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Sleepwalker: The Last Sand Man

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THIS BOOK HAS BEEN PROFESSIONALLY EDITED AND FORMATTED FOR THE KINDLE to insure that the quality of its presentation equals that of its content. All of the minor formatting glitches and typos, referenced in some of the early user reviews, have been resolved. This e-book has an active table of contents and has been designed to allow you to jump between chapters with a flick of the Kindle's four-way controller (or "joystick" in older Kindles).


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A dark force is born from the uncommon imaginations of young Sean and Cole Golden, casting a cold shadow over Nod, the ever-changing land of dreams. When the malevolent entity abducts the Sandman, and then snatches its own creators from their cozy beds in an Iowa farmhouse, Jake (the boys’ cynical father) is forced to resurrect the imaginative child within in order to cross the adult-proof barrier that separates the real from the surreal. In Nod, a world literally made of our dreams, the younger Jake must rescue Sean, Cole, and the Sandman before the sleep-deprived citizens of the world burn everything to the ground.

Jake faces physical manifestations of all manner of dreams, including a treacherous money forest, Lost Lake (where mankind’s collected regrets churn beneath black waters), They and Them (monochromatic Siamese twins who are the architects of The Rules for accountants and elementary school teachers), The Tree of Hope, and Death himself—who turns out to be a pretty nice guy. But despite the wondrous locales and characters contained in the story, there is a current of authentic emotion tethering the whimsical fantasy elements to a credible reality like the string of a bright red balloon tied around a child's wrist.

THE LAST SANDMAN is a modern fantasy without wizards, faeries, dragons, or vampires. It is an exploration of the origin of dreams and the tale of a world-weary, brokenhearted father’s love for the sons he has neglected far too long. It is a fantastical journey through lost love and rediscovered hope that may lead to redemption—for one family, and the world entire.

A thematic cousin to PETER PAN and ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, this unique adventure offers emotional complexity to mature readers while delivering a thrilling ride for the young and the young at heart.

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From Red Adept's Kindle Book Review

4 1/2 Stars

"The writing style of Mr. Marlowe had a wonderful flow to it that kept me enthralled throughout. The descriptions were vivid, bringing the dream world to life. Although this is listed as a YA novel, it is just as enjoyable for adults, if not more so. This was an amazing effort from a first-time novel author. I was truly impressed with the artistic style and professional quality." (Excerpted) - Red Adept

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328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2009

5 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Brad Marlowe

4 books

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5 stars
7 (25%)
4 stars
13 (48%)
3 stars
5 (18%)
2 stars
2 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Teresa.
65 reviews
November 10, 2009
This book is currently only available in the Kindle version. The author has invited readers to participate in editing, thoughts, and discussion of this book and future novels which I have joined. I posted a review of this book on Amazon.com:

Being a new Kindle owner has exposed me to new genres and authors I usually wouldn't take a second look at. Looking for something new for my 10 and 13 year old, what caught my eye in the product description was that this was a "...Modern Fantasy with no wizards, faeries, dragons, or vampires"...which seems to be all the rage in current YA fiction.

The story succeeds with well-thought and fleshed-out characters, fast-paced action, and a very unique story. Marlow's descriptions of Nod, from fun and whimsical to eerie and heart pounding, were utterly believable. Kudos to the cow scene. I'll never look at a pasture the same way again.

In short, I would have given the book 4 1/2 stars if Amazon had that option. I had difficulty with the beginning chapters following who was telling the story (father Cole versus grandfather Jake), and problems suspending my belief that one of the main characters, Sean, could still climb and run away from danger with a broken leg.

That being said, this page turner is an excellent novel for the young and old; I read it straight through in two days. Two thumbs up and I look forward to more books from Brad Marlow.

http://www.amazon.com/Sleepwalker-The...
20 reviews
December 30, 2010
I thought Sleepwalker: the Last Sandman was very well written and incredibly entertaining. This indie author is bursting with talent. I understand this is a YA book but it is tremendously enjoyable for adults as well. This is one I will reread.

The story itself was interesting and fun. It was a sort of story in a story, but did not get unnecessarily complicated or confusing. The book takes place in two different worlds and again, it was not confusing. Also, it was easy to envision the dream world from all the descriptions. The characters were all fully developed and not flat or two dimensional at all. I liked everything about this book - story, characters and their development, vivid descriptions, and great imagination.

My favorite parts of the book were when Jake would tell a story. They were captivating tales and they fit right into the story.

Well done, Brad Marlowe. I sincerely hope that there is another book in the works.
Profile Image for John.
108 reviews
June 17, 2010
This is a well-written book that seamlessly integrates the adult perspective into childhood dreams and imagination. A frank look at the shortcomings of a father with his boys, this situation creates the internal conflict and personal growth that all good literature needs.

The ending wasn't telegraphed at all, but I was wondering to myself in the last 5% or so whether it would end the way it did...

A highly enjoyable book, with few if any errors (at least I didn't remember any)
Profile Image for Debra Slonek.
382 reviews77 followers
February 3, 2012
Very enjoyable read ! It is about a book that takes it's readers to another land which is created and maintained by dreams. There are second chances granted in this story which evoked smiles and tears. A sweet love story is woven throughout. Many examples of tenderness, kindness and teamwork are given through wonderful character development and interactions between the various characters. Thank-you for writing such an enjoyable book. Well done !
Profile Image for John Clifford.
3 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2016
I would like to recommend this to my classmates. And I know that this is a very exciting book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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