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Bailey Spade #1
Dream Walker
Think your dreams are private? Think again.
As a dreamwalker, I can ease your nightmares, inspire creation, or steal memories, all for the small price of a buttload of cash. I need the money to save my mom’s life, and the clock is ticking.
Then a gorgeous illusionist comes into the picture—though those mouthwatering looks may just be his powers in action. He sends me on a job with a major paycheck, but the pucking vampires show up and ruin everything.
As usual, they suck.
Now I’m knee-deep in a murder case where the victims and the perps could all kill me with a snap of their fingers. Throw in a creepy castle, a stinky moat, and a legendary monster, and we’ve got ourselves a party. Especially when the bodies begin to pile up.
My name is Bailey Spade, and if I don’t solve this case, I’m dead.
As a dreamwalker, I can ease your nightmares, inspire creation, or steal memories, all for the small price of a buttload of cash. I need the money to save my mom’s life, and the clock is ticking.
Then a gorgeous illusionist comes into the picture—though those mouthwatering looks may just be his powers in action. He sends me on a job with a major paycheck, but the pucking vampires show up and ruin everything.
As usual, they suck.
Now I’m knee-deep in a murder case where the victims and the perps could all kill me with a snap of their fingers. Throw in a creepy castle, a stinky moat, and a legendary monster, and we’ve got ourselves a party. Especially when the bodies begin to pile up.
My name is Bailey Spade, and if I don’t solve this case, I’m dead.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
568 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Dima Zales
112 books732 followersDima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 31, 2021
Bailey Spade #1. We were briefly introduced to Bailey in the Sasha Urban series. As a dreamwalker she had been working as a dream therapist. For instance helping Ariel with her addiction to vampire blood. Now she has to take on more jobs to pay for her mother's medical bills. Her assignment from Valerian has brought her to Earth to get into the dreams of Bernard. Before she can finish Vampire enforcers bring her before the New York Council saying she has exposed her powers to humans. They use the threat of death to get her to help them investigate the murders of several council members.
Everyone on the council is a suspect. So to begin with the head enforcer takes her around to all the council members to set up a dream link. From there the investigation begins. Bailey starts clearing the likeliest suspects by confirming their alibis.
Fun fast read. I'm already half way through Dream Hunter. The first dream adventure was confusing at first, but after a couple dream sessions we get the hang of Bailey's dreamwalking power. The conclusion of the mystery was very tidy and satisfying. The adventures along the way interesting, the Valerian assignment wasn't forgotten, and we see a lot of the characters from the Sasha Urban series. 4.9 stars. You could probably jump right into this series, but the whole concept of Cognizant, Otherlands, Councils, etc. would already be clear if you read Sasha first.
Everyone on the council is a suspect. So to begin with the head enforcer takes her around to all the council members to set up a dream link. From there the investigation begins. Bailey starts clearing the likeliest suspects by confirming their alibis.
Fun fast read. I'm already half way through Dream Hunter. The first dream adventure was confusing at first, but after a couple dream sessions we get the hang of Bailey's dreamwalking power. The conclusion of the mystery was very tidy and satisfying. The adventures along the way interesting, the Valerian assignment wasn't forgotten, and we see a lot of the characters from the Sasha Urban series. 4.9 stars. You could probably jump right into this series, but the whole concept of Cognizant, Otherlands, Councils, etc. would already be clear if you read Sasha first.
January 26, 2021
Like going on a psychedelic trip
This is the first book in Dima Zales’ Bailey Spades UF series. It’s a spin-off of the Sasha Urban series, which featured a powerful seer. But although there are quite a few characters making a re-appearance, you don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one. But fair warning, Dream Walker ends on quite a cliffhanger, though the wait won’t be too long, as book 2, Dream Hunter, is set to release on February 9, 2021.
Bailey Spade is a Dream Walker, meaning she can enter other people’s dreams and manipulate them. So far she has used her abilities mostly for good, helping people to heal from trauma by entering their nightmares breaking them out of the loop that has them reliving their worst memories again and again in their nightmares.
But unfortunately her mother has been in a car crash and now Bailey has to come up with a lot of cash fast to take care of the medical bills. As she doesn’t earn that kind of money at her regular job as a kind of dream therapist for supernatural beings, she takes on some questionable jobs that pay well, but those gigs are also more dangerous, and in the course of one of those gigs she apprehended by the enforcers of the council of the cognizant (sort of the governing body of paranormals in our world) for some alleged wrong-doing. But once there, she soon comes to realize that it was just a ruse and the council wants to pressure her into using her abilities for something quite different, for which she is not really well equipped. But failing to do the council’s bidding would lead to her demise, so she reluctantly undertakes the task…
As befits the heroine, most (but by no means all) of the action takes place in a range of psychedelic dreamscapes Bailey has to navigate to solve the mystery she has been thrust into. Aside from all those widely imaginative dreamscapes that Bailey can manipulate mostly at will, I liked the detail and intricacy that went into showing how the process of dream walking works, it made for quite the cool superpower, though it’s not without pitfalls. Reading it was like going on a psychedelic trip – sans the drugs – so, much better for one’s health. Can’t wait to find out where her dream walking will take Bailey next…
This is the first book in Dima Zales’ Bailey Spades UF series. It’s a spin-off of the Sasha Urban series, which featured a powerful seer. But although there are quite a few characters making a re-appearance, you don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one. But fair warning, Dream Walker ends on quite a cliffhanger, though the wait won’t be too long, as book 2, Dream Hunter, is set to release on February 9, 2021.
Bailey Spade is a Dream Walker, meaning she can enter other people’s dreams and manipulate them. So far she has used her abilities mostly for good, helping people to heal from trauma by entering their nightmares breaking them out of the loop that has them reliving their worst memories again and again in their nightmares.
But unfortunately her mother has been in a car crash and now Bailey has to come up with a lot of cash fast to take care of the medical bills. As she doesn’t earn that kind of money at her regular job as a kind of dream therapist for supernatural beings, she takes on some questionable jobs that pay well, but those gigs are also more dangerous, and in the course of one of those gigs she apprehended by the enforcers of the council of the cognizant (sort of the governing body of paranormals in our world) for some alleged wrong-doing. But once there, she soon comes to realize that it was just a ruse and the council wants to pressure her into using her abilities for something quite different, for which she is not really well equipped. But failing to do the council’s bidding would lead to her demise, so she reluctantly undertakes the task…
As befits the heroine, most (but by no means all) of the action takes place in a range of psychedelic dreamscapes Bailey has to navigate to solve the mystery she has been thrust into. Aside from all those widely imaginative dreamscapes that Bailey can manipulate mostly at will, I liked the detail and intricacy that went into showing how the process of dream walking works, it made for quite the cool superpower, though it’s not without pitfalls. Reading it was like going on a psychedelic trip – sans the drugs – so, much better for one’s health. Can’t wait to find out where her dream walking will take Bailey next…
January 24, 2021
I must confess I have not read Dima Zales before however I am a huge fan of his wife (top tip look up Anna Zaires for some fantastic reading) so I had no preconceived notions but high expectations.
The urban fantasy murder mystery mash up really worked for me. The book is a bit lighter than some of my recent reads and I found it provided some well needed escapism for the times we currently find ourselves in. Personal oppinion, I liked the fact the chapters were not overly long, it kept the books quick pace and lighter feel. The book explores a whole new universe for me, while 95% of the books takes place on Earth some world building was needed and it was efficiently done, thankfully not drawn out as I find some books can be. The book makes some reference to what may be other series but as a first time Z ales reader I had not come across these, fortunately you don't need any background knowledge, I will however be checking out some of the others on my kindle latter.
Bailey is a dream walker, she has no real understanding of her heritage or her powers. She strikes a deal with the council (ruling body for the cognizant or people known as others) to save her mums life but with no formal training so much could go wrong. She is further hampered because she uses touch to enter dreams and this causes issues with her OCD. The risks are high, if Bailey dies in her dream walker state she will no longer be sane when she eventually wakes.
I fell in love with Pomise one of the secondary characters and can't wait to see what he, Felix and Valerian are up to next. Although the book ends nicely so you could read as a stand alone there are so many questions I need answers to, fortunately I only have to wait until 9th Feb for the next instalment.
P.S. As a Scott I totally adored Nessie and her antics, I wondered where she had got to after not seeing her for a wee while ; )
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The urban fantasy murder mystery mash up really worked for me. The book is a bit lighter than some of my recent reads and I found it provided some well needed escapism for the times we currently find ourselves in. Personal oppinion, I liked the fact the chapters were not overly long, it kept the books quick pace and lighter feel. The book explores a whole new universe for me, while 95% of the books takes place on Earth some world building was needed and it was efficiently done, thankfully not drawn out as I find some books can be. The book makes some reference to what may be other series but as a first time Z ales reader I had not come across these, fortunately you don't need any background knowledge, I will however be checking out some of the others on my kindle latter.
Bailey is a dream walker, she has no real understanding of her heritage or her powers. She strikes a deal with the council (ruling body for the cognizant or people known as others) to save her mums life but with no formal training so much could go wrong. She is further hampered because she uses touch to enter dreams and this causes issues with her OCD. The risks are high, if Bailey dies in her dream walker state she will no longer be sane when she eventually wakes.
I fell in love with Pomise one of the secondary characters and can't wait to see what he, Felix and Valerian are up to next. Although the book ends nicely so you could read as a stand alone there are so many questions I need answers to, fortunately I only have to wait until 9th Feb for the next instalment.
P.S. As a Scott I totally adored Nessie and her antics, I wondered where she had got to after not seeing her for a wee while ; )
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2022
(DNF 40%)
I was really looking forward to reading “Dream Walker.” The plot seemed unique and with the added edge that the main character was working to save her mother who is on life support promised to make this read extra special. Unfortunately, for me there was a huge disconnect and I was unable to enjoy this storyline.
First and foremost I must confess that I am not into gaming. The world that Bailey exists is riddled with gaming references and characters reminiscent of the gaming world. That could have worked to this books advantage had the characters and plot made me care; but it just did not. I could have even developed a curiosity about gaming had the subject matter been been more entertaining.
Additionally, while we are told that Bailey is fighting to save her mother’s life we really don’t have a proper introduction to her mother and therefore no real reference. No scenes by her bed lamenting Bailey’s desire to speak to her mom nor are there glimpses of fun times together. This might have occurred after I finally gave up on the read but I’m sure my interest might have continued had the author done this early on in the storyline.
Oh well, Dina Zales seems to have a big following I just not one of them. Despite the 4 star reviews this was a miss for me and I won’t be going on with this series.
I was really looking forward to reading “Dream Walker.” The plot seemed unique and with the added edge that the main character was working to save her mother who is on life support promised to make this read extra special. Unfortunately, for me there was a huge disconnect and I was unable to enjoy this storyline.
First and foremost I must confess that I am not into gaming. The world that Bailey exists is riddled with gaming references and characters reminiscent of the gaming world. That could have worked to this books advantage had the characters and plot made me care; but it just did not. I could have even developed a curiosity about gaming had the subject matter been been more entertaining.
Additionally, while we are told that Bailey is fighting to save her mother’s life we really don’t have a proper introduction to her mother and therefore no real reference. No scenes by her bed lamenting Bailey’s desire to speak to her mom nor are there glimpses of fun times together. This might have occurred after I finally gave up on the read but I’m sure my interest might have continued had the author done this early on in the storyline.
Oh well, Dina Zales seems to have a big following I just not one of them. Despite the 4 star reviews this was a miss for me and I won’t be going on with this series.
December 27, 2023
Book: Dream Walker
Read By: Ebook
Author: Dima Zales
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommend: Yes
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
This book is a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled ride from start to finish. I found myself devouring pages and before I knew it, I was finished and started the next! The first dream adventure was initially confusing, but as we delve deeper into Bailey's dreamwalking abilities through multiple sessions, the power becomes more understandable and captivating. The conclusion of the mystery was expertly tied up, leaving me feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Along the way, we encounter countless intriguing adventures and encounters, including revisiting characters from the beloved Sasha Urban series. While it is possible to jump right into this series without prior knowledge, reading Sasha first would provide a deeper understanding of concepts. Overall, this is a must-read for any fan of fantasy and action-packed thrillers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
really good book
Worth it
I wish I had supernatural powers and I wish I could go into people’s dreams fun but always a price to pay right
Worth it
I wish I had supernatural powers and I wish I could go into people’s dreams fun but always a price to pay right
August 10, 2022
~possible spoilers ahead~
Ugh. I don’t know what it was with this book, but I just couldn’t, for anything, get into it. Don’t know if it was because it’s an audiobook and I have to be in the mood for it to listen to, or if it was just the book - but I strongly suggest the second option.
Okay. This is basically a follow-up to the Sasha Urban series, which I listened to beforehand and which wasn’t a absolute masterpiece but just entertaining enough for me to like it decently well.
Now we follow Bailey Spade, a dream walker briefly introduced in the Sasha Urban series. Bailey is on a job when she gets arrested by the council of New York. They want her to solve a murder case, or else she will be executed for crimes against the mandate (a magical law, basically, to stop Cognizant from telling humans about their magic).
So far, so well.
But then - basically, nothing really interesting happens. Sure, Bailey dream walks a lot, tries to solve the murder case, there are more murders, she gets in trouble, is nearly executed, and then - well, typical ending, basically.
Also, there’s magic, some cameos from the Sasha Urban series and everything I normally like, but I just struggled with it. A lot.
Bailey is the only character who’s really been given a deep characterization. Else we have Felix, whom we know from Sasha, and who is just sometimes there. And then the vampire, who was sometimes promising but was killed off in the end.
Bailey is a massive germaphobe, but I don’t think that phobia was played out well. First of all, it got pretty fast weirdly annoying and just outright hilarious when the only thing Bailey thinks about when her life is threatened are the germs that she is now in contact with. And also, she abandoned that fear pretty quickly when it came to Valerian, the love interest that shows up maybe for 10min at all. Weird.
She has a sick mother in coma whom she has to care for, and does all kinds of jobs including her ability to dream walk to raise money for her mother’s medication and stuff.
That’s also why she hasn’t really slept in a very, very long time, which is just unreal and well, weird. Why?
Aside from that, she was solid, but I just didn’t like her at all at times. So well.
The last part of the book was the best one, because finally Bailey got a grip on the whole murder mystery thingie, solved some clues and there was some much needed real-life action. Also Valerian makes another cameo, brought some more interesting scenes with him (even though they were outright overly sexual given their short meeting time, but oh well).
All in all, I will probably continue with this series, because it does have the potential to become something like the Sasha Urban series for me - entertaining, but nothing more. But entertaining, and that can be enough. Just - this storyline was way too boring and aside from Bailey we got no one to really hang onto, so I will see. Well.
Ugh. I don’t know what it was with this book, but I just couldn’t, for anything, get into it. Don’t know if it was because it’s an audiobook and I have to be in the mood for it to listen to, or if it was just the book - but I strongly suggest the second option.
Okay. This is basically a follow-up to the Sasha Urban series, which I listened to beforehand and which wasn’t a absolute masterpiece but just entertaining enough for me to like it decently well.
Now we follow Bailey Spade, a dream walker briefly introduced in the Sasha Urban series. Bailey is on a job when she gets arrested by the council of New York. They want her to solve a murder case, or else she will be executed for crimes against the mandate (a magical law, basically, to stop Cognizant from telling humans about their magic).
So far, so well.
But then - basically, nothing really interesting happens. Sure, Bailey dream walks a lot, tries to solve the murder case, there are more murders, she gets in trouble, is nearly executed, and then - well, typical ending, basically.
Also, there’s magic, some cameos from the Sasha Urban series and everything I normally like, but I just struggled with it. A lot.
Bailey is the only character who’s really been given a deep characterization. Else we have Felix, whom we know from Sasha, and who is just sometimes there. And then the vampire, who was sometimes promising but was killed off in the end.
Bailey is a massive germaphobe, but I don’t think that phobia was played out well. First of all, it got pretty fast weirdly annoying and just outright hilarious when the only thing Bailey thinks about when her life is threatened are the germs that she is now in contact with. And also, she abandoned that fear pretty quickly when it came to Valerian, the love interest that shows up maybe for 10min at all. Weird.
She has a sick mother in coma whom she has to care for, and does all kinds of jobs including her ability to dream walk to raise money for her mother’s medication and stuff.
That’s also why she hasn’t really slept in a very, very long time, which is just unreal and well, weird. Why?
Aside from that, she was solid, but I just didn’t like her at all at times. So well.
The last part of the book was the best one, because finally Bailey got a grip on the whole murder mystery thingie, solved some clues and there was some much needed real-life action. Also Valerian makes another cameo, brought some more interesting scenes with him (even though they were outright overly sexual given their short meeting time, but oh well).
All in all, I will probably continue with this series, because it does have the potential to become something like the Sasha Urban series for me - entertaining, but nothing more. But entertaining, and that can be enough. Just - this storyline was way too boring and aside from Bailey we got no one to really hang onto, so I will see. Well.
January 27, 2021
This was an awesome start to a new series. First, you don't have to have read the Sasha Urban Series to enjoy the Baily Spade Series. The new characters were nice, though one or two may not have a lot of development yet. You can tell it's probably coming in the second book. The pacing was fast for this book - Bailey didn't even really get to actually sleep, she just went into a lot of trances to visit people's dreams. The no sleep thing actually has a good explanation and it does come around. The story may be dream heavy for some, but that's to be expected, considering it's a book about a dream walker. I, for one, enjoy all the dream visits. I love dream related things. I liked how it would seem that some small things were forgotten or not mentioned after the beginning (making the reader forget about them as well), and then they'd be referenced again later on with an actual reason why they were forgotten (and one that actually made sense at that). The bad guy was surprising, but it seemed a little out of place. Their reasoning made sense, but the attitude change didn't seem all that smooth or natural. I'm curious and excited to see where this series goes next. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted to me by the author with no obligation.
January 26, 2021
Intrigue, action, fantasy and so much more! Highly Recommended :-)
This is the first book of the new series Dream Walker, Bailey Spade by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires . It is a spin-off of the Urban Fantasy Series "Sasha Urban", and even though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you read the Sasha Urban Series, as it can enrich your reading experience of this new series. Bailey is a dream walker and can enter other people's dreams for a variety of reasons. Now that her mother is sick and in need of constant medical care Bailey is doing her best to take as many jobs as possible in her dream-walker capacity to pay for the medical bills. In doing so, she draws the attention of the council (leaders of the supernatural), who push her into a dangerous mission, by promising to cure her mother if she uses her abilities to solve the murders of some of the council members. Well written book, with lots of great characters, dark humor and lots of twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very last page! It does end on a Cliffhanger and I personally cannot wait to read the next one in line. What are you waiting for???
This is the first book of the new series Dream Walker, Bailey Spade by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires . It is a spin-off of the Urban Fantasy Series "Sasha Urban", and even though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you read the Sasha Urban Series, as it can enrich your reading experience of this new series. Bailey is a dream walker and can enter other people's dreams for a variety of reasons. Now that her mother is sick and in need of constant medical care Bailey is doing her best to take as many jobs as possible in her dream-walker capacity to pay for the medical bills. In doing so, she draws the attention of the council (leaders of the supernatural), who push her into a dangerous mission, by promising to cure her mother if she uses her abilities to solve the murders of some of the council members. Well written book, with lots of great characters, dark humor and lots of twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the very last page! It does end on a Cliffhanger and I personally cannot wait to read the next one in line. What are you waiting for???
February 1, 2021
We met Bailey Spade in the Sasha Urban series that I absolutely loved. I wasn#t sure how good a series on Bailey Spade the dreamwalker would be but I absolutely loved it. There was a few well known characters from the Sasha series and I loved how they were involved.
Bailey Spade is a dreamwalker. She doesn't live on Earth but she here working to try and get enough money to pay for her mothers health care. Her mum is in a coma and on Gomorrah it's expensive. But Bailey is breaking the law by working without a Mandate that would control her and that's an offence punishable by death. It was a well plotted out exciting story and I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. But I really loved it.
Bailey Spade is a dreamwalker. She doesn't live on Earth but she here working to try and get enough money to pay for her mothers health care. Her mum is in a coma and on Gomorrah it's expensive. But Bailey is breaking the law by working without a Mandate that would control her and that's an offence punishable by death. It was a well plotted out exciting story and I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. But I really loved it.
February 5, 2021
This is the first book in the Bailey Spade Series, an Urban Fantasy, and a spin-off of the Sasha Urban Series. The storyline is well written, and original. Some scenes are hilarious! There is a lot going on in this story. Bailey, a dreamwalker, is a fantastic complex character, fun, smart, strong, and determined. The supporting characters are interesting and intriguing. I like Bailey’s partners/friends, Felix and Pam. The world building is original, intricate, and enthralling The storyline is fast paced, and entertaining, filled with intrigue, action, adventure, humor, and twists and turns. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to listen to Dream Hunter, the next book in the Series. If you like Urban Fantasy, this one is for you!
January 23, 2021
Ok this one grabbed my attention right away because Bailey is a dream walker. I hadn’t read a book yet with one of those and I really like how Dima Zales let his creativity fly.
This book was interesting from the very beginning and it kept going strong. I love the way she interacted with Pom. (I want one by the way. LOL)
You know a book is good when you like it so much you read parts to other people. I found myself doing that. I kept telling my daughter about it and reading it to her. She fell in love with it and made me stop so I wouldn’t spoil it for her. She said she now wants to read it too.
This is a sci-fi that I think many people will love. I look forward to reading book too.
This book was interesting from the very beginning and it kept going strong. I love the way she interacted with Pom. (I want one by the way. LOL)
You know a book is good when you like it so much you read parts to other people. I found myself doing that. I kept telling my daughter about it and reading it to her. She fell in love with it and made me stop so I wouldn’t spoil it for her. She said she now wants to read it too.
This is a sci-fi that I think many people will love. I look forward to reading book too.
January 26, 2021
I loved this book!!!! What a fantastic start to a new series.
I've read the Sasha Urban series and loved it, and this is a spin off series from that series, with some crossover of characters. Although you don't need to have read the Sasha Urban series to read this, knowledge of the characters certainly helps. It had some new characters and some much loved ones from the previous series within this world are also seen again.
I loved this fast paced, light easy to read book which provided me with a bit of light relief from some heavier books I've read recently, with a engaging storyline and great characters all combined in this amazing imaginative world the author has created.
I've read the Sasha Urban series and loved it, and this is a spin off series from that series, with some crossover of characters. Although you don't need to have read the Sasha Urban series to read this, knowledge of the characters certainly helps. It had some new characters and some much loved ones from the previous series within this world are also seen again.
I loved this fast paced, light easy to read book which provided me with a bit of light relief from some heavier books I've read recently, with a engaging storyline and great characters all combined in this amazing imaginative world the author has created.
January 29, 2021
This is the first book in the Bailey Spade series and it is an engaging read. As someone who read the Sasha Urban series, I was excited to dive into this one. Bailey is a dream walker who can manipulate the dreams of other people. She is trying to save her mother’s life and is coerced into investigating a murder case to get the cure. Time is not on her side but with some help and her skills she will do what it takes to survive. Readers will love the attention to detail that the author puts into the story. This is one intriguing new series with an original heroine who will take readers on one wild adventure. I look forward to the next installment.
January 29, 2021
I really liked the premise of this book: individuals with various abilities from other worlds living on Earth in secret. The book has illusionists, vampires, werewolves, shape shifters and healers just to name a few. The central character is Bailey, a Cognizant (from another world but residing on Earth) and a Dreamwalker. As such, she has the ability to make a connection with people and enter their dreams to manipulate their subconscious. For example, she can help stop recurring nightmares and memories, plant ideas, etc. Her role is very reminiscent of the movie Inception. When Bailey is brought before the Council, a powerful group of Cognizants who monitor and set the rules for their kind's dealings with humans, she's offered two options: execution for breaking a rule of theirs or use her abilities to screen the Council and detect who is murdering members.
While I liked the foundations of this book and I think it showed a lot of promise, the style of writing wasn't always for me. There were aspects of the Cognitzants, their abilities and their world that I would have liked a lot more detail on and at points I felt like I was in a dream myself because I only had a vague idea of what was going on. There was a lot of potential here for world-building and I would have liked more. There was, however, quite a bit of random detail given about things that Bailey or her colleague, Felix, were thinking. Who someone reminded them of, what game or retro topic they thought of and the like. Some of the information didn't add much to the story line.
The book also had a bit of a monotonous feel to it at times because it was basically Bailey being ordered around and then her going into the dreams of potential suspects and Council members, finding out they were telling the truth and then the whole thing happening again with a different person. She was supposed to an amateur sleuth but even she wasn't sure why and no background was really given to explain this apart from her being a Dreamwalker. So basically apart from her going to different Council members and looking at where they were at the time of the crimes and mentioning their abilities, little else was happening. Due to there being several murders, it felt repetitive and honestly, the numbers of dead bodies seemed unnecessary except for a main means to extend the story line. I got a feel of: this happened and then this and then this, etc. of going through the motions which affected fluency a bit for me.
The repetitive feel might have been because the book was told in first person. This didn't bother me too much once I got the feel of it but it might jar some other readers. I didn't mind Bailey as a character but some of her quirks got old really quick. She has a sick mother who's kept secrets from her that she's trying to raise funds for and has taken on jobs from a wealthy benefactor in order to pay for her medical bills. Bailey's a massive germaphobe but by the first couple of chapters, I found this borderline annoying rather than quirky and endearing and/or amusing. She was constantly applying sanitiser, thinking about sanitiser or going on about how unhygenic and gross she found pretty much everything. Because of her being a massive germaphobe, she'd only eat bananas because the skin kept out germs. Oh, and not one or two. Several at a time because she needs to keep her calorie count up. Someone should introduce her to an orange. It would blow her mind. She escapes sexually in the Dreamworld due to her aversion to bodily fluids and the like, but this isn't played out too much. If you're looking for romance (which I'll admit, I usually am), it's pretty much non-existent here. There's a potential love interest and a bit of heavy flirting that I have no doubt will crop up in future books as the groundwork is laid here, but in regards to this novel in particular, he features briefly at the start and towards the end.
Overall, it was an over the top read that showed promise. Things escalated quickly and some of the book didn't make sense, including why she'd be chosen to handle such a delicate matter for some really powerful people to begin with. I liked the last few chapters as they heated things up a bit and chucked in some much-needed action. Some parts of the plot and solving the who dunnit were entirely too convenient (she'd been locked up and awaiting execution but then suddenly remembers she's had lock picks in her pocket the whole time. She's in trouble but then someone luckily helps her out. She finds a piece of evidence that she can only get three bits of information from that just happen to be the useful bits of information - you get the picture) but I liked the twist on who ended up being the antagonist. The book ends on a slight cliffhanger but it's a happily for now in its own way.
Also, I'm not sure where Althea Romig came into this (I'm a big fan of her work which is why I'd preordered this) - her name isn't on the front of the book, nor is she mentioned at the end where the other author's works are listed. If the book hadn't been flagged for me as a recommended read due to following Romig on book sites, I wouldn't have guessed she was a co-author.
While I liked the foundations of this book and I think it showed a lot of promise, the style of writing wasn't always for me. There were aspects of the Cognitzants, their abilities and their world that I would have liked a lot more detail on and at points I felt like I was in a dream myself because I only had a vague idea of what was going on. There was a lot of potential here for world-building and I would have liked more. There was, however, quite a bit of random detail given about things that Bailey or her colleague, Felix, were thinking. Who someone reminded them of, what game or retro topic they thought of and the like. Some of the information didn't add much to the story line.
The book also had a bit of a monotonous feel to it at times because it was basically Bailey being ordered around and then her going into the dreams of potential suspects and Council members, finding out they were telling the truth and then the whole thing happening again with a different person. She was supposed to an amateur sleuth but even she wasn't sure why and no background was really given to explain this apart from her being a Dreamwalker. So basically apart from her going to different Council members and looking at where they were at the time of the crimes and mentioning their abilities, little else was happening. Due to there being several murders, it felt repetitive and honestly, the numbers of dead bodies seemed unnecessary except for a main means to extend the story line. I got a feel of: this happened and then this and then this, etc. of going through the motions which affected fluency a bit for me.
The repetitive feel might have been because the book was told in first person. This didn't bother me too much once I got the feel of it but it might jar some other readers. I didn't mind Bailey as a character but some of her quirks got old really quick. She has a sick mother who's kept secrets from her that she's trying to raise funds for and has taken on jobs from a wealthy benefactor in order to pay for her medical bills. Bailey's a massive germaphobe but by the first couple of chapters, I found this borderline annoying rather than quirky and endearing and/or amusing. She was constantly applying sanitiser, thinking about sanitiser or going on about how unhygenic and gross she found pretty much everything. Because of her being a massive germaphobe, she'd only eat bananas because the skin kept out germs. Oh, and not one or two. Several at a time because she needs to keep her calorie count up. Someone should introduce her to an orange. It would blow her mind. She escapes sexually in the Dreamworld due to her aversion to bodily fluids and the like, but this isn't played out too much. If you're looking for romance (which I'll admit, I usually am), it's pretty much non-existent here. There's a potential love interest and a bit of heavy flirting that I have no doubt will crop up in future books as the groundwork is laid here, but in regards to this novel in particular, he features briefly at the start and towards the end.
Overall, it was an over the top read that showed promise. Things escalated quickly and some of the book didn't make sense, including why she'd be chosen to handle such a delicate matter for some really powerful people to begin with. I liked the last few chapters as they heated things up a bit and chucked in some much-needed action. Some parts of the plot and solving the who dunnit were entirely too convenient (she'd been locked up and awaiting execution but then suddenly remembers she's had lock picks in her pocket the whole time. She's in trouble but then someone luckily helps her out. She finds a piece of evidence that she can only get three bits of information from that just happen to be the useful bits of information - you get the picture) but I liked the twist on who ended up being the antagonist. The book ends on a slight cliffhanger but it's a happily for now in its own way.
Also, I'm not sure where Althea Romig came into this (I'm a big fan of her work which is why I'd preordered this) - her name isn't on the front of the book, nor is she mentioned at the end where the other author's works are listed. If the book hadn't been flagged for me as a recommended read due to following Romig on book sites, I wouldn't have guessed she was a co-author.
April 11, 2021
DNF I expected a snarky kick ass heroine. What I got was a pansy who was afraid of everything. Boring.
April 28, 2021
I am not quite sure when this series happens but apart from the MC, it has the same cast as the Sasha Urban series. It seems to begin sometime after the events of the first few books of that series.
This means it also inherited the flaws from the world-building as well as the cast.
My biggest issue was the supposed magic council or however they call themselves and the premise they force the MC into.
That bunch of dimwits is supposed to lead and manage the supernatural world in secret?
The entire premise of the book is just absurdly stupid.
The MC gets a basically impossible task she has to solve within a stupidly short amount of time.
There are an infinite amount of other, better options available to the council, but no, they force the MC into it who isn't even qualified for this.
This makes it really hard to suspend disbelief for the entire setup.
As the title suggests she is a dream walker and she is supposed to use this skill to go into the council's dreams to glimpse the truthfulness of their alibis and uncover the perpetrator.
That's the entire book.
There is lots of back and forth and people not being present or not sleeping or whatnot but for 80% of the book we are just waiting for one issue or another to be cleared up so the MC can dream walk another suspect. Intermittently we have a lot of redundant speculation about who it could be.
Over time we actually learn a few interesting things about various council members but there just isn't anything of substance.
It's not dull per see, something is always happening, but there is no sense of progress at all.
It feels more like what I expect from a 1.5 in-between book to fill in world-building and characterization with 100-200 pages but dragged out into a full book.
All the characters seem like they are new to the supernatural. For our MC this makes at least a little sense as she seems to have grown up in another world and was pretty sheltered even there.
But the entire council behaves like they have no idea what other people can do with their brands of magic.
The one other element that might have been interesting was the romance which was teased early on but there actually isn't any. Just the MC repeatedly trying to masturbate to the love interest in her dreams because he's hot but then getting interrupted every time. I think this was supposed to be funny but it didn't get much more than a tired smile from me after the second time.
There is a lot of nerd culture referencing going on but it was more annoying than anything for the most part. It was supposed to be relatable for fans of the culture but to me, it just came across as shallow. Constantly mentioning Nintendo game characters doesn't make a nerd.
I found this aspect particularly sad because it seems like the author isn't faking his love for nerd and gaming culture. I believe I recognize a genuine kindred spirit between the lines. But the references are dumbed down to make sure the majority of readers get this stuff which ironically comes across as fake. This is the trouble with having nerd characters. It's really hard to prevent them from boring everyone who is not into the particular brand of geek culture to death but at the same time doing it justice.
An honorable mention (to the Sasha Urban series as well) goes to proper tech. No bullshit throwing around random tech-sounding words, no "cracking the encryption codes" and "tracing the IP via VPN".
While it isn't very important to the story, in this case, everything regarding computers and tech that isn't magical is correct at least in a broad sense. I can't even remember when I read another series that did computer science and cryptography right, if ever.
This means it also inherited the flaws from the world-building as well as the cast.
My biggest issue was the supposed magic council or however they call themselves and the premise they force the MC into.
That bunch of dimwits is supposed to lead and manage the supernatural world in secret?
The entire premise of the book is just absurdly stupid.
The MC gets a basically impossible task she has to solve within a stupidly short amount of time.
There are an infinite amount of other, better options available to the council, but no, they force the MC into it who isn't even qualified for this.
This makes it really hard to suspend disbelief for the entire setup.
As the title suggests she is a dream walker and she is supposed to use this skill to go into the council's dreams to glimpse the truthfulness of their alibis and uncover the perpetrator.
That's the entire book.
There is lots of back and forth and people not being present or not sleeping or whatnot but for 80% of the book we are just waiting for one issue or another to be cleared up so the MC can dream walk another suspect. Intermittently we have a lot of redundant speculation about who it could be.
Over time we actually learn a few interesting things about various council members but there just isn't anything of substance.
It's not dull per see, something is always happening, but there is no sense of progress at all.
It feels more like what I expect from a 1.5 in-between book to fill in world-building and characterization with 100-200 pages but dragged out into a full book.
All the characters seem like they are new to the supernatural. For our MC this makes at least a little sense as she seems to have grown up in another world and was pretty sheltered even there.
But the entire council behaves like they have no idea what other people can do with their brands of magic.
The one other element that might have been interesting was the romance which was teased early on but there actually isn't any. Just the MC repeatedly trying to masturbate to the love interest in her dreams because he's hot but then getting interrupted every time. I think this was supposed to be funny but it didn't get much more than a tired smile from me after the second time.
There is a lot of nerd culture referencing going on but it was more annoying than anything for the most part. It was supposed to be relatable for fans of the culture but to me, it just came across as shallow. Constantly mentioning Nintendo game characters doesn't make a nerd.
I found this aspect particularly sad because it seems like the author isn't faking his love for nerd and gaming culture. I believe I recognize a genuine kindred spirit between the lines. But the references are dumbed down to make sure the majority of readers get this stuff which ironically comes across as fake. This is the trouble with having nerd characters. It's really hard to prevent them from boring everyone who is not into the particular brand of geek culture to death but at the same time doing it justice.
An honorable mention (to the Sasha Urban series as well) goes to proper tech. No bullshit throwing around random tech-sounding words, no "cracking the encryption codes" and "tracing the IP via VPN".
While it isn't very important to the story, in this case, everything regarding computers and tech that isn't magical is correct at least in a broad sense. I can't even remember when I read another series that did computer science and cryptography right, if ever.
February 12, 2021
And it's from Sasha's universe! I didn't even realize! I was just so excited to see another book from them I didn't even read the blurb!
Which is why I am not sure which of use is more sorry the first Bailey book was... not as good as I wanted. Mostly, the problem was with the... okay, now to actually describe it. In a way, I'd say it's helplessness. One might also say council or the system of the paranormal government. You can also say it's the way the plot was designed. To put it quite plainly, Bailey was thrown into an unfair situation with terrible characters and situation after situation out of her control. It was almost like that first encounter Sasha had with the council - but all the things that irritated me in Sasha's book, were multiplied here. I mean, I get it, "paranormal" world(s) is obviously harsh and mistakes could have dire consequences but this really felt like powerful characters needed a puppet to play with/blame/use and Bailey was just trying to stay alive and help her mum.
I don't like it, having too many annoying or evil or bad characters. If the reader is annoyed or angry every second chapter because of one or the other person coming to crash the party, it just makes the whole book actually less enjoyable. With pushy or even sick vampires and all those power-tripping councillors...
I am off to the next book, of course, though I feel this one might never outshine Sasha.
Which is why I am not sure which of use is more sorry the first Bailey book was... not as good as I wanted. Mostly, the problem was with the... okay, now to actually describe it. In a way, I'd say it's helplessness. One might also say council or the system of the paranormal government. You can also say it's the way the plot was designed. To put it quite plainly, Bailey was thrown into an unfair situation with terrible characters and situation after situation out of her control. It was almost like that first encounter Sasha had with the council - but all the things that irritated me in Sasha's book, were multiplied here. I mean, I get it, "paranormal" world(s) is obviously harsh and mistakes could have dire consequences but this really felt like powerful characters needed a puppet to play with/blame/use and Bailey was just trying to stay alive and help her mum.
I don't like it, having too many annoying or evil or bad characters. If the reader is annoyed or angry every second chapter because of one or the other person coming to crash the party, it just makes the whole book actually less enjoyable. With pushy or even sick vampires and all those power-tripping councillors...
I am off to the next book, of course, though I feel this one might never outshine Sasha.
May 26, 2021
4 stars
As a spin off series, this one starts off better than others I've read. It has an interesting new main with a pretty cool power of dream walking. She connects dreams to memories to tell if people lie. I really liked how she could seamlessly go from the real world to the dream world, and how she could shape reality within a dream.
The reason I took off a star is that this book, while having an intriguing premise, it tossed a lot of believability out the window. The Dream Walker is great for delving into people's subconscious as well as helping with traumatic pasts in therapy. However, that power is not the best for detective work. She has to touch everyone to enter their dreams. With Bailey's germ phobia, mixed with everyone's obvious reluctance to have her in their heads, asking her to act like a detective or die is a bit ridiculous. Even for a fiction filled with supernatural creatures and superpowers, the expectation of the council was far-fetched.
The book would also have been a difficult read for anyone who hadn't read Sasha Urban. A lot of character backgrounds were in that series, and without them it just feels like a lot of people were thrown into the story with barely an introduction. Sasha might have been able to prevent some deaths with her seer abilities too, just saying. So, as a stand alone start of a new series this one could have been better, but as a spin off it did keep me wonderfully interested enough to keep reading.
As a spin off series, this one starts off better than others I've read. It has an interesting new main with a pretty cool power of dream walking. She connects dreams to memories to tell if people lie. I really liked how she could seamlessly go from the real world to the dream world, and how she could shape reality within a dream.
The reason I took off a star is that this book, while having an intriguing premise, it tossed a lot of believability out the window. The Dream Walker is great for delving into people's subconscious as well as helping with traumatic pasts in therapy. However, that power is not the best for detective work. She has to touch everyone to enter their dreams. With Bailey's germ phobia, mixed with everyone's obvious reluctance to have her in their heads, asking her to act like a detective or die is a bit ridiculous. Even for a fiction filled with supernatural creatures and superpowers, the expectation of the council was far-fetched.
The book would also have been a difficult read for anyone who hadn't read Sasha Urban. A lot of character backgrounds were in that series, and without them it just feels like a lot of people were thrown into the story with barely an introduction. Sasha might have been able to prevent some deaths with her seer abilities too, just saying. So, as a stand alone start of a new series this one could have been better, but as a spin off it did keep me wonderfully interested enough to keep reading.
January 22, 2021
Bailey is a dreamwalker, running against time to save her mother's life. By entering dreams, she can steal memories, bring inspiration and ease nightmares, all for the right amount of money! When she accepts a job from Valerian, a gorgeous illusionist, vampires intervene, and her life takes an unexpected and dangerous turn! She's forced to investigate a murder case in exchange for her mother's cure! But the suspects could kill her in the blink of an eye, and if she fails to discover the culprit, she will lose her life! Fighting against time and with the help of her courageous friends, she must use her skills and overcome her fears, if she wants to survive!
Dream Walker is the fascinating and adventurous beginning of a new series, starring the charismatic and dynamic Bailey Spade! Her first adventure is action packed and full of twists and turns! There's not a moment of rest for our brave heroine, and she uses her wits and her powers to distinguish between illusion and reality. A refreshing and delightful read!
Dream Walker is the fascinating and adventurous beginning of a new series, starring the charismatic and dynamic Bailey Spade! Her first adventure is action packed and full of twists and turns! There's not a moment of rest for our brave heroine, and she uses her wits and her powers to distinguish between illusion and reality. A refreshing and delightful read!
January 24, 2021
A New Saga Set In The Sasha Urban "Universe"
Meet Bailey Spade!
Bailey is a "Dream Walker". She is able to magically get inside of people's minds while they are sleeping, & help with Traumas & access memories. She mostly uses her powers to fight magical Crime. She frequently narrowly escapes danger.
While this is populated with some of the same characters as the Sasha Urban Saga, It's a completely new story with really only some background details in common. Felix, Kit & many others are back.
I'd fit this one in the YA category: probably too much violence & Sex for 13 YO's; not too much for 16-18. Easy to read, it took me part of 2 nights.
My favorite thing: Each of the 3 books is being released only 2 weeks apart so I won't have forgotten the plot of book #1 by the time book #2 is out.
Interesting note: This has the least Russian folklore of any of Dima's books that I remember.
If you like YA Fantasy/Sci-fi you can't go wrong here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Meet Bailey Spade!
Bailey is a "Dream Walker". She is able to magically get inside of people's minds while they are sleeping, & help with Traumas & access memories. She mostly uses her powers to fight magical Crime. She frequently narrowly escapes danger.
While this is populated with some of the same characters as the Sasha Urban Saga, It's a completely new story with really only some background details in common. Felix, Kit & many others are back.
I'd fit this one in the YA category: probably too much violence & Sex for 13 YO's; not too much for 16-18. Easy to read, it took me part of 2 nights.
My favorite thing: Each of the 3 books is being released only 2 weeks apart so I won't have forgotten the plot of book #1 by the time book #2 is out.
Interesting note: This has the least Russian folklore of any of Dima's books that I remember.
If you like YA Fantasy/Sci-fi you can't go wrong here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2021
This book is quick paced and while it touches on themes, we all have heard of before it blends them together in a new and interesting way. Bailey Spade is a cognizant from another world hiding out on earth who can touch people and enter their dreams and manipulate them. There are lots of amazing dreamscapes and the universe in this story is creative and wonderful. I love the snarky interaction Bailey has with her partner Felix and symbiont Pom. Bailey is a caring daughter that finds the courage to do whatever it takes to help her sick mother, she is flawed (OCD, germaphobe) but is also a badass heroine. If you enjoy trippy landscapes, monsters of the night and quirky girls that kick butt this is a book for you! This may be hard to follow because the dreamscapes and universe are intricate but stick with it because it gets better and better. The book ends in a cliffy as it is a series but the main plot gets resolved. I can't wait to see what is next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2021
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see *s differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see *s differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
January 27, 2024
Superb storytelling
Oh, what a surreal world. A germ fanatic from another world. She uses sanitisation constantly. Frightened of the many diseases, fungi, but will only drink spring water and bananas! The most safe food for her
A dreamwalker who uses her powers to heal her many clients in their traumatic dreams.
She is tracked by enforcers of the Council, vampires the court has sent to detain and bring her in.
She is coerced into a job to find who murdered several councillors.
Bailey has to find the murderer to not only save her life but that of her mother, too.
For that, she needs a healer. Isis, a healer, says she will help.
Her employer, Valerian, needs Baileys help to see into certain dreams to help his company.
It's a complicated story with twists along the way. Fights, illusionists, creatures, and inuendo. They help to figure out who,what, and why.
Of course, the need for sleep, especially REM. So so much
Enjoy. Now to book no. 2.
Oh, what a surreal world. A germ fanatic from another world. She uses sanitisation constantly. Frightened of the many diseases, fungi, but will only drink spring water and bananas! The most safe food for her
A dreamwalker who uses her powers to heal her many clients in their traumatic dreams.
She is tracked by enforcers of the Council, vampires the court has sent to detain and bring her in.
She is coerced into a job to find who murdered several councillors.
Bailey has to find the murderer to not only save her life but that of her mother, too.
For that, she needs a healer. Isis, a healer, says she will help.
Her employer, Valerian, needs Baileys help to see into certain dreams to help his company.
It's a complicated story with twists along the way. Fights, illusionists, creatures, and inuendo. They help to figure out who,what, and why.
Of course, the need for sleep, especially REM. So so much
Enjoy. Now to book no. 2.
January 28, 2021
OMG, THIS SERIES IS DEFINITELY ONE NOT TO BE MISSED!
Dream Walker is a psychedelic virtual reality experience that'll blow your mind away, and the first book in Dima Zales’ Bailey Spades series, a spin-off of the Sasha Urban series. I was hooked right from the start and couldn't let go until that freaking cliffhanger!
You certainly don't want to let this phenomenal read slip out of your grip. You mind will be blown away by this amazing begining of a series; not only is this book masterfully crafted and beautifully well-written, but the setting and emotional components feel palpable, which gives this fabulous urban fantasy murder mystery a realistic vibe experience!
I absolutely loved it, but because of the cliffhanger the wait is killing me. The good thing though, is that books 2 is almost here. So, do yourself a favor and grab your copy today!!
Dream Walker is a psychedelic virtual reality experience that'll blow your mind away, and the first book in Dima Zales’ Bailey Spades series, a spin-off of the Sasha Urban series. I was hooked right from the start and couldn't let go until that freaking cliffhanger!
You certainly don't want to let this phenomenal read slip out of your grip. You mind will be blown away by this amazing begining of a series; not only is this book masterfully crafted and beautifully well-written, but the setting and emotional components feel palpable, which gives this fabulous urban fantasy murder mystery a realistic vibe experience!
I absolutely loved it, but because of the cliffhanger the wait is killing me. The good thing though, is that books 2 is almost here. So, do yourself a favor and grab your copy today!!
January 24, 2021
I really enjoy the world of the Cognizants and this book kicks off a series about Bailey Spade, the dreamwalker we met briefly during the Sasha Urban (SU) series (highly recommend!) set in the same world. Just like that series, this book is fast-paced with clean writing, characters who have interesting powers and fascinating parallel worlds. I haven't quite connected with Bailey and the new characters to the world like I did with those in the first series yet, but I can definitely see the potential to do so. There are appearances from secondary characters from the SU series, and it is certainly enjoyable to see them again. Bailey's dream walking is prevalent and I'm not completely sold on it being used so heavily, but it is definitely an interesting method to interact with other people who are not physically near her, and discover things that are going on. I am highly interested in finding out about more about Bailey, her powers and origin as the series progresses.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
January 27, 2021
If you're looking for something to grab your attention and keep it, I think this book will do the trick. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but right from the start it was entertaining, fun and suspenseful, all at the same time. It had a good combination of character development for all the characters, a nice tie-in to other stories in the same realm without having them overwhelm the main tale, and was overall an engrossing read.
Lately I've just been reading for fun vs. self-improvement or for work, and this was an excellent book for that. I am really hoping there will be more of these, because I want to follow Bailey Spade and her life wherever it will take me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lately I've just been reading for fun vs. self-improvement or for work, and this was an excellent book for that. I am really hoping there will be more of these, because I want to follow Bailey Spade and her life wherever it will take me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2025
This is the first book in the Bailey Spade series by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires. Bailey Spade is a dream walker, who can enter people's dreams to ease their nightmares. When Bailey's mother falls ill she takes on odd jobs to help pay her mother's medical costs. This informs the Council of Cognizant (governing paranormals in our world) and they want her to use her abilities for the council. Bailey is racing against time to save her mother's life when her journey takes a dangerous turn after she gets entangled in a murder case involving vampires, a creepy castle, a stinky moat, and a legendary monster. This story is packed with humor, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. I really enjoyed this amazing paranormal fantasy novel.
January 30, 2021
The concept of this book was great! However I had a very difficult time getting into the storyline at no matter how much I tried. Bailey is a cognizant that can go into other peoples dreams. However, The books seem like it was lacking some thing I’m not quite sure what it is as of yet but it was lacking some thing. It didn’t really engage me from the beginning and I had to plow through the first chapter. This was after multiple attempts. I would not say this book is horrible however I guess it just wasn’t for me. Therefore, I rated it as three stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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