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The Waking Sleep #2
Dream
Daria's first experience with her new powers may have saved her life - and her two best friends - but the battle is far from over. The Dark is rising and the Doctor has only just begun to scratch the surface of its terrifying potential. Now, if Daria is going to learn the full extent of her mysterious abilities before it's too late, she'll need to leave the city behind and travel to a small community of Sleepers living in the mountains.
But as new friends emerge, and old ones are reunited, the Dark isn't about to let them regroup without a fight...
And one of their own might just become the unwitting messenger of its destructive agenda.
But as new friends emerge, and old ones are reunited, the Dark isn't about to let them regroup without a fight...
And one of their own might just become the unwitting messenger of its destructive agenda.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2020
14 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Adler
6 books14 followersLucy Adler is a pen name for an author who loves crafting stories across various genres but still wants their audience to know just what to expect. Wherever you see 'Lucy Adler' you'll find a unique blend of dystopian societies and gripping fantasy, with relatable characters you'll want to revisit again and again.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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February 28, 2021These covers keep getting better and better!
I'm totally in love with this one.
I love the galaxy-like hand and I LOVE PURPLE,
so no spoilers but the importance of purple in the book just got me.
I'm totally in love with this one.
I love the galaxy-like hand and I LOVE PURPLE,
so no spoilers but the importance of purple in the book just got me.
September 28, 2020
‘Dream’ picks up the story where ‘Sleeper’ ended and, wow, have I been waiting for this next instalment!
I loved following Daria’s journey as she discovers more about herself. It really felt like I was learning alongside her and really engaged in the lessons she was experiencing. It’s great to have access like this and just shows how well Lucy Adler has built the characters who populate this dystopian world. If there’s one thing I love in a YA novel it’s depth of characters and here it’s definitely delivered.
As with ‘Sleeper’ the story has many twists and turns that result in a constant reassessing of where I, as a reader, either wanted or expected situations to develop. This definitely kept me turning the pages and I finished the book in just three sessions.
Whilst some of the ‘twists’ are easily predicted this doesn’t detract from the atmosphere being created. Overall, ‘Dream’ has darker undertones than ‘Sleeper’ and I suspect this story is going to get darker still.
The insertion of events from the past, when sleep was first being manipulated, really help to further solidify this world and provide an understanding of how the present came to be and the way sleepers found themselves outside acceptable society.
There’s a complex battle here between good and evil, right and wrong, and the wielding of power although I found it easier to determine the ‘good guys’ here than in the previous book. Things are becoming clearer in the growing darkness!
I’m really looking forward to finding out how Jake’s ‘situation’ develops as well as what’s in store now that the Dark is alive and refusing to be avoided.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of ‘Dream’ and loved it so much that I wanted to share my opinions. I hope you do grab a copy and enjoy it as much as I have.
I loved following Daria’s journey as she discovers more about herself. It really felt like I was learning alongside her and really engaged in the lessons she was experiencing. It’s great to have access like this and just shows how well Lucy Adler has built the characters who populate this dystopian world. If there’s one thing I love in a YA novel it’s depth of characters and here it’s definitely delivered.
As with ‘Sleeper’ the story has many twists and turns that result in a constant reassessing of where I, as a reader, either wanted or expected situations to develop. This definitely kept me turning the pages and I finished the book in just three sessions.
Whilst some of the ‘twists’ are easily predicted this doesn’t detract from the atmosphere being created. Overall, ‘Dream’ has darker undertones than ‘Sleeper’ and I suspect this story is going to get darker still.
The insertion of events from the past, when sleep was first being manipulated, really help to further solidify this world and provide an understanding of how the present came to be and the way sleepers found themselves outside acceptable society.
There’s a complex battle here between good and evil, right and wrong, and the wielding of power although I found it easier to determine the ‘good guys’ here than in the previous book. Things are becoming clearer in the growing darkness!
I’m really looking forward to finding out how Jake’s ‘situation’ develops as well as what’s in store now that the Dark is alive and refusing to be avoided.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of ‘Dream’ and loved it so much that I wanted to share my opinions. I hope you do grab a copy and enjoy it as much as I have.
May 9, 2021
Well, I'm Completely Sucked In Now!
Dream continues the story of Daria, called Dashy by her friends, that began with Sleeper; as well as continuing the story of her friends, Jake, Max, Aury, and Brix. We meet new people; some who wish to help, and some who really kinda don't. We also learn about the past of Charlie and Lena; and as the book nears its end, we begin to see how all these stories intertwine.
Watching Dashy learn about her unique connection to and abilities with the gift of magic, we begin to understand more of the magic that is accessed by those who are sleepers.
But all is not simply a joyous discovery of a wonderful gift, there is a danger approaching. Like an ominous counter melody to a beautiful symphony, a darkness is beginning to rise and make its presence known.
While Sleeper introduced us to this world and it's magic, Dream is now introducing us to the conflict that is definitely on its way. The Dark is a power, and is now beginning it's ascendance.
What I liked about this book:
The dates at the beginning of each chapter help the reader understand what part of the story is about to unfold. It quickly becomes second nature to glance at the dates to keep track of the different storylines.
I truly love the author's take on magic in this story. It is different from any other one I've read before. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
What I disliked about this book:
Umm, only the fact that I've finished it and now have to wait for the next one!
Dream continues the story of Daria, called Dashy by her friends, that began with Sleeper; as well as continuing the story of her friends, Jake, Max, Aury, and Brix. We meet new people; some who wish to help, and some who really kinda don't. We also learn about the past of Charlie and Lena; and as the book nears its end, we begin to see how all these stories intertwine.
Watching Dashy learn about her unique connection to and abilities with the gift of magic, we begin to understand more of the magic that is accessed by those who are sleepers.
But all is not simply a joyous discovery of a wonderful gift, there is a danger approaching. Like an ominous counter melody to a beautiful symphony, a darkness is beginning to rise and make its presence known.
While Sleeper introduced us to this world and it's magic, Dream is now introducing us to the conflict that is definitely on its way. The Dark is a power, and is now beginning it's ascendance.
What I liked about this book:
The dates at the beginning of each chapter help the reader understand what part of the story is about to unfold. It quickly becomes second nature to glance at the dates to keep track of the different storylines.
I truly love the author's take on magic in this story. It is different from any other one I've read before. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
What I disliked about this book:
Umm, only the fact that I've finished it and now have to wait for the next one!
September 20, 2020
“Dream” the second book in “The Waking Sleep” series by Lucy Adler continues the story of sixteen old Daria Grayson (Dashy), who lives in a near future dystopian world, that have won the fight against the need of sleep with the invention of Sendrax. The use of the drug enables the population to be constantly productive with only 45 minutes sleep-time per night. However Dashy is one of the very few in which the drug has an effect, which eventually got her committed to the Caxton-Meyers Institute, an institution specialized on “fixing” individuals with immunity to Sendrax. It seems like a very good idea at the moment (they even have chocolate 😉).
While at the Institute, Dashy would find some unexpected truths about the society and the role she is supposed to fulfill. As the plot progresses the hidden principles of such society and its purposes resurface, with unexpected twist and turns.
A very interesting dystopian story, that throws some elements of YA Academy and teenager-angst tropes in the mix. Well-written, fast-paced without being rushed and easy to read, the book questions some of the values and expectation of modern society under the mantle of entertaining YA fantasy.
While at the Institute, Dashy would find some unexpected truths about the society and the role she is supposed to fulfill. As the plot progresses the hidden principles of such society and its purposes resurface, with unexpected twist and turns.
A very interesting dystopian story, that throws some elements of YA Academy and teenager-angst tropes in the mix. Well-written, fast-paced without being rushed and easy to read, the book questions some of the values and expectation of modern society under the mantle of entertaining YA fantasy.
May 3, 2022
Things Are Getting Interesting!!!!
I am voluntarily leaving this review. Oh my!!! You will be on the edge of your seat with this book the whole time!!! It was well written, the characters are interesting, there is so much suspense!
Daria finds herself at “the settlement” and learning more about her abilities. She is learning how to control, learning secrets, and how to battle the darkness. All while her friends are battling for their safety as well.
I loved how we got to see different views of the other characters and learn about their backstory as well. I can’t wait to see how the story ends in book three!
I am voluntarily leaving this review. Oh my!!! You will be on the edge of your seat with this book the whole time!!! It was well written, the characters are interesting, there is so much suspense!
Daria finds herself at “the settlement” and learning more about her abilities. She is learning how to control, learning secrets, and how to battle the darkness. All while her friends are battling for their safety as well.
I loved how we got to see different views of the other characters and learn about their backstory as well. I can’t wait to see how the story ends in book three!
November 9, 2022
Predictable and boring
This was a disappointing continuation of the first book. Daria almost effortlessly succeeds in doing different types of magic. The magic doesn't appear to have any logic except for Light and Dark, so you just need to *believe*. The climax of the story is heart breakingly predictable. Pity.
This was a disappointing continuation of the first book. Daria almost effortlessly succeeds in doing different types of magic. The magic doesn't appear to have any logic except for Light and Dark, so you just need to *believe*. The climax of the story is heart breakingly predictable. Pity.
April 18, 2025
This was a great story!
The cover art in the series is fantastic!
I want to be a sleeper!
This series is sci-fi and dystopian.
Yet it is more…the fight of light vs. darkness, good vs. evil.
Daria and her peeps are fighting Dr. Reston, yet it goes much deeper.
Of course I was excited and surprised to learn Lena’s backstory.
Adler HAD to end on a cliffhanger. Book 3, here I come!
The cover art in the series is fantastic!
I want to be a sleeper!
This series is sci-fi and dystopian.
Yet it is more…the fight of light vs. darkness, good vs. evil.
Daria and her peeps are fighting Dr. Reston, yet it goes much deeper.
Of course I was excited and surprised to learn Lena’s backstory.
Adler HAD to end on a cliffhanger. Book 3, here I come!
October 28, 2020
OK I liked this book better than the first one but the story is still slow and the characters are still too calm about everything, making it hard to c0nnect with them. It ends on a cliff hanger and I can't see a third book listed anywhere or even if there will be one.
September 15, 2023
War
Thanks to Dr. Reston's "cure", normal people are being turned into sleepers, but not. His creations are evil and powerful as well. Can Daria, Jake, and the others overcome the evil on their doorstep?
Thanks to Dr. Reston's "cure", normal people are being turned into sleepers, but not. His creations are evil and powerful as well. Can Daria, Jake, and the others overcome the evil on their doorstep?
October 7, 2024
4h 54m
August 18, 2021
◦ I've received this book as an ARC in exchange of my honest review ◦
Dream is the second book from “The Walking Sleep” by Lucy Adler and picks right where the Sleeper ended. The “Dream” takes us on Daria’s journey of self-discovery about her new powers and what she is capable of.
The book is revealing a lot of deep secrets from over 15 years ago – right at the beginning! - who, when, and why Sendrax was created and how the Sleepers were treated back then. Including facilities where sleepers were brought to ease their pain (another word for murdering innocent people, just because Sendrax wasn’t working for them). But also people who were supporting the Sleepers and trying to be near them without being against the system and out of radar.
This book definitely has more dark and deep tones than the first one, we’re understanding more on why Sleepers are trying to be against the system (besides the fact there’s nothing wrong with them) to the point of what Darkness does and how powerful it is. The book reveals more information about Darkness but not enough to disclose everything about it, which makes the book even more interesting keeping you hooked to turn on the page.
The book reveals a lot of new information about everything, what the association is that helps the Sleepers, how the system works and how broken the system is, making people, (forcing people) to function with Sendrax so they can be productive 100% and sleep only 45 minutes per night – but as usual, things don’t stop there, they want to eradicate the sleep completely!
Even tho the book contains more dark and deep tones there’s nothing triggering going on, it has very little romance (first kiss, hug, butterflies type of romance). Considering this was my second dystopian fantasy YA book it gave me some weird vibes, mostly because the future in this book is pretty close to our times, the year 2037 isn’t that far away! The book ended with a cliffhanger which makes me remain hooked to follow the series. This book has been a normal pace book, very easy to be read, and such a different type of book from the ones that I’ve read.
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Dream is the second book from “The Walking Sleep” by Lucy Adler and picks right where the Sleeper ended. The “Dream” takes us on Daria’s journey of self-discovery about her new powers and what she is capable of.
The book is revealing a lot of deep secrets from over 15 years ago – right at the beginning! - who, when, and why Sendrax was created and how the Sleepers were treated back then. Including facilities where sleepers were brought to ease their pain (another word for murdering innocent people, just because Sendrax wasn’t working for them). But also people who were supporting the Sleepers and trying to be near them without being against the system and out of radar.
This book definitely has more dark and deep tones than the first one, we’re understanding more on why Sleepers are trying to be against the system (besides the fact there’s nothing wrong with them) to the point of what Darkness does and how powerful it is. The book reveals more information about Darkness but not enough to disclose everything about it, which makes the book even more interesting keeping you hooked to turn on the page.
The book reveals a lot of new information about everything, what the association is that helps the Sleepers, how the system works and how broken the system is, making people, (forcing people) to function with Sendrax so they can be productive 100% and sleep only 45 minutes per night – but as usual, things don’t stop there, they want to eradicate the sleep completely!
Even tho the book contains more dark and deep tones there’s nothing triggering going on, it has very little romance (first kiss, hug, butterflies type of romance). Considering this was my second dystopian fantasy YA book it gave me some weird vibes, mostly because the future in this book is pretty close to our times, the year 2037 isn’t that far away! The book ended with a cliffhanger which makes me remain hooked to follow the series. This book has been a normal pace book, very easy to be read, and such a different type of book from the ones that I’ve read.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
BookBub
Reedsy
Blog
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews