Dream Tunnel

by Arby Robbins

For ages 12 & up. A girl travels back in time to meet the boy she has fallen in love with while observing him on a device she found in the cellar: a time travel computer. She must marry and assume her mother’s throne before her eighteenth birthday or forfeit her destiny as Queen. Initially, she tricks the boy into thinking they are dreaming together rather than traveling through time, fearing that the truth will scare him away. She is unaware that her evil cousin, who is next in line for the throne, is working behind the scenes to spoil her plans for royalty and happiness.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance

212 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2012

About the author

Arby Robbins developed his writing skills while authoring seven mystery and suspense novels and dozens of short stories (under a different name).

Dreaming up outlandish stories has always been fun for him. As a kid, during nap time his eyes were closed, but instead of sleeping he was creating imaginary people and places in his head.

Arby enjoys drawing the reader into his make-believe world to the point that she feels she’s living the story rather than merely reading it. His style is very lean, which keeps things moving along at a brisk pace.

Reviews

[Josh Frailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this from a giveaway. Arby wrote me a personalized note and also signed the book for me and that's pretty awesome. Having won the giveaway I have the duty to post an honest review so here goes!

It has a great storyline and likable characters but I feel as if it could have been so much more. It feels entirely too underdeveloped.

The writing style is what throws me off in this book. It seems like it is written for preteen or younger audience in that it's very simple and plain. There's an extreme lack of descriptions of environments, feelings, actions, etc. Instead of describing how something occurs, Arby opts to just tell you that it happens. (example: "He hit him" versus "He wound up and threw his fist into the bully's body, doubling him over") This happens again and again which would make the book kind of boring to more experienced readers but maybe a good stepping stone for newer or less developed readers. This made me think that the book was written for younger readers.

However, there are elements of maturity throughout the entire book and they repeat. There are many scenes referencing sex, never having it, just intent to have sex. Also, there is plenty of violence including attempts at murder. This makes me wonder what the intended audience for the book was supposed to be? I can only hazard a guess that it's very mature 10 year olds.


Overall, the story had great potential but I'm afraid to say that it fell short. It could have been so much more if Arby had spent more time on specific details and lengthened the book in doing so. It was too fast of a read for a story that original. Its was too rushed.

I'd like to thank Arby for the signed copy though, and the opportunity to review the book!

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went to the mailbox this morning and was excited to find a package with my name on it.
First I would like to Thank Arby Robbins for my free copy--I was so excited when I found out I won.
Now I feel an obligation and urge to write a review.

So, to my fellow book lovers: I pledge to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in this review and any that follow. *I pinkie promise*

So onto my review:
My first description of the book is: Delightfully Imaginative! The story had a great plot (that may have gone wayward once in a while, but still kept me interested). A great sense of imagination and creative ability. Just the concept itself was alluring. I will honestly say that I was confused at the beginning of the book after already having read the description, but no complaints because it added to the need to keep on reading and the book developed quite handsomely. Though, I wasn't sure I was going to like the book when I first started reading and Conroe was a girl looking for trouble in such an obnoxiously over-used form. I worried that the book would be cliche, bothersome, and annoying. But, happily, my thoughts were proven wrong. I have a few quips, but I recommend this book to those searching for a young adult fantasy novel that is a quick read.

Though, there was a lack in descriptions, it had enough plot line and intrigue to save it. But you were left wanting to know the settings, characters, and even scenes more, leaving you feeling as if something was missing.


My favorite Characters are:
Geneva Station (Conroe's Best Friend)
Why?: She had a likable personality and the qualities of a good friend. I also can't help but love her name.

Wally Williamson (Conroe's father)
Why?: He, too, had a likable personality. He wasn't the usual annoying father who hinders any possibility of happiness to his daughter. No, he was a great character with the little amount of page room he got. Quite honestly, he reminded me of (and I pictured him as) the King from the Sleeping Beauty movie.


As follows are my few quips that may be spoilers depending on your defintion of spoilers:
Quip #1: The unrealistic and quick developement of feelings. Yes, I know, by definition, the whole book is "unrealistic", but I did not like the fact that Crane jumped on the Conroe train so quickly. I perfectly understand Conroe's developement of feelings, but I was irked by Crane's readiness.

Quip #2: No developement on Frederick and Conroe's old friendship. I wish there would have been some more insight of their relationship or at the very least more of a reference to it.

Quip #3: I just don't care for pet names like "baby" and "sweetie." It really has nothing to do with the book on this one, just my personal preference to oppose those nickname's from human usage.

Quip #4: I didn't fall for Crane as a character. I didn't find him that likable and found myself almost liking Will better and hoping Will and Conroe would end up together. But then I didn't want that to happen because I felt that Will and Geneva were a better match.

[Naomianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the goodreads giveaway and I would like to give an honest review of the book.

Without giving too much of the story line away I would say that this book would appeal to readers who like action and adventure. The story also has elements of time travel and romance. I found it an easy and enjoyable read but the reason I only gave the book a 3 star (liked it) rating rather than a 4 star (really liked it) or 5 star (it was amazing) was because I found the romance sub plot a bit corny.

This is just my personal opinion and may be because of my age but as others reviewers have mentioned there are hints to a sexual relationship between the two main characters which some might consider inappropriate as the book is meant for young readers aged 12 and up.

I would say the reading level is aimed for young teens but some of the themes (sex, marriage etc) is aimed at older teens which makes it confusing to recommend the book for a more specific and approriate age group. I feel this is one of the main points which let the book down.

However, saying all this I enjoyed the action and adventure parts of the book enough to see me through until the end of the book.

[Katrina Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Good Reads Winner*
I am so excited to receive a free copy of Dream Tunnel!
I can't wait until it arrives. :)

I was pleasantly surprised by Dream Tunnel. At first, I assumed she was from the past but reading the summary again it clearly said she was going back in time. It took me a while to figure out why the main character was particular about this one boy, but as I drove deeper it started to come together into a well fitted puzzle. I didn't want the book to ever end. But unfortunately where there is beginning, there has to be an end to every story. I found the story to be very original and the characters exciting as well as adventurous. I would not be disappointed if there is a second book in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to read a great book!

[Rhi G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dream Tunnel would appeal to readers who like action packed adventures. The story has time travel and romance. I found it to be a simple and enjoyable read.

I think this book is more appropriate for teens and young adults, not sure if twelve year olds should be the target audience.

However,I enjoyed the action and adventure parts of Dream Tunnel enough to give three stars for "I like it."

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super excited when I got the mail and the book was in it. I flew through the book. It could have had more detail, but overall was an exciting tale. I would recommend this to fans of YA fantasy.

[Jessica Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this is mail and finished it same day:) couldn't put it down