Dreamwalker

Stormwalker #5

by Allyson James

The continuing adventures of Janet and Mick. Title and release date forthcoming.

Janet has her hands full trying to keep her crazy little sister under control and deal with the return of a powerful mage, who is ready to take all she has, including her fire-wielding lover, Mick.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Magic

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2016

About the author

Allyson James writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and erotic romance (paranormal and futuristic). She is a nationally bestselling author, a multiple RITA nominee, an RT Award winner, and a Prism winner. She also writes romance (paranormal and historical) as Jennifer Ashley. See Allyson's website for current and upcoming books. See also Allyson's GoodReads bookshelves for all books under all pseudonyms.

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE REVIEW

Why this book?

I liked the other books of the series

What I thought

I’m happy I wasn’t one of the readers who had to wait years for this book. Janet has a problem she’s starting to sleepwalk into her past and she need to find her way back to the future before everything is destroyed. She must face a powerful mage Emmett Smith who demands the magic mirror or else. This book was full of action that will keep you at the edge of your seat. The relationships also evolve. This book was exciting and I didn’t want to put it down. Definitely the best book of the series so far .

[Jennifer Ashley]

Out Jan 20!

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/huxf52w
BN: http://tinyurl.com/zhgsf25
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/znf5xbt
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/jpnzlo3
ARE: http://tinyurl.com/hd6tk6a

Woo hoo!

[Allyson]

Dreamwalker has arrived! I love going back into this world of Janet, Mick, and all their friends and family. More to come!

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/huxf52w
BN: http://tinyurl.com/zhgsf25
iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/znf5xbt
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/jpnzlo3
ARE: http://tinyurl.com/hd6tk6a

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

The last Stormwalker book was released in 2012, and this one's release date has actually been pushed back a couple of times (the original timeline was 2014 if I wasn't mistaken). Having said that -- and even if I had little to remember about the details of previous books -- I truly had no problem jumping back into the world of Janet Begay, Mick, and their bands of family and friends. As always, we had villain that threaten Janet, the hotel being broke down (again!), quick fast-pace story-line doused with actions, and absolutely terrific battle in the end.

Because I loved this series so much, I bought it even without reading the blurb (or apparently, paid attention to the title, Dreamwalker). In result, I was slightly a bit annoyed with the dream sequences that Janet was having in this book. I felt like it took Janet away from the action in real life, plus it went back to her past life, and I thought ... we've been through this!!

However, when I finally realized the game plan, what those dreams meant for Janet as arsenal to fight the Ununculous, Emmett Smith, I thought it was pretty brilliant. I actually grasped all the things that the dreams were teaching Janet. Plus I was gasping in delight when I realized who pushed Janet into all those dreams. It was surprising but very, very good.

It's all I can say about this ... I was loving it (as always). It kicked ass (as always). I loved the secondary characters too (as always). Plus the relationship progress between Janet and her step-sister Gabrielle was able to made my eyes a bit teary (bonus point). I know that the hotel will be rebuild (again); I just hope it survives another battle ... plus I think Janet will want her wedding there?

Hopefully the next book will not take another 4 years >.<

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved being back with Jane and Mick. This one you had to really pay attention to, as Janet was relieving her history with Mick in dreams. Problem was, she wasn't doing it voluntarily, as an evil force works to destroy Janet and all she holds dear.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After waiting for over three years, I’m so excited to report that Janet and Mick are back! The fifth Stormwalker book opens with Janet and Mick on a date. Their fortune cookies contain dire messages that Janet must go help her half-sister (same evil goddess mother), Gabrielle. From there, things only get more chaotic and dangerous as Emmett Smith, the evil mage from the previous book, is back. As the Ununculous - the most powerful mage in existence - he kills anyone who would be his competition, and he desperately wants Janet and Mick’s magic mirror.

Dreamwalker is a wonderful addition to one of my favorite series. Although it’s been a while since the previous book, I was able to submerse myself completely into the world without feeling like I forgot anything. Ms. James does a great job tying in important facts without it feeling like a rehash of the entire series.

One of the best things about the Stormwalker series is the ensemble cast of characters who surround the protagonist, Janet. From the love of her life, dragon shifter Mick, to her powerful sister. From her wiccan hotel manager to the vampire resident. From her watchful grandmother to her loving father. From the contrary, mysterious Coyote god to the magically null police officer. The list goes on and on. Each character adds so much to the setting of the story and helps create a home for Janet, as well as the reader. Each person has his/her place in the overall tale; no superfluous fillers. Through flashbacks and present day actions, we learn more about several of the cast, as they in turn learn more about themselves.

This time around, Janet spends quite a bit of time in her own past as she dreamwalks, which is different from dreaming. In her dreams, she relives parts of her life, while maintaining knowledge of her current self. At first, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane, to a time before the series began. But after a while, the dreams began to feel like filler to me, and I would have preferred more time in the present.

Overall, Dreamwalker is an enjoyable story. I love this series and have missed it greatly. While the book was entertaining, it was lacking the “big mystery to solve” that has accompanied the previous titles. Dreamwalker felt almost like a transitional tale, yet still complete. It closed some chapters in Janet's life but opened new ones. The dreamwalking was an interesting tool, but I felt a bit cheated out of "new" material because of it. However, in the end, it simply felt so good and right just to be with the characters again.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot

[Amyiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the opposite for me from the last book. It started slowly and a bit confusing as you weren't sure if you were in reality when you get back to normal. Things clear up the 2nd half. And unlike Nightwalker that was kind of anti-climatic, this really ends with a big bang. I really liked it in the end.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed like by the end of this book Janet is finally ok with all the aspects of the supernatural in her life, that she has embraced them and realized that she is a force to be reckoned with when she chooses. That's a big jump for her as until now she seemed like she hated the Beneath parts of herself.

The battles that Janet had with Emmett seemed petty, like he didn't take her seriously. I loved it when Mick got protective and let the dragon loose on Emmett, even if it did cause lots of destruction.

The big battle at the end was great! I loved how everyone worked together, how Janet saw magic in a different way, even if she needed to be reigned in before she caused harm.

One a side note, the mirror was funny, loved the ceremony that it participated in and how it seemed almost drunk with the attention.

[Shelley]

Expected publication: December 2015 by JA / AG Publishing

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up really enjoying this story. The climax, with the final battle against this story's Big Bad, was quite thrilling. But though I both laughed (a little) and cried, both of the scenes that led to these emotional highs and lows were on the final pages of the story (pages 341 and 339 respectively, and the story was only 341 pages long). So this book was just a very good story that I really enjoyed - four stars.

Also, there were several errors in here. None were too horribly terrible, and most were mistaken grammar, but still. . . Errors. I understand that Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James is now self-publishing, but does she have no one to do a final read-through for editing purposes?

We met a new-to-Janet "creature" or being in this book: a goblin couple celebrating their 200th wedding anniversary! And when that couple said they would return to Janet's hotel to celebrate their two-hundred and first anniversary... Well, that's when I found myself a little teary. :-)

Laughter came on the final page because after the final battle, when Emmett Smith was defeated and knocked down quite a few pegs - and arrested by Nash and ultimately taken to the dragon compound to "serve out his [life?] sentence" (my phrase, the book put it differently) - and Janet had successfully divested herself of all of the magic she'd taken from him - with the goblin lady's help. . . Janet and Mick left on a road trip on their motorcycles. Janet was feeling relieved and happy, because . . .

. . . I was with the man I loved, and we were heading out to be alone, to be just Mick and me.
"Woohoo!" the voice of the magic mirror yelped from the mirror on my bike. "This is awesome! Now we're going to have some adventures!"
I heard Mick laughing -- he had a bit of the mirror on his bike, too.
Then Mick pulled in beside me, and we headed into our future together.
[fin]

:-) I just had to laugh a little at this, and I smiled my way through that final line. :-)

So in sum, this was a very good book with a most excellent ending. I'd have been happy if this had been a true ending for this series, but in her Author's Note after the story, the author wrote that she has "too many potential stories in my head not to" continue the series. So there will be more. And I'll probably read those "more." But even if book six comes out this year, I don't know when I'll continue this series. I'd like to dream of Janet and Mick living out their lives - however long they have together - in peace, driving around the country and then returning home to the hotel. :-)

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Time travel, dream scrapes, evil wizards, hot dragons, magic gone wild...it’s all here!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a long wait between books, but it was great to finally be back with these characters again. James has created a great supporting cast for this series. Janet doesn't exist in a void anymore, she isn't a loner, she's surrounded by family and friends and it makes a huge difference in her life, as shown clearly in this book. I really liked the inclusion of her biological family, showing that their role in her life was just as important as the role of her chosen family. Her grandmother working closely with the chef was terrific. And I liked the little bit with her Dad and his fiancée, there were a couple of great scenes. It was nice to see that her relationships with her family continue to improve. And helped to ground the story in a different way than her friends, her chosen family, does, it added more depth having that history to draw upon. Like her dad's flute playing in this book, it wove it's magic in a totally human and emotional way on several levels. Gabrielle continued to be an interesting if frustrating character. She's finally getting some levels to her character beyond the obvious selfish and angry girl. I'm glad to see that Colby and Drake continued to be involved as well, three dragons are better than one, as Colby often says. (Even if one of them is "Drakey.") and the rest of the Crossroads gang is intact and supporting, as always, Cassandra and Pamela, Elana, Ansel the Nightwalker, Maya and Nash, Freemont and of course and never last, the Magic Mirror, the cause of much, much commotion in this book.

The book was a good length for $5, it's not as long as a normal novel but it's longer than a novella. Probably longer than an old Harlequin romance would be? Those were pretty darn slim. Probably still are, I haven't had one in a long time. Around the size or longer than the "between the novel" little books Laurell Hamilton has put out a couple of times probably? I don't know how to judge an ebook. The story felt substantial, it felt like a real book, it didn't feel like a between the book kind of book, even if it was a bit shorter than the previous novels in the series. kindle's "About This Book" said it is 297 pages, so if that's true then it was a good deal for the money and it's not that short at all, it just felt a bit shorter than I expected for a full novel.

But there were a number of editing errors, all extra words that got left in sentences. They were big errors, not letters that were switched or homonyms or "if" instead of "of". I can't help it, it bothers me when big name authors change to self-publishing, make more money, but put out a product that isn't as good. Especially when I now need to purchase books that I used to be able to get from the library earlier in the series, so it cost me 100% more than it used to. I paid in good faith, she should get a few more people to read it and proof it. I'm a terrible, terrible editor, if I picked up a handful of errors then there have to be more that I missed too. She's a big author, not some newby. On top of her Allyson James books she's also Jennifer Ashley, or really the other way around, this is her pseudonym and Ashley is her real name, I think. And she also writes mysteries as Ashley Gardner, this I didn't know. She should easily be able to afford a good editor. Oh ho - the bio at the end of the book said that she's written more than eighty-five published novels and novellas. She can definitely afford a couple of editors if she wants to continue self-publishing.

I had only a few other concerns. One was the "tatts", every time I saw tatts (frequently) it irritated me. I've been told that that's not a respectful word for tattoos, it's something people who don't know much about them would say. And it did not sound like something Janet would say over and over again. I know she's James' character, but it's such a casual word at best for something that people who care about them take very seriously. It was the wrong tone for the way the word was being used in the book. Also, Janet said that Jamison's step-daughter "had total deafness" like it was a disease or something, extremely disrespectful and inappropriate and something that most people should absolutely know. She's deaf. She's totally deaf. Just like she's female, smart, funny, and adorable. That's a big one. If you take on writing about a character with a certain characteristic, you should do a little bit of research and get down the basics.

It was a fun book with a lot of family and love weaving in and out of the story. Even without the flashbacks, it was easy to see how far Janet has come in the last few years, but with the flashbacks it was even more clear. I really like where Janet is in her life and with her two families and I look forward to seeing where the all continue to go in the future.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying the mirror is THE BEST!

I must say I was getting nervous every time she was thrown into the past and then what began to occur there was freaking me out. Quite a journey!

This series is so good, and the character development is so epic. I love Janet & Mick...the craziness, the adventures, the pure adoration they have for each other even though they see each other’s flaws. They compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And the surrounding characters make the story complete.

[Brynnlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been sitting in the tbr collection on my kindle for at least a year now. It’s probably been six years since I read the rest of the series. I remember the setting and the characters in general, but I don’t remember details about the previous plotlines (which is why I’ve put off reading it). Anyway, this is a good book, and I enjoyed reading it. I just think I would have enjoyed it more five years ago.

The story begins with Emmett Smith (the evil mage) threatening Janet. He warns her that he’ll do whatever it takes to get her magic mirror. Then Janet and her boyfriend Mick are investigating a group of demons playing pool in the bar next to the hotel when a fight breaks out, and Janet is knocked unconscious. She ends up dreaming about the early days of her relationship with Mick. She begins to lose herself in the dream, enjoying how happy and simple her life was back then, and she’s reluctant to wake up. Of course she eventually does with some help from Coyote. It turns out she’s been in a coma for two weeks, and she’s convinced that Emmett somehow put a spell on her. Janet and Mick try to question some of Emmett’s employees, another fight breaks out, and Janet once again finds herself unconscious and dreaming of the past. This time she discovers that some of her friends are sharing her dreams. The mystery of the book is what do the dreams mean, and how do they connect to Emmett?

I like most of the characters in this series, especially Janet, Mick, Grandmother, Coyote, and Cassandra who all played a part in this one. It was fun to read about them again. I like that there are so many different types of magic users, it keeps things interesting. My favorites are the dragon shifters. I also appreciate that the characters in this series are older. I’ve been reading lots of YA and NA books lately, so it was nice to have adult characters with some life experience. I love that Janet and Mick are a stable couple now, that they work together to beat the bad guys.

The plotline was interesting, but a little slow. Emmett would show up and make threats, but he didn’t actually do anything. The first dream was boring, and I was anxious to get back to the real world. The second dream was more interesting, and I was actually disappointed when it was over especially because it had no impact on the present day, which made it seem pointless. I expected more from the dreamwalking storyline, and I was kind of deflated at the end when all was explained. The Mirror wanted to show Janet what Emmett was really up to and how to defeat him. Okay, but was it really necessary for Janet to spend two weeks just riding around with Mick in the past? As I said at the beginning, it’s been years since I read the other books in the series. Since it didn’t seem like Janet or Mick was in danger for the majority of the book, and to be honest I barely remember Emmett, I had trouble getting interested in the story. It was okay, but not that exciting.

I read the synopsis for the next book, and it looks like it focuses more on Gabrielle. She’s my least favorite character, so I think I’m done. This book has a satisfying conclusion. I like how and where it ends, and if there are any lingering plot threads that need to be tied up I don’t remember them. If you enjoy urban fantasy series this really is one I enjoyed. I think anyone who starts from the beginning and reads all five books in a row will have a great experience. Maybe one day I’ll get around to reading them all again, but for now it’s time to move on.

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Stormwalkers Universe

FINAL DECISION: A book ultimately about connections, caring and relationship wrapped in a paranormal shell, this book moves the mythology of the Stormwalkers series forward with the presence of all of Janet's family and friends.

THE STORY: Janet Begay, Stormwalker and half-goddess, is planning her wedding to dragon Mick when the most powerful mage Emmett Smith demands her magic mirror or else he will take it from her -- and he doesn't care who gets hurt. When a battle with demons knocks Janet out and sends her to a dream world in the past, Janet and her friends and family begin to live in a world where the dreams of the past may not happen like before and where there are real dangers. Janet needs to find a way back to the present and defeat Emmett before everyone she loves is destroyed.

OPINION: This book has a lot of drama as Janet struggles through her dreams. Janet struggles with her ever increasing group of loved ones and friends. The more she cares about others, she is both more powerful and also more vulnerable. I especially liked how Janet's relationship with her sister continues to evolve. In this book, they have a breakthrough. I also enjoyed being able to see Janet evaluate her relationship with Mick in her dreams. After reading the other books in the series, this book gives a sense of how far the two have traveled together and developed. While this book has a lot of action in it, I appreciate the relationships more.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is the first Stormwalker novel after a several year hiatus. Thankfully, the tone of the novels and the characters blend in nicely with the previous novels.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DREAMWALKER is the fifth book in the Stormwalkers series. The story here can be read as a standalone although there is a continuing mythology.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet & Mick are having a rare date night, when someone sends hinky messages in their fortune cookies that they better go save Gabrielle.

Emmett Smith is back in town and professes to want the magic mirror. And he'll do anything to get it.

Mysteriously Janet starts dreamwalking and begins to relive an earlier time when she & Mick are riding their bikes, breeze in their hair and the open road. All this whilst she's in a coma.

Lots of action, plenty of dragons, lots of friends and family and an evil villain. What more could you want.

[AlwaysV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior ending! Loving this series and this world, so much. I might've complained at haft way through. I was feeling like the story seemed to move too slowly. Honestly? I kept thinking that this book felt like Allyson James was looking at different versions of the previous books, searching for alternate outcomes and better story lines. Then I realized that revisiting the past was wonderful!

Janet and Mick are as awesome and spectacular as always. So looking forward to the next book! Hope Dragon Bites will be Drake's story.

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyedDreamwalker (Stormwalker Book 5) it wasn't too hard to come back up to speed on the series and the very large cast. Lots of good action and I liked that the dreams filled in the backstory for Janet and Mick. This felt very finished series wise to me after the Big ending but the author says she has more books planned.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the books in this series. But, I think this one is my favorite ( at least so far ) It really kept me reading and wanting to find out what was going to happen next. Can't wait for the next book in this series, keep up the good work, and hurry, hurry ! LOL

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great catching up with all the characters in the Stormwalker world. Mick and Janet's love grows with each edition and these two make a strong and wonderful force to deal with all the crazy evil that is thrown their way. Glad this story will continue.

[Richard Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

When you have read this stormwater series you get to know the people involved. This set of adventures and magic has a sweet storyline I enjoy it.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this feels like it was a transitional book in the series and kind of slow because of it.

Narrator does a good job.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book! Janet and Mick are busy solving a very interesting mystery! Gabrielle plays a important part and you will learn more about her. Many lives will change and that includes the dragons. I like the plot twists and the humor keeps the story more interesting! I love Colby as he is an unusual dragon who gets saved from bondage by a character you will have to read and find out! The action and mystery kept me interested but the twists and a few unexpected surprises make me love the series even more! I will mention Sheriff Nash will become a very helpful and important person. I must not forget the interesting mirror who has a quirky personality!
Read this excellent book and the rest of the series which I highly recommend!

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobooks are the bomb! I spend so much time driving, running, or biking, audiobooks help me get through the many, many, many books on my list.

This series was good. Goodreads says there’s another book that is supposed to be released now but I can find no evidence of it anywhere and this book read very much like a final book in a series.

The beginning of the book was very, very slow but it picked up pace. We were able to see some back story that answered some questions. Fun if predictable. A fitting ending to an entertaining series.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! That was crazy!! Emmitt deserved a hell of a lot worse than what he got but it was really strange that he was in her dreams like everyone else. The one thing that kept on sending her on these dreams was hiding what it can really do with anyone knowing it. It's strange that Colby is jealous of Drake over the person that could kill them all. Lol but at least she's trying 2 control her magic and her attitude.

[Charlotte Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome read

I loved book 1 and couldn't stop reading your series. When I saw book 5, started reading. This book also gets 5 stars as well as your books 1 - 4. Now knowing your writing more for your series. I'm already waiting to turn my Brian for another adventure... who needs a TV, when there's good books to read.
Thank you
C. Harlow

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Janet and her human and not so human friends. I love that there is romance and humor and family dynamics. I hope this series goes on. I'm sure there are many adventures that the whole gang could have.

[Lindy Studt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Envy is not a Good thing

Emmett is a mage with envy issues. He wants others magic and a mirror of his own. In the end he gets his just deserts and Grandmother is very proud of Janet.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

more like 3.8 stars!

i like how this book felt like another version of book one... in book one, janet tells you all the history that went on with mick, but in this book you can experience it. it was cool to see how the changes in the past can affect the future/present.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that was full of all sorts of unexpected and wonderful happenings! The moments we get with Janet and her dad, I’ll warn you, have the tissues ready. They have always packed an emotional punch, but it is even deeper this time around. So happy I didn’t sit on this series longer than I had <3