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Dream Phaze #2
Imagination
2022 Global Ebook Award winner!
Book 2 in the continuing Dream Phaze series.
Introduction by Dr Keith Hearne (father of lucid dream research).
"With great prescience, author Matt Watters has figured out the issues that will occur with mass public involvement in dreaming (of all things!) in the not-too-distant future. I salute Matt Watters' insightful revelations of times to come."
The ultimate uncharted frontier is the human mind. Dream Phaze - Imagination explores these extreme boundaries through engineered dreams as mainstream entertainment. We all dream...but what are the psychological consequences of creating an immersive environment indistinguishable from reality where everything is possible? Dream Phaze has been characterised as Black Mirror meets Westworld.
Book 2 in the continuing Dream Phaze series.
Introduction by Dr Keith Hearne (father of lucid dream research).
"With great prescience, author Matt Watters has figured out the issues that will occur with mass public involvement in dreaming (of all things!) in the not-too-distant future. I salute Matt Watters' insightful revelations of times to come."
The ultimate uncharted frontier is the human mind. Dream Phaze - Imagination explores these extreme boundaries through engineered dreams as mainstream entertainment. We all dream...but what are the psychological consequences of creating an immersive environment indistinguishable from reality where everything is possible? Dream Phaze has been characterised as Black Mirror meets Westworld.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2022
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 3, 2022
This is a clever and enjoyable book, spun around an original idea which is believable and thoroughly well imagined. I have not read the first book in the series, but I'm pleased to say that didn't affect my enjoyment of "Imagination" in the slightest. The best thing about the author's idea (and his imagination when it comes to its pitfalls) is that it is believable and reflects the best and worst of human nature in equal measure.
The only thing I would say is that the book was plot driven rather than character driven - the characters didn't have a great deal of depth, and their personalities and relationships are not explored in any real detail. That being said, the plot is so interesting that the book doesn't really suffer. A page turner from beginning to end.
Also, a shout out for the Australian locations - reminded me of my time spent out there!
The only thing I would say is that the book was plot driven rather than character driven - the characters didn't have a great deal of depth, and their personalities and relationships are not explored in any real detail. That being said, the plot is so interesting that the book doesn't really suffer. A page turner from beginning to end.
Also, a shout out for the Australian locations - reminded me of my time spent out there!
April 16, 2022
Hello everyone!
So yeah I read this book after reading the Dream Phaze - Germination, and I am surprised why this book doesn't have any reviews. This book was a great experience. Therefore, the review will not be long, since it is best to read the book to experience the 'experience'.
Also read without any worries, as always no spoilers of any kind.
So, the Plot is well thought of and equally well expanded upon. Usually, you see writers coming up with extraordinary plots but fail to expand them into a novel or novella. Fortunately, this was not the case here. The plot was unique and if it wasn't the writer's skills were good enough to cover for any generic repetitions. To know more just read the book, go support the man guys.
The characters, well, are very well written and greatly empathized. Their roles were evident and their development was interesting. The most important thing, though, was that the characters never felt out of place when compared to the setting or the plot. This is the trait of great writers.
Lastly, the setting, there is not much to write about the setting, you have to read it to experience it. Just know that it is one of the best that I have ever experienced. So take my advice and read it.
Ultimately, a great piece of literature; I loved it while it lasted and you will too. Thank you to the author for the effort and entertainment. And please buy the book and show the author some love.
Thank you
Happy Reading :)
So yeah I read this book after reading the Dream Phaze - Germination, and I am surprised why this book doesn't have any reviews. This book was a great experience. Therefore, the review will not be long, since it is best to read the book to experience the 'experience'.
Also read without any worries, as always no spoilers of any kind.
So, the Plot is well thought of and equally well expanded upon. Usually, you see writers coming up with extraordinary plots but fail to expand them into a novel or novella. Fortunately, this was not the case here. The plot was unique and if it wasn't the writer's skills were good enough to cover for any generic repetitions. To know more just read the book, go support the man guys.
The characters, well, are very well written and greatly empathized. Their roles were evident and their development was interesting. The most important thing, though, was that the characters never felt out of place when compared to the setting or the plot. This is the trait of great writers.
Lastly, the setting, there is not much to write about the setting, you have to read it to experience it. Just know that it is one of the best that I have ever experienced. So take my advice and read it.
Ultimately, a great piece of literature; I loved it while it lasted and you will too. Thank you to the author for the effort and entertainment. And please buy the book and show the author some love.
Thank you
Happy Reading :)
May 14, 2022
It is wonderful to see a sequel to Dream Phaze – Germination. The first book really stuck with me as it challenged my thinking about certain issues. This book did not disappoint. Watters has taken more time to work on his characters, each one is fully formed, stepping off the page and into your imagination. I found the novel hard to put down. The concept is completely original and that is refreshing to me as a reader.
One of my favourite things about Watters’ novels is that they resonate with you long after completion. As with the previous book I found myself considering the themes Watters explores days later.
If you are looking for a book that really make you think I would recommend this.
One of my favourite things about Watters’ novels is that they resonate with you long after completion. As with the previous book I found myself considering the themes Watters explores days later.
If you are looking for a book that really make you think I would recommend this.
May 5, 2022
I have read both Germination and Imagination and this series has massive potential. I really enjoyed where the second installment took the reader and agree with Chris, Watters has a very creative imagination, based on science. I highly recommend this series if you want a smart, well written story that will take you on a fantastic journey into the near future. Start at the beginning, read Germination first.
April 23, 2022
Dream Phaze- Imagination by Matt Watters is Book 2 in the series. Even though, I haven't read the Book 1, the plot of the book was remarkably complete in itself.
The book touches the unique and novel concept of Engineered Dreams. It is a kind of technology which can help to stimulate the sensory system of a person and thereby making his dream world become alive.
The story is fast paced, engaging and exhilarating from start to finish. The glossary given at the end of the book makes it easier for the reader to understand various terms.
It spins around Merlin's dream immersion experiences. All the characters are well developed by the author and quite relatable.
The book Is insightful and thought provoking. The main theme stays with you and makes you wonder about the unknown and unlimited possibilities of the manipulation of human mind. The author deserves an applause for successfully weaving a plot around such a unique concept.
The book touches the unique and novel concept of Engineered Dreams. It is a kind of technology which can help to stimulate the sensory system of a person and thereby making his dream world become alive.
The story is fast paced, engaging and exhilarating from start to finish. The glossary given at the end of the book makes it easier for the reader to understand various terms.
It spins around Merlin's dream immersion experiences. All the characters are well developed by the author and quite relatable.
The book Is insightful and thought provoking. The main theme stays with you and makes you wonder about the unknown and unlimited possibilities of the manipulation of human mind. The author deserves an applause for successfully weaving a plot around such a unique concept.
November 1, 2022
This is the second book in the Dream Phaze series by Matt Watters. It was just as fascinating and wholly intriguing as the first book. I was so excited to see where Watters would go with this concept. I said in my review of the first book that this concept felt like a less harrowing episode of Black Mirror, and that is still true. But like many of the other readers, I also felt like this installment added in some Westworld vibes.
Once again, it was infinitely helpful to have a glossary of terms & appendix at the back of the book to keep myself centered on what I'm reading. The evolution of the plot and characters was just as imaginative and engaging as in book 1. Again, very sci-fi forward and great for the genre--but people who don't love tech-heavy deep sci-fi won't be quite as obsessed with this read as I was.
I look forward to seeing where else Watters can take us!
Once again, it was infinitely helpful to have a glossary of terms & appendix at the back of the book to keep myself centered on what I'm reading. The evolution of the plot and characters was just as imaginative and engaging as in book 1. Again, very sci-fi forward and great for the genre--but people who don't love tech-heavy deep sci-fi won't be quite as obsessed with this read as I was.
I look forward to seeing where else Watters can take us!
May 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The whole concept of dream immersion was very interested and sounds like something that could come about in the future. The book felt well thought out and the tech speak made sense.
I liked the main plot and the question of how can one police people in dreams and the psychological impact of the dream immersion technology. I wanted this to be explored more.
I felt like there were almost too many subplots going on and a lot of characters that it was hard to keep track of everything. Some scenes, for instance where Liam meet Dahlia, felt completely unnecessary.
Loved the main core characters of Saxon, Margo, Merlin, Kris and Wendy. Miranda seemed to have dropped off a bit after the middle…
Overall I would recommend and can’t wait until the next book, because talk about a major cliff hanger! So book ended abruptly and took me by surprise as I wasn’t expecting it to stop where it did. Looking forward to the continuation.
I liked the main plot and the question of how can one police people in dreams and the psychological impact of the dream immersion technology. I wanted this to be explored more.
I felt like there were almost too many subplots going on and a lot of characters that it was hard to keep track of everything. Some scenes, for instance where Liam meet Dahlia, felt completely unnecessary.
Loved the main core characters of Saxon, Margo, Merlin, Kris and Wendy. Miranda seemed to have dropped off a bit after the middle…
Overall I would recommend and can’t wait until the next book, because talk about a major cliff hanger! So book ended abruptly and took me by surprise as I wasn’t expecting it to stop where it did. Looking forward to the continuation.
October 29, 2022
“Dream Phaze - Imagination” by Matt Watters had me hooked from the beginning. This is the first book of the “Dream Phaze” collection that I have read. It was described to me as science fiction, but I can draw comparisons from my lifetime. The story takes place in the not too distant future, and the Dream Immersion technology is like virtual reality on steroids. By purchasing a device and having a subscription, users can plan for and then experience virtual adventures and interact with other users while they sleep. I grew up in the analog world of the 1960s’ and 70s’, when the digital world we now live in would have been considered science fiction.
Saxon Zynn has invented the Dream Immersion technology and his company, ZynnComm could be compared to Microsoft or Apple in both cutting edge technology and enormous revenue. Dream Immersion technology can be compared to the internet and the digital technology of today which is intended to improve our quality of life, but in the wrong hands it can be used maliciously.
Matt Watters has written a page turner with well developed, believable characters. While the technology is not yet available, it’s not hard to imagine the day when it will be. That is what kept me immersed in this story. I say BRAVO! Matt Watters. Enjoy this book potential reader.
Saxon Zynn has invented the Dream Immersion technology and his company, ZynnComm could be compared to Microsoft or Apple in both cutting edge technology and enormous revenue. Dream Immersion technology can be compared to the internet and the digital technology of today which is intended to improve our quality of life, but in the wrong hands it can be used maliciously.
Matt Watters has written a page turner with well developed, believable characters. While the technology is not yet available, it’s not hard to imagine the day when it will be. That is what kept me immersed in this story. I say BRAVO! Matt Watters. Enjoy this book potential reader.
May 17, 2022
I was very much looking forward to Watters’ second instalment in the Dream Phaze series and Imagination did not disappoint. Saxon and Margo, buoyed by the return of their prodigal son, continue as the power couple driving the technology, exerting their will with increasingly self-serving and questionable motivation.
The array of familiar and authentic characters draws the reader to dive right into the continuation of the journey this extraordinary technology takes. However, Dream Phaze is driven by the narrative of surprising twists and turns and rollicking, sometimes shocking in-dream experiences. This juxtaposition is, for me, what makes the ride so compelling and enjoyable.
The array of familiar and authentic characters draws the reader to dive right into the continuation of the journey this extraordinary technology takes. However, Dream Phaze is driven by the narrative of surprising twists and turns and rollicking, sometimes shocking in-dream experiences. This juxtaposition is, for me, what makes the ride so compelling and enjoyable.
October 25, 2022
Extremely creative concept that Watters milks in every scene on every page. Watters manages to turn in a plot that makes you stop and think while offering something for the sheer purpose of entertainment. I must say that bringing dreams to life is a unique idea pulled off and turned into a real sci-fi that will have you quickly flipping the pages. Characters are relatable and deal with some heavy traumas. Overall, a nice job.
October 31, 2022
Watters continues his Dream Phaze series with this second installment, Dream Phaze- Imagination. Business is booming at Zynn Communications and Dream Immersion (DI) technology is beginning to take the world by storm. DI technology has continued to expand and develop, resulting in new business collaborations as well as 4 Dream Immersion Academies across various parts of the globe. But trouble arises for Dr. Saxon and his team when rapes and murders begin to occur in "white" rated experiences, experiences heated towards the general public and normally suitable for users of all ages. And as a result, many users report psychological trauma. But tracking down the attackers proves to be difficult, as ZynnCom only collects certain info from their users so they're able to maintain a level of anonymity. Meanwhile, the police can do little about the murders since they occurred in dreams and can not be considered real. Watters takes his time to better flesh out his characters this time around, but unfortunately there's so many characters at this point that it's difficult to keep track of everyone and their role/relationship with one another. Unless you're reading the second book directly after the first, I feel a character page would have been a useful inclusion. Thankfully, there is a glossary with all the Dream related terms that are mentioned in the book, although some parts are very heavy with sci-fi jargon that a lot of it still flew over my head. Still, this was entertaining enough despite the numerous sides plots.
November 3, 2022
This novel takes place approximately 50 years in the future and focuses on virtual reality in dreams. The story addresses problems that arise in the virtual world that we are not currently equipped at handling. The author provides plenty of details making the book a plausible story. The characters are well developed and the author adds snippets of numerous dream scenarios which keep the reader intrigued.
While I hadn't read the first book, I was able to follow the story line. The author provided a glossary of the futuristic tech terms as well as rating system for the dream experiences which were useful references.
This story will be well liked by techies, people who like virtual reality, as well as those who enjoy mystery and suspense.
While I hadn't read the first book, I was able to follow the story line. The author provided a glossary of the futuristic tech terms as well as rating system for the dream experiences which were useful references.
This story will be well liked by techies, people who like virtual reality, as well as those who enjoy mystery and suspense.
November 12, 2022
Dream Phaze - Imagination, just as pleasing as the first book, is the second book in the Dream Phaze series by Matt Watters. Having read the first book, the second book continues smoothly where the first book left off. Watters does an excellent job developing the story in this second installment. Character development and subplots from the first book expand in this second book. New characters are also introduced that will most likely take form in the third book. Book two delves straight into ZynnComm and the booming company’s expansion of their dream immersion technology. Now readers get to see how this technology is panning out over the globe. Several major incidents occur within the participant experiences which cause major repercussions for the company. Morals and ethics are big themes on how justice ought to be served under new territories of crime within the dream immersion tech. Also regulation in regards to emotional and psychological disruptions from engaging with the technology. I really enjoyed how this book series focuses on the implications when extrapolating real world applications of such technology. This is what makes this science fiction series so entertaining and intriguing. Excited to see what happens next in this series. The book ends just like a movie scene where everything seems perfect and all of a sudden danger calls, solid cliff-hanger ending. Time for book three!
May 18, 2022
Dream Phaze - Imagination I have read both books in the Dream Phaze series, Germination and Imagination, and I think this is one of the most refreshing sci-fi reads in a long, long time. It is fast-paced, engaging and it doesn't waffle on with over descriptive nonsense that adds little to the story. I strongly recommend the Dream Phaze series to sci-fi fans who want something quick to read, packed with cool ideas, and creates a believable world of engineered dreams that is intriguing and different.
August 25, 2023
I read the first book, Dream Phaze Germination, and that was an excellent read. Finished this book last week and thoroughly enjoyed where Watters went with the story. He creates a believable world where this tech could be just around the corner as generative AI rapidly advances.
I like the situations that arise from the fallout of the dream immersion tech and I'm sure the next installment will open up even more conundrums. Highly recommend the series.
I like the situations that arise from the fallout of the dream immersion tech and I'm sure the next installment will open up even more conundrums. Highly recommend the series.
January 31, 2024
I read book 1, Germination, and loved the intricate story told so well and so concisely. This second book in the series continues those qualities and explores how a technology such as engineered dreams as entertainment could impact the real world psychologically. Must read for hard sci-fi lovers!
February 23, 2024
I've read both Imagination and Germination. Watters has a knack for writing concise, engaging stories that ring true. If you like grounded near future science fiction read this series. The Dream Phaze series was recommended to me and I highly recommend it also. Enjoy!
May 28, 2022
Great read. Read my review of Dream Phaze - Germination. This is a series I will continue reading.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews