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Bird of Stone #1
Sleepless
My name is Alex Mills and I have a superpower.
Don't be jealous, it sucks. I can't control it. My mind is a mutinous SOB that takes over when I go to sleep. I'm just a girl trying to get some shut eye while it decides to throw a rager that can land me just about anywhere in the world.
The base of the Eiffel Tower.
The shore on the coast of Ireland.
The third baseline at Wrigley Field.
Sounds exciting and fun right? Wrong. My not so superpower is unpredictable, uncontrollable and annoying as hell. It's also how I met Nick.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Nick is mine.
Nick is extraordinary as well. He can't feel fear. Never has, never will. It's worked out for him as a PJ in the Air Force, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, but where it's not helpful is with his social skills. Nick is cold, distant and apathetic.
He's also my hero. And if he's to be believed, I'm his.
I first met him when he died and that wasn't even the weirdest moment of our relationship. Neither is this moment here and now, trapped together in an island prison on the Behring Sea. It's a long, strange story between his death and this prison. One full of sheep, docks, Jabberwocks and a very special stone. I could tell it to you if you'd like to hear it. I've got time...
*Contains mild language and sexual situations.
Don't be jealous, it sucks. I can't control it. My mind is a mutinous SOB that takes over when I go to sleep. I'm just a girl trying to get some shut eye while it decides to throw a rager that can land me just about anywhere in the world.
The base of the Eiffel Tower.
The shore on the coast of Ireland.
The third baseline at Wrigley Field.
Sounds exciting and fun right? Wrong. My not so superpower is unpredictable, uncontrollable and annoying as hell. It's also how I met Nick.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Nick is mine.
Nick is extraordinary as well. He can't feel fear. Never has, never will. It's worked out for him as a PJ in the Air Force, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, but where it's not helpful is with his social skills. Nick is cold, distant and apathetic.
He's also my hero. And if he's to be believed, I'm his.
I first met him when he died and that wasn't even the weirdest moment of our relationship. Neither is this moment here and now, trapped together in an island prison on the Behring Sea. It's a long, strange story between his death and this prison. One full of sheep, docks, Jabberwocks and a very special stone. I could tell it to you if you'd like to hear it. I've got time...
*Contains mild language and sexual situations.
ebook
First published August 12, 2013
203 people are currently reading
1829 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Ward
41 books961 followersI was born in Oregon and studied English Literature at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) My husband and my son are my world.
The best way to keep up on my newest releases, giveaways, and sales is to follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey...
The best way to keep up on my newest releases, giveaways, and sales is to follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 30, 2013
Sleepless
(Bird of Stone #1)
Tracey
Ward
4.0/5.0
Alex has a superpower, but not the kind you'd be excited to have. She
can't control hers and it lands her all over the world
unpredicatably. She falls asleep in her bedroom wakes up in Paris,
Ireland, Wrigley Field, or whatever other desitantion her power
chooses at the moment. However, it's not all bad. Her power is how
she meets Nick.
Nick has a power too. He can't feel fear. It's great for his military
career... sucks for his social skills.
Their relationship is a long, strange story, but trust me; YOU WANT TO HEAR IT!
First of all, the banter in this book is absolutely hilarious. Which is why reading it in public was probably a poor choice. Apparently if
you are sitting at a table alone and burst out laughing over
something you just read in a book people just assume that you are
insane. Based on the number of times that particular situation occurred while I was reading this book, it's a miracle I wasn't
committed.
I really love that Ward didn't limit the banter to just Alex and Nick. Alex's sister Cara and Nick's fellow PJ's, Walter and Campbell are all sharp and have no problems holding their own with both Nick and Alex. The banter kept the story interesting and amusing even during the heavy world and relationship building periods. Those are usually periods where I get impatient for SOMETHING to happen, but I was too amused with what all of the characters where saying and thinking to even care. That's impressive in and of itself.
As for the story itself, I loved it. I really did. Ward did a great job of creating chemistry between Alex and Nick without creating insta-love. The progression of the relationship was perfect. No “OMG, he gives me the tingles and I'm in love” bs.
Ward also creates a story that is unique. It's different from anything else I've read. That is something that I don't get to say very often. A lot of times I really feel like I'm reading the same story with different charecters in other YA books. It was refreshing to have a completely unique story that was all her own. Plus, it was just a really fun read.
Finally...that ending... OMG. I'm sooo dying to find out what happenes next!
Its definately not the most intense cliffhanger ever, but it's
intense enough. I'm a sucker for cliffhangers (i don't know why....
glutton for punishment or something like that), and I was happy with
it. It left me all “NONONONO! You can't just LEAVE it like THIS!
I NEED TO KNOW NOW!!!” To me, that is an ideal ending.
I didn't have huge expectations going into this book. I honestly kind of had my doubts. I'm soooo glad that I didn't let them stop me from reading this though. It's truly an awesome book, and Tracey Ward could be well on her way to becoming a favorite author of mine.
Read it. Love it. Share it. Seriously. It's that good.
Also... Tracey... please hurry on book two! I'm dying over here!
June 28, 2020
A huge thank you to author Tracey Ward for providing an e-copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Sleepless took me by surprise. I'm not really sure what's going to happen based from the synopsis and it got me confused when I began. It was a mix of contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romance. It's not in a bad way though, just a curious-I-want-to-catch-up-and-understand-everything way. I haven't read anything by the author, but this book's writing was engaging and nicely-written.
Alex Mills has an uncontrollable ability. She can 'Slip' into different places when she dreams. It would have been awesome if she can control it, but she doesn't know how. Having money and an ID with her to sleep helps her get home easier, with the help of her sister Cara. But in a rare occasion that she slips to an unfamiliar or dark location, it could be really dangerous.
Nick Carver is part of the US Air Force Pararescue team. It's been his dream, something he has established since he was young. It was also his dad's profession. He doesn't feel fear, which seems to be an advantage in this line of work. But it also ruins his relationships with people and emotions.
These two meeting in a dream is probably one of the things they look forward to everyday. Alex can learn how to control her slips through Nick. And Nick can work out his people skills through talking to Alex. Besides, Nick thinks she's not real. But what happens when they meet up in real life?
Basically, the plot revolves around Alex's Slips and Cara helping her through it (only their parents and Cara knows about her ability), Nick's training, and them dreaming and meeting up there together. The twist relies on how these two meet, what is their connection to each other, the scientifics of their ability, what happens when they meet up personally and why that everywhere Nick goes, Alex is somehow dragged, too. It's a refreshing concept, something I don't read a lot about. And I was invested enough in the story to learn the mysteries of each of my question rising as the book goes on. I was curious what made Nick fearless, if there are others like them, too, and if anyone, specially medical experts, would know of their conditions soon.
The book is written in their two perspectives, and their voices are distinctive. It was impressive how Ward wrote Nick's POV. I could tell it was really from a guy. I loved reading about his emotions, despite not feeling fear, how he wanted to know about other people's feeling—in that rare question—but afraid that they'll think he's numb or boastful. I like how he eventually got a hold of his social skills, and really cared about his best friends Campbell and Walters. I'd say he was a more developed character than Alex.
On the other hand, reading about Alex's slips was fun. We got to know better how she controls it, despite the lack thereof, and her close bond with Cara. I felt like I didn't know a lot about her life, her passion/dreams despite them talking.
The pace was slow, the two have been talking through their shared dream for a year and nothing major has really happened until the 60-70% mark. And from then on, it got confusing. Not in a bad way (again), just that somehow, it was out of my expectation, something I really didn't expect would take a turn in the story, at least not until this first book, maybe. I was probably looking for something else. But anyway, at that point on, it got more interesting. More questions bubbled. More answers were revealed. Plus, I didn't like what happened in the 50-60% mark. It was unnecessary, and I didn't saw the sense of it.
What I still can't fathom or wrap my mind around, is how Nick CAN'T FEEL FEAR. Fear doesn't have to be triggered when your fear is, for example, the dark, heights, enclosed spaces or insects. When you are worried, simply worrying if your grade fails, if you can't succeed in what you do, if you can't pay the bills in time, is already fear. When you doubt about a person you love, you already feel fear, because you fear being betrayed or cheated on. When other people's opinions start to discourage you, it's already fear, because you fear they don't like you. This is my belief, I'm not sure if everyone else agrees with me but I'm solid with this, so I think the "fearless" Nick is not well-executed.
One thing was for sure, the romance was amazing and the build-up was excellent. Although as I said, they've been talking for a year and it was surprising how they don't just meet up in real life already. It wasn't insta-love, and as Nick slowly opens himself up to a person, and a girl at that, he realizes what he likes about her: that she's easy to talk to, drawn to her hair and beauty. He confesses that he misses talking to her and actually looks forward to dreaming about her again. I like that. It doesn't have to be "love" immediately, but there is admiring happening. Nick isn't exactly a people-person, he doesn't want having girlfriends because having one in a field he's gotten into, is unnecessary. Death and time is in their hands and it's something he just couldn't invest himself into. There'd be hookups, but no real commitments. He's not front and vocal, so when the time came for him to acknowledge his love for Alex, it was sweet, genuine, serious and swoon-worthy.
And at this point you probably noticed who's my favorite character.
I'm still not sure if I'd read Fearless (book #2). I heard Tracey Ward is writing a third book. I'm curious enough to know what happens next (IT ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER!), to my questions left unanswered but I read the synopsis and I don't think I'd like what's going to happen. But we'll see!
P.S. The series name only makes sense when you finish the book.
Sleepless took me by surprise. I'm not really sure what's going to happen based from the synopsis and it got me confused when I began. It was a mix of contemporary, sci-fi and paranormal romance. It's not in a bad way though, just a curious-I-want-to-catch-up-and-understand-everything way. I haven't read anything by the author, but this book's writing was engaging and nicely-written.
Alex Mills has an uncontrollable ability. She can 'Slip' into different places when she dreams. It would have been awesome if she can control it, but she doesn't know how. Having money and an ID with her to sleep helps her get home easier, with the help of her sister Cara. But in a rare occasion that she slips to an unfamiliar or dark location, it could be really dangerous.
Nick Carver is part of the US Air Force Pararescue team. It's been his dream, something he has established since he was young. It was also his dad's profession. He doesn't feel fear, which seems to be an advantage in this line of work. But it also ruins his relationships with people and emotions.
These two meeting in a dream is probably one of the things they look forward to everyday. Alex can learn how to control her slips through Nick. And Nick can work out his people skills through talking to Alex. Besides, Nick thinks she's not real. But what happens when they meet up in real life?
Basically, the plot revolves around Alex's Slips and Cara helping her through it (only their parents and Cara knows about her ability), Nick's training, and them dreaming and meeting up there together. The twist relies on how these two meet, what is their connection to each other, the scientifics of their ability, what happens when they meet up personally and why that everywhere Nick goes, Alex is somehow dragged, too. It's a refreshing concept, something I don't read a lot about. And I was invested enough in the story to learn the mysteries of each of my question rising as the book goes on. I was curious what made Nick fearless, if there are others like them, too, and if anyone, specially medical experts, would know of their conditions soon.
The book is written in their two perspectives, and their voices are distinctive. It was impressive how Ward wrote Nick's POV. I could tell it was really from a guy. I loved reading about his emotions, despite not feeling fear, how he wanted to know about other people's feeling—in that rare question—but afraid that they'll think he's numb or boastful. I like how he eventually got a hold of his social skills, and really cared about his best friends Campbell and Walters. I'd say he was a more developed character than Alex.
On the other hand, reading about Alex's slips was fun. We got to know better how she controls it, despite the lack thereof, and her close bond with Cara. I felt like I didn't know a lot about her life, her passion/dreams despite them talking.
The pace was slow, the two have been talking through their shared dream for a year and nothing major has really happened until the 60-70% mark. And from then on, it got confusing. Not in a bad way (again), just that somehow, it was out of my expectation, something I really didn't expect would take a turn in the story, at least not until this first book, maybe. I was probably looking for something else. But anyway, at that point on, it got more interesting. More questions bubbled. More answers were revealed. Plus, I didn't like what happened in the 50-60% mark. It was unnecessary, and I didn't saw the sense of it.
What I still can't fathom or wrap my mind around, is how Nick CAN'T FEEL FEAR. Fear doesn't have to be triggered when your fear is, for example, the dark, heights, enclosed spaces or insects. When you are worried, simply worrying if your grade fails, if you can't succeed in what you do, if you can't pay the bills in time, is already fear. When you doubt about a person you love, you already feel fear, because you fear being betrayed or cheated on. When other people's opinions start to discourage you, it's already fear, because you fear they don't like you. This is my belief, I'm not sure if everyone else agrees with me but I'm solid with this, so I think the "fearless" Nick is not well-executed.
One thing was for sure, the romance was amazing and the build-up was excellent. Although as I said, they've been talking for a year and it was surprising how they don't just meet up in real life already. It wasn't insta-love, and as Nick slowly opens himself up to a person, and a girl at that, he realizes what he likes about her: that she's easy to talk to, drawn to her hair and beauty. He confesses that he misses talking to her and actually looks forward to dreaming about her again. I like that. It doesn't have to be "love" immediately, but there is admiring happening. Nick isn't exactly a people-person, he doesn't want having girlfriends because having one in a field he's gotten into, is unnecessary. Death and time is in their hands and it's something he just couldn't invest himself into. There'd be hookups, but no real commitments. He's not front and vocal, so when the time came for him to acknowledge his love for Alex, it was sweet, genuine, serious and swoon-worthy.
And at this point you probably noticed who's my favorite character.
I'm still not sure if I'd read Fearless (book #2). I heard Tracey Ward is writing a third book. I'm curious enough to know what happens next (IT ENDED IN A CLIFFHANGER!), to my questions left unanswered but I read the synopsis and I don't think I'd like what's going to happen. But we'll see!
P.S. The series name only makes sense when you finish the book.
April 24, 2015
Pe... pe...pero ¿Y ESE FINAL?
Oh Dios mío, necesito el segundo yaaaaaaa.
Esperaba que este libro me gustase, pero ¿tanto? Para nada. Los personajes me han encantado, tanto Alex como Nick. Y la pareja que hacen Diossssssssssssss. Lo mejor de todo que su amor no es instantáneo, ni se dicen te quiero a los dos días de conocerse o tienen "sentimientos que no sé explicar" o cosas así. Sino que la relación se da en un año. UN AÑO. LENTAMENTE. POR FAVOR, SÍ.
Y Nick, juro que este hombre es aslkfhadihgidlv y ha robado mi corazón po completo.
Pensaba que cuando la sinopsis decía "lo conocí cuando estaba muerto" se refería a que durante el libro él era un fantasma o algo así. Pero no, lo cual lo hace todo mucho más genial. Y a pesar de que Nick tiene sus reservas sobre Alex al principio (porque cree que es producto de su imaginación y eso) y que no tiene la capacidad de sentir miedo, es tan malditamente adorable que a cada momento me daban ganas de achucharle <3
Con el tema de los viajes y tal, al principio es un poco raro y apenas se entiende nada, pero conforme avanza la trama, se descubren poco a poco las cosas. Pero en realidad no lo sabemos todo hasta los últimos capítulos y uffff.
Con respecto a la relación entre ambos, como ya he dicho, se da en un año. Cosa que me ha gustado, porque no es como si se vieran todos los días sino que se veían de cuando en cuando (porque aparentemente no se puede controlar) y poco a poco Nick va confiando más y más en Alex. Ella tiene miedo de que la toque porque puede sacarlo del sueño y Deslizarse con él, así que tiene cuidado. Pero no es hasta que Nick se da cuenta que la echa de menos (todo un gran paso para él) que intenta besarla. Y es que son tan, tan, tan, pero taaaan cuquis. Así que cuando ella verdaderamente lo lleva desde el muelle (donde se encuentran siempre) hasta su casa, Nick enloquece: 1) porque ha dejado su base (su vida es su trabajo), 2) porque ve que Alex está frente a él en carne y hueso y 3) porque ella le había omitido parte de la verdad y estaba muy enfadado con ella. Hasta tal punto que le pide que no le vuelva a buscar, ni hablarle ni nada. Pero entonces las cosas se arreglan y son todavía aún más monos juntos.
Y, siento decirlo de nuevo, PERO EL FINAL. Aún no lo estoy asimilando, de verdad. Es tan inesperado. Pasan de "luchar" contra los malos, a... FIN.
Mi corazón se ha roto cuando he visto que no había más páginas por leer. Y ohhh el segundo promete, no puedo esperar!!!!
January 12, 2014
Pure awesomeness!
February 16, 2014
*Also posted at Oops! I Read A Book Again*
Thank you to Chyna of Lite-Rate-Ture Book Tours and to Tracey Ward for the review copy. This in no way affected my views of the novel.
From the get-go, the unique premise and characters and the engaging writing grabbed me. I immediately felt that I was reading something great, probably a four-star read. We have our heroine Alex who ends up in places when she sleeps. Random forests or in Russia or anywhere. Then we have Nick, training to be a PJ in the Air Force Pararescue ("a personal recover specialist with emergency medical capabilities" as the Internet says), who feels no fear. Nada. His part of the brain which processes fear and basically, emotions, isn't working properly. Thus, he's cold and aloof, perfect for the career he wants. One training day, the Golden Boy drowns and suddenly and magically teleports to a riverbank where Alex was. She saves his life and goes back to his training camp miles and miles away, alive. Color me interested. Heck, color me gimme-more!
They then subsequently meet in their dreams again and again. At first, Nick is hesitant of Alex and believes she's not real. I mean, he dreams of her so how can she be real? But slowly, Nick's walls are chipped away and he opens up to Alex. He still doesn't believe she's real but they build a relationship, not exactly romantic at first, in their dreams. While I usually scoff at people loving the person in their dreams, I somehow get it in this situation. Alex is the only person of interest in Nick's mind so it's natural that he gravitates to her. As for Alex, at first, she only wants to learn how Nick controls his dreams so she can control hers as well. Along the way, they got to spend so much time together that they got to know each other.
I had so many questions about the world, the dreams, the set-up and how everything works. As I went deeper and deeper into the story and the mystery, I became even more engrossed. Can't blame the girl who loves secrets and mysteries even if they're sometimes frustrating. Anyway, the novel was doing good in my opinion until it reached halfway. When everything didn't make sense.
The characters I like and might even love started acting WAY out of their personalities. It's like, we need to move the story in this direction and so, the author wrote it that way, without stopping to think if the characters' actions were organic to themselves. I felt like I was reading a whole new set of characters because they completely changed. That was what disappointed and in the end, made me give this book two stars. "It was good until..." would be its motto.
Then
Sadly, as I love mysteries and I certainly didn't get any answers in this book (because it's a series GAH) and I even have more questions than I started with, I am still interested in the sequel because I want to know what happens. I want my questions answered! The bit near the end came out of nowhere but it seems like it will be good because the plot in this first book is just a part of the bigger picture. Now, I am frustrated as heck because I want to know what happens but I don't want to read the next book anymore. I guess I'll just have to face that problem when it arises.
Thank you to Chyna of Lite-Rate-Ture Book Tours and to Tracey Ward for the review copy. This in no way affected my views of the novel.
From the get-go, the unique premise and characters and the engaging writing grabbed me. I immediately felt that I was reading something great, probably a four-star read. We have our heroine Alex who ends up in places when she sleeps. Random forests or in Russia or anywhere. Then we have Nick, training to be a PJ in the Air Force Pararescue ("a personal recover specialist with emergency medical capabilities" as the Internet says), who feels no fear. Nada. His part of the brain which processes fear and basically, emotions, isn't working properly. Thus, he's cold and aloof, perfect for the career he wants. One training day, the Golden Boy drowns and suddenly and magically teleports to a riverbank where Alex was. She saves his life and goes back to his training camp miles and miles away, alive. Color me interested. Heck, color me gimme-more!
They then subsequently meet in their dreams again and again. At first, Nick is hesitant of Alex and believes she's not real. I mean, he dreams of her so how can she be real? But slowly, Nick's walls are chipped away and he opens up to Alex. He still doesn't believe she's real but they build a relationship, not exactly romantic at first, in their dreams. While I usually scoff at people loving the person in their dreams, I somehow get it in this situation. Alex is the only person of interest in Nick's mind so it's natural that he gravitates to her. As for Alex, at first, she only wants to learn how Nick controls his dreams so she can control hers as well. Along the way, they got to spend so much time together that they got to know each other.
I had so many questions about the world, the dreams, the set-up and how everything works. As I went deeper and deeper into the story and the mystery, I became even more engrossed. Can't blame the girl who loves secrets and mysteries even if they're sometimes frustrating. Anyway, the novel was doing good in my opinion until it reached halfway. When everything didn't make sense.
The characters I like and might even love started acting WAY out of their personalities. It's like, we need to move the story in this direction and so, the author wrote it that way, without stopping to think if the characters' actions were organic to themselves. I felt like I was reading a whole new set of characters because they completely changed. That was what disappointed and in the end, made me give this book two stars. "It was good until..." would be its motto.
Then
Sadly, as I love mysteries and I certainly didn't get any answers in this book (because it's a series GAH) and I even have more questions than I started with, I am still interested in the sequel because I want to know what happens. I want my questions answered! The bit near the end came out of nowhere but it seems like it will be good because the plot in this first book is just a part of the bigger picture. Now, I am frustrated as heck because I want to know what happens but I don't want to read the next book anymore. I guess I'll just have to face that problem when it arises.
January 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
For the most part I enjoyed this book. During the first 80% or so I could hardly put it down which was surprising because it really wasn't all that action packed.
This story had a strangely calming effect on me. Although it's labeled as a paranormal romance, the focus was actually more about the romance than the paranormal, despite the fact that the two main characters, Nick and Alex were only connecting with one another because of it.
I liked the way the romance was developed extremely slowly. It was more of a gradual build up than instant sparks and to me that was the best thing about it.
The story is told from the alternating points of view of both Alex and Nick and what's going on in each of their real lives separately with interludes during which they meet each other in their dreams. The meeting in dreams aspect of this was a little bit corny to me, it always is no matter where I happen to read it, and I was more than ready for Alex to show up in Nick's reality.
The paranormal aspect was a little bit glossed over and really kind of rushed into during the last 20% of the book. Because of this it didn't really feel like it added much of anything to the overall story. This could have been just a real world based new adult romance and it would have been just fine.
As it was, I felt like it was just kind of window dressing around a book that wants to be a romance more than anything and some aspects were a bit hokey. Had it been developed more and gotten more page-time, I might have enjoyed it more. Alex has the ability to dream of a place and actually wake up there. She refers to it as slipping and I think it could have been really interesting to read about but not very much time is spent at all on anything that actually happens to her when she's there. Some of the places are dangerous but the most action packed scene there is involves her waking up in an abandoned warehouse in Detroit, running into some thugs, jumping out of a window to escape, finding a gas station (thank goodness) and then fade to black.
Nick's scenes training to be an air force para jumper are much more interesting.
For the most part I enjoyed this book. During the first 80% or so I could hardly put it down which was surprising because it really wasn't all that action packed.
This story had a strangely calming effect on me. Although it's labeled as a paranormal romance, the focus was actually more about the romance than the paranormal, despite the fact that the two main characters, Nick and Alex were only connecting with one another because of it.
I liked the way the romance was developed extremely slowly. It was more of a gradual build up than instant sparks and to me that was the best thing about it.
The story is told from the alternating points of view of both Alex and Nick and what's going on in each of their real lives separately with interludes during which they meet each other in their dreams. The meeting in dreams aspect of this was a little bit corny to me, it always is no matter where I happen to read it, and I was more than ready for Alex to show up in Nick's reality.
The paranormal aspect was a little bit glossed over and really kind of rushed into during the last 20% of the book. Because of this it didn't really feel like it added much of anything to the overall story. This could have been just a real world based new adult romance and it would have been just fine.
As it was, I felt like it was just kind of window dressing around a book that wants to be a romance more than anything and some aspects were a bit hokey. Had it been developed more and gotten more page-time, I might have enjoyed it more. Alex has the ability to dream of a place and actually wake up there. She refers to it as slipping and I think it could have been really interesting to read about but not very much time is spent at all on anything that actually happens to her when she's there. Some of the places are dangerous but the most action packed scene there is involves her waking up in an abandoned warehouse in Detroit, running into some thugs, jumping out of a window to escape, finding a gas station (thank goodness) and then fade to black.
Nick's scenes training to be an air force para jumper are much more interesting.
March 28, 2014
**3.5**
I came across this as a kindle freebie and was like 'what the hell, why not? And what a pleasant surprise. The plot felt fresh and original and I enjoyed it for the most part.
I laughed, I cried - and I mean actual tears ran down my face. Let me repeat, tears ran down my face! My contacts almost fell out. This. never. happens. to me. Sure my eyes may water up sometimes, but it is rare that the tears actually fall!
The banter between many of the characters was witty and felt genuine. And it was this humor that kept the first part of the book moving for me. The middle is where tragedy strikes Alex and there was one scene where I truly felt her pain (which is when the tears fell). This scene practically made the book for me it was so well done and so touching.
And then around the 70% mark the book took a turn. I was nervous at the direction that I could sense was happening, but it wasn't too bad, and then...PLOT TWIST.
Now I can see other people possibly loving the plot twist, I myself found it a little disappointing because it changed everything I thought I knew. Knew and liked.
And then of course the ultimate stab in the back. The mother fucking cliffhanger. And the icing on the cake? The sequel hasn't been published yet.
So up until the 70% mark, this book was at about a 4 for me, but I had to knock it down for the ending. I'll still read the sequel though.
I came across this as a kindle freebie and was like 'what the hell, why not? And what a pleasant surprise. The plot felt fresh and original and I enjoyed it for the most part.
I laughed, I cried - and I mean actual tears ran down my face. Let me repeat, tears ran down my face! My contacts almost fell out. This. never. happens. to me. Sure my eyes may water up sometimes, but it is rare that the tears actually fall!
The banter between many of the characters was witty and felt genuine. And it was this humor that kept the first part of the book moving for me. The middle is where tragedy strikes Alex and there was one scene where I truly felt her pain (which is when the tears fell). This scene practically made the book for me it was so well done and so touching.
And then around the 70% mark the book took a turn. I was nervous at the direction that I could sense was happening, but it wasn't too bad, and then...PLOT TWIST.
Now I can see other people possibly loving the plot twist, I myself found it a little disappointing because it changed everything I thought I knew. Knew and liked.
And then of course the ultimate stab in the back. The mother fucking cliffhanger. And the icing on the cake? The sequel hasn't been published yet.
So up until the 70% mark, this book was at about a 4 for me, but I had to knock it down for the ending. I'll still read the sequel though.
July 31, 2018
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/07/...
It started out good but it took a while to get to the good parts. I really liked her snarky attitude so that kept my attention and made me feel the book might be able to redeem itself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep me caring enough by the end of the book. There was so many things that just didn’t add up and I didn’t think were relevant to the story. If they were added for future relevance it wasn’t clear and I didn’t care about them by that point.
For instance, I don’t know why she is so afraid. They only kinda skim her reasoning for her fear of getting involved with Nick. I don’t remember anything tragic in her past that was referenced for her fear. And they don’t clarify if it was an unreasonable fear, even that I would understand. We are kinda just left hanging in that aspect.
And how he didn’t believe she was real. If he really wanted to find out if she was real all she would need to do is give him her cell number, they both have them. Boom, problem solved. I don’t know, the romance was nice to read, a slow simmer where we fall in love with their minds before their bodies and I do enjoy those types of romances. But other than that….don’t think I’ll finish this series.
It started out good but it took a while to get to the good parts. I really liked her snarky attitude so that kept my attention and made me feel the book might be able to redeem itself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep me caring enough by the end of the book. There was so many things that just didn’t add up and I didn’t think were relevant to the story. If they were added for future relevance it wasn’t clear and I didn’t care about them by that point.
For instance, I don’t know why she is so afraid. They only kinda skim her reasoning for her fear of getting involved with Nick. I don’t remember anything tragic in her past that was referenced for her fear. And they don’t clarify if it was an unreasonable fear, even that I would understand. We are kinda just left hanging in that aspect.
And how he didn’t believe she was real. If he really wanted to find out if she was real all she would need to do is give him her cell number, they both have them. Boom, problem solved. I don’t know, the romance was nice to read, a slow simmer where we fall in love with their minds before their bodies and I do enjoy those types of romances. But other than that….don’t think I’ll finish this series.
December 31, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of romance, surprise and mystery.
I have to admit that I was a bit confused at first about slipping. By the end of the book I felt I understood it much better.
I loved the cast of characters and the romance between Nick and Alex.
I wish the book contained more mundane details about Alex's life. I loved the fact that we got a nice glimpse into Nick's life and felt that it was lacking with Alex. This in no way takes away from the book, it just would have made a lovely addition and may have helped me to understand slipping sooner.
I absolutely loved the ending!! I wasn't expecting the turn it took and loved the ride.
I can't wait to decide which Tracey Ward book to read next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of romance, surprise and mystery.
I have to admit that I was a bit confused at first about slipping. By the end of the book I felt I understood it much better.
I loved the cast of characters and the romance between Nick and Alex.
I wish the book contained more mundane details about Alex's life. I loved the fact that we got a nice glimpse into Nick's life and felt that it was lacking with Alex. This in no way takes away from the book, it just would have made a lovely addition and may have helped me to understand slipping sooner.
I absolutely loved the ending!! I wasn't expecting the turn it took and loved the ride.
I can't wait to decide which Tracey Ward book to read next.
December 23, 2013
So, first thing - the covers. There are two of them.
I understand the first one - the dock and the moon - and I love what it means to the story. But the one of the girl and boy kissing - that one is gorgeous. It made me want to read it and understand. And I think it is just as perfect to the story.
And what a story it is. This book has some of the funniest and real dialogue I've ever read. It was witty and sarcastic and the "male perspective" was, I thought, very true.
At first, I was confused about slipping. I jumped into the story and felt a little off kilter at first, but once I started the book - I just couldn't put it down.
I will definitely be reading more Tracey Ward!
I understand the first one - the dock and the moon - and I love what it means to the story. But the one of the girl and boy kissing - that one is gorgeous. It made me want to read it and understand. And I think it is just as perfect to the story.
And what a story it is. This book has some of the funniest and real dialogue I've ever read. It was witty and sarcastic and the "male perspective" was, I thought, very true.
At first, I was confused about slipping. I jumped into the story and felt a little off kilter at first, but once I started the book - I just couldn't put it down.
I will definitely be reading more Tracey Ward!
November 5, 2013
What could have been...
I really enjoyed the first third of Sleepless; the writing was enjoyable, the characters were interesting, and the concept was intriguing.
However, about half way into the book, the story fell off drastically for me. Character's reinvented their personality, the plot took a step into the ridiculous direction, and things ceased to make sense.
I really enjoyed the first third of Sleepless; the writing was enjoyable, the characters were interesting, and the concept was intriguing.
However, about half way into the book, the story fell off drastically for me. Character's reinvented their personality, the plot took a step into the ridiculous direction, and things ceased to make sense.
January 10, 2014
4.5 Stars
Loooved it! :) Review to come.
Loooved it! :) Review to come.
October 19, 2014
I would love to be able to write with this tone. So restrained but so intense at the same time. Have to admire an author who can make me actually enjoy the romance over the paranormal...
October 3, 2015
Maybe even 4.5 actually. Really cooooool.
September 28, 2017
3.5/5 :)
Yo pensé que me iba a gustar mucho menos de lo que pensaba.
En realidad me gustó bastante.
La historia tiene un giro interesante con respecto al tema de los sueños y de lo que la protagonista puede hacer o no. También me gustó que el protagonista, Nick, tuviera una carrera tan particular. Todo lo que tenga que ver con las fuerzas armadas, los militares, etc, me es completamente fascinante. Me encanta. Soy fiel amante de Nicholas Sparks y sus novelas románticas con soldados y blablabla, me leí más de alguna novela de Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockmann sobre el tema y... si, me gusta. No encuentro muchas joyitas del tema, pero me gustan. Así que para mi Nick se convirtió en una obsesión para leer. Quería su POV, quería leer sobre sus pruebas, todo. Amé.
Volviendo al tema, la historia es interesante y era obvio desde el principio que la prota, Alex, iba a tener más problemas de los que ya tenía personalmente, por su condición.
Tal vez flaqueaba bastante en el "romance", no es que me disgustara, pero el lapso de tiempo que supuestamente se fueron conociendo ambos, me pareció mucho para lo que realmente escribió la autora. A mi parecer, parecía más un insta love, que una relación de dos personas que ya llevaba un año y más conociéndose. En fin.
Lo que más destaco es el humor. Me hizo reír mucho lo sarcásticos e irónicos que eran ambos personajes en su propio mundo. Alex y su hermana eran tremendas y Nick a su manera refunfuñante, tenía momentos muy divertidos con sus dos amigos. Sobre todo porque estos dos eran igual de sarcásticos que él. Gracias al humor, la lectura se hizo más amena y ligera.
No es un libro que vaya a cambiarte el mundo, ni revolucionar tu mente lectora. Tiene muchos clichés como tiene una vuelta de tuerca también. Pero me gustó lo suficiente como para esperar los que siguen.
♡
Yo pensé que me iba a gustar mucho menos de lo que pensaba.
En realidad me gustó bastante.
La historia tiene un giro interesante con respecto al tema de los sueños y de lo que la protagonista puede hacer o no. También me gustó que el protagonista, Nick, tuviera una carrera tan particular. Todo lo que tenga que ver con las fuerzas armadas, los militares, etc, me es completamente fascinante. Me encanta. Soy fiel amante de Nicholas Sparks y sus novelas románticas con soldados y blablabla, me leí más de alguna novela de Nora Roberts, Suzanne Brockmann sobre el tema y... si, me gusta. No encuentro muchas joyitas del tema, pero me gustan. Así que para mi Nick se convirtió en una obsesión para leer. Quería su POV, quería leer sobre sus pruebas, todo. Amé.
Volviendo al tema, la historia es interesante y era obvio desde el principio que la prota, Alex, iba a tener más problemas de los que ya tenía personalmente, por su condición.
Tal vez flaqueaba bastante en el "romance", no es que me disgustara, pero el lapso de tiempo que supuestamente se fueron conociendo ambos, me pareció mucho para lo que realmente escribió la autora. A mi parecer, parecía más un insta love, que una relación de dos personas que ya llevaba un año y más conociéndose. En fin.
Lo que más destaco es el humor. Me hizo reír mucho lo sarcásticos e irónicos que eran ambos personajes en su propio mundo. Alex y su hermana eran tremendas y Nick a su manera refunfuñante, tenía momentos muy divertidos con sus dos amigos. Sobre todo porque estos dos eran igual de sarcásticos que él. Gracias al humor, la lectura se hizo más amena y ligera.
No es un libro que vaya a cambiarte el mundo, ni revolucionar tu mente lectora. Tiene muchos clichés como tiene una vuelta de tuerca también. Pero me gustó lo suficiente como para esperar los que siguen.
♡
October 4, 2013
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Sleepless was such an incredibly enjoyable book! I was completely swept away by the romance between Alex and Nick and I thought that the concept for the story was really fresh and unique!
The story follows 20-year-old Alex. Alex has a problem. She "Slips" in her sleep. She often falls asleep, safe in her bed, and wakes up somewhere else - it could be anywhere. While she's learned coping mechanisms, Slipping is far from convenient. Alex is waiting for the day that she'll Slip somewhere truly dangerous and she won't make it home. Or that something will happen to her while in a non-Slipping dream and she'll simply disappear forever. (Her recurring dream about a Jabberwocky doesn't help to ease that fear).
But one day something different happens; a dying man appears to Alex - in real life, outside of her dreams. She wills him to breathe - and then he disappears. Until she finds him again in his dreams.
The negatives:
Genre shifting.
My only complaint about this book is that the first 75% felt very much like a paranormal romance and then the story suddenly took a quick left turn into sci-fi territory. I was LOVING the paranormal romance side to the story and I was honestly a bit worried when I started to lose a little bit of interest during the last 25% of the book when the story changed over to a more sci-fi feel - partially because the book had felt very unique up to that point and then I was worried we were moving into a storyline that I've read a million times before. Luckily, I am very happy to say that Ward almost completely made up for this jaunt into so-so sci-fi land in the last 10% of the book when things got VERY interesting and unique again!
What I LOVED:
The concept.
I really thought that Alex's Slipping was such a compelling and unique idea, especially when it was combined with her recurring dream of the Jabberwocky and with her shared dreams with Nick. I haven't read anything like this book before - it was a distinct and refreshing read!
The characters.
I connected almost instantly with Alex and really felt for her as she dealt with her Slipping and especially struggled with how it made her so dependent on her older sister Cara (and how it made her sister worry about her constantly). Speaking of Cara, I loved her too! In fact, all of the secondary characters in this book were just as well fleshed out and interesting as Alex and Nick. I especially loved Nick's military buddies, Campbell and Walters. Nick was reserved and a bit unemotional at first, but as his character developed, he grew on me, just as he grew on Alex. By the time Alex was in love with him, I was too!
The romance.
I LOVED the romance in this book! I especially loved that it was very slow to develop, but that you weren't left wishing they would get on with it already! (Okay, there were moments where you wished that, but in a good way). This was not insta-love - instead it was the story of two people who were thrown together in a way that they couldn't control. Two people who, at first, sometimes liked each other and sometimes irritated each other. It wasn't until they truly knew each other well and felt completely comfortable together that their feelings turned toward love. The funny thing is that Nick didn't even believe that Alex was real for most of the book - he assumed that she was a figment of his imagination, part of his subconscious being brought to life in his dreams. Yet, he still started to have real feelings for her (okay, that part was almost weird sometimes, but somehow Ward made it believable and got you to buy into it!). I loved the dream scenes between Nick and Alex and couldn't get enough of them!!
Military background.
The military scenes in this book were really well-written and not at all boring (I know that sounds like an odd thing to say, but I'm not usually a big fan of military themes to the books I read - I sometimes find military scenes boring!). I loved the camaraderie between Nick, Walters and Campbell and I thought that the special ops training that Nick went through was really intriguing. At the end of the book, Ward mentions that the realistic military scenes come from the fact that her husband serves in the military (and it sounds like Nick is at least somewhat based on him!), and I think that connection showed.
The ending.
As I mentioned before (up in my negatives section), the book really ended on a high note for me. Just when I started worrying that the book was going to suddenly turn formulaic, Ward threw some major twists into the story that I did not see coming and ended the book with a truly explosive final scene. She set us up so perfectly for the next book - I absolutely cannot wait to find out what will happen next!
Laugh out loud banter.
Yep, I often found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. My kids kept asking me, "What's so funny?" Most of the time, it wasn't really appropriate for me to tell them what it was that I was laughing at, so I just had to settle for, "Um, just my book," while trying to hold in my giggles. There is some dialogue between the military guys that were just hilarious and Alex's dialogue and thoughts are often hysterical too. Seriously.
If you're a fan of paranormal romance, then Sleepless is definitely for you! Highly recommended!! 4.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own***
Sleepless was such an incredibly enjoyable book! I was completely swept away by the romance between Alex and Nick and I thought that the concept for the story was really fresh and unique!
The story follows 20-year-old Alex. Alex has a problem. She "Slips" in her sleep. She often falls asleep, safe in her bed, and wakes up somewhere else - it could be anywhere. While she's learned coping mechanisms, Slipping is far from convenient. Alex is waiting for the day that she'll Slip somewhere truly dangerous and she won't make it home. Or that something will happen to her while in a non-Slipping dream and she'll simply disappear forever. (Her recurring dream about a Jabberwocky doesn't help to ease that fear).
But one day something different happens; a dying man appears to Alex - in real life, outside of her dreams. She wills him to breathe - and then he disappears. Until she finds him again in his dreams.
The negatives:
Genre shifting.
My only complaint about this book is that the first 75% felt very much like a paranormal romance and then the story suddenly took a quick left turn into sci-fi territory. I was LOVING the paranormal romance side to the story and I was honestly a bit worried when I started to lose a little bit of interest during the last 25% of the book when the story changed over to a more sci-fi feel - partially because the book had felt very unique up to that point and then I was worried we were moving into a storyline that I've read a million times before. Luckily, I am very happy to say that Ward almost completely made up for this jaunt into so-so sci-fi land in the last 10% of the book when things got VERY interesting and unique again!
What I LOVED:
The concept.
I really thought that Alex's Slipping was such a compelling and unique idea, especially when it was combined with her recurring dream of the Jabberwocky and with her shared dreams with Nick. I haven't read anything like this book before - it was a distinct and refreshing read!
The characters.
I connected almost instantly with Alex and really felt for her as she dealt with her Slipping and especially struggled with how it made her so dependent on her older sister Cara (and how it made her sister worry about her constantly). Speaking of Cara, I loved her too! In fact, all of the secondary characters in this book were just as well fleshed out and interesting as Alex and Nick. I especially loved Nick's military buddies, Campbell and Walters. Nick was reserved and a bit unemotional at first, but as his character developed, he grew on me, just as he grew on Alex. By the time Alex was in love with him, I was too!
The romance.
I LOVED the romance in this book! I especially loved that it was very slow to develop, but that you weren't left wishing they would get on with it already! (Okay, there were moments where you wished that, but in a good way). This was not insta-love - instead it was the story of two people who were thrown together in a way that they couldn't control. Two people who, at first, sometimes liked each other and sometimes irritated each other. It wasn't until they truly knew each other well and felt completely comfortable together that their feelings turned toward love. The funny thing is that Nick didn't even believe that Alex was real for most of the book - he assumed that she was a figment of his imagination, part of his subconscious being brought to life in his dreams. Yet, he still started to have real feelings for her (okay, that part was almost weird sometimes, but somehow Ward made it believable and got you to buy into it!). I loved the dream scenes between Nick and Alex and couldn't get enough of them!!
Military background.
The military scenes in this book were really well-written and not at all boring (I know that sounds like an odd thing to say, but I'm not usually a big fan of military themes to the books I read - I sometimes find military scenes boring!). I loved the camaraderie between Nick, Walters and Campbell and I thought that the special ops training that Nick went through was really intriguing. At the end of the book, Ward mentions that the realistic military scenes come from the fact that her husband serves in the military (and it sounds like Nick is at least somewhat based on him!), and I think that connection showed.
The ending.
As I mentioned before (up in my negatives section), the book really ended on a high note for me. Just when I started worrying that the book was going to suddenly turn formulaic, Ward threw some major twists into the story that I did not see coming and ended the book with a truly explosive final scene. She set us up so perfectly for the next book - I absolutely cannot wait to find out what will happen next!
Laugh out loud banter.
Yep, I often found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. My kids kept asking me, "What's so funny?" Most of the time, it wasn't really appropriate for me to tell them what it was that I was laughing at, so I just had to settle for, "Um, just my book," while trying to hold in my giggles. There is some dialogue between the military guys that were just hilarious and Alex's dialogue and thoughts are often hysterical too. Seriously.
If you're a fan of paranormal romance, then Sleepless is definitely for you! Highly recommended!! 4.5/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own***
June 7, 2016
This book didn't engage me from the beginning. To be honest, I found it a little boring and disjointed and I was getting ready to mark this as a DNF. It was very hard for me to get into the story. There were just too many unknowns and no one had any answers to the weird stuff that was going on. Add to that the H who was big a jerk and I was done. However, curiosity killed the cat, or in this case, my boredom, and I kept reading, finding myself slowly being drawn into this weird, oddly captivating sci-fi light tale.
This story occurs in the modern day, as the real world is, with the exception of humans with super powers, of course. So there isn't much world building, which was nice since I wasn't in the mood to be really invested in a new world. I liked that romance isn't the main player in this story, as the it was hard for me to empathize with the H. He did grow on me, I mean, he chose a very noble profession after all, but I still didn't think he deserved the h. His redeeming quality was that he realized he didn't deserve her either but wanted to be someone who did. You might enjoy this if you're in the mood for an interesting light sci-fi story with an underlying budding romance.
What I liked:
1) This story is interesting. Maybe that's just because I prefer sci-fi to romance, but the sci-fi mystery of this story was interesting.
2) The h. She tried really hard to make the best of her crazy life, even though it was hard. Her relationship with her sister was so awesome and sweet. I loved her sister so much. I liked how easily Alex, the h, forgave Nick, but I felt like it was a result of her underlying self-esteem/self worth issues. She'd been led to believe that she didn't deserve much, so she doesn't expect much from other people. So when Nick is a total jerk to her and then sort of apologizes, she just accepts it without question.
3) This book was relatively clean. There wasn't any graphic sex in it, and there were only a few swear words.
4) The secondary characters in this story were great. They were well developed and actually added value to the story.
5) The development of the relationship between the MCs felt very organic and natural. It wasn't instant, being that the H thought the h was a figment of his subconscious mind, but their most of their semi-regular meetings at the dock were so sweet.
6) The humour. There were definitely some chuckles and laughing going on while I read this.
What I didn't like:
1) Nick, the H. It was really hard for me to like him. Kudos to Tracey Ward for creating a MC who isn't boring or normal. He was an arrogant and smug jerk. And the scene in the car made me so mad. I do feel bad for Nick, since he does realize there's something missing about him, and I liked how he grew as a character, but I just wish the h had someone nicer to care about her.
2) It was frustrating how the h wanted to hide the fact that she was real. The story would have progressed much more quickly and the MCs could have accomplished a lot more had she given him her real named or e-mail or something! Her reluctance made me resent her a little for the story dragging on.
3) I wish that the h had more skills in dealing with her power. It seemed like she was just bumbling along and barely surviving. I'm ready for her to be a total bad ass in the next book.
This story occurs in the modern day, as the real world is, with the exception of humans with super powers, of course. So there isn't much world building, which was nice since I wasn't in the mood to be really invested in a new world. I liked that romance isn't the main player in this story, as the it was hard for me to empathize with the H. He did grow on me, I mean, he chose a very noble profession after all, but I still didn't think he deserved the h. His redeeming quality was that he realized he didn't deserve her either but wanted to be someone who did. You might enjoy this if you're in the mood for an interesting light sci-fi story with an underlying budding romance.
What I liked:
1) This story is interesting. Maybe that's just because I prefer sci-fi to romance, but the sci-fi mystery of this story was interesting.
2) The h. She tried really hard to make the best of her crazy life, even though it was hard. Her relationship with her sister was so awesome and sweet. I loved her sister so much. I liked how easily Alex, the h, forgave Nick, but I felt like it was a result of her underlying self-esteem/self worth issues. She'd been led to believe that she didn't deserve much, so she doesn't expect much from other people. So when Nick is a total jerk to her and then sort of apologizes, she just accepts it without question.
3) This book was relatively clean. There wasn't any graphic sex in it, and there were only a few swear words.
4) The secondary characters in this story were great. They were well developed and actually added value to the story.
5) The development of the relationship between the MCs felt very organic and natural. It wasn't instant, being that the H thought the h was a figment of his subconscious mind, but their most of their semi-regular meetings at the dock were so sweet.
6) The humour. There were definitely some chuckles and laughing going on while I read this.
What I didn't like:
1) Nick, the H. It was really hard for me to like him. Kudos to Tracey Ward for creating a MC who isn't boring or normal. He was an arrogant and smug jerk. And the scene in the car made me so mad. I do feel bad for Nick, since he does realize there's something missing about him, and I liked how he grew as a character, but I just wish the h had someone nicer to care about her.
2) It was frustrating how the h wanted to hide the fact that she was real. The story would have progressed much more quickly and the MCs could have accomplished a lot more had she given him her real named or e-mail or something! Her reluctance made me resent her a little for the story dragging on.
3) I wish that the h had more skills in dealing with her power. It seemed like she was just bumbling along and barely surviving. I'm ready for her to be a total bad ass in the next book.
May 7, 2014
I recieved this book from an author in exchange for honest review.
Frankly, I didn't know what to expect from R4R book. Would it be significantly worse than any other book I've read? I know, how stupid of me to think that. Although if you really want to know, I am stupid, in the social sphere. I maybe that's why am I able to connect with Nick so much. Back to the point though; after few pages I realised how naive I was, how dumb. This book was interesting from the very beginning due to straightforward storytelling. When I finished reading, I found out that even though it's R4R and it may not be any famous, it deserves as much attention as for example The Hunger Games. And I just can't get why it doesn't.
It's not the kind of book like any from The Infernal Devices or The Julliete Chronicles series, where you highlight basically every other line and make it a quote But on the other hand it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention that there are amazing quotes, just not as many of them.
I'll start with idea. It is extraordinary! I mean, the whole thought of sleep-travelling, Slidding, that seems so crazy it becomes real in your mind. And it's not like Breathe, where you've got amazing idea but not good enough plot.
It reminds me of The Maze Runner also in some way - and by this I don't mean to compare them to one another - and it is how all about it changes throughout the book. In TMR, there's a problem and it gets bigger. And I didn't particularly like how it turned out, especially when we got no answers. In here, it starts off as romantic mysterious adventure and ends up like real adventure and danger. And even though I wouldn't mind if the whole book was written like the first part, I don't mind that it has changed. It is kind of possibly real and it starts to slowly fade into something entirely different and just as great.
Let's get to the characters. The two main characters are Alex and Nick. And I can relate in some way to both of them, even though maybe more to Nick. I just love that there are not many of the situations that could tear them apart... Well, maybe I should form my thought differently. Even though there are unspoken feelings and untold truths, they still stick together when it gets tough. And that's what is unlike many books that are well known.
And then there are these themes, thoughts. The being fearless? The giving up all the enjoyable things for future? The not being good at making friends? The desire to be independent? The not being able to trust people? I can in some way relate to literally every one of them and maybe that's why I find this book so extraordinary. Because it is ordinary and that makes it special.
And I don't know if anyone would feel it as I do. However if you are curious, there's just one way to find out. But I am brave and confident enough to promise you that you will not regret the decision to read this book. Because it's like any of the great books but also different there, where the known books disappoint you.
And I know this mas not seem like honest review because I basically haven't said anything bad about this piece of art, but there is nothing to tell; nothing I see at least.
Frankly, I didn't know what to expect from R4R book. Would it be significantly worse than any other book I've read? I know, how stupid of me to think that. Although if you really want to know, I am stupid, in the social sphere. I maybe that's why am I able to connect with Nick so much. Back to the point though; after few pages I realised how naive I was, how dumb. This book was interesting from the very beginning due to straightforward storytelling. When I finished reading, I found out that even though it's R4R and it may not be any famous, it deserves as much attention as for example The Hunger Games. And I just can't get why it doesn't.
It's not the kind of book like any from The Infernal Devices or The Julliete Chronicles series, where you highlight basically every other line and make it a quote But on the other hand it wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention that there are amazing quotes, just not as many of them.
I'll start with idea. It is extraordinary! I mean, the whole thought of sleep-travelling, Slidding, that seems so crazy it becomes real in your mind. And it's not like Breathe, where you've got amazing idea but not good enough plot.
It reminds me of The Maze Runner also in some way - and by this I don't mean to compare them to one another - and it is how all about it changes throughout the book. In TMR, there's a problem and it gets bigger. And I didn't particularly like how it turned out, especially when we got no answers. In here, it starts off as romantic mysterious adventure and ends up like real adventure and danger. And even though I wouldn't mind if the whole book was written like the first part, I don't mind that it has changed. It is kind of possibly real and it starts to slowly fade into something entirely different and just as great.
Let's get to the characters. The two main characters are Alex and Nick. And I can relate in some way to both of them, even though maybe more to Nick. I just love that there are not many of the situations that could tear them apart... Well, maybe I should form my thought differently. Even though there are unspoken feelings and untold truths, they still stick together when it gets tough. And that's what is unlike many books that are well known.
And then there are these themes, thoughts. The being fearless? The giving up all the enjoyable things for future? The not being good at making friends? The desire to be independent? The not being able to trust people? I can in some way relate to literally every one of them and maybe that's why I find this book so extraordinary. Because it is ordinary and that makes it special.
And I don't know if anyone would feel it as I do. However if you are curious, there's just one way to find out. But I am brave and confident enough to promise you that you will not regret the decision to read this book. Because it's like any of the great books but also different there, where the known books disappoint you.
And I know this mas not seem like honest review because I basically haven't said anything bad about this piece of art, but there is nothing to tell; nothing I see at least.
May 6, 2014
This book took me by surprise. I am not a big fan of supernatural or paranormal books. I have read and enjoyed a few, but they’re not generally my “go-to” genres. I wanted to give this book a try and I am so glad that I did! Well, as it turns out…I do like supernatural books!
This book was not an over-the-top supernatural book. Oh, the characters did possess a special kind of ability or power, but it was nothing that made me huff or roll my eyes. It is essentially a love story between two people who meet in the most unusual way. Their relationship is as unique as they are. I love it when an author switches back and forth from each character’s point of view. I want to know what each character is thinking and feeling. I want to know what makes them both tic.
Alex has the ability to “slip”. When she falls asleep she has the ability to be transported somewhere else. She isn’t just sleep walking, she actually leaves her bed in her apartment and can turn up anywhere….Russia, Washington State, Texas, a cave, etcetera. She has to sleep in her clothes and shoes and she always has her phone, money and i.d on her. She learned this lesson the hard way! She has no control over this power. She doesn’t “slip” every time she falls asleep, but when she does she can be gone for days at a time. This prevents her from having any kind of a real life. She can’t hold down a job, she is dependent on her older sister and she doesn’t have any friends…until she meets Nick.
Nick is training to be a PJ in the military. It has been his lifelong ambition. He is ideal for it. He is brave beyond compare. He shows no fear, he can’t feel fear. Everyone in his training unit thinks that he is some kind of a prodigy/machine because he never exhibits any worry or concern about the dangerous missions that they have to participate in. He doesn’t consider himself to be brave, he considers himself to be a fraud because of his lack of fear.
As I previously mentioned, Alex and Nick meet in an unusual way. They continue to have encounters and develop a friendship. Nick is a closed off person. He isn’t easy to get to know, but he eventually starts to really talk to Alex instead of avoiding her questions. They end up looking forward to their encounters and develop feelings for one another. I don’t want to give the details of the story away. Even though this isn’t your run of the mill romance, it will have you “feeling the love”. I thought that it was extremely romantic. Their relationship is not easy; how could it be? That’s what makes it so good!
Tracey Ward has the knack for writing intelligent, entertaining, comedic, adventurous and romantic stories that will keep you turning the pages. I almost forgot, she also has the ability to make you cry while you’re reading her books. Yup, I cried twice during this book…big fat tears were rolling down my cheeks! I will definitely be reading the sequel when it is released!
4.5 Stars
This book was not an over-the-top supernatural book. Oh, the characters did possess a special kind of ability or power, but it was nothing that made me huff or roll my eyes. It is essentially a love story between two people who meet in the most unusual way. Their relationship is as unique as they are. I love it when an author switches back and forth from each character’s point of view. I want to know what each character is thinking and feeling. I want to know what makes them both tic.
Alex has the ability to “slip”. When she falls asleep she has the ability to be transported somewhere else. She isn’t just sleep walking, she actually leaves her bed in her apartment and can turn up anywhere….Russia, Washington State, Texas, a cave, etcetera. She has to sleep in her clothes and shoes and she always has her phone, money and i.d on her. She learned this lesson the hard way! She has no control over this power. She doesn’t “slip” every time she falls asleep, but when she does she can be gone for days at a time. This prevents her from having any kind of a real life. She can’t hold down a job, she is dependent on her older sister and she doesn’t have any friends…until she meets Nick.
Nick is training to be a PJ in the military. It has been his lifelong ambition. He is ideal for it. He is brave beyond compare. He shows no fear, he can’t feel fear. Everyone in his training unit thinks that he is some kind of a prodigy/machine because he never exhibits any worry or concern about the dangerous missions that they have to participate in. He doesn’t consider himself to be brave, he considers himself to be a fraud because of his lack of fear.
As I previously mentioned, Alex and Nick meet in an unusual way. They continue to have encounters and develop a friendship. Nick is a closed off person. He isn’t easy to get to know, but he eventually starts to really talk to Alex instead of avoiding her questions. They end up looking forward to their encounters and develop feelings for one another. I don’t want to give the details of the story away. Even though this isn’t your run of the mill romance, it will have you “feeling the love”. I thought that it was extremely romantic. Their relationship is not easy; how could it be? That’s what makes it so good!
Tracey Ward has the knack for writing intelligent, entertaining, comedic, adventurous and romantic stories that will keep you turning the pages. I almost forgot, she also has the ability to make you cry while you’re reading her books. Yup, I cried twice during this book…big fat tears were rolling down my cheeks! I will definitely be reading the sequel when it is released!
4.5 Stars
August 29, 2015
Cuando leí la sinopsis no terminaba de entender de que iba la historia......cuando lo leí tampoco jajaj XD.
Tenemos a los protagonistas Alex y Nick, no se conocen, viven en distintos lugares, cada uno con sus cosas....pero de alguna manera están conectados.
Alex es una chica normal o eso parece a simple vista......hasta que uno se entera que tiene una especie de poder que le permite "teletransportarse" de un lugar a otro mientras duerme. Ello ha sido así desde que Alex era sólo una niña pequeña.
Pero lo que parece ser un don, es más una maldición ya que ella no tiene lo que llamamos "vida social": sus padres la abandonaron por su "enfermedad", no puede trabajar ni ir a la universidad por miedo a que se quede dormida y desaparezca, así sólo tiene a su hermana mayor -ella es la única que se preocupa por su bienestar y, obviamente sabe de su problema y aún así la acepta-. De hecho, ellas han elaborado como un plan de vida: cada vez que Alex se desvanece y despierta en otro sitio, lleva consigo lo necesario para sobrevivir y poder comunicarse con su hermana y de esa forma volver de nuevo a su hogar.
Nick quiere seguir los pasos de su padre y por eso, se enlista en la academia de paracaidistas -los cuáles se ocupan de rescatar a otras personas que se encuentran en peligro-. Pero él tiene un problema: no siente el miedo...jamás lo ha sentido, es como un robot humano. Sin embargo, hay una excepción, un secreto que él guarda para sí mismo y que no quiere contar a nadie: siempre tiene el mismo sueño, dónde está inmovilizado sin poder hacer nada y un gran dragón lo despedaza; es en ese único momento que siente el verdadero miedo.
El resto de su vida es normal, sin ninguna emoción. Tiene dos amigos, quiénes a pesar de presentir su defecto se mantienen a su lado y tratan de ayudarlo.
Un día Alex y Nick se cruzan y el destino de ambos cambia para siempre. Empiezan a soñar juntos literalmente, y en cada sueño se van conociendo más hasta el punto de forjar una amistad.......y porque no, una relación. Pero hay un problema, Nick no sabe que Alex es real, él piensa que ella es producto de su imaginación.
Cuando ambos rompan con los secretos y quieran intentar probar estar juntos, un enemigo en común aparecerá y tendrán que decidir si vale la pena luchar o no.
Ahora bien, les comento que estaba un poco reacia a leer este libro más que nada porque es bastante largo. Pero me enganchó, tenía que saber porqué pasaba cada cosa con los personajes. Sí, deben saber que la historia va bastante lenta ya que la autora se toma su tiempo para explicar el acercamiento entre los protagonistas. La verdadera acción ocurre al final, pero sino hubiera leído todo no hubiera podido comprender de dónde salió lo último.
Igualmente creo que podría haber simplificado un poco al menos las idas y vueltas.
Si bien no hay "romance empalagoso", la trama lo compensa bastante bien.
Me gustó y probablemente leeré la continuación.
Tenemos a los protagonistas Alex y Nick, no se conocen, viven en distintos lugares, cada uno con sus cosas....pero de alguna manera están conectados.
Alex es una chica normal o eso parece a simple vista......hasta que uno se entera que tiene una especie de poder que le permite "teletransportarse" de un lugar a otro mientras duerme. Ello ha sido así desde que Alex era sólo una niña pequeña.
Pero lo que parece ser un don, es más una maldición ya que ella no tiene lo que llamamos "vida social": sus padres la abandonaron por su "enfermedad", no puede trabajar ni ir a la universidad por miedo a que se quede dormida y desaparezca, así sólo tiene a su hermana mayor -ella es la única que se preocupa por su bienestar y, obviamente sabe de su problema y aún así la acepta-. De hecho, ellas han elaborado como un plan de vida: cada vez que Alex se desvanece y despierta en otro sitio, lleva consigo lo necesario para sobrevivir y poder comunicarse con su hermana y de esa forma volver de nuevo a su hogar.
Nick quiere seguir los pasos de su padre y por eso, se enlista en la academia de paracaidistas -los cuáles se ocupan de rescatar a otras personas que se encuentran en peligro-. Pero él tiene un problema: no siente el miedo...jamás lo ha sentido, es como un robot humano. Sin embargo, hay una excepción, un secreto que él guarda para sí mismo y que no quiere contar a nadie: siempre tiene el mismo sueño, dónde está inmovilizado sin poder hacer nada y un gran dragón lo despedaza; es en ese único momento que siente el verdadero miedo.
El resto de su vida es normal, sin ninguna emoción. Tiene dos amigos, quiénes a pesar de presentir su defecto se mantienen a su lado y tratan de ayudarlo.
Un día Alex y Nick se cruzan y el destino de ambos cambia para siempre. Empiezan a soñar juntos literalmente, y en cada sueño se van conociendo más hasta el punto de forjar una amistad.......y porque no, una relación. Pero hay un problema, Nick no sabe que Alex es real, él piensa que ella es producto de su imaginación.
Cuando ambos rompan con los secretos y quieran intentar probar estar juntos, un enemigo en común aparecerá y tendrán que decidir si vale la pena luchar o no.
Ahora bien, les comento que estaba un poco reacia a leer este libro más que nada porque es bastante largo. Pero me enganchó, tenía que saber porqué pasaba cada cosa con los personajes. Sí, deben saber que la historia va bastante lenta ya que la autora se toma su tiempo para explicar el acercamiento entre los protagonistas. La verdadera acción ocurre al final, pero sino hubiera leído todo no hubiera podido comprender de dónde salió lo último.
Igualmente creo que podría haber simplificado un poco al menos las idas y vueltas.
Si bien no hay "romance empalagoso", la trama lo compensa bastante bien.
Me gustó y probablemente leeré la continuación.
October 16, 2013
Copy given for honest review.
Warning: Proceed with caution the following review contains traces of spoilers.
When I first opened up this book I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew we had this girl, Alex by the way. I knew she was going to be special. What I never knew was that when she closed her eyes to go to sleep that the chances of her waking up somewhere else other then her own bed was the norm for her.
Alex calls them slipping, she travels in her dreams. She has no control over this. One minute she could be dreaming about the woods, the next moment when she awakens there she is in a forest some where. Scary right? Could you imagine going to sleep and not knowing if you will wake up in your own bed in your own room?
But you know whats a little more scary then slipping? The dragon dream as she calls it.
On Alex's 20th birthday her sister takes her out to celebrate, and she celebrated a little bit too much if you catch my drift. This is how she meets Nick. Going of to get sick she sees a person laying on the ground in nothing but speedos on, unsure if he is alive she tells him to breath. But a funny thing happens and I'm not talking about the puking. He just *poof* disappears.
Back to his own location, where he's been brought back to life from drowning during his combat training.
After sometime has past she meets him again, in her dreams or rather his dreams. From there on out they end up seeing each other this way, at first Nick thinks that she is just something he has imagined, she isn't real, he's just talking to himself.
I just noticed that this review is getting kind of lengthy. So I think it's time to wrap it up with my own thoughts. I found this book to be extremely good. And very original and refreshing. Very well written. The banter between Alex and Nick was actually laugh out loud material. I found myself snickering aloud many times, and being grateful that there was no one around to witness it.
But yes wonderful book, wonderful characters (the supporting cast are great), wonderfully written. Highly recommend this book and I will definitely be reading the next book, cause well you know...
Warning: Proceed with caution the following review contains traces of spoilers.
When I first opened up this book I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew we had this girl, Alex by the way. I knew she was going to be special. What I never knew was that when she closed her eyes to go to sleep that the chances of her waking up somewhere else other then her own bed was the norm for her.
Alex calls them slipping, she travels in her dreams. She has no control over this. One minute she could be dreaming about the woods, the next moment when she awakens there she is in a forest some where. Scary right? Could you imagine going to sleep and not knowing if you will wake up in your own bed in your own room?
But you know whats a little more scary then slipping? The dragon dream as she calls it.
On Alex's 20th birthday her sister takes her out to celebrate, and she celebrated a little bit too much if you catch my drift. This is how she meets Nick. Going of to get sick she sees a person laying on the ground in nothing but speedos on, unsure if he is alive she tells him to breath. But a funny thing happens and I'm not talking about the puking. He just *poof* disappears.
Back to his own location, where he's been brought back to life from drowning during his combat training.
After sometime has past she meets him again, in her dreams or rather his dreams. From there on out they end up seeing each other this way, at first Nick thinks that she is just something he has imagined, she isn't real, he's just talking to himself.
I just noticed that this review is getting kind of lengthy. So I think it's time to wrap it up with my own thoughts. I found this book to be extremely good. And very original and refreshing. Very well written. The banter between Alex and Nick was actually laugh out loud material. I found myself snickering aloud many times, and being grateful that there was no one around to witness it.
But yes wonderful book, wonderful characters (the supporting cast are great), wonderfully written. Highly recommend this book and I will definitely be reading the next book, cause well you know...
January 30, 2014
In short, I loved this book. Ms. Ward took a fairly unique concept and blended it together with a little of this and a little of that to create a New Adult paranormal romance that kept me spellbound within its pages.
We meet each of the characters in quick succession, but spend most of the book with no idea of the root connection between them. When they start meeting up in the dreamscape, Nick doesn’t even believe Alex is real.
In terms of paranormal, there are no “creatures” – no vampires or angels, no mermaids or shape shifters. All of the characters are human – some just have extra, abnormal abilities.
The chapters alternate POVs between the two main characters, Alex and Nick. The author does a wonderful job differentiating their voices and giving each character a unique personality. I loved Alex’s sass and snark. Nick’s character grows and changes through the novel from someone who’s pretty heartless to a guy the reader can feel is worthy of Alex.
What Alex does isn’t quite “time travel” but close enough to that vein of story to attract readers who enjoy that genre. When she awakens in different locations, not knowing where she is, I was reminded of those scenes in THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, by Audrey Niffenegger, where the MC arrives in a new locale and has to do a quick assessment of his whereabouts and danger level. Also similar is her inability to control her abilities.
With Nick’s chapters, the author does a great job with the “guy” POV and dialogue. You can tell she has experience with military protocol and speak, and the banter flows easily.
Some of the strange characters and things that happen toward the end aren’t explained fully enough, but I get the feeling they are intentional omissions by Ms. Ward, given that she’s writing a series. It reminded me of the book, I AM NUMBER FOUR, by Piticus Lore, where not everything is explained right away but unfolds over the course of the series.
While I was completely absorbed by this story, I have to say that I hated the ending. It felt slightly rushed, and then suddenly it was over. Not too satisfying, given that the second book isn’t available yet. But. I still loved the story and the characters, and feel good about recommending this to other readers who enjoy paranormal romance.
We meet each of the characters in quick succession, but spend most of the book with no idea of the root connection between them. When they start meeting up in the dreamscape, Nick doesn’t even believe Alex is real.
In terms of paranormal, there are no “creatures” – no vampires or angels, no mermaids or shape shifters. All of the characters are human – some just have extra, abnormal abilities.
The chapters alternate POVs between the two main characters, Alex and Nick. The author does a wonderful job differentiating their voices and giving each character a unique personality. I loved Alex’s sass and snark. Nick’s character grows and changes through the novel from someone who’s pretty heartless to a guy the reader can feel is worthy of Alex.
What Alex does isn’t quite “time travel” but close enough to that vein of story to attract readers who enjoy that genre. When she awakens in different locations, not knowing where she is, I was reminded of those scenes in THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, by Audrey Niffenegger, where the MC arrives in a new locale and has to do a quick assessment of his whereabouts and danger level. Also similar is her inability to control her abilities.
With Nick’s chapters, the author does a great job with the “guy” POV and dialogue. You can tell she has experience with military protocol and speak, and the banter flows easily.
Some of the strange characters and things that happen toward the end aren’t explained fully enough, but I get the feeling they are intentional omissions by Ms. Ward, given that she’s writing a series. It reminded me of the book, I AM NUMBER FOUR, by Piticus Lore, where not everything is explained right away but unfolds over the course of the series.
While I was completely absorbed by this story, I have to say that I hated the ending. It felt slightly rushed, and then suddenly it was over. Not too satisfying, given that the second book isn’t available yet. But. I still loved the story and the characters, and feel good about recommending this to other readers who enjoy paranormal romance.
November 29, 2013
First off, although I was not the biggest fan like so many other readers, the concept is beyond unique. Every other paranormal seems like it's taken from the same cookie cutter mold and the characters are just replaced with different names/places with the story basically the same. It was refreshing to read something that was so unlike anything else in this genre so huge to props for that.
With that being said, I just couldn't get into the book. There are so many other reviewers who are absolutely in love with this book but in the second half...it got a bit weird for me. Bear with me if this doesn't make any sense, but it didn't feel like I was reading about the same story with the same Alex and Nick. Someone decided to rain on Alex's and Nick's parade quite heavily.
I also had a hard time connecting to Alex and Nick and their developed feelings for each other. This book spans over a year but it's hard to tell because the detail is easily missed. Alex and Nick never felt like they belonged together for me and I just found a bit strange for Nick to be falling in love with a girl he thinks is imaginary (I did love Walter and Campbell though but who couldn't?). I might be being a bit harsh on the couple as I'm a huge hopeless romantic.
Anyway, back to the kinda creepy second half of the book: It took a bit too long for the real action to begin, to understand the why that was going on between these characters. I was a bit upset with Alex with how easy she went along with everyone, despite the promise she made and Nick actually being level headed for once. Furthermore, I felt shorthanded or I just didn't understand the meaning behind the "sleepwalking" and their shared connection/nightmare. I was also surprised by the abrupt ending and again, I felt like I needed an epilogue (this was before I realized this was the first of a series). I just wanted the closure and the ending is way too wide open for my liking.
In short: An interesting and very unique novel that had too much build up and not enough connection/clarification for my liking. More than likely, I won't be investing in the rest of the series though.
With that being said, I just couldn't get into the book. There are so many other reviewers who are absolutely in love with this book but in the second half...it got a bit weird for me. Bear with me if this doesn't make any sense, but it didn't feel like I was reading about the same story with the same Alex and Nick. Someone decided to rain on Alex's and Nick's parade quite heavily.
I also had a hard time connecting to Alex and Nick and their developed feelings for each other. This book spans over a year but it's hard to tell because the detail is easily missed. Alex and Nick never felt like they belonged together for me and I just found a bit strange for Nick to be falling in love with a girl he thinks is imaginary (I did love Walter and Campbell though but who couldn't?). I might be being a bit harsh on the couple as I'm a huge hopeless romantic.
Anyway, back to the kinda creepy second half of the book: It took a bit too long for the real action to begin, to understand the why that was going on between these characters. I was a bit upset with Alex with how easy she went along with everyone, despite the promise she made and Nick actually being level headed for once. Furthermore, I felt shorthanded or I just didn't understand the meaning behind the "sleepwalking" and their shared connection/nightmare. I was also surprised by the abrupt ending and again, I felt like I needed an epilogue (this was before I realized this was the first of a series). I just wanted the closure and the ending is way too wide open for my liking.
In short: An interesting and very unique novel that had too much build up and not enough connection/clarification for my liking. More than likely, I won't be investing in the rest of the series though.
April 1, 2014
I just finished reading Sleepless by Tracey Ward and wished the second book was out already. I could not put it down. I love how the action flowed from a series of nightmares and Slipping episodes to full action with some form of military involved.
I digress. I was given this book by the author on goodreads for an honest review and if you can't tell, I really loved reading it. I believe that this book has equal parts to the main characters of Alex and Nick. The alternating chapters helps the reader understand a more rounded character versus just reading the perspective of one side.
Things I found interesting: The inclusion of the jabberwoky into the nightmare sequence is different in the sense that we all know the story of Alice in Wonderland, or at least seen one version of the countless films, and then the overall plot line of this story is not even close to our original encounter with a jabberwoky. The characters evolution of feelings towards each other makes sense. It does not feel rushed or unrealistic. It takes it time and explores the notion of what they feel for each other under the strange circumstances they meet in.
The overall tone of the story takes you on unexpected turns and events. Like the death of a beloved character. I read the book on a kindle, but it says that it was about 400 pages, all I can say is that I did not feel them. I still have some question that am sure will be answered as the story progresses. There is just something about Liam that does not sit with me well. I don't necessarily hate him, but I don't like him either. I think there is more to him that what has been presented.
It is a good book to read under time constraint. I highly recommend it as it is a story line a bit different from the norm. If you like to read to escape,this is the book for you. It combines the fantastical with reality.
I digress. I was given this book by the author on goodreads for an honest review and if you can't tell, I really loved reading it. I believe that this book has equal parts to the main characters of Alex and Nick. The alternating chapters helps the reader understand a more rounded character versus just reading the perspective of one side.
Things I found interesting: The inclusion of the jabberwoky into the nightmare sequence is different in the sense that we all know the story of Alice in Wonderland, or at least seen one version of the countless films, and then the overall plot line of this story is not even close to our original encounter with a jabberwoky. The characters evolution of feelings towards each other makes sense. It does not feel rushed or unrealistic. It takes it time and explores the notion of what they feel for each other under the strange circumstances they meet in.
The overall tone of the story takes you on unexpected turns and events. Like the death of a beloved character. I read the book on a kindle, but it says that it was about 400 pages, all I can say is that I did not feel them. I still have some question that am sure will be answered as the story progresses. There is just something about Liam that does not sit with me well. I don't necessarily hate him, but I don't like him either. I think there is more to him that what has been presented.
It is a good book to read under time constraint. I highly recommend it as it is a story line a bit different from the norm. If you like to read to escape,this is the book for you. It combines the fantastical with reality.
August 27, 2013
********** Received an ARC in exchange for a HONEST review. *********
So when i started reading this book i was really confused. I had no clue what was going on and i thought about stopping. I however persevered because the thought of not finishing a book bugs the crap out of me. So i kept reading. Once i got the hang of what was going on i really started to enjoy it. I assumed this book would be similar to other love stories or romance books but it is not. We start with Alex in her room looking at birds on the wall. She is happy because she didn't slip. Slipping in the book is the same as teleportation. So she slips and has issues with keeping a job so she lives with her amazingly understanding and supportive sister. While dreaming she meets a guy named Nick who is fearless. Nick is an arrogant asshole who thinks Alex is a figment of his imagination. Even though Alex tells him she is as real as him he doesn't believe, but in all honesty would you? They meet in 'their' dream for a year. In this time they get to know each other. Can Alex be the girl to save him? Can she open up to him and tell him her secret? Will Nick admit she is real? Can he feel anything for her? When hey get trapped in the prison they will have to rely on each other if they want to make it out. Can they work together and make the impossible possible?
This book confused me, mad me laugh, want to cry, got me angry and made me saw awwww . I think authors enjoy giving us readers a roller coaster ride and i am ok with that so long as its a good one and this one as great! I would recommend this book to all. There isn't a lot of sex stuff and what is there is nothing really. I cannot wait for book 2 Fearless!!!! Props to the author on the start of a great series!!!
Happy Reading :)
So when i started reading this book i was really confused. I had no clue what was going on and i thought about stopping. I however persevered because the thought of not finishing a book bugs the crap out of me. So i kept reading. Once i got the hang of what was going on i really started to enjoy it. I assumed this book would be similar to other love stories or romance books but it is not. We start with Alex in her room looking at birds on the wall. She is happy because she didn't slip. Slipping in the book is the same as teleportation. So she slips and has issues with keeping a job so she lives with her amazingly understanding and supportive sister. While dreaming she meets a guy named Nick who is fearless. Nick is an arrogant asshole who thinks Alex is a figment of his imagination. Even though Alex tells him she is as real as him he doesn't believe, but in all honesty would you? They meet in 'their' dream for a year. In this time they get to know each other. Can Alex be the girl to save him? Can she open up to him and tell him her secret? Will Nick admit she is real? Can he feel anything for her? When hey get trapped in the prison they will have to rely on each other if they want to make it out. Can they work together and make the impossible possible?
This book confused me, mad me laugh, want to cry, got me angry and made me saw awwww . I think authors enjoy giving us readers a roller coaster ride and i am ok with that so long as its a good one and this one as great! I would recommend this book to all. There isn't a lot of sex stuff and what is there is nothing really. I cannot wait for book 2 Fearless!!!! Props to the author on the start of a great series!!!
Happy Reading :)
April 1, 2014
Received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so I decided to read and review this book because come on! The storyline/plot looks great and really original. I indeed like it and enjoyed it in most part.
I just love how real and fun their dialogues has been. Their banter were established in a natural and amusing way. Plus the aspect of the male point of view was just astonishing. I really thought that, 'yeah, guys talk/think like that.' XD
The amazing part about this book was when I CRIED! hahaha It's been a while that a book made me cry so hard that my chest was genuinely aching. But aside from crying, of course I did laugh and swoon too (I love the added humor). The romance part was weird but cute, they started out friends and I love how they progressed into something so beautiful. :) I keep on rooting for them both, and I almost hated how Nick wouldn't believe that Alex is real. Well yeah, if that happened to me, I wouldn't believe it either.
I'm a little unsure with the twist tho, it was just... I don't know -.- Sigh
Yes, I've always been fascinated with science but really? Uggh But one thing is for sure, I've always hated those evil . XD Oh well, at least it made sense enough.
All in all, this book is great and well-written for me. It's unique, funny, sweet, heartbreaking, touching, devastating, etc.
I give only 4 stars because it was Such a cliffhanger!!! ARGGH >_< Thank you Ms. Tracey Ward! Kudos. Hurry up with the sequel please. :)))
December 19, 2017
A much needed edited review for my re-reading of this amazing book:
Talk about an underrated book - even after re-reading it's still one of my favourites simply because it's so unique. Take the Dream Thieves from the Raven Cycle books and throw in Inception, with a dash of Stranger Things, military and romance and you get this damn thrill-ride. (Don't let the cover fool you.) The twists and cliffhangers left me stressing out all over again and Nick and That Dream™ had me swooning
Nick is the best god-damn book-boyfriend okay, trust me on this. His character development/arch is great, he's brave, funny, noble and yeah, he is hot as hell. Alex is also hilarious, and for once, she's not a completely annoying protagonist. They also grow pretty realistically as a couple even though there's some element of "The One/Matched" that is revealed later (and actually explained for once and isn't insta-love. Ugh. Thank god.) - and even though the story spans over a year, it isn't slow at all.
I'm so glad I re-read this before I buddy-read the second one and I can't wait to see what happens after that cliffhanger. I read this as an e-book the first time round before buying a hard copy of the first and second book, so please, buy it for $3 or whatever and READ IT. I need to be apart of this fandom! I don't have the energy to hold up a two-person fandom.
Talk about an underrated book - even after re-reading it's still one of my favourites simply because it's so unique. Take the Dream Thieves from the Raven Cycle books and throw in Inception, with a dash of Stranger Things, military and romance and you get this damn thrill-ride. (Don't let the cover fool you.) The twists and cliffhangers left me stressing out all over again and Nick and That Dream™ had me swooning
Nick is the best god-damn book-boyfriend okay, trust me on this. His character development/arch is great, he's brave, funny, noble and yeah, he is hot as hell. Alex is also hilarious, and for once, she's not a completely annoying protagonist. They also grow pretty realistically as a couple even though there's some element of "The One/Matched" that is revealed later (and actually explained for once and isn't insta-love. Ugh. Thank god.) - and even though the story spans over a year, it isn't slow at all.
I'm so glad I re-read this before I buddy-read the second one and I can't wait to see what happens after that cliffhanger. I read this as an e-book the first time round before buying a hard copy of the first and second book, so please, buy it for $3 or whatever and READ IT. I need to be apart of this fandom! I don't have the energy to hold up a two-person fandom.
March 20, 2014
I got given a free copy by the author to read and review. There are some spoilers but none that will fully ruin the book.
This book is full of tension, thrills and excitement. It was unputdownable! It has a fast pace and awesome, brilliantly developed characters. The plot line is so original and a real thrill ride. I like how the book Is told in alternate perspectives and the way the dream world ends abruptly, leaving you hanging. I really enjoyed Alex and Cara's relationship, they were great sisters and had a funny but strong relationship. Nick has a great background and there's so much detail on his military life that it's doesn't get boring. You couldn't predict any of it. Alex's powered are explained to a great detail and I really like the mystery of her powers, how they are so unpredictible and seemingly useless at the beginning but heroic at the end. Nicks ability to not feel fear is a brilliant idea and the concept of them being created for war is a great plot twist and I enjoyed that concept of the book it was full of tension and excitement. I love how Alex and Nick's powers come together in the dream world to create new levels of their abilities. The detail of the dreamworld is astounding and the link to Alice in wonderland is great. I like how Alex and Nick learn things of each other during the book, the characters really grow during the story. Overall it was a joy to read and an amazing plot line. Would defiantly recommend.
This book is full of tension, thrills and excitement. It was unputdownable! It has a fast pace and awesome, brilliantly developed characters. The plot line is so original and a real thrill ride. I like how the book Is told in alternate perspectives and the way the dream world ends abruptly, leaving you hanging. I really enjoyed Alex and Cara's relationship, they were great sisters and had a funny but strong relationship. Nick has a great background and there's so much detail on his military life that it's doesn't get boring. You couldn't predict any of it. Alex's powered are explained to a great detail and I really like the mystery of her powers, how they are so unpredictible and seemingly useless at the beginning but heroic at the end. Nicks ability to not feel fear is a brilliant idea and the concept of them being created for war is a great plot twist and I enjoyed that concept of the book it was full of tension and excitement. I love how Alex and Nick's powers come together in the dream world to create new levels of their abilities. The detail of the dreamworld is astounding and the link to Alice in wonderland is great. I like how Alex and Nick learn things of each other during the book, the characters really grow during the story. Overall it was a joy to read and an amazing plot line. Would defiantly recommend.
June 24, 2017
A big thank you to Tracey Ward for giving me a copy of Sleepless to read for an honest review.
I found myself drawn into Sleepless from the beginning. From the first page of the prologue I was drawn in and needed to know where this was headed. The story was amusing, intriguing, mysterious, and sometimes laugh out loud funny.
Alex is a girl with an ability to travel in her sleep. She never knows where she will wake up and if her life will be at risk. Nick is the boy who lives without fear. And when they come together they discover they can do Amazing things together, which made for an equally amazing story. Nick is a driven character who is a PJ in the Air Force. He has had one nightmare all his life. Not feeling fear in life makes him ideal for his job. When Alex becomes real for him things are about to change. But Alex makes a sort of rash decision that changes everything about where you think the story is going.
I wasn't sure exactly where this book was headed, but the writing, and descriptions, and trials, all made for a delightful page turner with a sci-fi twist. It didn't end with a huge cliffhanger, but it did end with me screaming for the sequel. This is definitely an author I will be following.
I found myself drawn into Sleepless from the beginning. From the first page of the prologue I was drawn in and needed to know where this was headed. The story was amusing, intriguing, mysterious, and sometimes laugh out loud funny.
Alex is a girl with an ability to travel in her sleep. She never knows where she will wake up and if her life will be at risk. Nick is the boy who lives without fear. And when they come together they discover they can do Amazing things together, which made for an equally amazing story. Nick is a driven character who is a PJ in the Air Force. He has had one nightmare all his life. Not feeling fear in life makes him ideal for his job. When Alex becomes real for him things are about to change. But Alex makes a sort of rash decision that changes everything about where you think the story is going.
I wasn't sure exactly where this book was headed, but the writing, and descriptions, and trials, all made for a delightful page turner with a sci-fi twist. It didn't end with a huge cliffhanger, but it did end with me screaming for the sequel. This is definitely an author I will be following.
December 1, 2013
Im not sure what I went into this book expecting. I wasn't sure if Id stumbled on a cute YA read, a sweet Romance novel much like James Patterson or Nicholas Sparks...
Nick is unreal. He is hard working, trusts no one, yet dreams of becoming a Hero to other heroes & he constantly pushes himself to the limit - because he can't feel fear? Or because he does & that terrifies him... I dunno. All I do know is 10% through the book & all I could think was, DAMN, this guy is seriously intense!
Alex was very likeable. My only hang up with her was her unwillingness to explore her gift & try to understand it. She should have at least tried to learn something on her own before trusting her fate to some whack job stranger!
~ Ugh!! The frustration!!! ~
I loved Nick & Alex's dreamscape. I loved that Nick opened up there & that Alex showed him some much needed patience. Also, Im glad Nick had Campbell & Walters. They stuck to him like glue & Nick finally opened his eyes to see he actually had friends.
This was a surprisingly good story. A few surprises, I may have cried a little at one particular part... I actually look forward to the next book in the series.
Nick is unreal. He is hard working, trusts no one, yet dreams of becoming a Hero to other heroes & he constantly pushes himself to the limit - because he can't feel fear? Or because he does & that terrifies him... I dunno. All I do know is 10% through the book & all I could think was, DAMN, this guy is seriously intense!
Alex was very likeable. My only hang up with her was her unwillingness to explore her gift & try to understand it. She should have at least tried to learn something on her own before trusting her fate to some whack job stranger!
~ Ugh!! The frustration!!! ~
I loved Nick & Alex's dreamscape. I loved that Nick opened up there & that Alex showed him some much needed patience. Also, Im glad Nick had Campbell & Walters. They stuck to him like glue & Nick finally opened his eyes to see he actually had friends.
This was a surprisingly good story. A few surprises, I may have cried a little at one particular part... I actually look forward to the next book in the series.
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