The Dreamer's Thread

by Starla Huchton

Everyone Dreams.

But what would you do if you suddenly found out that you were one of the few who creates dreams for the whole world? Would you use your power to harness the light and weave it into beautiful tapestries of magic and wonder, or would you fall prey to the seductive siren song of darkness and nightmares?

For tattoo artist Aura Mayville, this becomes a reality as she is ripped from her life of art and music and thrust into a realm where good and evil struggle for control over the minds and hearts of men. With a sarcastic sorcerer, a mercenary, and her Spirit Guide as her only companions, Aura must journey through the dream realm to discover both her power and where her heart truly lies. In a place where anything is possible, can she find the strength to hold on to herself, or will she be lost to the shadows forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook

360 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 2010

About the author

A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. She is a three-time finalist for Parsec Awards for her podcast fiction work, and was the first place winner for Science Fiction & Fantasy in the Sandy competition in 2012. Her work spans science fiction, fantasy, New Adult Romance, Young Adult titles, Steampunk, Contemporary, and various other varieties of stories. She is greedy and likes all the genres!

When not writing, Starla designs book covers for independent authors and publishers at DesignedByStarla.com, and also provides audiobook narration for authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, Lindsay Buroker, and many more.

Reviews

[Arielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to get into. It might be partially because I would get distracted and need to backup because it seems that every detail counts. It might also be because it started to sound a lot like "The Neverending Story" to me. But overall, I enjoyed the story. It's great for anyone who likes to mix their reality with fantasy. Or enjoys the idea of being able to control their reality. If that's you, look no further.

[BigJohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five word review: This book is freaking awesome. Starla Huchton has created a wonderful tale that is like a cross between The Lord of the Rings and Dreamscape (anyone else remember Dreamscape? 1984? Dennis Quaid? Anyone?).

I was very impressed by the story, though the pacing was a bit odd in parts. The characters were quite a menagerie of creatures, but easy to become invested in. The overall book plot was rather predictable, but the journey from start to finish was a series of great odyssean adventures, with plenty of surprise along the way.

Audiobook note: I listened to the audiobook of this book, which was a wonderfully-produced audiodrama with a cast of over a dozen different voice actors. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to, and Starla is a marvelous reader.

I'm looking forward to more from Starla and her clever imagination.

[Jennilee Benda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've actually listened to the podcast audiobook at least 7 times now. I absolutely love this story. It was in the recommendations after I finished House Of Grey, (because of the voice actor Chris Snellgrove (sp?)) and I love this story probably more than House of Grey because there are differentiation of the characters by voice. I love that the main character is relatable and a very strong, capable woman. The fantasy aspects of this novel are also very vivid and it's easy to get lost in the world this author created. I haven't read the paperback edition, it happens sometimes that authors change some bits from audio to print, but I may check it out in the future.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting fantasy tale about a tattoo artist who travels to another world in her dreams and becomes the only person standing between the world's inhabitants and disaster. Though it starts in modern day California, it's not really urban fantasy, but it's not really high fantasy, either. The author has taken the world of dreams and created something fresh and unique. It has a daring heroine, a handsome king, an obnoxious wizard, danger, romance, humor, and action. I listened to this in one two-week stretch last fall and loved it. Highly recommended!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing The Dreamer's Thread I felt that ache: a bittersweet feeling that only comes when I have completed a particularly poignant and interesting piece of literature. As someone who has vivid dreams and occasionally experiences conscious dreaming, I found the story idea immediately intriguing and was kept engaged by Aura's slightly quirky personality and her adventures in the Dreamland. I hope to explore this world/setting in the future.

[Brian Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read The Dreamer's Thread by Starla Huchton. It's an amalgamation of a number of my favorite fantasy adventure stories.. Bonus, it was written by a friend (Scott Huchton's creative wife). Starla, my hat is off to you - I was real impressed with the story. Oh, I got it off Amazon, so next time we meet, I'll have you sign my read copy!

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad... was well read and had a decent story...I enjoyed the ending and the epilogue... It seems to fit in the young reader category where things happen almost when they need to almost too easily... though the setting does support it... In all I really enjoyed however... would recommend as a free podiobook listen...

http://www.podiobooks.com/title/the-d...

[Andre' Jeanpierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was greatly worth the read, though fitting it into my schedule was a bit of a task. What can I say, Starla Huchton is an extremely talented author and this book takes you on a whimsical fantasy, defying physics and reality. Nearing the end, you are so engulfed in the story that you begin to question yourself the possibilities of your own dreams.

[DDog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable listen. Hutchton is a skilled writer and the cast is talented. I couldn't give this one five stars because I always had the feeling the book was just...wandering, despite its inventiveness and beauty; but I guess that's the nature of the dreamscape. Recommended regardless.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 3.5. I really liked the story but I struggled with the dialog during the Dreamworld sections. The battles and challenges were depicted quite well and it kept me engaged. She does a great job with her character descriptions.

[Crystal Ledger · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY ENJOYED LISTENING TO THIS PODCAST. ONE OF MY FAVORITES.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A graceful plot and beautiful narrative, with just the right amount of action, romance, and humour!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, beautiful, adventurous, and funny.

[Melissa Hayden]

Aaah, dreamy read. I enjoyed visiting the Dream Realm and taking in the sights and people (of all makes) here.

****FULL REVIEW TO COME****

[Emmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to get into. Tried to follow it. Tried to recreate the world ... If I failed, I blame the author for not weaving a progressive tale with solid characters and world building.