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Dreamscape Adventures, Inc.
Workaholic insurance attorney Luke Darringer has it all: money, looks, ambition. Sure, he hasn’t taken a vacation in over a decade, and his personal life is almost nonexistent—but that’s a small price to pay in order to maintain strict control, and minimize his vulnerabilities.
But then Luke’s firm, with the help of his cheeky administrative assistant Charlotte, strong-arms him into becoming the first-ever client of the new Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. The new company promises fantastical vacations to wealthy clients, as well as controlled therapeutic experiences to individuals suffering from various forms of mental illness, such as autism and PTSD. They’re a potentially huge client for Luke’s firm, but they need liability insurance before they can get off the ground. Luke expects he'll have a quick little canyoneering adventure like he did back in his college days, and then get right back to the grindstone.
But Luke’s adventure doesn’t quite go the way he planned. Eli, the entrepreneur in charge, assures Luke that the glitches are nothing to worry about, and they’ll have things under control again in no time. Instead, Luke soon finds himself in a wilderness of questionable reality, where he is responsible not only for his own safety, but also Charlotte’s, Eli’s, and that of a nonverbal autistic boy whose vulnerability strikes a bit too close to home. Forced to confront his past and his deepest fears, Luke must decide whether to rewrite history and become the man he's always wanted to be—or whether instead he is doomed to repeat it.
But then Luke’s firm, with the help of his cheeky administrative assistant Charlotte, strong-arms him into becoming the first-ever client of the new Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. The new company promises fantastical vacations to wealthy clients, as well as controlled therapeutic experiences to individuals suffering from various forms of mental illness, such as autism and PTSD. They’re a potentially huge client for Luke’s firm, but they need liability insurance before they can get off the ground. Luke expects he'll have a quick little canyoneering adventure like he did back in his college days, and then get right back to the grindstone.
But Luke’s adventure doesn’t quite go the way he planned. Eli, the entrepreneur in charge, assures Luke that the glitches are nothing to worry about, and they’ll have things under control again in no time. Instead, Luke soon finds himself in a wilderness of questionable reality, where he is responsible not only for his own safety, but also Charlotte’s, Eli’s, and that of a nonverbal autistic boy whose vulnerability strikes a bit too close to home. Forced to confront his past and his deepest fears, Luke must decide whether to rewrite history and become the man he's always wanted to be—or whether instead he is doomed to repeat it.
- GenresAudiobook
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
15 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Gray
29 books512 followersC.A. Gray is the author of three YA Amazon bestselling trilogies: PIERCING THE VEIL (magic and quantum physics meet Arthurian legends), THE LIBERTY BOX (dystopian metaphysics and mind control technology), and UNCANNY VALLEY (dystopian coming-of-age with neuroscience and super intelligent A.I). She starts with some scientific concept that she’s interested in learning more about herself, and then creates lots of epic chaos and high-stakes action to go along with it. Her stories are free of gratuitous violence, language, and sexual content, and she abhors depressing endings… but they’re not all kittens and rainbows either! She also listens to and reviews audiobooks on her website, here on Goodreads, on Instagram, and on her podcast, Clean Audiobook Reviews, where she also occasionally interviews other authors.
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.
She does sleep, too. Promise.
Join her newsletter for best-of-the-month reads, freebies and giveaway information, as well as new releases! http://eepurl.com/F3rof
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 28, 2019
AUDIO BOOK REVIEW. What a premise! Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. offers its clients a virtual get-away into the fantasy world of the client’s choice. Knights in shining armor? You got it. Alien world adventure? No problem. DA can create any alternate reality experience for your pleasure – or your therapy. Since I very recently had my own, first time interactive virtual reality experience that included a showdown with Darth Vader (at the amazing VOID in Orlando), this book had great appeal.
For main character Luke, he just needs a dang vacation, though as a workaholic, he feels he really can’t afford to take the time. His get-away isn’t anything as fantastic as being a part of the Rebel Alliance – he just wants to do some canyoneering, something he enjoyed earlier in life but for which he no longer has the fitness or time to do. But since he’s tasked by his employer to check out DA and see if they are insurable, off Luke goes on his adventure.
What I expected based on the cover blurb was a virtual adventure gone wrong – technology gone amok, human survival instincts kicking in for action and adventure and danger. I was thinking Yul Brynner/Westworld. And while readers do get all of the above (sans a Yul Brynner robot), and author C.A. Gray gives readers some edge-of-your-seat moments, the real focus of Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. is relationships. Specifically, the complicated thing that is love takes center stage, which threw me for a loop.
As if navigating a hostile environment isn’t enough for Luke, what he must navigate in dealing with Charlotte, his executive assistant in the real world, is any man’s hell. The constant peppering of questions both she and Eli, the mastermind behind Dreamscape Adventures, is any person’s nightmare. Poor, self-centered, flawed Luke doesn’t get a break from being asked how to share how he feels and being put on the spot to share his heart’s deepest desires and fears and sorrow. To top-off that torture, in a strange “This is Your Life” kind of denouement, Luke is forced to literally face his past and deal with all the pain it inflicted. Some vacation.
“It struck him ironically how very unselfish this was.”
In Dreamscape Adventures, Inc., author C.A. Gray weaves an interesting and at times engrossing tale of the extreme measures it takes for some to re-set their lives and priorities. With more than a few unexpected twists, the author allows readers to not only observe, but to evaluate within themselves how this overstimulating, too busy world we live in takes its toll. It explores how snap judgments, assumptions, and privilege can lead to misery and loneliness and that sometimes, intervention is the only way out.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Matthew Berry performs each of the characters very well, so that each is unique and easily recognized. He happily has mastered voicing females, and he nails the sass, snit, and sarcasm of Charlotte perfectly. I did increase the speed to 1.25x within the first chapter, which is standard for me, so the pacing was even and perfect. There were a few peculiar pronunciations and sentence pauses, but without seeing the text, I am not sure where the fault falls. Overall, really well-done and I’d definitely listen to Berry narrate again.
Thank you to Audiobookworm Promotions and the author for providing me a digital audio book in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on on 8/28/2019.
For main character Luke, he just needs a dang vacation, though as a workaholic, he feels he really can’t afford to take the time. His get-away isn’t anything as fantastic as being a part of the Rebel Alliance – he just wants to do some canyoneering, something he enjoyed earlier in life but for which he no longer has the fitness or time to do. But since he’s tasked by his employer to check out DA and see if they are insurable, off Luke goes on his adventure.
What I expected based on the cover blurb was a virtual adventure gone wrong – technology gone amok, human survival instincts kicking in for action and adventure and danger. I was thinking Yul Brynner/Westworld. And while readers do get all of the above (sans a Yul Brynner robot), and author C.A. Gray gives readers some edge-of-your-seat moments, the real focus of Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. is relationships. Specifically, the complicated thing that is love takes center stage, which threw me for a loop.
As if navigating a hostile environment isn’t enough for Luke, what he must navigate in dealing with Charlotte, his executive assistant in the real world, is any man’s hell. The constant peppering of questions both she and Eli, the mastermind behind Dreamscape Adventures, is any person’s nightmare. Poor, self-centered, flawed Luke doesn’t get a break from being asked how to share how he feels and being put on the spot to share his heart’s deepest desires and fears and sorrow. To top-off that torture, in a strange “This is Your Life” kind of denouement, Luke is forced to literally face his past and deal with all the pain it inflicted. Some vacation.
“It struck him ironically how very unselfish this was.”
In Dreamscape Adventures, Inc., author C.A. Gray weaves an interesting and at times engrossing tale of the extreme measures it takes for some to re-set their lives and priorities. With more than a few unexpected twists, the author allows readers to not only observe, but to evaluate within themselves how this overstimulating, too busy world we live in takes its toll. It explores how snap judgments, assumptions, and privilege can lead to misery and loneliness and that sometimes, intervention is the only way out.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Matthew Berry performs each of the characters very well, so that each is unique and easily recognized. He happily has mastered voicing females, and he nails the sass, snit, and sarcasm of Charlotte perfectly. I did increase the speed to 1.25x within the first chapter, which is standard for me, so the pacing was even and perfect. There were a few peculiar pronunciations and sentence pauses, but without seeing the text, I am not sure where the fault falls. Overall, really well-done and I’d definitely listen to Berry narrate again.
Thank you to Audiobookworm Promotions and the author for providing me a digital audio book in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on on 8/28/2019.
September 18, 2019
I've seen West World ... probably hard not to make a comparison, as the basic premise is similar. It also reminded me a bit of a movie "OtherLife" where the vacation/experience is completely simulated but feels real. This seemed a mix of the two. Some simulation, some robot interaction/"real" physical world.
Spoilers ahead ...
I was able to get the Kindle copy as part of Kindle Unlimited. I requested the audio and was granted it in exchange for an honest review. I was glad to have the kindle (text) copy as well, as I wanted to double check a few things in the audio. At one point, the characters gathered "fuel wood" ... I'd expect the writing to say "fire wood" or "fuel" ... later, the Charlotte was "wrapping up both her dress and Luke's tuxedo jacket and pants in bloody meat" ... was it meant to say she wrapped up up the meat in the material? I'm pretty sure that's what was happening ;) There were a few times when the narrator DID get it wrong. "His conscience pricked him" and the narrator said "conscious" (which sort of still works, but it was enough to make me stop the audio and check the text. The word calves and cows are definitely related and could possibly be interchanged, except when the calves one is referring to are part of a human leg, not an animal (yes, that slip of the tongue really caused me to stop and check the text!). There were some strange pronunciations too ... alcove. The narrator said "a-clove" ... more than once! He pronounced naked nekid (which if it had been spelled/said that way by the character I would have been okay with), and I have heard others say the word wolf as woof, but it always throws me.
So - I was jolted out of my book experience a few times.
Spoilers ahead ...
I was able to get the Kindle copy as part of Kindle Unlimited. I requested the audio and was granted it in exchange for an honest review. I was glad to have the kindle (text) copy as well, as I wanted to double check a few things in the audio. At one point, the characters gathered "fuel wood" ... I'd expect the writing to say "fire wood" or "fuel" ... later, the Charlotte was "wrapping up both her dress and Luke's tuxedo jacket and pants in bloody meat" ... was it meant to say she wrapped up up the meat in the material? I'm pretty sure that's what was happening ;) There were a few times when the narrator DID get it wrong. "His conscience pricked him" and the narrator said "conscious" (which sort of still works, but it was enough to make me stop the audio and check the text. The word calves and cows are definitely related and could possibly be interchanged, except when the calves one is referring to are part of a human leg, not an animal (yes, that slip of the tongue really caused me to stop and check the text!). There were some strange pronunciations too ... alcove. The narrator said "a-clove" ... more than once! He pronounced naked nekid (which if it had been spelled/said that way by the character I would have been okay with), and I have heard others say the word wolf as woof, but it always throws me.
So - I was jolted out of my book experience a few times.
Read
September 1, 2019Rating: 4.5 Stars
Ms. Gray has given me quite the adventure. First she gives me a character that I started out wondering if I would ever like him. He seemed bound and determined not to like what was going to happen to him. Then we meet his assistant. You start to wonder why she stays working for a man who seems so self-absorbed. You continue because you wonder what the author plans for the character's/and our adventure. I was impressed that the author included a character that has a disorder. We see that the characters aren't perfect and that's just the way I like it - it helps make the story seem more real.
Mr. Berry may not have me thinking of either of the main characters while listening to him. He did however help while picturing the scenes as they went by. And I could picture him being a secondary character keeping us up to date on all the goings on.
I thought this more fantasy and science fiction than paranormal. This is a story that I could see becoming real at some time in time. After all, if an author can be so creative to come up with a dream adventure why can't someone take her idea and run with it. Thinking back to some of the old shows I grew up with, I could see this becoming a part of a series. Each week would be another adventure. Maybe there would be a part of the plot that they find themselves needing to get out of trouble.
Our author creates suspense, hints of romance, and plenty to get you caught up in what's going on. Will things turn out ok? How would we get ourselves out of the same situation? Would you go to the company and ask them to create you an adventure? Will you follow this author and see what else she has to offer?
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
Ms. Gray has given me quite the adventure. First she gives me a character that I started out wondering if I would ever like him. He seemed bound and determined not to like what was going to happen to him. Then we meet his assistant. You start to wonder why she stays working for a man who seems so self-absorbed. You continue because you wonder what the author plans for the character's/and our adventure. I was impressed that the author included a character that has a disorder. We see that the characters aren't perfect and that's just the way I like it - it helps make the story seem more real.
