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Anders Reality: A Coming of Age Fantasy Adventure
WHAT IF FOR SOME, WHEN THEY SLEEP, THEY DON’T SIMPLY DREAM, BUT FALL INTO ANOTHER WORLD?
As “Dreamers”, they’re sworn to protect a world called Luceria and that duty has never been needed more than now. There was a time when Luceria was a beautiful magical place, but has become dark and dangerous because of The Taker.
The Taker is a Dreamer who wants the magic of Luceria for himself and wants the ability to stay there forever and rule with those Lucerians he’s turned into his own army.
For the past six months, Ander has been having nightmare like daydreams that he can’t seem to stop or get away from. He doesn’t know where to turn or who to trust and its beginning to affect every aspect of his life. On the night of his 14th birthday after spending the day being tortured by the school bully, Ander goes to bed and shortly after falling asleep, he feels like he’s falling and lands in the abandoned looking, terror filled world of Luceria.
Is this the same place as his daydreams?
Why is this happening to him?
Are there others like him on Earth who can fall into this other world?
Where has everyone gone?
Ander has more questions than answers as he begins to try and navigate not only the notion of another reality, but who he really is meant to be.
ANDERS REALITY is a YA Low-Fantasy Novel and is written for ages 10 and up.
As “Dreamers”, they’re sworn to protect a world called Luceria and that duty has never been needed more than now. There was a time when Luceria was a beautiful magical place, but has become dark and dangerous because of The Taker.
The Taker is a Dreamer who wants the magic of Luceria for himself and wants the ability to stay there forever and rule with those Lucerians he’s turned into his own army.
For the past six months, Ander has been having nightmare like daydreams that he can’t seem to stop or get away from. He doesn’t know where to turn or who to trust and its beginning to affect every aspect of his life. On the night of his 14th birthday after spending the day being tortured by the school bully, Ander goes to bed and shortly after falling asleep, he feels like he’s falling and lands in the abandoned looking, terror filled world of Luceria.
Is this the same place as his daydreams?
Why is this happening to him?
Are there others like him on Earth who can fall into this other world?
Where has everyone gone?
Ander has more questions than answers as he begins to try and navigate not only the notion of another reality, but who he really is meant to be.
ANDERS REALITY is a YA Low-Fantasy Novel and is written for ages 10 and up.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2021
7 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Adam Roach
9 books40 followersCrafting twists and chasing shadows is what I love to do. I started writing in the YA Fantasy realm mainly due to writing a book for my son, which is quite the story in itself. But I've always had a passion for thrillers and twists ever since seeing The Usual Suspects when I was a teenager.
I hope you come to find my books are fast paced and leave you on the edge of your seat. I regularly hear comments like, "I was almost late for class", "I didn't want to have to make dinner for my family", "I stayed up way too late telling myself just one more chapter".
If this ends up being you, please let me know! I want to add you to the growing list of those who love chasing shadows!
I hope you come to find my books are fast paced and leave you on the edge of your seat. I regularly hear comments like, "I was almost late for class", "I didn't want to have to make dinner for my family", "I stayed up way too late telling myself just one more chapter".
If this ends up being you, please let me know! I want to add you to the growing list of those who love chasing shadows!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 9, 2021
As an adult: 3
For MG/YA: 4
Thank you so much to the author for the early copy of Anders Reality! This one published on March 5th and is a great low/urban fantasy pick for Middle Grade March, from an indie author!
I am reviewing this one through the lens of “appropriate for age 10+”, not so much as an adult critique! It is definitely appropriate content wise for the target age range and I think they will enjoy the story. The main character just turned 14 and in general the book does read to the young side!
When Ander is asleep, and sometimes when he is awake, he travels to an alternate land called Luceria. Eventually we learn that it used to be a wonderful and magical place, until the Taker started corrupting the world searching for a key that unlocks a strong power.
Ander and his two friends are all freshmen and he has a bully. He seems to get along with everyone else but is super sensitive and does seem to cry easily. It was fun watching that storyline resolve. He has to choose to be brave in both realms, both to defend himself at school and to choose to save Luceria.
I liked the idea overall, just had a lot of questions as an adult about the world and the inhabitants, but I think these will go over the target age range’s head.
My questions were: why cats? Why did the tether takers have to maim themselves, or were they just humans dressed like cats while the Lucerians were real cat-people? Whose heads were on stakes? Where did that whole VR Gaming thing with the tethers and available items come from? Why keep all the dreamers in pods? Oh…. What the heck, THAT guy was the bad guy? And so forth. I don’t think kids will question these things and it was appropriate length, with fast paced action for middle grade.
Overall? A good story, with high school friendships and being at odds with parents, and bully problems. A lot of kids will relate. I liked the low fantasy elements. Recommend for kids who like contemporary/urban scifi/fantasy!!
For MG/YA: 4
Thank you so much to the author for the early copy of Anders Reality! This one published on March 5th and is a great low/urban fantasy pick for Middle Grade March, from an indie author!
I am reviewing this one through the lens of “appropriate for age 10+”, not so much as an adult critique! It is definitely appropriate content wise for the target age range and I think they will enjoy the story. The main character just turned 14 and in general the book does read to the young side!
When Ander is asleep, and sometimes when he is awake, he travels to an alternate land called Luceria. Eventually we learn that it used to be a wonderful and magical place, until the Taker started corrupting the world searching for a key that unlocks a strong power.
Ander and his two friends are all freshmen and he has a bully. He seems to get along with everyone else but is super sensitive and does seem to cry easily. It was fun watching that storyline resolve. He has to choose to be brave in both realms, both to defend himself at school and to choose to save Luceria.
I liked the idea overall, just had a lot of questions as an adult about the world and the inhabitants, but I think these will go over the target age range’s head.
My questions were: why cats? Why did the tether takers have to maim themselves, or were they just humans dressed like cats while the Lucerians were real cat-people? Whose heads were on stakes? Where did that whole VR Gaming thing with the tethers and available items come from? Why keep all the dreamers in pods? Oh…. What the heck, THAT guy was the bad guy? And so forth. I don’t think kids will question these things and it was appropriate length, with fast paced action for middle grade.
Overall? A good story, with high school friendships and being at odds with parents, and bully problems. A lot of kids will relate. I liked the low fantasy elements. Recommend for kids who like contemporary/urban scifi/fantasy!!
April 26, 2021
The age range for this book is 10-18. I would actually move it up a bit to 13 maybe 14. This is because of a few factors...the opening scene involving The Taker and his creatures, which they make appearances a few more times in the story and due to the age of Ander. He is fourteen, so the way he talks and acts would be more relatable to readers closer to his age.
Being outside of the targeted age range, I liked this book. My feelings with it really had a little to do with the age of the characters but more around the layout of the story. The first third of the story I was really jiving with it. Yet, when Ander made the jump to visiting Luceria; I wanted him to spend more time there getting to know the people and Luceria. what a dreamer was all about, and what happened to his father. Don't get me wrong as all of these things are revealed along the way in the story. I just would have liked to have spent a bit more time acclimating myself to this other world and the other characters then to just have a quick moment like blink and you missed it. The rest of the story was kind of like that. It would flash back and forth really fast.
The chapters are short so you really did not have much time to some times comprehend which had just happened before something else was happening. Yet, this is a good book. It is one that I do think the younger reading audience would like if they are a fan of fantasy books.
Being outside of the targeted age range, I liked this book. My feelings with it really had a little to do with the age of the characters but more around the layout of the story. The first third of the story I was really jiving with it. Yet, when Ander made the jump to visiting Luceria; I wanted him to spend more time there getting to know the people and Luceria. what a dreamer was all about, and what happened to his father. Don't get me wrong as all of these things are revealed along the way in the story. I just would have liked to have spent a bit more time acclimating myself to this other world and the other characters then to just have a quick moment like blink and you missed it. The rest of the story was kind of like that. It would flash back and forth really fast.
The chapters are short so you really did not have much time to some times comprehend which had just happened before something else was happening. Yet, this is a good book. It is one that I do think the younger reading audience would like if they are a fan of fantasy books.
March 10, 2021
Props to Adam Roach on his debut book! I was dropped into a story of a different world that you can enter through dreams. I quickly came to be fascinated by this world and the details Roach put into it. It’s exciting and best of all it’s unique. I read a lot of books so when someone hands me a new premise, it’s easy for me to get attached.
Ander is a character that was easy to love and I was rooting for him from the start. While it took me a bit to comprehend this new realm, it fell into place well. Roach spins a tale with villains and mystery and hooks you quickly.
The full review with content will be on my blog later today. His book is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, check it out! You won’t regret it.
Thank you Adam Roach for giving me the opportunity to review your book, I’m excited to watch your career!
https://www.theopenbooks.net/2021/03/...
Ander is a character that was easy to love and I was rooting for him from the start. While it took me a bit to comprehend this new realm, it fell into place well. Roach spins a tale with villains and mystery and hooks you quickly.
The full review with content will be on my blog later today. His book is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, check it out! You won’t regret it.
Thank you Adam Roach for giving me the opportunity to review your book, I’m excited to watch your career!
https://www.theopenbooks.net/2021/03/...
April 3, 2021
Ander has been having vivid dreams...ones that seem a little too real. In these dreams he is transported to another world. A world where he can feel wind blowing across his face. He can feel the buildings and see the creatures...some of which are terrifying. He even has a conversation with one who says he knew his father. How is that possible when his father died when he was two? Why do these dreams feel so real?
Ander soon learns the world he dreams of is called Luceria and he is what's called a Dreamer. He also learns that he isn't a normal Dreamer. The once beautiful and light Luceria is in danger from a fellow Dreamer, and his army, as he wants to take over and rule Luceria. It's up to Ander, with a little help, to save Luceria and restore its light.
Oh man! What a fun and imaginative read! I finished this one in less than 2 days...it was hard to put down. I might be a tad biased 😂😂 as I am a cat-mom and feline lover and Luceria is a world inhabited by felines!! Can I please go and visit this world! ❤️
Seriously though, there wasn't anything about this one I didn't like. Ander is a great character and I couldn't help but love him. I was connected to the story and the outcome and just HAD to know how it would end. I think this is a perfect MG/YA fantasy and highly recommend.
Thank you, thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. While a written review after reading was not a requirement, I have provided one. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Ander soon learns the world he dreams of is called Luceria and he is what's called a Dreamer. He also learns that he isn't a normal Dreamer. The once beautiful and light Luceria is in danger from a fellow Dreamer, and his army, as he wants to take over and rule Luceria. It's up to Ander, with a little help, to save Luceria and restore its light.
Oh man! What a fun and imaginative read! I finished this one in less than 2 days...it was hard to put down. I might be a tad biased 😂😂 as I am a cat-mom and feline lover and Luceria is a world inhabited by felines!! Can I please go and visit this world! ❤️
Seriously though, there wasn't anything about this one I didn't like. Ander is a great character and I couldn't help but love him. I was connected to the story and the outcome and just HAD to know how it would end. I think this is a perfect MG/YA fantasy and highly recommend.
Thank you, thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. While a written review after reading was not a requirement, I have provided one. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
May 30, 2021
This is definitely a great read for the younger kids and I appreciated the addition of the 10+ in the synopsis. Attention hooking chapters, fast paced and relatable characters are just icing on the creative cake. The MC, Ander, is 14 with not only a bully issue but day and night dreams that take him to another land. Made me think about astral projection at first. I was surprised at the emotion he displayed as a younger boy in this novel. Not many male characters express this much emotion for an MC. Between this and building the strength to face bullying and villains, I ended up with a pretty big soft spot for Ander.
The writing style is on the younger side and well suited for the bridge between middle grade and younger young adult. The world building was intriguing and being a cat lover, I was loving the cat-like life that resided in Luceria. The darker atmosphere for this once magical world was depicted well too. There are some plot points that I felt were too open ended and areas I would've liked more detail on but there's enough action and twists to where I didn't dwell on it long.
I highly recommend this novel to kids and adults who love sci-fi and fantasy mashups with unique plot lines. Middle grade readers will be able to connect with many factors of this coming of age story too. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
The writing style is on the younger side and well suited for the bridge between middle grade and younger young adult. The world building was intriguing and being a cat lover, I was loving the cat-like life that resided in Luceria. The darker atmosphere for this once magical world was depicted well too. There are some plot points that I felt were too open ended and areas I would've liked more detail on but there's enough action and twists to where I didn't dwell on it long.
I highly recommend this novel to kids and adults who love sci-fi and fantasy mashups with unique plot lines. Middle grade readers will be able to connect with many factors of this coming of age story too. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
April 19, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like not a lot of writers take the time to consider the concept of lucid dreams, and to use that concept to create a complex and interesting world. So when Adam Roach approached me to review this book that was based on the concept, I was thrilled. Now, I do not read a lot of middle-grade books, and when I do, I need to constantly remind myself that it is written for a younger audience. So, the above rating reflects how I feel my younger self would have given the book. My adult self would give it a 3, which is still a huge victory!
The backstory surrounding this book is quite interesting, and I suggest you check his Goodreads author profile for the whole thing! However, to sum it up, his kids all got a book when they were little- like a picture book. Yet, his youngest did not have one and already outgrew picture books. Therefore, this book is inspired by him, and it is funny to read this book and know exactly who is the inspiration because now I can guess a bit about his personality. I’m assuming Adam’s son likes the color orange, as it is mentioned frequently, likes tri-trip, and knows random facts off the top of his head.
Speaking of characters, I would like to say I enjoyed the characters we were presented to. I felt they were all relatable in some ways. Sometimes Tru and Lawrence did anger me, but their justifications normally made sense, but I just wish they would give their reasonings a bit sooner. But they’re teenagers. They don’t make sense. I also enjoyed Ander’s personality and how he didn’t fear showing emotion. We usually see in male based characters that they suppress their emotions and won’t cry or become obviously frustrated, but Adam makes sure Ander does express himself. I think that is very important when it comes to Middle Grade fiction because the children reading this are developing who they are. They need to know, especially boys, that it is okay to be emotional; they should be if something or someone is hurting them.
Full Review: https://overlookingcovers.wordpress.c...
I feel like not a lot of writers take the time to consider the concept of lucid dreams, and to use that concept to create a complex and interesting world. So when Adam Roach approached me to review this book that was based on the concept, I was thrilled. Now, I do not read a lot of middle-grade books, and when I do, I need to constantly remind myself that it is written for a younger audience. So, the above rating reflects how I feel my younger self would have given the book. My adult self would give it a 3, which is still a huge victory!
The backstory surrounding this book is quite interesting, and I suggest you check his Goodreads author profile for the whole thing! However, to sum it up, his kids all got a book when they were little- like a picture book. Yet, his youngest did not have one and already outgrew picture books. Therefore, this book is inspired by him, and it is funny to read this book and know exactly who is the inspiration because now I can guess a bit about his personality. I’m assuming Adam’s son likes the color orange, as it is mentioned frequently, likes tri-trip, and knows random facts off the top of his head.
Speaking of characters, I would like to say I enjoyed the characters we were presented to. I felt they were all relatable in some ways. Sometimes Tru and Lawrence did anger me, but their justifications normally made sense, but I just wish they would give their reasonings a bit sooner. But they’re teenagers. They don’t make sense. I also enjoyed Ander’s personality and how he didn’t fear showing emotion. We usually see in male based characters that they suppress their emotions and won’t cry or become obviously frustrated, but Adam makes sure Ander does express himself. I think that is very important when it comes to Middle Grade fiction because the children reading this are developing who they are. They need to know, especially boys, that it is okay to be emotional; they should be if something or someone is hurting them.
Full Review: https://overlookingcovers.wordpress.c...
March 11, 2021
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 📖
“𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲.“
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 - 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻.
Anders is a just a regular 14 year old boy in every aspect but one. He attends school, has best friends and often gets picked on by the school bully. But the one thing that makes him different is that Anders is a Dreamer.
On the night of his 14th birthday Anders falls asleep, but when he wakes up he finds out he has fallen into to the world of Luceria.
Luceria was once a haven, the most beautiful place on earth, that was until the Taker arrived. Now it’s a dangerous desolate place in need of saving.
So what happened exactly when you’re given a gift that you are supposed to be prepared for, but the person who was supposed to prepare you wasn’t around?
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Adam Roach and I think it would be the perfect book for pre teen to teenage readers.
The premise was something that I had never seen before and I was that excited to experience it that I finished it in 24 hours.
I loved watching the world of Luceria come to life, and I can’t not wait to see how well this book does!
“𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗺𝗲.“
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 - 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝘄𝗻.
Anders is a just a regular 14 year old boy in every aspect but one. He attends school, has best friends and often gets picked on by the school bully. But the one thing that makes him different is that Anders is a Dreamer.
On the night of his 14th birthday Anders falls asleep, but when he wakes up he finds out he has fallen into to the world of Luceria.
Luceria was once a haven, the most beautiful place on earth, that was until the Taker arrived. Now it’s a dangerous desolate place in need of saving.
So what happened exactly when you’re given a gift that you are supposed to be prepared for, but the person who was supposed to prepare you wasn’t around?
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Adam Roach and I think it would be the perfect book for pre teen to teenage readers.
The premise was something that I had never seen before and I was that excited to experience it that I finished it in 24 hours.
I loved watching the world of Luceria come to life, and I can’t not wait to see how well this book does!
March 6, 2021
I had the privilege of recieving an ARC and I loved it! I couldn't put this book down. I was even reading it during work (don't tell my boss) because I had to know what was going to happen next. Each chapter ended with me wanting to know what would happen next. I would say, "Ok, one more chapter and then I'll do something else." But I couldn't do it. The storyline was suspenseful and quite unpredictable which is also what kept me hooked. I even thought, "Oh for sure this is what is gonna happen." But nope, I was wrong! Adam Roach you did a great job with this book and honestly I want a prequel to know what happened before Ander! So get writing because this is just the beginning of an amazing series! I just know it!
May 12, 2022
I enjoyed Adams style of writing. This was a fantasy but written in a very compelling world view. I found I could not put it down. So many moral tangents are reflected in the world fantasy. Our protagonist thought that escaping the class bully would be his main tangent in his freshmen year. But soon he learns that he is a part of a select group called the Dreams who are responsible with saving their world. Soon he learns that not all dreamers are good.. I received this novel from Story Origin. My review is true and honest and my opinions are completely my own.
March 11, 2021
Excellent book, every chapter grabs you and keeps you from putting it down. It's a great book for teens, that are coming of age, and looking for "an escape from reality". This book has a background for the story-line like none I've ever read before! Hoping that there might be a sequel!
June 6, 2021
It was hard to put down! I enjoyed Ander's journey of finding out about a new land and that he is the chosen one to save the people who live there. There are interesting characters, a fast moving plot, and lots to daydream about.
March 6, 2021
It really gets you hooked within the first chapter! I enjoyed this book so much, practically finished it in a day! Definitely in my top favorite reads right now!
July 22, 2022
Can you control your dreams? If you can, are you even really dreaming? Find out.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews