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The Last Dreamwalker
After her mother’s unexpected death, Layla Hurley must accept that their relationship was always distant and fraught. In the wake of her passing, Layla reconnects with the maternal side of her family—aunts she hasn’t been allowed to visit or speak to for years, and stories she’s never heard. She travels to South Carolina in search of closure, but discovers much more than she bargained for. While her mother harbored dark and disturbing secrets, there is also talk of her inheritance: a piece of land on the Gullah-Geechee island off the shore is now her own.
But Layla inherits more than land. A long-buried mysterious power, dropped through generations of her Gullah ancestors, awakens. Like many women before her, Layla is a dreamwalker. She can inhabit and manipulate the dreams of others. As she dives into dark memories of her mother and the history of the island, she’s desperate to hold onto what’s real and untangle it from the looming dread that someone else, someone cloaked in malice, inhabits these dreams too.
No gift is without its consequences, and Layla finds herself thrust in the middle of a nightmare against an enemy that could snatch away her family and her life as she knows it.
But Layla inherits more than land. A long-buried mysterious power, dropped through generations of her Gullah ancestors, awakens. Like many women before her, Layla is a dreamwalker. She can inhabit and manipulate the dreams of others. As she dives into dark memories of her mother and the history of the island, she’s desperate to hold onto what’s real and untangle it from the looming dread that someone else, someone cloaked in malice, inhabits these dreams too.
No gift is without its consequences, and Layla finds herself thrust in the middle of a nightmare against an enemy that could snatch away her family and her life as she knows it.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2022
87 people are currently reading
8087 people want to read
About the author
Rita Woods
4 books191 followersRita Woods was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She received a BS in Microbiology from Purdue University before graduating from Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her training at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and currently serves as Medical Director of a Wellness Center that provides care for members of one of the largest Trade Unions in the nation.
Rita lives in suburban Chicago with her family, where she also serves as Trustee on her local library board.
She loves magic, books, history, coffee and traveling, not necessarily in that order.
Rita lives in suburban Chicago with her family, where she also serves as Trustee on her local library board.
She loves magic, books, history, coffee and traveling, not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
August 24, 2022
Layla hasn’t spoken to her mother since their last big fight, and now, with her mother’s unexpected death, she never will again. Her mother’s two sisters visit for the funeral and give Layla some unforeseen news: she’s inherited half of a Gullah-Geechee island off the coast of South Carolina. She soon learns that she’s inherited more than that. Her vivid and sometimes terrifying dreams are part of her unexplained inheritance as a dreamwalker. When she travels to South Carolina looking for answers, she uncovers long buried secrets, some of which are filled with danger.
I loved that the author chose to focus on the Gullah-Geechee culture for this work of magical realism. The incorporation of their culture and history throughout this work brought the whole thing to life in a wonderful way. There was a secondary plot that was given its own chapters throughout the book that focused on the history of Layla’s family who were slaves on the island around the time of the Civil War. The author paced this perfectly, having the family’s past revealed in a way that paralleled Layla’s discovery of her family’s history and her abilities.
The characters were well written and relatable. Layla made a wonderful protagonist, and the difficult relationship she had with her mother added meaningful depth to her. The secondary characters were all well written with their own depth and development - I loved the aunts and what they brought to the story, and Charlotte was extremely well written.
I listened to the audiobook version of this work, and the narrator excelled at bringing the characters and their stories to life. I highly recommend this read! My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this book, which will be published on September 20th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I loved that the author chose to focus on the Gullah-Geechee culture for this work of magical realism. The incorporation of their culture and history throughout this work brought the whole thing to life in a wonderful way. There was a secondary plot that was given its own chapters throughout the book that focused on the history of Layla’s family who were slaves on the island around the time of the Civil War. The author paced this perfectly, having the family’s past revealed in a way that paralleled Layla’s discovery of her family’s history and her abilities.
The characters were well written and relatable. Layla made a wonderful protagonist, and the difficult relationship she had with her mother added meaningful depth to her. The secondary characters were all well written with their own depth and development - I loved the aunts and what they brought to the story, and Charlotte was extremely well written.
I listened to the audiobook version of this work, and the narrator excelled at bringing the characters and their stories to life. I highly recommend this read! My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this book, which will be published on September 20th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 30, 2022
Rita Woods' The Last Dreamwalker explores the complicated legacies of a Gullah family in which third daughters of third daughters are dreamwalkers: able to enter, experience, and alter the dreams of others. When the mother of central character Layla dies, Layla discovers she's a dreamwalker—as was her mother, who kept her gift hidden after abandoning her Gullah family. The ability to dreamwalk is dangerous, and dreamwalkers run the risk of pushing others' dreams too far, perhaps becoming trapped in them.
There's also a second living dreamwalker in the family. This woman, Charlotte, sees Layla as a threat to the family's ownership of their Gullah island and to Charlotte's personal safety. Almost immediately, Layla finds herself under attack by this much more experienced dreamwalker. The Last Dreamwalker is built around this struggle between Layla and Charlotte.
Woods does a complex and convincing bit of world-building in the first two-thirds of the novel. Readers, who know as little about dreamwalking as does Layla, learn alongside her—and face the threats of Charlotte's rage with her. Magic is afoot, a magic that is the legacy of a family of former slaves and their descendants.
The Last Dreamwalker came close to being a five-star read for me. What fell short was the novel's end, where a resolution that is not a resolution is less than convincing and leaves too many questions unanswered.
Did I enjoy The Last Dreamwalker? Yes. Would I recommend The Last Dreamwalker to others? Yes. But the pleasure lies in the gradual build of knowledge and action within the novel and not with its resolution. I'll have an eye out for what Woods writes next. The Last Dreamwalker has so much in it for readers to savor, and I'm trusting that Walkers' future books will allow readers to savor her work through to the very end.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
There's also a second living dreamwalker in the family. This woman, Charlotte, sees Layla as a threat to the family's ownership of their Gullah island and to Charlotte's personal safety. Almost immediately, Layla finds herself under attack by this much more experienced dreamwalker. The Last Dreamwalker is built around this struggle between Layla and Charlotte.
Woods does a complex and convincing bit of world-building in the first two-thirds of the novel. Readers, who know as little about dreamwalking as does Layla, learn alongside her—and face the threats of Charlotte's rage with her. Magic is afoot, a magic that is the legacy of a family of former slaves and their descendants.
The Last Dreamwalker came close to being a five-star read for me. What fell short was the novel's end, where a resolution that is not a resolution is less than convincing and leaves too many questions unanswered.
Did I enjoy The Last Dreamwalker? Yes. Would I recommend The Last Dreamwalker to others? Yes. But the pleasure lies in the gradual build of knowledge and action within the novel and not with its resolution. I'll have an eye out for what Woods writes next. The Last Dreamwalker has so much in it for readers to savor, and I'm trusting that Walkers' future books will allow readers to savor her work through to the very end.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
September 24, 2022
Layla endures a strained relationship with her uptight mother and she is constantly dreaming of people she doesn’t know. After her mother's death, she finds out about a legacy from her mother, and her aunts take her to Scotia Island, one of the Gulla-Geechee Islands off of South Carolina coast. When she learns she is a dreamwalker, a gift inherited by the third daughter of her family dating back to times of enslavement and before. She also finds she owns half of the island, and other half is owned by her cousin Charlotte, who she's seen in her dreams and who seems to hate her.
The Last Dreamwalker is a really intriguing historical fantasy with glimpses of different timelines through dreams. The concept of a dreamwalker is fascinating, and the way the mystery is pieced together in flashes of dreams is interesting. The character of Layla is easy to connect with, and through her we meet Gemma, who was enslaved on the island and became the first owner in Layla's family using her gift of walking in the dreams of others. We also learn about the lives of Layla’s mother and her cousin Charlotte, who both had the gift and who share a terrible secret. The pace at times is a bit slow in the first half, but is still fascinating. Gemma is the most compelling character in this story, as she went from enslavement to property owner. The culture and history of the islands is well described. This historical fantasy was hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book from Macmillan Tor/Forge via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
The Last Dreamwalker is a really intriguing historical fantasy with glimpses of different timelines through dreams. The concept of a dreamwalker is fascinating, and the way the mystery is pieced together in flashes of dreams is interesting. The character of Layla is easy to connect with, and through her we meet Gemma, who was enslaved on the island and became the first owner in Layla's family using her gift of walking in the dreams of others. We also learn about the lives of Layla’s mother and her cousin Charlotte, who both had the gift and who share a terrible secret. The pace at times is a bit slow in the first half, but is still fascinating. Gemma is the most compelling character in this story, as she went from enslavement to property owner. The culture and history of the islands is well described. This historical fantasy was hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book from Macmillan Tor/Forge via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
August 24, 2022
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE:
What are the chances that one day, you are talking to your mother about your “Natural” Grandfather! And she tells you that all she knows is hearsay, she heard that he was Geechee. Now to a New Yorker, from Brooklyn. She may as well say he was from Mars. Had she said Cooley, I would have understood that growing up amongst West Indians. But she said Geechee, what is that? Then along came the kids show Gullah-Gullah Island when my son was about 3, and this “Geechee” word comes up again. Hmmm! “Interesting I said to myself.” Had not thought about it since then, even though we had been doing our genealogy. Now I am doing an ARC for this book. Coincidence? Woods are you Dreamwalking and telling me something? (SMILE) Time to be like Layla and get to investigating my own maternal line.
On to my review::
Woods’ story follows Layla Hurley, who only after the passing of her mother, is reconnected with her maternal side of the family. After her mother’s funeral, her estranged Aunts come bearing this interesting information for Layla. Information that Layla’s mother had been hiding the entire time she had been alive.
For all her life strange dreams had affected Layla, but her mother never acknowledged them and would
dismiss them. Come to find out, Layla needed to know about these dreams
.
These dreams are a magical gift, that the woman from the Gullah Geechee ancestral lineage she is part of carry.
The gift is dreamwalking, where one can inhabit and manipulate dreams of others.
Layla had never dreamwalked before, because her mother never taught her, or explained it, and downright functioned as if nothing was happening. This was only part of her aunt’s news
.
The second half was, that Layla had inherited a part of land off an Island known a Gullah Geechee, off the shore in South Carolina and it was hers.
Her aunt’s come with their interesting accents, and interesting tales and an inheritance that she now owns. This all-sets Layla on a journey to discover who she finally, truly is.
Not to mention she can begin to put together the pieces of her maternal side of the family.
Aunt’s and Layla in tow, she embarks on a trip to South Carolina. Only one teeny, tiny problem. There is another person who does not anyone in her house, “WHATSOEVER!”
Gemma 1800
Gemma has the ancestral gift also, she can dreamwalk you know? But she is a slave and she’s got a plan.” When master goes to sleep, I’m gonna use my magic and have him sign this land and this house to me, can’t no one ever take it from me”
Gemma uses her magical abilities to enter the mind of her master, manipulate his mind to signing over the parcel of land into her name, along with the house, making her the rightful owner of the Gullah Geechee estate.
Gemma takes full custody of the property deadly serious, so much so that she never, ever wants to leave!.
She wants to know why people are even leaving for this “so called freedom” when they have freedom right there, where they are.
Layla cannot believe that she has dreamwalking abilities and that her mother had been hiding it from her all those years, until she runs into cuckoo Charlotte.
When Charlotte gives Layla a taste of “Charlotte’s dreamwalking abilities “
She almost understands why, her mother did not want her part of their world.
“NO ONE IS SAFE FROM THAT WOMAN” YIKES!
Woods gives the most brilliantly told historical based, fictional novel.
This book is chock full of suspense, mayhem, and mystery.
And yet, Woods can bring you right back to tranquil lush lawns, set you a drift with your favorite blanket while lounging on the sand, while the most beautiful costal breeze practically lulls you to sleep
.
Wood’s word building is phenomenal!
Her eloquence to detail and her impressively descriptive, picturesque view of Gullah Geechee Island, South Carolina is Breathtaking.
You can almost reach out and touch it literally!
Wood’s dual point of view is stellar, and the transition was effortless.
The dual timeline was perfection personified, intelligently crafted, and flowed seamlessly.
Wood’s characters were endearing, believable, true to life and thoroughly loveable
.
The familial ties and strength of women illuminated and was masterfully expressive throughout the novel.
Absolutely thought-provoking novel inspires you to want to learn more about the Gullah Geechee History.
This one shines bright like a “DIAMOND”
WOODS HAS THAT “IT” FACTOR
AND STILL, WE RISE! YOU DEFINETLY DID MS. WOODS!!!!
ALL PRAISE! ALL GLORY!! SPLENDID! (INDEED)
Thank you NetGalley/Rita Woods/MacMillan-Tor/Forge-Forge.Books For this remarkable eARC for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
What are the chances that one day, you are talking to your mother about your “Natural” Grandfather! And she tells you that all she knows is hearsay, she heard that he was Geechee. Now to a New Yorker, from Brooklyn. She may as well say he was from Mars. Had she said Cooley, I would have understood that growing up amongst West Indians. But she said Geechee, what is that? Then along came the kids show Gullah-Gullah Island when my son was about 3, and this “Geechee” word comes up again. Hmmm! “Interesting I said to myself.” Had not thought about it since then, even though we had been doing our genealogy. Now I am doing an ARC for this book. Coincidence? Woods are you Dreamwalking and telling me something? (SMILE) Time to be like Layla and get to investigating my own maternal line.
On to my review::
Woods’ story follows Layla Hurley, who only after the passing of her mother, is reconnected with her maternal side of the family. After her mother’s funeral, her estranged Aunts come bearing this interesting information for Layla. Information that Layla’s mother had been hiding the entire time she had been alive.
For all her life strange dreams had affected Layla, but her mother never acknowledged them and would
dismiss them. Come to find out, Layla needed to know about these dreams
.
These dreams are a magical gift, that the woman from the Gullah Geechee ancestral lineage she is part of carry.
The gift is dreamwalking, where one can inhabit and manipulate dreams of others.
Layla had never dreamwalked before, because her mother never taught her, or explained it, and downright functioned as if nothing was happening. This was only part of her aunt’s news
.
The second half was, that Layla had inherited a part of land off an Island known a Gullah Geechee, off the shore in South Carolina and it was hers.
Her aunt’s come with their interesting accents, and interesting tales and an inheritance that she now owns. This all-sets Layla on a journey to discover who she finally, truly is.
Not to mention she can begin to put together the pieces of her maternal side of the family.
Aunt’s and Layla in tow, she embarks on a trip to South Carolina. Only one teeny, tiny problem. There is another person who does not anyone in her house, “WHATSOEVER!”
Gemma 1800
Gemma has the ancestral gift also, she can dreamwalk you know? But she is a slave and she’s got a plan.” When master goes to sleep, I’m gonna use my magic and have him sign this land and this house to me, can’t no one ever take it from me”
Gemma uses her magical abilities to enter the mind of her master, manipulate his mind to signing over the parcel of land into her name, along with the house, making her the rightful owner of the Gullah Geechee estate.
Gemma takes full custody of the property deadly serious, so much so that she never, ever wants to leave!.
She wants to know why people are even leaving for this “so called freedom” when they have freedom right there, where they are.
Layla cannot believe that she has dreamwalking abilities and that her mother had been hiding it from her all those years, until she runs into cuckoo Charlotte.
When Charlotte gives Layla a taste of “Charlotte’s dreamwalking abilities “
She almost understands why, her mother did not want her part of their world.
“NO ONE IS SAFE FROM THAT WOMAN” YIKES!
Woods gives the most brilliantly told historical based, fictional novel.
This book is chock full of suspense, mayhem, and mystery.
And yet, Woods can bring you right back to tranquil lush lawns, set you a drift with your favorite blanket while lounging on the sand, while the most beautiful costal breeze practically lulls you to sleep
.
Wood’s word building is phenomenal!
Her eloquence to detail and her impressively descriptive, picturesque view of Gullah Geechee Island, South Carolina is Breathtaking.
You can almost reach out and touch it literally!
Wood’s dual point of view is stellar, and the transition was effortless.
The dual timeline was perfection personified, intelligently crafted, and flowed seamlessly.
Wood’s characters were endearing, believable, true to life and thoroughly loveable
.
The familial ties and strength of women illuminated and was masterfully expressive throughout the novel.
Absolutely thought-provoking novel inspires you to want to learn more about the Gullah Geechee History.
This one shines bright like a “DIAMOND”
WOODS HAS THAT “IT” FACTOR
AND STILL, WE RISE! YOU DEFINETLY DID MS. WOODS!!!!
ALL PRAISE! ALL GLORY!! SPLENDID! (INDEED)
Thank you NetGalley/Rita Woods/MacMillan-Tor/Forge-Forge.Books For this remarkable eARC for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.
January 8, 2024
Review of The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods
The Last Dreamwalker is a crackerjack of a novel. In it, you will find distinct elements of the Southern Gothic literary style, including magical realism. The Society of Midland Authors awarded Rita Woods the 2023 Award for Adult Fiction for The Last Dreamwalker, her second novel. It was well deserved.
The story focuses on Layla, who has lost her mother. From her mother’s sisters—and her own dreams—she begins to discover family secrets going back to the last days of slavery on an island off the coast of South Carolina. Living then was an ancestor, Gemma, who had the ability to dreamwalk through others’ dreams, sometimes for the purpose of manipulating the sleeper.
Layla learns not only that she herself has inherited this gift of dreamwalking, but that she is heir to that island—if she cares to fight for it, as Gemma had once done.
The story’s pace, tension, characterization, and sense of mystery do not disappoint. Oh, as does a surprise or two along the way! Highly recommended.
James Conroyd Martin, Author of The Poland Trilogy
The Last Dreamwalker is a crackerjack of a novel. In it, you will find distinct elements of the Southern Gothic literary style, including magical realism. The Society of Midland Authors awarded Rita Woods the 2023 Award for Adult Fiction for The Last Dreamwalker, her second novel. It was well deserved.
The story focuses on Layla, who has lost her mother. From her mother’s sisters—and her own dreams—she begins to discover family secrets going back to the last days of slavery on an island off the coast of South Carolina. Living then was an ancestor, Gemma, who had the ability to dreamwalk through others’ dreams, sometimes for the purpose of manipulating the sleeper.
Layla learns not only that she herself has inherited this gift of dreamwalking, but that she is heir to that island—if she cares to fight for it, as Gemma had once done.
The story’s pace, tension, characterization, and sense of mystery do not disappoint. Oh, as does a surprise or two along the way! Highly recommended.
James Conroyd Martin, Author of The Poland Trilogy
April 4, 2022
The Last Dreamwalker is deeply evocative and clings to you like the humid air of the South. It is a creepy, moving tale in which intergenerational trauma reaches out of dreams and makes the waking world a nightmare. I keep thinking about it.
July 25, 2025
Horrible people on the Gullah Geechee Islands
There is a literary genre I call "Horrible people being horrible". It is not one of my favorites. It is rather surprising how much of literature (and also film and television) can be thus described. The Last Dreamwalker is not clearly an example of this genre. There are flashes of light -- of kind people being kind to each other. But there is no doubt that much of the book, including most of the plot, is about horrible people being horrible to each other.
In fact, the book is centered on an entire family of horrible women who are magically horrible to each other and to other people over the course of some 200 years. It begins with an African woman named Nola who is brought to South Carolina as a slave. Nola is a Dreamwalker -- read the book to find out what that entails. Dreamwalking is a gift she passes on to her daughters. Eventually it comes to Layla Hurley, who is the present-day protagonist of the novel, and is the last Dreamwalker. (Or at least the latest -- the possibility is left open that Layla will herself eventually have daughters.) We also spend quite a lot of time with Layla's Dreamwalker ancestors, in particular with one Gemma, a slave at the time of the Civil War.
Much of the story takes place in coastal South Carolina, and in particular on one of the Gullah-Geechee Islands, Scotia Island. The Gullah-Geechee Islands are real -- Scotia Island, as far as I've been able to determine, is fictional. It felt real, however. That sense of place, of a real place and culture where the story was grounded and where Layla's Dreamwalker family originated, is what rescues the book.
This was, to be honest, a book I was glad to reach the end of.
Blog review.
There is a literary genre I call "Horrible people being horrible". It is not one of my favorites. It is rather surprising how much of literature (and also film and television) can be thus described. The Last Dreamwalker is not clearly an example of this genre. There are flashes of light -- of kind people being kind to each other. But there is no doubt that much of the book, including most of the plot, is about horrible people being horrible to each other.
In fact, the book is centered on an entire family of horrible women who are magically horrible to each other and to other people over the course of some 200 years. It begins with an African woman named Nola who is brought to South Carolina as a slave. Nola is a Dreamwalker -- read the book to find out what that entails. Dreamwalking is a gift she passes on to her daughters. Eventually it comes to Layla Hurley, who is the present-day protagonist of the novel, and is the last Dreamwalker. (Or at least the latest -- the possibility is left open that Layla will herself eventually have daughters.) We also spend quite a lot of time with Layla's Dreamwalker ancestors, in particular with one Gemma, a slave at the time of the Civil War.
Much of the story takes place in coastal South Carolina, and in particular on one of the Gullah-Geechee Islands, Scotia Island. The Gullah-Geechee Islands are real -- Scotia Island, as far as I've been able to determine, is fictional. It felt real, however. That sense of place, of a real place and culture where the story was grounded and where Layla's Dreamwalker family originated, is what rescues the book.
This was, to be honest, a book I was glad to reach the end of.
Blog review.
December 22, 2023
A captivating storyline, with a new superpower! (new-to-me at least. . .) Can you imagine the power to influence (properly one would hope, but more often it would be to impose undue influence, I'd think. . .) through a foggy transfer from outside to inside another person's dreams with something that seems to be quite like a shiver of some kind. . .
That's the gift that has been passed down to Layla Hurley through her Gullah ancestors. She's known about the dreams, her own she thought, but once her mother has passed, she begins to explore those lines of family and a new world opens up. . . darkly. Is she a witch? was her mother? Is it black magic, or voodoo? Will she ever be "normal" again? Does she even want that?
So interesting! We may find in future we need to password protect our dreams. . .
*A sincere thank you to Rita Woods, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.*
That's the gift that has been passed down to Layla Hurley through her Gullah ancestors. She's known about the dreams, her own she thought, but once her mother has passed, she begins to explore those lines of family and a new world opens up. . . darkly. Is she a witch? was her mother? Is it black magic, or voodoo? Will she ever be "normal" again? Does she even want that?
So interesting! We may find in future we need to password protect our dreams. . .
*A sincere thank you to Rita Woods, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.*
January 9, 2023
This book had a great idea. As this is not my culture or my history, I am hesitant to judge. I found the pie es that reflected and told some of the history of the SC islands and the Gullah people fascinating. I would like to know more. We have lost so many stories and histories because of the genocide of Africans during slavery, the genocide of Indigenous peoples. I’m so tired of reading stories with European slants, cultures, or based in their histories. So for that, I thank the author for giving voice to histories & culture we rarely get to hear.
As a story, it wandered. I feel the editors may have let the author down. The flow of this story was choppy & at times confusing. There would be a building and a climatic scene only for the pace to then slow down or flat line again. The pacing needs to be reworked. I didn’t even realize the last confrontation WAS the last one until I got to the last chapter.
I encourage the author, keep writing. These stories are important. Keep honing your voice and graft. I want to read more stories of the Gullah peoples.
As a story, it wandered. I feel the editors may have let the author down. The flow of this story was choppy & at times confusing. There would be a building and a climatic scene only for the pace to then slow down or flat line again. The pacing needs to be reworked. I didn’t even realize the last confrontation WAS the last one until I got to the last chapter.
I encourage the author, keep writing. These stories are important. Keep honing your voice and graft. I want to read more stories of the Gullah peoples.
August 26, 2022
This is a beautiful and atmospheric novel. I'm glad I experienced this book as an audiobook. The narrator used voices and inflections to make it clear whether the story was in the past or the present, which the narrative made confusing at some points. The storyline was very predictable, but I did enjoy the story. The concept of entering people's dreams and them having real world consequences was very compelling. It speaks to the concepts of family and home - and to the realities of generational trauma. It's a short, quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for this ARC.
January 15, 2023
I'm glad that this book came on my radar. I'm a big fan of generational stories and then mix in historical fiction and fantasy and it had me hooked.
4⭐
4⭐
September 26, 2022
Using a dual timeline, The Last Dreamwalker, by Rita Woods, tells a generational story. Through Gemma (1861) and Layla (present day), we learn that some women in their family have a gift. This gift is passed by the third daughters of third daughters, starting with Nola, who was stolen from Africa and enslaved on Scotia Island, SC.
After her mother’s death, Layla inherits one half of Scotia Island and learns that the hyper-realistic dreams she’s had all her life are due to her abilities as a dreamwalker. The other half-owner of the island is her mother’s cousin Charlotte. Charlotte has lived on Scotia Island all her life and is a powerful dreamwalker with a dangerous reputation.
Gemma’s story is a fascinating one, taking place at the end of the Civil War. As the enslaved workers leave the island for freedom on the mainland, Gemma uses her dreamwalking to manipulate the dying master of Ainsli Green into naming her the heir of Scotia Island.
Woods’ writing is strongest when she delves into the dangers that exist - both the menace a dreamwalker can inflict on the dreamer and the madness that can overtake a dreamwalker who abuses her gift.
For much of the book, though, I was unclear as to where the story was headed. I wanted much more momentum and to feel a greater anticipation of the climax. Instead of building intensity, each dramatic moment was followed by a retreat - both a literal retreat by Layla and a significant ebb in the energy of the plot.
I also wanted a more gothic atmosphere, more time on the nearly abandoned island, and more background on the history and culture of the Gullah people.
But I do think The Last Dreamwalker has enough originality and interesting characters to make it worth the read, and I would pick up another Rita Woods title in the future.
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for this ARC.
After her mother’s death, Layla inherits one half of Scotia Island and learns that the hyper-realistic dreams she’s had all her life are due to her abilities as a dreamwalker. The other half-owner of the island is her mother’s cousin Charlotte. Charlotte has lived on Scotia Island all her life and is a powerful dreamwalker with a dangerous reputation.
Gemma’s story is a fascinating one, taking place at the end of the Civil War. As the enslaved workers leave the island for freedom on the mainland, Gemma uses her dreamwalking to manipulate the dying master of Ainsli Green into naming her the heir of Scotia Island.
Woods’ writing is strongest when she delves into the dangers that exist - both the menace a dreamwalker can inflict on the dreamer and the madness that can overtake a dreamwalker who abuses her gift.
For much of the book, though, I was unclear as to where the story was headed. I wanted much more momentum and to feel a greater anticipation of the climax. Instead of building intensity, each dramatic moment was followed by a retreat - both a literal retreat by Layla and a significant ebb in the energy of the plot.
I also wanted a more gothic atmosphere, more time on the nearly abandoned island, and more background on the history and culture of the Gullah people.
But I do think The Last Dreamwalker has enough originality and interesting characters to make it worth the read, and I would pick up another Rita Woods title in the future.
Thank you to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for this ARC.
December 11, 2022
The plot is interesting however the characters are underdeveloped and too simple and the relationships cliche. I think the story could have been better had the author built depth into her characters more, adding complexity. Unfortunately this book felt like watching a movie with bad actors all around.
In my opinion, the book might have been good had it focused on the mystery unraveling, but since the author had allotted attention to individual struggles, past trauma and family loyalty, they needed a lot more character depth to avoid it falling flat.
In my opinion, the book might have been good had it focused on the mystery unraveling, but since the author had allotted attention to individual struggles, past trauma and family loyalty, they needed a lot more character depth to avoid it falling flat.
October 1, 2022
THE LAST DREAMWALKER by Rita Woods is read by Nedra Marie Taylor and is easily 4.5 Stars.
Layla has a distanced relationship with her mom, and when her mother dies Layla starts a journey to know more about who she is and who her mother was. Her Aunts, whom she was not allowed contact, guide her path forward, but when she learns about her gift, a storm begins to brew that no one is sure how to calm. This ability to be a Dreamwalker and move through other people's dreams has a lovely aspect to it, but it can be a very dark and sinister tool that has been used for generations in Layla's family. Layla must decide if her inheritance, both in the Gulla-Geechee island and the knowledge of her gift, is safe for her and her family.
This was another story with supernatural elements that captured me with all the deeper familial struggles. The writing was beautiful and Nedra Marie Taylor brought me into each of the distinct characters with ease. The heavier accents of the Aunts and family on the island were rich and emotive. I was swept away. I also feel like this Dreamwalker idea is a bit terrifying! This book tells the story of Layla, but also of the first Dreamwalker on the island and that historical fiction aspect was also very engaging.
Thank you @NetGalley and @macmillan.audio for this Advanced Listening Copy. All opinions are my own. This title will be available on the 20th of September. This is a fantastic one to add to your fall lineup!
Layla has a distanced relationship with her mom, and when her mother dies Layla starts a journey to know more about who she is and who her mother was. Her Aunts, whom she was not allowed contact, guide her path forward, but when she learns about her gift, a storm begins to brew that no one is sure how to calm. This ability to be a Dreamwalker and move through other people's dreams has a lovely aspect to it, but it can be a very dark and sinister tool that has been used for generations in Layla's family. Layla must decide if her inheritance, both in the Gulla-Geechee island and the knowledge of her gift, is safe for her and her family.
This was another story with supernatural elements that captured me with all the deeper familial struggles. The writing was beautiful and Nedra Marie Taylor brought me into each of the distinct characters with ease. The heavier accents of the Aunts and family on the island were rich and emotive. I was swept away. I also feel like this Dreamwalker idea is a bit terrifying! This book tells the story of Layla, but also of the first Dreamwalker on the island and that historical fiction aspect was also very engaging.
Thank you @NetGalley and @macmillan.audio for this Advanced Listening Copy. All opinions are my own. This title will be available on the 20th of September. This is a fantastic one to add to your fall lineup!
September 30, 2022
Highly recommend this one!
Layla comes from a line of dreamwalkers but she doesn’t realize this until the gift comes for her after her mother dies. Not only has Layla started dreamwalking but her mother left her an island with so much history of Gullah-Geechee culture, which was a fascinating part of this book. I have been to this area of the world and Woods does a great job at making us feel in this place.
The dreams she enters are not the happy dreams of happy people she seems to enter the nightmares and sometimes she’s not sure if they are her nightmare or someone elses. The history of this family and this place are all intertwined with the dreams and the only thing she can do is try to help.
Narration by Nedra Marie Taylor is excellent she truly brings everyone to life and I like the softness during the dreams.
This is a hard book to review because I don’t want to give away how it all works and what she accomplishes in the dreamworld. All I can say is this is an excellent story that I highly recommend on audio for the great narration.
4 Stars
I received this audiobook from the publisher Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
Layla comes from a line of dreamwalkers but she doesn’t realize this until the gift comes for her after her mother dies. Not only has Layla started dreamwalking but her mother left her an island with so much history of Gullah-Geechee culture, which was a fascinating part of this book. I have been to this area of the world and Woods does a great job at making us feel in this place.
The dreams she enters are not the happy dreams of happy people she seems to enter the nightmares and sometimes she’s not sure if they are her nightmare or someone elses. The history of this family and this place are all intertwined with the dreams and the only thing she can do is try to help.
Narration by Nedra Marie Taylor is excellent she truly brings everyone to life and I like the softness during the dreams.
This is a hard book to review because I don’t want to give away how it all works and what she accomplishes in the dreamworld. All I can say is this is an excellent story that I highly recommend on audio for the great narration.
4 Stars
I received this audiobook from the publisher Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
September 23, 2022
I actually liked this book even though it does not fit into what I normally read. The book is about a family that was brought to the US during the slave trade. The young woman had an ability while in Africa that allowed her to figure out anything she wanted about people without doing anything to them. When she arrived in America her skills changed to becomeing a dreamwalker. She became obsessed with owning the land of the man who was her slave master during the time of emancipation. She would walk in his dreams contineously pushing him to sign over the deed to her and her future family. The skills pass down from the dreamwalker to her third daughter.
The book goes back and forth between the past and the present and the last dreamwalkers. There is a lot more that happens, but I think you will enjoy getting to each reveal yourself.
The book goes back and forth between the past and the present and the last dreamwalkers. There is a lot more that happens, but I think you will enjoy getting to each reveal yourself.
August 28, 2022
The Last Dreamwalker
by Rita Woods
Audio book, Narrated by Nedra Marie Taylor. The story of a southern island owned by an ex-slave family that has inherited more then just the old slave plantation. The Beauty of the island is overwhelmed by the dark history of slavery, and magic. The story is enchanting of the charms of south, haunted by the old fingers of slavery, and the darkness of human nature. The triumph of a young girl tricked into slavery through a marriage contract. And the exploitation of the slaves, their women and children by the old slave owners. the book shows the darkness of human nature, and the magic of trying to change the energy and force of the world.
by Rita Woods
Audio book, Narrated by Nedra Marie Taylor. The story of a southern island owned by an ex-slave family that has inherited more then just the old slave plantation. The Beauty of the island is overwhelmed by the dark history of slavery, and magic. The story is enchanting of the charms of south, haunted by the old fingers of slavery, and the darkness of human nature. The triumph of a young girl tricked into slavery through a marriage contract. And the exploitation of the slaves, their women and children by the old slave owners. the book shows the darkness of human nature, and the magic of trying to change the energy and force of the world.
May 4, 2022
The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods was quite an interesting book. It starts out strong, setting up the mystical concept of “dream walking”. Entering other peoples’ dreams and using this as a means to influence them in sleep. The story bounces back and forth between two points of view. In the present day there is Layla and then in the past is her ancestor, Gemma. I love stories set in the South and I felt the author did a great job of conveying Gullah language and traditions to make the story feel authentic. Overall, a solid story.
August 19, 2022
I received an advance reader copy at C2E2 2022, and I am grateful I did as there is so much to love about this story.
I seriously couldn't put this book down. The author wove a vivid tale of family and history set against the backdrop of Gullah Geechee islands in South Carolina, prompting me to now want to book a vacation there as they sounded so peaceful. The story was rich and detailed with character you grew to accept and maybe even love despite their flaws. The transitions from dreams to reality to generations past was seamless. Often when novels try to incorporate multiple time periods it leaves the reader feeling like they need to be treated for whiplash between chapters, but The Last Dreamwalker floated gently along.
There were two plot points I would have hoped for a clearer resolutions. I had theories, but would have been happier if it was reflected or shared more directly among the characters. Didn't distract from the story, but I do remember getting to the end and wondering...but why *this*?
I seriously couldn't put this book down. The author wove a vivid tale of family and history set against the backdrop of Gullah Geechee islands in South Carolina, prompting me to now want to book a vacation there as they sounded so peaceful. The story was rich and detailed with character you grew to accept and maybe even love despite their flaws. The transitions from dreams to reality to generations past was seamless. Often when novels try to incorporate multiple time periods it leaves the reader feeling like they need to be treated for whiplash between chapters, but The Last Dreamwalker floated gently along.
There were two plot points I would have hoped for a clearer resolutions. I had theories, but would have been happier if it was reflected or shared more directly among the characters. Didn't distract from the story, but I do remember getting to the end and wondering...but why *this*?
August 6, 2022
After her mother’s death, Layla Hurley’s world is turned upside down. Her whole life she had been plagued by vivid dreams that her family dismissed as a child’s active imagination but now she discovers they are so much more. She’s introduced to family she had never known, and her mother’s past that her mother worked so hard to keep hidden. The inheritance of a mysterious island, and the introduction to her families history gives her the strength to face an unseen enemy that threatens everyone she loves.
This is an atmospheric Gothic tale that delves into the Gullah-Geechee culture of the islands off the coast of South Carolina. The descriptions were vivid and captivating. The characters were well rounded and endearing. Normally I don’t care for stories that flash back and forth through time, but this one is so well written that I enjoyed every bit of it. The author takes the reader on a historic trip through time as the main character explores her family history. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historic mysteries and Gothic mysteries. Thank you to Netgalley and Forge books for the opportunity to review this novel.
This is an atmospheric Gothic tale that delves into the Gullah-Geechee culture of the islands off the coast of South Carolina. The descriptions were vivid and captivating. The characters were well rounded and endearing. Normally I don’t care for stories that flash back and forth through time, but this one is so well written that I enjoyed every bit of it. The author takes the reader on a historic trip through time as the main character explores her family history. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historic mysteries and Gothic mysteries. Thank you to Netgalley and Forge books for the opportunity to review this novel.
July 18, 2022
I would like to thank Goodreads Giveaways and Forge Publicity for this free ARC copy of this book.
Having just finished this book I am still full of all the excitement and adventure it has inside. It is very well written and kept me wanting to read more even when I knew I should be going to bed because of work in the morning.
I felt like I was right there with Layla as she tried to figure out what it meant to be a Dreamwalker. To confront her cousin, Charlotte, and to make everything right. As she dealt with the lies her mother told her and the things from the past she never told her. For not telling her that she wasn't crazy, that she was a dreamwalker and for not training/teaching her how to be a dreamwalker.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Having just finished this book I am still full of all the excitement and adventure it has inside. It is very well written and kept me wanting to read more even when I knew I should be going to bed because of work in the morning.
I felt like I was right there with Layla as she tried to figure out what it meant to be a Dreamwalker. To confront her cousin, Charlotte, and to make everything right. As she dealt with the lies her mother told her and the things from the past she never told her. For not telling her that she wasn't crazy, that she was a dreamwalker and for not training/teaching her how to be a dreamwalker.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
March 13, 2023
The Last Dreamwalker is an honest look at the complicated nature of family history, generational trauma, and complex female relationships, weaving in a magical family inheritance along the way. I enjoy Rita Woods's writing style, giving relatable personalities to her characters that allow the reader to understand and grapple with the tough decisions they face. The book is enriching and empowering in many ways.
My only grievance with this book is the length. I would have loved to gather a little more backstory and have allowed the plot a little bit longer to unfold. I found myself, with less than 50 pages left, questioning how everything was going to be tied up by the end. And while Woods did a good job and addressed most, if not all, of the main questions I had as a reader, I still felt that it was a sprint to the end. I would have enjoyed some more detail in the final moments.
Overall, I found this book very engaging, emotional, and fulfilling. I would recommend to many others.
My only grievance with this book is the length. I would have loved to gather a little more backstory and have allowed the plot a little bit longer to unfold. I found myself, with less than 50 pages left, questioning how everything was going to be tied up by the end. And while Woods did a good job and addressed most, if not all, of the main questions I had as a reader, I still felt that it was a sprint to the end. I would have enjoyed some more detail in the final moments.
Overall, I found this book very engaging, emotional, and fulfilling. I would recommend to many others.
September 22, 2022
I love fantasy and I love historical fiction so The Last Dreamwalker should've been a winner for me, right? Well, should've isn't always right.
This book had the same problem many books have had for me in recent years. The plots/story/pov flip back and forth in time. Some books this works well for but this one I was more invested in the 'historical' fiction part and I don't feel as if it was fleshed out enough. Also, I feel as if this should've been two books to give appropriate time to each story line even if they do connect. The present felt flat and I just expected more I guess.
Thank you to Netgalley to providing me with an arch of this book.
This book had the same problem many books have had for me in recent years. The plots/story/pov flip back and forth in time. Some books this works well for but this one I was more invested in the 'historical' fiction part and I don't feel as if it was fleshed out enough. Also, I feel as if this should've been two books to give appropriate time to each story line even if they do connect. The present felt flat and I just expected more I guess.
Thank you to Netgalley to providing me with an arch of this book.
June 15, 2022
I couldn't get enough of this book! In it we follow Layla, who realizes how little she knows about her family history after the passing of her mother when her estranged aunts come to the funeral. She finds out more and more about the dreams she has had since she was little and what those dreams have to do with her family's past. I cannot recommend it enough! I think a lot of people will be enjoying this book in the fall!
February 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book because I enjoyed the glimpse into Southern life, and I LOVED the Aunts. I listened to the audiobook and very much enjoyed the accents that the actor did.
August 28, 2022
ARC review expected publication September 20, 2022
3.5 stars round up to 4.
This is an truly atmospheric magical realism novel, that really brings you to the Carolina coast including the Gullah culture is something not often seen in novels but anyone that’s spent time in that area knows is a big part of the culture.
The story focuses on the main character Layla, who is dealing with the recent death of her mother who she struggles to connect with in life. With her passing she’s discovering that even the parts of her mother she thought she knew where not what they seemed.
Layla has always had intense dreams with side affects that blend into real life, and she was raised to hide and medicate this. After her mothers death she learns she owns half of a small island off the Carolina coast , where she connects with her extended family and learns that her dream walking is genetic and controllable. While her aunts are overjoyed to bring her into the community, not everyone wants her to own the island and she must face the darker side of dream walking as well.
There is a side story taking place in the past describing how her family came to own the island and some dreamwalkers of the past. Gullah Geechee heritage and language, could have been explored more if the author choose to lean a little harder into the historical fiction element
All and all the story is well written and engaging. There are some things I think are missing or could be expanded upon in the story such as the story of the past other than being within the same family does not truly connected to Layla’s story despite many opportunities for such,I also believe the ending could have been stronger which i can’t really say more on without getting into spoilers.
Despite these things I think the writing style is wonderful, and the characters are engaging. Dr Woods truly knows how to transport her readers to her setting, and connect with her characters on a human level. She effectively explores the familial relationships and intergenerational trauma. I’d definitely read more of her work.
Nedra Marie Taylor provides the narration for the audiobook, and does a fantastic job of switching between the dialects in the story.
Big thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a chance to get in on this book early. I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 stars round up to 4.
This is an truly atmospheric magical realism novel, that really brings you to the Carolina coast including the Gullah culture is something not often seen in novels but anyone that’s spent time in that area knows is a big part of the culture.
The story focuses on the main character Layla, who is dealing with the recent death of her mother who she struggles to connect with in life. With her passing she’s discovering that even the parts of her mother she thought she knew where not what they seemed.
Layla has always had intense dreams with side affects that blend into real life, and she was raised to hide and medicate this. After her mothers death she learns she owns half of a small island off the Carolina coast , where she connects with her extended family and learns that her dream walking is genetic and controllable. While her aunts are overjoyed to bring her into the community, not everyone wants her to own the island and she must face the darker side of dream walking as well.
There is a side story taking place in the past describing how her family came to own the island and some dreamwalkers of the past. Gullah Geechee heritage and language, could have been explored more if the author choose to lean a little harder into the historical fiction element
All and all the story is well written and engaging. There are some things I think are missing or could be expanded upon in the story such as the story of the past other than being within the same family does not truly connected to Layla’s story despite many opportunities for such,I also believe the ending could have been stronger which i can’t really say more on without getting into spoilers.
Despite these things I think the writing style is wonderful, and the characters are engaging. Dr Woods truly knows how to transport her readers to her setting, and connect with her characters on a human level. She effectively explores the familial relationships and intergenerational trauma. I’d definitely read more of her work.
Nedra Marie Taylor provides the narration for the audiobook, and does a fantastic job of switching between the dialects in the story.
Big thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a chance to get in on this book early. I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 14, 2022
The first thing that drew me in was the cover, the design is absolutely stunning. I honestly had little knowledge of what the book was about. I wanted to go into this one fairly blind, and I’m glad I did! This is an urban fantasy novel set in South Carolina The main premise is that the main character is a dream walker - She has the ability to enter someone’s dream. More is discovered and revealed, not only about this gift, it’s origin, but also the characters heritage, as the novel goes on. It deals with complicated familial relationships and how sometimes people have a difficult time listening / understanding each other. It’s definitely a book that leaves you wanting more. The pace of the novel was near perfect as it didn’t drag but wasn’t too fast to the point of hard to keep track. I highly recommend this book! For me personally it’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
*Thank you NetGally for the ALC*
*Thank you NetGally for the ALC*
December 2, 2024
This was my first Rita Walker book and I truly enjoyed it. I loved reading about a book from the area I grew up in...without it being loaded down with bland historical facts. Rita's story telling is lush and rich and captures the low country and its history perfectly...while also writing a brand new story. This historical paranormal is full of intrigue and kept me captivated with its magical appeal the entire time.
August 24, 2025
this was so boring and repetitive to the point it felt like i was completing chores everytime I dragged myself through a chapter. It's sad because all the reviews are so positive and the concept was so interesting that I thought it would be better. it kept going and going and going and everytime something slighty interesting finally peeked it's head the story swerved away from it.
DNF'd at Pg 171
DNF'd at Pg 171
October 11, 2025
Maybe 2.5 ⭐️'s
This wasn't really my jam. I like the concept, but the execution was off for me. I was expecting more of a thriller, eerie feeling from this story, but it was mainly family drama with a magical twist. The only thing that kept me reading was my interest in the Gullah culture since it runs in my blood.
This wasn't really my jam. I like the concept, but the execution was off for me. I was expecting more of a thriller, eerie feeling from this story, but it was mainly family drama with a magical twist. The only thing that kept me reading was my interest in the Gullah culture since it runs in my blood.
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