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Dying Dreams #1
Dying Dreams
Liza Simmons has just learned she is a banshee who dreams of death. Problem is, the government knows what she is and they want her to work for them, touching dead bodies and dreaming of how the victims died. In 2070, in a world ravaged by climate change, the fae have few rights and Liza doesn’t have any other options than to do what the government wants.
Agent Sloane Rice works for the supernatural protection agency, or SPA, and it’s his fault the government knows what Liza can do. He convinces her to sign on with SPA as an agent to avoid becoming a government science experiment. Liza works with Rice to find out why several mermaids have disappeared or died in recent weeks.
During their investigation, they uncover a larger crime and a possible fae rebellion. They both know they need to focus on the job and ignore the mutual attraction growing between them, but trying to fight it may get them both killed. Especially when the fae rebel behind all of the recent violence discovers that they are on his trail.
Agent Sloane Rice works for the supernatural protection agency, or SPA, and it’s his fault the government knows what Liza can do. He convinces her to sign on with SPA as an agent to avoid becoming a government science experiment. Liza works with Rice to find out why several mermaids have disappeared or died in recent weeks.
During their investigation, they uncover a larger crime and a possible fae rebellion. They both know they need to focus on the job and ignore the mutual attraction growing between them, but trying to fight it may get them both killed. Especially when the fae rebel behind all of the recent violence discovers that they are on his trail.
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Katharine Sadler
48 books123 followersKatharine Sadler lives with her husband in North Carolina. She’s been writing since she was ten and has wanted to be a writer even longer. When she’s not writing or otherwise gainfully occupied, she reads like it’s an addiction, exercises, skis whenever she gets the chance, and adds more books to her Amazon wish list.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 13, 2014
Visit my blog (http://www.blueeyebooks.blogspot.com) on May 8th, 2015 for an interview with Katharine!
Thank you to the author, Katharine Sadler, for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Let me just start off by saying I really liked getting a glimpse into this post-dystopian world. It was so interesting to see what had changed and what had caused the change. I do wish there was a bit more world building but considering it's our world and Liza doesn't really know much about the supernatural part yet it isn't much of a concern.
I really liked Liza and Sloane's relationship. Without spoiling anything, let's say that they are forced into a physical relationship and have to handle it. I really liked how the author didn't have them falling in love or anything right away and instead focused on the physical while keeping the feelings of both parties realistic (for example rebellion against the forced union). I've read too many books where the characters just fall in love right away when they spend a lot of time together.
I also liked the explanation for the merging of the two worlds - ours and the fae's.
There were multiple POV's in this book and they were done rather well. There are indications as to what chapter is in what character's perspective although you could tell for the most part. Some of the voices sounded a bit similar however and some of the transitions didn't happen at the optimal times.
The dramatic ending was pretty darn awesome. The closing lines were perfect for creating the hint of suspense that makes you want to read the next book. The action scenes are very well written and keep you flowing at the right speed and the rest of the scenes are appropriately... flowing... I'm sorry I can't seem to find the words for it. You know when you start reading faster and faster because the character's thoughts are moving faster and faster and the action is picking up? And all of that slows down when there's a slow scene happening? Yeah, that was good.
The Final Verdict:
A very good dystopian/fantasy book that does pose some new ideas and actually portrays the government as part of the problem (which was so refreshing). The flow was quite excellent although the shifting between the POV's could use a bit of clean-up. There is some slight adult content in this one (although nothing really explicit). Just a forewarning if you don't like that sort of thing.
4 stars
Thank you to the author, Katharine Sadler, for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Let me just start off by saying I really liked getting a glimpse into this post-dystopian world. It was so interesting to see what had changed and what had caused the change. I do wish there was a bit more world building but considering it's our world and Liza doesn't really know much about the supernatural part yet it isn't much of a concern.
I really liked Liza and Sloane's relationship. Without spoiling anything, let's say that they are forced into a physical relationship and have to handle it. I really liked how the author didn't have them falling in love or anything right away and instead focused on the physical while keeping the feelings of both parties realistic (for example rebellion against the forced union). I've read too many books where the characters just fall in love right away when they spend a lot of time together.
I also liked the explanation for the merging of the two worlds - ours and the fae's.
There were multiple POV's in this book and they were done rather well. There are indications as to what chapter is in what character's perspective although you could tell for the most part. Some of the voices sounded a bit similar however and some of the transitions didn't happen at the optimal times.
The dramatic ending was pretty darn awesome. The closing lines were perfect for creating the hint of suspense that makes you want to read the next book. The action scenes are very well written and keep you flowing at the right speed and the rest of the scenes are appropriately... flowing... I'm sorry I can't seem to find the words for it. You know when you start reading faster and faster because the character's thoughts are moving faster and faster and the action is picking up? And all of that slows down when there's a slow scene happening? Yeah, that was good.
The Final Verdict:
A very good dystopian/fantasy book that does pose some new ideas and actually portrays the government as part of the problem (which was so refreshing). The flow was quite excellent although the shifting between the POV's could use a bit of clean-up. There is some slight adult content in this one (although nothing really explicit). Just a forewarning if you don't like that sort of thing.
4 stars
February 1, 2015
A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy Novel
I didn't know what to expect when I read the blurb to "Dying Dreams", but I knew this story was something completely different from what I usually read. As I began to dig into the novel...my assumption was an understatement!
In the beginning, I had a glimpse of what Liza's life was like. It was an unusual opening, to see a dead mermaid on the beach. The dark and ominous setting pulled me in, as Liza met Sloane, a hunky agent working for SPA (a human government agency) and his partner, Folsom.
I liked how the author laid out 'clues' to build the fairy world in opposition to the human world. When Liza noticed her friend had hooves instead of legs, I had to smile. Her 'friend' didn't turn out to be who she thought he was, and so then my mind began to try and solve this mystery of fae worlds, shapeshifter dominance, and human conspiracy.
By the last few chapters, I wanted to scream at the villain and go into the story and kick his ass for making Liza suffer. It was torture to read what the jerk did to her! However, this book had a great ending and left enough suspense to make me want to read the next book. So, the story ends in a way where the ties are all secured but leaves a tiny bit of mystery to drive me crazy!!
I fell in love with Sloane and Liza earned my respect. "Dying Dreams" is a HOT book that is deceptively sweet to begin with, and then BOOM. There were a few word and punctuation inconsistencies that I noticed in the very beginning; they made me pause and wonder. Overall, this book is a MUST READ for those who enjoy urban fantasy, heavy on the romance, with wonderful characters and a storyline that will make you sigh, cry, and (possibly) scream at the villain! Great book!
*** ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
~ Laurie Kozlowski
www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
I didn't know what to expect when I read the blurb to "Dying Dreams", but I knew this story was something completely different from what I usually read. As I began to dig into the novel...my assumption was an understatement!
In the beginning, I had a glimpse of what Liza's life was like. It was an unusual opening, to see a dead mermaid on the beach. The dark and ominous setting pulled me in, as Liza met Sloane, a hunky agent working for SPA (a human government agency) and his partner, Folsom.
I liked how the author laid out 'clues' to build the fairy world in opposition to the human world. When Liza noticed her friend had hooves instead of legs, I had to smile. Her 'friend' didn't turn out to be who she thought he was, and so then my mind began to try and solve this mystery of fae worlds, shapeshifter dominance, and human conspiracy.
By the last few chapters, I wanted to scream at the villain and go into the story and kick his ass for making Liza suffer. It was torture to read what the jerk did to her! However, this book had a great ending and left enough suspense to make me want to read the next book. So, the story ends in a way where the ties are all secured but leaves a tiny bit of mystery to drive me crazy!!
I fell in love with Sloane and Liza earned my respect. "Dying Dreams" is a HOT book that is deceptively sweet to begin with, and then BOOM. There were a few word and punctuation inconsistencies that I noticed in the very beginning; they made me pause and wonder. Overall, this book is a MUST READ for those who enjoy urban fantasy, heavy on the romance, with wonderful characters and a storyline that will make you sigh, cry, and (possibly) scream at the villain! Great book!
*** ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
~ Laurie Kozlowski
www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
December 31, 2014
This book was given to me for an honest review. Liza & Sloane are the main characters but there were so many more I would like to know their story also. Good read & original story. The only thing I would have liked better with Liza & Sloane's relationship would have been a little more character building and more flirting before they got together. I like the build up but that's just me. I am assuming there will be a book 2 because there is much more to tell. I really liked Curtis and hope he has bigger roles in the future also that he does not turn out to be a bad guy. Redcaps were interesting also. Thanks for the book Katharine I wish you much success I look forward to the conclusion.
January 24, 2015
Sirens and banshees and mermaids, oh my!
Have you ever read a book that just sucked you in from beginning to end? Or the kind of book that you start reading at a reasonable hour and before you know it it's time to go to work and you've finished the book? Dying Dreams was one of those books for me. It was engaging and kept me guessing up until the very end. And even the end leaves you ready for book 2. It was easy to imagine a future world where those who are different are denied the same rights as others. It wasn't hard to imagine a world changed by the pollution humans put out from cars, factories, illegal dumping, etc. I loved the bit of paranormal the author entwines within the story: sirens, banshees, elves, pixies, and etc. I loved the mystery surrounding the main characters, Sloane and Liza. I'm ready for book 2!
Have you ever read a book that just sucked you in from beginning to end? Or the kind of book that you start reading at a reasonable hour and before you know it it's time to go to work and you've finished the book? Dying Dreams was one of those books for me. It was engaging and kept me guessing up until the very end. And even the end leaves you ready for book 2. It was easy to imagine a future world where those who are different are denied the same rights as others. It wasn't hard to imagine a world changed by the pollution humans put out from cars, factories, illegal dumping, etc. I loved the bit of paranormal the author entwines within the story: sirens, banshees, elves, pixies, and etc. I loved the mystery surrounding the main characters, Sloane and Liza. I'm ready for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews