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The Dream Dancers: Akashic Chronicles #8

The Witches of Scotland: The Dream Dancers: Akashic Chronicles Book 8

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THE LAST BOOKS IN THE WITCHES OF SCOTLAND SERIESCan The Witches of Scotland save humanity by stopping the Akashic records being destroyed?The explosive finale of this bestselling series.

220 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2024

725 people are currently reading
485 people want to read

About the author

Steven P. Aitchison

35 books355 followers
Steven Aitchison is an author of magick fantasy with his 9 book series The Witches of Scotland https://geni.us/hFD1N about astral projection, an energy magic system and Witches from the West end of Glasgow.

He has a degree in Psychology and has one of the longest running personal development blogs.

He loves a good conspiracy theory but more than that, he loves reading, writing and spending time in his own magickal worlds inside his head.

Sign up for his newsletter at https://www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/fiv... for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases or follow him on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for frequent updates.

Want to be part of the Witches of Scotland author group https://www.facebook.com/StevenAitchi...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 2 books6 followers
April 22, 2024
The Witches of Scotland - book 8
by Steven P Aitchison

⭐⭐

I have just completed the book series of The Witches of Scotland, and although the series started out fantastically, and the whole set had a really good storyline, I found that I was let down by the author the more I read.

✅ Great, likeable characters
✅ Can visualise the settings
✅ Full of positive quotes and mindfulness
✅ Good storyline from start to finish
✅ Makes you think
⛔ Short books that could have been condensed into 3 or 4 longer ones, instead of 8
⛔ Too much repetition
⛔ Incredibly slow in places
⛔ Too fast in places
⛔ A LOT of grammatical and typing errors right throughout the entire series
⛔ All book endings are rushed and don't appear to be thought through
⛔ The start of each book just jumps straight into action, without explanation - not good, unless you read the books back-to-back

I am sorry that I gave this book only 2 stars, but honestly, it has put me off reading any other series of books.

Do I recommend this series? Actually, yes, I do. If you're able to jump over all the negatives points I've made, it was actually a very good story. I am honestly glad they're over though
3 reviews
August 2, 2024
I just finished this entire series and i can honestly say it did not disappoint! Loved the characters and the entire premise of the series made me think about our universe, its energies and how we are all connected.
I am looking forward to the next series with the Witches of Scotland as i am TOTALLY invested with the charcters and where they all go next! Thank you Steven for a wonderfully crafted story.
Profile Image for Danielle.
34 reviews
May 29, 2024
And the story ends

The story overall was ok. There were some loose ends I had questions to. The ending was way too short. I felt there were a lot of fillers, and some parts rushed. There was almost no Scottish slang. I had expected to read "Dinnae fash" or maybe "Ah dinnae ken". Even expected to have David say Jessica was a bonny lass. Nope.

I have many questions about things that didn't get answered or were never talked about again. The overusage of "just now" drove me absolutely crazy. One book used this term 37 times! I searched them all for these two specific words and each book used these words over 15 times.

Overall, I'd rate the series a 3/5.

I'm glad to have finished the series.
Profile Image for Rori.c.
212 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2025
Unanswered Questions and a Rushed Ending

Book Eight of Steven Aitchison’s The Witches of Scotland series starts on shaky ground. We’re asked to believe that David’s parents who birthed him to be nearly as strong as he is, an elemental, and since he is destined for greatness, yet when they and others of significant power face Alicia, they fold almost instantly. It undermined their supposed strength and reinforced how far gone Alicia truly is... I had hoped her arc would be more pivotal, that she’d turn away from villainy and led the forces against Lord Fraser, a figure who better embodies patriarchal corruption. Instead, her pursuit ended in her just giving up and being left with no motivation a hollow and contradictory she’ll of her former self. It just two extremes that make it hard to believe as a reader.

Jessica continues to weigh the story down. Even in moments that should focus on David, like his discovery of the crystals, the final battle scenes, or when they find out about the Edinburgh Files (which she has already been working with eye roll on her lack of depth shining through once more). She manages to center it around herself and her ability for the dramatics, the energy vampire she is makes it difficult to enjoy scenes that should have belonged to David. By now, her character has become consistently insufferable.

“She would let whatever happened happen and took no part in the outcome…”

Alicia abandons her plan the moment Lord Fraser moves his forward at the Lake of Enlightenment, making the shift feel abrupt and unearned. Then, in the last 5% of the book, everything suddenly collides: storylines converge, characters align, and momentum spikes. While it was satisfying to finally see everyone on the same page, the sheer amount of story condensed into such a small portion of the book left little room for emotional connection.

Key questions remain frustratingly unanswered. David’s abandonment by his parents, for instance, is brushed aside with his newfound enlightenment and higher understanding. But the pain of being left behind for most of his life isn’t something most readers would simply “move past.” For me, that resolution felt incomplete, leaving a hole in the emotional payoff due to the lack of interaction between David and his parents.

The pacing also falters. The book struggled to balance swinging between long, distracting lists of study materials and spells to sudden bursts of chaotic, all-at-once action. While the ending does set up the next arc for a new series, I wish the journey had been more even along the way. Where the study materials and spells were a separate book or miniseries of stories of their creation that could be an additional book separate from the series. After investing so much into this world, I was left wanting more clarity, more resolution, and more depth than a few final chapters wrapping up this line of story. I feel this was a 3.6, but gave it a 4 as it leans more towards that territory with certain moments.
Profile Image for Lita.
2,545 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2024
This was a good series that binge read in three days. I actually blew through books 4-8 yesterday, finishing in the wee hours of this morning. I enjoyed it very much but wish it had been a boxed set as all of the books were 200 pages or less. This was a fairly quick read for me and it flowed well, grabbed my attention and had me rushing to get to the next book as I finished each one.

The series is one long story following three major characters and a handful of secondary characters. First there's David, a loser, college drop out who is aimless, but cocky. He lives with his aunt and has issues because he believes his parents abandoned him when he was 4. He discovers in the first book that he's a witch and a comes from a family witches. He has a lot of power but doesn't know how to use it. At his Glowing Ceremony, he finds out he's a level 7 elemental, which essentially means nothing to him because he doesn't know anything about it.

Second is Jessica, another elemental and powerful witch. She's selected too team up with David and mentor him.

Finally, and most importantly is Alicia. She is a powerful witch and one of the richest people in the world. She's extremely intelligent but has major anger issues stemming from an incident in her childhood when she was sexually abused. She pretty much hates men and wants to destroy something called the Akashic Records. She wants to destroy the patriarchy and restore power to all people. Yet, she is a control freak who relishes the power she has.

The world - In this author's world witches are known but powers aren't flaunted. Witches tend to keep a low profile. There are seven levels within this universe, each one containing life of it's own. The Akashic records are a library of sorts containing every thought and action ever perceived throughout all history in all of the known levels of the universe. Destroying them would wipe out all history and reduce all mankind on all levels to chaos. It's up to the witches to stop this from happening.

Throughout the books the story switches between the different characters as it flows ultimately coming together in an epic battle on level 7 where the Akashic records are at risk. This story was riveting at times and overall quite good. There is some romance, but it's more of a side thing that doesn't get much attention from the author. The reader is aware of sexual congress between characters but there isn't anything graphic or detailed. I would say probably PG and less than one would see on television. There are some typos but not enough to be distracting to the average person. As I said, I enjoyed it very much.
Profile Image for Peggy S Kuehl .
12 reviews
December 6, 2024
The Witches of Scotland: Akashic Chronicles is a spellbinding series that captures the imagination and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, I was utterly drawn into its world—a masterful blend of magic, history, and personal growth that left me turning pages late into the night.

The series weaves a rich tapestry of Scottish folklore with modern storytelling, creating a universe that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. The witches themselves are captivating—each with unique abilities and deeply personal journeys that kept me invested in their struggles and triumphs. The way the Akashic records are integrated into the narrative adds a layer of mystique and depth, turning the plot into something more profound than a simple fantasy.

What truly sets this series apart is its ability to balance action with introspection. The characters face not only external conflicts but also internal battles, and their growth over the series is both relatable and inspiring. Themes of power, legacy, and self-discovery resonate throughout, making the story not just an entertaining escape but also an emotionally fulfilling experience.

The prose is immersive, painting vivid landscapes of Scotland’s rugged beauty and its mystical undercurrents. It’s a love letter to the country’s culture and history, wrapped in the enchantment of a fantastical narrative.

If you’re looking for a series that combines compelling characters, intricate world-building, and a plot that grips you from the beginning, The Witches of Scotland: Akashic Chronicles is a must-read. I was enchanted from start to finish and can’t wait to revisit this world again.
Profile Image for Michelle Nash.
732 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2024
3 is the best I can do for the series overall.
4. 5 for the premise and plot
1 for a lot of issues.

There are 8 books in this series. Each were too short, so they should have been combined into 3 or 4 books at most.

The storyline was fantastic. I love the incorporation of real world issues/politics (ironically because normally I hate it), mindfulness, mingled with the magical realism. This is why I stayed with the series. Aitchison's former profession is very much present in this book and was a fascinating aspect that worked really well with the witch storyline.

There were many times that aspects of the story needed to be further developed. David, one of the main characters does mature in his magic but in my opinion, we don't see him actually mature he just learns stuff.

After 8 books, the ending was incredibly anticlimactic. The antagonist for 99% of the story is suddenly not and has a huge change of heart in 30 seconds.

There are many plot holes or things just left unexplained. Like one character in an earlier installment vanishes and then when that character shows up again, there's no explanation.

Aitchison needed a professional editor to help flesh out the series more. To slow the plot down in some places and move it along in others. There was way too much repetition to the point I got annoyed. It feels like all 8 books were a massive outline or bullet point plot points with a few details added in, without making sure it all worked together.
Profile Image for Aria.
5 reviews
May 22, 2024
I just finished book 8 of this series! I have been sooo invested in this series and it did not let me down. I found this series when I was in Scotland myself! It was so nice to be transported back to the lovely and vibrant Scotland I know and love! The storyline was phenomenal! I laughed, teared up, felt angry, got sad… it gave me all the emotions! I loved the series and have already recommended it to a few friends around me! I’m also very very excited for another book to come out!! I’ll be keeping my eye out for that!

However, I did feel at times the editing itself was rushed. There were parts of the book that jumped too far ahead, or cut altogether. I think it needed to be slowed down & just given another once or even twice over. I do have one more comment and that being that I felt the series was a little dragged out. Alicia didn’t need to go on for 8 books about destroying the Akashic records, and the battle could have also been earlier instead of being at the end of book 8. I got a little bored at times because of this. I also felt David & Jessica’s story was also a little dragged out. I felt it needed to all be shortened just a touch and maybe add in different plot lines to allow for some more character experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alex.
11 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2025
Sadly, I can't say that I enjoyed this book as much as the rest of the series. This book felt a bit rushed with little to no explanation for some of the big changes in the mindsets and powers of the primary and secondary character which brought a disconnect with the story.

Suddenly all the witches event those who should be limited to the 3-4th levels from their energy levels and the previous books explanation can go to the 7th plane like it is doors open day with no explained help or additional explanation.

This book also feels like a list of long winded incantations that bring little to nothing to the story (I would say at minimum 10) and it also takes the time to list all the 20 chapters of a magical book while only referencing 1 of them later in the book.

One of the list of incantation is a character putting protection spells on themselves and last for at least 1-2 pages of description with the protection spells not serving any purpose in the rest of the book.

All in all, in a book that is not really big from the start, this felt like filling space for the sake of it and as a reader I would have prefered something shorter but cleaner.
169 reviews
July 20, 2025
This series had some interesting elements. I liked how the author went into the history of witchcraft. They interwove that Wicca, Paganism, mythology, and RPG. The seven levels were also interesting.

There were problems. The author tried to introduce too many concepts, often forgetting them and dropping them all together. The majority of each book was filled with fluff and unneeded conversations. These elements did little to further the story.

The biggest problem was with the characters. They were all flat. They totally lacked depth. You could switch them around, and it wouldn't affect the storyline at all. They were hard to identify with. I didn't care if they lived or died. They acted in very unrealistic ways. For instance, if you possessed my daughter and tried to harm her, I wouldn't sip whisky with you a few weeks later.

If the author works on his character development, story flow, and endings, I think he can go on to be a good author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl Villebrun.
48 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2025
Excellent series of books!

When I first came upon Steven Aitchison's books it was the Edinburgh Files and I felt I'd entered a world I wasn't very familiar with as far as my favorite book genre. I became seriously addicted and read them all as fast as I could. It was like making a whole bunch of new and wildly special friends. Then I collected all of the Dream Dancer books and read them all. My only suggestion to new readers is to read the Dream Dancer Akashic Chronicles first. You'll have a better understanding of David and Jessica's connection and development as witches. Mr. Aitchison is a gifted writer and his creative writing lets you see everything in your minds eye that you read. Please keep these delightful books coming!
Profile Image for Irina Prokofieva.
173 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2024
An OK series. The ideas are good, the concepts about energy are good, but the execution is rather lazy. The books reads more like a non-fiction, or the outline/first draft of the novel because the author doesn’t bother to “show” you anything, it is more of a telling what happens. Dialogues, character development, building up suspense and tension - all almost non-existent.

I think the first few books in the series were much better. It seems to me the author just wanted to be done with the whole series and as a reader, I also couldn’t wait for the series to be over. I doubt I’d be reading any other works of this author.

Profile Image for Kacy Hill.
44 reviews
December 3, 2024
Fun, Enlightening Series

I really enjoyed all of these books. They were quick, exciting reads that promoted some self reflection in these terrible times ( I'm a U.S. citizen currently experiencing the future downfall of our democracy due to a corrupt patriarchy, which is very much the baseline in this book) This was a bit too close for comfort, given my particular, current political catastrophe, but much needed as well. Powerful lessons, encouraging experiences, and exciting story lines. Lovely adventure, and now I'm wanting to re- engage in researching and learning energy! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Nicolette.
3 reviews
June 7, 2025
I found the story line and the characters engaging. I listened to the book on Audible so I did not see the grammatical errors. The narrator was excellent.

However, I found the deeply rooted conspiracy theories off setting, especially the anti-vax discussion of the COVID and other vaccines. It seemed like the author wanted to preach about how science has manipulated us. While I agree in principle, I don’t think it is do black and white. There will always be forces of good and evil vying for power.

I listened to both of his series so I obviously was not that bothered. Nevertheless, the books would have been much better had they been less superficial and more complex.
Profile Image for Ria H.
102 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2024
Fascinating Series, Looking towards future developments

The Witches of Scotland is a must read. Even if you don’t like the idea of “magic” maybe think of the idea of energy. This series challenges you to look at possibilities & the growth of humanity.
If you do like/love the idea of magic/majick you will love this series & how it shows us the possibilities of the human plane evolving to its next highest level! All the signs seem to be there! Go read this series & let’s fill the Lake if Enlightenment!
1 review
March 13, 2025
Sensational

I have read all 8 of Stevens books the witches of Scotland, and as soon as I read one another one was downloaded, I think your books Steven are more than just a hint of your imagination, you might not know all about the universe, but I reckon that's a good interpretation of what could and probably does happen, although we'll never really know for sure...but I definitely recommend reading these and I can't wait for the Edinburgh files to come out...well done buddy.
Profile Image for Terry Polston.
815 reviews3 followers
June 5, 2025
I can see where this book would be enticing to some. It includes some spells and interesting chapter titles in books for witches While David and Jessica seem to have a lot of power and knowledge, their use of it in battle is slow. They used one spell and proof, the bad guy was vanquished. The final battle, if you can call it that, was boring. The series long bad guy turned to milquetoast. And then there's the question: What happened to the money and empire that was built? There is more adventure and excitement in a Duck Tales episode.
Profile Image for Angela Migliaccio.
49 reviews
July 30, 2025
Lianne Walker did a nice gob with narration.
This is my perspective on the full 8 Book Series:
It’s was a suuuuper slow start with the first (at least three) books; which did not include character development. I figured since I bought the collection, I might as well get through all of them .... eventually.
It was obvious that the author was a new write, so in keeping that in mind, it was not a bad story. It’s not a series I would re-listen/read, but enjoyed it overall.

PS: Terrance was by far my favorite character!! ;)
Profile Image for Holly Raver.
74 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2024
I loved everyone of these great books..With meeting David and following his journey of learning magic, to having met Jessica who ends up save him having evils people trying to kidnap him..To their journey of falling in love (though they didn’t know that at first) to going to the magical academy and learning more about the magic that is so much stronger than they thought…To so much more..If you want to find out how this all turns out you need to get the books,an adventure around every corner..
Profile Image for Linda Rout.
94 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2024
I have read the whole series now 8 books in total. Very good storyline good characters David and Jessica are the main characters with Aunt Gen and Terrance for major support as well as ours of course. I felt this was very enlightening and based on many current events happening right now in really time. Made me think a lot and start looking at things a bit differently. Give this series a try and maybe you also will feel the same way???
1 review
May 31, 2024
Meet the Witches of Scotland

The books were intriguing and suspenseful. I enjoyed the colorful characters and the plot to destroy the AkashIc Files.
The author described the mystic places of the seven planes with detail and let the reader enter the many settings the characters lived within. I really enjoyed the eight books and look forward to the next adventures of Jessica and David.
7 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2024
Love this Series!

This series is thought provoking from the beginning. Colorful characters, enchanting landscapes, humorous banter, and a bit of romance too!

An easy, engaging read, each story building on the last. The witchcraft elements are well thought out, and carry the vibrations if simple truths. Again, a thought provoking series!
278 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Good finale.

This Book 8 of The Witches of Scotland Akashic Chronicles brings to conclusion the path that David started in the first book - that of coming into his own as a strong and powerful witch while saving the Akashic records. It also sets the stage for future stories involving David and Jessica.
55 reviews
April 23, 2024
A Story of our times ...

A story of our times! It touches on a combination of fantasy, with a whole lot of truth! Thoughts I certainly believe in, and follow. I loved it! The characters, the ideas, the development.
I am excited to see this in a series! A most powerful way to help shift the consciousness of humanity!
25 reviews1 follower
Read
May 7, 2024
Great read but I'm disappointed (spoiler)

Story, characters, the whole thing was so good but I liked Alicia, I related to her. I thought, had everyone got their heads together, the A records could have been tweaked, not destroyed, but made to not allow and gender to be superior. Maybe we could have even avoided war! There could have been a better ending, in my opinion.
53 reviews
May 11, 2024
Great

I loved all the books but this book ended great. I was very curious what would happen to Alicia and the end for her was perfect. Being aparte of the Akashic Récords was perfect for her after she so hated men and wanted to destroy the Records. At least she finally found love in her heart and soul.
15 reviews
June 4, 2024
Be sure to check out who Steven P Aitchison, the Author really is! What a great man.

I loved reading all 8 books of the Witches of Scotland! I truly hate when a series ends, it is so good to know , Mr. Aitchison, that you never gave up on your dream of writing. It would have been sad to not have been able to take this incredible journey. I can't wait to see what come next !
Profile Image for Marty Swanston.
14 reviews
June 5, 2024
The series started off good, but too many books, hate this short stories format easily could have been condensed into three or four, you have to buy all eight books to get to a rushed ending, book eight just seemed pointless, the two main characters spent all that time training at the academy for 3 years in total for what. I've seen more fizz in a flat bottle of Irn Bru.
11 reviews
July 8, 2024
I read the whole Dream Dancer series. You need to understand,bit isn't a series. It's one novel randomly chopped up at weird points. None of the segments can stand alone.

The characters have potential. The plot was interesting enough to get me to come back, a little more resistant each time. I'm not sure David and Jessica, or Aunt Gen were interesting enough to make me return for another randomly fragmented book that is sold as a series. But I liked them, they deserve better treatment.

The author needs an editor, or at least a proof reader. Repetitive wording, trite cliches, and using six words where one will do, distract the reader from the story, "just now". Grammar, punctuation and capitalism all suffer from the lack of editing. There is an obvious disconnect between the Scottish language and what the author thinks Scots should sound like.

If you're going to make me buy 8 times to read one book, do the job. This poses no threat to "big book" series markets.
143 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
What an Adventure!

What a wonder ride reading these wonderful, amazing, vivid, adventurous books😀 I so enjoyed the characters and how well they were written. I loved the story that never got dull or stale...it just flowed...never forced.
A good time was had reading each book!
Thanks Steven P Aitchison for the adventure 😉
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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