. I loved Magic and the injustice of his life in Marithe made me angry, but when you think about it, the same prejudices exist today. And the fact that the fantasy world mimicked life, although in varying degrees, made for some heartrending reading, but also a little hope in that at least some of those prejudices were addressed.
Profile Image for Hayley Guertin.
125 reviews13 followers
December 27, 2015
Patrick O'Scheen has a very particular was of writing his story. I have never read anything like this before, and never thought I would, let alone enjoy it, but Patrick pulled it off amazingly! This story is wonderfully written, the storyline is captivating, and emotional to some.

Dreamer is about Scheen, a wealthy man in the real world, and Magic, a man whose life is slowly decreasing. They enter a whole new game world where Scheen is the captain of the King's guard, and Magic is a human who can shape shift into a dragon. The stories intertwine with eachother perfectly.

The two things I liked most about the book is that it is a story combined with another story. I thought that was exceptionally clever and original, and I give props to Patrick for writing it and getting a good outcome. I also liked that he put himself in the book. I have been waiting for an author to do this, and I think it's pretty cool.

The ending of Dreamer was the saddest thing I have ever read. This book was extremely emotional, and brought you to tears in the end. I don't wait to give away the ending, but it was definitely not the ending I was expecting. This book was amazing, and all Fantasy readers should give it a shot. I have to give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Kelly Erickson.
Author 5 books18 followers
August 9, 2013
Dreamer is an amazing story of love and friendship that transcends worlds. I wasn’t sure at first when and where the story takes place but it was quickly evident that two stories were happening. One is a contemporary story of the love that two very different friends share through thick and thin. The other is an amazing tale of adventure and throughout it all themes of love and friendship so deep that they call themselves family. This is a fascinating book that will enchant younger readers who will identify with the fantasy tale and to older readers looking for a story with deeper themes. I highly recommend this book for all ages 11 and up. The violence in the story is lightly treated with the characters expressing regret and remorse, something not usually found in fantasy adventure stories. If I could, I would love to rate this book six stars. I love that this is a stand alone book, no cliffhanger ending. Still, I eagerly away the release of the next book in the series by this wonderful new author.
Profile Image for Zita Martin.
74 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2013
Review:

As I sit here and write this review, I cannot believe how this book ended. It surprised me on a roller coaster of emotions that I am reeling from the after effects that has me wondering what I missed. I will be reading this book over to see if a second reading will open my eyes to something I missed the first time.

I would call this book a creeper. It creped inside of me and did not let go.

I did not realize that it got under my skin. I was enjoying the smooth flow that was the words wrapping around me like a soft silk sheet. I did not feel the words turning from the silk sheet to a wicked snake that I could not get away from.

Even now, I feel the effects the book had on me with the smooth as silk words. I kept turning page after page wanting a snip of flavor that each page gave to me like a starving person.

Each piece of the story line drew me in more and more at every page.

No book has made me feel like this one did. Wrapped in silk one minute and the next was a King Cobra trying to squeeze me to death!

5 Stars.
Profile Image for E.M. MacCallum.
Author 9 books128 followers
January 16, 2015
O'Scheen doesn't skimp on painting Marithe and Salandra, the descriptions were amazing and easily transported me to Magic and Scheen's world. I'm a big fan on how O'Scheen reflected the real world and gaming world without it being redundant and I didn't have troubles differentiating between the two. I did misjudge a romance at first, but several chapters in I realized the intense need for friendship and I appreciated the evolution and patience O'Scheen conveyed here. There were a few moments where it was a little too melodramatic for me, but overall the writing exceeded my expectations. The book has it all from interesting dialogue, deep characters and an adventure I liked tagging along with. This is a great read for fantasy fans and adult gamers alike.
Profile Image for Anastacia Moore.
Author 6 books3 followers
July 7, 2013
Patrick O'Scheen's "Dreamer" is a masterful look into the lives of Magic, (who in real life is an invalid), and his caregiver and benefactor Scheen, who are immersed in the gamers world where Magic sheds the pain of his illness and lives the life of a man who is also a mighty dragon.

Patrick's characters are brought to life with such detail that you feel as if you are a part of the action taking place in this wonderful tale of kings, princesses, and dragons.

The story flows smoothly between the two worlds, and holds the interest of the reader throughout.

I highly recommend this book . . . BUY IT! It is a wonderful read, and there is more to come. I am anxious to see what Patrick O'Scheen has in store in the next installment!
Profile Image for Neil Orr.
Author 9 books8 followers
July 6, 2013
I recently finished reading a great book. The story was well thought out. You could feel the passion of the author, as well as the characters. The book is written in multiple POV's and actually has two stories within one. Normally, that would be a problem for me, but Patrick O'Scheen has done a great job of tying the two stories together, making fantasy and reality collide. However, the multiple points of view had me confused a couple of times, but it didn't take long for me to figure out who's point of view I was reading. All in all, Dreamer was one of the best books I've read since the last installment of the Landover series (Terry Brooks). I give Dreamer, by Patrick O'Scheen, 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,495 reviews11 followers
August 31, 2014
Dreamer by Patrick O'Scheen is in a class by itself. This book is not at all what I expected, having only read the blurb. Instead, it was so much more. The characters are strong and easy to love. Magic, although ill, is the strongest of all. In this book, O'Shceen takes us from the difficulties of Magic's illness and brings us happily into the gaming world of Dragons, Queens, Kings and numerous fantasy creatures. It was terrifically written, with mystery, suspense, battles, and of course, love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Susan.
760 reviews32 followers
May 14, 2013
Patrick pens "Dreamer" in an original, unique and complex plot revolving around gamers and two time frames..modern day and the days of dragons. I found the flow to be smooth once I got a hang of the shifting of times and the characters were so different and well almost believable. I was totally fascinated in this fantasy adventure and highly recommend it.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Wanda Phillips-Smith.
12 reviews118 followers
March 6, 2014
One terrific read! I read the second book first...but nonetheless think I will read it again just for the experience of the joy in reading it!
Profile Image for Sandra Love.
Author 11 books276 followers
September 8, 2013
Love this book. If you love fantasy, wizards. And dragon you have to read this. :-) patrick is a brilliant writer.
9 reviews20 followers
November 3, 2014
The author pulls you in and you feel the turmoil, the happiness, the heartbreak, the love, the conflict...great story...very well written...
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