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Dreamcatcher #1
Dreaming of Fire
When the veil between the Earth and the world of dreams is threatened, there is only one person who can save it…
After discovering a message from her missing mother, eighteen-year-old Sienna Steel finds that what she once believed to be an old family legend is no legend at all. Caught in the act of fleeing her abuser, Sienna’s dormant magic bursts to life, and the significance of her heritage is revealed.
Opening an archway to Earth’s sister planet, Sienna learns of the Nightmare King’s plans to unleash terror on the Earth. In order to become a beacon of hope, Sienna must figure out how to trust again, for lurking in the shadows could be the very ally she needs.
After discovering a message from her missing mother, eighteen-year-old Sienna Steel finds that what she once believed to be an old family legend is no legend at all. Caught in the act of fleeing her abuser, Sienna’s dormant magic bursts to life, and the significance of her heritage is revealed.
Opening an archway to Earth’s sister planet, Sienna learns of the Nightmare King’s plans to unleash terror on the Earth. In order to become a beacon of hope, Sienna must figure out how to trust again, for lurking in the shadows could be the very ally she needs.
460 pages, ebook
Published May 19, 2018
35 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa P. Kelso
3 books118 followersAlyssa fell in love with the magic of books the day she was given a copy of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. She loves to express herself through multiple mediums and spend her weekends playing games and rewatching The Lord of the Rings (the extended edition) with her family. Alyssa lives in Utah with her husband and their beautiful children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 11, 2018
Fantastic fantasy of the first order
I was gripped almost from page 1. An expertly woven plot with great characters that immediately won my love or hatred. Spell-binding fantastical description brings the world to life in the reader’s mind. I simply cannot wait to read the next instalment! What a cliff hanger!
I was gripped almost from page 1. An expertly woven plot with great characters that immediately won my love or hatred. Spell-binding fantastical description brings the world to life in the reader’s mind. I simply cannot wait to read the next instalment! What a cliff hanger!
June 6, 2024
I was truly sucked in from the very beginning. I devoured this book. I adored the Native American culture that this book focuses on. Dreams are a powerful thing. Nightmares could destroy the world, can Sienna save both of her worlds, are her parents still alive? And what about the Prince of Nightmares? You have to read this to find out and you will not be disappointed!!!!
July 17, 2018
This is such a great fantasy novel with a really nice flowing narrative, well-done descriptions of characters and places, and deep messages. Sienna, the main character, at the age of 5 was left without her parents and she never ceased to hope that one day she will find them. She is currently living with her adoptive parents and just about to graduate. Her life wasn’t easy and after, constantly placing her in difficult situations. For the past two years, she was forced to stay in a relationship with Jedd, a really dangerous and controlling abusive young man. At the begging, it wasn't clear why does she stay with Jedd and plays his game pretending that everything is fine when she detested him. Later on, everything became clear and made great sense. Sienna is native American but not at all a regular person. She is a “human dreamcatcher”. That is right. She perceives dreams differently than ordinary people. Was she from another planet? Does Earth have a sister planet called Navaeh? She was soon about to discover the answer to that question plus lots of other mind-blowing things and events. Even though she didn’t think she could love someone, the moment she managed to heal from the past, her heart was opened for someone that hopefully deserved her love. No matter how cliché it may sound, while on Neveah, Sienna fell in love with the prince of her dreams, the prince of Feardawn. Will she choose him or rather the good guy Darius? Did she manage to find her parents? You will have to discover on your own. The author surely has a buoyant imagination and gives enough details and explanations, nothing is too much, nothing is missed, just a perfect reading in the world of dreams with the message: "Believe in your dreams!"
Type of reader: Fantasy, fairy tale genre with the warning that the text contains certain elements of abuse and rape.
My favorite quotes from this book (there were so many and it was so hard to choose):
“As I wander further into the forest, twigs crunch beneath my bare feet and refreshing, cool air fills my lungs. I can always find peace when I am embraced by the mother of mothers: Nature.”
“Let me start with saying that dreams are not mere dreams. They are an alternative reality, taking place in another dimension. This dimension, to be exact.”
“Just as the grass, trees and flowers need rain to grow, we need sorrow to grow. Our tears are the very raindrops that transform our pain into sunflowers. Suffering is not a punishment, but a lesson to learn from.”
“All of us hide behind walls,” Darius says, “whether they are mental, emotional, physical, or otherwise. But there is no wall that can keep you from attaining your greatness, Sienna.
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
Type of reader: Fantasy, fairy tale genre with the warning that the text contains certain elements of abuse and rape.
My favorite quotes from this book (there were so many and it was so hard to choose):
“As I wander further into the forest, twigs crunch beneath my bare feet and refreshing, cool air fills my lungs. I can always find peace when I am embraced by the mother of mothers: Nature.”
“Let me start with saying that dreams are not mere dreams. They are an alternative reality, taking place in another dimension. This dimension, to be exact.”
“Just as the grass, trees and flowers need rain to grow, we need sorrow to grow. Our tears are the very raindrops that transform our pain into sunflowers. Suffering is not a punishment, but a lesson to learn from.”
“All of us hide behind walls,” Darius says, “whether they are mental, emotional, physical, or otherwise. But there is no wall that can keep you from attaining your greatness, Sienna.
More book reviews on: https://www.nicojgenes.com/book-reviews
May 20, 2018
What a great first book in what will undoubtedly prove to be an amazing series! I found the story to be unique and was pulled into the tale immediately. Sienna is a character that elicites so many emotions. First you want to save her, then you find yourself cheering her empowerment and becoming her own champion. I love a strong female character and Sienna doesn’t disappoint. I will caution you though, the first part of this book deals with some very sensitive subject matter regarding rape and abuse, it’s a tough few scenes to read, but the author handles the subject as tastefully as possible, while staying the course of her character’s development. I truly fell in love with the characters and I am so intrigued to learn more about them as the series continues, particularly Ryker! If you are looking for a great new series to sink your teeth into, I highly recommend Dreaming of Fire!
January 9, 2025
This book made me think about Alice In Wonderland! It was a really fun read and an even better adventure! I can't wait for book two because that ending was a big cliffhanger, and it's all I will be thinking about for the next week!
May 18, 2018
Solid story line with lots of action and a heroine you’ll be pulling for (though sometimes you might pull your hair out wanting to reach into the pages and help her). Love the bad guys—as in fully worthy of being sucker punched into the netherworld. Great love triangle. Wonderful supporting cast. Lots of imagination. The story does deal with some heart wrenching issues, but the author does a great job creating empowered characters who meet their challenges head-on. And Ryker...be still, my heart!
March 8, 2019
God story. Beautiful cover. There were some spots that dragged but it didn’t affect my rating due to the spots being so few. I loved the idea of the story. A new twist. Keeps you engaged. And the characters are relatable which makes any story a high ranking. Can’t wait to read book 2!
July 23, 2018
Will Inspire the warrior in all of us!
Alyssa Kelso has moved me beyond words with this book. With each page I fell in love with her heroine Sienna and was rooting for her, crying with her, and felt her triumphs and defeats! And above all else knew she was a warrior, a survivor, and a force to be reckoned with!
Alyssa has brought a world to life and given characters to us that we can all relate to. Sienna is but one AMAZING character in this riveting book!
So get comfortable, and turn the page to start your journey that will INSPIRE YOU TO BE A WARRIOR ALSO!!!
Alyssa Kelso has moved me beyond words with this book. With each page I fell in love with her heroine Sienna and was rooting for her, crying with her, and felt her triumphs and defeats! And above all else knew she was a warrior, a survivor, and a force to be reckoned with!
Alyssa has brought a world to life and given characters to us that we can all relate to. Sienna is but one AMAZING character in this riveting book!
So get comfortable, and turn the page to start your journey that will INSPIRE YOU TO BE A WARRIOR ALSO!!!
July 24, 2018
Dreaming of Fire is TRULY MAGICAL.
A most refreshing read!
I loved the story and the mystery in it. I was addicted from the beginning to the end. Sienna brings hope not only in the book but in real life situations. She's a relatable, strong character. I loved this novels uniqueness, the diverse characters, what the characters had to overcome, and the friendships/bonds that were formed. I may have teared up a couple times while reading this novel.
It is a GREAT story that will keep you wanting more! I cannot wait for book two!!!
A most refreshing read!
I loved the story and the mystery in it. I was addicted from the beginning to the end. Sienna brings hope not only in the book but in real life situations. She's a relatable, strong character. I loved this novels uniqueness, the diverse characters, what the characters had to overcome, and the friendships/bonds that were formed. I may have teared up a couple times while reading this novel.
It is a GREAT story that will keep you wanting more! I cannot wait for book two!!!
March 1, 2025
I’m convinced every review of this book was purchased. This book didn’t even go through spell check, let alone an editor. I could barely understand what its messaging was intended to be and there was zero plot. Additionally, the tone leans conservative to the point of feeling pro-hate. Big ick! Not for me.
May 20, 2018
A heart-wrenching, beautiful, heart-pounding tale.
Alyssa's story line and characters will have you on the edge of your seat, grasping onto your kindle for dear life, whilst cheering and cursing and crying.
A MUST READ.
Alyssa's story line and characters will have you on the edge of your seat, grasping onto your kindle for dear life, whilst cheering and cursing and crying.
A MUST READ.
September 13, 2023
love love loved. I'll come back with a review in a bit, literally racing to go read the sequel lol!
June 7, 2018
4.5 stars
I do love a heroine with substance, depth and personality - especially one that saves herself instead of waiting for the ever elusive prince charming. What I really liked about this book is the exploration of native Indian American legends, culture and mythology. The writer's style is engaging, and at times quite poetic. This book deals with serious issues of rape and abusive relationships, so I would not recommend it to teens under 16 years of age. It is not super graphic but these issues can be upsetting for some people. I don't want to give away the story plot but basically expect: adventure, magic, a new world where just about anything seems possible. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one.
I do love a heroine with substance, depth and personality - especially one that saves herself instead of waiting for the ever elusive prince charming. What I really liked about this book is the exploration of native Indian American legends, culture and mythology. The writer's style is engaging, and at times quite poetic. This book deals with serious issues of rape and abusive relationships, so I would not recommend it to teens under 16 years of age. It is not super graphic but these issues can be upsetting for some people. I don't want to give away the story plot but basically expect: adventure, magic, a new world where just about anything seems possible. I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one.
October 17, 2018
It was very well written and so worth the read! An amazing debut novel to an amazing series!
November 8, 2024
Sienna Steel wants nothing more than to escape her abuser and forced boyfriend, Jedd. Graduation couldn't come soon enough. When Jedd tries to rape her once more, she fights back and flees to a Universal Arch where she is transported to her ancestral planet, Nevaeh, the twin to Earth. Upon arrival, she encounters Darius, a Native warrior who takes a shine to her, Brianne, a Guardian who Guides Sienna through her dreams, and Ryker, the Nightmare Prince.
They take her to Chief Silvercrow, who helps Sienna overcome her fears, learn more about her missing parents, and her roots as a strong indigenous woman.
From the first sentence, this book had a hold on me. As if some spell had been cast, I could not put it down. Every chapter was beautifully written and had me captivated. The prose was awesome, her hooks were unattachable, her descriptions were on point, and every end had me wanting more. The plot twist was unforseen! I love when that happens! This is more than a novel. It's one of those rare gems that only happens once in a lifetime. I'm excited to read the sequel and hopefully one day see this adapted into a movie! Fans of Twilight will love the complex characters, engaging story, and overall character arcs.
For my Christian readers, this book has moderate language.
100/100 stars
They take her to Chief Silvercrow, who helps Sienna overcome her fears, learn more about her missing parents, and her roots as a strong indigenous woman.
From the first sentence, this book had a hold on me. As if some spell had been cast, I could not put it down. Every chapter was beautifully written and had me captivated. The prose was awesome, her hooks were unattachable, her descriptions were on point, and every end had me wanting more. The plot twist was unforseen! I love when that happens! This is more than a novel. It's one of those rare gems that only happens once in a lifetime. I'm excited to read the sequel and hopefully one day see this adapted into a movie! Fans of Twilight will love the complex characters, engaging story, and overall character arcs.
For my Christian readers, this book has moderate language.
100/100 stars
July 15, 2023
There aren’t a LOT of spoilers in this review, but enough for me to give a warning. The plot of this book is so unique! The concept of a dream world actually being real is extremely creative, especially the way that Alyssa wove that possibility into her plot. Her mother’s journal is an excellent literary tool to inform the reader of the sister planets and the veil while also symbolizing a connection to her mother and her ancestry. One of my favorite aspects of the world building in Nevaeh is the fact that the counsel is made up of members that are each responsible for certain types of dreams/nightmares. I think my favorite counsel member, just out of concept alone, is the Nook of Pariah, responsible for the in-between and the misfits. Even though he wasn’t showcased in this novel, I just really love that idea and the flexibility and potential that character has in the future. Having a character like Brianna for Sienna (just realized their names rhyme lol) was great because she really needed a friend on her journey. I love a good love triangle and of course I’m rooting for Ryker. Something about forbidden love is so addictive except in the end, of course, “forbidden” isn’t the word for it anymore 😉 I am SO excited to see what happens with Sienna in book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dreaming of Fire gripped me from the first page. I usually dislike when novels start with a dream sequence, but I love how Alyssa puts a twist on the old cliche by having the feather from Sienna's dream appear in reality once she wakes up. She is a human dreamcatcher, and that's only the beginning of the unique ideas that this novel presents. Dreaming of Fire is full of beautiful language and imagery too, and I found myself admiring a lot of the clever phrases that the book presented.
This line especially wowed me and I had to take note: "What if I breathed in some second-hand pot and exhaled his secrets out into the night?" In context with Jedd and the abuse she was keeping secret, this line was quite impactful.
*Spoilers*
At first, the novel is a little slow and I felt my attention waning until I got closer to page 100. I'm glad I kept reading though because once Sienna gets to Naveah things really pick up and my full attention was taken again. Sienna's relationship with Jedd is quite awful (after all, it is an abusive relationship), but the whole time I was just waiting for Sienna to do something so I could read on to the exciting bits.
Sienna also accepts her newly discovered powers quite easily. I actually loved this about Dreaming of Fire. So often in novels characters fight their destiny and deny their abilities or that they are special, so it was a breath of fresh air to have a character accept reality as it came to her. Overall, she is a very strong and vivid character.
The world-building in Dreaming of Fire is really well done too, especially when we get to Naveah. The lore and beings paired with the mythology really kept me engaged and was well thought out. I didn't feel like I was reading just another fantasy story.
In Naveah, Sienna searches for her parents and begins to have feelings for someone she shouldn't--the prince of Feardawn. I won't say what happens there though because I really think you should give Dreaming of Fire a read and experience the story yourself.
Dreaming of Fire gripped me from the first page. I usually dislike when novels start with a dream sequence, but I love how Alyssa puts a twist on the old cliche by having the feather from Sienna's dream appear in reality once she wakes up. She is a human dreamcatcher, and that's only the beginning of the unique ideas that this novel presents. Dreaming of Fire is full of beautiful language and imagery too, and I found myself admiring a lot of the clever phrases that the book presented.
This line especially wowed me and I had to take note: "What if I breathed in some second-hand pot and exhaled his secrets out into the night?" In context with Jedd and the abuse she was keeping secret, this line was quite impactful.
*Spoilers*
At first, the novel is a little slow and I felt my attention waning until I got closer to page 100. I'm glad I kept reading though because once Sienna gets to Naveah things really pick up and my full attention was taken again. Sienna's relationship with Jedd is quite awful (after all, it is an abusive relationship), but the whole time I was just waiting for Sienna to do something so I could read on to the exciting bits.
Sienna also accepts her newly discovered powers quite easily. I actually loved this about Dreaming of Fire. So often in novels characters fight their destiny and deny their abilities or that they are special, so it was a breath of fresh air to have a character accept reality as it came to her. Overall, she is a very strong and vivid character.
The world-building in Dreaming of Fire is really well done too, especially when we get to Naveah. The lore and beings paired with the mythology really kept me engaged and was well thought out. I didn't feel like I was reading just another fantasy story.
In Naveah, Sienna searches for her parents and begins to have feelings for someone she shouldn't--the prince of Feardawn. I won't say what happens there though because I really think you should give Dreaming of Fire a read and experience the story yourself.
November 14, 2023
This has got to be one of the most creative stories! It has all the things, all of them! Unicorns? Yup. Dream planet? Mhm! And so much freaking more but I’m holding back because I want you to be as confused/happy/sad/shocked as I was through these amazing books! The characters are all so different and fun to get to know. There are a lot of really beautiful moments of reconnection with our FMC and her people who she’s been separated from. The TWISTS. Ahhhhh. I love it.
The pain and abuse Sienna has endured is so raw and true and heavy. I hated it but I loved it because it was so honest. Her struggles are relatable to the struggles of so many of us. My heartttt. Warning though, there are some heavy heavyy topics/emotions/flashbacks that could be triggering for some so please read the TWs and take care of yourself. 💕
The pain and abuse Sienna has endured is so raw and true and heavy. I hated it but I loved it because it was so honest. Her struggles are relatable to the struggles of so many of us. My heartttt. Warning though, there are some heavy heavyy topics/emotions/flashbacks that could be triggering for some so please read the TWs and take care of yourself. 💕
May 25, 2024
“Dreaming of Fire” by Alyssa Kelso is an incredibly interesting novel about Sienna Steel, an 18 year old girl, who learns she is a descendent of a powerful tribe from a sister planet to Earth call Nevaeh. As she learns more about her parents’ and their disappearance, she is determined to find them. Her new friends and new flirtations are a huge support in shaping the new young woman that Sienna sets out to become. The book beautifully balances world-building and plot development, and I can’t say enough good things about how well written this is, including being representative and respectful of native culture in such a big way. I LOVE reading, and will gobble up damn near anything that catches my interest – this series felt Harry Potter level obsession to me, and that’s not something I’ve found quite a passion for in a long time. I SAID WHAT I SAID. Read this book.
November 17, 2025
Dreaming of Fire completely swept me off my feet. Alyssa Kelso has this way of building tension and emotion that feels effortless, and before I realized it, I was fully invested. The world is atmospheric in all the right ways—lush, dangerous, and humming with magic—but it never overwhelms the story. Everything serves the characters, and the characters absolutely shine!
I adored the slow-burn emotional unraveling, the push-and-pull dynamics, and the way Kelso balances tenderness with high stakes. There’s a rhythm to the writing that makes the story feel almost cinematic, and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end without a single lag.
If you love fantasy with heart, heat, and a heroine you can genuinely root for, this one belongs on your TBR. I immediately reached for the sequel.
5/5 stars
I adored the slow-burn emotional unraveling, the push-and-pull dynamics, and the way Kelso balances tenderness with high stakes. There’s a rhythm to the writing that makes the story feel almost cinematic, and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end without a single lag.
If you love fantasy with heart, heat, and a heroine you can genuinely root for, this one belongs on your TBR. I immediately reached for the sequel.
5/5 stars
August 11, 2020
Absolutely loved this book.
Sienna Steel has no easy life, her parents are gone, her 'boyfriend' is... ugh he is terrible, and abusive.
This part is so well written, I could feel her need to escape, but he has her in control.
Until the day her dormant magic comes to life and she awakes in a different world, without him.
This is where she starts to explore herself, find out what makes her tick. She makes new friends, learns to use magic and finds herself in trouble. Again.
I cannot wait for the next book!
Sienna Steel has no easy life, her parents are gone, her 'boyfriend' is... ugh he is terrible, and abusive.
This part is so well written, I could feel her need to escape, but he has her in control.
Until the day her dormant magic comes to life and she awakes in a different world, without him.
This is where she starts to explore herself, find out what makes her tick. She makes new friends, learns to use magic and finds herself in trouble. Again.
I cannot wait for the next book!
January 23, 2023
What an incredible journey this book was!! I had so much fun learning about the world of Neveah along with Sienna. The imagery was so descriptive that I felt like I was there with her. She was such a relatable character, and it was so fun to watch her grow and learn, and gain the confidence to use her voice. TW for some sexual harassment and abuse, but it needed to be part of the story and part of the conversation in the world we live in today. I had so many other things I needed to do, but couldn't put this one down. Love the author as well, can't wait for the next book!! ❤️
September 16, 2018
For someone who normaly can't stand first-person stories, I fell in love with this book. It is a great telling of change, growth, and love of one's self. impatiently wating for the next one! i bought the paperback, which was quickly 'borrowed' by a friend, who also couldn't get enough and didn't want to give it back. It is now 1000 miles away because after reading the first few pages to my sister she had to read it. Love, love, love this book.
May 16, 2024
This book is absolutely amazing! I was enthralled from the start. Kelso’s use of imagery gives a captivating invite into the world she has built.
This book follows Sienna’s journey through trauma, healing and overcoming. This is a beautiful story of a girl becoming a woman and learning from her trauma instead of allowing it to keep her down. Incredibly well written and amazingly creative story!
This book follows Sienna’s journey through trauma, healing and overcoming. This is a beautiful story of a girl becoming a woman and learning from her trauma instead of allowing it to keep her down. Incredibly well written and amazingly creative story!
February 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this! I found it quite unique - the world and the magic system were so interesting. I really liked the characters. I liked our FMC, she has a lot of depth and her emotions were written so intense and vivid. She's so young and has been through so much and I felt everything with her. The side characters were really well done as well and did a great job of complimenting our FMC without overshadowing her. There were times where this read slightly juvenile but since our FMC is young, it made sense and made her a little more believable. The reveal at the end really surprised me and I can't wait to continue the series!
September 16, 2019
I loved this book. It was detailed with the characters, had a strong storyline that kept me glued at every page and the world the author created was just beautiful to imagine in my mind. I liked seeing Sienna grow as a person and the cliffhanger at the end is just so suspenseful, I can't wait to read the next one.
September 12, 2022
It is so refreshing to be able to get lost in a book. I couldn't put it down, as each chapter held me captivated by its mesmerizing descriptions, the humorous interactions between characters, and (my favorite) cheesy love triangle trope. I love how the story of Sienna's life on Earth connects so beautifully with her experiences on Neveah. Now I just have to wait for the rest of the series🙃
October 4, 2023
This book drew me in from the start, such a beautifully written story. It sends you into such an amazing world that you can’t put it down, and can I just say I am team Prince of Nightmares. This is a must read, and I just got the second book that just came out and I am beyond excited to get lost in the dreamworld again.
January 8, 2025
I got this book at Dragonsteel Nexus 2024 (iykyk) and was immediately ecstatic at how familiar her writing style was to me! I like writing poetry and her words flowed like a poem in my mind. I really loved this book, it has a perfect mix of fantasy, romance, self-discovery, and magic. Keep writing! ❤️
September 20, 2025
“Just as the grass,trees,and flowers need rain to grow,We need sorrow to grow. Our tears are the very raindrops that transform our pain into sunflowers. Suffering is not a punishment but a lesson to learn from.”
I have always loved leaving about Native American culture since I was little. Having a book that has that culture in it was amazing to me!
I have always loved leaving about Native American culture since I was little. Having a book that has that culture in it was amazing to me!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews