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**This is the original version of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper written in 2011. The book was put out to Beta Readers in 2015 and the reviews on display are for that original version. The book has never been publicly marketed, it was placed in public repositories such as Amazon for ease of access for Beta Readers. Since then the book has under gone extensive editing and re-writes. While the premise remains, the writing has completely changed. The fourth, and final, version has never been available publicly, nor has the sequel which is in the editing phase now. Beta Readers can have access to the third version through my website by signing up for a free, private membership: http://tanyajones.ca.**
303 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2015
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2015
No matter where you look in this world, no matter what your age, there are dilemmas being faced every day and choices being made. The foundation for those choices comes in part from our family and in part from our peers, colleagues and mentors. Unfortunately a lot of these mentors for our teens, come from questionable, shock-factor sources.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper, by Tanya Jones, very subtly plays a mentorship role to teens everywhere from a very socially-acceptable position.
Young adult readers will quickly fall in love with the main characters and easily identify with them and relate to them. Without being consciously aware of it, readers will be exposed to the analogy between their own decision making process and that of Amanda, Jordan and Caelsah, this novel’s main characters.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper may start out a little slow and lacking in excitement but that’s what will grab teens’ attention. They see their own lives as slow and ordinary often with an emotional curve ball thrown at them – torn from their friends by a relocation or having distance put between them and their ‘true love’. How many teens know exactly who they are or what they want? They are at an age where they are constantly seeking approval. Life is full of opposites: black or white, talented or unskilled, self-confident or insecure, beautiful or plain, athletic or sedentary, academic or practical, gay or straight, too thin or too heavy? Without realizing it the same questions can be asked of the characters in this book: Human or Elven? It doesn’t matter what the issue is there is always the question: this or that? Which route do I want to take? Who do I want to become? How do I decide? How do I accept things I can’t change or control?
The fantasy in this novel uses the elves and their magic to help teens escape from their problems, identify with the characters and understand the choice processes that are available to them. All without really being aware that this is what is underlying in the journey through this book.
The characters are strong, everyday teens then there’s the twist.
Dreams are a normal part of life – whether they are sub-conscious night-time dreams or simply daydreams. Amanda’s dreams become her reality. Will the reader’s dreams become their reality?
The locations are normal everyday places then there’s the twist.
No matter where we live, the grass will always seem greener on the other side of the fence.
Can we cross back? Do we even want to?
In Dreams of Beautiful Whisper we are drawn into the conflict, the choices and we take sides and at the end of the day (or book) we can’t wait for the next day (or book) to see what happens next.
Even though I am far from a young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself hoping my teenage grandchildren will read it for enjoyment purposes, knowing they will take far more away with them than just a story.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper, by Tanya Jones, very subtly plays a mentorship role to teens everywhere from a very socially-acceptable position.
Young adult readers will quickly fall in love with the main characters and easily identify with them and relate to them. Without being consciously aware of it, readers will be exposed to the analogy between their own decision making process and that of Amanda, Jordan and Caelsah, this novel’s main characters.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper may start out a little slow and lacking in excitement but that’s what will grab teens’ attention. They see their own lives as slow and ordinary often with an emotional curve ball thrown at them – torn from their friends by a relocation or having distance put between them and their ‘true love’. How many teens know exactly who they are or what they want? They are at an age where they are constantly seeking approval. Life is full of opposites: black or white, talented or unskilled, self-confident or insecure, beautiful or plain, athletic or sedentary, academic or practical, gay or straight, too thin or too heavy? Without realizing it the same questions can be asked of the characters in this book: Human or Elven? It doesn’t matter what the issue is there is always the question: this or that? Which route do I want to take? Who do I want to become? How do I decide? How do I accept things I can’t change or control?
The fantasy in this novel uses the elves and their magic to help teens escape from their problems, identify with the characters and understand the choice processes that are available to them. All without really being aware that this is what is underlying in the journey through this book.
The characters are strong, everyday teens then there’s the twist.
Dreams are a normal part of life – whether they are sub-conscious night-time dreams or simply daydreams. Amanda’s dreams become her reality. Will the reader’s dreams become their reality?
The locations are normal everyday places then there’s the twist.
No matter where we live, the grass will always seem greener on the other side of the fence.
Can we cross back? Do we even want to?
In Dreams of Beautiful Whisper we are drawn into the conflict, the choices and we take sides and at the end of the day (or book) we can’t wait for the next day (or book) to see what happens next.
Even though I am far from a young adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself hoping my teenage grandchildren will read it for enjoyment purposes, knowing they will take far more away with them than just a story.