Mr. Berry may not have me thinking of either of the main characters while listening to him. He did however help while picturing the scenes as they went by. And I could picture him being a secondary character keeping us up to date on all the goings on.
I thought this more fantasy and science fiction than paranormal. This is a story that I could see becoming real at some time in time. After all, if an author can be so creative to come up with a dream adventure why can't someone take her idea and run with it. Thinking back to some of the old shows I grew up with, I could see this becoming a part of a series. Each week would be another adventure. Maybe there would be a part of the plot that they find themselves needing to get out of trouble.
Our author creates suspense, hints of romance, and plenty to get you caught up in what's going on. Will things turn out ok? How would we get ourselves out of the same situation? Would you go to the company and ask them to create you an adventure? Will you follow this author and see what else she has to offer?
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
April 22, 2019
It's release day!! This is my first standalone novel, and the protagonists are also older (though I never say how old -- they're in their careers, though). The story is character-driven magical realism, and the first where the primary conflict is internal, mirrored by experiences in the external world. It's a quick, fun read, and it was a lot of fun to write!
August 16, 2020
Dreamscape Adventures is an entertaining and thought-provoking book, with both engaging technology and descriptions and an underlying challenge to the idea that people's personalities and attitudes about the world are fixed in middle age.
Dreamscape the company within the book is a virtual reality tourism company -- somewhat like in Total Recall but that instead of lying in a chamber and wearing a headset, users are freely moving about an environment -- but nanobots injected into their bodies influence their nervous system so the Dreamscape technicians overlay their senses with whatever environment they wish -- rock climbing, fairy castles, weather, etc.
Dreamscape has both therapeutic and profit angles for this -- using the immersion for both mental breakthrough and fantasy fulfillment. They are ready to launch but need insurance. That's where our main character Luke comes in -- a seemingly shallow, aloof man who has walled himself off from the world in due to a number of childhood traumas.
Pushed by his assistant, probably the only person he trusts, to take the assignment, he goes for it. Their bond is really critical to the novel, and somewhat problematic in the current times -- as he basically keeps her down because of his fear she will leave him. For whatever reason, she puts up with him and makes him look like a hero to his company, clients, etc. so he really owes this to her whether he realizes it or not.
He goes on a canyoneering adventure in order to test out the risks and determine if his company is willing to offer liability insurance. For me, the little he asked prior to allowing himself to be injected with the nanobots was a bit odd, but probably necessary to move the plot along. All is going well with the exception of a few snags, like a run-in with an ex-girlfriend, until his assistant, the owner of the company, and an autistic boy he met earlier that was supposed to be in a completely different Dreamscape show up. Luke has to experience quite a bit of things outside his comfort zone -- does he come out of it, and if so, is he different?
I was definitely entertained and kept looking for where the "break" with reality might be, and the parts where they aren't sure if they are in the experience or not. I'm not sure what the rules were supposed to be regarding how you can control/change the experiences -- either by thinking it or calling out to the technicians since Luke tries both and sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I'm also not quite sure about some of the debrief interviews, but they certainly helped address the therapeutic side.
Very interesting on the power of the mind and what it takes for the will to change.
I received a complimentary advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dreamscape the company within the book is a virtual reality tourism company -- somewhat like in Total Recall but that instead of lying in a chamber and wearing a headset, users are freely moving about an environment -- but nanobots injected into their bodies influence their nervous system so the Dreamscape technicians overlay their senses with whatever environment they wish -- rock climbing, fairy castles, weather, etc.
Dreamscape has both therapeutic and profit angles for this -- using the immersion for both mental breakthrough and fantasy fulfillment. They are ready to launch but need insurance. That's where our main character Luke comes in -- a seemingly shallow, aloof man who has walled himself off from the world in due to a number of childhood traumas.
Pushed by his assistant, probably the only person he trusts, to take the assignment, he goes for it. Their bond is really critical to the novel, and somewhat problematic in the current times -- as he basically keeps her down because of his fear she will leave him. For whatever reason, she puts up with him and makes him look like a hero to his company, clients, etc. so he really owes this to her whether he realizes it or not.
He goes on a canyoneering adventure in order to test out the risks and determine if his company is willing to offer liability insurance. For me, the little he asked prior to allowing himself to be injected with the nanobots was a bit odd, but probably necessary to move the plot along. All is going well with the exception of a few snags, like a run-in with an ex-girlfriend, until his assistant, the owner of the company, and an autistic boy he met earlier that was supposed to be in a completely different Dreamscape show up. Luke has to experience quite a bit of things outside his comfort zone -- does he come out of it, and if so, is he different?
I was definitely entertained and kept looking for where the "break" with reality might be, and the parts where they aren't sure if they are in the experience or not. I'm not sure what the rules were supposed to be regarding how you can control/change the experiences -- either by thinking it or calling out to the technicians since Luke tries both and sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I'm also not quite sure about some of the debrief interviews, but they certainly helped address the therapeutic side.
Very interesting on the power of the mind and what it takes for the will to change.
I received a complimentary advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2020
What happens when an opportunity for the vacation of a lifetime turns into a nightmare? Luke Derringer is already disgruntled about being assigned the task to assess Dreamscape Adventures, Inc for liability insurance when his working vacation quickly turns into a matter of wilderness survival. Not only will he have to help a group of inexperienced canyoneers survive in the harsh climate, but he’ll also have to relive the childhood fears that he had long ago locked away.
As a first time reader of C. A. Gray’s work, I was very pleased with my reading experience. Gray did a magnificent job of creating an exciting story premise with the Dreamscape technology. She also kept the story engaging with the interpersonal relationships between the characters and the dangers of wilderness survival. I enjoyed watching Luke’s inner struggles as he wrestled with the problems presented and how his attitude was affected by everything that happened along the way. This book ended up being a quick read as I could not wait to find out how things would turn out in the end.
In a way, the book reminded me of Jurassic Park—an expensive pleasure business that requires approval for liability insurance, but an IT glitch causes major issues for the test-run clients leaving them to survive in a dangerous setting. In Dreamscapes, however, there are no man-eating dinosaurs lurking in the background, only Luke’s worst fears and the childhood trauma that shaped him into the cold, hard man he was at the beginning of the book. Luke’s character growth was slow and steady over the course of the story, and while I think he still had a ways to go at the end, I found the conclusion of the book was overall satisfying.
I’m glad I had an opportunity to read and review this book, and I look forward to reading more from this author soon! If you like virtual reality technology, redemption, relationship development, and survival stories, you’ll want to check this one out for yourself!
The content is appropriate for a mature teen or adult audience. The book includes mild swearing and allusions to sexual activities but nothing graphic.
I received a free copy of the book to read. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
As a first time reader of C. A. Gray’s work, I was very pleased with my reading experience. Gray did a magnificent job of creating an exciting story premise with the Dreamscape technology. She also kept the story engaging with the interpersonal relationships between the characters and the dangers of wilderness survival. I enjoyed watching Luke’s inner struggles as he wrestled with the problems presented and how his attitude was affected by everything that happened along the way. This book ended up being a quick read as I could not wait to find out how things would turn out in the end.
In a way, the book reminded me of Jurassic Park—an expensive pleasure business that requires approval for liability insurance, but an IT glitch causes major issues for the test-run clients leaving them to survive in a dangerous setting. In Dreamscapes, however, there are no man-eating dinosaurs lurking in the background, only Luke’s worst fears and the childhood trauma that shaped him into the cold, hard man he was at the beginning of the book. Luke’s character growth was slow and steady over the course of the story, and while I think he still had a ways to go at the end, I found the conclusion of the book was overall satisfying.
I’m glad I had an opportunity to read and review this book, and I look forward to reading more from this author soon! If you like virtual reality technology, redemption, relationship development, and survival stories, you’ll want to check this one out for yourself!
The content is appropriate for a mature teen or adult audience. The book includes mild swearing and allusions to sexual activities but nothing graphic.
I received a free copy of the book to read. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 26, 2019
Luke Darringer an insurance attorney has not been on a vacation in a very long time but that is about to change when he gets a new assignment to evaluate a new company, Dreamscape Adventures, Inc.
Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. is a new company where you can book the vacation of your dreams literally. If your dream vacation is being an elf, a princess or a fairy in another realm or rock climbing then Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. will make that happen. Luke is invited to go on the vacation of a lifetime in order to evaluate the company and then decide if his firm will take them on as a client.
Luke’s Dreamscape Adventures is not quite the vacation he was promised as it reminds him so much of his past. Luke must face his past so he can move forward in his real life. Luke knows that his vacation of a lifetime with Dreamscape Adventures is not real but when things take a drastic turn he is no longer certain if it is real or not especially when everyone’s life is put in danger and he puts himself in charge making it his responsibility for getting everyone out alive and blaming himself if he does not.
Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. took off at warp speed and never let up it just got faster and faster until the next thing I knew I was turning the last page. I loved all the characters and the world building was astronomical I mean imagine a real place like Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. and getting to go on a vacation of a lifetime, anything you could imagine to any place you could imagine now that would be so awesome.
The characters pulled me into the story making me feel everything they felt. One minute they would have me laughing with them and the next I would feel fear for them or so sad that I was choking up and even at times I was sniffing trying to hold back the tears which I don’t think I was very successful at doing.
If you are looking for adventure filled with lots of twists and all running at warp speed then give Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. a try it is an amazing story. I know the author said this was a stand-alone but it would be awesome to continue with someone else’s adventure or dream come true now wouldn’t it?
Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. is a new company where you can book the vacation of your dreams literally. If your dream vacation is being an elf, a princess or a fairy in another realm or rock climbing then Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. will make that happen. Luke is invited to go on the vacation of a lifetime in order to evaluate the company and then decide if his firm will take them on as a client.
Luke’s Dreamscape Adventures is not quite the vacation he was promised as it reminds him so much of his past. Luke must face his past so he can move forward in his real life. Luke knows that his vacation of a lifetime with Dreamscape Adventures is not real but when things take a drastic turn he is no longer certain if it is real or not especially when everyone’s life is put in danger and he puts himself in charge making it his responsibility for getting everyone out alive and blaming himself if he does not.
Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. took off at warp speed and never let up it just got faster and faster until the next thing I knew I was turning the last page. I loved all the characters and the world building was astronomical I mean imagine a real place like Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. and getting to go on a vacation of a lifetime, anything you could imagine to any place you could imagine now that would be so awesome.
The characters pulled me into the story making me feel everything they felt. One minute they would have me laughing with them and the next I would feel fear for them or so sad that I was choking up and even at times I was sniffing trying to hold back the tears which I don’t think I was very successful at doing.
If you are looking for adventure filled with lots of twists and all running at warp speed then give Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. a try it is an amazing story. I know the author said this was a stand-alone but it would be awesome to continue with someone else’s adventure or dream come true now wouldn’t it?
April 25, 2019
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite
As a mixture between a polished, mild Westworld adventure and one inside a program of the holodeck on the Enterprise from Star Trek, ‘Dreamscape Adventured, Inc’ by C. A. Gray gets the reader right into the action. Luke Darringer is a successful lawyer in New York City. His company is supposed to try one of their programs to evaluate the risks and eventually underwrite them. Just like in Westworld, the reader is thrown into the desert between Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Everything looks so real that only when his adventure mixes with Charlotte’s, his administrative assistant, Luke realises how good the Dreamscape’s project seems to be. From there, everything seems to go downhill and the real adventure begins, with Luke never sure about what is real and what is not.
C. A. Gray writes a story that reminds me a lot of a holonovel from the Star Trek universe gone wrong, as it is in that universe tradition. Entertaining and touching are the Eli/Luke and Billy/Luke interactions, while I found rather unoriginal the ones between Luke and Charlotte, but that’s because I don’t fancy romance too much, and, in the end, this story falls into that category as well. Despite this not so much subtle aspect, I think the author does a good job with the narrative. The actions are never boring and the story never slacks. If you like an adventurous romance with a mixture of fantasy and sci-fi, this novel is definitely for you.
As a mixture between a polished, mild Westworld adventure and one inside a program of the holodeck on the Enterprise from Star Trek, ‘Dreamscape Adventured, Inc’ by C. A. Gray gets the reader right into the action. Luke Darringer is a successful lawyer in New York City. His company is supposed to try one of their programs to evaluate the risks and eventually underwrite them. Just like in Westworld, the reader is thrown into the desert between Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Everything looks so real that only when his adventure mixes with Charlotte’s, his administrative assistant, Luke realises how good the Dreamscape’s project seems to be. From there, everything seems to go downhill and the real adventure begins, with Luke never sure about what is real and what is not.
C. A. Gray writes a story that reminds me a lot of a holonovel from the Star Trek universe gone wrong, as it is in that universe tradition. Entertaining and touching are the Eli/Luke and Billy/Luke interactions, while I found rather unoriginal the ones between Luke and Charlotte, but that’s because I don’t fancy romance too much, and, in the end, this story falls into that category as well. Despite this not so much subtle aspect, I think the author does a good job with the narrative. The actions are never boring and the story never slacks. If you like an adventurous romance with a mixture of fantasy and sci-fi, this novel is definitely for you.
April 8, 2020
I very much enjoyed this book, even though the author tipped her hand just a bit during the adventure. I didn’t mind, because I was so caught up in the story. I couldn’t always tell what was going to happen next, and there were a few twists that I didn’t see coming. Clever premise, tight writing, engaging characters. I really liked the way the protagonist was portrayed and the background information that was gradually revealed. I especially enjoyed the way this character remembered his past, versus the truth about those incidents, about which he knew nothing. It makes me wish this science weren’t just fictional. I hope this will become a series.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2020
This is a different kind of book for me so I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. Although it might seem like Westworld, the story is fresh. The characters are interesting and complex. Luke has been through a lot of trauma in his life leaving him not interested in a long term relationship and he seems like a jerk. There are twists, many of which were expected but some that weren’t.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
I am giving it four stars due to the improbability of certain situations.
I received a free copy of this book from the author through Book Sirens and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I definitely enjoyed reading this book.
I am giving it four stars due to the improbability of certain situations.
I received a free copy of this book from the author through Book Sirens and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 1, 2019
And C.A. Gray does it again! How the author comes up with all these great story lines is beyond me! You know a book is good when it has you crying in emotional scenes because you love the characters so much! This is a great book and I highly recommend it! I think the story line is relatable to a lot of people who like to bury their emotions inside. I’m sad this book is a stand alone because I’d love to read more about the characters but alas, the author wrote a great single story book and you should go read it right now! Go! :)
May 5, 2019
Fantastic story. Fast paced and entertaining. This story was very character driven and the main character was a very interesting and damaged man.This story was more emotional than I thought it would be. The reader may have had an idea as to what was happening but the main character didn't. It was amazing to see how he responded and how much he helped himself in the process. I was highly invested in his journey and loved seeing his transformation.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 24, 2020
When I started the book, I thought I might not like this one as a high powered attorney for an insurance company is not really my cup of tea. Plus, he was a jerk! Although the longer I read, the more intrigued I was by the story. Charlotte is a wonderful character and she really adds a lot to the story. Eli and Billy were characters with a twist. This is not the usual story that I would read, as I am more into space science fiction, but I think it was a GREAT story and would highly recommend it.
January 17, 2022
Amazing, action-packed, suspense, sci-fi novel that you HAVE to read!
The plot is totally unique (and I read over 300 books each year, so I have read many plots, arcs, tropes, etc.). The characters are interesting and grow exponentially as the book progresses. I wasn't sure how this would end, and I can usually guess the ending of books I read. My husband asked if I was coming to bed and I told him I had to finish this book as I wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. That was at 1:35 am. I highly recommend this book!
The plot is totally unique (and I read over 300 books each year, so I have read many plots, arcs, tropes, etc.). The characters are interesting and grow exponentially as the book progresses. I wasn't sure how this would end, and I can usually guess the ending of books I read. My husband asked if I was coming to bed and I told him I had to finish this book as I wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. That was at 1:35 am. I highly recommend this book!
April 15, 2019
Easily her best work to date
Instead of chasing demons in the external world, Gray chases demons in Luke Derringer, her main character (in a great cast of characters). As always, the science is engaging and believable, but the interactions of the characters are even more engaging and believable. Kudos to Ms. Gray for another excellent read.
Instead of chasing demons in the external world, Gray chases demons in Luke Derringer, her main character (in a great cast of characters). As always, the science is engaging and believable, but the interactions of the characters are even more engaging and believable. Kudos to Ms. Gray for another excellent read.
August 17, 2019
Stuck in a dream world Luke is forced to confront his feelings wile getting everybody safely down a mountain
A great thriller with some feel good moments
Matt is a excellent narrater I always enjoy his work
A quick and entertaining read highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
A great thriller with some feel good moments
Matt is a excellent narrater I always enjoy his work
A quick and entertaining read highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
September 19, 2023
Disappointing.
The awesome C. A. Gray totally disappoints on this one even so that Hollywood took the idea for a futuristic TV show.
Matthew E Berry narration is beautifully done for each of the characters.
Recommended !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
The awesome C. A. Gray totally disappoints on this one even so that Hollywood took the idea for a futuristic TV show.
Matthew E Berry narration is beautifully done for each of the characters.
Recommended !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
April 19, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. Seeking funding for their project that allows customers to live out their own personal adventure of choice, Luke is invited to go on an unpredictable adventure of his own. If you enjoy fantasy and sci-fi, you'll enjoy this book.
October 2, 2019
I really enjoyed Dreamscape, Inc. It has a novel concept on AI which i enjoyed. Great job kudos for C.A. Gray! Highly recommend it!
Matthew Berry did an awesome job of developing character vocals and keeping the story at a brisk pace that kept your attention throughout.
Matthew Berry did an awesome job of developing character vocals and keeping the story at a brisk pace that kept your attention throughout.
July 16, 2020
This is the second book I read from this author. I was surprised - in a good way - how differently it was written. An absolutely clever and suspenseful plot until the end. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2021
This is deep psychology!
An intriguing concept, well thought out and beautifully written. An amazing understanding of the characters involved brought an unexpected realism to their journey through the dreamscape. I loved this book and will definitely read more by this author
An intriguing concept, well thought out and beautifully written. An amazing understanding of the characters involved brought an unexpected realism to their journey through the dreamscape. I loved this book and will definitely read more by this author
May 10, 2024
Ending did not make sense
This was an Interesting story that pulled me in. I could play along with the story/events, but the ending? No. That neat and tidy after the events that happened? It left a bad taste in my mouth.
This was an Interesting story that pulled me in. I could play along with the story/events, but the ending? No. That neat and tidy after the events that happened? It left a bad taste in my mouth.
September 19, 2019
This was a very unique story. Luke an insurance broker gets sent paperwork from a unique company, Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. Dreamscape Adventures, Inc. a company that uses special vr domes to help create your perfect fantasy world. They hope to also be able to use their technology to help those with disabilities or other needs. They wrote Luke’s company hoping that they would insure them so they can launch their company publicly. However to do so Luke must test their vr system for safety before they are able to insure them. This book makes me wish our vr systems were more advance. It was interesting to see the worlds it created for each person and how easily things can go bad. The journey Luke took on in this story was amazing. I loved the character development of Luke and you can really see him change during the story due to the circumstances. He was able to finally find his true self. I also loved the narration by Matthew E Berry. He really made the characters come to life and did a good job changing the voices for the characters so it was easy to tell which character was talking.
August 30, 2019
I’ve been enjoying Ms. Gray’s audiobooks for a while now so tackling this one was a given but I actually had another reason for wanting to read it. Back in the day, when I was in the corporate world, my career was very much like Luke’s except that I wasn’t an attorney. I was an insurance casualty underwriter, tasked with deciding whether my company would agree to insure a particular client, and that frequently involved my visiting to see the operations for myself. Mind you, we didn’t deal with entertainment or high tech but the core process is pretty much the same.
That said, my predisposition to like this book was spot on. At the same time, I was surprised at what the story turned out to be because I was expecting something like a high tension thriller when, in fact, it’s more of a look at how life shapes a person and what forces come into play in our personal growth once we allow ourselves to be open to change and to face our pasts. This is no boring psychological study, though; watching Luke get the benefit of what Dreamscape Adventures has to offer is heightened by a fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
Matthew E. Berry is a new narrator to me and I found him quite accomplished with different voices (including female) and he helped me connect to the characters. His pacing and his dramatic intonations were also good and, for me, he was a real asset to the story.
That said, my predisposition to like this book was spot on. At the same time, I was surprised at what the story turned out to be because I was expecting something like a high tension thriller when, in fact, it’s more of a look at how life shapes a person and what forces come into play in our personal growth once we allow ourselves to be open to change and to face our pasts. This is no boring psychological study, though; watching Luke get the benefit of what Dreamscape Adventures has to offer is heightened by a fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
Matthew E. Berry is a new narrator to me and I found him quite accomplished with different voices (including female) and he helped me connect to the characters. His pacing and his dramatic intonations were also good and, for me, he was a real asset to the story.
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