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There is no such thing as happily ever after.

Everything Charlotte Winston thought she knew has been thrown out the window. From the moment she opens her eyes, the world she remembered ceases to exist, and in its place is a post-apocalyptic realm filled with unimaginable dangers. And one very smoking hot guy who has an uncanny ability to make her blood sing, then boil in a blink of an eye.

Dash Darhk is everything her parents would hate. He’s six feet and two inches of dark temptation and a killer smile, that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in his wake. But her parents are nowhere to be found. Charlotte is alone in this new world. Destroyed by a toxic mist, the land isn’t the only thing altered, but the inhabitants as well.

As Charlotte begins the hunt for her family, gifts she’s never fathom awake inside her. And with the gifts come problems. Enormous ones. Charlotte is running out of options and places to hide. If she can’t figure out who to trust—and fast—she will lose more than her heart.

Fans of Hunger Games, The 100, and Divergent will fall in love with Slumber.

ebook

First published January 10, 2017

1091 people are currently reading
2111 people want to read

About the author

J.L. Weil

100 books1,712 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling author J.L. Weil lives in Illinois where she writes Teen & New Adult Paranormal Romances about spunky, smart mouth girls who always wind up in dire situations. For every sassy girl, there is an equally mouthwatering, overprotective guy. Of course, there is lots of kissing. And stuff.

An admitted addict to Love Pink clothes, raspberry mochas from Starbucks, and Jensen Ackles. She loves gushing about books and Supernatural with her readers.

She is the author of the International Bestselling Raven & Divisa series.

www.jlweil.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Dee.
300 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2017
This wasn't too bad. I liked the unique story and Dash, the love interest, was wonderful. My only problem was with the main character, Charlotte. Not only does she suffer from blind-to-things-obviously-in-front-of-her-face syndrome, but her bitchy attitude got a little annoying.

Blind to the Obvious Scene:

King: "She [Charlotte] would have made a great wife for my son."
2-3 pages later
Dash: "He wants you to marry his son, to use you as an ally against the Institute."
Charlotte: "How the heck did you get all of that?"

*Insert head slap here*

Most scenes went more-or-less like this:

Dash: "Don't do this, you can die."
Charlotte: He can't tell me what to do. *Goes and does said dangerous act and gets into trouble*


You don't have to be stubborn and ignorant to come across as independent and strong. Honestly, I thought Charlotte was the farthest thing from strong and fierce. She just got annoying.


Other than Charlotte, the overall story wasn't bad. It just didn't have the apocalyptic feel to it.
Profile Image for Mills.
1,868 reviews171 followers
April 9, 2018
You know when they say "don't judge a book by its cover"? This. This is what they mean.

I'm a marketing team's dream. I buy more expensive products because they're pretty all the time. I may never use them, but at least they will look damn good on my shelves. My copy of MinaLima's The Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite possessions. I have no regrets.

I recently came across a book that was 1) free, 2) had this drop-dead gorgeous cover and 3) promised a combination of post apocalyptic fiction and fairytale rewrite, two of my favourite genres and I thought 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. Firstly, the only similarity to Sleeping Beauty that Slumber has is that the slumbering heroine in a princess dress was woken up by a kiss. There's no explanation whatsoever for why this worked; we are just supposed to accept it as fact. What's more - it evidently doesn't occur to the hero that if kissing woke one person up, they might try it again when .

Mind you, I don't entirely blame the hero for not wanting to risk trying it again as how the hell he puts up with the one person he did awaken is truly beyond me. Oh my GOD is the heroine annoying. The protagonists will be in situations where their lives are at risk and she focuses her attention not on staying alive, but on Dash's eyes/body/hands/muscles/hair/voice/everything fucking else. She was evidently rather a stereotype in her former life. Her family was wealthy. Her main activities were "shopping, boy-gazing (and) cheerleading." "Leftovers weren't a thing in (her) house, yet (she) still managed to be as thin as a beanpole." Because obviously only wealthy, skinny white girls get the best magic powers in this story.