April 12, 2015
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper by Jones is a YA romance that segues to an elven village apart from the human world. Amanda, soon to be known as Amanae, has been brought here by her elven parents as they wish her to experience the Awakening. Most of the story is through her eyes and the impossibility of gaining many powers as an elf. For some reason, she is developing these powers at a great rate of knots, often to her chagrin. There are two men in her lives who vie for her affection but one is a human from her past life. Jones takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through teenage emotions, made all the more exciting by the elven powers. The book ends on a note that segues to the next book.
November 3, 2015
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper by Tanya Jones is about Amanda, a young girl soon to turn 16 (along with all the trials and tribulations that that brings, like parents who do weird and embarrassing things). At least, that’s how it starts out but soon things change for Amanda. When her family suddenly up-sticks and move to a mysterious village, Amanda discovers that her real is name Amanae, that she is an elf, and that she has powers that she couldn’t even begin to imagine… (Oh, and as a side note: if you are somewhat irritated by the lack of the ‘a’ in the title as I was, the reasoning becomes apparent near the end of the book and once you understand, all will be forgiven!)
The beginning of this book is not great. The writing is loose and bland, as though the author hadn’t re-worked this section in her edits and re-writes. There are a few jumps between past and present tense that are irritating. The narrative jumps from scene to scene with no break or distinction (actually, this happens throughout the entire book – but you get used to it). The characters are weak and uninteresting – I really couldn’t care less about Amanda; even her name irritated me. My Kindle is riddled with comments for the first few chapters. Something must have sparkled through all that though, something buried deep in the back that shone through, because I stuck with it…and boy am I glad that I did!
Once the family move back to the village of their past, the story comes alive. Suddenly there is light and colour and sparkle and the juxtaposition between this and the first part of the book reminded me of The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy left the drab, grey Kansas and landed in technicoloured Oz. I went from wishing that something would happen in the story to being swept away by the pace of the action. I went from wishing that Amanda would fall down a drain to falling in love with Amanae. I went from being irritated by a name to adoring a name! I went from stopping every few minutes to note a comment to completely forgetting I was reading and being wholly immersed in the story. In fact, I didn’t make another note until right at the end of the book.
If this distinction between the first part of the book and remainder was an intentional way of showing the distinction between Amanda and Amanae, it’s a very clever technique – but it’s also a dangerous one. If you, as a reader, are stuck trying to get past the first few chapters of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper, stick at it – it will surprise you.
The story of Amanae is gripping and the concept of a young elf who doesn’t know she’s an elf, and who has to develop her Elvin skills in such a short amount of time, is a fascinating one. It’s a new and interesting way of writing about elves that kept me entertained throughout and although characterised as a ‘YA Romance’, for me, the romance is far from the best part of the book. Amanae as a character really comes out of herself, making this book as much a ‘coming of age’ tale as anything else and watching Amanae grow is heart-warming.
Speaking of the romance though, (and as most of you know, I hate romance), it’s done really well. It isn’t thrown in your face and is not sickly sweet – although the whole love triangle thing between Jordan, Amanae, and Caelsah, is a little strange to say the least. As a general hater of romance, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself rooting for Caelsah and Amanae.
No, this book is not without problems. You’ve got to stick with it to find the magic within, it’s at times jumpy and leaps through time with no notice, and the dialogue is sometimes stifled and not lifelike. I didn’t highlight any phrases for their beauty or smile at striking narrative, but actually, it doesn’t need any of that because of how deeply immersed in the story you become, and how much you begin to believe in Amanae, in Caelsah, in the village, as real people and places. And it left me with one overwhelming feeling that will tell you all you need to know: I was desperate to start reading the second book in the series, and I’ve struggled to start reading anything else since as I miss Amanae already.
Oh, and mum, if you’re reading this, I am ready. You can reveal my true elvin nature whenever you want.
The beginning of this book is not great. The writing is loose and bland, as though the author hadn’t re-worked this section in her edits and re-writes. There are a few jumps between past and present tense that are irritating. The narrative jumps from scene to scene with no break or distinction (actually, this happens throughout the entire book – but you get used to it). The characters are weak and uninteresting – I really couldn’t care less about Amanda; even her name irritated me. My Kindle is riddled with comments for the first few chapters. Something must have sparkled through all that though, something buried deep in the back that shone through, because I stuck with it…and boy am I glad that I did!
Once the family move back to the village of their past, the story comes alive. Suddenly there is light and colour and sparkle and the juxtaposition between this and the first part of the book reminded me of The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy left the drab, grey Kansas and landed in technicoloured Oz. I went from wishing that something would happen in the story to being swept away by the pace of the action. I went from wishing that Amanda would fall down a drain to falling in love with Amanae. I went from being irritated by a name to adoring a name! I went from stopping every few minutes to note a comment to completely forgetting I was reading and being wholly immersed in the story. In fact, I didn’t make another note until right at the end of the book.
If this distinction between the first part of the book and remainder was an intentional way of showing the distinction between Amanda and Amanae, it’s a very clever technique – but it’s also a dangerous one. If you, as a reader, are stuck trying to get past the first few chapters of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper, stick at it – it will surprise you.
The story of Amanae is gripping and the concept of a young elf who doesn’t know she’s an elf, and who has to develop her Elvin skills in such a short amount of time, is a fascinating one. It’s a new and interesting way of writing about elves that kept me entertained throughout and although characterised as a ‘YA Romance’, for me, the romance is far from the best part of the book. Amanae as a character really comes out of herself, making this book as much a ‘coming of age’ tale as anything else and watching Amanae grow is heart-warming.
Speaking of the romance though, (and as most of you know, I hate romance), it’s done really well. It isn’t thrown in your face and is not sickly sweet – although the whole love triangle thing between Jordan, Amanae, and Caelsah, is a little strange to say the least. As a general hater of romance, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself rooting for Caelsah and Amanae.
No, this book is not without problems. You’ve got to stick with it to find the magic within, it’s at times jumpy and leaps through time with no notice, and the dialogue is sometimes stifled and not lifelike. I didn’t highlight any phrases for their beauty or smile at striking narrative, but actually, it doesn’t need any of that because of how deeply immersed in the story you become, and how much you begin to believe in Amanae, in Caelsah, in the village, as real people and places. And it left me with one overwhelming feeling that will tell you all you need to know: I was desperate to start reading the second book in the series, and I’ve struggled to start reading anything else since as I miss Amanae already.
Oh, and mum, if you’re reading this, I am ready. You can reveal my true elvin nature whenever you want.
April 18, 2015
This book is a good read, a young woman finding out about herself with a twist. I would recommend it especially for elf, fantasy, and young readers. Good value for the money, and I'm looking forward to the sequel. Rosemary Jones
May 27, 2015
A Review by HM Flath
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper by Tanya Jones
Tanya Jones has created a fantasy in a world where time and age take on new meaning, where elves live and where supernatural forces are at work. Amanda becomes Amanae, auras become visible and thoughts can be transmitted mentally. All of this and much more happens when Amanda returns to the village of Eytherfel with her parents and begins her journey to the Awakening as an elf. There are interesting twists and events which become life altering and exciting. Such is the life of an elf as one seeks to learn of personal powers and strengths.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper is also a love story where two loves are significant in Amanae’s teenage life - one human and one an elf. Interesting events evolve as they vie to win Amanae’s heart.
Amanae is a carefully crafted character with genuine caring qualities and with a strength and intelligence which is put to the test more than once in this story. Caelsah, or Beauty-Boy as nicknamed by Amanae, and Jordan, Amanae’s human love, also possess strength of character deserving of admiration and respect.
My only criticism of this book is that Jordan accepted Amanae’s Elven world too quickly and easily. His understanding of all the implications came so swiftly that it somehow didn’t really fit. Perhaps more time and a few more twists would have helped with the transition. Also, there are several times in the story where ‘sat’ is used instead of ‘seated’, and where ‘use’ should be ‘used’, and ‘suppose’ should be ‘supposed’. In all fairness to the author and from a reader not versed in the Elven world, perhaps those were intentional? Aside from that, the story was very well written, with accurate structure and punctuation.
This story which I received from the author through a Goodreads connection would definitely appeal to young adolescents, those interested in elves and those who enjoy fantasy.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper by Tanya Jones
Tanya Jones has created a fantasy in a world where time and age take on new meaning, where elves live and where supernatural forces are at work. Amanda becomes Amanae, auras become visible and thoughts can be transmitted mentally. All of this and much more happens when Amanda returns to the village of Eytherfel with her parents and begins her journey to the Awakening as an elf. There are interesting twists and events which become life altering and exciting. Such is the life of an elf as one seeks to learn of personal powers and strengths.
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper is also a love story where two loves are significant in Amanae’s teenage life - one human and one an elf. Interesting events evolve as they vie to win Amanae’s heart.
Amanae is a carefully crafted character with genuine caring qualities and with a strength and intelligence which is put to the test more than once in this story. Caelsah, or Beauty-Boy as nicknamed by Amanae, and Jordan, Amanae’s human love, also possess strength of character deserving of admiration and respect.
My only criticism of this book is that Jordan accepted Amanae’s Elven world too quickly and easily. His understanding of all the implications came so swiftly that it somehow didn’t really fit. Perhaps more time and a few more twists would have helped with the transition. Also, there are several times in the story where ‘sat’ is used instead of ‘seated’, and where ‘use’ should be ‘used’, and ‘suppose’ should be ‘supposed’. In all fairness to the author and from a reader not versed in the Elven world, perhaps those were intentional? Aside from that, the story was very well written, with accurate structure and punctuation.
This story which I received from the author through a Goodreads connection would definitely appeal to young adolescents, those interested in elves and those who enjoy fantasy.
September 9, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ironically, when I began reading this book at first I absolutely hated the main character, Amanda. So much so that I wanted to just put the book down and not look at it again. Fortunately I kept reading and absolutely fell in love with her story. At first I found the title a bit odd, but after finishing the book and understanding the title I feel it's just perfect. There's just a few things I disliked about this book: aside from the typical spoiled teenager spiel at the beginning which was very necessary, there are a few grammar errors and things like confusion of past and present tense. Additionally, the long list of powers, while somewhat adding to the storyline, was overkill. It was just too long and I found myself just skimming the list, very much like what a regular teenager would most likely do. Those few things aside, I absolutely love Dreams of Beautiful Whisper and more books from Jones simply cannot come soon enough. I found this to be one of those instances where I really wanted to finish reading the book because it was so good yet at the same time I didn't want it to be over. The story was too short for me, as I just did not want to stop reading. I certainly hope Jones has a very long list of books and ideas to continue in her future because she's made me an instant die hard fan with this one book.
Ironically, when I began reading this book at first I absolutely hated the main character, Amanda. So much so that I wanted to just put the book down and not look at it again. Fortunately I kept reading and absolutely fell in love with her story. At first I found the title a bit odd, but after finishing the book and understanding the title I feel it's just perfect. There's just a few things I disliked about this book: aside from the typical spoiled teenager spiel at the beginning which was very necessary, there are a few grammar errors and things like confusion of past and present tense. Additionally, the long list of powers, while somewhat adding to the storyline, was overkill. It was just too long and I found myself just skimming the list, very much like what a regular teenager would most likely do. Those few things aside, I absolutely love Dreams of Beautiful Whisper and more books from Jones simply cannot come soon enough. I found this to be one of those instances where I really wanted to finish reading the book because it was so good yet at the same time I didn't want it to be over. The story was too short for me, as I just did not want to stop reading. I certainly hope Jones has a very long list of books and ideas to continue in her future because she's made me an instant die hard fan with this one book.
July 30, 2015
Dreams of Beautiful Whisper is lovely a coming of age book with a twist. Although I found the writing a little basic and at times the tenses got a little muddled, which was very annoying, the story was great and kept me hooked until the end.
The first section of this book was very slow and I feel written for, and at times, felt like it was written by, someone much younger. But stick with it and you won't be disappointed you did. I loved all the characters, but did have trouble knowing how to pronounce their names!
I look forward to reading the next in the series!
The first section of this book was very slow and I feel written for, and at times, felt like it was written by, someone much younger. But stick with it and you won't be disappointed you did. I loved all the characters, but did have trouble knowing how to pronounce their names!
I look forward to reading the next in the series!
August 5, 2015
Get ready to dive into an unbelievable fantasy world of Elves as young Amanda embarks on her journey to discovering who she is meant to be. I was given this book to read for review and greatly appreciate having been given the opportunity. Tanya Jones writes in a way that draws you into the story as though you are a part of it. The characters and locations are so imaginatively well written that you can easily close your eyes and picture yourself there. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the next installment.
February 7, 2017
A grand adventure is where we begin as we leave from the place the main character has known all her life, but she can not remember much of her memory of childhood. and then in a new small out in the boondocks style area is where untold secrets are revealed and the fun really begins. I loved reading this book a masterfully told story are in the pages of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper.
December 20, 2015
I don’t generally read young adult novels, but I was intrigued by the concept of blending ordinary life with the elven world. It brings up several interesting philosophical questions about aging and romance. Being a fan of the fantasy genre, I decided to give Dreams of Beautiful Whisper a read.
I’m pleasantly surprised at the storyline and attention to certain details. I love reading about supernatural powers and this novel is about a girl who comes of age, and is maturing into her abilities. She finds herself torn between two worlds and two young suitors too.
While I enjoyed the book, a few things bother me. In my opinion, the characters are written far older than their chronological ages. I feel that the storyline is more suited to characters in their twenties, not young teenagers. The storyline is a little too mature for the teenage personalities.
I must confess that I don’t like it when the first book in a series ends in a cliffhanger. The story feels a little truncated in the end, but there are further adventures coming so we will have to wait and see what Tanya Jones has in store for us in her next book. Dreams of Beautiful Whisper has the potential to turn into a fascinating series.
I’m pleasantly surprised at the storyline and attention to certain details. I love reading about supernatural powers and this novel is about a girl who comes of age, and is maturing into her abilities. She finds herself torn between two worlds and two young suitors too.
While I enjoyed the book, a few things bother me. In my opinion, the characters are written far older than their chronological ages. I feel that the storyline is more suited to characters in their twenties, not young teenagers. The storyline is a little too mature for the teenage personalities.
I must confess that I don’t like it when the first book in a series ends in a cliffhanger. The story feels a little truncated in the end, but there are further adventures coming so we will have to wait and see what Tanya Jones has in store for us in her next book. Dreams of Beautiful Whisper has the potential to turn into a fascinating series.
September 21, 2015
This is a unique fantasy set in an enchanting village, a place I found myself wanting to live. I enjoyed the sense of mystery in this book, it definitely kept me turning pages. I didn't want to put the book down. However, sometimes I found the pace of the book a little slow. Amanda has a lot to process, and spends a lot of time thinking/talking over the decision she has to make. I understand why all of this was done, and it wouldn't be realistic if it hadn't been done. But after her family revealed their secret to her (I'll try to word this without spoilers) I was eager to discover more about that, and learn what they had discovered about the disappearance. As for the romance, I have personally never been a fan of love triangles. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how the two boys ended up treating each other, and how they treated Amanda regarding her decisions.
I found the flaws to be minor and easily overlooked. Yes, there are some grammatical errors and past/present tense jumping, but after a while, I was too caught up in the story to really notice. Looking forward to the sequel!
I found the flaws to be minor and easily overlooked. Yes, there are some grammatical errors and past/present tense jumping, but after a while, I was too caught up in the story to really notice. Looking forward to the sequel!
September 21, 2015
I would like to start off by saying that i really enjoyed this story. The main character Amanae is intriguing. She encompasses all of what I imagine an elf should be. I was apprehensive about the love triangle at first but thought it was well written. I actually couldn't bring myself to side with either young man. I think they both compliment Amanae well in their own individual ways.
The only issue i have with this book is that it needs some revision and grammar attention. Multiple times i found myself drug out of the story because a word was missing or there were no commas to help the sentences flow. This is killer for me.
Afterall, isn't the point of reading to get lost in the story? To live as another?
All in all, with some attention, this book could really be great. I will be reading the next one with the hopes that these issues will be resolved.
To be honest, I'll be reading regardless. I need to know what happens.
The only issue i have with this book is that it needs some revision and grammar attention. Multiple times i found myself drug out of the story because a word was missing or there were no commas to help the sentences flow. This is killer for me.
Afterall, isn't the point of reading to get lost in the story? To live as another?
All in all, with some attention, this book could really be great. I will be reading the next one with the hopes that these issues will be resolved.
To be honest, I'll be reading regardless. I need to know what happens.
October 7, 2015
I'm a big reader of romance and every so often a paranormal one vies for my attention. This time it was Dreams of Beautiful Whisper by Tanya Jones. I've read books about vampires, werewolves, witches, fallen angels and fairies before so I really enjoyed the difference of reading about this world inhabited by elven folk so much so that I wish it was real!
While reading Dreams of Beautiful Whisper I was learning of the legends and stories as the heroine Amanda was discovering her destiny, navigating her current options and deciding on her future.
This book is predominately told in the first person from Amanda's POV with certain passages in the third person which I think enhanced the story.
I really enjoyed Amanda's journey through this book and seeing her gain strength and confidence. She's certainly wise beyond her [human] years. I am looking forward to following the rest of Amanda's story and that of her friends in book two!
While reading Dreams of Beautiful Whisper I was learning of the legends and stories as the heroine Amanda was discovering her destiny, navigating her current options and deciding on her future.
This book is predominately told in the first person from Amanda's POV with certain passages in the third person which I think enhanced the story.
I really enjoyed Amanda's journey through this book and seeing her gain strength and confidence. She's certainly wise beyond her [human] years. I am looking forward to following the rest of Amanda's story and that of her friends in book two!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews