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The Dhampyre Chronicles #1
Twisted Dreams
Born of a vampire father to a human mother, Elizabeth Bandores’ life was never going to be normal, so she can’t image why she thinks starting college will be any different.
Having grown up in the affluent Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and desperate to escape, she decides on the small college town of Sage Springs. With dreams of being a writer, she joins the college newspaper and is introduced to blond, confident Flynn Matthews, Sage Springs’ rising swim star.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. Dark-haired, leather-jacketed Riley is rude, with an air of danger. Elizabeth can’t help but notice him. And when an accident thrusts them together, she discovers he’s noticed her, too.
Sage Springs isn’t the quiet little town Elizabeth had hoped for. The forests bordering the town harbour a dark secret—one some of the residents have been trying to protect, and the leaders of the carnival have set in their sights...
Having grown up in the affluent Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and desperate to escape, she decides on the small college town of Sage Springs. With dreams of being a writer, she joins the college newspaper and is introduced to blond, confident Flynn Matthews, Sage Springs’ rising swim star.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. Dark-haired, leather-jacketed Riley is rude, with an air of danger. Elizabeth can’t help but notice him. And when an accident thrusts them together, she discovers he’s noticed her, too.
Sage Springs isn’t the quiet little town Elizabeth had hoped for. The forests bordering the town harbour a dark secret—one some of the residents have been trying to protect, and the leaders of the carnival have set in their sights...
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2014
13 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Farrar
138 books1,097 followersMarissa Farrar is a multi-published romance and fantasy author. She was born in Devon, England, loves to travel and has lived in both Australia and Spain. She now resides in the countryside with her husband, three children, a crazy Spanish dog, two rescue cats and six hens. She has a degree in Zoology, but her true love has always been writing.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
Marissa is the author of sixteen novels, including the dark vampire ‘Serenity’ series. Her short stories have been accepted for a number of anthologies including, Their Dark Masters, Red Skies Press, Masters of Horror: Damned If You Don’t, Triskaideka Books; and 2013: The Aftermath, Pill Hill Press.
If you want to know more about Marissa, then please visit her website at www.marissa-farrar.blogspot.com. You can also find her at her facebook page, www.facebook.com/marissa.farrar.author or follow her on twitter @marissafarrar.
She loves to hear from readers and can be emailed at marissafarrar@hotmail.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 6, 2014
#ComingOfAge #Paranormal #Romance #MysterySupense #MatureYoungAdult #Fantasy
I really want to love this one…. When I read that the main character, Elizabeth a.k.a. Beth, is a dhampyre, born of a human mother to a vampire father, I’m sold! And I did end up liking it, just not loving it.
The story started with Beth opting to attend college away from the big city and her parents, to a small town with a small college on Sage Springs. First thing she noticed when she got there was a carnival setting up. It is there that she met leather clad, dark haired, Riley, who runs the waltzer on said carnival. And for some reason, Beth was instantly drawn to him. And, when an accident brought them together, she learned that Riley has also noticed her too.
Then there's Flynn, the school hottie and star swimmer, who has also shown interest with Beth and insistently warns her against Riley.
Beth also found out that Sage Spring isn’t the quite little town that she was hoping for when she noticed something strange was going on… In other words, there’s a whole lot of mystery surrounding Sage Spring and Beth is caught in the middle of it all.
This book is off to a good start! It is fast paced and is full of mystery. But lets just say, it has its high moments and some low ones.
To mention some of the high moments : the mystery really had me all intrigued, the twists that totally took me by surprise and the suspense was just as intense. These parts completely had my attention. The world building wasn’t too bad either.
Now to the low ones… I couldn’t grasp Riley and Beth’s connection. Ugh. Maybe cause it’s a short read and there wasn’t much build up on the relationship, and I’m left with not much impression with Riley’s character. Not that I was taken with Beth’s character either and this is written on her sole POV. She come out smart one minute and not so smart the next, or maybe I’ll interpret it as her being so innocent? I also didn't like or get Flynn, specially when he calls Riley a "carni people”. Come to think of it, all of the characters involved in this story acts weird.
With a town that is supposedly concerned in keeping and protecting their secret, it seems that job was left to a handful of students! Where are the rest of the towns people?
If only maybe it concentrated more on character growth and the plot line and not rush the romance angle? Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ending on the part where the story somehow came together.
Another good thing, there are no cliffhangers. Which only leaves me to wonder what the sequel is gonna be about. ;)
I really want to love this one…. When I read that the main character, Elizabeth a.k.a. Beth, is a dhampyre, born of a human mother to a vampire father, I’m sold! And I did end up liking it, just not loving it.
The story started with Beth opting to attend college away from the big city and her parents, to a small town with a small college on Sage Springs. First thing she noticed when she got there was a carnival setting up. It is there that she met leather clad, dark haired, Riley, who runs the waltzer on said carnival. And for some reason, Beth was instantly drawn to him. And, when an accident brought them together, she learned that Riley has also noticed her too.
Then there's Flynn, the school hottie and star swimmer, who has also shown interest with Beth and insistently warns her against Riley.
Beth also found out that Sage Spring isn’t the quite little town that she was hoping for when she noticed something strange was going on… In other words, there’s a whole lot of mystery surrounding Sage Spring and Beth is caught in the middle of it all.
This book is off to a good start! It is fast paced and is full of mystery. But lets just say, it has its high moments and some low ones.
To mention some of the high moments : the mystery really had me all intrigued, the twists that totally took me by surprise and the suspense was just as intense. These parts completely had my attention. The world building wasn’t too bad either.
Now to the low ones… I couldn’t grasp Riley and Beth’s connection. Ugh. Maybe cause it’s a short read and there wasn’t much build up on the relationship, and I’m left with not much impression with Riley’s character. Not that I was taken with Beth’s character either and this is written on her sole POV. She come out smart one minute and not so smart the next, or maybe I’ll interpret it as her being so innocent? I also didn't like or get Flynn, specially when he calls Riley a "carni people”. Come to think of it, all of the characters involved in this story acts weird.
With a town that is supposedly concerned in keeping and protecting their secret, it seems that job was left to a handful of students! Where are the rest of the towns people?
If only maybe it concentrated more on character growth and the plot line and not rush the romance angle? Nonetheless, I enjoyed the ending on the part where the story somehow came together.
Another good thing, there are no cliffhangers. Which only leaves me to wonder what the sequel is gonna be about. ;)
Copy provided by publisher through Netgalley.
October 22, 2015
**An eARC was provided in exchange of an honest review**
When I first opened this book and started reading it, I was immediately hooked. Everything that makes a good book great was there. Mystery, action, a fast pace and a hot hero.
This book is about Beth, a dhampyre, half human-half vampire, who is for the first time moving out of the protective shadow of her parents to live on her own. Sage Springs seems like the perfect place to her, it's small and quiet and what's the worst that could happen to a college student there? But when she arrives, Beth immediately notices that something is going on in this little town, and that it might not be as quiet and safe as she thought.
I loved this book when I read the first chapters. I was devouring it and couldn't put it down. The mystery was great, it kept me on my toes and made me guess, only to turn around and throw something I hadn't seen coming, at me. This book is short, and the pace was very fast. There was a lot of stuff happening in these 200 something pages, and while in the beginning it was great and I loved it, when I hit around 50% mark, it was becoming clear to me that too much was happening and very little was explained.
The first thing that got to me was Beth's relationship with Riley. I loved the guy, which is to be expected since he was a jerk and an alpha male and I can't help but fall for guys like him in books, but while all of that was great and resulted in some steamy and hot encounters, I didn't feel his relationship with Beth. It didn't feel real enough for me. Like I mentioned before, this book is short and fast paced, and for them to fall in love soon after we hit the 50% mark felt forced and unreal and too cheesy.
There were other important things that should've been developed more too. Take the witches and vampires and dhampyres for example. I would've loved some background information on all of them, how they came to be, what they do, their communities, or anything about them at all. Instead, we're expected to know all there is to know about these races.
Nonetheless, this book was an easy and fast read that I have to say is one I enjoyed. While it's not one that I loved and will re-read one day, it still is one book that I had fun reading.
When I first opened this book and started reading it, I was immediately hooked. Everything that makes a good book great was there. Mystery, action, a fast pace and a hot hero.
This book is about Beth, a dhampyre, half human-half vampire, who is for the first time moving out of the protective shadow of her parents to live on her own. Sage Springs seems like the perfect place to her, it's small and quiet and what's the worst that could happen to a college student there? But when she arrives, Beth immediately notices that something is going on in this little town, and that it might not be as quiet and safe as she thought.
I loved this book when I read the first chapters. I was devouring it and couldn't put it down. The mystery was great, it kept me on my toes and made me guess, only to turn around and throw something I hadn't seen coming, at me. This book is short, and the pace was very fast. There was a lot of stuff happening in these 200 something pages, and while in the beginning it was great and I loved it, when I hit around 50% mark, it was becoming clear to me that too much was happening and very little was explained.
The first thing that got to me was Beth's relationship with Riley. I loved the guy, which is to be expected since he was a jerk and an alpha male and I can't help but fall for guys like him in books, but while all of that was great and resulted in some steamy and hot encounters, I didn't feel his relationship with Beth. It didn't feel real enough for me. Like I mentioned before, this book is short and fast paced, and for them to fall in love soon after we hit the 50% mark felt forced and unreal and too cheesy.
There were other important things that should've been developed more too. Take the witches and vampires and dhampyres for example. I would've loved some background information on all of them, how they came to be, what they do, their communities, or anything about them at all. Instead, we're expected to know all there is to know about these races.
Nonetheless, this book was an easy and fast read that I have to say is one I enjoyed. While it's not one that I loved and will re-read one day, it still is one book that I had fun reading.
December 30, 2014
My thoughts:
I read the synopsis on Netgalley and thought it sounded pretty interesting and promising and was excited when I got approved for this book.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/twis...
I read the synopsis on Netgalley and thought it sounded pretty interesting and promising and was excited when I got approved for this book.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/twis...
January 6, 2015
ARC generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Elisabeth Bandores' life has never been normal, nor would it ever be. Elisabeth is half vampire, born to a human mother and a vampire father. Elisabeth desires a place where no one knows or suspects her secrets, somewhere where she can just blend in and be noticed by no one. So she moves across the country to the small town of Sage Springs to start college.
Elisabeth dreams of being a writer and has secured a position on the campus paper. Her first assignment, interview the campus swiming star Flynn Matthews. It seems at first this could be everything she has been wanting and she may actually get what she wants.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. There is just something about this boy that calls to Elisabeth. But now her "visions" are coming on full force and she is seeing things she can't explain and raise a lot of questions about her new school mates, the carnival crowd, and the town itself. Sage Springs is not what it appears and Elisabeth is about to find out what its secret is and find she is in danger, the only question is, From Who?
Okay I will admit that I am a sucker for a vampire story, don't know what it is but they just attract me. However this story isn't so much a vampire story. It is more a girl finding out who she is and what she is capable of, learning who to trust and who to question.
There are a few twists in the story, which I won't give away so nothing gets spoiled, and we are left till the very end wondering who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I will say that when Ms. Farrar tries to suggest a main character is not who he seems she had me at the beginning but I quickly figured out the twist. My only complaint with the story was that the end just seemed to wrap up very quickly and boom HEA. It was all just a little to neat and tidy for me.
3.5 Stars
Elisabeth Bandores' life has never been normal, nor would it ever be. Elisabeth is half vampire, born to a human mother and a vampire father. Elisabeth desires a place where no one knows or suspects her secrets, somewhere where she can just blend in and be noticed by no one. So she moves across the country to the small town of Sage Springs to start college.
Elisabeth dreams of being a writer and has secured a position on the campus paper. Her first assignment, interview the campus swiming star Flynn Matthews. It seems at first this could be everything she has been wanting and she may actually get what she wants.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. There is just something about this boy that calls to Elisabeth. But now her "visions" are coming on full force and she is seeing things she can't explain and raise a lot of questions about her new school mates, the carnival crowd, and the town itself. Sage Springs is not what it appears and Elisabeth is about to find out what its secret is and find she is in danger, the only question is, From Who?
Okay I will admit that I am a sucker for a vampire story, don't know what it is but they just attract me. However this story isn't so much a vampire story. It is more a girl finding out who she is and what she is capable of, learning who to trust and who to question.
There are a few twists in the story, which I won't give away so nothing gets spoiled, and we are left till the very end wondering who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I will say that when Ms. Farrar tries to suggest a main character is not who he seems she had me at the beginning but I quickly figured out the twist. My only complaint with the story was that the end just seemed to wrap up very quickly and boom HEA. It was all just a little to neat and tidy for me.
March 20, 2015
Book description:
Born of a vampire father to a human mother, Elizabeth Bandores’ life was never going to be normal, so she can’t image why she thinks starting college will be any different.
Having grown up in the affluent Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and desperate to escape, she decides on the small college town of Sage Springs. With dreams of being a writer, she joins the college newspaper and is introduced to blond, confident Flynn Matthews, Sage Springs’ rising swim star.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. Dark-haired, leather-jacketed Riley is rude, with an air of danger. Elizabeth can’t help but notice him. And when an accident thrusts them together, she discovers he’s noticed her, too.
Sage Springs isn’t the quiet little town Elizabeth had hoped for. The forests bordering the town harbour a dark secret—one some of the residents have been trying to protect, and the leaders of the carnival have set in their sights...
Review:
Twisted Dreams is the first Marissa Farrar I have read and it was a good break from some of the faster paced books I have read lately. I enjoyed the basic idea of young girl, vampire father & human mother, hoping to attend college in a smaller area to have as normal of a life as possible. She (Elizabeth) seems to not get a good start off at normal from the beginning through by showing some of her more than human side.
I wish the story had me action or something more than basic info. (Who, where, description) at the beginning because it was a little hard to get interested in. I ultimately liked the story with it's mysterious characters and Riley added so,e spark at least to the otherwise "normal" characters.
There were a few mysterious twists and I really appreciated no drawn out cliff hangers. I was provided this book for the purpose of providing an honest review / opinion of.
Born of a vampire father to a human mother, Elizabeth Bandores’ life was never going to be normal, so she can’t image why she thinks starting college will be any different.
Having grown up in the affluent Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and desperate to escape, she decides on the small college town of Sage Springs. With dreams of being a writer, she joins the college newspaper and is introduced to blond, confident Flynn Matthews, Sage Springs’ rising swim star.
But a carnival has set up in the small town, and the boy running the Waltzer catches her eye. Dark-haired, leather-jacketed Riley is rude, with an air of danger. Elizabeth can’t help but notice him. And when an accident thrusts them together, she discovers he’s noticed her, too.
Sage Springs isn’t the quiet little town Elizabeth had hoped for. The forests bordering the town harbour a dark secret—one some of the residents have been trying to protect, and the leaders of the carnival have set in their sights...
Review:
Twisted Dreams is the first Marissa Farrar I have read and it was a good break from some of the faster paced books I have read lately. I enjoyed the basic idea of young girl, vampire father & human mother, hoping to attend college in a smaller area to have as normal of a life as possible. She (Elizabeth) seems to not get a good start off at normal from the beginning through by showing some of her more than human side.
I wish the story had me action or something more than basic info. (Who, where, description) at the beginning because it was a little hard to get interested in. I ultimately liked the story with it's mysterious characters and Riley added so,e spark at least to the otherwise "normal" characters.
There were a few mysterious twists and I really appreciated no drawn out cliff hangers. I was provided this book for the purpose of providing an honest review / opinion of.
February 14, 2017
Omg absolutely fantastic read.
Twisted Dreams By Marissa farrar is a Paranormal Read.
Elizabeth is a Dhampyre. A half vampire.
OMG an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Elizabeth who liked to be called Beth. She was my favourite character. Can't wait to read next one. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5*.
Twisted Dreams By Marissa farrar is a Paranormal Read.
Elizabeth is a Dhampyre. A half vampire.
OMG an absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Elizabeth who liked to be called Beth. She was my favourite character. Can't wait to read next one. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5*.
March 6, 2015
When the blurb stated that Beth is a dhampyre, a person born to a vampire father and human mother, I was sold! I mean, what could be more exciting? I ended up liking the book, but didn't fall in love with it.
Elizabeth and Riley's connection was weird.. It was and insta-crush (not love, thank goodness!) but it was too awkward. I understand that this is a short book, but their relationship seemed to go a little too fast.
The rest of the characters were fine, if not a little weird.. Come to think of it, not one character in this book didn't act weird!
The book has a good potential, but it didn't end up how I thought it would. It had some things that didn't work for me.. For example, what college students spend the first week of classes partying every night? Also, the dialogue did feel a little juvenile sometimes.
I'm rating this book as a 3.5-4 stars.. I see its potential, but hoped it was a little better.
*This arc was kindly provided by Warwick House Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Elizabeth and Riley's connection was weird.. It was and insta-crush (not love, thank goodness!) but it was too awkward. I understand that this is a short book, but their relationship seemed to go a little too fast.
The rest of the characters were fine, if not a little weird.. Come to think of it, not one character in this book didn't act weird!
The book has a good potential, but it didn't end up how I thought it would. It had some things that didn't work for me.. For example, what college students spend the first week of classes partying every night? Also, the dialogue did feel a little juvenile sometimes.
I'm rating this book as a 3.5-4 stars.. I see its potential, but hoped it was a little better.
*This arc was kindly provided by Warwick House Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 29, 2015
at first I found the book hard to get into. The grouping and timing seemed to not be connected.
after getting more into it I really began to start liking the characters as well as the story.
I am truly a fantasy lover and I enjoy the vampire angle of them.
the main character is a half vampire which I haven't seen often in stories. Beth was a very interesting person who had the ability not just of her father but she was also a precog.
Riley is the ultimate bad boy who you thought of as not being able to be redeemed.
Flynn while he is a good guy I never liked him. he seemed to overprotective and more of a father figure.
Lauren was a very good character while she was a minor role she could easily do spin off books or become a major player.
great book by marissa farrar
after getting more into it I really began to start liking the characters as well as the story.
I am truly a fantasy lover and I enjoy the vampire angle of them.
the main character is a half vampire which I haven't seen often in stories. Beth was a very interesting person who had the ability not just of her father but she was also a precog.
Riley is the ultimate bad boy who you thought of as not being able to be redeemed.
Flynn while he is a good guy I never liked him. he seemed to overprotective and more of a father figure.
Lauren was a very good character while she was a minor role she could easily do spin off books or become a major player.
great book by marissa farrar
March 30, 2015
TWISTED DREAMS was a different kind of read for me. It was fast paced and had a nice flow to it but I didn't fully fall into the story.
I think I might have enjoyed it more than I did if I had read the previous series that this is a spin off of.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think I might have enjoyed it more than I did if I had read the previous series that this is a spin off of.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2017
I'm not a huge carny fan but I do love vampires. I liked this book and the main character. Riley and Finn were both great love interests. There could have been more character development though. I felt like everyone was one dimensional and would have loved to relate better. While a great book, some more development could have happened. Three glittery stars!
September 29, 2018
An LA girl drives to a small town for her college course, putting some distance between herself and her vampire father and human mother. On the way a carnival is setting up and they break an overhead power line, which hits the road in front of her car and jumps around, sparking. Cue a few difficulties. Now, given that the young lady survives but her car's electrics were fried, I want to know how her laptop keeps working. I fully expected it to be fried too.
I like the sympathetic investigation into how it would feel to be a dhampyre, especially as she never tells anyone that she fights off vampiric thoughts. However, I can't like the self-harming, because nobody did this stupid thing in the past until the idea got circulated and some young people copy ideas - of course they only cause worse stress and scars. We are clear, though, that more normal girls think this is a bad idea.
That carnival reoccurs and there is a violent death, though minimal language or mature scenes. I'd say this is aimed at mature YA readers and New Adults.
I downloaded an e-copy from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
I like the sympathetic investigation into how it would feel to be a dhampyre, especially as she never tells anyone that she fights off vampiric thoughts. However, I can't like the self-harming, because nobody did this stupid thing in the past until the idea got circulated and some young people copy ideas - of course they only cause worse stress and scars. We are clear, though, that more normal girls think this is a bad idea.
That carnival reoccurs and there is a violent death, though minimal language or mature scenes. I'd say this is aimed at mature YA readers and New Adults.
I downloaded an e-copy from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
March 31, 2020
Periodically i run across a book that stands out. This story is one of those. I wish I could give more stars. This book easily held my interest and made me crazy trying to figure out who was good and who was evil. I loved Elizabeth. She has a little dark side that comes out sometimes but she really wants to be good and normal. She strives to make that happen. She meets a hottest boy at school as well as a Carnival dark soul who intrigues her. One to not have a lot of friends she is suspicious of all who want to get to know her. Even them.
I listened to this amazing story on audio. Emma Lysy did a wonderful job narrating. She changed her voice to each character and listening to her voice a certain dark soul was sweet!
I listened to this amazing story on audio. Emma Lysy did a wonderful job narrating. She changed her voice to each character and listening to her voice a certain dark soul was sweet!
December 7, 2014
Twisted Dreams, The Dhampyre Chronicles Book One, Marissa Farrar
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: NA, Sci-fi and Fantasy.
I like the chance to get in on a new series at the start, and this sounded fun. Its classed as NA but to me felt more like an upper end YA. That’s no reflection on the story, it was good but it was very simplified, with many of the questions raised that would be answered in a NA book left open – such as the two car accidents Beth has just a few days apart never raising a police or parental issues. In fact actual authority figures don’t seem to exist in this book, except as a vague inference, and given what’s going on they'd be around like flies on meat, and I need some excuse, some reasons why they’ve kept away. Ok I’m not NA, long past, but have enjoyed some cracking reads in this genre as well as the YA genre. A good novel spans ages. The one sex scene in here is I guess the reason why its NA and not YA, ah well....
It may seem from the above comments I didn’t like this book, and that’s wrong – I did, I liked it a lot. I found it easy to read with a fun storyline. I’ve not read the earlier series about her parents ( though somewhere on my enormous TBR list is book one. I think I really need about three lifetimes to ever conquer that list!) but this is still easy to follow, and those who like me are coming in cold needn't worry, everything we need to know is there.
Its a kind of simple girl comes of age, wants independence from loving but smothering parents ( yeah – real world stuff for lots of teens!) so crosses country to school (Uni here in UK would be equivalent ). Poor Beth though, stuff happens even before she gets to school, with an incident involving the travelling fair just as she hits town. She makes it though, and meets some of her new school friends, Dana the newspaper editor, Brooke her roommate, Flynn the school prizewinning swimmer, and Riley from the fair. Things happen to her that lead her into increasing danger, but the risks to the town of her just packing up and leaving are too great. Plus of course – after telling her parents she’ll be fine what teen wants to show them she’s not? Teens come with a sense of indestructability you know....I remember that too well.
Its a well written book, neat storyline that wraps up but with leaving the next episode opening there. I like the way the Beth/Flynn/Riley triangle is opening, and the possibilities it raises. I’m not sure if I’ll go for it or not, I think maybe there’s a little too much suspension of belief for me, but who knows...when its out and if I'm looking for something readable, a paranormal but not too deep it could just fit the bill :-)
Stars: Four, a solid start to a new series and a fun read despite my reservations.
Arc supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: NA, Sci-fi and Fantasy.
I like the chance to get in on a new series at the start, and this sounded fun. Its classed as NA but to me felt more like an upper end YA. That’s no reflection on the story, it was good but it was very simplified, with many of the questions raised that would be answered in a NA book left open – such as the two car accidents Beth has just a few days apart never raising a police or parental issues. In fact actual authority figures don’t seem to exist in this book, except as a vague inference, and given what’s going on they'd be around like flies on meat, and I need some excuse, some reasons why they’ve kept away. Ok I’m not NA, long past, but have enjoyed some cracking reads in this genre as well as the YA genre. A good novel spans ages. The one sex scene in here is I guess the reason why its NA and not YA, ah well....
It may seem from the above comments I didn’t like this book, and that’s wrong – I did, I liked it a lot. I found it easy to read with a fun storyline. I’ve not read the earlier series about her parents ( though somewhere on my enormous TBR list is book one. I think I really need about three lifetimes to ever conquer that list!) but this is still easy to follow, and those who like me are coming in cold needn't worry, everything we need to know is there.
Its a kind of simple girl comes of age, wants independence from loving but smothering parents ( yeah – real world stuff for lots of teens!) so crosses country to school (Uni here in UK would be equivalent ). Poor Beth though, stuff happens even before she gets to school, with an incident involving the travelling fair just as she hits town. She makes it though, and meets some of her new school friends, Dana the newspaper editor, Brooke her roommate, Flynn the school prizewinning swimmer, and Riley from the fair. Things happen to her that lead her into increasing danger, but the risks to the town of her just packing up and leaving are too great. Plus of course – after telling her parents she’ll be fine what teen wants to show them she’s not? Teens come with a sense of indestructability you know....I remember that too well.
Its a well written book, neat storyline that wraps up but with leaving the next episode opening there. I like the way the Beth/Flynn/Riley triangle is opening, and the possibilities it raises. I’m not sure if I’ll go for it or not, I think maybe there’s a little too much suspension of belief for me, but who knows...when its out and if I'm looking for something readable, a paranormal but not too deep it could just fit the bill :-)
Stars: Four, a solid start to a new series and a fun read despite my reservations.
Arc supplied by Netgalley and publishers
February 10, 2015
Elizabeth is excited to leave Los Angeles behind and go to a small town to start college. Life has not been very easy for Elizabeth, mainly due to the fact she is a dhamphir- half human half vampire. She loves both her parents, but her strange lifestyle has not made her any friends, so she is looking for a new start. Her college career is off to a shaky start when her car is electrocuted, a cute mysterious boy lurks around and her denied vampire instincts go into overdrive. Elizabeth may be over her head in supernatural when all she wanted was a little slice of normal.
I was expecting a more grown up urban fantasy when I started reading this, less the awkward teen girl who desperately wants friends and more the bad-ass big city half vampire girl who can take on the world. So needless to say I was slightly disappointed when I started reading this book and found something like a coming of age, be yourself kind of vibe. Elizabeth lacks the confidence that I enjoy in my supernatural main characters. And no, I am not talking about an ego, or an “I can get any man attitude”, but more of the belief that she can succeed or at least go out swinging and I felt like I missed that here. Some of the side characters possessed that trait, but the main character fell flat.
Let’s also talk about the fact Elizabeth sleeps with someone she barely knows and forms a strong “emotional attachment” to him and becomes the needy clingy girl. Elizabeth is then shocked when he tells her that he needs to leave the next day with his job and she demands he quit it and stay with her, even going so far as to propose that he can live under her bed in her dorm. He never stated his undying love and neither did she before their tryst, yet she goes crazy emotional, believing he betrayed her when she knew all along what he is. It made me really not like her and doubt her maturity level even more than I already did. And speaking of the love interest, he was described as having feminine features, which I guess worked for him since all the girls wanted him, yet I pictured a delicate girl with stubble. Not very appealing, especially when she had a chance at an attractive swimmer. (Have you seen a swimmers body? Nothing feminine there.)
Overall I was not impressed with the plot and the characters of the book. I won’t be reading anymore in this series. I am sure others will really enjoy or relate to this book, but I can’t. As a side note, I am intrigued about Elizabeth’s parent’s story so I might read about them sometime because the writing was not bad, just the storyline lost me.
I received this story from the author in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews, visit my blog: http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I was expecting a more grown up urban fantasy when I started reading this, less the awkward teen girl who desperately wants friends and more the bad-ass big city half vampire girl who can take on the world. So needless to say I was slightly disappointed when I started reading this book and found something like a coming of age, be yourself kind of vibe. Elizabeth lacks the confidence that I enjoy in my supernatural main characters. And no, I am not talking about an ego, or an “I can get any man attitude”, but more of the belief that she can succeed or at least go out swinging and I felt like I missed that here. Some of the side characters possessed that trait, but the main character fell flat.
Let’s also talk about the fact Elizabeth sleeps with someone she barely knows and forms a strong “emotional attachment” to him and becomes the needy clingy girl. Elizabeth is then shocked when he tells her that he needs to leave the next day with his job and she demands he quit it and stay with her, even going so far as to propose that he can live under her bed in her dorm. He never stated his undying love and neither did she before their tryst, yet she goes crazy emotional, believing he betrayed her when she knew all along what he is. It made me really not like her and doubt her maturity level even more than I already did. And speaking of the love interest, he was described as having feminine features, which I guess worked for him since all the girls wanted him, yet I pictured a delicate girl with stubble. Not very appealing, especially when she had a chance at an attractive swimmer. (Have you seen a swimmers body? Nothing feminine there.)
Overall I was not impressed with the plot and the characters of the book. I won’t be reading anymore in this series. I am sure others will really enjoy or relate to this book, but I can’t. As a side note, I am intrigued about Elizabeth’s parent’s story so I might read about them sometime because the writing was not bad, just the storyline lost me.
I received this story from the author in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews, visit my blog: http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
December 26, 2014
*I received a copy of this Warwick House Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review *
3.5 stars
Elizabeth Bandores struggles like most girls her age. Only, she doesn't struggle with just the average growing pains. She's a Dhampyre, part vampire, part human. Oh, and she also has the ability of her touch bringing her glimpses into a person's life. Past, present, or future. Growing up could be tough, especially having to explain her father's "sun allergy" and avoiding physical contact when possible, but she has loving parents who supported her. Wanting to go away to school and try her hand at being "normal" takes some convincing but she does it. She is officially a student in a sleepy town called Sage Springs. When a freak accident and a carnival welcome her into her new town, she's wondering if it's just her luck or an omen of what's to come. Add a mysterious and attractive carnie named Riley, who seems to always be around when things go wrong, and Elizabeth is about the go on the journey of her life.
Even though this isn't the genre I really read much of anymore, I still really enjoyed this story. It felt slightly more YA than New Adult, even though the characters were NA age. Not to say the characters were excessively immature, just the opposite, they read like their age but in a positive way. It just had that feel. Besides her gift and parentage, Elizabeth is a normal girl trying to find her place in the world, it made her easy to bond with and follow her story. The levels and secrets of the story were a little predictable if you looked hard enough but intriguing. There seemed to be a supporting character for everyone. Ones to love and loath, ones you cheered when they met their demise, a few you forgot about, and others you hope pop up in future writing. Riley followed the bad boy with a chained up soft spot story to a t, ultimately just doing what he knew and coming through as the book went on. The coven and magic was detailed and brought more action to the writing. Overall, a fun rainy night read.
3.5 stars
Elizabeth Bandores struggles like most girls her age. Only, she doesn't struggle with just the average growing pains. She's a Dhampyre, part vampire, part human. Oh, and she also has the ability of her touch bringing her glimpses into a person's life. Past, present, or future. Growing up could be tough, especially having to explain her father's "sun allergy" and avoiding physical contact when possible, but she has loving parents who supported her. Wanting to go away to school and try her hand at being "normal" takes some convincing but she does it. She is officially a student in a sleepy town called Sage Springs. When a freak accident and a carnival welcome her into her new town, she's wondering if it's just her luck or an omen of what's to come. Add a mysterious and attractive carnie named Riley, who seems to always be around when things go wrong, and Elizabeth is about the go on the journey of her life.
Even though this isn't the genre I really read much of anymore, I still really enjoyed this story. It felt slightly more YA than New Adult, even though the characters were NA age. Not to say the characters were excessively immature, just the opposite, they read like their age but in a positive way. It just had that feel. Besides her gift and parentage, Elizabeth is a normal girl trying to find her place in the world, it made her easy to bond with and follow her story. The levels and secrets of the story were a little predictable if you looked hard enough but intriguing. There seemed to be a supporting character for everyone. Ones to love and loath, ones you cheered when they met their demise, a few you forgot about, and others you hope pop up in future writing. Riley followed the bad boy with a chained up soft spot story to a t, ultimately just doing what he knew and coming through as the book went on. The coven and magic was detailed and brought more action to the writing. Overall, a fun rainy night read.
December 29, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really quick, fun, interesting read that left me eager for more. There's vampires, witches, carnies, and love at first sight. If you're looking for a good coming of age story (of a half-vampire), check this book out.
Beth is ready begin her college journey, but the world seems to conspire against her. On the drive out to her dorm (alone), she almost gets killed by a downed power line. Luckily, she's a half-vampire, more than capable of outrunning and powering through anything that gets in her way. Unfortunately, this attract the attention of the guys setting up a local carnival. The rest of her journey to college is also filled with mysterious hotties, helpful strangers, and annoying roommates -- all the types of things you would expect for a first year student. There's (of course) lots of additional paranormal elements. Why is her roommate disappearing at night? Why is the hottest student paying so much attention to her? Why doesn't she get the typical flashes of premonition when she touches the students here?
This being the first book of a new series, we are still left with a bunch of questions, but I really liked the overall story. There's a sort-of love triangle, but it wasn't as painful as I usually find them to be. Beth has an innocent quality to her that allowed me to let some rushed romantic encounters and silly arguments slide. I'm hoping she learns and grows from what turns into a life-or-death first week at school. When I finished the book, I realized there was a whole other series based on Beth's parents that I'll definitely be checking out. I'm sure that adds another dimension to this follow-up series. As a stand-alone, or part of a larger series, this was still a really solid read.
This was a really quick, fun, interesting read that left me eager for more. There's vampires, witches, carnies, and love at first sight. If you're looking for a good coming of age story (of a half-vampire), check this book out.
Beth is ready begin her college journey, but the world seems to conspire against her. On the drive out to her dorm (alone), she almost gets killed by a downed power line. Luckily, she's a half-vampire, more than capable of outrunning and powering through anything that gets in her way. Unfortunately, this attract the attention of the guys setting up a local carnival. The rest of her journey to college is also filled with mysterious hotties, helpful strangers, and annoying roommates -- all the types of things you would expect for a first year student. There's (of course) lots of additional paranormal elements. Why is her roommate disappearing at night? Why is the hottest student paying so much attention to her? Why doesn't she get the typical flashes of premonition when she touches the students here?
This being the first book of a new series, we are still left with a bunch of questions, but I really liked the overall story. There's a sort-of love triangle, but it wasn't as painful as I usually find them to be. Beth has an innocent quality to her that allowed me to let some rushed romantic encounters and silly arguments slide. I'm hoping she learns and grows from what turns into a life-or-death first week at school. When I finished the book, I realized there was a whole other series based on Beth's parents that I'll definitely be checking out. I'm sure that adds another dimension to this follow-up series. As a stand-alone, or part of a larger series, this was still a really solid read.
December 6, 2014
Twisted Dreams is a delightful, captivating read. It tells of Elizabeth Bandores’ attempts to fit in when she moves to a small town, which harbours a dark secret and where all is not as it seems. Elizabeth has secrets of her own as well, which she desperately tries to keep hidden. She is a dhampyre – half human and half vampire which gives her special abilities. Elizabeth is drawn to two very different dreamy guys – Flynn is the popular, athletic ‘good’ guy while Riley is the mysterious ‘bad’ boy type. She has to decide who to trust when she endeavours to uncover the town’s secret without exposing her own.
I can certainly relate to Elizabeth's desire to fit in and the isolation of being an ‘outsider’. Elizabeth’s dreams added another dimension to the story and provided extra clues to keep me speculating. I love the romance and all the excitement, angst and anticipation that go with first love. However, I felt the relationship was a little rushed and would have liked more getting-to-know-each-other time in the story.
The plot was smooth flowing and well thought out. I had no idea what the town secret was and I was kept on the edge of my seat trying to solve it.
Young adults would definitely relate to Twisted Dreams as it explores first love, starting college, as well as the excitement and trepidation of moving out on your own and becoming independent.
I didn’t realise that this was a spin off from the Serenity series, but I didn’t feel like it detracted from the story or that I was missing anything.
I would recommend this book for young adults who enjoy an intriguing mystery intermingled with a paranormal romance. I love Ms Farrar’s writing style and will definitely be checking out her other books.
And the cover is awesome!
I can certainly relate to Elizabeth's desire to fit in and the isolation of being an ‘outsider’. Elizabeth’s dreams added another dimension to the story and provided extra clues to keep me speculating. I love the romance and all the excitement, angst and anticipation that go with first love. However, I felt the relationship was a little rushed and would have liked more getting-to-know-each-other time in the story.
The plot was smooth flowing and well thought out. I had no idea what the town secret was and I was kept on the edge of my seat trying to solve it.
Young adults would definitely relate to Twisted Dreams as it explores first love, starting college, as well as the excitement and trepidation of moving out on your own and becoming independent.
I didn’t realise that this was a spin off from the Serenity series, but I didn’t feel like it detracted from the story or that I was missing anything.
I would recommend this book for young adults who enjoy an intriguing mystery intermingled with a paranormal romance. I love Ms Farrar’s writing style and will definitely be checking out her other books.
And the cover is awesome!
November 28, 2015
4.5 Stars
This was a very good intro into the spinoff from The Serenity Series, introducing the 'almost' grown-up daughter of human Serenity and vampire Sebastian. The author does mention that while this is a spinoff from that particular series, you don't need to read that entire series in order to enjoy this book, which was great for me as I only read the first book in the Serenity series, as part of this Blood and Moon boxed set so it would have been confusing.
With that being said, there were a few things Elizabeth mentioned from her childhood that I'm guessing took place during her parents series that had me a bit confused but nothing that took away from this story, just a comment here and there. Other than that, this book was all her own and Riley's. I enjoyed her character very much, unlike her mother who was very much victimized by everyone she came into contact with, until she met Sebastian, Elizabeth wasn't like that at all. She was all Sass and while she did like to maintain a low profile, she didn't allow anyone to abuse, mistreat, nor victimize her in any way, shape or form. She totally stood up for herself, even when Riley and Flynn were trying to protect her.
The storyline was super interesting and a definite page turner, it keeps the reader engaged because while these are young college aged kids, they don't act stupid nor reckless like you'd expect. They're mature, with a secretive nature that makes you want to keep reading just to see what the hell is going to happen next. Best part of all...no cliffhanger...not even a slight one. Definitely a series I will come back too..
READ AS PART OF THE BLOOD AND MOON PARANORMAL BOXED SET
This was a very good intro into the spinoff from The Serenity Series, introducing the 'almost' grown-up daughter of human Serenity and vampire Sebastian. The author does mention that while this is a spinoff from that particular series, you don't need to read that entire series in order to enjoy this book, which was great for me as I only read the first book in the Serenity series, as part of this Blood and Moon boxed set so it would have been confusing.
With that being said, there were a few things Elizabeth mentioned from her childhood that I'm guessing took place during her parents series that had me a bit confused but nothing that took away from this story, just a comment here and there. Other than that, this book was all her own and Riley's. I enjoyed her character very much, unlike her mother who was very much victimized by everyone she came into contact with, until she met Sebastian, Elizabeth wasn't like that at all. She was all Sass and while she did like to maintain a low profile, she didn't allow anyone to abuse, mistreat, nor victimize her in any way, shape or form. She totally stood up for herself, even when Riley and Flynn were trying to protect her.
The storyline was super interesting and a definite page turner, it keeps the reader engaged because while these are young college aged kids, they don't act stupid nor reckless like you'd expect. They're mature, with a secretive nature that makes you want to keep reading just to see what the hell is going to happen next. Best part of all...no cliffhanger...not even a slight one. Definitely a series I will come back too..
READ AS PART OF THE BLOOD AND MOON PARANORMAL BOXED SET
December 6, 2014
I'm not a massive fan of vampire books I find that they are all the same, the story lines are predictable so when I saw twisted dreams which brings us Elizabeth who is half human half vampire with gifts of predicting people's future I was intrigued.
I wasn't let down I really enjoyed this, Elizabeth is a character who straight away intrigues you and you want to know more, what she is, what she can do, her strengths and weaknesses. I liked that she was a strong character yet at the same time we saw her weaknesses how she wanted to fit, be herself without the "Dhampyre" hanging over her head, she wanted to experience college, make friends.
Of course things are never straight forward and there's something big and evil in the air that's about to attack sage springs. The main cause seems to be coming from the carnival just outside town.
this is where Mr dark and dangerous comes in the form of Riley. He keeps showing up warning Elizabeth that she needs to stay clear of the carnival and there's people who think she's meddling and they are dangerous. Elizabeth won't let a simple threat get in her way, something is going down and she's going to find out what.
absolutely loved Riley and his relationship with Elizabeth, they are such a cute pair.
I also enjoyed laurel and Flynn we didn't really get to know much about other characters hopefully in the next book we get some more info and interaction from them or even new characters.
cannot wait for the next one these books just might give me hope for future vampire books :)
I wasn't let down I really enjoyed this, Elizabeth is a character who straight away intrigues you and you want to know more, what she is, what she can do, her strengths and weaknesses. I liked that she was a strong character yet at the same time we saw her weaknesses how she wanted to fit, be herself without the "Dhampyre" hanging over her head, she wanted to experience college, make friends.
Of course things are never straight forward and there's something big and evil in the air that's about to attack sage springs. The main cause seems to be coming from the carnival just outside town.
this is where Mr dark and dangerous comes in the form of Riley. He keeps showing up warning Elizabeth that she needs to stay clear of the carnival and there's people who think she's meddling and they are dangerous. Elizabeth won't let a simple threat get in her way, something is going down and she's going to find out what.
absolutely loved Riley and his relationship with Elizabeth, they are such a cute pair.
I also enjoyed laurel and Flynn we didn't really get to know much about other characters hopefully in the next book we get some more info and interaction from them or even new characters.
cannot wait for the next one these books just might give me hope for future vampire books :)
October 1, 2014
This isn’t your typical college girl gets to experience life on her own kind of story. Elizabeth may seem like your average college freshman, but her life is far from normal. She’s a Dhampyre. Half Human Half Vampire. College is her first experience in the real world with her parents by her side. She leaves the glitz and glamour of her Hollywood life and attends college in a small town named Sage Springs. Yet Sage Springs isn’t exactly a sleepy little hole in the wall town either. Her dream of being in journalism lands her in the path of the local swimming star Flynn Matthews. Upon his invitation, she attends a local carnival. Her carnival experience is far from normal as she saved the lives using her precognitive ability to see a ride breaking apart. Her intent on saving those lives throws her into the cross hairs of sexy carnie Riley. She’s caught between two very different guys, a brewing dark incident that may decimate the town, and hiding her powers from the world. Oh, and don’t forget homework.
This is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing for Marissa. I’m so not disappointed! Her characters and plot development are clear, concise, and well executed. Her two leading male characters are the apitimany of Yen and Yang. I honestly cannot tell you if I can truly pick a Team Riley or Team Flynn side. I cannot wait for the next book!
This is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing for Marissa. I’m so not disappointed! Her characters and plot development are clear, concise, and well executed. Her two leading male characters are the apitimany of Yen and Yang. I honestly cannot tell you if I can truly pick a Team Riley or Team Flynn side. I cannot wait for the next book!
March 16, 2015
Twisted Dreams (The Dhampyre Chronicles #1) by Marissa Farrar. You will love it or hate it.
This book started a little slow. with a lot of fillers and extreem details that started to notice and got a little in the way of my reading spirit but after 20-30 so pages it started to roll and I really enjoyed reading this book. It is fast paced, a little on the YA side but full of mystery. But with all the extra fillers a little hard to continue. First I thought I was reading a YA. But when I bumped in to a sex scene, I had to switch tactic and go on adult mode.
The world building is good. But some of the story lines don't work for me and leaves me with to much questions. The romantic scenes make it up but I don't understand the relationship between Beth and Riley. Just saying there is chemistry is not enough. You have to tell as author why. and let the reader make up his or her own idea of it.
Both Riley and Beth are a little flat characters. Although I enjoyed the ending on the part where the story vage came together. I still don't understand why Riley had to leave because of his work, and didn't anymore now the bad guy was dead. What changed? He still has to work right?
p.s. Why is the book called Twisted Dreams. Where are the dreams ??
We still deciding to read or not to read the next book of this series.
This book started a little slow. with a lot of fillers and extreem details that started to notice and got a little in the way of my reading spirit but after 20-30 so pages it started to roll and I really enjoyed reading this book. It is fast paced, a little on the YA side but full of mystery. But with all the extra fillers a little hard to continue. First I thought I was reading a YA. But when I bumped in to a sex scene, I had to switch tactic and go on adult mode.
The world building is good. But some of the story lines don't work for me and leaves me with to much questions. The romantic scenes make it up but I don't understand the relationship between Beth and Riley. Just saying there is chemistry is not enough. You have to tell as author why. and let the reader make up his or her own idea of it.
Both Riley and Beth are a little flat characters. Although I enjoyed the ending on the part where the story vage came together. I still don't understand why Riley had to leave because of his work, and didn't anymore now the bad guy was dead. What changed? He still has to work right?
p.s. Why is the book called Twisted Dreams. Where are the dreams ??
We still deciding to read or not to read the next book of this series.
May 22, 2015
Twisted Dreams is the first book in The Dhampyre Chronicles series which is actually a spin off from the authors Serenity series.
If your a fan of the Serenity series which I am, you will be well aware of Elizabeth, Serenity and Sebastian's daughter. Even if you haven't read any of the Serenity series it isn't an issue as in The Dhampyre Chronicles, Elizabeth is now a young adult and has gone off to college to hopefully live a normal life. Only problem is when you have a human mother and a dad who is a vampire your never going to lead a normal life.
Due to Elizabeth's powers it isn't long before they threaten to show people who and what she really is when she stumbles across a potentially tragic accident at a carnival.
From the very first chapter the author grabs your attention and the story therein just keeps you there. It is a great storyline and I love the grown up Elizabeth. Even though due to her powers Elizabeth prefers to keep to herself she manages to draw the attention of a few other college students, only problem is like Elizabeth they all seem to be hiding secrets of their own.
Twisted Dreams is a story that young adults especially will love but that adults will also enjoy. Any Buffy and Twighlight fans will love this authors books, another great start to another great series by this wonderful author.
If your a fan of the Serenity series which I am, you will be well aware of Elizabeth, Serenity and Sebastian's daughter. Even if you haven't read any of the Serenity series it isn't an issue as in The Dhampyre Chronicles, Elizabeth is now a young adult and has gone off to college to hopefully live a normal life. Only problem is when you have a human mother and a dad who is a vampire your never going to lead a normal life.
Due to Elizabeth's powers it isn't long before they threaten to show people who and what she really is when she stumbles across a potentially tragic accident at a carnival.
From the very first chapter the author grabs your attention and the story therein just keeps you there. It is a great storyline and I love the grown up Elizabeth. Even though due to her powers Elizabeth prefers to keep to herself she manages to draw the attention of a few other college students, only problem is like Elizabeth they all seem to be hiding secrets of their own.
Twisted Dreams is a story that young adults especially will love but that adults will also enjoy. Any Buffy and Twighlight fans will love this authors books, another great start to another great series by this wonderful author.
December 16, 2014
Twisted Dreams by Melissa Farrar is a wonderful book. It is a young adult paranormal romance story. It is the first book in The Dhampyre Chronicles. Elizabeth Bandores is off to Sage Springs to start college. She has decided to get away from LA to start college. Elizabeth wants to be more independent as well as move to somewhere that is less sunny. Elizabeth is half human and half vampire which makes her a dhampyre (and some great abilities that go with it). Unfortunately for Elizabeth her new life in Sage Springs is off to a rocky start when she encounters a downed electrical wire that ends up frying her the electrical system in her car. Though she does see and feels instantly attracted to a young man in black at the carnival that was setting up as Elizabeth entered town. As Elizabeth starts college and meets new people, she notices some strange and unusual things happening at the college and the town. This book has all the elements of a great story: witches, elementals, handsome men, and a great mystery. What more could you ask for? It also is well written and once you start reading you cannot put the book down! I hope you enjoy Twisted Dreams. Happy Reading!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2015
I liked the premise of the story from the synopsis. A teenager, Beth, just wants to have a normal college experience, unfortunately, dhampyre really don't do anything in a normal way. Beth's mother is a human, her father, a Vampire. This makes " regular" very difficult.
The minute Beth drives into the town, things feel wrong for her. Then they go wrong. Really wrong. It is hard enough to be a teen away from home and your parents for the first time, to have all the strange things going on just adds to Beth's stresses.
She just wants to be a writer and graduate from college. Her parents worry just like normal parents, but with a little better understanding of the world.
I really liked the characters in this book, even the not so nice roommate! But I felt like the immediate connections with certain people were not fully explained.
I can see them being explained better in the next book. But I wanted more information. The plot was a good one and kept me guessing at some of the finer points.
I will look for the next book! Worth a read if you like paranormal!!
**I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review**
The minute Beth drives into the town, things feel wrong for her. Then they go wrong. Really wrong. It is hard enough to be a teen away from home and your parents for the first time, to have all the strange things going on just adds to Beth's stresses.
She just wants to be a writer and graduate from college. Her parents worry just like normal parents, but with a little better understanding of the world.
I really liked the characters in this book, even the not so nice roommate! But I felt like the immediate connections with certain people were not fully explained.
I can see them being explained better in the next book. But I wanted more information. The plot was a good one and kept me guessing at some of the finer points.
I will look for the next book! Worth a read if you like paranormal!!
**I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review**
April 1, 2016
OMFG!!!!!!!! Everyone has GOT to read this book, i am so overexcied about this book, i have just finished it and i just cant get the words out right to explain how utterly awesome this book is!!!!!!!
I have read a few Marissa Farrar books and i love them all, this is a firm favourite though.
You start reading this book and from word gop you find yourself almost compulsively turning the page to find out what is going to happen, the mystery in this book is brilliant, there is nothing predictable in this book and i love that.
I definately feel for beth, feeling that she is always the outcast and i was rooting for riley from word go, nothing like the mysterious dark carnie :-) It made me smile that Beth moved away and she ends up in a town full of witches. I am so so glad that it ended the way that it did, i waws gutted when she believed she had been betrayed.
This book has made me fall in love with the charachters and the way its written makes me feel i know them (yes i do know its fiction lol). I just cant rate it highly enough and i cannot wait to read the next one.
Anyone who reads this review, trust me, getting this book is a must & you will never regret it!!!!
I have read a few Marissa Farrar books and i love them all, this is a firm favourite though.
You start reading this book and from word gop you find yourself almost compulsively turning the page to find out what is going to happen, the mystery in this book is brilliant, there is nothing predictable in this book and i love that.
I definately feel for beth, feeling that she is always the outcast and i was rooting for riley from word go, nothing like the mysterious dark carnie :-) It made me smile that Beth moved away and she ends up in a town full of witches. I am so so glad that it ended the way that it did, i waws gutted when she believed she had been betrayed.
This book has made me fall in love with the charachters and the way its written makes me feel i know them (yes i do know its fiction lol). I just cant rate it highly enough and i cannot wait to read the next one.
Anyone who reads this review, trust me, getting this book is a must & you will never regret it!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2014
I received this book VIA NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Seriously, I don't even know what to say right now. This book was so fascinating! The author used so many mixes of different things from vampires to hybrids (Elizabeth being half human half vampire) to witches to people who can control elements. It was really awesome to see that kind of mix.
And on top of all that, it was totally unpredictable! I know we've all read those kinds of books that even a few pages in you want to yawn and say "Yeah, yeah, I know where this is going." I honestly was surprised not knowing where it was going and even more shocked with the outcome of everything.
The story and the characters were written beautifully and everything flowed at a perfect pace. I wanted to read it all at once but had to force myself to stop so I could sleep! Haha
5+ stars! ♥
Seriously, I don't even know what to say right now. This book was so fascinating! The author used so many mixes of different things from vampires to hybrids (Elizabeth being half human half vampire) to witches to people who can control elements. It was really awesome to see that kind of mix.
And on top of all that, it was totally unpredictable! I know we've all read those kinds of books that even a few pages in you want to yawn and say "Yeah, yeah, I know where this is going." I honestly was surprised not knowing where it was going and even more shocked with the outcome of everything.
The story and the characters were written beautifully and everything flowed at a perfect pace. I wanted to read it all at once but had to force myself to stop so I could sleep! Haha
5+ stars! ♥
December 26, 2014
So I want to thank Marissa and NetGalley for kindly providing me with a copy of this to read and review...
I absolutely loved Farrar's "Serenity" series, so when I heard that there was a spin off series, I jumped at the chance to read this and write a review....
Grown up and making a bid for independence at college, something very mysterious lies in store for Elizabeth. I really liked the way the mystery builds up, with the introduction of some strange locals, including an all-American sporty good guy as well as a very dishy 'bad' boy
Then there's Flynn, the school hottie and star swimmer, who has also shown interest with Beth and insistently warns her against Riley.
College is her first experience in the real world with her parents by her side. She leaves the glitz and glamour of her Hollywood life and attends college in a small town named Sage Springs.
If you like vampires you will love her series, the more I got into the chapters the more I got into the book. It was captivating and keep me enthralled in it...
Twisted Dreams is a delightful, captivating read.
I absolutely loved Farrar's "Serenity" series, so when I heard that there was a spin off series, I jumped at the chance to read this and write a review....
Grown up and making a bid for independence at college, something very mysterious lies in store for Elizabeth. I really liked the way the mystery builds up, with the introduction of some strange locals, including an all-American sporty good guy as well as a very dishy 'bad' boy
Then there's Flynn, the school hottie and star swimmer, who has also shown interest with Beth and insistently warns her against Riley.
College is her first experience in the real world with her parents by her side. She leaves the glitz and glamour of her Hollywood life and attends college in a small town named Sage Springs.
If you like vampires you will love her series, the more I got into the chapters the more I got into the book. It was captivating and keep me enthralled in it...
Twisted Dreams is a delightful, captivating read.
May 27, 2016
When Beth decides to gain her own independence and study in Sage Springs, she has no idea what is waiting for her in the town where everyone knows everyone and strange things connected with some kind of magic are arising. Beth, as a dhampyre, is able to foresee possible past or future situations, which could get her in difficult situations, especially when she tries to hide her true identity of being a half-vampire among witches.
The establishment of whole landscape and plot development as well as great and complex characters developing with each new situation and each new chapter are a fantastic base for amazing story. Complicated relationships, emotional scenes and hard decisions together with the aura of magic provide an excellent entertainment. Author´s writing is brilliant, bringing the feel of being a part of the story, though only as an indifferent observer. One could easily pick up his or her favorite character and feel connected.
I truly recommend the book to all paranormal and fantasy lovers.
The establishment of whole landscape and plot development as well as great and complex characters developing with each new situation and each new chapter are a fantastic base for amazing story. Complicated relationships, emotional scenes and hard decisions together with the aura of magic provide an excellent entertainment. Author´s writing is brilliant, bringing the feel of being a part of the story, though only as an indifferent observer. One could easily pick up his or her favorite character and feel connected.
I truly recommend the book to all paranormal and fantasy lovers.
December 9, 2014
I have a bit of mixed feeling about this book, I really enjoyed the concept. It was interesting having Elizabeth being half vampire and half human and seeing how she deals with her situation. She also had to deal with having powers where she is either able to see what is about to happen to someone or has already happened to them, but she never know which vision she is seeing.
I also did not really see a connection between all the characters. I am not sure if it was because the book was a bit on the short side and there wasn’t as much time to have character development. There was also a bunch of mystery with in the book which could have been an attribute to the lack of connections.
However, the story kept me engaged and I had to keep guessing what was going to happen until the very end of the story. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something happened, where I was left in the dark again.
I also did not really see a connection between all the characters. I am not sure if it was because the book was a bit on the short side and there wasn’t as much time to have character development. There was also a bunch of mystery with in the book which could have been an attribute to the lack of connections.
However, the story kept me engaged and I had to keep guessing what was going to happen until the very end of the story. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something happened, where I was left in the dark again.
December 17, 2014
3.5 Stars
I received this book from NetGalley for review:
This book held a lot of promise. There aren't really many books out there that have Dhampyres as the main character, or have them at all. Partly because explaining how a dead thing can parent a child isn't easy.
I liked this story a lot actually. I even liked the characters to a point. What I didn't really like is how short the time frame of the book is. It made the romance feel very insta-love and that is a pet peeve of mine.
The magic in this book was done well. It took a thing that already exists in fantasy/urban fantasy and put it's own spin on it.
There were some small things that I didn't like too much about this book other than how the romance formed, some of the dialog felt juvenile, and it didn't make a lot of sense why people were going out and partying almost everynight the first week of college. I give this book a solid C+
I received this book from NetGalley for review:
This book held a lot of promise. There aren't really many books out there that have Dhampyres as the main character, or have them at all. Partly because explaining how a dead thing can parent a child isn't easy.
I liked this story a lot actually. I even liked the characters to a point. What I didn't really like is how short the time frame of the book is. It made the romance feel very insta-love and that is a pet peeve of mine.
The magic in this book was done well. It took a thing that already exists in fantasy/urban fantasy and put it's own spin on it.
There were some small things that I didn't like too much about this book other than how the romance formed, some of the dialog felt juvenile, and it didn't make a lot of sense why people were going out and partying almost everynight the first week of college. I give this book a solid C+
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