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Conscious Dreamer #1
The Heaviness of Knowing
They say the truth will set you free. They lie.
Roxal is desperate to stay alive. So desperate that she pretends to obey her gods even though she knows they are false. But now her gods are hunting down and executing non-believers, and Roxal fears her pretense may no longer keep her safe.
Overachiever Lauren is on the verge of making a brilliant technological breakthrough when an unexpected illness stops her in her tracks. Urgent visits to a hypnotherapist reveal that an alien named Roxal is responsible. Is this alien a symptom of the illness? Or worse, is she real?
Two women are in danger on two different worlds. Can their connection to each other be the key to saving them? Or will only one survive?
The Heaviness of Knowing is the first book in a suspenseful, action-packed series for readers who love stories of overthrowing dystopian leaders and uncovering alien invasion conspiracies. Buy your copy today and be transported to a world where knowing the truth is a death sentence.
The Conscious Dreamer Series Includes:
The Heaviness of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 1
The Peril of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 2
The Sacrifice of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 3
Roxal is desperate to stay alive. So desperate that she pretends to obey her gods even though she knows they are false. But now her gods are hunting down and executing non-believers, and Roxal fears her pretense may no longer keep her safe.
Overachiever Lauren is on the verge of making a brilliant technological breakthrough when an unexpected illness stops her in her tracks. Urgent visits to a hypnotherapist reveal that an alien named Roxal is responsible. Is this alien a symptom of the illness? Or worse, is she real?
Two women are in danger on two different worlds. Can their connection to each other be the key to saving them? Or will only one survive?
The Heaviness of Knowing is the first book in a suspenseful, action-packed series for readers who love stories of overthrowing dystopian leaders and uncovering alien invasion conspiracies. Buy your copy today and be transported to a world where knowing the truth is a death sentence.
The Conscious Dreamer Series Includes:
The Heaviness of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 1
The Peril of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 2
The Sacrifice of Knowing, Conscious Dreamer Series Book 3
380 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2016
361 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
About the author
Sharolyn G. Brown
8 books25 followersSharolyn G. Brown is a lifelong science fiction and fantasy fan who decided the best way to deal with all of the characters in her head was to give them stories and put them in books. She lives with her husband in Houston, Texas, where she divides her time between working, writing, and spending time with him.
For more information about Sharolyn, check out her website www.SharolynGBrown.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
To keep up with the latest news, please sign up for her Newsletter on her website.
For more information about Sharolyn, check out her website www.SharolynGBrown.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
To keep up with the latest news, please sign up for her Newsletter on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 16, 2016
I asked for a review copy of this work in exchange for a fair review—and I'm quite glad I did! I was really feeling some dystopian fiction, and this did not disappoint. In fact, in many ways, it was a breath of fresh air.
We first start with Roxal, a woman on the next-to-last rung of society, as she attends a brutal sermon, an execution of traitors. And, through it all, anxiety rocks her, because she knows she herself no longer believes her leaders are gods. She knows she's a traitor in her heart. It's a great setup, and as the layers peel back, we meet her Helper, Edo, a man who acts as her aide, confidant, and lover, the man who put these blasphemous thoughts in her head in the first place. We get to see her role in life: to Travel, or to walk through the dreams of a woman on Earth and subconsciously bend her to her leaders' schemes. And we see her guilt as she keeps up this act, despite her knowing it will lead to nothing good.
I enjoyed Roxal a great deal. She has a lot of inner strength, and despite the fact that she's been beaten down her whole life, programmed to obey—and it shows—she still feels the calling to do what's right, and when the time comes, she's more than ready to put her life on the line. The way Brown writes her, she's most definitely alien in her manner of speech and culture, but she's very human all the same.
Given all that, I wasn't expecting to like being torn away from Roxal as much as I did, but her counterpart to the tale is the high-tech chip designer Lauren, and she's so full of life and personality that she actually became my personal favorite. Lauren deals with a lot that's close to home—a demanding career, a strained relationship, and a really skeevy boss—and all of this is before she becomes aware that her best dream friend and inspiration is an alien that's been using her for nefarious purposes. Her utter disbelief at this turn is both funny and realistic. And, while it is Roxal that made me feel and dream an intricate dystopian world, it was Lauren trying to take charge and make sense of the remains of her life that kept me turning the pages.
This is a more than satisfying dystopian tale, and while it does have a somewhat standard plot at the eagle eye level, the particulars are fresh and interesting. The characters and the settings are nice and fleshed out, full of heart, and I cared about the protagonists very much. And, while the story does reach a good close, there's more than enough left to tell that I'd happily pick up the next book.
Do I have any criticisms? Yes. I do. But, only one. The opening chapter, while a good setup, almost made me reconsider my reading choice for one particular reason: it reads like a fill-in-the-blank dystopian stew. An authoritarian regime is defined, a cultural brainwashing is mentioned, the rigid caste system is lined out, the protagonist desperately tries to conform in spite of knowing the truth, and seemingly innocuous words are capitalized due to some dystopian significance or another. And, nothing is really explained deeply—in fact, some information was repeated—which left me worrying if the book had somewhere halfway original to go. Please rest assured, it does. After getting past that, I was very glad I'd stuck with it, and Brown has won a fan.
Ultimately, I'm going to give this five stars, despite my criticism, just because I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one night, and for all of the points I mentioned above. I'm excited for a sequel! Give it a go.
We first start with Roxal, a woman on the next-to-last rung of society, as she attends a brutal sermon, an execution of traitors. And, through it all, anxiety rocks her, because she knows she herself no longer believes her leaders are gods. She knows she's a traitor in her heart. It's a great setup, and as the layers peel back, we meet her Helper, Edo, a man who acts as her aide, confidant, and lover, the man who put these blasphemous thoughts in her head in the first place. We get to see her role in life: to Travel, or to walk through the dreams of a woman on Earth and subconsciously bend her to her leaders' schemes. And we see her guilt as she keeps up this act, despite her knowing it will lead to nothing good.
I enjoyed Roxal a great deal. She has a lot of inner strength, and despite the fact that she's been beaten down her whole life, programmed to obey—and it shows—she still feels the calling to do what's right, and when the time comes, she's more than ready to put her life on the line. The way Brown writes her, she's most definitely alien in her manner of speech and culture, but she's very human all the same.
Given all that, I wasn't expecting to like being torn away from Roxal as much as I did, but her counterpart to the tale is the high-tech chip designer Lauren, and she's so full of life and personality that she actually became my personal favorite. Lauren deals with a lot that's close to home—a demanding career, a strained relationship, and a really skeevy boss—and all of this is before she becomes aware that her best dream friend and inspiration is an alien that's been using her for nefarious purposes. Her utter disbelief at this turn is both funny and realistic. And, while it is Roxal that made me feel and dream an intricate dystopian world, it was Lauren trying to take charge and make sense of the remains of her life that kept me turning the pages.
This is a more than satisfying dystopian tale, and while it does have a somewhat standard plot at the eagle eye level, the particulars are fresh and interesting. The characters and the settings are nice and fleshed out, full of heart, and I cared about the protagonists very much. And, while the story does reach a good close, there's more than enough left to tell that I'd happily pick up the next book.
Do I have any criticisms? Yes. I do. But, only one. The opening chapter, while a good setup, almost made me reconsider my reading choice for one particular reason: it reads like a fill-in-the-blank dystopian stew. An authoritarian regime is defined, a cultural brainwashing is mentioned, the rigid caste system is lined out, the protagonist desperately tries to conform in spite of knowing the truth, and seemingly innocuous words are capitalized due to some dystopian significance or another. And, nothing is really explained deeply—in fact, some information was repeated—which left me worrying if the book had somewhere halfway original to go. Please rest assured, it does. After getting past that, I was very glad I'd stuck with it, and Brown has won a fan.
Ultimately, I'm going to give this five stars, despite my criticism, just because I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one night, and for all of the points I mentioned above. I'm excited for a sequel! Give it a go.
July 15, 2020
Very interesting science fiction story.
The story is about two parallel worlds - Trebor and Earth.
Trebor is a rigid planet which is ruled by caste. Roxal through her friend Edo comes to know about what the plans of Earth. She contacts Lauren on earth so that the two of them together ward off the attack.
Very interesting world building and I enjoyed the communication between Roxal and Lauren. Very interesting read.
The story is about two parallel worlds - Trebor and Earth.
Trebor is a rigid planet which is ruled by caste. Roxal through her friend Edo comes to know about what the plans of Earth. She contacts Lauren on earth so that the two of them together ward off the attack.
Very interesting world building and I enjoyed the communication between Roxal and Lauren. Very interesting read.
September 16, 2019
3.5! Ready for book 2!
September 20, 2016
And two young black women will save the worlds....Excellent Debut Novel in a Classic Sci-fi Tradition!
This fantastic debut novel is very enjoyable and well written. The stars of the story are two young black women, Roxal and Lauren, who are growing up in two different universes. They are complex characters, beautiful, intelligent and determined to make a difference in their worlds. The story line is multi-faceted and multi layered. .
Although it started slow, by the time I made it 1/3 of the way into the book I LITERALLY could not put the book down. Ms. Brown skillfully and methodically builds her 2 worlds, one on planet earth and one elsewhere. By the time the book ended I was immersed in Roxal's universe and had such a palpable feeling of having visited her world and experiencing it first-hand. Ms. Brown's writing and her world building are reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and other classic sci-fi stories. The two main protagonists have strength of character and mind. Both are motivated by kindness and love. I am pretty sure these 2 young women will end up becoming the salvation of both Earth and Roxal's world.
At least that is what I am hoping! I am very excited to read the next one and will not miss it!!!!
Put this on your #WeNeedDiverseBooks and GoodReads list!
This fantastic debut novel is very enjoyable and well written. The stars of the story are two young black women, Roxal and Lauren, who are growing up in two different universes. They are complex characters, beautiful, intelligent and determined to make a difference in their worlds. The story line is multi-faceted and multi layered. .
Although it started slow, by the time I made it 1/3 of the way into the book I LITERALLY could not put the book down. Ms. Brown skillfully and methodically builds her 2 worlds, one on planet earth and one elsewhere. By the time the book ended I was immersed in Roxal's universe and had such a palpable feeling of having visited her world and experiencing it first-hand. Ms. Brown's writing and her world building are reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and other classic sci-fi stories. The two main protagonists have strength of character and mind. Both are motivated by kindness and love. I am pretty sure these 2 young women will end up becoming the salvation of both Earth and Roxal's world.
At least that is what I am hoping! I am very excited to read the next one and will not miss it!!!!
Put this on your #WeNeedDiverseBooks and GoodReads list!
November 18, 2017
This book relates two stories that run separately and together. Roxal lives in strict and structured society. She is afraid to fight the system, but eventually must take sides. Lauren tries to do her job and fit into society, with a big secret. The two must change their loyalties to try to save their worlds. After time has passed, they help each other to achieve two better worlds. This was a very unusual story for me. I enjoyed it, and recommend it to readers who might enjoy stories about alien worlds.
November 12, 2017
I had this book on my Kindle reader less than 24 hours before I finished it. To me, that is the sign of a good book. I'm an avid reader of YA, and this felt, in ways, like I was reading my favorite genre, but better. Why? Because it was about adults! (And no, I'm not talking gratuitous sex scenes, Brown does a great job of establishing adult relationships without going overboard.) Roxal's character is by far the most complete and complex and I enjoyed reading about her world and her relationship with Edo. Lauren's world (Earth) wasn't as exciting, but she is likable. I find the way they communicate and the idea of a parallel world intriguing. There is just the right balance between "real world ideas" and "fantasy ideas" to make this story immersible. Overall, this is a good read and I'm sure I'll read the sequel.
June 1, 2018
Came for the sci-fi, stayed for the friendship
I started reading this due to its fascinating premise, that people throughout history that have made astonishing leaps in knowledge or invention because of a dream are actually interacting with beings on another world who are guiding our development for their own, not necessarily benevolent, reasons. I kept reading because of the wonderful relationship between the two main characters: brilliant and driven Lauren, and her alien guide, Roxal. Both women learn that their worlds are not what they seem and in the process, they become each other’s most trusted friend, supporting each other as they navigate the losses and difficulties caused by their individual paradigm shifts. Lovely storytelling about friendship and working together to try and save both worlds.
I started reading this due to its fascinating premise, that people throughout history that have made astonishing leaps in knowledge or invention because of a dream are actually interacting with beings on another world who are guiding our development for their own, not necessarily benevolent, reasons. I kept reading because of the wonderful relationship between the two main characters: brilliant and driven Lauren, and her alien guide, Roxal. Both women learn that their worlds are not what they seem and in the process, they become each other’s most trusted friend, supporting each other as they navigate the losses and difficulties caused by their individual paradigm shifts. Lovely storytelling about friendship and working together to try and save both worlds.
November 3, 2020
This story was so cool! I still have some questions so I am really looking forward to reading the second book. I liked Roxal as a character and had a hard time understanding some of Lauren's choices. But I'm excited to hopefully learn more about her.
I'm a sucker for any book having to do with dreams. I am fascinated by dreams and what our brains do...and the unknown. This took lucid dreaming to a whole other level! I have sleep paralysis and also lucid dream from time to time, with this book in mind perhaps all these years I've been communicating with alien races?!? Lol, I'm excited to read more!
I'm a sucker for any book having to do with dreams. I am fascinated by dreams and what our brains do...and the unknown. This took lucid dreaming to a whole other level! I have sleep paralysis and also lucid dream from time to time, with this book in mind perhaps all these years I've been communicating with alien races?!? Lol, I'm excited to read more!
March 17, 2022
An unexpected pleasure. I really enjoyed this book. Really great female POV sci-fi.
March 22, 2017
"The Heaviness of Knowing" is a sci-fi story about the parallel worlds, Earth and Trebor, which exist in the same solar system.
The Plot: Roxal doesn't want to attract attention by any means. She is a dream traveler positioned in Trebor. Her mate, Edo, revealed to her that the Keeper's representatives, their leaders, only manipulate the citizen of Trebor so they could use them for their own desires. The Keeper's representative wants to bring the residents into one line. The highest in the hierarchy are the Keeper's representatives who present themselves as godlike creatures. Even the architecture reflects this reality (the lower your rank, the lower your seating area). Briefly, the commoner of Trebor live in a totalitarian system. Children are born in birth pods up to 30 children. The adolescents have to train and are educated together until they are 10. Then the young ones are introduced to the caste system by carrying out an aptitude test which differs between dream traveler and non-traveler. And only the obedient can advance to become part of the Talented and Honored caste which is one caste down to the Keeper's representatives.
More unscheduled glorious session happens because blasphemers who are in reality resistors of the systems are killed openly in public.
Roxal's earth connection is Lauren. An Earth connection means that Roxal has the ability to connect with another person on Earth by means of her dreams.
Edo also discovered that even the earth connections are influenced to build microchips, etc. so the keeper's representatives can conquer the Earth and enslave them like on Trebor. Besides the Keeper's representatives lied about Trebor being a destructed and poisonous planet.
But can the resistors defend themselves against them? And what happens to Earth?
Summary: All in all, an exciting start of a new series. I only distract one point because sometimes the change between the alternating persons happened to abruptly, especially in the last chapters, and so it was not always possible to have an immediate overview. Some complicated technical terms were also named which could confuse the reader a bit. But it is a great read and really beautiful descriptions of the planet Trebor show that it really deserves fully four stars :)!
Kind regards,
Butterfly Mentions
The Plot: Roxal doesn't want to attract attention by any means. She is a dream traveler positioned in Trebor. Her mate, Edo, revealed to her that the Keeper's representatives, their leaders, only manipulate the citizen of Trebor so they could use them for their own desires. The Keeper's representative wants to bring the residents into one line. The highest in the hierarchy are the Keeper's representatives who present themselves as godlike creatures. Even the architecture reflects this reality (the lower your rank, the lower your seating area). Briefly, the commoner of Trebor live in a totalitarian system. Children are born in birth pods up to 30 children. The adolescents have to train and are educated together until they are 10. Then the young ones are introduced to the caste system by carrying out an aptitude test which differs between dream traveler and non-traveler. And only the obedient can advance to become part of the Talented and Honored caste which is one caste down to the Keeper's representatives.
More unscheduled glorious session happens because blasphemers who are in reality resistors of the systems are killed openly in public.
Roxal's earth connection is Lauren. An Earth connection means that Roxal has the ability to connect with another person on Earth by means of her dreams.
Edo also discovered that even the earth connections are influenced to build microchips, etc. so the keeper's representatives can conquer the Earth and enslave them like on Trebor. Besides the Keeper's representatives lied about Trebor being a destructed and poisonous planet.
But can the resistors defend themselves against them? And what happens to Earth?
Summary: All in all, an exciting start of a new series. I only distract one point because sometimes the change between the alternating persons happened to abruptly, especially in the last chapters, and so it was not always possible to have an immediate overview. Some complicated technical terms were also named which could confuse the reader a bit. But it is a great read and really beautiful descriptions of the planet Trebor show that it really deserves fully four stars :)!
Kind regards,
Butterfly Mentions
March 23, 2017
WordsAPlenty obtained a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Trapped in a world with her gods, Roxal knows what they are asking her and others to do is questionable. Each movement, thought and breath is monitored; if she wanted to, could she warn the earth girl Lauren of the danger? Connected through their dreams, Roxal on planet Trebor and Lauren on Earth, they must work together to right the wrongs.
A well written science fiction thriller with action, emotional moments, strong women and heroic escapades, the author Sharolyn Brown captivates the reader.
Brown sets the tone of Trebor’s totalitarian styled dystopian world with descriptive details that place the reader into the book easily. Brown develops the characters realistically, the plot is well written with details that has the reader experiencing the same emotions and feelings as her characters – fear, trepidation, annoyance, loss, love. The decisions that the main character, Roxal must make are ones that impact far more than herself.
Skillfully, Brown creates her worlds, plot and characters so that her readers can’t help but start to examine their own lives. For some of the readers, they are ones we ask of ourselves everyday – do I get involved? What will I do? How can I not help? Like her characters, her readers will begin to question, if they too are experiencing a “Heaviness of Knowing” in their own lives.
I cannot wait to read the second book, as I am sure it will be just as exciting as the first one. I enjoyed the growth of both Roxal and Lauren in book one, I am curious to see whether their paths cross in “one of their realities” or if they forever remain dream pals leading a resistance.
WordsAPlenty awards this book with a five-star rating for Brown’s amazing skill at drawing the reader in and making the connections to the characters realistic as well as challenging her readers to look more closely at their own actions and beliefs. Well done!
Trapped in a world with her gods, Roxal knows what they are asking her and others to do is questionable. Each movement, thought and breath is monitored; if she wanted to, could she warn the earth girl Lauren of the danger? Connected through their dreams, Roxal on planet Trebor and Lauren on Earth, they must work together to right the wrongs.
A well written science fiction thriller with action, emotional moments, strong women and heroic escapades, the author Sharolyn Brown captivates the reader.
Brown sets the tone of Trebor’s totalitarian styled dystopian world with descriptive details that place the reader into the book easily. Brown develops the characters realistically, the plot is well written with details that has the reader experiencing the same emotions and feelings as her characters – fear, trepidation, annoyance, loss, love. The decisions that the main character, Roxal must make are ones that impact far more than herself.
Skillfully, Brown creates her worlds, plot and characters so that her readers can’t help but start to examine their own lives. For some of the readers, they are ones we ask of ourselves everyday – do I get involved? What will I do? How can I not help? Like her characters, her readers will begin to question, if they too are experiencing a “Heaviness of Knowing” in their own lives.
I cannot wait to read the second book, as I am sure it will be just as exciting as the first one. I enjoyed the growth of both Roxal and Lauren in book one, I am curious to see whether their paths cross in “one of their realities” or if they forever remain dream pals leading a resistance.
WordsAPlenty awards this book with a five-star rating for Brown’s amazing skill at drawing the reader in and making the connections to the characters realistic as well as challenging her readers to look more closely at their own actions and beliefs. Well done!
November 19, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was really, really good. I normally reserve a 5 star rating for my favorite authors, but this book definitely deserved it in my opinion. It's dystopian with a twist- the dystopian society is not on planet Earth, even though they are connected.
The story is the first part of a series about a group of people from Earth and from its alternate universe and how they are fighting to save both worlds from enslavement. They do this with the help of dreamers- people who can form a bridge between the universes. People like Lauren and Roxal who, in spite of everything, become friends trying to help one another and their worlds.
This is YA dystopia, but for adults. The characters are mature and have mature relationships, but nothing so out of the realm that it cannot be read by a young adult/ child. The writing is crisp and clean, and as the story progresses the writing becomes richer and more involved to help the reader become a part of the story.
I loved it. I read through my husband's gig. I read at 2:00 in the morning until my eyes began to feel gritty. I read on after my pain meds stopped working and this morning I grabbed my Kindle before I was barely awake so I could finish the story. It was that good.
This book was really, really good. I normally reserve a 5 star rating for my favorite authors, but this book definitely deserved it in my opinion. It's dystopian with a twist- the dystopian society is not on planet Earth, even though they are connected.
The story is the first part of a series about a group of people from Earth and from its alternate universe and how they are fighting to save both worlds from enslavement. They do this with the help of dreamers- people who can form a bridge between the universes. People like Lauren and Roxal who, in spite of everything, become friends trying to help one another and their worlds.
This is YA dystopia, but for adults. The characters are mature and have mature relationships, but nothing so out of the realm that it cannot be read by a young adult/ child. The writing is crisp and clean, and as the story progresses the writing becomes richer and more involved to help the reader become a part of the story.
I loved it. I read through my husband's gig. I read at 2:00 in the morning until my eyes began to feel gritty. I read on after my pain meds stopped working and this morning I grabbed my Kindle before I was barely awake so I could finish the story. It was that good.
April 1, 2018
This awesome dystopian was our Winter 2018 Book of the Month!
The Heaviness of Knowing starts out as a typical dystopian novel. However, it shucks the basics pretty quickly. Where a Young Adult novel might take the whole first book following the main character’s awakening, when we meet Roxal, she is already aware her world is a sham, and she is a pawn for her “gods”, the Keepers. She is also fully romantically and physically involved with a man. And most interestingly, the rebellion is already happening. She’s just not a part of it.
Roxal’s Earth counterpart, Lauren, also has a non-standard storyline. A no-nonsense, scientifically-driven woman, she is forced to try hypnosis when she develops severe insomnia. While not involved in the fighting on Roxal’s world, Lauren is still able to play a critical communication role when her special bond with Roxal is revealed.
Full review on F-BOM.com: https://herstoryarc.com/2018/01/01/th...
And see our interview with Sharolyn here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_sss...
The Heaviness of Knowing starts out as a typical dystopian novel. However, it shucks the basics pretty quickly. Where a Young Adult novel might take the whole first book following the main character’s awakening, when we meet Roxal, she is already aware her world is a sham, and she is a pawn for her “gods”, the Keepers. She is also fully romantically and physically involved with a man. And most interestingly, the rebellion is already happening. She’s just not a part of it.
Roxal’s Earth counterpart, Lauren, also has a non-standard storyline. A no-nonsense, scientifically-driven woman, she is forced to try hypnosis when she develops severe insomnia. While not involved in the fighting on Roxal’s world, Lauren is still able to play a critical communication role when her special bond with Roxal is revealed.
Full review on F-BOM.com: https://herstoryarc.com/2018/01/01/th...
And see our interview with Sharolyn here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_sss...
July 5, 2020
I really enjoyed the concepts around the Dreamers and life on Trebor, but something fell flat in the execution. The writing was a bit threadbare. I would have liked for Brown to include more descriptions of Trebor's environment and the Keepers' and Resistors' dwellings. It seemed very focused on describing action sequences and thought processes, and I would have appreciated more atmospheric moments to get a feel for this alien environment. I didn't understand Lauren's commitment to Roxal, and I would have liked Brown to develop their relationship more. It seemed like when they were together it was mostly for work.
November 12, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sharolyn Brown gives us two female protagonists, Roxal and Lauren. The book opens in Roxal's point of view. She lives in a very regimented society, which doesn't allow any real emotions other than adoration and fear of their “gods,” which made it slow for me to get fully invested in her character. I could sympathize with her plight from the start, but it took a while for me to like her as much. Lauren, on the other hand, I liked right away, she is living in Texas and is feisty.
The story is well written and while you can see where things are headed, (trying not to put spoilers in) you are kept guessing who is going to be on their side as Lauren and Roxal make choices that will effect their lives, and many others.
Sharolyn Brown gives us two female protagonists, Roxal and Lauren. The book opens in Roxal's point of view. She lives in a very regimented society, which doesn't allow any real emotions other than adoration and fear of their “gods,” which made it slow for me to get fully invested in her character. I could sympathize with her plight from the start, but it took a while for me to like her as much. Lauren, on the other hand, I liked right away, she is living in Texas and is feisty.
The story is well written and while you can see where things are headed, (trying not to put spoilers in) you are kept guessing who is going to be on their side as Lauren and Roxal make choices that will effect their lives, and many others.
November 5, 2018
The Heaviness of Knowing is a great Freshman novel from this author. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series. I'm an avid reader, and lover of Science Fiction. I was pulled into the world, that the author created, from the first chapter. The descriptions of the people, places and the environments were crafted such that I had no problem visualizing the story as it unfolded. I would highly recommend this book. It was refreshing to see different kinds of heroes that share some of our human frailties, but are also strong and capable in their own right.
May 15, 2023
Minds connected through dreaming across parallel universes-- why not? A very interesting premise for a sci fi series. Oh great. It's a series. I got this book on B & N free. Now you guessed it. I got to get the next few. A totalitarian regime on another planet has been tapping into some of the earth's more able dreamers. They plan to conquer Earth with out a battle and they are very close to succeeding. Except for Roxal of the parallel to Lauren on Earth who have become allies against the dark forces of Totalitarian conquerers. Dystopian sci fi.
July 2, 2020
Great characters and plenty of action.
I certainly don't want to include any spoilers, but I will share that one of my favorite elements of this book was how well thought out and written the reactions of the two protagonists are. Both have to make life changing, and heart wrenching choices, and do so in very believable ways. I look forward to learning more in the following novels.
I certainly don't want to include any spoilers, but I will share that one of my favorite elements of this book was how well thought out and written the reactions of the two protagonists are. Both have to make life changing, and heart wrenching choices, and do so in very believable ways. I look forward to learning more in the following novels.
September 17, 2020
The author's conception is refreshing, going beyond the normal space opera written much too often these days. The characters are well developed, entertaining, with relationships that transcend normal balance. I did find the story somewhat slow at times and when one of the major characters is phased out abruptly, I had to think hard about character relationships. All in all, a good read, and I'm certainly glad I took the time to read it.
November 23, 2020
Àwesomeu Read and St ory
Two different women one from earth Lauran who dream walks tbbe other o e Roxal from Trebor and a Traveller dreamwalker whose been Invading Lauran dreams she was a baby wanting her to developed a microchip with the intentions of her Gods (Keeperss) invading earth
Sharoly G. Brown did a cracking job writing this book. This flows from the start to the end cannot wait to read the next one.
Highly Recommend
Two different women one from earth Lauran who dream walks tbbe other o e Roxal from Trebor and a Traveller dreamwalker whose been Invading Lauran dreams she was a baby wanting her to developed a microchip with the intentions of her Gods (Keeperss) invading earth
Sharoly G. Brown did a cracking job writing this book. This flows from the start to the end cannot wait to read the next one.
Highly Recommend
July 25, 2025
Dreamers and Resistors
Interesting concept. Not your typical sci-fi. Something of a post apocalyptic tale but with a twist. Significant violence and a bit more heavy handed with the female characters than I prefer - brief torture, etc. But well told and novel so I am going with a “more” rating.
Interesting concept. Not your typical sci-fi. Something of a post apocalyptic tale but with a twist. Significant violence and a bit more heavy handed with the female characters than I prefer - brief torture, etc. But well told and novel so I am going with a “more” rating.
February 11, 2018
While there are plenty of nods to SciFi classics this is a really good book from start to its crescendo of a finale. I also really enjoyed the prequel to the series. Television or Movie options wouldn't surprise me in the least. Great work.
March 2, 2019
Love this book
Very intense story. It kept pulling me in every time I had a chance to sit and read. I finally finished it at 3:30 in the morning because I didn't want to wait until the next day to finish.
Very intense story. It kept pulling me in every time I had a chance to sit and read. I finally finished it at 3:30 in the morning because I didn't want to wait until the next day to finish.
March 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this parallel world connected by dreams created by author Sharolyn Brown. Both characters (Dream traveling alien, Roxal, and down-to-Earth, Lauran) are multi-layered with high stake choices. I loved the dream/meditation scenes.
April 9, 2020
Fast paced sci fi with mysterious figures and circumstances. Enjoyed the plot ant the way in which the author unraveled some of the mysteries for the readers. The writing style felt a bit off at times. Solid, enjoyable book.
July 11, 2020
A few chapters in, some incongruous items almost made me put the book down. But I persisted.
It did get better, and more interesting. I should know by now that when authors, especially scifi authors do that, there is a purpose to it.
It did get better, and more interesting. I should know by now that when authors, especially scifi authors do that, there is a purpose to it.
November 17, 2017
READ IT!
I LOVED this book! The two protagonists are quite well-realized and the plot beautifully tense. I need the next one, ASAP!
I LOVED this book! The two protagonists are quite well-realized and the plot beautifully tense. I need the next one, ASAP!
January 13, 2018
The author did an amazing job of bringing two parallel worlds together. I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing sci-fi adventure. I definitely recommend it!
June 24, 2020
The heaviness of knowing
I got partway through thinking of Logan's Run and how easily we can become programmed . I enjoyed the progressive romance between Roxal and Edo.
I got partway through thinking of Logan's Run and how easily we can become programmed . I enjoyed the progressive romance between Roxal and Edo.
July 17, 2020
Interesting premise, worldbuilding ok, no good reasons for the way one main character behaves. Villains are cardboard.
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