She says things like "I groaned internally as the realisation hit me - no more makeup." and "the chance to shave my legs and armpits - I'd died and gone to heaven.". They're running for their lives, but she's worried about body hair? For crying out loud. She nearly didn't make it to a safe house when the world more or less ended because she and her friends were shopping and "wanted to make one more stop, for shoes". She's incredibly entitled. "I couldn't believe he was going to sleep - the gall." Uhh, he's been running for hours, having just saved your life, princess. I expect he's a bit tired. " "He had promised to see me to safety, and he had, though it was debatable how safe our travels had been. I hadn’t signed up for nearly getting killed at every turn." I mean, seriously, did she expect him to carry a stretch limo and ten bodyguards in his knapsack just in case he needs to deliver a damsel in distress back to civilisation in style? If she would just listen to him when he tells her everything is dangerous, they wouldn't've gotten into half as much trouble.

She shoots when emotional but isn't sure she wants to learn to control it (because obviously uncontrollably is a marvellously safe idea) and is rather concerned that she might have "sweated a pound off (her) boobs". Oh, and she slut shames. Another character shows some interest in the hero and she labels her a "floozy", a "two-bit floozy", and a "crazy bitch" and tells us she has "overpowering "I'm desperate perfume""* and a "phony personality", while having barely exchanged two sentences with this other girl and lusting after him constantly herself! And the amount of times that in a fit of temper she tells us she doesn't need the hero when she would obviously be dead in two minutes on her own...!

Can you tell she pissed me off big time?! I hated the heroine so much I thought about DNFing over and over again, but I just didn't want to believe that a book with such a beautiful cover and promising premise could turn out to be so poor.

I think I've probably ranted enough, but there is one last thing that I want to mention. One of my pet hates in post-apocalyptic fiction is when the societies and characters are unrealistic and don't really experience the basic struggle for survival. They should not carry vanilla and sandalwood scented liquid soap on the road with them or, indeed, have it at all. *They shouldn't have perfume. They most likely would not have plumbed hot water or be able to find natural hot springs at the very moment they are dying for a bath. I suppose they might have beer, although that does strike me as a waste of resources in these circumstances. They would have to hunt/forage for food and water every day. There might be markets selling weapons, but I highly doubt said weapons would be crystal encrusted. I doubt even more that the sellers could afford to give them away on a whim, even if they wanted to.

I just... I know this book is YA, but it's time authors realised that teenagers deserve better stories than just hormonal girls swooning and acting spoiled.
Profile Image for Aneta Bak.
433 reviews124 followers
December 23, 2016
The only gift I want is the next book in this series.

When Charlotte wakes up the first person she sees is Dash, and he tells her to run. After a mist spread over North America, it changed the land. Strange and deadly creatures roam the land, with vegetation that kills, no one is safe. After over a 100 year slumber, its Charlottes turn to wake up. Running away from the institute is hard on its own, its even harder when you're running away with a dashing former guard. The only way Charlotte can find her family is by tagging along with Dash, even though he gives Charlotte goosebumps one second, and makes her want to kick him in the balls the next. Can the duo survive the dangers of the land on their mission to find their love ones?

I am so in love with this new series form J.L. Weil. The story is so creative, I love the world, the characters... well just about everything.

I loved Charlotte as a main character. She was a privileged American girl before the mist, and when she wakes up we see her grow, adapt to the new world and become a stronger and better person. She goes from pretty cheerleader to a fighter and strong woman. There wasn't a thing I didn't love about her.

Dash was, well.. dreamy! He's tall, muscular, and he's got a bad boy attitude. He's exactly my type. Unlike Charlotte though, there were moments in the book where Dash's attitude did make me mad at times, and I sort of found him to be a little dumb at times, but his cuteness definitely makes up for it. I mean, not all boys can be perfect.

The thing I loved about this book the most, was the world. It was so creative. The dangerous creatures, the poisoned land, and even a few creatures that didn't try to kill the main characters. I really hope that in the next book we get to see more of the land, and more interesting creatures.

I cannot wait for the next book to be out. As soon as I can I will pre-order it because I need it right away. I highly recommend this series, and if you have time definitely check out her other series called White Raven.

Happy Reading,
- Aneta
Profile Image for sophia.
42 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2024
1/5

there is nothing that irks me more than a stupid character name.

you’re telling me the love interest is named DASH DARHK????? as in rainbowDASH from MLP??? as in dash from the incredibles??/?:!: as in dash dashed toward the finish line??? his name cannot be a verb, im sorry.

in addition to the ridiculous first name, we get an even worse last name. i swear, adding a few extra letters to completely normal words has ya/post-apocalyptic authors in a chokehold. i literally had to check how to spell his last name because i ignored it whenever it was mentioned.

we also get a “not like other girls” mc who makes it a point to characterize herself as such every single goddamn chapter.

exhibit a: “I’d never been one of those girls who starved themselves. This girl cleared the dinner table. Leftovers weren’t a thing in my house, yet I still managed to be as thin as a beanpole.”

exhibit b: “No doubt he had expected me to squeal like a little girl.”

exhibit c: “I wanted to hate her for just being beautiful, but I found myself with a friend.”

exhibit d: “I wasn’t one of those girls who appreciated it when a guy took it upon himself to know what I wanted, like ordering for me at dinner. Screw that.”

exhibit e: “Swinging out, my fist connected with Brunlak’s cheekbone. It wasn’t a girly hit, either.”

exhibit f: “I’m going to take that as a yes. I never would have pegged you for the ‘faint at the sight of blood’ type of girl,” he said. “I’m not.”

exhibit g: “Tonight I let myself be a girl. I let myself hurt.”

JUST TELL ME YOU HATE WOMEN AND SHUT UP. charlotte always associates being weak and emotional to being girly, and it’s so painful to read. there was truly nothing of substance here.
Profile Image for Sea Hag.
95 reviews12 followers
Read
March 4, 2017
DNF. Obviously works for some people but for me...how is this chick so focused on the hotness of her dude instead of, oh, constant murder death from the rest of the world? I don't care how young she is...no. Didn't believe it, got annoying, stopped reading.
Profile Image for Marguerite.
575 reviews31 followers
February 6, 2017
3 Stars.

Slumber was a fun, fascinating read which kept me enthralled from the beginning with lots of intense action, mystery, drama, romance and general fun times. That being said, I did have some issues with aspects of the book, which I'll discuss below.

Slumber is a fairy tale retelling of Sleeping Beauty mashed with dystopia, and to be perfectly frank - I loved it. The premise of this book was great, and I liked how the author wove the fairy tale aspects of the story through the wider dystopia elements. The world-building in this book was intriguing, well developed and I enjoyed reading about it. Of course, a map would have helped, because, I like maps in fantasy/dystopia worlds, but that is really nothing to complain about. I was happy with the level of information revealed about the toxic mist that killed, knocked-out or mutated the world a century before this story commences (2116, if I'm correct), but I did have one niggling question - if the mist was killing people, how were they put into the frozen sleep in the holding cells? Perhaps there was an explanation and I completely missed it, but I have a feeling this is something that is going to be revealed in the next book. Everything is dangerous in the new, future world, and it was just well thought out and presented.

Now, to the characters. Slumber revolves primarily around the two MC's - Charlotte (aka, Sleeping Beauty character) and Dash (aka, the Prince character... sort of). First to Charlotte, who we spend the bulk of the book with - I understood how Charlotte felt, suddenly waking up in a world that was so far removed from all that she had ever know, but when Dash told her that everything could kill her (and she had a few experiences of the world almost killing her), why did she smell that flower? Huh? That was one of a few cases in which I didn't understand her motive. Also, I get that she felt Dash was smoking hot, but spending 99% of your though power on thinking how hot he is and how you want to kiss him etc. etc. without much consideration for the dangerous and troubling situation she was in, I couldn't related. I'd be a little more than upset at first if I woke up in a post-apocalyptic world with everything out to kill me and most of the people hostile, my first thought wouldn't be 'Huh, this guy is hot, let's make out right now, screw that the world has fallen down around me.' I'd be more where am I? How did I get here? How can I find my family/friends now? I can't touch anything/glance at anything sideways, it'll kill me! How can I manage to survive for more than five nanoseconds? And so on, survival thoughts. As stuff settled down, yeah, of course you might start thinking 'This guy is hot' but talking about it all the time had me rolling my eyes in places.

Dash was an interesting character and suitably naughty, brooding and mysterious to fulfil his role as the 'bad boy' love interest. His protective streak was cute to read, and whilst he is a jerk a lot of the time, it also translates that he's a nice guy beneath it all.

The other characters are touched on briefly, but I actually didn't mind not finding out much else about them - Charlotte and Dash carry the story very well by themselves.

The romance, for all my complaints of Charlotte thinking about Dash All. The. Time. Is well developed and progresses at a good pace - not too fast, not too slow. Not quite my favourite of all romances - the gorgeous slow-burn, but it hits a good middle ground in this book between slow-burn and insta-love.

Slumber has a packed plot of action, action, action, and I enjoyed reading about the powers some people got from mutations caused by the mysterious mist of 100 years before and the struggles people had in surviving, finding loved ones and dealing with the fact that the majority of the population was still in the frozen sleep.

So, all in all, I would recommend Slumber if you are looking for a fun, fast-paced fairy tale dystopia mash-up, that features cool powers, action fight scenes, steamy romance and a fascinating mystery.
Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 10 books10 followers
December 17, 2017
I guess the glowing reviews are from YA readers and I am way too old to not wince at the threadbare plot stretched over by a heavy lace of cliches in an unbelievable dystopian world. I struggled through hoping for better but expecting less. A corroding mist has changed our environment to something resembling Avatar's Pandora with the geographical names of The Princess Bride. Whatever suspension of disbelief I could muster evaporated about the time the 119 year old hero, no lie, Dash Dahrk drags the obnoxious heroine, a virginal 117 year old teen, up from the Death Labyrinth onto the Plains of Despair. Of course, the Guard are close on their heels and Charlotte, aka Freckles, has just discovered she can summon lightening through her finger tips. I can't remember if this is before or after she talks with the conversational bird and touches the poisonous tree so that Dash has to suck the poison out of those fingers.

The storyline involves fleeing through the colorful, hot, dry, lush, barren, windy landscape searching for his long lost and her equally long lost mother, brother, father, younger sister. They encounter minor characters who spring up to explain various plot points while Charlotte tells herself she's not going to fall in love with Dash who she thinks of in panting, drooling, heart-clenching hyperboles at every chance for introspection.

If we are still confused at the end on the origin of the mist (I suspect Monsanto since it originated in St. Louis) and the purpose of the Institute and what WTF is happening, open your wallet. This is the first of a multipart saga to be continued ad nauseam.

The moral of this review: Don't be misled when they tell you this is the next Hunger Games. You will walk away still starving.
Profile Image for Jessica.
949 reviews14 followers
June 9, 2021
My thoughts was beep....and what the at the same time. This book had twists and turns on it. Slumber: Beauty Never Dies Chronicles by J.L. Weil is a dystopian YA novel with romance, danger and a touch of fantasy. The two main characters, Dash and Charolette are introduce very well and both had personalities that clash together.

She brought loveable characters within this book world and the world building was great, we still have the mystery about the mist; why was it created, who created it and why? I can't wait for the next book in this series/trilogy[?] since we only know it has three books right from his blog site.

More to come when thoughts are not fully twisted together. I was given this book by the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
807 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2017
Action packed plot, interesting characters! Awesome read. Looking forward to the next book!
* I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Jean.
183 reviews
June 8, 2017
*Spoilers*

This book focused on too much about Dash being hot that it got really boring. The book was comprised of cliched characters. Dash only seemed to like the protagonist because of her appearance - he literally kissed her right after he first saw her because he thought she was pretty.

Ugh.

I found myself skipping past the kiss scenes because they felt so repetitive - or maybe not - I wouldn't know much because I skipped most of them. Just when the chapter ends and I think the kiss scenes are finally over, THEY'RE NOT. They just keep going in the next chapter too. And then Dash became just another cliched hot and cold character who can't decide whether he likes the main character or not.

And the fact that Dash kept repeating over and over again about 'protecting' Charlotte it got SO ANNOYING. Please, just stop. Just. Stop. She shoots friggin lightning out of her hands.

Well, actually, maybe she really is that helpless because everything keeps happening to her and Dash has to keep 'protecting' her.

Please just stop.

Fortunately I've read worse, or this would have been a one star.
Profile Image for Kelly Clare.
Author 66 books3,241 followers
May 20, 2017
Such a good fantasy romance read! 💙Dash💙 Loved Charlotte's sassiness and the world. It successfully combines post-apocalyptic, paranormal, fantasy, and romance genres. Oh, and the magical elements in the story are totally unique.
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
448 reviews18 followers
February 13, 2022
I am a romantic at heart and as cheesy as it is, I absolutely LOVE instalove stories. However, I just couldn’t get into this one. In the opening scene Dash is running for his life, for fear of being captured and tortured, yet he finds time to ogle and kiss a girl he stumbles upon. Why, you might ask, did he do this? According to his internal monologue, it’s because he may never have another opportunity to kiss a pretty, albeit unconscious, girl again. WHATTT!!

To make things worse, after ‘sleeping beauty’ wakes up, Dash behaves like a jerky, douche. Come on dude! You literally just violated this chick the least you can do is be nice to her.🙄 But then again, Charlotte wasn’t the best of heroines.

She was incredibly annoying. She was whiney, dumb and thought of nothing else, other than how attractive/hot/strong/kissable Dash was. They could literally be facing a life or death situation and that would be all she was thinking of. Girl you need to prioritize.

The premise was interesting and I liked the whole idea of a dystopian society with gifted persons. But while this was a good idea, it just wasn’t well executed. The characters were underwhelming and the plot was choppy at best. I skipped to the end just to be done with it. Can’t say I’ll be reading any more in this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,491 reviews83 followers
April 5, 2020
I’m a sucker for YA Dystopian books. The blurb caught my attention and I have to admit that while I did love this book, I had conflicting feelings for the main character.
This is a dual POV book. I loved being able to get two points of views. We mainly follow Charlotte who is the main character. The second is Dash. Charlotte is one of the main characters who k felt for but at the same time she made bad decisions that would put her in unnecessary danger if she would have just listened. I’m hoping in the next book “Freckles” will grow up and learn to trust others and her gut. Dash, I absolutely loved him. He was a great character and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
I absolutely loved the world building in this series. The mist that changed the world and it’s inhabitants!! It was great to visualize all the changes, etc. Seeing how people survived in this post apocalyptic world.
I listened to the audiobook and I highly recommend it. The narrators, Caitlin and Gary did a fabulous job bringing the story to live.
Profile Image for N Swaffar.
859 reviews27 followers
October 11, 2020
I love this story.

I needed a break from reading regular romance, so I turned to J.L. Weil's dystopian and I'm glad I did. I've always enjoyed her stories, she could do no wrong in my opinion. I love Dash and Charlotte together. They were a power couple and stronger together. Anytime they were separated things always went wrong. I enjoyed the journey of them getting to know each other, going into this new crazy world they woke up in and their survival together. I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Delanie Slattery.
114 reviews
December 1, 2017
So I was super hyped for this book because it was pitched as a sleeping beauty retelling. It was not. The only similarity is that she was asleep, and she wakes when kissed. Which was creepy. It was still an alright book, kinda reminded be of the Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole, I like those more than this one. Slumber seemed to be missing a lot of the world building I associate with post apocalyptic novels, so that was another disappointment.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
November 11, 2017
Two of my favorite types of books are fairy tale re-tellings and dystopian books. This book is both and I love seeing them mixed together like this. There is just something about this book that intrigues me. I can't wait to read book 2 and see what happens next.
Profile Image for Samantha (everlasting.with.charm).
630 reviews204 followers
December 3, 2018
I enjoyed Slumber. It was cliche and reminiscent of more popular dystopian books, but that’s why I enjoyed it. With some more editing I would have given it four stars. And, well, if Charlotte wasn’t so annoying at times. Overall, an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,749 reviews10 followers
Read
March 29, 2025
DNF @ Chapter 4

I must have been intrigued by the idea of a dystopian Sleeping Beauty tale when I downloaded this back in 2017. What I read of this was super cringe and gave me serious secondhand embarrassment. No need to spend any more time on this book, nor to keep it on my Kindle.
Profile Image for Allison Lassiter.
75 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2018
I’ll start with the pro-very clever reimagining of Sleeping Beauty in a futuristic world It’s not incredibly original to have humans in some sort of cryostasis, but the application to Sleeping Beauty is clever.
However, the entire plot line served to advance the romance. The situations the characters came across were little more than avenues with which to showcase his protectiveness or her fear of losing him. The sad part is there were interesting possibilities: nomadic tribes, people with special abilities, western-style settlements. These all had potential for a colorful landscape but were not developed beyond their usefulness for making the main characters kiss, sleep in the same space etc. The most jarring part of the piece is the colloquialisms that are slightly off, the metaphors that don’t make sense and the exclamations that are ridiculous. In summation: Very poorly written, intriguing concept that is poorly executed.
2,507 reviews6 followers
December 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Girl wakes up into a completely changed world. Bad boy is there to protect her — at least temporarily. I’m looking forward to the next in series.
Profile Image for Avidreader1412.
73 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2017
Mixed feelings but it's sooo goood!

J.L. made an incredible world. Im so blown away with how consumed i was in the story. It was filled with action/danger/mystery/sexual tension/romance. I cant even say it was missing anything. I love it. I dont want to tell the detailed reason i have mixed feelings because if I knew a certain detail I wouldnt have read the book. I would have missed out on the best book Ive read in at least 6 months, probably more. There is a specific betrayal that didnt sit right with me and it has a negative impact on the relationship that is building through out the entire book. It doesn't sit well with me AT ALL. I'm dreading as much as Im excited to read the next book. One thing I want to say prior to the next. Im forgiving of this book because it was perfect until the one big issue near the end, but if its over played in the next book It will more than likely ruin the story. To me its potentially that bad.
15 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2020
I would give this book zero stars if I could. I actually considered buying this book for a time until I found out that it was in the Kindle lending library, which immediately sent up red flags. If your book is in the free Kindle lending library, either it is a renowned literary classic or it’s a piece of trash. Guess which one this is?
The 100 is one of my favorite shows of all time. I like the Hunger Games. I like Divergent. So how did this book, which is apparently a combination of these franchises, go so horribly wrong?
Post apocalyptic, the Earth has somehow become known as “Starling Heights” which sounds like either a bonus world in Super Mario 3D World or a Wattpad boarding school. There are dangers galore, which our main character Charlotte and smoking hot love interest Dash have to navigate.
Charlotte was the ultimate special chosen one and on top of that she was whiney and useless. She is the type of character I would have enjoyed when I was approximately 13 years old. Charlotte has rainbow eyes that glow and change colors because she has a special gift- ✨she has all the powers✨. She’s not like other girls because she doesn’t scream like a girl when she sees gory things(despite the fact that she jumped on top of Dash’s dick when she saw a spider, sorry SNYKER and passes out at the sight of her own blood). Plus she’s a self proclaimed smartass! And she does the exact opposite of everything Dash tells her to do just to prove that she’s a rebellious spitfire and won’t fawn over him like other girls. Plus the fact that she uses “holy cheeseballs” and “poo” as expletives makes me want to throw something.
Now Dash- y’all can’t convince me to take this mofo seriously when he has the same name as that Incredibles character😭- I don’t even have words to describe the rage and frustration I feel whenever I see his name on the page. He is the most bland, boring, stereotypical character that embodies all the bad male love interests of this genre. His goofy ass couldn’t put away the smirk for a second- you are either Percy Jackson or YOU DON’T SMIRK. I heard about his kissable lips and his tantalizing abs and his constant hard-on more times than I care to admit. Yet he had no substance! You’d think that if Charlotte couldn’t shut up about him for a single page, he’d be mildly interesting. I can acknowledge that he’s not my type because I like characters with some humor, but bias aside, he was a complete tool. Of course, he was the tortured bad boy whose father walked out on him and who still loves his girlfriend.
The plot sucked. I don’t even care to get into it. It just did. I pat myself on the back for having the patience to finish this. I DO NOT RECOMMEND.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendie Joy.
539 reviews
December 31, 2017
I liked this one- well-written and full of action. I like Charlotte even though she is tough to handle...but Dash is the gem in this story. You really have to like dystopian lit to get through it-- there's romance in this novel, but it's not a "pretty" romance-- think more Hunger Games or Lunar Chronicles. If you liked those series, you'll like this one-- but it's definitely not a copy-- it stands on it's own.
Profile Image for Sabrina  F.
38 reviews31 followers
December 4, 2017
I was funny... Until I had to DNF it. I think I may have to go back and read it when I don't hate girls who are like Charlotte...

Here's an example of why I thoroughly could not enjoy the book any further.

P. 20 "With a quick jerk of his head, he indicated we needed to move. It was weird; few words were needed between us. I was in tune with his movement, except, of course, for our little collision earlier. We had barely spoken, and yet, it was like I could read his mind." - What... What is this? Is this supposed to be amazing? Hot? Unruly? Devasting? Extraordinary??? I don't know about you, but I find it pretty freaking common to use my head as a nod or to silently invite someone to follow me. THIS IS NORMAL HUMAN COMMUNICATION DIP WOD. I almost stopped at this part.

P. 29 "I caught a flash of two glowing eyes the size of buttons staring back at me. Holy crap. Whatever was watching me was as big as a raccoon, but instead of scampering, it slithered. Hell-to-the-no. I covered my mouth, stifling a yelp. The shelter of the cave was beginning to look quite appealing. Giving the entrance my back, I wrapped my arms around my legs and studied the mysterious Dash. I unabashedly took my fill, admiring how sleep softened his features highlighted by the dancing of firelight. He might make me want to bang my head against a brick wall, but at least he was smokin' hot." - All, right. If I was her, I think if I saw something scary outside that looked like it wouldn't mind turning my insides out... I would probably NOT put my back to it. These are the characters I truly hate. The ones that remind me of the idiots I beg any god to never allow that person to become a leader of some sort that would affect me. Now, let's also talk about how she hates the guy and he also told her to not trust him and now she's literally GOGGLING over him. When I hate someone and they're supposed to be attractive... I ignore them and take note of their weaknesses. Just saying ;)

P. 30 "There was something about him, something unusual that I couldn't put my finger on, but one thing was for certain. I was insanely attracted to him." - Holy fricken potato tomato. Is it horrible that I already wish she was dead? I think what is making me hate this book so much is just how BLATANT the author has this guy written and who he obviously is going to be in the book. This, my friend. Made me put the book done and cry.

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Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,868 reviews54 followers
May 16, 2017
I am a fan of J.L. Weil. Her Divisa series is excellent; my favorite books of hers, until now. I loved Slumber. Dystopia meets fairy tale! Fantastic first book in the Beauty Never Dies Chronicles. This is a fast-paced, well-written book that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The world building is excellent and the main characters are complex and likable.

The mist destroyed the world as we know it. Those who survived were placed in a deep sleep for 100 years. Now the earth is an unforgiving hell with dangerous creatures, treacherous land, and the Institute. Many of the awakened were touched by the mist and now have extraordinary gifts. The Institute wants these gifted for their own uses. Dash is the lead male. He has a gift/curse that makes him invaluable to the Institute. While searching one of the Institute facilities he comes across a sleeping Charlotte. Struck by her beauty and irresistibly drawn to her, he kisses her. And she awakens. Charlotte wakes to beautiful silver eyes; her first thought is that Dash is a prince. She quickly learns otherwise.

J.L. Weil is a master at creating great characters. Charlotte and Dash are simply wonderful. She is confused. lost, and scared, but has a fiery nature. She's beautiful, sweet, funny. Her gifts are mind-blowing. Dash is a survivor. He is harsh, cold, yet has moments when he lets his guard down and you see what a great guy he is. He's also hiding secrets that can break Charlotte. Their time together is a mix of verbal sparring, sexual tension, moments of vulnerability and caring. They are so good together, but there are too many obstacles in the way. As Charlotte's heart gets shattered, mine did too. I have never been angrier at a man for being honorable.

This book is non-stop entertainment. It's pure fun that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end. You will not be able to put it down. The end is a cliffhanger that leaves you screaming for more. More Charlotte, more Dash, more, more, more!
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
July 6, 2018
I have mixed feelings on this book. I really liked the idea of it but it just wasnt well executed character wise. I didnt like Dash that much because he was a jerk to Charlotte a lot then he was all hot for her. So, he was hot and cold. Really hate that AND he's a douche bag. Normally I wouldnt give stuff away but I'm gonna in this case because it really was a terrible thing that he did to her. Really bad. He's kissed her and spent all this time with her and saved her life I dont know how many times. Their chemistry was intense and they both developed feelings towards one another and did some petting and major kissing. He led her on though. He's got a girlfriend he's been looking for since the mist happened those years ago. When he finally told her towards the end of the book it was too late. She's already in love with him and man that just broke her heart. I was pissed for her. He regretted his actions yes but too little too late. You dont do something like that. He should have told her from the beginning but he didnt. He was an a$$. That being said I didnt really like Charlotte a ton either. She was TSTL in a few moments. Things stared her in the face and she's like ohhh. Dumbed her down too much. Yes, she's 17 but I felt her maturity a couple times. I really liked the story though just characters not so much. Ends on a hell of a cliffhanger though. I dont know if I'll read the rest of the series or not. Use your own judgement.
Profile Image for Debbie.
21 reviews
May 31, 2017
This was my first book by this author and I can tell you I'll be reading her other works as well. It was such an exciting read, I finished it in one sitting.
No slumber here !! Wide awake and action packed from the beginning to the end. Dash had no idea what he was getting himself into when he kissed Charlotte yet he was drawn to her. Together, with her insistence, they embark on a journey to find their loved ones after a mist had put everyone in the country into a slumber for many, many years. After awakening the Institute wants to use those with special powers to do their bidding. Dash had been awake for some time and knows the ropes of this new world, but Charlotte is seeing it all for the first time. I felt as if I was right there with them. There are so many aspects of this story, twists and turns, love, heartache, and betrayal that you'll be pulled right into this world and want to help them and then you'll find yourself not wanting to leave. I can't wait until the next book comes out !! I think Charlotte is going to become strong and someone to recon with.
Profile Image for Ashley Poteet.
289 reviews13 followers
January 22, 2017
Totally amazing

Five star rating baby! JL Weil never ceases to amaze me with her fantastic writing and detail to stories! This was an amazing read and I absolutely can't wait for Entangled (Book Two).

We begin with Dash, he's looking for something but gets distracted by a red-headed beauty. Her name is Charlotte. She has been asleep for awhile. The first person she See's is Dash. Thrown into a strange new world, Charlotte and Dash venture out to find there loved ones and try to stay alive, try to stay away from the new government, The Institute.

I love the back and forth between the two. Charlotte is frisky and sarcastic and Dash is strong and mysterious. Charlotte likes Dash of course, but things are complicated.

This is a must read!
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