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The Rise of the Light #1
Dream of Darkness
Cat McLean is a sixteen year old girl who moves to a new town with her older sister Vanessa. After a near-fatal car accident, Cat wakes to find that she can see auras and heal others. But she also discovers an ancient evil that means to destroy her new town of Valleyview. She must join forces with her sister and a new friend to defeat it, or die trying. Will she learn how to harness her new powers before the darkness comes for them? Or will she succumb to the darkness she fears?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 14, 2019
Dream of Darkness is the first book in The Rise of the Light Trilogy. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Cat and Vanessa, who never seem to settle into a home because their parents are constantly moving.
Shortly after their next move, the girls are involved in a serious car accident leaving Cat in a 13 day coma. There in the hospital, fighting for her life, her soul becomes detached from her body and Cat learns she has supernatural powers. She also learns there is darkness enveloping iteself around Cat's new home and she, the Firebird, is their only hope to defeat the threat.
I felt the plot dragged on a bit, but this is the first book in the series so now that the build up is set, I expect the next books plot to move at a faster pace. I really enjoyed the Scottish folklore mixed into the story although the revelation of the family was a bit unbelievable. Cat's dad never batted an eyelash when his daughter busted into his office and was like, "Hey dad, I've been experiencing these supernatural abilities and just wanted to know if it runs in the family." and he responds with something like, "Sure, now that you ask, your grandma prophesized this exact moment and there just so happens to be a journal in this very desk that your grandma wrote for you sixteen years ago..."
But then, the family is super close so maybe that's a normal conversation for these two to have... Either way, I did enjoy reading about the relationship between the two sisters as it is one that every parent hopes their children have. They lean on each other for support, courage and friendship, which truley makes this story a great one.
Shortly after their next move, the girls are involved in a serious car accident leaving Cat in a 13 day coma. There in the hospital, fighting for her life, her soul becomes detached from her body and Cat learns she has supernatural powers. She also learns there is darkness enveloping iteself around Cat's new home and she, the Firebird, is their only hope to defeat the threat.
I felt the plot dragged on a bit, but this is the first book in the series so now that the build up is set, I expect the next books plot to move at a faster pace. I really enjoyed the Scottish folklore mixed into the story although the revelation of the family was a bit unbelievable. Cat's dad never batted an eyelash when his daughter busted into his office and was like, "Hey dad, I've been experiencing these supernatural abilities and just wanted to know if it runs in the family." and he responds with something like, "Sure, now that you ask, your grandma prophesized this exact moment and there just so happens to be a journal in this very desk that your grandma wrote for you sixteen years ago..."
But then, the family is super close so maybe that's a normal conversation for these two to have... Either way, I did enjoy reading about the relationship between the two sisters as it is one that every parent hopes their children have. They lean on each other for support, courage and friendship, which truley makes this story a great one.
October 16, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced read copy of this book. This is a fun read. It was a quick read but I thought it was a terrific start to the series. Cat and her sister moved with their family to Valleyview. They are adjusting to life when the sisters get into a car accident. When Cat comes to, she has some newfound abilities. With help from others, Cat begins her magical journey. What does it all mean? Why does Cat have these powers? Read on to find out! I enjoyed the 'historical aspect' of this story and I hope we find out more about it as well as what is in store for Cat and the others. I'm ready for Book 2!
October 17, 2017
I had a lot of fun reading this story. I love the characters, especially Cat. Her developing abilities are fascinating, and seem like they would be very satisfying to use. This book was interesting, well-written, suspenseful, magical, and easy to read. Definitely a great start to a new series!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 29, 2019
Great start to a new series! This book kept me interested and I read it very quickly.
February 5, 2019
Dream of Darkness is a young adult fantasy about what happens after teenage Cat is involved in a terrible car accident and wakes up to discover that she has intense powers.
Through quizzing her family, newfound friends, and doing lots of self study she learns a lot about her powers and how to use them. She teams up with her sister to fight an ancient evil.
This was a quick, fun, and easy read, best for teen readers.
Through quizzing her family, newfound friends, and doing lots of self study she learns a lot about her powers and how to use them. She teams up with her sister to fight an ancient evil.
This was a quick, fun, and easy read, best for teen readers.
May 11, 2018
About a third of the way through Dream of Darkness, Cat, the sixteen year old heroine of the story, settles in with her sister, Vanessa, for some serious Harry Potter binge watching. If you could see yourself doing the same thing, this is the perfect book for you. It has teenage girls with mystical powers who set out to save their town from someone controlled by a dark, satan-like creature.
The novel also has numerous references to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, the play the students are producing that year. Robin Goodfellow (also known as Puck) is one of Shakespeare's characters as well as a sprite out of old English folklore and a spirit who visits Cat in her dreams. Here's what Robin tells her:
“Look to your dreams for answers, and let your friends know to look to theirs. You will find help if ever you need it and you have only to ask and it shall find you.”
The plot of H. M. Gooden's novel is fun, but the best part of the book is the relationship between the two sisters. There's a little jealousy and a period of great guilt, but mostly there's love and support shared between both girls. When Gooden throws in Evelyn, a mutual friend with powers of her own, the picture is complete and the girls are ready to take on the evil threatening their world.
Steve Lindahl – author of Under a Warped Cross, Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
The novel also has numerous references to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, the play the students are producing that year. Robin Goodfellow (also known as Puck) is one of Shakespeare's characters as well as a sprite out of old English folklore and a spirit who visits Cat in her dreams. Here's what Robin tells her:
“Look to your dreams for answers, and let your friends know to look to theirs. You will find help if ever you need it and you have only to ask and it shall find you.”
The plot of H. M. Gooden's novel is fun, but the best part of the book is the relationship between the two sisters. There's a little jealousy and a period of great guilt, but mostly there's love and support shared between both girls. When Gooden throws in Evelyn, a mutual friend with powers of her own, the picture is complete and the girls are ready to take on the evil threatening their world.
Steve Lindahl – author of Under a Warped Cross, Hopatcong Vision Quest, White Horse Regressions, and Motherless Soul
May 31, 2019
You would think that for a teenage girl any type of change would be enough to throw her into a tantrum. Not Cat, in fact I felt like she was strong through the entire book. Can you imagine not only keeping up with your friends, but also trying to figure out some great evil and also trying to get a grip on your own new powers? For all that was going on I would say that she was decidedly not as whiney as I would have expected her to be.
I also really loved the dynamic between her and Vanessa, it really showed a great bond between the sisters. I really enjoyed how Vanessa even though it took her a little while to start learning about her own gifts was still helpful to her sister. Also the way they learned from the birds , it all made my heart smile.
Declan.... I really felt like he was too obvious a bad guy. I thought that I would find this read too juvenile but I actually really enjoyed it.
I also really loved the dynamic between her and Vanessa, it really showed a great bond between the sisters. I really enjoyed how Vanessa even though it took her a little while to start learning about her own gifts was still helpful to her sister. Also the way they learned from the birds , it all made my heart smile.
Declan.... I really felt like he was too obvious a bad guy. I thought that I would find this read too juvenile but I actually really enjoyed it.
April 12, 2018
***** “Dream of Darkness” by H.M. Gooden is a YA (and up) fantasy with elements of both the paranormal and the faerie world. Two teenage sisters-Cat and Vanessa discover they have powers and must learn to use them quickly when a dark menace threatens their new hometown. A delightful tale of friendship, sisterly love and good triumphing over evil. I’d heard a bit about this book and author and wanted to give it a go. The “out-of-body” experience in the hospital is described so eloquently and passionately that it alone is worth the price of admission. I wasn’t disappointed.
June 15, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this read. Taking away one star because the pace was a touch slow, but I can’t fault her much for that. Beautifully balanced and characters with real depth. A young girl growing into the truth of what she is while struggling to comprehend the evil around her... the author did a good job. I also really liked the relationship the girl had with her family. I look forward to more from his author
I really enjoyed this read. Taking away one star because the pace was a touch slow, but I can’t fault her much for that. Beautifully balanced and characters with real depth. A young girl growing into the truth of what she is while struggling to comprehend the evil around her... the author did a good job. I also really liked the relationship the girl had with her family. I look forward to more from his author
November 25, 2018
Slow moving story but with characters you'll grow to love! There are a lot of grammar errors you'll need to ignore but the story helps you easily forget them!
October 4, 2018
Teenage Catherine "Cat" McClean and her older sister, Vanessa, have moved to a new town with their parents. Cat has always had a kind of sixth sense the her sister has learned to pay attention to, but after a terrible car accident at discovers her abilities are more than she ever realized. Banding together with her sister and a new friend, they become aware of an evil that not only exists in their small town, but walks the halls of their high school.
It's always great to see a story where a group of girls work together to fight a greater evil rather than fall into the stereotype of how girls never get along and are always jealous of each other. Definitely passes the Bechdel test. I also love how the author wove in Shakespeare. The writing is solid and I probably would have given it a four star or higher if the conflict had been ramped up. Right now, everything comes very easy to Cat, her sister, and her family. The move is easy, the girls never argue, or if they do it is so minor that I forgot about it. Learning her new abilities is a breeze. I never felt like the girls could ever fail or were truly in jeopardy.
However, I do like the overall premise and look forward to reviewing the next book in the series.
It's always great to see a story where a group of girls work together to fight a greater evil rather than fall into the stereotype of how girls never get along and are always jealous of each other. Definitely passes the Bechdel test. I also love how the author wove in Shakespeare. The writing is solid and I probably would have given it a four star or higher if the conflict had been ramped up. Right now, everything comes very easy to Cat, her sister, and her family. The move is easy, the girls never argue, or if they do it is so minor that I forgot about it. Learning her new abilities is a breeze. I never felt like the girls could ever fail or were truly in jeopardy.
However, I do like the overall premise and look forward to reviewing the next book in the series.
April 7, 2018
A Life or Death Decision
Dream of Darkness follows a teenaged girl through the unsettling feelings and premonitions she gets. After just moving to a new town because their father transferred to a new job, sisters Vanessa and Cat are anxious as they try to find their place in a new school which has already been in session for a month. As her family history is revealed, Cat and Vanessa realize they are so much more than they ever imagined. It will be up to them and the help of their friends to stop the evil which is infiltrating their once-happy town. Once I began reading this book, I just kept turning the pages until I reached the end, all in one sitting. The story-telling is excellent, exciting, and mysterious with great pacing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great paranormal fantasy adventure.
Dream of Darkness follows a teenaged girl through the unsettling feelings and premonitions she gets. After just moving to a new town because their father transferred to a new job, sisters Vanessa and Cat are anxious as they try to find their place in a new school which has already been in session for a month. As her family history is revealed, Cat and Vanessa realize they are so much more than they ever imagined. It will be up to them and the help of their friends to stop the evil which is infiltrating their once-happy town. Once I began reading this book, I just kept turning the pages until I reached the end, all in one sitting. The story-telling is excellent, exciting, and mysterious with great pacing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great paranormal fantasy adventure.
March 28, 2018
*H.M. Gooden and I swapped copies of our novels in exchange for honest reviews.*
OMG. This book is an absolute treat to any and all who enjoy some good clean YA with a little witchcraft in the mix. I love the third person narrative, which I normally don't read, but Gooden pulls it off so flawlessly.
Favorite part is the Villain, but I can't give away to much without revealing the entire plot. Just know that he/she is amazing and relatable and one of the best villains I've read in a very long time. She also has it packed full of strong female characters which I truly appreciate. Dark villains, strong women and a whole lot of magic tossed in make this a perfect read for those 3am cravings.
10/10 will read again, and again, and again.
OMG. This book is an absolute treat to any and all who enjoy some good clean YA with a little witchcraft in the mix. I love the third person narrative, which I normally don't read, but Gooden pulls it off so flawlessly.
Favorite part is the Villain, but I can't give away to much without revealing the entire plot. Just know that he/she is amazing and relatable and one of the best villains I've read in a very long time. She also has it packed full of strong female characters which I truly appreciate. Dark villains, strong women and a whole lot of magic tossed in make this a perfect read for those 3am cravings.
10/10 will read again, and again, and again.
March 12, 2019
My Review: The first thing that I have to talk about is this cover!! Just look at it! Its amazing!!!! I have to say that this book was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. So many small or Indie published books are hit and miss. For every good one you find you will find about a hundred that are horrible. This young adult story though was wonderful! I had a fun time reading this one I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Cat was amazing and I loved how the author grew or developed her over the course of the plot/story. The addition of powers in this one was fabulous. It really was a story of good vs. evil.
The author did a great job with the flow and I can not wait to grab book two!
The author did a great job with the flow and I can not wait to grab book two!
November 30, 2019
When Cat moves to a new town due to her dad's new job, her life changes. She's in a car accident that puts her more in touch with a "sixth" sense that she's always had but has become more heightened after the accident. The plot was very interesting, and I will continue to read the other books in the series.
This book started out pretty slow for me. The feel like the first 50% could be condensed as some of it didn't really move the story forward. Too much filler information.
I typically judge books based on how quickly I push through them. My attention wasn't held until about the halfway point. I felt the family to be too perfect. And Cat didn't really act too much like a teen. I needed more conflict from the very beginning.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
This book started out pretty slow for me. The feel like the first 50% could be condensed as some of it didn't really move the story forward. Too much filler information.
I typically judge books based on how quickly I push through them. My attention wasn't held until about the halfway point. I felt the family to be too perfect. And Cat didn't really act too much like a teen. I needed more conflict from the very beginning.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
April 28, 2018
“Dream of Darkness” is a moving YA paranormal fantasy book and left me wanting more! Sisters Cat and Vanessa both learn that they have powers, and not at a moment too soon as a dark force threatens their home and safety of their friends.
The plot and story is awesome, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I followed Cat and Vanessa’s journey. The characters have depth and pull you right in. I really found myself caring for them, rooting for them, and cheering them on when things got tough.
I really recommend this book, especially if you love magic, adventure, and looming darkness. Can’t wait for book 2!
The plot and story is awesome, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages as I followed Cat and Vanessa’s journey. The characters have depth and pull you right in. I really found myself caring for them, rooting for them, and cheering them on when things got tough.
I really recommend this book, especially if you love magic, adventure, and looming darkness. Can’t wait for book 2!
July 2, 2018
Dream of Darkness is a brilliant YA book that is based around sisters Cat and Vanessa who are in a near fatal car crash. Cat goes into a coma but when she comes out of it she is able to tap into some major aura magic and not a moment too soon!
This is a wonderful story with characters that you come to care about and empathise with. The story was well round and the details were amazing! As with any other first book there is a back story which does take some time to read but the build is crucial and it was very well done.
This book had me so excited and on the edge of my seat! I am not wait to read the next books!
This is a wonderful story with characters that you come to care about and empathise with. The story was well round and the details were amazing! As with any other first book there is a back story which does take some time to read but the build is crucial and it was very well done.
This book had me so excited and on the edge of my seat! I am not wait to read the next books!
July 13, 2018
This book was pretty awesome. I really like the main character Cat. She wasn't popular, liked her space, loved her family, and reading in bed. The description of the house and her reaction to it, is exactly how I would have felt. Bay window and a book = good life.
There were parts where I felt things were too easy, but it's a short read and would have been difficult to add details without making the book too long. It is very nice to get in to a book and still be a quicker read. I can't wait to read the second. I just love the character, and with the hint of what is in their future, I can't forget about it.
There were parts where I felt things were too easy, but it's a short read and would have been difficult to add details without making the book too long. It is very nice to get in to a book and still be a quicker read. I can't wait to read the second. I just love the character, and with the hint of what is in their future, I can't forget about it.
November 29, 2018
Really good!
This was good. Really, really good. It did start out a bit slow. And I think that was because at the start you already knew what was going to happen, but it took some time to get there. But once it was there: wow! Darkness. Light. Darkness trying to absorb the light. Light trying to brighten the darkness.
Cat has always been sensitive. But after the car accident, and the head trauma resulting from it, things have changed. Her senses are intensified. A thousand fold. Intriguing!
This is part 1. There’s more to come: I can’t wait! Book 2 and 3 are ready for me to one-click :)
This was good. Really, really good. It did start out a bit slow. And I think that was because at the start you already knew what was going to happen, but it took some time to get there. But once it was there: wow! Darkness. Light. Darkness trying to absorb the light. Light trying to brighten the darkness.
Cat has always been sensitive. But after the car accident, and the head trauma resulting from it, things have changed. Her senses are intensified. A thousand fold. Intriguing!
This is part 1. There’s more to come: I can’t wait! Book 2 and 3 are ready for me to one-click :)
January 12, 2019
Yes, you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover - but this one just calls out to me.
It was such a well-plotted first book in a series, I really liked Cat as a character, and right away saw the direction that the story was headed. I really liked that there were female friendships - and that it was a core element of the story arc.
However, I would have liked a little bit more world building, and a little bit more of the mythology and legend behind it. Moreover, the ending felt abrupt to me - I was after a really big showdown, and a bit more of a test of Cat's strength.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was such a well-plotted first book in a series, I really liked Cat as a character, and right away saw the direction that the story was headed. I really liked that there were female friendships - and that it was a core element of the story arc.
However, I would have liked a little bit more world building, and a little bit more of the mythology and legend behind it. Moreover, the ending felt abrupt to me - I was after a really big showdown, and a bit more of a test of Cat's strength.
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2018
This is a very interesting book for those who enjoy myths and superstition. The main character has always had feelings that she follows, like a 6th sense. When she gets into a car accident her true powers start to awaken. She discovers that the myths are true and that there is great evil in the world. As she learns how to use her powers her sister is her greatest ally and supporter. She also makes a friend, which is something she has trouble with, that supports her and her sister. They make a great team against darkness.
March 26, 2018
Hooked!!
There isn't enough good to say about this book! I've never heard of this author before but I volunteered to read it in exchange for an honest review. I honestly wish I could give it ten stars. Mystical magical mystery, had me hooked from start to finish, wishing customers wouldn't show up at work as I couldn't put it down!! Awesome characters, amazing story line, and I can not wait to see what happens next!
After reading this I looked up the author on line and this is her first book. Unreal. Sooo good
There isn't enough good to say about this book! I've never heard of this author before but I volunteered to read it in exchange for an honest review. I honestly wish I could give it ten stars. Mystical magical mystery, had me hooked from start to finish, wishing customers wouldn't show up at work as I couldn't put it down!! Awesome characters, amazing story line, and I can not wait to see what happens next!
After reading this I looked up the author on line and this is her first book. Unreal. Sooo good
July 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this series. The first book nicely laid out the characters and beginning plot. It was an easy read filled with friendship, magic and suspense. I loved how the plot grew and adapted from the first book. Intertwining auras, magical history, dragons, mythology and Celtic/Tuatha De Dananaan and ancient gods from all over the world and cultures. I loved how easily this story flowed and captivated me. I can't wait for her next series or even better a continuation of the story. I can imagine so much more for these characters as they continue to develop.
September 18, 2018
I really liked that Cat's powers awakened, and she had to figure out how to understand and use them. She teams with her sister and friend, both of which have powers too (powers different from Cat), to figure out what's happening to the people of their town. There's an evil that is stealing souls, and she needs to find out who is responsible and stop them before the whole town is put in jeopardy. Girl power!
The downside to the novel for me was that the point of view wasn't written as deeply as I prefer. Overall, interesting story!
The downside to the novel for me was that the point of view wasn't written as deeply as I prefer. Overall, interesting story!
February 10, 2019
What a captivating story!! From page one I was sucked into the story and was glued there until the end. Not only did I love this book, I can't wait for the next one to come out! The danger, the fear and the love in this good vs evil is a truly must read book!! Be sure you have your drink beside you because you won't want to put this book down. (this is a true review freely given after reading an ARC book)
March 26, 2019
A well written story.
This story is very good, but not for me. The characters were well thought out and developed. The story line is darker than I like to read but it set a good pace. Vanessa, Evelyn, and Cat make good team and the story did not end on a cliffhanger but it was setup for the next book. It is a great coming of age or your adult book with a great supernatural twist to it. There is suspense, a fight against evil, sisterhood, friendship, drama, and some mystery.
This story is very good, but not for me. The characters were well thought out and developed. The story line is darker than I like to read but it set a good pace. Vanessa, Evelyn, and Cat make good team and the story did not end on a cliffhanger but it was setup for the next book. It is a great coming of age or your adult book with a great supernatural twist to it. There is suspense, a fight against evil, sisterhood, friendship, drama, and some mystery.
July 27, 2020
Interesting idea of a story ruined by poor execution. The "author" makes the horrible mistake through out the entire book of telling instead of showing. The writing is basic and boring. There is no real character development or world building. No real reason for anything happening. The defeat of the big bad is pathetic and happens literally in one sentence and they wait weeks to do it when there was no reason to wait.
I'll definitely not be reading any further books from this author.
I'll definitely not be reading any further books from this author.
August 29, 2021
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. Cat and Vanessa move to a new town when their father gets a new job. They did not want to leave what they knew behind but their father insist things will be better here. They meet a new friend along the way and have to figure out what is going to happen in Valleyview. There is something evil at work. I like the characters and the story moved me along at a good pace. Can't wait to see how the rest of the story goes.
July 1, 2018
Wonderful story of the birth of magic in the three main characters. The standard story of good vs. evil but with an innocence of 3 young girls. The evil they are up against is not whom they thought it was. Looking forward to the next in the series to see how they handle the next round in the battle with true evil.
July 9, 2018
A fun and brilliant mythology based mystery that will keep you up all night!
Two sisters fighting an ancient evil and embodying the powers of old. I loved the familial bond and the Scottish lore that was played out. The characters were fleshed out and interesting, following a storyline I can’t wait to read more of!
Two sisters fighting an ancient evil and embodying the powers of old. I loved the familial bond and the Scottish lore that was played out. The characters were fleshed out and interesting, following a storyline I can’t wait to read more of!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews