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Dreamwalker #1

Dreamwalker: A Christian Suspense Novel

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Andromeda Skye Stone has always been different. She didn't even fit in among her nomadic, free-spirited caravan family. Her feelings of being a misfit were only made worse by her unusual gift. For as long as she could remember, Andy could go to sleep and walk in the dreams of others. Andy had spent her life feeling like she was different, like something was always missing.

When she began working in a top-secret government research organization known only as "The Agency," Andy thought, perhaps, she’d finally found her purpose using her unique talent to help people and save lives. Little does she know, her next mission will be the greatest, most dangerous challenge of her career.

If she survives... will this mission finally help her discover her true identity and who she's meant to be? Will her greatest enemy end up being her own weakness?

Dreamwalker is the emotional and intense story of an outcast girl's journey to faith, redemption, and strength through surrender.

258 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2020

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699 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Cotten

9 books407 followers
Carrie is a Louisiana born, Texas transplant and recent North Carolina resident. She earned her BA in English from East Texas Baptist University where she met and fell in love at first sight with her hunky husband, Jeffrey Craig Cotten.

After a short tour in Alaska with the Army, Carrie and Jeff returned to Texas to start a family. Fifteen years and four kids later, they answered God's call to enter the ministry, embarking on a wild adventure that led them to the Appalachian mountains.

When Carrie isn't writing, you can find her cuddling a chicken, petting a pig or snuggling a sheep on their small family farm. She loves the freedom they've found in homeschooling and the unlimited opportunities to explore the mountains. Camping, farming, and watching movies are some of their favorite family activities. Carrie and Jeff serve together at a small church where Jeff is the youth pastor.

Her favorite thing to do is steal a quiet moment to sit on her front porch and take in the most beautiful view she's ever seen in her life.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for M.H. Elrich.
Author 9 books141 followers
February 15, 2021
This book was intense! Every page was filled with action, emotional duress, and questions of whether or not the villain would win. I loved the themes of mercy, grace, unconditional love, and family. The main character was well-developed, and unlike other books, this one focused primarily on her reactions to the situation she found herself in. As someone who has vivid dreams, I could relate a bit too closely to Andy's fear. This was definitely an emotional story, but one I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Rachael.
731 reviews
Read
May 28, 2020
It is very rare for me to venture outside of the realm of reality in my books. However, I did it with James Rubart, and I have never regretted it. After reading the first chapter of Dreamwalker ...I knew this was another book I wanted to take a chance on reading. I was thrilled that I did.

This book has SO much good and such a powerful message. Anyone who follows my reviews knows I like Christian fiction to have Christian elements. This one has many. I love the allegorical way the good verses evil in the world is portrayed. It’s called Dreamwalker...and she gets into others dreams. If you have a hard time envisioning that....think C.S. Lewis when the characters go through the wardrobe to enter another world. That world isn’t the main focus of the book, but it is used to give more power to the story and message of good triumphing over evil...of Christ owning us...of our lives as Christians belonging to God.

The characters are well written and I really grew to love Andy! Her work and life at “The Agency” reminded me of the last two books written by James Hannibal...a mole perhaps, secrets kept, and so much more. The romance is well done also. The reader really finds empathy for Andy as she is put in some difficult circumstances. I loved the suspense in the story, and the final climactic scene is gripping and means much to the heart of the message in the story.

The imagery, characters, and plot are incredibly well done. I eagerly read this in one sitting, and I find myself eagerly awaiting the sequel.

I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ashton Dorow.
Author 9 books184 followers
March 1, 2022
This book, y’all! I am obsessed. Seriously! This is definitely going to be a contender for my fave reads of the year list!

When I first read the blurb for Dreamwalker, Carrie Cotten’s debut novel, I wasn’t really drawn in because I had just gotten into the Mark of the Raven series by Morgan L. Busse and was worried it would be too similar, since both heroines can walk in people’s dreams. BUT after hearing people talk about Carrie’s book on #Bookstagram–especially my author friend, Heather Wood, who happens to be besties with Carrie–I decided I really wanted to give this book a try. So onto my TBR list it went! Who knows how long it would have sat there waiting for me to pick it up, though, if Carrie herself hadn’t messaged me and asked if I would like to review the sequel, Dark of Night, which releases very soon. I am the type of person who pretty much has to read a series in order, so I told her absolutely, I’d love to read Dark of Night–but I want to read Dreamwalker first.

I said allllll that to say I am SO GLAD I picked up this book, and so happy that Carrie reached out to me so I would be spurred to put this book at the top of my to read list. This book sucked me in from the very first page–I mean, that opening dream sequence that was fascinating and also slightly terrifying? I was instantly intrigued and desperate to know more.

I was pleased to discover that Carrie’s version of dreamwalking was different from what I’d read before, and not only that, but her entire story is completely unique. It’s truly one of the most unique and interesting books I’ve ever read! I was so impressed with Carrie’s imaginative storytelling and her ability to make this book, which is like a Christian version of a Marvel movie, believable. I was invested in the characters and rooting for them from the start. And that love story! **sigh** Will is the sweetest!

More than anything, I was impressed with Carrie’s ability to make this wild tale not only entertaining with its on-the-edge-of-your-seat action and adventure, but truly impactful as well. The message packs a punch just as strong as any superhero, which resonates with you after the last page.

This book truly has it all–it’s a mystery and a thriller with sci-fy/speculative elements, tons of action, a dash of creepiness, some sweet romance, and a powerful Christian message. If any or all of that sounds interesting, then READ THIS BOOK. You won’t regret it!!! 5/5 Stars!

PS: I’m officially super-duper excited to dive into Dark of Night! Eeeekk!
268 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2025
I didn’t mean to stay up until midnight, but as Andy’s story unfolded, I was caught up, breathless, in her battle against evil—especially when she discovered that her own support staff might be deadly enemies. Since Andy’s talent sets her apart as a secret government “asset,” she is held “secure.” The government doesn’t readily release such resources.

The plot twists and character relationships of this tale will hold you captive, and you’ll love the sweet genuineness of Andy and Will. (The romantic element is delightful.) The role of faith grows with the plot, revealing the heart of God in the middle of dire circumstances. I found the minor characters as intriguing as the protagonist; I wanted to jump in the book and meet them all.
Profile Image for Heather Wood.
Author 7 books256 followers
May 15, 2020
This was so far outside my normal genres, I was really uncertain when I started reading it. Carrie's storytelling and characters hooked me pretty quickly, however, and it just got better from there. Like really, really good. The pacing was excellent and the characters really came to life. The entire character arc was 💯. And when I got to the climax and resolution, it was everything. I think the exact words are "emotional and intense." All those reasons are why I've now read it twice and my hands are itching to get a hold of the sequel.
Profile Image for Jamie Ogle.
Author 4 books329 followers
August 6, 2020
This is not my normal genre at all, but I was hooked from the first page and could not put it down. Carrie Cotton’s writing is so powerful!!
Profile Image for Abigail.
62 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2020
Carrie Cotten describes her writing as “gripping fiction,” and I would have to agree. From the very beginning, I was curious, but as I continued on, I was hooked. I had to know what exactly was happening and didn’t want to put the book down, though life and priorities had other ideas on that subject.

Agent Andy Stone is a dream walker, someone who can walk inside another’s dreams and communicate with them. As a government agent, her gift is used to locate missing people, expose terrorists, and learn the truth about certain “targets.” Though Andy sees it as her duty, she struggles with her newest case, or target, Dovanny Taklos. Dovanny is an evil man who can manipulate others into doing his bidding, and he is after Andy and her ability.

The author doesn’t leave you in the dark about who is good and who is not, at least not for too long. As a reader, I found myself wondering good and bad right along with Andy. Who could she trust? Though someone seemed trustworthy, were they? Slowly, the answers were solidified, and it was what I thought, or at least had hoped, would be true.

The Christian aspect was very prevalent throughout the novel, and I thought it was well done including the “call to action” at the very end of the book. Andy was never raised to believe in a higher being, yet she always felt like there was someone or something that created order in this world. And though she would talk to this “being,” she had no idea who it was. But God was always placing His children in her path, those people who would begin to plant the seeds of faith in her, though they were never pushy about it.

