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Hemlock Bay #1
Falling
When the lines between dreams and reality disappear, wishes can become nightmares...
For sixteen-year-old Bixby, the last few years have been a misery of loss and rejection. Her mother’s death, her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s and her father’s despair and distance have robbed her of the family she once had. With only her brother Lincoln and her imaginary friends from the town she dreams of every night on her side, she struggles on.
But then Lincoln is killed in a suspicious car accident and Bixby is devastated to lose her best—and only—friend. Desperate to have him back, she accepts an offer from a stranger from her nightmares.
Jordan delivers on his promise and Bixby finds she must deliver on hers. The problem is she doesn’t know who—or what—Jordan really is or what exactly she promised in return.
Each evening they spend together in her dreams brings them closer together and tears Bixby further from her own reality. What does Jordan really want and what is Bixby going to lose in return for the only thing she thought she wanted most in the world?
Explore a new paranormal world where djinn rule and usually get what they want.
Look for the sequel, Winter’s Dream, available now.
For sixteen-year-old Bixby, the last few years have been a misery of loss and rejection. Her mother’s death, her grandmother’s Alzheimer’s and her father’s despair and distance have robbed her of the family she once had. With only her brother Lincoln and her imaginary friends from the town she dreams of every night on her side, she struggles on.
But then Lincoln is killed in a suspicious car accident and Bixby is devastated to lose her best—and only—friend. Desperate to have him back, she accepts an offer from a stranger from her nightmares.
Jordan delivers on his promise and Bixby finds she must deliver on hers. The problem is she doesn’t know who—or what—Jordan really is or what exactly she promised in return.
Each evening they spend together in her dreams brings them closer together and tears Bixby further from her own reality. What does Jordan really want and what is Bixby going to lose in return for the only thing she thought she wanted most in the world?
Explore a new paranormal world where djinn rule and usually get what they want.
Look for the sequel, Winter’s Dream, available now.
181 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2012
39 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
About the author
Amber Jaeger
7 books187 followersAmber Jaeger is the author of five novels, including the completed Hemlock Bay series. When she's not working on the next King book, she can be found camping, cooking or wherever the cat happens to be napping. The Dragon King is forthcoming in Fall 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 30, 2013
This book didn't feel as polished as "Cold King." The spelling, grammar and editing errors distracted from my enjoyment of the story. Fairly weak on character development. I didn't even understand why Bixby liked Jordan, let alone why Jordan liked Bixby. They just did. The writing was weak and did a lot of telling and not much showing. One thing that was well done was the pacing. The drama leading up to the end of the story was quite compelling and satisfying enough that I immediately picked up book 2. So, that's something.
May 27, 2017
27.5.2017 - 3,5*
Tahle kniha měla potenciál. To mě asi štve nejvíce, jak dobrá mohla být, ale provedení tak... pokulhávalo.
Nemluvě o konci, který mě zanechal zatraceně naštvanou. Vážně, skončilo to tak jen proto, aby autorka měla jednoduchý nájezd na další díl, místo aby... nevím, charaktery byly inteligentní, zaznamenaly nějaký emocionální vývoj? Navíc to bylo příliš nečekané (ve špatném slovasmyslu, aka božská ruka autora)...
Vše bylo... mdlé. To je ten výraz. Vše mohlo být plné barev a energie, ale autorka to nedokázala správně zachytit. Vybájila si úžasné vzdušné zámky, a poté se spokojila s dětskou stavebnicí.
Vzdušné zámky:
- hlavní hrdinka měla zatraceně živé sny a v nich Nightmare Town, který poskytoval tolik možností... a byl zredukován pouze na kulisy, a i tak špatné.
- hlavní hrdina a jeho tajemství. A ty detaily, které autorka dokázala docela slušně vepsat, jak si pohrála s mytologií, ten slibný nástin... Le Sigh.
- celkový koncept, na kterém byl děj postaven. Mohlo to být velkolepé. Místo toho jsem četla něco podobného středoškolské komedii/melodramatu/netuším-jak-se-nadává-těm-španělským-telenovelám-jedním-slovem a pokulhávajícím dějem.
Jsem zklamaná, a přestože mě ta myšlenka stále láká, nejsem si jistá, že se dostanu k pokračování.
Tahle kniha měla potenciál. To mě asi štve nejvíce, jak dobrá mohla být, ale provedení tak... pokulhávalo.
Nemluvě o konci, který mě zanechal zatraceně naštvanou. Vážně, skončilo to tak jen proto, aby autorka měla jednoduchý nájezd na další díl, místo aby... nevím, charaktery byly inteligentní, zaznamenaly nějaký emocionální vývoj? Navíc to bylo příliš nečekané (ve špatném slovasmyslu, aka božská ruka autora)...
Vše bylo... mdlé. To je ten výraz. Vše mohlo být plné barev a energie, ale autorka to nedokázala správně zachytit. Vybájila si úžasné vzdušné zámky, a poté se spokojila s dětskou stavebnicí.
Vzdušné zámky:
- hlavní hrdinka měla zatraceně živé sny a v nich Nightmare Town, který poskytoval tolik možností... a byl zredukován pouze na kulisy, a i tak špatné.
- hlavní hrdina a jeho tajemství. A ty detaily, které autorka dokázala docela slušně vepsat, jak si pohrála s mytologií, ten slibný nástin... Le Sigh.
- celkový koncept, na kterém byl děj postaven. Mohlo to být velkolepé. Místo toho jsem četla něco podobného středoškolské komedii/melodramatu/netuším-jak-se-nadává-těm-španělským-telenovelám-jedním-slovem a pokulhávajícím dějem.
Jsem zklamaná, a přestože mě ta myšlenka stále láká, nejsem si jistá, že se dostanu k pokračování.
August 31, 2012
I definitely didn't think this book will be interesting..but damn i loved reading it ..
Bixby is a normal 16 year old..well not normal exactly.. her mother died years ago,her father doesn't care a bit about her,her grandmother has been weird enough and the only thing that kept her sane and safe -her brother Linc- is Dead!
And to top it are her strange dreams and a more weird stranger who asks bixby for a weird agreement to give her back something she want mostly and is trapped in a weird in between..But when lies are told,secrets are kept...things go from weird to dangerous..something she didn't dream.
It was a edgy,suspenseful and dark story and i loved bixby ,she is strong enough to face anything once she realizes whats going on or even before that..cos she loves and wants to protect everyone she care!
The end was very unexpected..and kind of bizarre if u ask me..but well there next book..so i think it has something to do with how it continues!
Looking forward for it.
Sri.
Bixby is a normal 16 year old..well not normal exactly.. her mother died years ago,her father doesn't care a bit about her,her grandmother has been weird enough and the only thing that kept her sane and safe -her brother Linc- is Dead!
And to top it are her strange dreams and a more weird stranger who asks bixby for a weird agreement to give her back something she want mostly and is trapped in a weird in between..But when lies are told,secrets are kept...things go from weird to dangerous..something she didn't dream.
It was a edgy,suspenseful and dark story and i loved bixby ,she is strong enough to face anything once she realizes whats going on or even before that..cos she loves and wants to protect everyone she care!
The end was very unexpected..and kind of bizarre if u ask me..but well there next book..so i think it has something to do with how it continues!
Looking forward for it.
Sri.
January 21, 2013
This book is incredible! The story line is great, although there were two things that I did despise in the book. The intense amount of secrets! It thoroughly drove me crazy! I was about to find all the information I needed on the internet, although I was a nice little girl and didn't do that! I read this intense book and surprised to find that, by the end of the book, I was still skeptical! Which was the second reason I was slightly pissed off. Additionally how this book does end.... badly.
Although I will still read the second book, only to know the characters secrets. But that is why all readers... well read! It is to retain the secrets authors have eclipsed in their novels and relish in the fact these characters have secrets we have yet to know.
Thus, I do explore readers to give this book a chance, although you might get slightly annoyed at the dramatic ending there is a second novel to read. ;D
Although I will still read the second book, only to know the characters secrets. But that is why all readers... well read! It is to retain the secrets authors have eclipsed in their novels and relish in the fact these characters have secrets we have yet to know.
Thus, I do explore readers to give this book a chance, although you might get slightly annoyed at the dramatic ending there is a second novel to read. ;D
March 7, 2017
a young high schooler with a lot on her plate. a jerk of a father, a very sick grandmother, feeling like an outcast at school, and just sad. two weeks after her brother dies in an accident, she begins to see this guy that seemed suspicous, and claims he has feelings for her since her mother died. this story has a great climbing point to the climax...but, the climax is to continued in the next book. that part is annoying. to find out what happens you have to read the other books...gggrrrr. other than that, i liked it.
September 25, 2012
I will start first by saying this, I NEVER read YA. However, I couldn't pass this one by. I am so very glad I didn't! There is a lot going on in this book, Amber did a great job of weaving a wonderful setting, great plot and terrific characters! I ended up unable to stop reading this book and finished it in one sitting/day. My only complaint is it ended in a cliffhanger, darn, I hate when that happens! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
April 20, 2022
I can totally relate to Bixby being the shy awkward girl who rather read than party and is trying to take care of everything and everyone I know from experience taking care of someone with Alzheimer's is one of the hardest things I've ever done but at least I had help, her dad and brother just take it for granted that she can and will do everything around the house and take care of her Grandmother too.
December 24, 2012
I enjoyed this book and I would read more books in this series. The only thing that bugged me was the main characters name...
April 13, 2019
I kept reading this book, despite the creepy romance, because the worldbuilding intrigued me. (It took a twist towards the end that sort of paid off.) That said I'm annoyed that a 181-page book ended on a cliffhanger. Just Amazon trying to make more money, I guess.
February 2, 2023
This book was so fun. I read it really fast. Jordan is both awesome and awful.
November 23, 2015
1.5, actually.
Oh my God! Why did I read this?
Problem number one: BIXBY IS A SHIT CHARACTER!
At first she just seems really neutral, as if she's some type of badass and just doesn't care anymore. Then I realized that she really isn't a badass at all and just a pushover. All the times when she should get mad, she starts to cry. There are times when she cries and brings up completely irrelevant and trivial reasons for it. She is a one person pity party. She's always asking question but never the RIGHT ones. Like right after Jordan brought her brother back, there are several questions she failed to ask; and when she finally did ask the right questions, everything had already gone to shit. It's not even like no body took the time to warn her, she just shrugged them off like "It's too late now" when it really wasn't. It was the perfect time!
Problem two: Really jumpy storyline.
I under stand this is supposed to be a short story but jeez! It flowed at first but about halfway through it stopped making sense. It felt like every time the story took a turn somewhere, it was reverse and skirt around where it was heading. Then it said screw skirting altogether and started skipping. Suddenly, Lincoln is different. then he's the same. then she's suspicious of Jordan. Then she loves him. Then she's mad (crying) at him. Then she wants revenge nod goes on a date with someone else. Then she loves him again. Then they fight. Then she's mad at Lincoln so she runs back to Jordan. I mean, can there be some kind or ACTUAL catalyst to cause these mood swings please? Jordan wasn't much better either, what with only having two emotions as he does: giddy and pissed off.
Problem three: I'm pretty sure the book bags in the trunk went from being Ben and Lincoln's to Ben and Cory's, even though Cory's book bag was said to be stolen earlier that day.
Problem four: What type of ending was that?
I don't mean that like a 'Omg, that cliff-hanger was so amazing it was unbelievable', I mean that like 'Really, what type of ending was that?' Okay, so now she knows all the crap Jordan really did, but then suddenly she's being arrested, her grandma is suddenly cured and remembers everything, Lincoln disappears, and she in juvvie? Maybe I wouldn't have much of a problem with the ending if it hadn't gone so fast and parts about jail and juvvie were a little more realistic. Also detail, this book lacked detail.
I gave this book 2 stars in stead of the 1 it deserves only because it could have been better if it had more detail, the main character wasn't crap, and there was more room for explanation between each event. Do I recommend this? No. This is one kindle freebie you need to pass on.
Oh my God! Why did I read this?
Problem number one: BIXBY IS A SHIT CHARACTER!
At first she just seems really neutral, as if she's some type of badass and just doesn't care anymore. Then I realized that she really isn't a badass at all and just a pushover. All the times when she should get mad, she starts to cry. There are times when she cries and brings up completely irrelevant and trivial reasons for it. She is a one person pity party. She's always asking question but never the RIGHT ones. Like right after Jordan brought her brother back, there are several questions she failed to ask; and when she finally did ask the right questions, everything had already gone to shit. It's not even like no body took the time to warn her, she just shrugged them off like "It's too late now" when it really wasn't. It was the perfect time!
Problem two: Really jumpy storyline.
I under stand this is supposed to be a short story but jeez! It flowed at first but about halfway through it stopped making sense. It felt like every time the story took a turn somewhere, it was reverse and skirt around where it was heading. Then it said screw skirting altogether and started skipping. Suddenly, Lincoln is different. then he's the same. then she's suspicious of Jordan. Then she loves him. Then she's mad (crying) at him. Then she wants revenge nod goes on a date with someone else. Then she loves him again. Then they fight. Then she's mad at Lincoln so she runs back to Jordan. I mean, can there be some kind or ACTUAL catalyst to cause these mood swings please? Jordan wasn't much better either, what with only having two emotions as he does: giddy and pissed off.
Problem three: I'm pretty sure the book bags in the trunk went from being Ben and Lincoln's to Ben and Cory's, even though Cory's book bag was said to be stolen earlier that day.
Problem four: What type of ending was that?
I don't mean that like a 'Omg, that cliff-hanger was so amazing it was unbelievable', I mean that like 'Really, what type of ending was that?' Okay, so now she knows all the crap Jordan really did, but then suddenly she's being arrested, her grandma is suddenly cured and remembers everything, Lincoln disappears, and she in juvvie? Maybe I wouldn't have much of a problem with the ending if it hadn't gone so fast and parts about jail and juvvie were a little more realistic. Also detail, this book lacked detail.
I gave this book 2 stars in stead of the 1 it deserves only because it could have been better if it had more detail, the main character wasn't crap, and there was more room for explanation between each event. Do I recommend this? No. This is one kindle freebie you need to pass on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2013
While in Nightmare town, A world only entered through Bixby's dreams, She comes face to face with a very inquisitive stranger.
He offers to bring her brother back from the dead, and all he wants in return is to find out more about her world.. or so Bixby thinks.
Bixby really annoyed me, She was so naive. Why would you agree to some strangers offer, when you haven't asked what it fully entails?
He's saying he can bring your brother back, who's supposed to be dead and you think all he wants from you are answers? Dream on!
Jordan was such a creep.
"Autumn is my favorite season." I mumbled stupidly.
"I know it is," he said fervently. "That's why i make it perfect for you. It never rains on Halloween, it's never so cold kids have to cover up their costumes. I make the leaves change color and drop in shifts, lasting for months. That smell you love so much, it's the leaves changing."
My stomach curled in on itself a little. "How do you know that?" i whispered. "How do you know that about me?"
He smiled sweetly and moved his hand from the chair to my hand. "Just observation"
Mhm hm, "Observation"
That's not the only stalker type thing he says, and there's moments where Bixby actually think it's sweet and falls for him, and when she does find it creepy, it doesn't last for long.
This could have been good, but it fell flat on it's face.
He offers to bring her brother back from the dead, and all he wants in return is to find out more about her world.. or so Bixby thinks.
Bixby really annoyed me, She was so naive. Why would you agree to some strangers offer, when you haven't asked what it fully entails?
He's saying he can bring your brother back, who's supposed to be dead and you think all he wants from you are answers? Dream on!
Jordan was such a creep.
"Autumn is my favorite season." I mumbled stupidly.
"I know it is," he said fervently. "That's why i make it perfect for you. It never rains on Halloween, it's never so cold kids have to cover up their costumes. I make the leaves change color and drop in shifts, lasting for months. That smell you love so much, it's the leaves changing."
My stomach curled in on itself a little. "How do you know that?" i whispered. "How do you know that about me?"
He smiled sweetly and moved his hand from the chair to my hand. "Just observation"
Mhm hm, "Observation"
That's not the only stalker type thing he says, and there's moments where Bixby actually think it's sweet and falls for him, and when she does find it creepy, it doesn't last for long.
This could have been good, but it fell flat on it's face.
July 11, 2014
Wow! and I don't mean that in a good way. This was bad like I want to pull my hair out bad. I couldn't stand the girl, she had no backbone and let others push her around. She does all the work and cooks. Her brother and dad don't do anything and she forgives them after they came back for seconds. I would've been pissed and demand they help instead of letting me do all this crap. Then her brother sets her up on a double date with his friend and complains that she's being a stuck up bitch and when she gets mad I'm like ," Finally!" Give me some emotion that doesn't end up you crying and being a doormat. But no after her brother talked to her and I don't think it was a very sincere apology she forgives him. Blehh!! SEriously you forgive him for getting mad at you that your not trying to be popular while your being treated like a maid. I would've liked her to put him in his place but no as usual she lets people step all over her. Lame! And the ending felt rushed and totally confusing as in what does this have to do with anything in the story??? Doesn't make sense.
March 29, 2014
It was a cool idea but it didn't pan out. In short, Bixby is an annoying main character who hates friends and being pretty and loves hot guys who force her to do things against her will and are physically abusive. Bixby's father sounds more like a teen than an adult. Bixby's brother is way more likeable than she is, despite the author's intent to make you feel sorry for Bixby since the brother has a life and she doesn't. She doesn't have a life because she's busy feeling self-important and looking down on other girls. Stay home then, who wants that mess at parties? The ending was ridiculous, where Jordan can somehow cause a state to wrongfully lock a kid in juvenile hall. I gave this book a second star because I finished it, but I certainly won't continue with the series.
July 2, 2013
Ok, so the book was good!
Plot moved fast and was filled with action.
The characters, especially the main protagonists were nicely fluffed out!
Story line was new and unique in my reading experience.
My one problem was the lack of tension between the love interests. That, was solved at the end of the series.
This was one of the best ends ever? Unpredictable and fresh and I loved the fact that the author decided that breaking the mold is a good thing.
WaAr
http://www.amazon.com/Falling-The-Hem...
Currently free.
Plot moved fast and was filled with action.
The characters, especially the main protagonists were nicely fluffed out!
Story line was new and unique in my reading experience.
My one problem was the lack of tension between the love interests. That, was solved at the end of the series.
This was one of the best ends ever? Unpredictable and fresh and I loved the fact that the author decided that breaking the mold is a good thing.
WaAr
http://www.amazon.com/Falling-The-Hem...
Currently free.
December 25, 2016
I don't know how or why, but this story just pulled me in and didn't let me go. :D It's short and filled with mysteries, lots of refreshingly new mythology (djinn!), and a compelling main characters. Bixby is a very good sister, daughter and granchild. She basically keeps the household up and running, and then is also the (as of yet unexplained) Nightmare Town in her dreams that she visits almost every night. Then she unvittingly falls into a trap by djinn Jordan in order to save her brother and must answer his every question and demand. Ugh, I knew there was something sinister about him.
I want to know what happens next!
I want to know what happens next!
January 15, 2014
I thought this was good. Who has not had a dream that you could not distinguish fully whether you were awake or asleep? It was different concept than other books. I wished she had talked more to Uncle David to find out more, I think he would have shared more if she had not panicked and left. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens. Where did Linc go? What secrets did Grandma have hidden? What of the mysterious blond with the silver bracelets... the list goes on. I thought this was extremely well written, I love the realism to it which is always a point scorer with me. Nothing like an ex scorned.Now to find the second book :)
January 16, 2015
I think my overall rating of this book would be a 3.5 star. This book really was good, and the plot was appealing enough...but it seems that I gave it a bit much credit before actually reading it.
Don't get me wrong, the plot of this is truly unique and original. I love how the author used dreams to transport the main character elsewhere, instead of (s)he getting sent there in real time and completely disappearing. It just happened that, while the book was good, it didn't spark a complete interest in me. Will I read the second one? Probably.
As usual with 90% of E-books, there were some mistakes, but they were just easy enough to ignore.
Don't get me wrong, the plot of this is truly unique and original. I love how the author used dreams to transport the main character elsewhere, instead of (s)he getting sent there in real time and completely disappearing. It just happened that, while the book was good, it didn't spark a complete interest in me. Will I read the second one? Probably.
As usual with 90% of E-books, there were some mistakes, but they were just easy enough to ignore.
November 19, 2012
I liked it more than "the mind readers". I liked the story, awsome awsome story, I liked the characters, everything. Best of all was how the author end it. It totally rocked!! It did had a touch of reality too....Bixby in the juvvie. But I like it though I read it as quickly as I could.The author screw it up a little after the weird meeting Bixby had with another girl like herself but thats ok. too.I read it in one day and it is in my immidiate plans to continue it along with Existence.
May 11, 2016
This is a good YA paranormal book. The main character is likeable and flawed. Some of the other characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, but still good writing. There are some editing errors, but that type of thing isn't a big issue for me. I enjoyed the fast pace and twist in this book.No sexual content, some mild swearing, very mild violence. I can recommend for teens and up. Moving on to book two right away.
August 12, 2018
Compelling and unique
I had no idea what type of book to expect, never having read anything by this author previously. I found I enjoyed this story a great deal. Engaging and attention grabbing writing style that breathes creative life into the djinn mythology. It does lean more into the darker side, but it fits the tale being told. I already picked up the next book in the series!
I had no idea what type of book to expect, never having read anything by this author previously. I found I enjoyed this story a great deal. Engaging and attention grabbing writing style that breathes creative life into the djinn mythology. It does lean more into the darker side, but it fits the tale being told. I already picked up the next book in the series!
July 15, 2013
Bixby is in a very unfortunate position. I felt sad for her throughout the book. She is being manipulated and abused by everyone around her and lady luck isn't turning her way. I hope as the story goes on that her fate will turn around. It was sad how the story ended. I wish Bixby the best luck with everything she's got going on.
September 18, 2013
I wasn't convinced this was going to be a good book because the proofreader did such an absolutely terrible job of checking the grammar that I almost chose not to read past the first page. It was well worth the effort and I really loved it! I just really wish the author had taken the time to check the proofer's work.
November 15, 2014
This book was pretty awesome and I finished it in one sitting, when I was reading a few of the other reviews I thought it would be cheesy and boring but you literally have no idea what's going to happen next. One second she's just about coping and ten words later everything's fallen apart. It's unique and I give it a very high score.
April 23, 2013
This is really a 3.5. I'm subtracting 0.5 because it ends just when it's starting to get really good! Can't wait for the sequel. This isn't a masterpiece by any means, but it is original and heartfelt which I appreciate.
May 24, 2013
Great book and storyline about a dream world but talk about ending abruptly. It was like the author was typing and the editor said, "Okay, that's enough" and ripped the last page out of her hands before it was finished. Other than that, the book was very enjoyable to read.
April 19, 2015
Interesting
This book wasn't what I expected. I was hooked from the beginning and found Bixby's story to be unusual and full of mystery. I'm interested in reading the next book to see where the author takes this story.
This book wasn't what I expected. I was hooked from the beginning and found Bixby's story to be unusual and full of mystery. I'm interested in reading the next book to see where the author takes this story.
October 28, 2012
Slightly confusing at times but a very good story. I enjoyed it enough to stay up till 2am to finish it!
November 25, 2012
This book surprised me! I like the storyline and Amber got my attention. I am looking forward to seeing Bixby's story unfold!
You know I like a book when I HAVE to know what happens next!!!"
You know I like a book when I HAVE to know what happens next!!!"
November 24, 2012
Great book! Couldn't stop till I finished it, then went straight into Winters Dream (#2) I am very excited about this series and can't wait to read the third one! Hope I don't have to wait long!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews