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Legacy of a Dreamer (Dreamer #1)

by Allie Jean (Goodreads Author)

4.51 of 5 stars 4.51 · rating details · 49 ratings · 25 reviews

Chantal Breelan is a ward of the state, living under the care of a woman who is cold and heartless. Her past is a mystery, and her future is even more uncertain. She can’t recall why she had been taken from her parents and so she’s left with nothing but an empty hole where her childhood should have been. When she awakens from her nightmares, she’s left with terrible, viole...more

Paperback, 1st Edition, 170 pages

Published May 3rd 2012 by The Writer's Coffee Shop (first published May 2nd 2012)

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Jun 10, 2012 Kelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing! couldn't put it down!

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Mar 25, 2013 Martini Times rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-posted

This banner was made for entertainment purposes only. Fallen Angel, warrior Mathias and the one he protects from the shadows, Chantal Breelan.

This book was recommended by someone using the Recommend a Read form here on the site. I contacted the publisher, The Writers Coffee Shop, and requested an ARC which I received.

Allie Jean begins her otherworldly tale of Legacy of a Dreamer with Chantal Breelan, a foster care child tormented by crippling nightmares and diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Re...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Mae rated it 4 of 5 stars

First thing that I have observe while I'm reading the book is the author's writing. It's whimsical, fancy and witty. And I love writers who challenge the readers minds by using clever words. So the writing was definitely a plus factor for me.

Now, let's dive into the characters, concepts and the story itself.

Chantal Breelan is an orphan who is plagued by nightmares. Due to psychological problems, she tends to see shadowy figures during the night. And as a result, she created an imaginary friend o...more First thing that I have observe while I'm reading the book is the author's writing. It's whimsical, fancy and witty. And I love writers who challenge the readers minds by using clever words. So the writing was definitely a plus factor for me.

Now, let's dive into the characters, concepts and the story itself.

Chantal Breelan is an orphan who is plagued by nightmares. Due to psychological problems, she tends to see shadowy figures during the night. And as a result, she created an imaginary friend out of the shadow who she named Nick. Chantal has treated Nick as her confidant. Telling him her horrible dreams and confusing details about her past. But Nick wasn't just a product of her imagination. He is a son of a Contrite (a fallen angel who broke away from the Evil one) and a human female. He's her protector from the creatures that lurks in the dark. As the time Chantal knew about Nick, who's real name is Mathias, her true identity has slowly unfolds.

Chantal was a strong character, though it was evident in the book that she fears the dark, I can tell that there is bravery in her. She can be really stubborn, cocky and annoying at times. Especially her unending questions, but you see I can't blame her for that. I mean how would you even react to something beyond your knowledge? Despite her attitudes she also possess a strong willed spirit. Living a life like her takes a lot of courage and seeing her not giving up on life was a very noble act. Throughout the story I have seen her grow from a girl who was afraid of the dark to a fully-grown woman who can protect herself not only herself but the people whom she loves.

Nick's character was heartwarming. He's caring, really protective and everything you can thought of a perfect boyfriend. His job to protect Chantal wasn't just a job for him. He's protecting her because he cares for her. And it was amazing how he survived from fighting the evil ones and at the same time not getting tired of protecting Chantal.

The concept in the book was truly unique and worthy of praise! The idea of the shadows, the warriors and the Oracles were extraordinary. I love how the author has fused different concepts and turn them into a well-written story. But I just can't avoid not to see a downside in the book, the happenings where a little bit draggy at times BUT, yes there's another but, it was abruptly replaced by actions and unexpected events so it was just a minor issue.

The romance in the book was a little cheesy for me. Though there were parts that made my heart skipped a beat still I wasn't entirely charmed by the connection between Chantal and Nick. Nevertheless, I am willing to read more about their story and journey.

The author has surely catapulted my mind with unexpected situations because that took me off guard! The twists and turns in the book was worthy of agape mouths, even I had a hard time bringing back my jaw from the ground it fell.

Legacy of a Dreamer was a different read. It was refreshing, a page turner and one of a kind. If you're looking for a new read that can entice up your reading then this one's the book for you!

Additional note: Judging from the epilogue in the book, I can see an upcoming sequel and I hope there is cause I'm dying to know more
about the world Chantal belongs :)(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 22, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this book, I found myself very confused and somewhat irritated. Chantal is in foster care and treated badly. She is kicked out of her foster home on her 18th birthday and moves to New York City. I was so upset at the lack of planning for this girl's exit from the system! (I'm a social worker so I notice stuff like that.) Anyway, she is plagued with nightmares and starts to see shadows in the subway that she believes are going to kill her. Now I'm thinking that she is...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 14, 2013 Sarah Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013, favorites

Orginal Review at Give it to Cupcake.
http://giveittocupcake.blogspot.com/2...

What initially drew me to this book was the cover and title combination. The cover is simple and leaves a mystery to who the girl is. You can't see her face, and I like that, because you can still create what you think she would look like in your head to your minds pleasure. The title also got me. A book about a dreamer leaves a lot to be imagined. Is she a dreamer in the sense that she's always wondering about bigger i...more Orginal Review at Give it to Cupcake.
http://giveittocupcake.blogspot.com/2...

What initially drew me to this book was the cover and title combination. The cover is simple and leaves a mystery to who the girl is. You can't see her face, and I like that, because you can still create what you think she would look like in your head to your minds pleasure. The title also got me. A book about a dreamer leaves a lot to be imagined. Is she a dreamer in the sense that she's always wondering about bigger ideas or is she an actual dreaming when she goes to sleep? What's her legacy that's so fantastic? I obviously wanted to know all these things, which is what led me to the book!

You start off meeting Chantal, a young girl who has been tossed around in the foster care system until she lands in a modern day Cinderella-esque situation. She has obscene nightmares that started as far back as she could possibly remember, but she finds comfort in the imaginary friends she has created over the years. She's on the brink of turning eighteen and being thrown out in the real world with no help from anyone. She moves to New York, hoping to start a new journey in her adult life, but her past of nightmares and imaginary friends follow her into her life there as well. From there, she's thrown deep into a world she never knew existed, a world where she was on of the main warriors fighting in an age-old war. Chantal learns about what exactly is hiding in the Shade, or the shadows as we know them, but she also learns about who she really is on the inside.

I really liked Chantal. She was a very strong female character right from the start, and that's something I also admire in books. Even if it was due to her rough start in life, she never felt the need to depend on anyone, even after she met her warrior, Mathias, she learned to trust him, but she still held her own when she needed to. She was never completely helpless. Girl power - WHAT! I also loved that she never questioned the crazy world she got thrown into. She accepted it with grace and stepped up and exceeded every ones expectations, caring for everyone she encounters almost unconditionally. She's one the first known adult Oracles, and I can't wait to see what else that means for her in the next book.

Then there's Mathias, Chantal's warrior. What a chivalrous man he is! You can tell from the very beginning his feelings for Chantal are real and pure, but he doesn't know what to do with them and how to react to them. Their relationship throughout the whole book is very sweet. It was never in your face romantic(which don't get me wrong, I do love that, too!) but instead, sweet and dripping with romantic tension! I could feel it through the book! But with their every little touch and whispered conversation, you could feel their attraction to each other, and it made it all the more sweeter to read.

The other thing that really made the book for me was that it wasn't your typical good vs evil/angels vs devils story. This is a whole different realm of that and one that I really want to read more about. You won't find any creatures with wings or devil horns in this book, but it's worth your time to find out the good and evil that lurk in the pages.

A big thank you to Allie Jean for giving me an ARC and the chance to read this book! Although I received this book to review, it did not influence my review in any way.
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Jan 04, 2013 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Autumn

Growing up in foster care, Chantal has seen more than her fair share of frightening things. Trying desperately to cope, she turns to her only friend – the shadow of the man that has “watched” over her since she was a small child.

She hopes that when she turns eighteen, she will finally be able to make a better life for herself. She dreams of going to university, getting a job, making new friends and for once having a normal life.

All at once, she finds that tru...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 24, 2012 Neysa Kristanti rated it 4 of 5 stars

[FOR MORE REVIEW, CHECK OUT : http://mnkbooklife.blogspot.com/]

When I first read the blurb of the story, I didn't have a single idea about what was this book about, aside from it has something to do with dream. But when I finally got to read it, I truly think that it was fantastic.

The story focused on Chantal Breelan, a seventeen-year-old orphan girl living in a foster home, who had been plagued by constant nightmares since she was little. When she had finally released from the foster home and m...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 Liz Terek rated it 5 of 5 stars

‘Legacy of a Dreamer’ Book Review
Chantal is a teen with a less than picture perfect life. Having been removed from a tumultuous home by authorities, she’s survived in foster care. Run by a selfish shrew, the teens in this foster home have become accustomed to doing menial tasks & being treated as burdens.
Counting herself lucky to not have been exposed to the horrors that some of the other girls have, she develops elaborate coping mechanisms. Dreams may be beautiful for some people, but to...more

‘Legacy of a Dreamer’ Book Review
Chantal is a teen with a less than picture perfect life. Having been removed from a tumultuous home by authorities, she’s survived in foster care. Run by a selfish shrew, the teens in this foster home have become accustomed to doing menial tasks & being treated as burdens.
Counting herself lucky to not have been exposed to the horrors that some of the other girls have, she develops elaborate coping mechanisms. Dreams may be beautiful for some people, but to Chantal, there are only nightmares.
Solace was found in a shadowy silhouette she’s named Nick. Thoughts of a nighttime guardian comfort her. Soon though, Chantal’s dreams & reality begin to merge. Being only somewhat able to recall the aspects of her dreams leave her confused & scared. Creatures from her subconscious begin showing themselves outside of her mind. When nightmares become real, who will rescue her?
Supernatural, young adult fiction is way outside my box. Imaginative & fresh, our author has written much more than a tale of teenaged angst. I like that Chantal is an overcomer. One can’t help but wonder what her life may have been like if she’d have had a different upbringing. However, it wouldn’t have aided the plot.
Originality is absolutely evident here. Although supernatural YA isn’t new, the author’s take is. She kept non-essential background & dialogue to a minimum. Mystery & suspense flood Chantal throughout the book.
Plot & characters will both be a hit with the teenage set. More & more this genre has grown in popularity. It’s a wise time for this book’s release.
Our author has a flair for mystery & suspense. I’ll assume this book will take off. It’s very well written. However, I feel unfair rating it as I would normally as I’ve nothing to compare it to.
Therefore, in the interest of fairness, I’ll give it 4 of 5 stars for creativity & originality. More info is available at the links at the bottom of this post. I received 1 eBook copy to do my review & no further compensation.
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May 16, 2012 Rubysbooks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, fantasy

When I started reading this book I didn't know what to expect. I haven't read many books with characters tormented by awful nightmares before. And the nightmares were awful.

Speaking of nightmares, one of the things I loved about this book was how they were presented. They were very detailed and for me that was new. When I read dream sequences they are rarely this detailed and this vivid. Also, I know for sure that if I had dreams like that, I'd be scared of falling asleep.

Chantal surprised me. A...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Kerry sullivan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-urbanfantasy, ya

This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm

I was a little undecided about whether I would like this book as I tend to find Young adult books a little lacking but this one defiantly changed my mind on that! I got a rich story with plenty going on to keep my interest, this author paints a very vivid picture and that makes this book very interesting and also makes it one that will stay with me.

I will be honest in saying I sometimes find books this descriptive a little annoying because they ma...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Asha Pena rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book Legacy Of A Dreamer is a captivating book for me to read. Chantal is a lost girl with her family that been pulled away from her and now having to live in a foster home being the ward of the state. Not knowing why she was taken from her family, being left with only her imaginary friends and her nightmares. She now must depend on her self. When she turns 18 she is forced to leave her foster home and live on her own. Once in her apartment this is where her imaginary friends become real. O...more

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Oct 28, 2012 Rachel Simons rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading Legacy Of A Dreamer I was hooked. Chantal had put in the foster care system so years ago. She had really awful nightmares and her only friend really was a shadow in her room, it looked like a person and she thought he was watching over her and called him nick!.

Once she had turned 18 she left her foster family and moved away to start her new life. Nick seemed to come along with her and she seemed calmer knowing he was there. From there her life too an unexpected turn evil b...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Dani Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'll just start by saying that this is a great book! And I know it's listed as Young Adult....but even if you're in the "30's-are-the-new-20's" category....like me....you're still young enough to read it! If you have a young adult in your life...especially of the female variety...add this to their Christmas list! My thoughts tend to be very detailed, so I really enjoy reading books that are very descriptive. Allie definitely delivered detail for me! Even from the first few chapters, I had a sens...more I'll just start by saying that this is a great book! And I know it's listed as Young Adult....but even if you're in the "30's-are-the-new-20's" category....like me....you're still young enough to read it! If you have a young adult in your life...especially of the female variety...add this to their Christmas list! My thoughts tend to be very detailed, so I really enjoy reading books that are very descriptive. Allie definitely delivered detail for me! Even from the first few chapters, I had a sense of the foster home Chantal and the other kids lived in, the horrible dog and it's owner...the awful "harpy" of a housemother...Regina Monson.

Growing up in a far-from-picturesque home, I was really able to relate to the Chantal, the main character. The feelings she had of finally having her freedom really hit home...as well as the anxiety she felt as a girl. Her strength of character is admirable, and Chantal makes for an inspirational role model for young women...in my opinion. Even though this book is fictional and full of the otherworldly...it's easy to extrapolate to the real world. But back to the otherworldly...I just love stories that have fallen angels, half-breeds, and unholy creatures!

It's exciting as Chantal discovers who she really is and the gravity of the war going on around her. Her growing relationship with Mathias is fun and frustrating to read. It's also heartbreaking that her family has suffered so much loss. Allie does an excellent job at leaving nothing unexplained. That's a pet peeve of mine really....when I'm left wondering how, why, when...or when I flip back through a book because now I'm confused about the progression. With all the action, complexity of the characters, and loads of information to process...Allie has written in a way that makes it easy to follow and really stay engaged. I couldn't put it down!

I recommend this book to anyone, regardless of age. It's full of suspense, love, humor, and the otherworldly. It's the beginning of a series that I'm sure will only get better and better, and I can't wait to continue the journey.(less)

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Jan 04, 2013 Autumn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-2013

I hope that there will be a sequel!!

This book deserves so much more attention!

Full review on Open Book Society...

http://openbooksociety.com/article/le...

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Dec 26, 2012 Rob Fuller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Admittedly, my Kindle is overflowing with Young Adult titles. They are currently the hottest genre on the market today, but Legacy of a Dreamer is very different. Allie Jean has created a story well-thought out characters and richly drawn details that enhance rather than overpower the tale. Katniss, from The Hunger Games, could learn quite a bit from Chantal as she grows from naive girl to strong-willed heroine in just under 179 pages. Grittier than most YA stories, and all the better for it. Th...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Also posted on Rally the Readers.

* I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.

This book would have easily been finished in a matter of hours if I had the time. It upsets me that I couldn't just sit down and give this book the attention it deserved. Who needs homework, or passing grades, for that matter?! DAMN YOU, AP CLASSES!!!

This book was wonderfully original; it just pulled me in from the beginning. My big thing about books is uniqueness. Those are naturally the types of books I go for,...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Inna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels

Review also appears on my blog
Okay so let's face it the blurb isn't helpful at all.. like I think it confuses you even more. Chantal is your typical eighteen year old orphan who has been haunted by terrible nightmares ever since she can remember. Her only source of solace was a mysterious shadow she names Nick, who she talks to in her mind about her nightmares. Even though he never replies she likes the idea that someone is there to help her through her nightmares. Now she is living alone in a s...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Debdatta Dasgupta Sahay rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy

Chantal Breelan is just another name lost in the Foster Care System. She has a problem with nightmares and nobody to turn to except her secret imaginary friend called Nick. Once she turns eighteen, she is forced to move out of her foster home and falls off the systems radar. She moves to the city that never sleeps and though she doesn’t have a smooth start to this new life either, she manages to find herself an apartment. As she feels Nick’s presence in her new life, she manages to trudge throug...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Michela Walters rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, angels, good-read-recommend, romance, 2012-top-reads

When I picked up this book, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. What I got was an interesting tale about Chantal, an 18 year old who's just been turned out of the foster system. She's been plagued by nightmares her whole life and it isn't until she's out on her own in New York that we figure out their meaning.

The story has a lot of action in it. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how they were going to get out of each new obstacle they face. And when I say 'they' - I mean Chantal and...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Adrienne rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic read. The story went in a totally different direction than I was expecting which was great- love when I am surprised in a book. There were no dull moments from the time I started the book til I finished it was action packed and had a terrific flow. Finished in a day and a half. I plan to read more books by Allie Jean. She has an incredible imagination.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, y-a, romance, angels-demons

The book is filled with suspense and action. It does start off a little slow but picks up with a nice twist at the end.

I love how this story revolves around Chantal’s nightmares. The dream/nightmare sequences were quite vivid. The emotional damage she suffered was believable while not overbearing the character. Chantal was still able to remain strong and focus through while being fragile at the same time. Mathias takes their relationship in stride and is able to be the rock Chantal needs while r...more

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May 31, 2012 Zemira Warner marked it as to-read

Shelves: angels, paranormal-romance, won, i-own

I won a paperback copy over at I'm a reader, what about you?

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Barbara Franks rated it 4 of 5 stars

what a great imagination! it's definitely hard to put it down! I couldn't put It down! Iwould recommend it to everyone!

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Nov 25, 2012 Jenn Lau rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it!!! Took me a minute to get really into it but once I did, I couldn't put it down!!

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars

looks and sounds awesome cant wait to read it!!

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May 25, 2012 Glass rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, 2012, blog-tour, arc, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy

Win paperback copy of legacy od a Dreamer on Ja čitam, a ti?
Open internationally!

Update! Giveaway is over! :)

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Nov 03, 2012 Andrea (mrsaubergine) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was not at all what I expected. The cover made me think it was a romance of some kind, but instead we get a kick-ass paranormal angels story, with a swoony warrior guardian and some seriously twisted family history. The ending indicates there will be a sequel, which I will be very keen to read. A nice surprise.

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Jan 24, 2013 Aj rated it 5 of 5 stars

The story is great! Love it! Can't wait for the next book! XD

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May 18, 2013 Heather marked it as to-read

Shelves: libbo

May 17, 2013 Jonida marked it as to-read

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About Allie Jean

Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her paren...more

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