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The Dream Heist
Eighteen-year-old Aria Hale loves her job at her father's dream therapy company where she enters dementia patients' dreams to save their memories. But when their lab is ransacked, two technicians are murdered, and her father is kidnapped, everything changes for her.
Determined to find her father, Aria and her friends embark on a harrowing hunt across continents using the dreams of their enemies to guide them. But this dangerous journey plunges her into a world she never bargained for: deception, intrigue, and even love. As she races to save her father and hunt down her enemies, she soon realizes she's in fact the one being hunted. And her dreams are the greatest danger of all.
Determined to find her father, Aria and her friends embark on a harrowing hunt across continents using the dreams of their enemies to guide them. But this dangerous journey plunges her into a world she never bargained for: deception, intrigue, and even love. As she races to save her father and hunt down her enemies, she soon realizes she's in fact the one being hunted. And her dreams are the greatest danger of all.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
56 people are currently reading
3121 people want to read
About the author
Christina Farley
19 books525 followersAfter teaching and living internationally for ten years in Seoul, South Korea, Christina started writing about her adventures, her school, and life. This inspired her to write the Gilded series. Since then, she hasn't stopped writing and continues to write fantasy and romance for adults, teens, and kids.
Besides writing, Christina loves traveling, running, and eating dark chocolate.
Learn more about her by visiting her at www.christinafarley.com or by chatting with her on Facebook @ChristinaFarley or Instagram @ChristinaLFarley.
Besides writing, Christina loves traveling, running, and eating dark chocolate.
Learn more about her by visiting her at www.christinafarley.com or by chatting with her on Facebook @ChristinaFarley or Instagram @ChristinaLFarley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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December 20, 2022I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you my newest YA thriller with a touch of science fiction, THE DREAM HEIST. This story was born from two articles I read in the same week. One was about a cyber heist where $81 million was stolen through swift codes. The other was how scientists were using dream therapy to help dementia patients regain their memories. At this time, my grandmother (she’s passed away since) was struggling with her memories. So I was utterly captivated by the idea that science might be able to heal her mind.
Then my mind began to spin. What if I could merge these two seemingly unrelated articles into one story?
As a huge traveler, I had a blast putting my journeys into this story. Specifically my experiences in Southeast Asia with my husband and visiting my sister while she worked at Hong Kong Disney. The bomb explosion was also based off of a personal experience—not a good one—but there was something therapeutic in putting it in this story as if I was given control over that moment.
I invite you to join me on an adventure across continents and into the world of the Dreamscape. Just remember, the moment you pick up this book,
your dreams are no longer safe…
:-)
Thank you for reading and joining me on this writing adventure. I appreciate you all!
~ Christina
Then my mind began to spin. What if I could merge these two seemingly unrelated articles into one story?
As a huge traveler, I had a blast putting my journeys into this story. Specifically my experiences in Southeast Asia with my husband and visiting my sister while she worked at Hong Kong Disney. The bomb explosion was also based off of a personal experience—not a good one—but there was something therapeutic in putting it in this story as if I was given control over that moment.
I invite you to join me on an adventure across continents and into the world of the Dreamscape. Just remember, the moment you pick up this book,
your dreams are no longer safe…
:-)
Thank you for reading and joining me on this writing adventure. I appreciate you all!
~ Christina
July 25, 2025
The Dream Heist by Christina Farley
YA science fiction thriller.
Aria Hale, though only eighteen, is an important, and experienced dream walker entering patients’s dreams. The company’s mission is to try to find a way to access hidden memories of dementia patients. Aria worked with her father to help design the process and works after school and evenings trying to find a way to help impacted relatives. One night she enters the dreams of a patient and goes past protocol and finds herself interacting with the dream. It’s a student she knows and she’s not sure why he would be in Alzheimer’s dream study. The next day there is a break in at the facility and Aria’s father is missing. The FBI is involved and believe her father is complicit in stealing millions of dollars from the Federal Reserve. Aria knows that’s simply not possible and uses her friends and contacts to find him and prove him innocent.
Intriguing premise. There has to be something to help, doesn’t there?
Being in the dreams was so provocative. Doesn’t everyone have a dream where you’re flying or falling and then standing? Or falling and waking up? Those scenes were well done.
I don’t have any friends with private planes and simply can’t imagine flying off to a couple of different countries at the age of eighteen. Aria does have strong motivation to help clear her father’s name.
Interesting adventure. I’m going to take away the fact there is some kind of research being done. Plus love an adventure of a female being a STEM influencer.
YA science fiction thriller.
Aria Hale, though only eighteen, is an important, and experienced dream walker entering patients’s dreams. The company’s mission is to try to find a way to access hidden memories of dementia patients. Aria worked with her father to help design the process and works after school and evenings trying to find a way to help impacted relatives. One night she enters the dreams of a patient and goes past protocol and finds herself interacting with the dream. It’s a student she knows and she’s not sure why he would be in Alzheimer’s dream study. The next day there is a break in at the facility and Aria’s father is missing. The FBI is involved and believe her father is complicit in stealing millions of dollars from the Federal Reserve. Aria knows that’s simply not possible and uses her friends and contacts to find him and prove him innocent.
Intriguing premise. There has to be something to help, doesn’t there?
Being in the dreams was so provocative. Doesn’t everyone have a dream where you’re flying or falling and then standing? Or falling and waking up? Those scenes were well done.
I don’t have any friends with private planes and simply can’t imagine flying off to a couple of different countries at the age of eighteen. Aria does have strong motivation to help clear her father’s name.
Interesting adventure. I’m going to take away the fact there is some kind of research being done. Plus love an adventure of a female being a STEM influencer.
November 22, 2022
"Heists. Murderers. Kidnapping. Bombs."
Eighteen year old Aria loves her job at her father's dream therapy company where she enters dementia patients' dreams to save their memories. But when their lab is ransacked, two technicians are murdered, and her father is kidnapped, everything changes for her. Determined to find her father, Aria and her friends embark on a harrowing hunt across continents using the dreams of their enemies to guide them. But this dangerous journey plunges her into a world she never bargained for: deception, intrigue, even love. As she races to save her father and hunt down her enemies, she soon realizes she's in fact the one being hunted. And her dreams are the greatest danger of all.
I really liked the idea of this book! I mean being able to enter into people's dreams and try to save memories seems pretty cool. I honestly got some Inception vibes with them entering into the Dreamscape as Dream Walkers. The whole point was to guide the dreamer without interfering too much. It was really cool that they started this as a way to try and save the memories of Aria's grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia. The whole concept was just super cool and I liked that it wasn't really heavy on the science aspect. It was more a focus on the dreams and interpreting them.
Aria's dad created the Dreamscape concept off her brain and she becomes important to the ability of the group of Dream Walkers to stay within a dream for more than a few seconds. Aria and her group are on the search for something called the Vault of Memories, and when they get a new client it feels like they may be close to finding the missing piece to connecting memories. Of course everything goes horribly wrong when her dad is kidnapped and the book shifts to a quest to locate her dad with a group of unqualified friends. Which is why I felt some of the journey to be a little unbelievable considering the main characters were only 18 years old.
I was glad that the book had a resolution but I felt like the robbery and kidnapping together caused elements of each story to be overlooked sometimes. A few times the author had some typos with character names that kind of took you out of the moment, but overall these were minimal and seemed to be reserved for the end of the book. The problem of course is this is where all the action was. While I enjoyed that the book didn't end on a massive cliffhanger and I could feel mostly complete with the story, some stuff was left unresolved for sure. My biggest complaint with this book is that we didn't get more of the Dream Walking stuff. Overall, the story was nice, fun, and a really interesting concept.
Eighteen year old Aria loves her job at her father's dream therapy company where she enters dementia patients' dreams to save their memories. But when their lab is ransacked, two technicians are murdered, and her father is kidnapped, everything changes for her. Determined to find her father, Aria and her friends embark on a harrowing hunt across continents using the dreams of their enemies to guide them. But this dangerous journey plunges her into a world she never bargained for: deception, intrigue, even love. As she races to save her father and hunt down her enemies, she soon realizes she's in fact the one being hunted. And her dreams are the greatest danger of all.
I really liked the idea of this book! I mean being able to enter into people's dreams and try to save memories seems pretty cool. I honestly got some Inception vibes with them entering into the Dreamscape as Dream Walkers. The whole point was to guide the dreamer without interfering too much. It was really cool that they started this as a way to try and save the memories of Aria's grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia. The whole concept was just super cool and I liked that it wasn't really heavy on the science aspect. It was more a focus on the dreams and interpreting them.
Aria's dad created the Dreamscape concept off her brain and she becomes important to the ability of the group of Dream Walkers to stay within a dream for more than a few seconds. Aria and her group are on the search for something called the Vault of Memories, and when they get a new client it feels like they may be close to finding the missing piece to connecting memories. Of course everything goes horribly wrong when her dad is kidnapped and the book shifts to a quest to locate her dad with a group of unqualified friends. Which is why I felt some of the journey to be a little unbelievable considering the main characters were only 18 years old.
