Above the Rain

by Dan Nimak

A story of friendship, of hope, of seeking a better place.

Zach is dreaming when he meets Lourdes, but she isn’t. The first visit to this special place for twelve-year-olds is always through a dream. Return visits are real, but so are the tests and challenges from a world that can read minds. As Zach desperately tries to find his way back, Lourdes’ frightening secret may cause him to lose the only friend he’s ever had. And the magical world they both love may be lost forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2016

About the author

Hello! No formal biography in the third-person here. It’s just me, Dan, lover of books, science fiction, peanut butter, and animals – especially dogs. Moose, the cute one in the picture, prefers to take the easy way out when it comes to hiking. He’s just one of the many pets we have. Seriously, you name it, and we’ve probably got it – or at least had it at one time or another. Except snakes, which totally freak me out. Show me a snake; I run. End of story.

Thanks for stopping by. If you enjoy one of my books, please feel free to share! Have a great day … Dan

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You can visit my web page at: http://dannimak.com

My Amazon Author page is: https://www.amazon.com/author/dannimak

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very haunting. There may be some of us out there, who wouldn't mind getting lost in their dreams. Maybe even living there in a permanent escape from reality. I like the connection of the characters through their personal hardships and the dreamscape world. This book unfolded gradually, smoothly in a relatable fashion foretold by the children in the book. It helped that the author wrote it so well that I could see and feel through their eyes what was going on. This middle grade book also had an ethereal feel to it and a realism that was well crafted and genuine, even flawless. The uniqueness of the way this book was told and described was like a fairytale coming to life in high definition. I could imagine this book being shown across a movie screen, one I'd pay to see with my nine year old son. I hope to see more from this author and wouldn't mind reading and reviewing all of his book. Believe me I'm not easily impressed by much, but this one was a keeper. He's written something quite special. I'm currently reading another one of his books.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey

This story takes place in dreams. Or goes it? The dream land that Zach and Lourdes find each other has secrets and hidden dangers and beauty that are enticing and troubling.

Each person has their own story complete with pain want and longing. This one magical place above the rain makes you believe in the Magical world beyond dreams.

A great book that has a richly built world with characters that reach through the pages to the reader and each other.

[Laura Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sceptical about this book, but it's actually a very cute and original fantasy for middle grade readers. There are strong themes of friendship and loyalty, lots of fun, and an interesting interplanetary thread. I wish it was fleshed out a bit more, and at times it was a bit confusing which MC was currently narrating, but overall I really did enjoy everything this book had to offer.

[flightyinagoodway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whole new world

I received a copy of this story for free in exchange for an honest review. It takes you to a whole new magical world. I would recommend for teens and older. So awesome!! :):):)

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Two orphans find each other in a magical land. Lots of potential in the premise but for the most part waisted.
First, the author changes point of view between main and minor characters. There is also a constant change from first to third person. It makes things very confusing.
Second, there is little or no descriptions. There is a reason why generations want to go Oz or Wonderland or Hogwarts, even if bad things happen there. What makes Rhyzia so special? It allows people to go through doors and go to different places. It could just as easily be an alien rat maze as well as some place magical. We are told it is a wonderful place but given no real reason why someone would want to make it their home. I know there is a modern thought that too much description ruins a reader's imagination but to me it just comes across as lazy writing.
Third, there is n real conflict. The children may be orphans but there is nothing wrong with their lives. Zach is taken in by extended family who neither neglect or abuse him. Lourdes may be in a girl's home but she is treated well and has a best friend and a favorite spot. There is a bad guy (okay 12) but the are underdeveloped and apparently dead by some mysterious means 2/3 of the way through the book. What there purpose was, I couldn't tell you. Other characters are introduced but might as well be stick figures.
Forth, there was a lot of repetition which makes it very slow reading in the beginning. Then take into account all that was never explained. At the end it is just jumping all over the place. I know I was bored through a lot of the book and I don't know how a middle grade reader couldn't be, too.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zachary “Zach” Harper Nix (13), meets Lourdes (f, 12) & the soon become friends.
Phoenix, Trey, Megan, Tori (BFF) & Harris (BFF) live at the Phoenix Home for Children.
Would the group journey to Rhyzian Control Center?

What was the Keegan Plan?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written fantasy book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. I’m not real sure I understood the whole story content so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.

Thank you for the free Author; Rainbug Books; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad that I was. What a beautiful book! I really enjoyed it. It tells the story of Lourdes a young teen-age girl and Zach a young teen boy. It is a fantasy. In the real world, they each have a physical challenge- Lourdes can't see and Zach can't speak, but they meet in another world- Rhyzia. where they are not hindered in any way. Rhyzia is a place above the clouds and above the rain. The first time they visit there or rather the first time Zach goes there it's in his dream but that's where he meets Lourdes, and the story evolves from there. Check it out for a different kind of fantasy with a satisfying message behind it.

[Keshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this plot and story. It was so interesting and unique. While there were some sections of the book that were very convoluted it was still a fun and interesting read. I actually would have preferred this either be a longer book or out into 2 books. I want to know more about Rhyzia and felt like more detail could have been put into explaining how everything works there. All around a very good read.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book book from goodreads.com!
This story takes place in dreams and the one in which Zach and Lourdes find themselves has secrets, beauty and danger. It's a magical world!
This is a richly-woven tale with wonderful characters. Unforgettable.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book for me. I get the idea of the book but I must be too old to really get into this book. This would be a great book for younger readers as it has adventures and life lessons included in this book.

[David Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compact and very good book. No filler, a small amount of characters and really fun to read. I received this book for free from a Goodreads First-read giveaway.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the magical world of Rhyzian with Zach and Lourdes. A great read perfect for middl schoolers and even older readers. Well written and worth the read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and entertaining

[Rebecca Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wondered if your dreamland existed. Ever wished you could revisit it down the road. Interesting and well written characters and story of such a place. I found the "test" to be intriguing.

[Jemi Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**



A great book to settle in for the night with! Keeps your attention from start to end! Enjoyed this book!


*Received for an honest review*

[KarnagesMistress]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is a Kindle book.

[Clipinchick]

I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.