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Portland Hafu #1
Dream Eater
Koi Pierce dreams other peoples' dreams.
Her whole life she's avoided other people. Any skin-to-skin contact--a hug from her sister, the hand of a barista at Stumptown coffee--transfers flashes of that person's most intense dreams. It's enough to make anyone a hermit.
But Koi's getting her act together. No matter what, this time she's going to finish her degree at Portland Community College and get a real life. Of course it's not going to be that easy. Her father, increasingly disturbed from Altzheimer's disease, a dream fragment of a dead girl from the casual brush of a creepy PCC professor's hand, and a mysterious stranger who speaks the same rare Northern Japanese dialect as Koi's father will force Koi to learn to trust in the help of others, as well as face the truth about herself.
Her whole life she's avoided other people. Any skin-to-skin contact--a hug from her sister, the hand of a barista at Stumptown coffee--transfers flashes of that person's most intense dreams. It's enough to make anyone a hermit.
But Koi's getting her act together. No matter what, this time she's going to finish her degree at Portland Community College and get a real life. Of course it's not going to be that easy. Her father, increasingly disturbed from Altzheimer's disease, a dream fragment of a dead girl from the casual brush of a creepy PCC professor's hand, and a mysterious stranger who speaks the same rare Northern Japanese dialect as Koi's father will force Koi to learn to trust in the help of others, as well as face the truth about herself.
219 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
19 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
K. Bird Lincoln
18 books93 followers(Over on Story Graph Now as I got fed up with Goodreads) or my review blog kblincoln.Wordpress.com)
K. Bird Lincoln is an ESL professional, breast cancer survivor, and writer living on the windswept Minnesota Prairie with family and a huge addiction to frou-frou coffee. Also dark chocolate-- without which, the world is a howling void. Originally from Cleveland, she has spent more years living on the edges of the Pacific Ocean than in the Midwest. Her speculative short stories are published in various online & paper publications such as Strange Horizons. Her medieval Japanese fantasy series, Tiger Lily, is available from Amazon. World Weaver Press released Dream Eater, the first novel in an exciting, multi-cultural Urban Fantasy trilogy set in Portland and Japan, in 2017 and is now complete with the epic conclusion, Last Dream of Her Mortal Soul. She also writes tasty speculative and YA fiction reviews under the name K. Bird Lincoln on Amazon and Goodreads.
About Dream Eater:
"DREAM EATER brings much-needed freshness to the urban fantasy genre with its inspired use of Japanese culture and mythology and its fully-realized setting of Portland, Oregon. I'm eager to follow Koi on more adventures!"
- Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger and Breath of Earth
“Dream Eater is my kind of urban fantasy, fast, engaging, and diverse. Myths from several different cultures come into play, each one distinctly and lovingly drawn. The tensions between them are as real and as fractious as what we face in the real world. A timely book that happens to be a rollicking read. Dream Eater has it all: mythological and social diversity, strong characters, and a tender romance. I can’t wait for the next one.”
--Keith Yatsuhashi, author of Kojiki and Kokoro
About Tiger Lily:
"Absolutely a page turner!...The content was more mystical than I expected and lent an exciting, unpredictable dimension to the plot."
-- Reader Marie Okamoto on Goodreads
"A beautifully-written genderbending tale of rebellious girls, shifting disguises, and forbidden magic, set against the vivid backdrop of ancient Japan."
--Tina Connolly, author of Ironskin
K. Bird Lincoln is an ESL professional, breast cancer survivor, and writer living on the windswept Minnesota Prairie with family and a huge addiction to frou-frou coffee. Also dark chocolate-- without which, the world is a howling void. Originally from Cleveland, she has spent more years living on the edges of the Pacific Ocean than in the Midwest. Her speculative short stories are published in various online & paper publications such as Strange Horizons. Her medieval Japanese fantasy series, Tiger Lily, is available from Amazon. World Weaver Press released Dream Eater, the first novel in an exciting, multi-cultural Urban Fantasy trilogy set in Portland and Japan, in 2017 and is now complete with the epic conclusion, Last Dream of Her Mortal Soul. She also writes tasty speculative and YA fiction reviews under the name K. Bird Lincoln on Amazon and Goodreads.
About Dream Eater:
"DREAM EATER brings much-needed freshness to the urban fantasy genre with its inspired use of Japanese culture and mythology and its fully-realized setting of Portland, Oregon. I'm eager to follow Koi on more adventures!"
- Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger and Breath of Earth
“Dream Eater is my kind of urban fantasy, fast, engaging, and diverse. Myths from several different cultures come into play, each one distinctly and lovingly drawn. The tensions between them are as real and as fractious as what we face in the real world. A timely book that happens to be a rollicking read. Dream Eater has it all: mythological and social diversity, strong characters, and a tender romance. I can’t wait for the next one.”
--Keith Yatsuhashi, author of Kojiki and Kokoro
About Tiger Lily:
"Absolutely a page turner!...The content was more mystical than I expected and lent an exciting, unpredictable dimension to the plot."
-- Reader Marie Okamoto on Goodreads
"A beautifully-written genderbending tale of rebellious girls, shifting disguises, and forbidden magic, set against the vivid backdrop of ancient Japan."
--Tina Connolly, author of Ironskin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 28, 2017
Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln is an awesome fantasy with an Asian folklore flair. Our gal of the story is more than just a regular gal but something much more. She meets a guy that is more than a regular guy. She thinks her dad is losing his mind but he is trying to warn her about trouble coming. All her life she sees people's dreams when she touches them. She touches her teacher on accident and sees a memory/dream and it is horrifying. She knows she is next. Awesome story! Loved it. Won this book from LibraryThing. Will look for more books by this author.
March 22, 2017
Originally posted on my blog
This book was amazing. It drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let go.
I have not read an Urban Fantasy book based on Japanese Folklore before so when i started reading
Dream Eater and discovered that the magic of this book was all Japanese Folklore I was even more interested.
Koi is a very real kind of character. She's spent the majority of her life avoiding physical contact with other people because of the type of power she has. It isn't until she literally bumps into Ken (twice in one day) that she starts to learn what she really is and what she can do. Although there are many times that she could just lean on Ken and let him protect her, she doesn't give into that and rises up on her own to protect herself and solve her own problems.
Perhaps a little on the short side, Dream Eater was packed with action and mystery with never a dull moment. I give this book 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who likes Urban Fantasy or Japanese Folklore.
This book was amazing. It drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let go.
I have not read an Urban Fantasy book based on Japanese Folklore before so when i started reading
Dream Eater and discovered that the magic of this book was all Japanese Folklore I was even more interested.
Koi is a very real kind of character. She's spent the majority of her life avoiding physical contact with other people because of the type of power she has. It isn't until she literally bumps into Ken (twice in one day) that she starts to learn what she really is and what she can do. Although there are many times that she could just lean on Ken and let him protect her, she doesn't give into that and rises up on her own to protect herself and solve her own problems.
Perhaps a little on the short side, Dream Eater was packed with action and mystery with never a dull moment. I give this book 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who likes Urban Fantasy or Japanese Folklore.
May 16, 2017
Set in America, Dream Eater follows college student Koi Pierce as she attempts to get her life in order. This tale follows the tradition of supernatural powers in young women, whereby the power reaches its maturity with the onset of adolescence.
A unique mystery lies at the heart of an action-packed plot line. New friends and foes reveal themselves, pushing a naturally introverted Koi to her limit. I identified with Koi on various levels; I am also an introvert and have always felt like an outsider in life. I found Koi to be a plucky and quick-witted heroine that still retained her humility and sensitive qualities that made her her own person.
The story progressed well with scenes unfolding at a brisk pace that kept my attention throughout. Koi's first person narration was well constructed and gave me a more intimate perspective of her issues.
A classic tale of good vs evil, rooted in Japanese mythology.
A harrowing and nail biting ride of a read.
Rated 5 stars!
A unique mystery lies at the heart of an action-packed plot line. New friends and foes reveal themselves, pushing a naturally introverted Koi to her limit. I identified with Koi on various levels; I am also an introvert and have always felt like an outsider in life. I found Koi to be a plucky and quick-witted heroine that still retained her humility and sensitive qualities that made her her own person.
The story progressed well with scenes unfolding at a brisk pace that kept my attention throughout. Koi's first person narration was well constructed and gave me a more intimate perspective of her issues.
A classic tale of good vs evil, rooted in Japanese mythology.
A harrowing and nail biting ride of a read.
Rated 5 stars!
April 14, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
It’s rare for fantasy books to have a lived-in setting. Instead of existing just to explain backstory to the protagonist, DREAM EATER’s side characters don’t care if Koi Pierce is confused and uncomfortable. DREAM EATER also doesn’t waste time trying to make you like Koi Pierce. You like her or you don’t.
There are moments when Koi feels like a real person, like when she’s talking to her sister and father or thinking about her mother. There’s a strong sense of family and duty and never fully gets explored. There are other moments when Koi becomes a cardboard cutout of a person. Name-dropping can be a great worldbuild technique but Koi’s constant references to coffee, chocolate, and Portland doesn't make her a better character. I don’t need to know the names of the barista’s at Koi’s preferred coffee shop. I don’t need to know that she’s craving a super special type of chocolate.
There’s are elements in DREAM EATER that are never fully explained. Professor Hayk is killing to gather power but it’s never quite clear what he’s getting out of the deal besides a criminal record. There’s a brief mention of being a mayor? If I had the power of a god behind me, I’d aim a little higher. It’s unfortunate because most of the book is Koi being dragged through the action and plot, first by Hayk, then Ken, then by her family. Most of the time, it feels like the reader is being dragged along with her.
The book’s focus on Japanese and Native American mythology is a welcome break from the endless Greek and Norse inspired books. Koi’s family unit is small but close. Which makes it a shame and we never really get a full sense of those characters. Koi’s exploration of being baku and her evolving relationships will continue but nothing concrete has been announced. As is, DREAM EATER is a good book to pick up if you’re interested in other myths and if you don’t mind an unlikable main character.
Sexual content: Kissing
It’s rare for fantasy books to have a lived-in setting. Instead of existing just to explain backstory to the protagonist, DREAM EATER’s side characters don’t care if Koi Pierce is confused and uncomfortable. DREAM EATER also doesn’t waste time trying to make you like Koi Pierce. You like her or you don’t.
There are moments when Koi feels like a real person, like when she’s talking to her sister and father or thinking about her mother. There’s a strong sense of family and duty and never fully gets explored. There are other moments when Koi becomes a cardboard cutout of a person. Name-dropping can be a great worldbuild technique but Koi’s constant references to coffee, chocolate, and Portland doesn't make her a better character. I don’t need to know the names of the barista’s at Koi’s preferred coffee shop. I don’t need to know that she’s craving a super special type of chocolate.
There’s are elements in DREAM EATER that are never fully explained. Professor Hayk is killing to gather power but it’s never quite clear what he’s getting out of the deal besides a criminal record. There’s a brief mention of being a mayor? If I had the power of a god behind me, I’d aim a little higher. It’s unfortunate because most of the book is Koi being dragged through the action and plot, first by Hayk, then Ken, then by her family. Most of the time, it feels like the reader is being dragged along with her.
The book’s focus on Japanese and Native American mythology is a welcome break from the endless Greek and Norse inspired books. Koi’s family unit is small but close. Which makes it a shame and we never really get a full sense of those characters. Koi’s exploration of being baku and her evolving relationships will continue but nothing concrete has been announced. As is, DREAM EATER is a good book to pick up if you’re interested in other myths and if you don’t mind an unlikable main character.
Sexual content: Kissing
March 21, 2017
~ARC provided from Netgalley~
No more semantics skirting. I was Baku. I ripped dream fragments from people and ate their power.
The number one reason why I was interested in reading this novel was because I am a sucker for Japanese culture so it was really nice to read a novel that incorporates Japanese mythologies and Japanese characters. I personally think that is very rare in an age where werewolves and vampire stories are the norm.
The first book (I believe this is a series) introduces us to Koi Pierce, who is a Baku and lives in Portland. Baku are beings who can eat nightmares and dreams, harnessing those dreams into energy. One touch for Koi causes her to see visions of their dreams for her. Now Koi doesn't know a single thing about what she is because her Baku father didn't explain it, leading her to think she was some freak of nature.
The novel follows Koi discovering what she actually really is along with the adventure that follows. And of course, can't have a heroine without a love interest ;). Ken is a kitsune or magical fox being who can cast illusions. He is sent by the council of magical beings to bring back Koi's father. He is also kinda their assassin.
"You are hiding in here, talking yourself into some kind of escape. You won't get ride of me that easily."
The positive things about this book for me were:
- It was an interesting plot with unique settings
- Koi and Ken's chemistry was good. Like really good. Want more please.
- Very vivid writing
The negative things about this book was:
- There were so many elements that sometimes I couldn't keep up because the flow just broke here and there. I couldn't tell when Koi was still dreaming or when Koi has snapped out if it. There were few parts where I was quite confused? because I don't know what's going on all of a sudden.
- I would have liked to see more character development? Marlin, Koi's sister isn't much use in the novel but I would have liked to see some family development between the sisters and their father? Of course, this is the first book so I want to see more development in Koi as she grows into what she is. And of course, more Koi and Ken. Yes.
*Review of an ARC copy. Hence, the final version might have some differences.
No more semantics skirting. I was Baku. I ripped dream fragments from people and ate their power.
The number one reason why I was interested in reading this novel was because I am a sucker for Japanese culture so it was really nice to read a novel that incorporates Japanese mythologies and Japanese characters. I personally think that is very rare in an age where werewolves and vampire stories are the norm.
The first book (I believe this is a series) introduces us to Koi Pierce, who is a Baku and lives in Portland. Baku are beings who can eat nightmares and dreams, harnessing those dreams into energy. One touch for Koi causes her to see visions of their dreams for her. Now Koi doesn't know a single thing about what she is because her Baku father didn't explain it, leading her to think she was some freak of nature.
The novel follows Koi discovering what she actually really is along with the adventure that follows. And of course, can't have a heroine without a love interest ;). Ken is a kitsune or magical fox being who can cast illusions. He is sent by the council of magical beings to bring back Koi's father. He is also kinda their assassin.
"You are hiding in here, talking yourself into some kind of escape. You won't get ride of me that easily."
The positive things about this book for me were:
- It was an interesting plot with unique settings
- Koi and Ken's chemistry was good. Like really good. Want more please.
- Very vivid writing
The negative things about this book was:
- There were so many elements that sometimes I couldn't keep up because the flow just broke here and there. I couldn't tell when Koi was still dreaming or when Koi has snapped out if it. There were few parts where I was quite confused? because I don't know what's going on all of a sudden.
- I would have liked to see more character development? Marlin, Koi's sister isn't much use in the novel but I would have liked to see some family development between the sisters and their father? Of course, this is the first book so I want to see more development in Koi as she grows into what she is. And of course, more Koi and Ken. Yes.
*Review of an ARC copy. Hence, the final version might have some differences.
June 6, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
This book is action packed and filled with some Japanese lure. Which made me request it on that alone. I love anything to do with Asian culture and lure. This story follow Koi, a college student, who can steal a dream just by touching someone.
Because of this, she keeps to herself, a true introvert but something happens and it shakes up her world... I love how even though she does change, she still remains who she is at her core. She's pushed to the limit but remains strong and I just loved this book.
This book is action packed and filled with some Japanese lure. Which made me request it on that alone. I love anything to do with Asian culture and lure. This story follow Koi, a college student, who can steal a dream just by touching someone.
Because of this, she keeps to herself, a true introvert but something happens and it shakes up her world... I love how even though she does change, she still remains who she is at her core. She's pushed to the limit but remains strong and I just loved this book.
April 1, 2017
I was thrilled to get my hands on an ARC of DREAM EATER by K Bird Lincoln. I love contemporary paranormal and urban fantasy and have wanted to read this ever since I heard it was coming out. The novel’s main character, Koi Pierce, is a biracial college student who reads flashes of people’s dreams through touch. I love how this ability affects every aspect of her life. It adds emotional depth and complexity to her relationships with family members and all the other characters in the novel. It’s this depth that will leave you cheering and crying with Koi. Intertwined with the emotion is Japanese folklore (and touches of mythology from other cultures) lots of action, and romance. The romantic relationship between Koi and Ken is believable and has the perfect amount of smolder for the novel. It adds to the tension and action, rather than distracting from it which can sometimes happen in urban fantasy. Overall, DREAM EATER is a fantastic, fast paced, and fresh read. I highly recommend it.
March 22, 2017
DISCLAIMER:: I WAS PROVIDED AN E-GALLEY ARC OF THIS STORY FROM NETGALLEY AND WORLD WEAVER PRESS FOR MY HONEST REVIEW.
I thought this story was very entertaining throughout.
it is the story about a woman named Koi, who lives in Portland, Oregon and has these strange powers that keep her from comfortably touching people.
Every time she so much as brushes a hand against someone, she gets fragments of people's dreams that haunt her consistently.
something is not right with a professor at her Portland community college and soon enough that professor sets his eyes on her.
she soon runs into a strange man named Ken, who saves her from the clutches of the professor and things carry on from there.
later she learns that she is a half breed of the Kind called a Baku, a dream-eater.
As soon as she finds out about her heritage, her family runs into danger and it's up to Koi and her mysterious man friend to save the day.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely look into reading the second novel. there were little bits in there that I didn't really care for, particularly I didn't care for Ken's character. I think he was just a touch too "emo" and slightly "manipulative" for my taste at the moment but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
I did really like the idea of the theme focusing on Baku and other mythological creatures that aren't straight up demons or other western myths.
I highly recommend you pick this up, you won't regret it.
I thought this story was very entertaining throughout.
it is the story about a woman named Koi, who lives in Portland, Oregon and has these strange powers that keep her from comfortably touching people.
Every time she so much as brushes a hand against someone, she gets fragments of people's dreams that haunt her consistently.
something is not right with a professor at her Portland community college and soon enough that professor sets his eyes on her.
she soon runs into a strange man named Ken, who saves her from the clutches of the professor and things carry on from there.
later she learns that she is a half breed of the Kind called a Baku, a dream-eater.
As soon as she finds out about her heritage, her family runs into danger and it's up to Koi and her mysterious man friend to save the day.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely look into reading the second novel. there were little bits in there that I didn't really care for, particularly I didn't care for Ken's character. I think he was just a touch too "emo" and slightly "manipulative" for my taste at the moment but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story as a whole.
I did really like the idea of the theme focusing on Baku and other mythological creatures that aren't straight up demons or other western myths.
I highly recommend you pick this up, you won't regret it.
March 12, 2017
A very vivid book that was a fun read. It was detailed and I enjoyed reading it. It sucks you in. I wish it was a bit longer though, it was kinda short. I won this book in a giveaway, and I'm glad I did. I would recommend this book, it was interesting and different from most books you find.
March 6, 2017
It has been awhile since a book pulled me in so quickly. Very vivid, I would highly recommend reading.
March 17, 2017
So yeah, I'm the author. But here's an excerpt of the Publisher Weekly's review (which you can trust more than me, right?) “Lincoln’s debut urban fantasy unspools a tense plot from hidden family history. Koi Pierce, a biracial college student in Portland, Ore., reads scraps of people’s dreams through touch..... Lincoln successfully mixes Japanese, Native American, and Middle Eastern mythologies in her modern setting, and Koi’s wry voice gives a new perspective on the problems of paranormal gifts. “
September 25, 2017
Not bad, I enjoyed it well enough. I thought Koi was a pleasantly strong character, if clueless. (I've been taking note lately of how often plots are based around young women not being taught their magical heritage until disaster strikes. And this was one more such plot.) I liked Ken, the hero, but didn't feel he was particularly well fleshed out. The same could be said for all the characters, actually.
The writing isn't bad, especially if you like things a little on the heavy, ponderous side. But I know there are those who don't like the style and would call it too vague and purple. To each their own.
This book uses both Japanese and Native American mythology (and one reference to something Middle Eastern). I don't know Lincoln's nationality, but I did feel some of the Japanese felt a bit over-played, forced into places it wasn't needed. I liked some of the authenticity (if Lincoln is Japanese and not just a good mimic), such as the male-slang. But some of the Japanese words, especially the couple that were repeated a lot, felt pretentious.
All in all, not a bad read. I'd pick up another by this author. In fact, I have another of her books that I'll have to move up the To-Be-Read shelf.
The writing isn't bad, especially if you like things a little on the heavy, ponderous side. But I know there are those who don't like the style and would call it too vague and purple. To each their own.
This book uses both Japanese and Native American mythology (and one reference to something Middle Eastern). I don't know Lincoln's nationality, but I did feel some of the Japanese felt a bit over-played, forced into places it wasn't needed. I liked some of the authenticity (if Lincoln is Japanese and not just a good mimic), such as the male-slang. But some of the Japanese words, especially the couple that were repeated a lot, felt pretentious.
All in all, not a bad read. I'd pick up another by this author. In fact, I have another of her books that I'll have to move up the To-Be-Read shelf.
July 4, 2017
2.5 rounded up. The first bit is decent but it sort of goes off the rails. The pacing is off, the characters are one dimensional and the story line has SO much potential that it never quite hits.
March 25, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Koi is a dream eater, but these aren't the weird dreams we have at night of going to school naked or losing teeth. She takes in the raw emotions and deepest desires of those around her. Sometimes these are pleasant experiences, but in the case of a professor at Portland Community College, they are terrifying images of murder. All she wants is to get her degree in accounting so she can work from home and not risk accidentally touching people and picking up their dreams.
But she has an aging father with Alzheimer's to care for, the aforementioned professor, a demanding sister, and a mysterious and handsome stranger who might know more about her than even she does.
There's a lot of adventure, a lot of magic, Japanese myth, and plenty of steamy romance to make this a quick and very enjoyable read.
Koi is a dream eater, but these aren't the weird dreams we have at night of going to school naked or losing teeth. She takes in the raw emotions and deepest desires of those around her. Sometimes these are pleasant experiences, but in the case of a professor at Portland Community College, they are terrifying images of murder. All she wants is to get her degree in accounting so she can work from home and not risk accidentally touching people and picking up their dreams.
But she has an aging father with Alzheimer's to care for, the aforementioned professor, a demanding sister, and a mysterious and handsome stranger who might know more about her than even she does.
There's a lot of adventure, a lot of magic, Japanese myth, and plenty of steamy romance to make this a quick and very enjoyable read.
August 14, 2017
Guess there wouldn't be much of a story if she had thought to wear gloves...
June 11, 2017
Dream Eater is an original urban fantasy that spins together Japanese and Native American mythologies, biracial characters, sarcasm, and suspense into a page-turning adventure.
Koi is an introverted girl who goes through some major development as she comes face to face with an ancient evil. Soon she’ll discover family secrets that change everything she knows about the world. Koi is a unique main character who carries the story in sympathetic and unpredictable ways. She doesn’t want to be a hero, she doesn’t always make the right choice, but you can’t help but root for her.
Extremely enjoyable story with many unpredictable twists to the tale. While there was a bit more kissing than I expected between two of the characters, this is a great start to a new series. I can’t wait for book 2!
Koi is an introverted girl who goes through some major development as she comes face to face with an ancient evil. Soon she’ll discover family secrets that change everything she knows about the world. Koi is a unique main character who carries the story in sympathetic and unpredictable ways. She doesn’t want to be a hero, she doesn’t always make the right choice, but you can’t help but root for her.
Extremely enjoyable story with many unpredictable twists to the tale. While there was a bit more kissing than I expected between two of the characters, this is a great start to a new series. I can’t wait for book 2!
August 4, 2025
Ok so… remember when I said that Local-themed books often only have that to recommend them?
Sorry but it seems like this was one of the books I was thinking about.
Part of my problem with this one is the research. Not that it doesn’t exist, but that it announces itself. Loudly and awkwardly. It is a book that could not exist without the help of Wikipedia, and that very much shows.
Another issue was that it’s a romance. But for me, it was a romance that gives me nothing. H’s features are constantly changing. Have a really hard time buying that they’re actually into each other. And the parts that were supposed to be angsty angst as she angstily pushes away her One True Love— just felt perfectly reasonable. I mean, H shows up as a stalker and then proceeds to prove himself to be an utter moron and a liability. A whole action arc rides on him foisting himself into a caregiver role and then Giving No Cares Whatsoever.
The choice to make this sexless… was a choice. I think sometimes you can make up for having no chemistry if they have great sex. I think. Sometimes you can make a great romance without sex, if they have great conversations, and great romantic tension.
Odds of staying together: 3/10 What does he see in her? other than that she’s very powerful and has no idea that she is? What does she see in him?
I don’t love the myth building. It feels very haphazard and attention deficit. Again I feel Wikipedia’s fingerprints.
And, for a book that is an action-adventure, the fight scenes really are a chore. Stuff gets introduced and resolved— new mythical creatures, blindness, a confusing use of a confusing power. Eating dreams. Which means gaining powers. And then binding it to another power. Or being eaten yourself. It doesn’t wind up reading like a person being introduced to a strange power as much as the author doesn’t exactly know what the power is either.
So overall, I love this premise, and picked this up for the Portlandia… but it’s not polished enough for me to recommend.
Sorry but it seems like this was one of the books I was thinking about.
Part of my problem with this one is the research. Not that it doesn’t exist, but that it announces itself. Loudly and awkwardly. It is a book that could not exist without the help of Wikipedia, and that very much shows.
Another issue was that it’s a romance. But for me, it was a romance that gives me nothing. H’s features are constantly changing. Have a really hard time buying that they’re actually into each other. And the parts that were supposed to be angsty angst as she angstily pushes away her One True Love— just felt perfectly reasonable. I mean, H shows up as a stalker and then proceeds to prove himself to be an utter moron and a liability. A whole action arc rides on him foisting himself into a caregiver role and then Giving No Cares Whatsoever.
The choice to make this sexless… was a choice. I think sometimes you can make up for having no chemistry if they have great sex. I think. Sometimes you can make a great romance without sex, if they have great conversations, and great romantic tension.
Odds of staying together: 3/10 What does he see in her? other than that she’s very powerful and has no idea that she is? What does she see in him?
I don’t love the myth building. It feels very haphazard and attention deficit. Again I feel Wikipedia’s fingerprints.
And, for a book that is an action-adventure, the fight scenes really are a chore. Stuff gets introduced and resolved— new mythical creatures, blindness, a confusing use of a confusing power. Eating dreams. Which means gaining powers. And then binding it to another power. Or being eaten yourself. It doesn’t wind up reading like a person being introduced to a strange power as much as the author doesn’t exactly know what the power is either.
So overall, I love this premise, and picked this up for the Portlandia… but it’s not polished enough for me to recommend.
October 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Do you love books about paranormal creatures? Is urban fantasy your thing? Are you tired of seeing the same old, same old in these genres? Dream Eater is totally the book for you. With a dragon, bakus, and a kitsune, I guarantee that the Dream Eater can provide you with a totally unique reading experience like nothing you've ever read before.
Now, I'll admit that I'm a sucker for werewolves, and I may or may not harbor a secret desire to see vampires rise up again in YA, but I appreciated reading a story that felt fresh and different. It really made me feel like absolutely anything could happen at any moment because it wasn't bound to any of the tropes that paranormal/UF books are known for. This feeling, combined with some seriously awesome writing and world building, captivated me so deeply that I sat down and read this book in one sitting during a rainy afternoon.
If you're looking for something new to spice up your reading life, I would highly recommend Dream Eater. Not only does it offer up a unique concept, it also boasts well-written characters and fast paced, smooth writing. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Do you love books about paranormal creatures? Is urban fantasy your thing? Are you tired of seeing the same old, same old in these genres? Dream Eater is totally the book for you. With a dragon, bakus, and a kitsune, I guarantee that the Dream Eater can provide you with a totally unique reading experience like nothing you've ever read before.
Now, I'll admit that I'm a sucker for werewolves, and I may or may not harbor a secret desire to see vampires rise up again in YA, but I appreciated reading a story that felt fresh and different. It really made me feel like absolutely anything could happen at any moment because it wasn't bound to any of the tropes that paranormal/UF books are known for. This feeling, combined with some seriously awesome writing and world building, captivated me so deeply that I sat down and read this book in one sitting during a rainy afternoon.
If you're looking for something new to spice up your reading life, I would highly recommend Dream Eater. Not only does it offer up a unique concept, it also boasts well-written characters and fast paced, smooth writing. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
September 2, 2018
I read Dream Eater at the suggestion of a friend, who recommended the author to me, given my background with Japan and historical fiction. First of all, let me explain that I read Dream Eater and Lincoln's new book Black Pearl Dreaming back to back, and that is perhaps why I am a little more severe upon Dream Eater. Dream Eater is a fine example of urban fantasy and begins to introduce the Japanese mythology (as well as meso-American mythology) that pulls me through the book. The plot is pretty standard urban fantasy stuff, although Koi as a heroine has a more uncertain vibe than many of the tramp-stamped heroines I have read in the past. Yet, the unique blending of myth keeps me pulled in, and there is a promise of a trip to Tokyo in the next book.
Readers less familiar with Japan than myself will find Dream Eater's mythology and information about Japanese culture more than accessible, and I myself found Portland to be a solid character in the book, another great urban fantasy trait. You need to read this book to understand the next one, and the two of them together are very satisfying indeed. Buy them as a set.
Readers less familiar with Japan than myself will find Dream Eater's mythology and information about Japanese culture more than accessible, and I myself found Portland to be a solid character in the book, another great urban fantasy trait. You need to read this book to understand the next one, and the two of them together are very satisfying indeed. Buy them as a set.
March 22, 2017
Full disclosure: I only read the first three chapters of this book. The only reason I made it that far is because I try really hard to finish books that I win in giveaways.
The premise--a girl who "steals" other people's dreams, against her will, when she touches them--is intriguing, but Dream Eater handles the concept so awkwardly that the end result is actually really boring. The main character (Koi--and her sister's name is Marlin--I guess they're lucky that their mom was a marine biologist and not an entomologist) spends a lot of time stressing out about accidentally touching someone, but all that happens when she does is that when she sleeps later, she dreams their dreams. Doesn't seem worth becoming a shut-in over that.
The writing is bad and I can't get past how dense Koi is made to seem. A mysterious guy keeps following her and referencing big mysterious things, and instead of asking him about them, she just gets irritated and continues on her merry way. Really? You have weird super-human abilities, and someone seems to be alluding to them. You're not going to, I don't know--do anything?
Sorry, I just can't.
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
The premise--a girl who "steals" other people's dreams, against her will, when she touches them--is intriguing, but Dream Eater handles the concept so awkwardly that the end result is actually really boring. The main character (Koi--and her sister's name is Marlin--I guess they're lucky that their mom was a marine biologist and not an entomologist) spends a lot of time stressing out about accidentally touching someone, but all that happens when she does is that when she sleeps later, she dreams their dreams. Doesn't seem worth becoming a shut-in over that.
The writing is bad and I can't get past how dense Koi is made to seem. A mysterious guy keeps following her and referencing big mysterious things, and instead of asking him about them, she just gets irritated and continues on her merry way. Really? You have weird super-human abilities, and someone seems to be alluding to them. You're not going to, I don't know--do anything?
Sorry, I just can't.
(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)
October 20, 2017
I have been reading a lot more out of my norm lately. I am so glad I got to read this! Koi has been avoiding touching people or people in general most of her life since they cause her to take a piece of them with her. She never understood why she would be dreaming others dreams until a persistent Ken enters her already crazy life. With a father suffering Alzheimer’s, a little sister forcing her to take a turn caring for him, figuring out how to juggle classes and shake the weird professor off her back her simple life gets flipped all around. She gets pulled into a world with Baku, death bringers, ancient Gods, and dragons, things she only believed to be fairy tales. In a race for survival and discovery of truth K Bird Lincoln take us on an epic journey that keeps us glued to all the twists and turns. Well developed characters that you get a true sense of and make you feel like your part of the book.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given freely.
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given freely.
October 15, 2017
A rollercoaster of different emotions running through one person and you are along for the ride. Meet Koi just a regular student trying to get on a Portland Community College, well kinda. She has a condition, she can see others dreams. When a professor her world turns to hell and a strange man comes around things go from bad to worse.
A very fast paced book that keeps on going from one disaster to another. Interesting and draws you in, bringing to a world mixed with dreams as well as a twisted new way of seeing reality. A worthwhile read that was well written yet occasionally confusing to follow as to the thought processes.
A very fast paced book that keeps on going from one disaster to another. Interesting and draws you in, bringing to a world mixed with dreams as well as a twisted new way of seeing reality. A worthwhile read that was well written yet occasionally confusing to follow as to the thought processes.
October 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The online blurb sounded interesting and Japanese mythology isn't something I'm tremendously familiar with--I know a bit, but not a lot. I found the characters interesting and while I think the action bogged down occasionally, it was generally well-paced. I got a little tired of the main character, Koi, reacting to pretty much everything with anger a little wearing, but given her background and that for a fair bit of the book she didn't really know what was happening to her, it was pretty much in keeping with the character as she was created. Is it the best fantasy novel I've ever read? No. But it interested me enough that I want to read the second book.
June 15, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The world is new and different for me. Koi can see parts of people's dreams when she touches them. But no one has really explained what is going on. So she has to learn on the job so to speak with the aid of a sexy Kitsun shifter. And she better learn fast and well because the world is actually hanging in the balance. The character development in this book is very good and the world building is not too taxing. If you like Urban fantasy and lots of action, you should give this one a try.
I really enjoyed this book. The world is new and different for me. Koi can see parts of people's dreams when she touches them. But no one has really explained what is going on. So she has to learn on the job so to speak with the aid of a sexy Kitsun shifter. And she better learn fast and well because the world is actually hanging in the balance. The character development in this book is very good and the world building is not too taxing. If you like Urban fantasy and lots of action, you should give this one a try.
April 12, 2018
Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln creates a whole new paranormal world highlighting Japanese legends but weaving in myths from many cultures. The protagonist is college-age Koi Pierce, an extreme introvert (as she cannot touch others without being force-fed their dreams). She has been kept in the dark about being a baku (dream eater) but the reality of what she is and what she can do suddenly crashes down on her and her family. Koi starts out a whiny somebody but the author develops a good character arc for her. A good read about interesting myths that I was unaware of. I would recommend.
March 4, 2019
This was truly difficult to rate. I finally settled on a 2 although a 3 did come to mind. On the one hand, the concept is intriguing and the writing flows on the page. On the other hand, I have never hated a protagonist so much. She got on my nerves with all of her whining and stupid decisions. She was self-absorbed and too stupid to live. She just annoyed me so badly that I had to force myself to keep reading. I kept hoping she would get better but nope, she was annoying until the bitter end.
October 15, 2017
This book was definitely different than other urban fantasy I’ve read as it focuses a lot on Japanese folklore which is really cool. The main character finds out she’s more than just plain normal and meets a guy that is as well.
She sees people’s dreams when she touches them. Which can sometimes be confusing. By the end of the book, Koi really grows as a character and comes into her own.
March 8, 2018
3.5/5.0
An urban paranormal tale with a mixture of native mythologies, “Dream Eater” is the first in the “A Portland Hafu” series and a new twist in a genre full of vampires and werewolves.
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
An urban paranormal tale with a mixture of native mythologies, “Dream Eater” is the first in the “A Portland Hafu” series and a new twist in a genre full of vampires and werewolves.
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 12, 2018
Really enjoyed this story. Cool mix of Japanese myth with modern twist, and likely the first time I've read a story with a mixed-race main character. Loved how Koi kept handling being a person existing simultaneously in multiple worlds--American, Japanese culture, and other-worldly. Well worth the time!
September 2, 2017
Not bad.
This book was full of interesting magic and a mythology with which I am unfamiliar. Plus, I'm a fan of the city of Portland. The main character was a bit angsty, but I am hopeful she will mellow out in forthcoming books.
This book was full of interesting magic and a mythology with which I am unfamiliar. Plus, I'm a fan of the city of Portland. The main character was a bit angsty, but I am hopeful she will mellow out in forthcoming books.
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