I was glad that the book had a resolution but I felt like the robbery and kidnapping together caused elements of each story to be overlooked sometimes. A few times the author had some typos with character names that kind of took you out of the moment, but overall these were minimal and seemed to be reserved for the end of the book. The problem of course is this is where all the action was. While I enjoyed that the book didn't end on a massive cliffhanger and I could feel mostly complete with the story, some stuff was left unresolved for sure. My biggest complaint with this book is that we didn't get more of the Dream Walking stuff. Overall, the story was nice, fun, and a really interesting concept.
November 16, 2022
The Dream Heist is a thrilling YA novel with a hunt of sci-fi in it. It will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Aria and her team on a journey full of adventure, intrigue, mystery, and even a touch of romance.
The story is about a teenage girl named Aria. She works with her father at his company, which specializes in dream therapy for dementia patients. She and her father are trying to save their patients' memories, but Aria is also determined to help her grandmother with the technology. But things get weird when someone from Aria's school appears in the dreamscape one day. And from there, everything starts to spiral out of control.
Murder, kidnapping, and burglary are now on the list of difficulties Aria and her team have to deal with. But they won't let that stop them from trying to uncover the mystery of what's really going on.
I found this to be a fascinating read. I've always been intrigued by dreams and dream interpretation, so I knew this book would be right up my alley. I found it easy to get into right away, and I was curious to see where it would go.
There's vivid world-building, likeable characters who are well-written, and loads of action, mystery, and adventure. It definitely gets tense at times, and you find yourself holding your breath as you wait to see what might happen next. And while I did think it was a little slow in a couple of spots, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the overall story.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. If you're looking for a thrilling YA sci-fi read, give The Dream Heist a go.
4.5 stars!
The story is about a teenage girl named Aria. She works with her father at his company, which specializes in dream therapy for dementia patients. She and her father are trying to save their patients' memories, but Aria is also determined to help her grandmother with the technology. But things get weird when someone from Aria's school appears in the dreamscape one day. And from there, everything starts to spiral out of control.
Murder, kidnapping, and burglary are now on the list of difficulties Aria and her team have to deal with. But they won't let that stop them from trying to uncover the mystery of what's really going on.
I found this to be a fascinating read. I've always been intrigued by dreams and dream interpretation, so I knew this book would be right up my alley. I found it easy to get into right away, and I was curious to see where it would go.
There's vivid world-building, likeable characters who are well-written, and loads of action, mystery, and adventure. It definitely gets tense at times, and you find yourself holding your breath as you wait to see what might happen next. And while I did think it was a little slow in a couple of spots, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the overall story.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. If you're looking for a thrilling YA sci-fi read, give The Dream Heist a go.
4.5 stars!
August 10, 2021
This was my first Kindle Vella serial novel. It inspired me in many ways. It’s still my top favorite in Kindle Vella. It includes a lot of my favorite things blended into a YA thriller that made me want to read more. Delving into dreams never has been this interesting. You’re going to want to read it as soon as possible.
December 2, 2022
I really have to say, I didn’t see that coming! But that’s a good thing when it comes to thrillers, isn’t it?
Aria is a Dream Walker… that makes it sound so metaphysical, but this is more on the lines of Science Fiction. She actually works at her father’s lab where she enters the dreams of dementia patients to help restore memories. And you may be thinking, like I was in the beginning, why is a high school student doing something a paid professional should? Well she’s trained and help create the program that does this. She knows the system almost as well as her father.
When someone breaks into the lab, kidnapping her father, she’ll stop at nothing to find him. At the same time, someone hacks into the Federal Reserve, stealing 18 million dollars. So this is turning into a mystery that needs solving and luckily she has a team of people who work with her and a guy from school, Jake, who she’s into that also happens to be a hacker. Thus begins their thrilling world wide journey.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story. I definitely kept trying to figure out who was good and who was bad. Like… which of the friends is a turn coat? It HAS to be one of them!
I definitely got hardcore The Matrix/Inception vibes from the dreams. She would jump off a mountain and do a flip into a hole in the ground below skyscrapers… like that is something I’d want to see on the big screen. The visuals in my head while reading were epic!
Thank you to @christinalfarley for gifting me a copy of this book in return of an honest review.
Aria is a Dream Walker… that makes it sound so metaphysical, but this is more on the lines of Science Fiction. She actually works at her father’s lab where she enters the dreams of dementia patients to help restore memories. And you may be thinking, like I was in the beginning, why is a high school student doing something a paid professional should? Well she’s trained and help create the program that does this. She knows the system almost as well as her father.
When someone breaks into the lab, kidnapping her father, she’ll stop at nothing to find him. At the same time, someone hacks into the Federal Reserve, stealing 18 million dollars. So this is turning into a mystery that needs solving and luckily she has a team of people who work with her and a guy from school, Jake, who she’s into that also happens to be a hacker. Thus begins their thrilling world wide journey.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspects of the story. I definitely kept trying to figure out who was good and who was bad. Like… which of the friends is a turn coat? It HAS to be one of them!
I definitely got hardcore The Matrix/Inception vibes from the dreams. She would jump off a mountain and do a flip into a hole in the ground below skyscrapers… like that is something I’d want to see on the big screen. The visuals in my head while reading were epic!
Thank you to @christinalfarley for gifting me a copy of this book in return of an honest review.
January 10, 2023
Intense but fun
An interesting twist on taking dreams to the next level. Fun characters and an intense plot. Not even your dreams are safe!
An interesting twist on taking dreams to the next level. Fun characters and an intense plot. Not even your dreams are safe!
January 4, 2024
3/5⭐️
1.5/5🌶️
💤 “Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived most of my life in a virtual world,” he says. “But being here with you, it’s like I’m breathing for the first time.”💤
🛌 Overall, this book was fairly enjoyable! I really liked the plot – the idea of a great heist occurring due to a stolen dream? Genius! However, the writing felt very rushed and immature… I’m not sure if this was a debut novel or if it started on Wattpad or something, but with editing, I think it could be AMAZING!
The main characters and love interests, Aria and Jake, have so much potential to be very cute as well, but due to the rushed pacing, their chemistry felt a little forced and fell a little flat…🫣
With that being said, I DID enjoy this book. The plot is very interesting (I’ve never read anything like this before) and it was still a fun read despite the uneven plot pacing. 🛌
1.5/5🌶️
💤 “Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived most of my life in a virtual world,” he says. “But being here with you, it’s like I’m breathing for the first time.”💤
🛌 Overall, this book was fairly enjoyable! I really liked the plot – the idea of a great heist occurring due to a stolen dream? Genius! However, the writing felt very rushed and immature… I’m not sure if this was a debut novel or if it started on Wattpad or something, but with editing, I think it could be AMAZING!
The main characters and love interests, Aria and Jake, have so much potential to be very cute as well, but due to the rushed pacing, their chemistry felt a little forced and fell a little flat…🫣
With that being said, I DID enjoy this book. The plot is very interesting (I’ve never read anything like this before) and it was still a fun read despite the uneven plot pacing. 🛌
July 10, 2025
"The Dream Heist" is book one in the "Dreamscape" series by Christina Farley. It was such a fantastic book, and the world building was absolutely amazing. The way they could go into dreams of others was so out of this world. I liked trying to figure out who was behind it all and was shocked when it was revealed. I also liked the close relationship between the characters and how they had each other's backs. The way that Aria was able to do what she did was pretty neat. My favorite scene was when they were at the casino. I'm curious what book two will be about and can't wait to read it.
February 1, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book from R&R Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
A person must treat dream walking as one would time traveling, observe but don’t interact. You need to get in and get out unnoticed. Aria broke her father’s rule. She broke more than one. She knew patient 145 identity and didn’t take fade out of the Dreamscape. Her rule-breaking did, in the end, become their saving grace.
Dr. Hale created MaxLife with good intentions. He wanted to help restore the memories of dementia patients. However, others saw his technology as a way to fatten their bank accounts.
There was a blossoming romance between two eighteen-year-old high schoolers, but they only kissed. Their connection was crucial to stopping their adversaries in their trackers.
The methods they used to stop the “bad guys” will intrigue those in the tech world. It’ll be right up the alley of those whose favorite genre is science fiction.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll like Jake’s private workstation and gaming ideas. Comics fans might like it too!
Murder. Explosions. Kidnappings. Poison. Humor. Suspense. Action. Adventure. Vivid dream sequences. These ten things made Dream Heist a book I’ll want to read more than once, and hopefully, you too. It also made me rethink every joining a sleep study test. 🙂
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
January 11, 2023
I want to start off by saying that I received a paperback copy. In return for my honest thoughts and my full review. I also want to say thank RRbooktours and the author. I had so much reading this book. The world and the characters the author created amazing. I was in tears last couple of chapters. READ this book.
There is a lot reasons why I joined this book tour. I have never read any of this author’s books before. Which will definitely change. I will be adding more of her books to my tbr. I also love books that have something to with dreams. This book also touch on dementia. To lose family with this nasty disease. Honestly I haven’t read a book like this before. I am love with this book. I can’t wait for book 2. That ending is something else.
Aria is a young girl who is focused on her future and helping her grandma who was just diagnosed dementia. Her father has created a dream team that one day will help Aria grams. She enters a new patient dreams. And for the first time this new patient knows her.
Aria team discover that her father is missing and they must search to find him. But there is someone else whose father is in trouble. Because of the dreams.
I highly recommend this book. This definitely a page turner.
Again thank to the author and rrbooktours for the opportunity agai.
There is a lot reasons why I joined this book tour. I have never read any of this author’s books before. Which will definitely change. I will be adding more of her books to my tbr. I also love books that have something to with dreams. This book also touch on dementia. To lose family with this nasty disease. Honestly I haven’t read a book like this before. I am love with this book. I can’t wait for book 2. That ending is something else.
Aria is a young girl who is focused on her future and helping her grandma who was just diagnosed dementia. Her father has created a dream team that one day will help Aria grams. She enters a new patient dreams. And for the first time this new patient knows her.
Aria team discover that her father is missing and they must search to find him. But there is someone else whose father is in trouble. Because of the dreams.
I highly recommend this book. This definitely a page turner.
Again thank to the author and rrbooktours for the opportunity agai.
Read
January 21, 2023The Dream Heist is the first book in the Dreamscapes series by Christina Farley. Get ready to be pulled along into a high-stakes drama as this page-turner novel will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Dreams hold so many secrets that most people would prefer be left alone, but what if they could be the means of helping those who have brain diseases recover and be who they once were? Well, that is the goal of Aria's father and their team. But things go awry starting with a classmate being one of the subjects used and then mysterious attack on Aria's father following with his kidnapping.
The Dream Heist will take you around the world as Aria and a small group of her friends race against the clock to figure out what exactly is going on. The answers might be closer than they think though.
This story is an upper YA novel, though it would probably be suitable for middle range YA readers. There is some violence, and while the romance is kept PG it does lean toward some steamier moments. The romance is rushed, in my opinion. They literally barely know each other, and then by a certain point they're all over each other. There's not foundation for the relationship.
There is a lot of drama, and the author will keep you on your toes. It's engaging from beginning to end and while there is closure, you'll still be eager for what comes next.
Rating - 4.5 out of 5.
Dreams hold so many secrets that most people would prefer be left alone, but what if they could be the means of helping those who have brain diseases recover and be who they once were? Well, that is the goal of Aria's father and their team. But things go awry starting with a classmate being one of the subjects used and then mysterious attack on Aria's father following with his kidnapping.
The Dream Heist will take you around the world as Aria and a small group of her friends race against the clock to figure out what exactly is going on. The answers might be closer than they think though.
This story is an upper YA novel, though it would probably be suitable for middle range YA readers. There is some violence, and while the romance is kept PG it does lean toward some steamier moments. The romance is rushed, in my opinion. They literally barely know each other, and then by a certain point they're all over each other. There's not foundation for the relationship.
There is a lot of drama, and the author will keep you on your toes. It's engaging from beginning to end and while there is closure, you'll still be eager for what comes next.
Rating - 4.5 out of 5.
November 13, 2023
A thrilling and adventurous story that will take you on a journey you're sure to enjoy. I loved the characters and the premise, but more than that it's the writing that keeps you turning pages. It was a hard-to-put-down kind of book for me and I hope others enjoy it just as much as I did.
Aria Hale loves working with her father and truly believes that they are working toward creating a better future for mankind, especially for those who suffer from memory loss and related illnesses. Once they succeed in advancing their dream therapy, they will be able to restore memories thus changing the fates of people. But little does she know, that their work has the potential of being misused. They are learning this the hard way. People are dead, kidnapped, and a lot of money went missing. It is up to her and her team to rescue her father, prove his innocence, find the money, and solve the mystery that shrouds their work. What really happened?
The adventure is rife with danger, thrill, and even love. All in all, the story is captivating, the characters are lovable, and the writing is brilliant. Good thing that book two is readily available and you can go ahead and dive deeper into the dreamscape.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book and the review is my honest opinion, left voluntarily.
Aria Hale loves working with her father and truly believes that they are working toward creating a better future for mankind, especially for those who suffer from memory loss and related illnesses. Once they succeed in advancing their dream therapy, they will be able to restore memories thus changing the fates of people. But little does she know, that their work has the potential of being misused. They are learning this the hard way. People are dead, kidnapped, and a lot of money went missing. It is up to her and her team to rescue her father, prove his innocence, find the money, and solve the mystery that shrouds their work. What really happened?
The adventure is rife with danger, thrill, and even love. All in all, the story is captivating, the characters are lovable, and the writing is brilliant. Good thing that book two is readily available and you can go ahead and dive deeper into the dreamscape.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book and the review is my honest opinion, left voluntarily.
March 5, 2024
This book was everything you want in a thriller! The plot twists were right on point! You know how every time you hit that lull in a book three things can happen: 1) a plot twist to elevate the book, 2) a plot twist to undercut the book or 3) nothing, which is very boring. Every time I came to a lull I found myself holding my breath as a new plot twist unfolded. I was always surprised and really enjoyed it. The flow of the book really worked for me.
I liked the interesting take on the dream world. And the possibilities to cure dementia or steal information. This book is about a heist of information from one’s mind. There’s kidnapping, bombing, gun fire, etc. But does it all happen in a dream or is it real? And if it happens in your dream does that still mean you’re safe? Read this book to find out!
The Romance was very well done for a YA book. I 100% approve!
“Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived most of my life in a virtual world,” he says. “But being here with you, it’s like I’m breathing for the first time.”
“Fear brings two choices. Forget everything and run or face everything and rise.”
Plot: 5 stars
Character development: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Writing style: 5 Stars
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Trigger warnings: Father kidnapped, people murdered, bombing, gun shot wounds, being on the run/hunted, exploitation.
Romance: just kissing, closed door, YA appropriate.
I liked the interesting take on the dream world. And the possibilities to cure dementia or steal information. This book is about a heist of information from one’s mind. There’s kidnapping, bombing, gun fire, etc. But does it all happen in a dream or is it real? And if it happens in your dream does that still mean you’re safe? Read this book to find out!
The Romance was very well done for a YA book. I 100% approve!
“Sometimes I feel like I’ve lived most of my life in a virtual world,” he says. “But being here with you, it’s like I’m breathing for the first time.”
“Fear brings two choices. Forget everything and run or face everything and rise.”
Plot: 5 stars
Character development: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Writing style: 5 Stars
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Trigger warnings: Father kidnapped, people murdered, bombing, gun shot wounds, being on the run/hunted, exploitation.
Romance: just kissing, closed door, YA appropriate.
February 18, 2023
Christina Farley deftly weaves a gripping mystery with edge-of-your-seat thrills and plenty of heart in the first installment of her Dreamscape series, The Dream Heist. Shades of Black Mirror, The Cell and Inception come to mind with this fast-paced, powerful novel. In this clever tale of intrigue, romance and mystery, the book also dives into a relatable subject rarely seen in Kidlit: dementia in a beloved family member. Farley depicts this with depth and compassion, while keeping the book exciting with plot twists you’ll never see coming. A creative journey centering on the impact of our minds and dreams, The Dream Heist is intriguing and fun in equal measure, yet deeply moving too. Readers will empathize with Aria, while admiring her bravery and smarts. Even though I don’t typically read sci-fi or fantasy, I was thoroughly immersed in the characters and story. I can’t wait to read the next novel in the series. This is an original, entertaining, and fast read that will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
January 9, 2023
Review and Giveaway
When I swiped for the last time on my iPad at the end of the book, I felt curious to know more, entertained by the story I had just devoured, and excited to see what’s next for the characters.
The Dream Heist explores the concept of dreams as being an essential part of how humans retain memories. Aria works with her father to help develop a way to cure dementia, but her father’s technology might be more dangerous than she thought…
This action-packed YA may seem to explore a well-known topic (dreams), but it does so in a unique manner that keeps the reader hooked until the end.
If scifi is your jam, you should totally read this book. It’s not too long, nor too short and it reads well.
Plus, you might just be lucky enough to win 50$ from a vendor of your choice and a paperback copy of the book! Go on Instagram at @TheLibrocubicularista for a chance to win.
*This book was gifted by the author through the RRBookTours program.
When I swiped for the last time on my iPad at the end of the book, I felt curious to know more, entertained by the story I had just devoured, and excited to see what’s next for the characters.
The Dream Heist explores the concept of dreams as being an essential part of how humans retain memories. Aria works with her father to help develop a way to cure dementia, but her father’s technology might be more dangerous than she thought…
This action-packed YA may seem to explore a well-known topic (dreams), but it does so in a unique manner that keeps the reader hooked until the end.
If scifi is your jam, you should totally read this book. It’s not too long, nor too short and it reads well.
Plus, you might just be lucky enough to win 50$ from a vendor of your choice and a paperback copy of the book! Go on Instagram at @TheLibrocubicularista for a chance to win.
*This book was gifted by the author through the RRBookTours program.
December 17, 2022
The Dream Heist
Christina Farley
Rating ❄❄❄❄❄
Review
I absolutely adore SciFi in YA and this book was LIT like a Christmas tree with a tree topper! This book had it all great word building, amazing characters, an ever thickening plot, a fantastic climax, the hunt was wild and the cover is just gorgeous!
18 year old Aria Hale is the daughter of an inventor, and scientist, they're working on a cure for dementia while Aria travels through the dreams of the patients to help them keep their memories intact. When her father along with the others are kidnapped she sets out to find her father through her enemies dreams but what happens when she's the one that's been hunted without knowing it! Will she find it on time and escape the trap or will she fall into the wrong hands? Read to find out!
Christina Farley
Rating ❄❄❄❄❄
Review
I absolutely adore SciFi in YA and this book was LIT like a Christmas tree with a tree topper! This book had it all great word building, amazing characters, an ever thickening plot, a fantastic climax, the hunt was wild and the cover is just gorgeous!
18 year old Aria Hale is the daughter of an inventor, and scientist, they're working on a cure for dementia while Aria travels through the dreams of the patients to help them keep their memories intact. When her father along with the others are kidnapped she sets out to find her father through her enemies dreams but what happens when she's the one that's been hunted without knowing it! Will she find it on time and escape the trap or will she fall into the wrong hands? Read to find out!
January 8, 2023
I was fascinated by the premise & I am happy to say that it totally delivered on the execution of it as well. I love exploring the more, but especially ones like this based in science where it feels both realistic & otherworldly in one.
I’ve lost two family members to dementia/Alzheimer’s so I admire when it’s being talked about in books & I can really appreciate the core of this novel & their motivations.
It’s cheesy, but fun. It’s fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi thriller mixed with a little bit of romance. I was very intrigued, entertained & recommend this to any looking to get lost in a mysterious adventure.
Massive thanks to the author & BOMM Tours for the arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
Trigger Warnings: This book mentions &/or contains violence, kidnapping & murder.
I’ve lost two family members to dementia/Alzheimer’s so I admire when it’s being talked about in books & I can really appreciate the core of this novel & their motivations.
It’s cheesy, but fun. It’s fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi thriller mixed with a little bit of romance. I was very intrigued, entertained & recommend this to any looking to get lost in a mysterious adventure.
Massive thanks to the author & BOMM Tours for the arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.
Trigger Warnings: This book mentions &/or contains violence, kidnapping & murder.
January 28, 2023
This is book one in the dreamscape series. It is a YA Sci-fi Thriller and is available to read now!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧬 YA Sweet romance
🧬 Travelling through dreams to save memories
🧬 Inception vibes
🧬 Kidnapping + Heists + Danger
🧬 Edge of your seat moments
I loved that the Dreamscape started as Aria and her dad's way to save memories for dementia patients. Inspired to start this work by Aria's gram getting diagnosed with the disease.
What a pure and good concept that no one would ever dare take advantage of, right? 🤦🏻♀️🤣
The adventure that Aria and Jake have to go on post dad kidnapping, is shown through dangerous dream walk tricks, blossoming feelings, and scary moments that have you flipping through pages as fast as you can!
I recommend this book if you like Sci-fi, Young Adult, and heist books!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧬 YA Sweet romance
🧬 Travelling through dreams to save memories
🧬 Inception vibes
🧬 Kidnapping + Heists + Danger
🧬 Edge of your seat moments
I loved that the Dreamscape started as Aria and her dad's way to save memories for dementia patients. Inspired to start this work by Aria's gram getting diagnosed with the disease.
What a pure and good concept that no one would ever dare take advantage of, right? 🤦🏻♀️🤣
The adventure that Aria and Jake have to go on post dad kidnapping, is shown through dangerous dream walk tricks, blossoming feelings, and scary moments that have you flipping through pages as fast as you can!
I recommend this book if you like Sci-fi, Young Adult, and heist books!
January 17, 2023
This was a new author to me and it was quite an adventurous story. It's got vibes of Inception (one of my favorite movies) and also a big mystery element to it. The main characters work at this DreamScape Institute called MaxLife where they do dream studies in an attempt to learn how to build back memories for dementia patients.
But as the story goes on, there's a heist, a chase and a whole lot of mystery around some stolen money and missing people. I enjoyed this one a lot!
Highlights
🌸 Swoony romance elements
🌸 Cat and mouse chase across the world
🌸 Dream walking and study
🌸 Multi-cultural highlights
🌸 Healthy relationships amongst friends
🌸 No cliff hangers (but a second book coming!)
A great read to kick off to 2023!
But as the story goes on, there's a heist, a chase and a whole lot of mystery around some stolen money and missing people. I enjoyed this one a lot!
Highlights
🌸 Swoony romance elements
🌸 Cat and mouse chase across the world
🌸 Dream walking and study
🌸 Multi-cultural highlights
🌸 Healthy relationships amongst friends
🌸 No cliff hangers (but a second book coming!)
A great read to kick off to 2023!
February 25, 2024
You know how sometimes a movie isn’t necessarily good but it sure is fun? Like… the Fast and Furious movies. They’re honestly terrible but they’re a good watch for for the explosions and crazy car chases. Or like the Transformers movies.
This book felt kinda like those. There was a lot that went on and it wasn’t overly good but it was a fun read none the less.
Did the story make sense? Not really. The bones were good but I feel like it was all happening too quickly to really digest it all.
Would I still recommend it to someone who wants something entertaining that isn’t necessarily too thought intensive? Absolutely.
Full review and discussion can be found at Jaysta's Library
This book felt kinda like those. There was a lot that went on and it wasn’t overly good but it was a fun read none the less.
Did the story make sense? Not really. The bones were good but I feel like it was all happening too quickly to really digest it all.
Would I still recommend it to someone who wants something entertaining that isn’t necessarily too thought intensive? Absolutely.
Full review and discussion can be found at Jaysta's Library
August 28, 2022
The story is good, but I read this on Kindle Vella and after a few episodes you have to use tokens to unlock the next episode. And the author has added notes to the end of each episode. Many times they seem to be written in a way a person would talk to a young child about things.
There were also more typos and errors than I prefer. I've reported content errors for some of them because I started to get really annoyed. So I hope the next part of the story of is proofread and edited better than this time.
There were also more typos and errors than I prefer. I've reported content errors for some of them because I started to get really annoyed. So I hope the next part of the story of is proofread and edited better than this time.
December 8, 2022
The title and cover alone intrigued me. Add in murder, kidnapping, and vivid imagery – and you’ve got a nail-biting YA thriller! Just the idea of dream therapy – especially to preserve dementia patients’ memories – is a mindblowing concept. Why isn’t this done? The race to find Aria’s dad and solve the mystery, heightened the tension. About the time you think you have it figured out, the story turns once again. Eighteen-year-olds spanning the globe is a little beyond my belief and I would have liked a few things wrapped up but all in all, this book didn’t disappoint.
April 8, 2023
From the description “The Dream Heist” should have kept my attention but unfortunately it didn’t. It took me a long while to finish this sadly. The book did remind me of both “The Matrix” and “Inception”, which I enjoyed but it wasn’t enough even though I love both of the movies. I did enjoy the dream walking and how it was being used to work with dementia patients.
This review is based on a copy received from the author.
I give this book 2 stars for being similar to The Matrix and Inception.
This review is based on a copy received from the author.
I give this book 2 stars for being similar to The Matrix and Inception.
December 20, 2023
This was a fast-paced story that held my interest throughout. I had no idea where the story would lead. I know there is another book in the series, and I'm interested to see where it will go. I'm not fully in love or even in like with some of the supporting characters. I'm hoping that in the next book, I'll like them a bit more or that my negative feelings about them will be justified more clearly.
May 18, 2024
An easy, great read. Middle/High school level and was the perfect break I needed from the multi perspective/world building/chaos of the series I’m in the middle of.
This was like reading inception from a young girls point of view. Super entertaining escape and I really enjoyed it.
Helped that it was based in Orlando and there were so many familiar references. ♥️
This was like reading inception from a young girls point of view. Super entertaining escape and I really enjoyed it.
Helped that it was based in Orlando and there were so many familiar references. ♥️
November 3, 2025
The plot line of this story keeps you guessing as to what would happen next. While Aria is the center of the story there is a full cast of characters that create depth to this story. I like that the main plot of this story gets resolved. This story is a fast paced story through the world and dreams. #CMCon26
June 15, 2024
**3.5 Stars**
A nice simple Sci-Fi-esque story about entering other peoples dreams to solve a mystery of forms with a B plot line love story. It was good but not necessarily something I would reach for again.
A nice simple Sci-Fi-esque story about entering other peoples dreams to solve a mystery of forms with a B plot line love story. It was good but not necessarily something I would reach for again.
November 8, 2023
I love the creativity that went into developing this story!! The plot revolves around the intriguing concept of delving into dreams, and the characters were so interesting and well thought-out. Loved this book!!
November 10, 2023
Pretty fast read, story was good. I will possibly read the second of the duo-logy.
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