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Distant Dreams
I’m Kai Watson, and I have a secret. Each night, my spirit leaves my body and travels to a new location. Thanks to my gift, I’m now the sole witness to the brutal murder of upperclassman Darla Baxter. I wish I could tell someone, but I never saw the murderer’s face.
When my travels are replaced by nightmares, there’s only one way to get them back. I have to catch the killer myself.
On my search for answers, I continue to bump into Darla’s brother, Collin, who’s as dreamy as he is sweet. If we don’t catch the killer, I might never learn to open my heart to him—and I may lose my gift forever.
When my travels are replaced by nightmares, there’s only one way to get them back. I have to catch the killer myself.
On my search for answers, I continue to bump into Darla’s brother, Collin, who’s as dreamy as he is sweet. If we don’t catch the killer, I might never learn to open my heart to him—and I may lose my gift forever.
228 pages, ebook
First published October 10, 2016
56 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Rades
68 books738 followersAlicia Rades is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over forty young adult and new adult paranormal novels. Her stories follow characters in equal-dynamic romantic relationships and feature themes of discovering and claiming one's inner power. When she's not dreaming up magical stories, she's either binge-watching paranormal TV shows, meditating, or making crafts and cooking with her family. Her favorite tropes are small-town mysteries, witches, and magical academies set in the modern world. She has an unhealthy obsession with psychic characters and writes with a deck of tarot cards next to her computer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 12, 2016
Read my full review at http://blackwords-whitepages1977.blog...
I have been following this author for a couple of months now and she had me captivated by her Crystal Frost series and when I heard this author was releasing a new book, I just HAD to get my hands on it.
This book really shocked me. There was suspense at the turn of every page and I believe that this is my favorite story yet!! The characters were awesome and I felt as if I was part of the story. This was a refreshing and unique story that kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. The author did a fantastic job at bringing this book to life and creating this mysterious and magnificent story. I highly recommend this story to all YA and adults to enjoy!!
The author provided me with a digital copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
I have been following this author for a couple of months now and she had me captivated by her Crystal Frost series and when I heard this author was releasing a new book, I just HAD to get my hands on it.
This book really shocked me. There was suspense at the turn of every page and I believe that this is my favorite story yet!! The characters were awesome and I felt as if I was part of the story. This was a refreshing and unique story that kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. The author did a fantastic job at bringing this book to life and creating this mysterious and magnificent story. I highly recommend this story to all YA and adults to enjoy!!
The author provided me with a digital copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
August 28, 2017
Seriously, I read this book within four days because I just couldn't put it down! Loved Kai's story and wish there was more! It was mysterious, witty, and everything else you could love in a book.
August 23, 2022
The premise is interesting but the execution boils down to listening to gossip, speculation, more gossip, and spreading gossip.
I felt sympathy for her situation and her broken family: an absent and divorced dad and a horribly neglecting mother.
But how she goes about dealing with the main mystery is just tedious to read.
She wasn't tstl stupid but the book fails miserably at conveying the emotional impact of the murder she witnessed. It seems like her emotional experience is on a similar level as gossip about a scandalous kiss or who slept with whom at summer camp.
Sometimes she clearly gets the gravity of the situation but at other times the tone is completely off.
After almost 2 hours of audiobooks and 9 chapters, the book still hasn't progressed beyond the MC asking around and thinking about what to do about the murder she witnessed.
The few clues I have noticed so far point to a very underwhelming run-of-the-mill plot and very little subtlety.
Maybe I am just too impatient but the writing feels off and I am done waiting for things to happen.
I felt sympathy for her situation and her broken family: an absent and divorced dad and a horribly neglecting mother.
But how she goes about dealing with the main mystery is just tedious to read.
She wasn't tstl stupid but the book fails miserably at conveying the emotional impact of the murder she witnessed. It seems like her emotional experience is on a similar level as gossip about a scandalous kiss or who slept with whom at summer camp.
Sometimes she clearly gets the gravity of the situation but at other times the tone is completely off.
After almost 2 hours of audiobooks and 9 chapters, the book still hasn't progressed beyond the MC asking around and thinking about what to do about the murder she witnessed.
The few clues I have noticed so far point to a very underwhelming run-of-the-mill plot and very little subtlety.
Maybe I am just too impatient but the writing feels off and I am done waiting for things to happen.
May 17, 2022
Kai is a more relatable character than Crystal.
She is human and she is only driven to do something good for someone else to benefit herself. The fact that it solves a mystery and offers solace to someone else is just a side effect.
I like that she keeps everyone at a distance and isn't buddy buddy with her mom and brother. I find that to be very refreshing after reading the previous series.
I like that Savanna is not just there to hang on to Kai's every single whim and desire, the relationships are more natural.
The mystery wasn't all that great, the reader had a pretty good idea of what was going on really early on.
