Review of The Dream Slayer by Jill Cooper

Description:

When your dreams come true, sometimes you get more than you bargained for...

Natalie Johnson has always dreamed she’s someone else; calm, beautiful, in control. A chosen warrior with a maniacal arch nemesis and a dreamy boyfriend, the type that can make your knees melt and your heart quiver.

Real life is much different. She’s tormented by a bully and endures the sharp tongue of her father, but finds solace in her dreams.

When her bully ends up dead, de ja vu from a dream hits her hard as everything around her begins to fall apart.

Whatever killed Sarah in her dreams is now in reality, hunting her from the shadows. And it wants her dead.

Somehow as the lines between reality and nightmare blur, Natalie must discover hidden strength to pull her friends and family back from the brink of madness.

 

Review:

I actually won this book on a blog contest.  This book was pretty original.  I liked how the author used the dreams to merge with reality.  The first half of the book was really entertaining.

I got a little confused in the second half of the book.  She was having two realities and a dream world at one point.  Also, the narration switched to multiple people without any distinctions between them.  

If you like demons, this book is everything you could want.  It was very reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, only in dreams.  Natalie and her sidekicks are likeable characters.  The relationship between Nat and Tristan is sweet.

Overall, this was a good debut for the author.  This story is a YA paranormal read.  I give it three glittery stars! 

 Buy it here on Amazon 

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Review of Cursed Secrets by Lisa Logue

Description:

Ten years ago, Lia’s life had been normal, until she witnessed a murder. Since then she’s been plagued by reliving that horrible night in a dream. But that wasn't the worst of her problems. A force had awakened inside her, unleashing something so frightening, she couldn't bear being close to anyone.

Until she met Christian.

Intrigued by her power and the strange connection between them, Christian is determined to find out what makes her tick. Struggling to keep his urges under control, he vows to stand by her. But as her past is revealed, he uncovers secrets that shake him to the core, forcing a decision that could lead to her death.


Review:

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book.  I got it as a promotional freebie on Amazon last week.  I think having low expectations, I was really surprised at the quality of the story.

The mystery surrounding this book was excellent!  I enjoyed trying to unravel the story and had a hard time putting it down.  It wasn't until about 60% of the book was finished that the story unraveled and I was able to slow my pace.

Lia's life isn't what it seems.  She is hiding a dangerous secret.  People suspect there is something different about her and steer clear.  That is, until she meets the hot guy from class, Christian.  He seems hellbent on becoming her friend.

As Christian probes further into Lia's past, the more interesting Lia gets.  Her story isn't so simple and her past is about to catch up with her.

The only downside to this book was that the last 40% of the book was to set you up for a sequel.  The mystery is solved, but the story really takes on a new form then.  There isn't much closure at the end of the book.

Other than that, this book was very well written.  I liked the characters mostly and the story was interesting.  Christian's character was a little shaky sometimes, but the depth of Lia made up for it.  Overall, I would recommend this New Adult read.  I give it four glittery stars!

Buy it here on Amazon