At times the idea that Andy could walk in dreams seemed odd to me, and I found myself questioning this ability and why God would give her this type of ability. But then Carrie Cotten would write how God had a special purpose for others in the Bible: Sampson’s strength, Joseph’s dreams, Esther’s courage. These examples allowed more plausibility to Andy’s gifts and the gifts of those women who came before her.

I enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to Carrie Cotten’s second book. And I would recommend this story to anyone who loves gripping suspense with a bit of romance in the mix (I know I didn’t talk about that, but it’s there and I love it).
Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
374 reviews20 followers
September 27, 2025
“Don’t you see? Everything that has happened to you. Every step you have taken, wrong or right, has led you here–to this moment. God has been calling you, your whole life He has been chasing you. Chasing after the one He loves.”

This is a story filled with emotion, danger, family, and romance. I loved the themes of mercy and grace. No one weaves the gospel into their stories like Carrie does, here it’s presented in such a sweet, tender way that it brought me to tears.

Andy is gifted, brave, and strong. She battles feelings of not fitting in and that something is missing. I loved seeing her win those battles. I loved her bravery in facing the “evil” and the unknowns, and her determination to keep those she cared about safe. Will! 🫠 Will is the intelligent, swoony protector that is gifted in a very different way. I loved the connection Will had with Andy. His willingness to do literally anything to help her and to keep her safe was amazing. I loved their openness and honesty (once trust was established). Who can resist a protective MMC saying “baby”?!
I can’t wait to dive in to book 2, to see where the journey takes Andy and Will.

A few more quotes:
“Oh child, God doesn’t need us to believe in Him to accomplish His plans. He is so much greater than our unbelief.”

“God called me to protect you, the moment you were born.”

•Lord, help me live. He needs me to live.

I received this ebook as a giveaway prize from the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Diana Perez.
Author 5 books4 followers
May 25, 2021
Beautiful story

I loved how the author was able to draw you in as a reader, and feel the emotions of the characters. I found the story to be suspenseful. The story serves as a reminder that God is always looking out for us, even if we don't see it. Read this book, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Jenni Moeller.
358 reviews
May 17, 2021
This was really good! A page turner just the way I like my books to be! Suspense + romance = the perfect combo for me 😊📚
Profile Image for Lizzie Bruce.
Author 4 books4 followers
June 11, 2025
The twists and turns. The dreamwalking that blurred reality. I was invested from beginning to end. And, wow, what an ending!
Profile Image for Hannah Barclay.
88 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
Had no idea what to expect and ended up loving it. The nightmarish quality of the dream-walking was so well done and there was a good level of suspense. Also loved the clear gospel message.
Profile Image for Sarah Mcdonald.
187 reviews3 followers
April 19, 2023
Love love love. Great Christian fiction suspense!!!!

Side note: I got annoyed with the contestant blame Andy put on herself for everything - I was like come onnnnn lol but I will continue with the series! So good.
Profile Image for Ronie.
Author 67 books1,251 followers
March 22, 2025
A good read and surprisingly so for a debut title. The story was a bit complex, which I always enjoy. Characters were intriguing. The faith thread was strong and prevalent throughout.
Profile Image for Holly Ducarte.
Author 10 books34 followers
February 17, 2022
This book was a page-turner! Marketed as Christian/Spec Fiction this is for anyone who loves a fast-paced novel. Not only is it unique, adventurous, and thrilling, there were scenes that absolutely moved my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I love Will and Andromeda, Jubal, Esther…there’s so many great characters. Cotten inspires with a deep, underlying message along with her riveting, realistic action and dialogue. Well-written and a read I won’t soon forget, I highly recommend Dreamwalker. I look forward to picking up the second book in the series.
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
October 1, 2020
Full of action and intrigue, Dreamwalker is basically a giant guessing game for the reader. Who is Andromeda? Why does she have the abilities she has? Just how powerful is she? What is her purpose? Some of these questions are answered in the book, and some, I'm guessing, are being saved for the sequel 😉

As I read, I found myself totally swept into the novel, and I loved watching everything unfold. The book is written in first person from Andy's point of view, so the reader literally only knows what Andy knows when she knows it - which contributed to the guessing game aspect and was really fun for me. I also loved how the gospel was woven into the novel; there's a strong but not heavy handed faith thread. And I am very interested in learning more about Andy's family; it feels like there could be a whole novel written about the women who came before her!

The one aspect of the novel that didn't wholly satisfy me was the romance. To me, it felt more like a romance of proximity than a deep and abiding connection between two people, and I think the reason for that is the reader is told that Andy is falling for Will, rather than shown. I didn't feel much chemistry between them, which led me to not buy into the romance.

However, the romance is but a small part of this novel, and I really liked the rest of it! This is a great novel for teens and beyond who are looking for a Christian novel with fast-paced action and suspense.

Disclosure of material connection: I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Tyler Scott Hess.
Author 16 books106 followers
December 13, 2021
If I had a special talent or super power or whatever you want to call it I would go with invincibility easily.

Because if I had the power to dream walk I would only use it to make every day April Fools Day.
543 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2025
I loved the Biblical principals, like forgiveness., throughout the novel
The story was interesting, and the characters were well developed etc.

I do wish there had been more exact scripture quoted,
tho one of my favorite verses was partially.

I really related to the fact, that in some of the worst times,
God always provided help....that rang so true to my own life.

One other thing, I wish the author had developed and had added more to...
the evil character.
No he was plenty evil enough, but rather, a more complete salvation.
He ended up...oh well you may want to just read...

But spreading the whole gospel...
only was not much in the way of repentance.

Of course I completely love what Jesus did for us, to forgive and save us,
but one of his first words of our Lord was 'repent'
so there is that.
But otherwise it was great.

In fact, the character struggles a lot with her sins,
as do I !
But I think that can end up being a sin in itself,
If we continue in that sort of self centered,
and it is actually pride,
at times:
Jesus can save everybody else, but I am too GREAT a sinner!
He is not powerful enough for me.
Oh wow is me!
and on and on it goes.

And yes, there are those things we still feel
because they really were depraved sins...
and sometimes it is good to realize
how much it cost Jesus,
and how great His love was and still is.

Somethings we blame ourselves for,
and it really was not our sin
( that comes up also in the novel.

However, there were so many godly comforts,
encouragements etc.
in this first book of the series.
I will for sure read the next book!
5 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2020
From the first page, I was utterly immersed. As the action of the plot began to unfold, it immediately grabbed a hold of my mind and held my imagination captive in a way no fantasy ever has. Walking in dreams is just the beginning of Andromeda’s gift. Andy stole my heart as I bonded with her in so many ways, as if on a spiritual level. She yearns to find her true purpose as she learns about faith, love, and mercy amidst fear and chaos. I am actually at a loss for adjectives to explain how great this book is! I started reading without really knowing what it was about. Every time I thought I’d figured that out, I turned the page to find a new and wonderful facet revealed. I feel like it transcends genres so that any reader could relate to it and enjoy it. Yes, it’s Christian fiction, but it’s fantasy, it’s romance, it’s a thriller, it’s everything! I highly recommend you just read it… literally, just pick it up and start at “Chapter 1” - you will not be disappointed!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Gracie Schlabach .
335 reviews8 followers
October 23, 2025
Overall rating 5/5 cause all the emotions! Found family hit so hard feeling belonging in a broken world out to get you.
Andy and Will were both such fighters walking a tightrope of balance between doing the right thing and where that line was set who was to know. The villain in this story had me wanting the toss my book and hit the wall 🧱 cause grrrrr, but even amidst that evilness we got a peak of what he was deep down, and that's a mortal human, hopeless without the Savior. I'm not usually a dytopian girl, but this story was very engaging, and the lion pictured in the story really captivated me having read Cotten's medieval series, specifically The Huntress. All very interesting. Has me wanting to read that series again. The faith was good, the romance hand holding kissing only vibes.
CW: Naturally with dystopian thriller there were injuries, attempted murder, abductions, gun violence, being chased as a fugitive even though the person wasn't, villain controlling mfc in dream scape through deep kisses. Mentions of mfc being scratched and brusied and nearly drowned.
Profile Image for Natasha.
375 reviews
October 31, 2024
a true page-turning Christian suspense with a mystery!

Ok, I’ll be honest: speculative fiction is not my cup of tea but knowing Carrie Cotten’s incredible style and her unapologetically Gospel-centered novels, I wanted to give it a try.
And it surely didn't disappoint. The plot is well-developed, the style is very engaging, the characters are lovable, and the story not only is clean but also full of God's truth.

here are a few things that stood out most:
your name is known to the One who loves you most.
you have a purpose and He will give you strength to accomplish it
your worth doesn't depend on your abilities
in the world of evil you can still be the light

also, if you've read the Huntress (Lionhearts series) first, be prepared for some mind-blowing Easter eggs.
Profile Image for Emily .
94 reviews
May 17, 2021
I just finished Dreamwalker and my mind is blown, in the best way! This story was a page turner! The main characters were so well done. Andy had so much growth during this book. She went on such a deep emotional, physical, and spiritual journey. Will was everything you could want from a swoony hero. The plot was well paced and definitely had some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I wasn’t sure what to expect with a character who could dreamwalk, but it totally worked! I also really appreciated the Gospel message coming through in this book. I’m absolutely going to be reading the next book in this series!
4 reviews
February 28, 2022
Such a cool concept!

I am notorious for not reading blurbs of books. I hear good things, and then I read it blindly! Which actually makes the story more fun in my opinion as everything surprises me! Andy has a unique ability to walk in people's dreams and see their innermost thoughts and is on a journey to figure out what that exactly means for her life. There is a creepy bad guy, a love interest, suspense, and some supernatural things that gave me a bit of an xmen vibe! If you enjoy Christian fiction with suspense, I highly recommend.
5 reviews
December 24, 2023
Awesome ,suspensful

I have been searching for supernatural suspense that could hold my attention but not drag me into occultic stuff. I enjoy fantasy but as a Christian didn't want to open myself up to evil. This book was every thing I needed. It was well-written, not boring or preachy. It was exciting and supernatural. A love story that was a good story.
So much. Christian fiction is stilted and boring. Not this story! I was on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
1 review
May 30, 2020
Captivating story following Andy Stone, a government agent who never felt she belonged anywhere, on a journey to discover her true family and destiny. Her special ability to communicate with people in their dreams makes her a valuable asset and a target. The intrigue, twists and turns as the story unfolds keeps you wanting read the next page. Definitely a read all at once can't lay it down novel! Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for D.J. Blackmore.
Author 4 books56 followers
April 30, 2023
The whetstone honing Cotten’s sharp smithing showcases faith fiction combined with wit and subtlety, so that the lesson on grace was one I almost never realised I had been given. Adept at suspense, the author knows how to draw a reader in, so that the intrigue is set even before you realise the web you’re in, sans fingernails, that is. I’d bitten them off, long since. She doesn’t neglect to pair this with the contrast of something sweet, and this brings altogether another kind of deliciousness. After all, even strong girls need their heroes.
1 review
Read
May 5, 2020
Oh my! It was such an exciting book to read. What I anticipated that was going to happen, didn't go exactly as I thought. I wonder, will Andy keep having dreams? Will she continue to work for the Agency? Will she find the answers to her questions.
I really like how the author shared God's message in such a way that it was easy to understand. I look forward to more books by Carrie Cotten.
Profile Image for Brandy Marks.
Author 57 books1 follower
March 13, 2025
enjoyable read

Enjoyed the characters and the unique storyline as well as the way it turned out. Sounds like it’s leading into another story. However, it also closed this one, which I appreciated immensely something a few authors fail to do. I never read their other stories this author I will probably read more of hers.
Profile Image for Deanna Reynolds.
57 reviews
May 7, 2025
This book starts off running and pretty much doesn’t stop. Carrie has such a talent for storylines that twist and turn. Her books keep you on your toes. Realizing that this book has a slight connection to Carrie’s newest series, The Huntress, was awesome! I loved it! The central theme of God’s mercy and grace was beautifully written!! I’m ready for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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