DREAM DIE REPEAT: Do you believe in a previous life lived?

by Jules Langton

Ellie is living the dream – a high flying career in London and a luxurious apartment overlooking the Thames as part of a hedonistic lifestyle. So why does a tumbledown, haunted-looking cottage in the bleak wilderness of the North Yorkshire Moors bewitch her? Why does she feel compelled to buy it?

Her life is about to change: a new lifestyle, new friends, the secrets they keep, and the nightmares that haunt her. What can it all mean?

Gradually, Ellie is drawn into a magical world like nothing she had experienced before - with mysterious, spellbinding and dangerous results.

Genres: Fantasy

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2022

About the author

Dear reader,

"Do you believe in a previous life lived."

I am proud to introduce my debut novel Dream Die Repeat by Jules Langton. I started this novel in 2019 after doing a creative writing course with the Open University. This is fulfilling a childhood dream.

Then the Pandemic hit, giving me the perfect opportunity to get creative. As the news got worse, my story got darker!

In 2018 we inherited a beautiful 18th century cottage in the North Yorkshire Moors, and this has been an inspiration for my story. Imagining who lived in this cottage since 1755, as we stripped away victorian wallpaper, and Georgian paint, to get to the Yorkshire stone. The Whitby (UK) bi-annual Goth Festival, and the myths, legends, paranormal activity, and stories of witches have also inspired my writing about this historic town, some 125 years after Bram Stoker's Dracula.

My main character Ellie has a very loud voice, and I have since written book 2 and book 3 in the series. These are due to be published by my publisher Goldcrest Books in 2023. I hope you enjoy Ellie's journey as much as I have enjoyed writing her story.

Reviews

[Throughzaloop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest review: This book started off slow paced, the main character is describing everything in great detail as though it's a memoir and it's nearly 2/3rd into the book before any notable events happen. It does have great character development of the MC, broad network of characters, introduced throughout the novel. I particularly enjoyed reading of strong female bonds and the connection we feel to our past. I like how the MC is independent and self reliant (for the most part).

The last 3rd of the book, took a different pace and wrapped things up fast, compared to how the other 2/3rds were. Overall,I really did enjoy the novel and found that the writing style was vivid and somehow intriguing.

I would recommend this book to fans of weyward. It definitely has similarities.

Thank you voracious readers and Jules Langton for the opportunity to read this novel.

[Lexaprose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I thought this was a horror book based on the cover, but it's more of a slow burn fantasy; not my usual reading genre.

Pros: I enjoyed exploring the Whitby countryside and 18th century Victorian era. The writing was very descriptive. The attention to detail regarding the fashion was impressive.

Cons: Slow paced. Not a lot of dialogue or action. I did not connect to the main character. This book is the first in the series, it's possible this was just laying the groundwork for a faster paced and action packed continuation.

Recommended for readers who enjoy strong female friendships, countryside cottages, gothic/victorian/steampunk style, magic, and witches.

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the author for sending me this story in exchange for my review.

[Riyo Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! I finished it in a day! Hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down! Very descriptive I felt like I was in the story! Can’t recommend it enough!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

The author did a great job with both character development and growth. I didn’t much like Ellie’s character early on, but she evolved.

The story is captivating, deep, dark and intriguing with a slow burn to the end where it flames. It does wrap up as a stand-alone, but barely. It makes me want to read the next book, for sure.
I can’t say enough about the writing itself from this new author. Her prose are delectable without being superfluous. My only two criticisms here would be that at times there are more prose than story and the dialogue, oddly, is often off-putting in its run-on sentences, using commas instead of periods frequently. Otherwise, I am in awe of the writing, and because I’m weird, I can’t enjoy a book unless the writing is good. She delivers.

[Shelley Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a fantastic trilogy - well done Jules, a great read! Loved it :) Got a free copy via Voracious Readers and that led me to buy the following two!

[Carolyn Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked by Ellie early in the book. Her adventure gradually unfolds and becomes more magical as the book continues. Loved it and thoroughly recommend!

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, so very much. Having learned about Ellie’s life at the beginning of the story, her change of pace pulled me along with her. I love Whitby and the surrounding area, and could relate so well to the history and links to witches - after all, Bram Stoker chose Whitby for “Dracula”! I don’t want to give too much away, here, but I loved Lavender Cottage; Hettie, and all the friends and connections Ellie made, while still being able to keep her friends from her previous life, even if they were baffled by her lifestyle change! As she discovered more about herself and heritage, she became more satisfied and comfortable within herself. I loved the way the author gave us links to coming developments, such as Ellie’s parentage and her coercive relationship with Seb, which were cleverly intruduced, but I was only, retrospectively, aware of them! A great technique! I felt Ellie’s panic, at the end of the novel, and her reasons for leaving… I can’t wait to see what life has in store for her in the next book! I received a complimentary book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[KimmyReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dream, Die, Repeat by Julia Langdon

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is Julia’s debut novel and one of the best debut’s I’ve read in a while. Ellie, the FMC is living a sought after life in London with a high paying job and an apartment on the Thames, she’s got it all but doesn’t feel it.

After a trip up to Whitby for a hens week with some friends she makes serious life changes and follows her heart for once in her life.

The consequences are both enthralling and dangerous.

This is a show burn but captivating novel, once I was into I didn’t want to stop. It does read a bit like a memoir from the beginning without much dialogue at all but the author finds her stride towards the end of the novel.

This is a book not to be judged by its cover. Despite looking like a a bit of a horror, action packed novel, it’s more of a slow burn, urban fantasy with a nod to the witch trials.



I received a free copy of this from Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review. The opinion is of my own and completely unbiased.

[Jules Langton]

I hope you enjoy Ellie’s magical journey, this is the first book in the series, and my debut novel!

I started writing Dream Die Repeat in October 2019, and continued throughout the pandemic. Writing became my escape from what was going on in the world around me.

This book is in the magical realism genre, and inspired by my love of the historic Whitby (UK), the myths and legends and the bi-annual Goth Festival.

The restoration of our beautiful 18th century cottage in a tiny village in the stunning North Yorkshire moors also raised questions in my mind. Who lived here since 1755? Who’s initials were carved above the fireplace? What did the cottage look like in Victorian and Edwardian times?

The concept of history repeating itself was intriguing…

The second book in the series Not Forever Dead is with my Publisher and we are hoping to publish in late spring 2023. Book three (working title) Life Death Reset will follow in autumn 2023.

[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis was very inviting, calling out themes I love like witches, a haunted cottage, past lives, countryside Yorkshire, murder and magic. But unfortunately, it really didn’t do it for me. I couldn’t relate at all with the main character (or any other, for that matter) even after her so-called “evolution”. If you don’t mind reading about makeup, hairstyles, clothes and home makeovers, this might be for you. This isn’t the novel for you if you’re in search of a suspenseful, atmospheric, dark novel about witches. It definitely lacks the gothic horror ambiance that the synopsis was hinting about. Very disappointing unfortunately.

* I was graciously given a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read books of this genre preferring murder & detective novels. As I currently live in Whitby I was enticed by the connection to my hometown. I loved reading about the awakening of Ellie as a Witch & her gradual realisation of the special powers that brought about. I felt my appreciation of fantasy novels developing as I read about Ellie's adaption to her new world. I am hooked, I quickly sought out the 2nd book in the series so I could continue Ellie's adventure & mine too into the fantasy genre. The development & change in Ellie I found fascinating her character became more lovable as the story went on. I have not read so quickly for a long time a definite sign of my enjoyment of this book.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so mixed about what rating to give this book! For a start, it looks like a horror/thriller from the cover and title, but it isn't. Thankfully, I love urban fantasy so that was all good. I found the dialogue incredibly jarring to read as it was full of run-on sentences with endless commas. I liked the story and the way it drew you in, but I did feel like after the 'reveal' the plot dropped off hugely. I remember having fifty pages left and thinking 'there's no way the author can tie up all these loose ends in this time' - and I was very right. The story felt massively rushed at the end, and quite unsatisfying. However, I am still keen for the next instalment...

Thanks to the author and Voracious Readers Only for the copy of this book.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my book club and overall really enjoyed it. It follows the main character, Ellie who goes from her hi-flying job in London to quitting her job and moving to Whitby. She fell in love with the place on a hen weekend. The book explores vivid dreams that she has and figuring out what they mean.

The book held my interest but I was finding I wanted a bit more drama which I do now feel will be coming in the next part of the story as this was book 1. Other than that, it was a good read and easy to read. I look forward to seeing how she uses her witch skills in the follow up.

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It actually took me more than a few chapters to get into this, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I’m not super comfortable with the actual casting of spells or the spells themselves, so I skimmed that, but I loved learning about the myths and lore surrounding Whitby and the Yorkshire Moors. I’m not sure I wanted to know what a Hand of Glory is, and apparently that’s a real thing. Yuck.
When I came to the end, I was honestly disappointed, because Ellie is just getting started on her journey. I’m looking forward to book 2 to find out where she goes next!

Thanks to Voracious Readers Only and Jules Langton for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Charlotte Patrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. At first I sort of hated the main characters and it took me a little while to get into this book. Once I did get into it the story was enjoyable and seeing Ellie develop was great to read. The writing style wasn't my favourite as to me it felt a bit like looking in from the outside rather than drawn into the story, but that's just personal preference. Overall I'd say if you are interested in this book I think you'll enjoy it, but maybe wouldn't rush to read it a second time.

[Jude C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read, the premise being unique to capture my interest. It was more the plot than the characters that captured my intrigue, the cast has a mild case of Mary Sue syndrome, everyone is seemingly perfect and gorgeous, but the intrigue of the story makes up for this, the ending being a tantalizing cliffhanger for the next book. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a review

[Shell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for a honest review

I really enjoyed this book, it was a bit of a slow burn for me, but once I got into it I was hooked! It had a plot twit that I did not seeing coming and ended with quite a cliffhanger! I certainly look forward to reading the next one in this trilogy

[Jo Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book, I loved the descriptions of Whitby, having visited there many times I could easily recognise the places that were written about, and the story was very interesting, atmospheric and kept the interest. The last few chapters felt a little rushed compared to the first 3/4 of the book, but I am definitely going to read the next instalment!

[Venetia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Is this a really good book! I loved the storyline of self-discovery on so many different levels for the main character. How she threw off the shackles off her old life only to find herself bound up again. Her strength is amazing. Definitely worth a read if you like myths, magic and folklore mixed with your fiction.

[Susan Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Read for a long time

Riveting read. So descriptive of lovely North Yorkshire and history details. Was so captured by it and the way the story moved couldn't put it down...thank god book 2 already out!!! Thank you for an honestly brilliant plot with somewhere i can go visit and see.

[Sarah Houldcroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story of witches and past lives. And a debut novel by the author.
Goldcrest Books published this book and although I am linked to that company, I am still putting up a review as I really enjoyed the story and would not have published it if I had not found it a good read.

[Angela Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Not my normal choice of book to read but was recommended to me and I'm glad I read it as I enjoyed it .......... Loved Ellie's character .....A page turner kept me wanting more........Can't wait to read the follow up.....😊

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding!

As an actual resident of Whitby and a lover of fantasy I was immediately curious and had high hopes, which have been delivered!

You had me gripped from the beginning! I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment!

[Debbie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Fabulous book! Did not want to put it down - I was gripped! I loved the story and enjoyed following the life of Ellie and her dreams! The book dips into days gone by and the connection to places in those days (Whitby) were really interesting too. I can’t wait for the 2nd book in 2023!!!!

[Daisy Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved how this book made me feel like I was in Whitby and London, such a creative plot. I thought it was a slow burn with a complete plot twist ending but half way through I felt as though I was getting lost in the storyline but I enjoyed the character journey :)

[Donnatony Jenkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it from start to finish very well written Ellie is a great character can't wait to read the continuation of her story couldn't put the book down it lead to a couple of late nights as it only took 2 days to read

[Elizabeth Campbell-Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book (3.5 stars upgraded to 4), but the sudden changes for the main character seemed to come out of nowhere. The writing was great but there seemed to be a lot of filling which made the book longer than it needed to be. I'd be interested to know what happens in the series.

[P D Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd book. Felt like it was two halves and in the second half there was a lurking evil that only came out at the very end, well it is part of a trilogy!

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers. Thank you

A tale of present-day friendships, impacted by dreams and visions of past lives, witches, and betrayal.
Intrigue and suspense in a great read

[Tonya Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. A book you can't put down. Characters are very engaging and interesting. Will follow author for future novels. Loved this book.This book will keep you on the edge of your seat.