I still really dislike Colin and I still think that he's abusive but I know he's going to end up being perfect so he's the main reason I won't give the book full stars.
Kai is being overly dramatic about her astral projection abilities, no one is really going to care, they are just going to think that she's dreaming.
All in All, it's the better of the series.
She is human and she is only driven to do something good for someone else to benefit herself. The fact that it solves a mystery and offers solace to someone else is just a side effect.
I like that she keeps everyone at a distance and isn't buddy buddy with her mom and brother. I find that to be very refreshing after reading the previous series.
I like that Savanna is not just there to hang on to Kai's every single whim and desire, the relationships are more natural.
The mystery wasn't all that great, the reader had a pretty good idea of what was going on really early on.
I still really dislike Colin and I still think that he's abusive but I know he's going to end up being perfect so he's the main reason I won't give the book full stars.
Kai is being overly dramatic about her astral projection abilities, no one is really going to care, they are just going to think that she's dreaming.
All in All, it's the better of the series.
April 15, 2023
An ability that takes its holder’s spirit, to different locations across the planet is exciting until Khay stumbles into a murder scene in which the victim is no other than a fellow student in her high school. The catch is the murder victim is a Runway and happens to be 18. Who is going to look for an adult who expressed his/her wishes to leave in writing? The premise is a straightforward YA novel in which a group of friends ; Khay with Savanah and Collin work together to uncover the truth and squash rumors.
As I hated Alicia’s Crystal series, I wasn’t expecting much other than a whiny brat who knows-it-all. Khay isn’t; a normal teenager feeling the financial pressure of a single parent household seeking to break away for a fulfilled life. There are good twists along the story as Khay come to the realization that a loving family is the fulfillment that she yearned for.
As I hated Alicia’s Crystal series, I wasn’t expecting much other than a whiny brat who knows-it-all. Khay isn’t; a normal teenager feeling the financial pressure of a single parent household seeking to break away for a fulfilled life. There are good twists along the story as Khay come to the realization that a loving family is the fulfillment that she yearned for.
September 29, 2023
An awesome, T&YA paranormal & urban fantasy romantic mystery. Kai Watson astral travels each night. Seeking distant places to experience. One night, after such a trip, she returned home to see the murder of a fellow student. Afterward, her ability is replaced by nightmares of the murder. She hatches a crude plan with her best friend, Savannah, and the victim's brother, Collin, to capture the killer.
Alicia Rades generated a delightful environment along with a few credible suspects. The emotions, while strong, were not overpowering. While the story does end with the capture of the culprit, as is to be expected, many other issues are yet to be explored. I hope Alicia expands on this story.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Page-turner. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Alicia Rades generated a delightful environment along with a few credible suspects. The emotions, while strong, were not overpowering. While the story does end with the capture of the culprit, as is to be expected, many other issues are yet to be explored. I hope Alicia expands on this story.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Page-turner. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
November 19, 2019
An interesting read!
When her travels are replaced by nightmares, there’s only one way to get them back...
She has to catch the killer herself...
Such an interesting and intriguing read. A good mystery story.
The writing flows so naturally that you forget that you are reading the story and not in the story yourself.
Full of astral travelling, suspense, nightmares, mystery, friends and a hint of romance.
Perfect for readers of supernatural romances.
When her travels are replaced by nightmares, there’s only one way to get them back...
She has to catch the killer herself...
Such an interesting and intriguing read. A good mystery story.
The writing flows so naturally that you forget that you are reading the story and not in the story yourself.
Full of astral travelling, suspense, nightmares, mystery, friends and a hint of romance.
Perfect for readers of supernatural romances.
February 8, 2017
3.5/5.0
The start is a little awkward, but once the plot for “Distant Dreams” really gets going, it offers an entertaining story with some fun, original elements.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The start is a little awkward, but once the plot for “Distant Dreams” really gets going, it offers an entertaining story with some fun, original elements.
Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 22, 2017
What do you do when you witness a murder that you can't tell anyone you saw, because your body was in bed. Kai has a secret but not one that she can tell anyone about. How she finally solves the murder is genius. Great writer and fabulous story. Enjoyed it as much as the Crystal Frost series.
January 24, 2020
Reviewed by Roxanne outstanding read
Kai can astral project. She sees something that she will haunt her dreams .Will it also haunt her waking hours ? This book is amazing! A must read....
Kai can astral project. She sees something that she will haunt her dreams .Will it also haunt her waking hours ? This book is amazing! A must read....
April 25, 2020
Loved this book ❤️
This book was awesome. I have read the frost series too. Even read dreaming with frost. I hope the author writes more books about Kai.
This book was awesome. I have read the frost series too. Even read dreaming with frost. I hope the author writes more books about Kai.
June 19, 2021
An interesting mystery about a girl with paranormal powers who solves the murder of a senior at her high school.
June 29, 2021
Lovely
An enjoyable read with interesting characters and fascinating abilities. Astral projection in an intriguing premise, and tied in well with the storyline.
An enjoyable read with interesting characters and fascinating abilities. Astral projection in an intriguing premise, and tied in well with the storyline.
August 11, 2021
This was a very interesting read! loved the plot
April 26, 2022
Good read! For Teenagers but it was good
March 19, 2017
Simple. Straight to the point.
This could be a series like the 1-800-Where-R-You series.
This could be a series like the 1-800-Where-R-You series.
October 12, 2016
Kai Watson is 16 years old and has a special ability where each night, she leaves her body, travels to a new location when she witnesses the brutal murder of her classmate while Astral traveling. This well written and developed novel with no plot holes offers a unique murder/mystery adventure. With well developed character's that are realistic with real emotions and flaws. The suspence will keep you captivated. With a bit of sweet romance added as a final touch. I recommend reading this novel as you will not be disappointed. I voluntarly reviewed an advanced reading copy.
May 28, 2020
This book follows the lead Kai Watson who has the special ability to Astral travel meaning her soul can travel in her sleep. Her life takes a turn when she witnesses the murder of Darla Baxton in one of her dream journeys and she knows she will have to solve the murder for her life to be at peace.
It is a middle grade detective story which I would have probably enjoyed more if I had read it when I was a teenager.
It is a middle grade detective story which I would have probably enjoyed more if I had read it when I was a teenager.
January 18, 2017
When dreams turn into nightmares....
I found this book very exhilarating and found myself wanting to be in Kai's place. Even with the shock in this book, I would have done things differently, but maybe that's because I'm 37 years old and not a teenager LOL
I found this book very exhilarating and found myself wanting to be in Kai's place. Even with the shock in this book, I would have done things differently, but maybe that's because I'm 37 years old and not a teenager LOL
March 9, 2017
Very entertaining YA Paranormal . A missing girl and a vision. This was really well paced and quick read. I identified with the main character. She was strong and inquisitive. She wanted to make sure that the truth came out. I really enjoyed this book.
February 16, 2017
Amazing!
Alicia Rades doesn't disappoint!!! Was an amazing tales. Love all of the ups and downs. It's great to see where the story leads Kai.
Alicia Rades doesn't disappoint!!! Was an amazing tales. Love all of the ups and downs. It's great to see where the story leads Kai.
October 24, 2016
I RECIEVED THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY VIEWS OR OPINIONS IN ANY WAY.
Distant Dreams was an interesting and mysterious murder mystery.
I really liked Kai's character. She did many very relatable things, like running. I could totally understand her love of it, yet her hesitance to join cross country. She was hard-working and wanted to earn money for her future more than be in a sport.
Kai could astral travel. That basically means that when she fell asleep at night, she could travel places with her spirit. It was quite literally an out of body experience!
Kai dream traveled one night to the bluff near her house. While there, she saw a murder happen. One of her classmates was killed. Kai struggles with solving the mystery of who killed Carla.
I found the whole astral travel concept interesting. Kai's spirit stepped out of her body, and she could go anywhere.
The writing style in this book was very good. It has a certain unique style, and was just descriptive enough.
There is a romance in this book between Collin and Kai. it is sweet, and revolves around their shared love of running. As a romance fan, that was probably my favorite part of the book.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is the fact that the resolotion happens really quickly. It all wraps up in the last 5% of the book.
Overall, this is a very good fantasy romance.
Distant Dreams was an interesting and mysterious murder mystery.
I really liked Kai's character. She did many very relatable things, like running. I could totally understand her love of it, yet her hesitance to join cross country. She was hard-working and wanted to earn money for her future more than be in a sport.
Kai could astral travel. That basically means that when she fell asleep at night, she could travel places with her spirit. It was quite literally an out of body experience!
Kai dream traveled one night to the bluff near her house. While there, she saw a murder happen. One of her classmates was killed. Kai struggles with solving the mystery of who killed Carla.
I found the whole astral travel concept interesting. Kai's spirit stepped out of her body, and she could go anywhere.
The writing style in this book was very good. It has a certain unique style, and was just descriptive enough.
There is a romance in this book between Collin and Kai. it is sweet, and revolves around their shared love of running. As a romance fan, that was probably my favorite part of the book.
The biggest complaint I have about this book is the fact that the resolotion happens really quickly. It all wraps up in the last 5% of the book.
Overall, this is a very good fantasy romance.
November 8, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of 2 Girls Who Love Books Blog.
This is first book I have ever read by this author and I assure you it won't be the last.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure about it. But once it started really going, I loved it. I read this book in one sitting and that almost never happens for me..
Kai had the ability to travel through her dreams. One dream, one transport consumed her days and nights. She witnessed a murder while dreaming. But it wasn't just a murder. She knew of her through school..
The problem is this dream and trying to figure out who the murderer was has taken ahold of her. She comes in contact with the victims brother. They start to grow a bond and try to solve the case on their own.
No one believes Collins sister Darla was murdered. She had a history of running away. It is up to Collin and Kai to solve this on their own.
The friendship and bond these to characters grow is sweet and so innocent. They both come from somewhat similar families.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. ❤❤
5 Stars..
This book would be an excellent read for Young Adults.
This is first book I have ever read by this author and I assure you it won't be the last.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure about it. But once it started really going, I loved it. I read this book in one sitting and that almost never happens for me..
Kai had the ability to travel through her dreams. One dream, one transport consumed her days and nights. She witnessed a murder while dreaming. But it wasn't just a murder. She knew of her through school..
The problem is this dream and trying to figure out who the murderer was has taken ahold of her. She comes in contact with the victims brother. They start to grow a bond and try to solve the case on their own.
No one believes Collins sister Darla was murdered. She had a history of running away. It is up to Collin and Kai to solve this on their own.
The friendship and bond these to characters grow is sweet and so innocent. They both come from somewhat similar families.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. ❤❤
5 Stars..
This book would be an excellent read for Young Adults.
October 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! At first, I thought that astral projection would be the primary focus and I was actually glad to see that it was more of a means to an end. This story is about Kai and her journey to expose a murder that she witnessed on one of her astral trips.
How do you tell people that someone's been murdered without them starting to wonder how you even know about it? Without them getting suspicious of you?
Her line of questioning eventually brings her to the victim's brother Collin. They try to piece together Darla's movements before she disappeared and also who had a motive to harm her.
I really hope this isn't a stand alone, I would love to read more of Kai's adventures. I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
How do you tell people that someone's been murdered without them starting to wonder how you even know about it? Without them getting suspicious of you?
Her line of questioning eventually brings her to the victim's brother Collin. They try to piece together Darla's movements before she disappeared and also who had a motive to harm her.
I really hope this isn't a stand alone, I would love to read more of Kai's adventures. I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA mysteries with a touch of the paranormal.
I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2016
Kai was a witness to a classmates murder, but who would believe her if she told them she saw them not 'in person' but by astral-projection? Unable to tell anyone how she knew that Darla wasn't just a missing runaway, but in fact had been murdered, she goes about trying to uncover who the murderer was as well as where did the body go? With the help of Darla's brother, Collin, and her best friend, Savannah, can they solve this crime, bringing the killer to justice? And in doing so, will Kai be able to keep her own secret? I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good, clean mystery to read!
Read
October 13, 2016Kai doesn't dream, she never has, instead her spirit leaves her body behind as she travels the world. Astral traveling usually takes Kai to extraordinary places that she hopes to someday visit with her body, until the night she witnessed her classmates murder. Then not only does she dream for the first time, but her dreams force her to watch the murder over and over again.
I highly recommend you join Kai and her friends on this fast paced adventure. Just when you think you have it figured out, you find you're wrong.
I highly recommend you join Kai and her friends on this fast paced adventure. Just when you think you have it figured out, you find you're wrong.
October 11, 2016
Kai never expected to witness a murder when she dreams. She has always been able to travel places when she dreams, that is until she travels to the bluff, a spot near her house and witnesses a murder of a classmate. Kai thought it was just a bad dream, but the dreams kept happening every night. She knows she had to help find the killer.
So paired with her best friend and the victims brother, they must embark on the hunt for this killer together. Hopefully without revealing her big secret
So paired with her best friend and the victims brother, they must embark on the hunt for this killer together. Hopefully without revealing her big secret
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2016
Thanks you so much for the opportunity to read the ARC Distant Dreams. I really enjoyed reading about Kai, and Collin. When I started reading I couldn't put the book down. I was able to enjoy Distant Dreams from the first page. I was so submerged reading that four hours later that I had finished the book. I would love to be like Kai and really traveling in my dreams. I can't wait to see if there's a second book.
October 11, 2018
Alicia has done it again! If you liked her Crystal Frost series you will love this! This is a very clean YA paranormal. I would recommend it for anyone over 12 really. The only reason I say 12 is because it deals with death. If your kiddo can deal with that then it's clean enough for any age! And I can honestly say even at age 29 I enjoyed it! I really don't want to give anything away so I won't say more, but just read it :-D
November 2, 2016
I loved this book and hope there's a sequel. This book has magnificent cover, we see Kai and surely Collins. In this book there are 16-year-old Kai, it's the main character. She has visions, she will talk to her best friend, Savannah, she can't sleep, she makes dreams about the death of people. She saw the murder of sister to Collins Darla. She can talk to anyone on pain of being accused of murder and a fool. In the end of this book I wasn't expecting this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews