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Project Dream
What happened to the kids in the desert?
In 2002, the CIA forced several teenagers out of detention centers and into a National Security Test Program called Project Dream. Teens selected had two characteristics: physical superiority and a sixth sense.
When the awkward, unpopular, and destitute Izzy Jimenez is caught stealing clothes, authorities enroll her in the program for two reasons: Izzy swims like a fish—and she sees angels.
There she studies and works hard to perfect her clairvoyance hoping authorities will allow her to go home. But when she and the other students master remote viewing and produce results that stun White House officials, additional children—good kids from normal American families—are recruited. Izzy’s hope of going home dwindles.
Not until the striking, charismatic Rachel Callahan arrives and befriends Izzy does her life become bearable.
Project Dream is a coming-of-age story of teenagers thrown into the most unusual circumstances. Each struggle to survive their time in the desert with the goal of getting out and going home, but—can any of them really go home?
Or is their only way out—death?
In 2002, the CIA forced several teenagers out of detention centers and into a National Security Test Program called Project Dream. Teens selected had two characteristics: physical superiority and a sixth sense.
When the awkward, unpopular, and destitute Izzy Jimenez is caught stealing clothes, authorities enroll her in the program for two reasons: Izzy swims like a fish—and she sees angels.
There she studies and works hard to perfect her clairvoyance hoping authorities will allow her to go home. But when she and the other students master remote viewing and produce results that stun White House officials, additional children—good kids from normal American families—are recruited. Izzy’s hope of going home dwindles.
Not until the striking, charismatic Rachel Callahan arrives and befriends Izzy does her life become bearable.
Project Dream is a coming-of-age story of teenagers thrown into the most unusual circumstances. Each struggle to survive their time in the desert with the goal of getting out and going home, but—can any of them really go home?
Or is their only way out—death?
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Published August 1, 2019
63 people are currently reading
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About the author
C.J. Zahner
10 books676 followersCyndie "CJ" Zahner is a digital-book hoarder, lover of can't-put-down books, wife, mother, grandmother, runner, and author of seven novels.
On April 1, 2025, her memoir, The House That Loved, was released. The story is about a drug prescribed to millions of pregnant women, including her mother. Uniquely, the novel's POV is a house, signifying the millions of homes, worldwide, that shelter DES children. Zahner is a DES daughter.
Her other books include four thrillers, The Suicide Gene, Dream Wide Awake, Project Dream, The Dream Diaries, and three chick lit novels in her Awkward Mothers You Hate Loving series, Friends Who Move Couches, Don't Mind Me, I Came with the House, and PLease Post Bail, Love Mom.
Her novels were inspired during long runs on Presque Isle State Park in the town where she grew up, Erie, Pennsylvania, and others on the trails surrounding her new home near Raleigh, NC.
Before becoming a novelist, CJ worked as a grant and freelance writer. Her articles varied from business to women’s health to the paranormal.
In 2015, she began looking at life differently when her brother and his wife were diagnosed with dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s. At that time, her husband pulled her aside and said, “Quit your job. You’re a writer.” After twenty years of service, CJ picked up her purse at work one day and quietly walked away.
Now, she rises before dawn, writes, runs, and smiles much.
A hard worker and story lover, CJ Zahner is determined to read, write, and run happily ever after.
On April 1, 2025, her memoir, The House That Loved, was released. The story is about a drug prescribed to millions of pregnant women, including her mother. Uniquely, the novel's POV is a house, signifying the millions of homes, worldwide, that shelter DES children. Zahner is a DES daughter.
Her other books include four thrillers, The Suicide Gene, Dream Wide Awake, Project Dream, The Dream Diaries, and three chick lit novels in her Awkward Mothers You Hate Loving series, Friends Who Move Couches, Don't Mind Me, I Came with the House, and PLease Post Bail, Love Mom.
Her novels were inspired during long runs on Presque Isle State Park in the town where she grew up, Erie, Pennsylvania, and others on the trails surrounding her new home near Raleigh, NC.
Before becoming a novelist, CJ worked as a grant and freelance writer. Her articles varied from business to women’s health to the paranormal.
In 2015, she began looking at life differently when her brother and his wife were diagnosed with dementia and early-onset Alzheimer’s. At that time, her husband pulled her aside and said, “Quit your job. You’re a writer.” After twenty years of service, CJ picked up her purse at work one day and quietly walked away.
Now, she rises before dawn, writes, runs, and smiles much.
A hard worker and story lover, CJ Zahner is determined to read, write, and run happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2023
I've been both eager yet hesitant to start simply because on the surface it is remarkably similar to what I am currently working on, but fortunately, while the subject matter is the same, the way we approach it and the details are different enough that there is no overlap. This is CIA funded, mine is privately funded from several different rich people from four different countries, each with their own reasons for funding it. There's 100 kids in this program, there's only 6 in mine and all except two are orphans. These kids are far less isolated from the everyday world than mine. The giving them drugs and alcohol to keep them docile and content was interesting as this is touched upon in mine as well. Basically this was a very interesting enjoyable book that is similar enough to my own work in progress to have given me some good ideas on things I might want to clarify or expand upon in my own... but different enough that each can bring something new and interesting to the table. :)
Currently reading
April 28, 2022This is a stand-alone prequel to Dream Wide Awake. I wrote this in response to readers asking wat happened to the kids in the desert.
This is a coming-of-age story of teenagers set in the most unusual circumstances.
This is a coming-of-age story of teenagers set in the most unusual circumstances.
September 6, 2021
I recently had the opportunity to read this book in MOBI Format which I won in random drawing that I entered on N.N. Light's site. Great site by the way.
My actual rating is 4 1/2 stars.
The book cover is dark yet intriguing. I found myself wanting to more. The title Project Dream makes you want to read the book just to see how the book flows and end.
I d o recommend the book and hope to read again in print format this next time
My actual rating is 4 1/2 stars.
The book cover is dark yet intriguing. I found myself wanting to more. The title Project Dream makes you want to read the book just to see how the book flows and end.
I d o recommend the book and hope to read again in print format this next time
Read
August 18, 2019Although normally books falling into the "paranormal" genre aren't right up my alley, I liked this one quite a lot. Thanks also to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Due to them I get the opportunity to read books that - as said - aren't my go-to genre and that I probably wouldn't have purchased myself.
The plot: The US government selects children all over the US that are specially gifted, one might say. Specially gifted refers to them not only having intellectual and physical superiority, but also a sixth sense called "remote viewing". This allows them to see into the future, talk to angels and/or locate objects through walls or objects hidden as far as hundreds of kilometers away,
They are all placed within a camp in the middle of the desert, where they receive military training and training of their special abilities. There is only one problem: As soon as they are there they realise they will never be allowed to leave or lead a normal life back at home with their families. Even after graduation the government will decide which college they are going to attend and where they are going to be placed after.
Although I did like the general idea, some aspects that I usually like about settings like that were missing and others were more pronounced. As I grew fond of the Cherub as well as the Alex Rider series, I expected to gain more insight into the training itself, although what obviously separates the series is the fact that these children don't really want to be on camp any longer. On the other hand a lot of the story was about how unhappy they were, given drugs, alcohol and finding comfort in each other (a lot of comfort, so probably not a book for 12 year olds, but maybe a bit older), intrigues and the sheer amassment of power and greed.
Furthermore, it was a bit difficult to get into, as the story is told through the eyes of various characters (not only the children, but also some of the staff), which definitely makes it more interesting and is a plus, once one can get into it, but at the beginning I found it hard to follow, as not only people and location but also space in time switch frequently.
Overall, I think this is a good book for young or younger adults that are interested in the topic. Maybe I gave it only three stars because I was expecting and looking forward to something else and did not expect so much of the power and "personal" play. I still think it's worth a read, but I myself wouldn't buy it, except if I knew a friend is really into that genre.
The plot: The US government selects children all over the US that are specially gifted, one might say. Specially gifted refers to them not only having intellectual and physical superiority, but also a sixth sense called "remote viewing". This allows them to see into the future, talk to angels and/or locate objects through walls or objects hidden as far as hundreds of kilometers away,
They are all placed within a camp in the middle of the desert, where they receive military training and training of their special abilities. There is only one problem: As soon as they are there they realise they will never be allowed to leave or lead a normal life back at home with their families. Even after graduation the government will decide which college they are going to attend and where they are going to be placed after.
Although I did like the general idea, some aspects that I usually like about settings like that were missing and others were more pronounced. As I grew fond of the Cherub as well as the Alex Rider series, I expected to gain more insight into the training itself, although what obviously separates the series is the fact that these children don't really want to be on camp any longer. On the other hand a lot of the story was about how unhappy they were, given drugs, alcohol and finding comfort in each other (a lot of comfort, so probably not a book for 12 year olds, but maybe a bit older), intrigues and the sheer amassment of power and greed.
Furthermore, it was a bit difficult to get into, as the story is told through the eyes of various characters (not only the children, but also some of the staff), which definitely makes it more interesting and is a plus, once one can get into it, but at the beginning I found it hard to follow, as not only people and location but also space in time switch frequently.
Overall, I think this is a good book for young or younger adults that are interested in the topic. Maybe I gave it only three stars because I was expecting and looking forward to something else and did not expect so much of the power and "personal" play. I still think it's worth a read, but I myself wouldn't buy it, except if I knew a friend is really into that genre.
August 6, 2019
Ever since reading Dream Wide Awake I've been eagerly waiting to hear the backstory of the Project Dream kids. What actually happened with them out in the desert when they were young. This did not disappoint. I sure hope the author is going to continue the series, because I want to know more about these characters I've come to care about. I love the writer's style of writing and making her characters "real". You do not have to read Dream Wide Awake first to enjoy this book, it stands on its own just fine (although you'll want to read that one too if you haven't!). But like me, it will leave you hoping she continues the series!
July 31, 2019
So glad to get the backstory of Dream Wide Awake. In Project Dream, we learn about the genesis of the "Dreamers". And now, I want to know even more. Where do their talents take them ? Is there a next generation of Dreamers? What happened to the Project? CJ again leaves us wanting more.Another "hard to put down" novel!
August 1, 2019
This author never fails. Her characters are all so different but still have one secret in common. I just loved this book and hope she keeps them coming. My new favorite author! Her books keep you guessing.
November 4, 2019
Good paranormal story with a twisted undercurrent in it. The lives of the teens pull you in and you want to know all of their story and if they ever will go home.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2019
A highly enjoyable read --engaging and creative. Great character development.
I wasn't ready for the book to end!
I wasn't ready for the book to end!
August 7, 2019
Excellent read! I was completely engaged the entire time. I cant wait for more from C.J. Zahner !
November 27, 2023
I must admit that I have not read any books in this series. This was my first introduction. I expected to learn more about the special abilities. Why were these kids chosen? Lisa (Lee Lee) wasn’t taken into the program, but I felt like her “gift of knowing” was developed the most. There was one example of Izzy’s ability to swim, but it was during a test. The kids were being trained to locate “targets” outside the camp, but no examples were given. The recreational drugs helped their abilities to locate the targets.
What I did learn was that these children were taken from their families at the ages of 12/13yrs, and were allowed to drink, do drugs, and have sex. By the time they are 18yrs, they know how to manipulate the leaders of the project. Rachel learns that she can sleep with any of the male leadership and get anything she wants in return. It seems that most of the kids ended up with an addiction (drugs/alcohol/sex).
What I did learn was that these children were taken from their families at the ages of 12/13yrs, and were allowed to drink, do drugs, and have sex. By the time they are 18yrs, they know how to manipulate the leaders of the project. Rachel learns that she can sleep with any of the male leadership and get anything she wants in return. It seems that most of the kids ended up with an addiction (drugs/alcohol/sex).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
She has been caught stealing clothes and she is sent to a remote school as she swims like a fish and she can see angels. She hopes to make these abilities stronger fully expecting to be allow to go home. She is going to be unlucky when she has to help recruit others. Her life start to look up when they arrive and a friendship starts. Will she ever get to leave? How will the friendship go? Will life gets better for her? Follow her to,find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2021
Children with special abilities!
Children with special abilities taken from their homes and families by the government and trained to use those special abilities to protect the country. A good thing, or not?
Children with special abilities taken from their homes and families by the government and trained to use those special abilities to protect the country. A good thing, or not?
April 27, 2023
A good ‘coming of age’ story enjoyed by this septuagenarian, who will carry on with the series.
July 8, 2023
Not a bad book, but too many storylines/characters to remember
December 18, 2019
A great story!! Another "can't put it down" book. The characters come alive! I loved it!
September 6, 2019
Project Dream is a must read if you have read Dream Wide Awake. It's the prequel and provides so many details of how the characters in Dream Wide Awake came to be. The characters are well developed and made me want to root for them. I found their backgrounds so interesting. And now, I feel I need to read Dream Wide Awake again (since it's been a year) so I can see how they change (or stay the same) as adults. If you haven't read the first story, you can start here. I honestly don't know which would be best to read first. But best to read them both before the 3rd book comes out.
November 6, 2019
This is the prequel to Dream Wide Awake and I loved getting to know the backstory of the characters. I was captivated with Dream Wide Awake and this book added to the intrigue. The characters are well developed, the story is well written and this author has created an amazing world that could definitely become a tv show. I have recommended this book to everyone I know. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 8, 2019
Project dream is one of those can’t put down type of books.
From beginning to end you never expect what’s going to happen next. This book is highly recommended as a must read. This book was nothing like I expected it really keeps you turning the pages because your just dying to find out what happens next. A must read!
From beginning to end you never expect what’s going to happen next. This book is highly recommended as a must read. This book was nothing like I expected it really keeps you turning the pages because your just dying to find out what happens next. A must read!
November 1, 2019
This is a wonderful paranormal prequel to an awesome book - Dream Wide Awake. This provides a lot of backstory for the characters and the story. This book helped build the characters that I know and love in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 10, 2019I found this book a great development of the characters from the book Dream Wide Awake, which I also enjoyed. It's frightening to know that this fiction is based on fact.
This book was provided free by the author for an honest review.
This book was provided free by the author for an honest review.
September 6, 2022
CJ Zahner pushes her realistic teenage characters to their limits in this crazy, suspenseful, and tense tale. I was hooked from page one. This is the first of her books I’ve read, and I’m eager to read more.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews