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First, to Dream of Love

by Cara Ruegg (Goodreads Author)

4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 · rating details · 7 ratings · 6 reviews

The story deals primarily with the themes of forbidden love and the desire for a peaceful future. The Luminarium princess, Eliza, a devout Catholic, visits the dreams of Michael: a dark, satanic prince. Tragedy and fate bring the two of them together, only for malevolent forces to attempt to tear them apart.

As their struggle progresses, their love is tested. Both face the...more

Paperback, 1, 342 pages

Published June 2012 by Createspace

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Jul 23, 2012 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya-books, favorites, books-reviewed

I first met Cara at Inkpop and fell in love with her writing there. That was where I first read this book, so when Cara told me that she had self-published and was looking for a review, I immediately agreed and she mailed me a copy. As expected, I am still in love with Eliza and Michael's story. Their love is the love of legends. It is a starcrossed love that requires great sacrifice and holds the power to unite their lands, ending the long war between their kingdoms. It is one that will haunt y...more I first met Cara at Inkpop and fell in love with her writing there. That was where I first read this book, so when Cara told me that she had self-published and was looking for a review, I immediately agreed and she mailed me a copy. As expected, I am still in love with Eliza and Michael's story. Their love is the love of legends. It is a starcrossed love that requires great sacrifice and holds the power to unite their lands, ending the long war between their kingdoms. It is one that will haunt you from the first pages.

Eliza is a devout Catholic, and her undying faith in her God gives her great strength and purity that give her saint-like qualities. Michael has been tempted by demons since as young child; the reason isn't fully explained, but I'm guessing that it is because his land is a dark land. It is mentioned that before meeting Eliza, Michael would kill the devout as much as the Luminariums. This story may be read in many ways. On the one hand, Eliza's faith and her love that saves Michael from the darkness surrounding him may be read into with religious significance. At the same time, this book can be read as a fantasy where heavenly forces are close at hand and play a significant role in the lives of mortals. Above all, this book may be read as the love story that it is. This book has themes and meanings for everyone.

There is a dreamlike quality to this writing, as though it truly is relating the love of legend that is unfolding between Eliza and Michael--the love that was foretold to bring peace to their land. It is beautiful and poetic, and it tells the story without getting bogged down in details. Nevertheless, I did find some backstory lacking. While I have the gist of what's happening, which may be enough for some people, I feel as though I know next to nothing about the war that has been taking place between Eliza and Michael's kingdom. I would have also liked to see the initial stages of their romance played out: more of the dreams and their secret hopes and fears before they finally come face-to-face, more of the demonic struggle that Michael goes through (for I find it hard to believe that he could conquer his demons so easily). I also wonder--as much of a saint as Eliza is, can it be so easy for her to follow some of her guardian angel's commands, such as entering war and forgiving what happens to her brother?

Overall, I do love this book. Its is one of my favorites. It is a very different read from all the other YA books out there and has one of the most epic and beautiful romances that I have encountered in YA lit. The ending foreshadows that while one chapter in the story of Eliza and Michael's heritage has ended, there is more tragedy to come for the kingdom to conquer. Here's to hoping that we see another book set in their world!

Original post at Imaginary Reads (less)

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Jul 09, 2012 Cara Ruegg added it · (Review from the author)

I'm not sure I'm going to rate my own book. Unlike some authors, not sure I'd even give my own book five stars. Not to say I did not pour everything I had inside of me into it, all my heart and soul and emotions, but that I simply do not think it's perfect, maybe because what they say is true: We are our own worst critics.

So, that being said, I'd like to inform you that I wrote this book while still in High School. It was my first fantasy novel that was not a fan-fiction, dedicated to my guardi...more

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May 14, 2013 Michele rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This was a book I won from goodreads.. I loved the book. Cara did an excellent job making you fall on love with the characters.. Many moments that make you want to cry. Loved it!

1 like · like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'll just keep this review very short for now. Limited time.

You think The Notebook made you cry? The Last Song? A Walk to Remember? Dear John? Think of all the sad, depressing, romantic movies you have watched and COMBINE THEM. That is this story.

Part of me is mad at Cara for messing with my emotions. One second everything's fine, then WHAM-BAM something tragic happens. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I CRIED? HOW MANY TIMES I THOUGH "JEE, I REALLY LOVE MICHAEL!"

Cara is a mastermind writer, excellen...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 06, 2012 TuRtLeFaEiRe added it

Shelves: a-wish-list-book, book-library

Did no one teache her that 'You should never trust a Wolf in Sheep's clothing'?

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Dec 01, 2012 Habitatgirl added it

This book was and is amazing! I'm reading it again, already, Cara, has so much emotion in her writing her true self coes out in this beautiful masterpiece! <3

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Mar 06, 2013 Kirstina17 rated it 5 of 5 stars

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