The Dream

The Year of the Cat #1

by Zoe Daniels

The first in a terrifying new trilogy. Holly Callison arrives at Los Gatos High and hears whispers about the legend of a panther. At night, she begins to dream that she is being hunted by the powerful beast. During the day, she falls under the spell of a dangerous boy named Alex, whose wild nature unlocks the savage nature of Holly's true self.

Genres: Young Adult, Paranormal, Fantasy, Supernatural, Shapeshifters, Childrens

230 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Also writes as Miranda Bliss, Casey Daniels, Connie Deka, Mimi Granger, Anastasia Hastings, Connie Lane, Connie Laux, Constance Laux, Kylie Logan, Lucy Ness.

Reviews

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I once read a review of this series that said it read like an L.J. Smith knockoff. I can see why the reviewer thought that. The story wasn't as developed as it could have been. There was so much that could have been explored emotionally and I can only hope the mythology will be expanded upon in the next two books. I might have loved this book had I read it in the nineties, when I was a teenager searching for any book having to do with vampires or anything supernatural. I will finish this series, if only because the second book is on its way to the library and the third one is waiting on my shelf, but I'll probably never love it.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this trilogy at school and loved it. I didn't remember much of the story and enjoyed the re-read.

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Didn’t Like:
-This one is out of print which means it’s hard to find and, if you do find it, you’ll likely pay too much to read it. That’s a big deal because it means I have to be careful about recommending it.
-A little predictable if you read a lot in this genre.
-It’s not horror. Put the same book out today and it would be fantasy or maybe paranormal fantasy. Not horror. Never horror.

What I Did Like:
-Original concept. We’re not talking werewolves, vampires, angels or demons. It’s different (even after all these years) and different is cool.
-Tropes I actually like. Chosen one, new girl in school, old legends, and dangerous boys.
-Dream sequences. I do like a good dream sequence that adds to the story line and this one does that. Interesting and intense.

The Verdict: If I can put aside the nostalgia for a series I remember falling in love with when I was young, this is honestly a 3 star book. It’s only good if you like the paranormal style tropes but want something new that you haven’t seen a hundred times. Plus, even if you are that kind of reader this one is HARD to come by.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED. IT.

[Laura Sanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new town, a nice guy and the irresistible guy. Such a great start to one of my favorite book series!

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back in the 90s when this series came out I really liked it. Then I forgot about it until last year or so. I could picture the cover and knew it had something to do with teens turning into panthers, but I could remember the title. Finally, thanks to Goodreads, I was able to find the series and ordered the first book from Amazon.
Holly is the new girl in town and quickly makes friends with Tisha and Jason and just as quickly becomes mesmerized by Alex Sarandon and his twin sister Laila. Soon she starts having dreams of a panther. Alex and his crew figure out what's going on with Holly and after kidnapping her to the Hollow they discover that their suspicion was right. Holly is like them. She can turn into a panther.
Apparently my book tastes have changed since I was a teen because I didn't like this book as I did back in the day. So I probably won't read the next two books. But if you are into syfy type books you might like it.

[Sakura Koneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was one that I found the first book of in a local library many years ago.

Originally I was a little confused and thought it was about vampires, though halfway through I figured out that was incorrect. I continued reading anyway and wasn't disappointed.

This book begins the love story between Holly and Alex, though the rest of the series puts a little twist in.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the series when they first came out. The book store had them listed as recommended reading by the staff. Has a love triangle, shape-shifting, and some creepy suspense for the age bracket.

Surprisingly, these look to be the only books Zoe Daniels has written. Goodreads and Amazon list nothing else under her name.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY VERY good and mysterious.

[JoAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW! This was super cute! Im ready to see the characters really blossom in the next two books. Are they going down a truely dark path, or just embracing the gift they have recieved! I must find out!!

[Sarah Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and it's follow up two books.