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Night Vision
Julia Madison is having nightmares. Every night. All night. Painful and perplexing, the nightmares of a woman in captivity calling for help escalate until she is having them during the day, wide awake. Doctors prescribe pills. Therapists theorize about past lives and post-traumatic stress. Fortune tellers predict she will meet a tall, mysterious stranger. Julia would prefer to blame her ex, her job, even the Santa Ana winds.
In spite of her long history as a loner, she turns to a support group for women with sleep disorders. To her amazement she learns that the other lesbians in the group—and only the lesbians—are having similar nightmares. No longer believing these vivid night visions are in their heads, the women join forces to find the source of their disturbance.
Since Julia knows that her dreams focus on the woman she's named Sirena, finding Sirena is her number one priority. Convincing the other lesbians to help her comb the Mojave Desert is only the beginning of the adventure.
Karin Kallmaker's story pits the power of sisterhood—and love—against the savagery of fear and hate.
In spite of her long history as a loner, she turns to a support group for women with sleep disorders. To her amazement she learns that the other lesbians in the group—and only the lesbians—are having similar nightmares. No longer believing these vivid night visions are in their heads, the women join forces to find the source of their disturbance.
Since Julia knows that her dreams focus on the woman she's named Sirena, finding Sirena is her number one priority. Convincing the other lesbians to help her comb the Mojave Desert is only the beginning of the adventure.
Karin Kallmaker's story pits the power of sisterhood—and love—against the savagery of fear and hate.
266 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Laura Adams
6 books4 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Alternative name used by Karin Kallmaker , author of lesbian fiction
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Alternative name used by Karin Kallmaker , author of lesbian fiction
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 19, 2019
3.75 Stars. For Fallback Friday I decided to go with Karin Kallmaker’s book from 2008. Kallmaker is one of those authors that I don’t read enough of but always enjoy her books when I do. While she writes mostly pure romances, it was really nice to read a spec-fic book by her.
I could not sleep last night so I thought I would pick this up and read a few chapters, instead I could not put this book down. While I read a lot of spec-fic, I have never read anything quite like this storyline. It completely captured my imagination and I could not stop reading.
This is one of those books that could be spoiled easily so I’m going to keep my review on the vague side. I don’t want to give anything away on accident. I do have to give some trigger warnings. There is a sexual assault, it’s not a rape scene but it made me really angry anyway. Not at the book, just at the character and circumstance. There is also what I would consider light torture. It was uncomfortable but not anything I don’t think most people could handle. I know I’m not making the book sounds great with these warnings, but I still think it is worth the read.
When it came to this book being over almost a decade old, I almost didn’t notice at all. This book held up really well. There was just a few little tech issues and a character still owning a VCR. But she liked old TV shows and movies, so some people still have one because of that.
There is a romance but it’s on the lighter side. It’s actually a different take on a romance so I kind of liked it. What I enjoyed more about this book was the mystery. The mystery of what was happening to the characters and what they need to find. Again, I’m keeping things vague but this was an interesting little book. I would recommend this to Kallmaker and spec-fic fans.
I could not sleep last night so I thought I would pick this up and read a few chapters, instead I could not put this book down. While I read a lot of spec-fic, I have never read anything quite like this storyline. It completely captured my imagination and I could not stop reading.
This is one of those books that could be spoiled easily so I’m going to keep my review on the vague side. I don’t want to give anything away on accident. I do have to give some trigger warnings. There is a sexual assault, it’s not a rape scene but it made me really angry anyway. Not at the book, just at the character and circumstance. There is also what I would consider light torture. It was uncomfortable but not anything I don’t think most people could handle. I know I’m not making the book sounds great with these warnings, but I still think it is worth the read.
When it came to this book being over almost a decade old, I almost didn’t notice at all. This book held up really well. There was just a few little tech issues and a character still owning a VCR. But she liked old TV shows and movies, so some people still have one because of that.
There is a romance but it’s on the lighter side. It’s actually a different take on a romance so I kind of liked it. What I enjoyed more about this book was the mystery. The mystery of what was happening to the characters and what they need to find. Again, I’m keeping things vague but this was an interesting little book. I would recommend this to Kallmaker and spec-fic fans.
February 21, 2019
Dark, paranormal, sci-fi is not what comes to mind when I think of Karin Kallmaker but this is a great read if you're interested in those genres. Julia (Maddy) Madison starts having dreams so disturbing that she's losing sleep, getting sick and not being able to function at work. She's also having physical manifestations of injuries from her dreams. She sees a doctor for sleeping tablets, a therapist just in case it's trauma from her past and finally she goes to a support group where she meets Rose, Geri, TJ and Vina. She really just needs the person calling to her in her dreams to just go away and hopes these women hold the answer.
This has a great pace, loads of suspense and a really interesting premise. While the story focuses on Maddy and the voice in her head, there is a wonderful complexity to it with the added characters. I'm not sure that I would class it as a romance even though there is some powerful love in it. I was riveted from start to finish.
This has a great pace, loads of suspense and a really interesting premise. While the story focuses on Maddy and the voice in her head, there is a wonderful complexity to it with the added characters. I'm not sure that I would class it as a romance even though there is some powerful love in it. I was riveted from start to finish.
August 17, 2021
An emotive, powerful read. Lots of mystery and intrigue, when dreams become a psychic connection to an otherworldly being.
Lots of emotional backstory to our MC Julia 'Maddy' Madison and her heartbreaking past, and numbing present. But a beautiful albeit scary connection begins through dreams with a mysterious force desperately trying to communicate with her.
This one really got me emotionally, and the connection between ALL of the women we meet and are introduced to, is incredibly beautiful and meaningful.
Recommended to lovers of supernatural and more metaphysical stories that are bit out there.
Lots of emotional backstory to our MC Julia 'Maddy' Madison and her heartbreaking past, and numbing present. But a beautiful albeit scary connection begins through dreams with a mysterious force desperately trying to communicate with her.
This one really got me emotionally, and the connection between ALL of the women we meet and are introduced to, is incredibly beautiful and meaningful.
Recommended to lovers of supernatural and more metaphysical stories that are bit out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
I'm giving this 5 stars because it really made me feel. It was full of longing and desperation. Fair enough, the textual layout could have been thought out a little better, especially around the chat windows, but that did not detract from what was being said. I didn't even mind the fact that I figured out what Sirena was pretty early on and the characters seemed pretty oblivious or refused to believe the obvious. The idea of vastness, unity, soul burning oneness with everything that exists everywhere reached out of these pages and hooked me. I loved it. It is speculative lesfic and I devoured it in a single sitting. This has now become my favourite Karin Kallmaker novel. Some people might think it is a bit too much and out there with a leap of faith too long, but I liked it. Give it a go.
March 29, 2020
This book is for all of us who watched the X Files and thought, "This show needs more lesbians." Featuring alien telepathy, plot-essential fax machines, and a group of dykes in an RV tearing around the desert on a rescue mission. All it was missing was a cameo from Mulder saying, "I'm telling you, these women know something!" and Scully shouting, "Mulder, these people are delusional!" I always enjoy Kallmaker's books, and now I wish she wrote more science fiction.
(ETA: TW for mentions of CSA and a sexual assault in Chapter 8)
(ETA: TW for mentions of CSA and a sexual assault in Chapter 8)
September 9, 2022
Imaginative tale of the paranormal
All the things a cynic like myself would roll my eyes at become true in this story. A sisterhood of insomnia, an unknown entity imprisoned and in pain, and sudden increasing paranormal abilities among a small group of women all come together in this rescue adventure. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The only bothersome thing is that the digital text is full of errors where two words are missing a space between them throughout the entire book.
All the things a cynic like myself would roll my eyes at become true in this story. A sisterhood of insomnia, an unknown entity imprisoned and in pain, and sudden increasing paranormal abilities among a small group of women all come together in this rescue adventure. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The only bothersome thing is that the digital text is full of errors where two words are missing a space between them throughout the entire book.
May 3, 2017
I hate to be a spoiler but if you liked this book you will definitely love a related book she wrote called "Dawning". It sort of references this book.
I love love this author and yes having read other books by her this sci-fi theme was really new for me but I enjoyed it. And then by a stroke of luck I happen to acquire another book by her and realised it seems to feel like a sequel to this but even much better.
I love love this author and yes having read other books by her this sci-fi theme was really new for me but I enjoyed it. And then by a stroke of luck I happen to acquire another book by her and realised it seems to feel like a sequel to this but even much better.
February 5, 2022
This was a riveting read and a novel concept. Though I read the book in snippets, I never lost track of the storyline or interest in what was going on. I did find Julia's continued denial of what was obviously happening a little trying after a while, but, I did see why the author chose to tell the story that way. I love a story where a group of people band together to fight the good fight and form a tight bond though they may not have chosen one another's company in other circumstances. The bond that ties them all together was unique and interesting as was the choice of setting. Having spent a little time in this region again just under a year ago I felt especially familiar with the area where the story takes place.
I feel compelled to add that this book was quite sexy in surprising ways. The menage aspect of sex scenes was especially titillating.
One other thing I struggled with was the occasional lack of spacing between words. This was distracting and frankly frustrating at times. I hope an update in the future is made with this corrected for the Kindle version.
I would happily reread this book.
I feel compelled to add that this book was quite sexy in surprising ways. The menage aspect of sex scenes was especially titillating.
One other thing I struggled with was the occasional lack of spacing between words. This was distracting and frankly frustrating at times. I hope an update in the future is made with this corrected for the Kindle version.
I would happily reread this book.
November 16, 2021
THIS BOOK NEEDS A MASSIVE TRIGGER WARNING FOR CSA MENTION AND SA IN CHAPTER 8
I didn’t think it was fair to move on without letting that be known, because it really derailed my reading when it came almost out of nowhere.
•The author of this novel was really going through something when she wrote this. It felt like blood and ink were on the page in the same way that teenage fanfiction is so vulnerable, but absolutely distorted by the plot. This read like a fanfiction too, the main character gives self-insert Mary Sue vibes to the gods, and frankly I loved it. It was cheesy and Sci-Fi-y and everything I wanted it to be. I mean, I asked for lesbian pulp sci-fi and she DELIVERED. The sex scenes were remarkably steamy and well written, especially with the interesting alien aspect. It’s totally not tentacle porn-y though, so have no fear.
All the other characters are genuinely pretty fun, and the whole story has a pace that does make you wanna keep reading- even when the SA mentions become too much. It’s a good read if you’re looking for a light erotic read that is a wild trip!
I didn’t think it was fair to move on without letting that be known, because it really derailed my reading when it came almost out of nowhere.
•The author of this novel was really going through something when she wrote this. It felt like blood and ink were on the page in the same way that teenage fanfiction is so vulnerable, but absolutely distorted by the plot. This read like a fanfiction too, the main character gives self-insert Mary Sue vibes to the gods, and frankly I loved it. It was cheesy and Sci-Fi-y and everything I wanted it to be. I mean, I asked for lesbian pulp sci-fi and she DELIVERED. The sex scenes were remarkably steamy and well written, especially with the interesting alien aspect. It’s totally not tentacle porn-y though, so have no fear.
All the other characters are genuinely pretty fun, and the whole story has a pace that does make you wanna keep reading- even when the SA mentions become too much. It’s a good read if you’re looking for a light erotic read that is a wild trip!
July 21, 2024
4.5 stars. I got so excited when I came across this book. Kallmaker wrote a paranormal/sci-fi romance? Sign me up! I thought this was great. The beginning was a bit slow going for me and took a bit to get into but once it picked up it was fantastic and a lot darker than I was expecting. I got hooked and couldn't put my kindle down until I got to that gut punch of an ending. I honestly did NOT see that coming at all and it left me shook. So good but so bittersweet. Fantastic read.
March 25, 2014
I am a big fan of this author, and heard a lot about this book. I decided to give it a try, even though I am not a big sci fi fan. I don't really watch sci fi TV or movies, or read sci fi books. My experience is limited to the original Star Trek and B rated movies by actors/actresses that I love enough to watch anything they are in.
I really enjoyed Julia's continual refusal of what was going on, even as she pursued something she didn't understand. I must admit, there were some scenes and activities that made me uncomfortable. Sexual assault is never an easy topic to read, and this story was no exception. There is also some torture that was well written, but not pleasant. However, these things do help propel the storyline, the reason for Julia's desperation to find Serina.
I think I have had enough sci fi for a while, but if you're a fan of that genre, give this book a try!
I really enjoyed Julia's continual refusal of what was going on, even as she pursued something she didn't understand. I must admit, there were some scenes and activities that made me uncomfortable. Sexual assault is never an easy topic to read, and this story was no exception. There is also some torture that was well written, but not pleasant. However, these things do help propel the storyline, the reason for Julia's desperation to find Serina.
I think I have had enough sci fi for a while, but if you're a fan of that genre, give this book a try!
January 22, 2015
I normally enjoy anything written by Karin Kallmaker, but this was just a little too different for me. The love interest in this plot is not as you would expect and it made the ending a little flat. For people who love SciFi, this will probably be a better read.
September 1, 2009
Again As always a must read. Its a Kallmaker!
March 13, 2010
The ending wasn't as good as I had hoped, but this story really made me think about the "crazy" dreams I have in a new way.
September 1, 2009
Loved It. Glad it was brought back :)
March 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I am super confused as to why I found out a out it on a list of "best lesbian vampire stories" (spoiler: this isn't a vampire novel).
Sirena was an interesting way for us to get to know the characters, but the ending disappointed me greatly. I am unsure if it is because it was suddenly too fast, if the news about it was ridiculous, or if it was just not what I wanted foe the characters.
I wish I could have gotten to know the characters better. They were all unique individuals, and I am giving this book an extra star specifically for them.
Sirena was an interesting way for us to get to know the characters, but the ending disappointed me greatly. I am unsure if it is because it was suddenly too fast, if the news about it was ridiculous, or if it was just not what I wanted foe the characters.
I wish I could have gotten to know the characters better. They were all unique individuals, and I am giving this book an extra star specifically for them.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews