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In Dreams
In the land of nightmares, she finds the man of her dreams...
He haunts her in her dreams.
She is always searching, looking for the man who calls her from afar, a disembodied voice who knows everything about her.
But when she discovers the unimaginable secret her family has hidden for so long, her dreams—and her nightmares—invade her reality.
Her true love beckons, but the terrors await her. . . . Can she find him in time, or will their love—and her life—be destroyed?
Sixteen-year-old Iris has a recurring dream a long corridor of many doors, and behind each door a hidden world—some magical, some terrifying. But always she is searching for the man who calls to her—the man of her dreams—who knows everything about her, who stirs feelings in her she’s never felt before. When she discovers her father is actually the god of dreams, her nightmares and dreams follow her into reality, with both frightening and romantic results. Hunted by the god of nightmares, stalked by the horrifying creatures of the underworld, Iris must try to navigate both her worlds, as she tries to finally be with Sebastian, the man of her dreams. Can she triumph over the dangers that have haunted her forever, and be with Sebastian, or will terrors ultimately destroy them both?
He haunts her in her dreams.
She is always searching, looking for the man who calls her from afar, a disembodied voice who knows everything about her.
But when she discovers the unimaginable secret her family has hidden for so long, her dreams—and her nightmares—invade her reality.
Her true love beckons, but the terrors await her. . . . Can she find him in time, or will their love—and her life—be destroyed?
Sixteen-year-old Iris has a recurring dream a long corridor of many doors, and behind each door a hidden world—some magical, some terrifying. But always she is searching for the man who calls to her—the man of her dreams—who knows everything about her, who stirs feelings in her she’s never felt before. When she discovers her father is actually the god of dreams, her nightmares and dreams follow her into reality, with both frightening and romantic results. Hunted by the god of nightmares, stalked by the horrifying creatures of the underworld, Iris must try to navigate both her worlds, as she tries to finally be with Sebastian, the man of her dreams. Can she triumph over the dangers that have haunted her forever, and be with Sebastian, or will terrors ultimately destroy them both?
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2014
About the author
Erica Orloff
50 books101 followers"Erica Orloff is a native New Yorker, novelist, blogger, mother of four, chronic insomniac, alt-rock loving, voracious reader (and prolific writer) who has written over twenty novels across a number of genres and pen names. She currently lives in Virginia where she rarely sleeps, roots for the Yankees and the NY Giants, knits in her almost-never free time, herds worms with her six-year-old Pirate Boy, and tries to hold onto what little sanity she has left." (http://www.ericaorloff.com/about.html)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 9, 2015
Digno de un drama del Olimpo.
es una historia se puede decir un poco conocida, sin embargo tiene su toque, ella hija del dios de los sueños, nuestro muy adorado Morpheo, y una humana estudiosa. El un dios minotario que no le importa dejar todo por ella.
ella me parece un poco sosa al comienzo, eso del drama principal de soy una semidiosa bla bla bla... sin embargo no encuentra su verdadero poder sino hasta muy muy avanzada la historia, en cual existe el típico drama familiar de la familia mas disfuncional de toda la historia. el hermano que quiere el reino del hermano, la hija que no debe existir, los tíos buenos y los tíos malos. sin embargo esta historia no gira entorno los tres grandes hermanos en guerra, sino a uno que muy pocos conocemos.
Me gusto la participación de Nyx, como madre de morpheo y epiales, su aura y como llega a aclarar las cosas.
PD: creo que me hubiera gustado ver una participación de hipnos, aunque pensándolo mejor, creo que esta cansado del drama y por eso no cuenta en esta historia.
es una historia se puede decir un poco conocida, sin embargo tiene su toque, ella hija del dios de los sueños, nuestro muy adorado Morpheo, y una humana estudiosa. El un dios minotario que no le importa dejar todo por ella.
ella me parece un poco sosa al comienzo, eso del drama principal de soy una semidiosa bla bla bla... sin embargo no encuentra su verdadero poder sino hasta muy muy avanzada la historia, en cual existe el típico drama familiar de la familia mas disfuncional de toda la historia. el hermano que quiere el reino del hermano, la hija que no debe existir, los tíos buenos y los tíos malos. sin embargo esta historia no gira entorno los tres grandes hermanos en guerra, sino a uno que muy pocos conocemos.
Me gusto la participación de Nyx, como madre de morpheo y epiales, su aura y como llega a aclarar las cosas.
PD: creo que me hubiera gustado ver una participación de hipnos, aunque pensándolo mejor, creo que esta cansado del drama y por eso no cuenta en esta historia.
January 29, 2014
*Minor spoilers*
Iris's dreams are always the same- a long hallway filled with doors, her holding a set of keys, and a disembodied voice telling her to find him.
In her waking life, she lives with her grandpa and her mother, who has Sleeping Beauty syndrome. She doesn't know it yet, but her father is Morpheus (yeah, like from Splintered :D), Greek god of dreams. Iris will do anything to find the literal "man of her dreams", even if it means risking her life, as well as the lives of her friends and family.
..........So yeah. The plot was kinda a shocker. The book summary didn't give away much. Not-as-famous Greek gods and goddesses are the ones featured (Morpheus of Dreams, Epiales of Nightmares, Nyx of Night), rather then the dreadfully rehashed and repetitious gods such as Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, etc.
Characters:
Aphrodite's character felt like the only one that was carefully developed. She's plus-sized instead of skinny, because being the goddess of love means that you love yourself enough to pamper yourself.
Iris was three-forths of a Mary Sue. Her biggest defense against much of anything was to scream, run, scream, hide, and then scream again. In that order. I would have preferred that she had some powers and been a BA. And, of course, she's perty, shmart, and speshul with a best friend attached.
Annie. Hmmm. Everything that made Annie Annie wasn't mentioned that often. Actually, she would've made a better main character.
Sebastian doesn't deserve a paragraph.
Morpheus, Iris's mom and grandpa were pretty run-of-the-mill. The grandpa was awesome; lifting weights, hitting people with baseball bats and being there for anyone all at the ripe age of 77.
The Hallway of Doors! Lots of doors needing keys, each one a different dream. Also nicely depicted on the cover (ignoring the look on the girl's face and her outfit).
The bad guys- meh. They want power and blood. Whatever.
Mentionable things:
There's a lot of dreams in this. Why? Cause Iris's dreams are where anything happens at.
The ending was too perfect. Not the good perfect, but too perfect. Then again, it is a single book with no impending sequel (it's too early to tell that, though).
I gave this 3 stars- for the names (Morpheus, Annie, Sebastian), the Hallway of Doors, Aphrodite, Annie's parents, the applause-worthy connections to real life, Henry Wu, the River of Sorrows, Nico, Nyx, the snowglobes, a little for the ending (cuz everyone needs a perfect ending once in a while. Besides, I just finished the Théâtre Illuminata series) and, like so many other books, the idea.
Iris's dreams are always the same- a long hallway filled with doors, her holding a set of keys, and a disembodied voice telling her to find him.
In her waking life, she lives with her grandpa and her mother, who has Sleeping Beauty syndrome. She doesn't know it yet, but her father is Morpheus (yeah, like from Splintered :D), Greek god of dreams. Iris will do anything to find the literal "man of her dreams", even if it means risking her life, as well as the lives of her friends and family.
..........So yeah. The plot was kinda a shocker. The book summary didn't give away much. Not-as-famous Greek gods and goddesses are the ones featured (Morpheus of Dreams, Epiales of Nightmares, Nyx of Night), rather then the dreadfully rehashed and repetitious gods such as Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, etc.
Characters:
Aphrodite's character felt like the only one that was carefully developed. She's plus-sized instead of skinny, because being the goddess of love means that you love yourself enough to pamper yourself.
Iris was three-forths of a Mary Sue. Her biggest defense against much of anything was to scream, run, scream, hide, and then scream again. In that order. I would have preferred that she had some powers and been a BA. And, of course, she's perty, shmart, and speshul with a best friend attached.
Annie. Hmmm. Everything that made Annie Annie wasn't mentioned that often. Actually, she would've made a better main character.
Sebastian doesn't deserve a paragraph.
Morpheus, Iris's mom and grandpa were pretty run-of-the-mill. The grandpa was awesome; lifting weights, hitting people with baseball bats and being there for anyone all at the ripe age of 77.
The Hallway of Doors! Lots of doors needing keys, each one a different dream. Also nicely depicted on the cover (ignoring the look on the girl's face and her outfit).
The bad guys- meh. They want power and blood. Whatever.
Mentionable things:
There's a lot of dreams in this. Why? Cause Iris's dreams are where anything happens at.
The ending was too perfect. Not the good perfect, but too perfect. Then again, it is a single book with no impending sequel (it's too early to tell that, though).
I gave this 3 stars- for the names (Morpheus, Annie, Sebastian), the Hallway of Doors, Aphrodite, Annie's parents, the applause-worthy connections to real life, Henry Wu, the River of Sorrows, Nico, Nyx, the snowglobes, a little for the ending (cuz everyone needs a perfect ending once in a while. Besides, I just finished the Théâtre Illuminata series) and, like so many other books, the idea.
January 24, 2014
This was an okay novel. I've read two of Orloff's novels and both have been 2 stars... I think I may be seeing a pattern and she may not be an author for me.
So this book... Did not see it turning into a mythology book. Not at all. Nothing wrong with it, but based on the blurb? Definite twist for me.
And it was a unique twist as well. About dreams, nightmares, etc. It's something different that I haven't read about before, so I was intrigued to know how it ended. But it was a struggle to make it through the book. When I got half way, I really wanted to call it quits, but I stuck through it. I wanted to see if the ending completely changed my mind about the book as a whole.
It didn't, but that's okay. Now I know what the book is about and the storyline, so I can tell the teens at my library what it is about in case they are interested in it.
Will I re-read it again? No. Will I buy it? No. But it was such a unique tale of mythology that I may just remember it long after I'm done reading it.
So this book... Did not see it turning into a mythology book. Not at all. Nothing wrong with it, but based on the blurb? Definite twist for me.
And it was a unique twist as well. About dreams, nightmares, etc. It's something different that I haven't read about before, so I was intrigued to know how it ended. But it was a struggle to make it through the book. When I got half way, I really wanted to call it quits, but I stuck through it. I wanted to see if the ending completely changed my mind about the book as a whole.
It didn't, but that's okay. Now I know what the book is about and the storyline, so I can tell the teens at my library what it is about in case they are interested in it.
Will I re-read it again? No. Will I buy it? No. But it was such a unique tale of mythology that I may just remember it long after I'm done reading it.
April 29, 2014
This book was just okay. The Greek mythology storyline was awesome, and if this had just been about that I would have loved it.
However, there was an incredibly dull and creepy "love affair" that took up most of the novel, and that entire plot was awful. I found myself skipping past her dream make out sessions to get back to the good part of the story, and I truly don't understand why this "relationship" was at the forefront of the book.
I loved Iris's relationship with her Grandpa, her mother's odd sleeping disorder, and her best friend's fierce loyalty. I also adored this depiction of Aphrodite! If this had just not had the Sebastian plot in it, I would be giving it 4 stars. It's really a shame that this forced relationship took such prevalence in the book, because it could have been great.
P.S. That cover is hideous! I don't know what they were thinking on that one.
However, there was an incredibly dull and creepy "love affair" that took up most of the novel, and that entire plot was awful. I found myself skipping past her dream make out sessions to get back to the good part of the story, and I truly don't understand why this "relationship" was at the forefront of the book.
I loved Iris's relationship with her Grandpa, her mother's odd sleeping disorder, and her best friend's fierce loyalty. I also adored this depiction of Aphrodite! If this had just not had the Sebastian plot in it, I would be giving it 4 stars. It's really a shame that this forced relationship took such prevalence in the book, because it could have been great.
P.S. That cover is hideous! I don't know what they were thinking on that one.
April 13, 2014
This book really fell flat in mostly every way. The characters were annoying and flat. The blurbs out the book gave me no indication it was about Greek mythology, and it was not a pleasant surprise. The plot was just blah and pointless. The steamy romance I was expecting was non existent.
February 9, 2018
Great read. About a man in her dreams that is haunting her and trying to find him in time to save them both.
August 15, 2017
Author: Erica Orloff
Genre: YA
Publisher: Penguin
Year of Publication: 2014
Main Character: Iris— (3.5/5) This girl got some major points from me for her strength and determination. Not even the threat of her complete demise could convince her to give up fighting.
Secondary Characters: I’m not even sure what to say about Aphrodite. I thought she seemed suspiciously overbearing and I kept waiting for her to turn out evil, but she didn’t. Annie was probably my favorite secondary character. She had a true understanding of and care for Iris.
Pacing: The pacing was good.
Accuracy of Publisher’s Synopsis: The synopsis isn’t actually inaccurate, but it narrows the scope of the plot to only one of its many offerings. I would have been more drawn to the book if it was described as its entire premise and not just her dream about a boy.
Resolution: The ending was kind of awkward to me. It felt like the whole book was gearing me up for an epic Underworld showdown, but all I got was a fistfight.
The Good: I hadn’t known that Greek mythology was going to guide the major plotline. The presence of gods and goddesses definitely added a layer of intrigue. It was a lot less about the boy in Iris’ dreams and a lot more about Iris’ secret family. I was more inclined to read just to see where it went. I liked all of the characters and their interactions.
The Not So Good: The book is purportedly all about Iris finding a way to be with Sebastian. The more accurate description would be that Iris struggles to come to grips with her newly revealed identity as a demi-goddess after realizing that her dream world is real and is being wielded as a weapon against Iris by her evil uncle. That’s kind of a significant discrepancy in my book, but it wasn’t unwelcome. However, since a series I love was based on a similar plot, I tried to project my feelings toward that series onto Orloff’s book; it just wasn’t the same kind of book, though, so I was thrown off.
With the actual book, though, I only had a couple of moments that tripped me up. One was the moment when Iris’ mother let slip that she willfully abandons her for weeks at a time as she visits Morpheus in her sleep. But when Iris reacted, her mother was quick to say that wasn’t what was happening. Also, I was really hoping to see Iris end up trapped in the Underworld or something, fighting against Epiales, begging Hades for help, and dragging Sebastian through the River of Sorrows. But none of that happened. I was underwhelmed by the direction the book went in, especially with all the potential there was to take it to the next level.
Overall Impression: This book was not at all what I expected, but it was a quick, easy read. There was a unique plotline filled with characters that don’t normally get a spotlight in Greek mythology. My only true dissatisfaction was that the book fell short of the expectations I had for it.
Would I recommend it? In Dreams is light and quick, a perfect weekend read.
Genre: YA
Publisher: Penguin
Year of Publication: 2014
Main Character: Iris— (3.5/5) This girl got some major points from me for her strength and determination. Not even the threat of her complete demise could convince her to give up fighting.
Secondary Characters: I’m not even sure what to say about Aphrodite. I thought she seemed suspiciously overbearing and I kept waiting for her to turn out evil, but she didn’t. Annie was probably my favorite secondary character. She had a true understanding of and care for Iris.
Pacing: The pacing was good.
Accuracy of Publisher’s Synopsis: The synopsis isn’t actually inaccurate, but it narrows the scope of the plot to only one of its many offerings. I would have been more drawn to the book if it was described as its entire premise and not just her dream about a boy.
Resolution: The ending was kind of awkward to me. It felt like the whole book was gearing me up for an epic Underworld showdown, but all I got was a fistfight.
The Good: I hadn’t known that Greek mythology was going to guide the major plotline. The presence of gods and goddesses definitely added a layer of intrigue. It was a lot less about the boy in Iris’ dreams and a lot more about Iris’ secret family. I was more inclined to read just to see where it went. I liked all of the characters and their interactions.
The Not So Good: The book is purportedly all about Iris finding a way to be with Sebastian. The more accurate description would be that Iris struggles to come to grips with her newly revealed identity as a demi-goddess after realizing that her dream world is real and is being wielded as a weapon against Iris by her evil uncle. That’s kind of a significant discrepancy in my book, but it wasn’t unwelcome. However, since a series I love was based on a similar plot, I tried to project my feelings toward that series onto Orloff’s book; it just wasn’t the same kind of book, though, so I was thrown off.
With the actual book, though, I only had a couple of moments that tripped me up. One was the moment when Iris’ mother let slip that she willfully abandons her for weeks at a time as she visits Morpheus in her sleep. But when Iris reacted, her mother was quick to say that wasn’t what was happening. Also, I was really hoping to see Iris end up trapped in the Underworld or something, fighting against Epiales, begging Hades for help, and dragging Sebastian through the River of Sorrows. But none of that happened. I was underwhelmed by the direction the book went in, especially with all the potential there was to take it to the next level.
Overall Impression: This book was not at all what I expected, but it was a quick, easy read. There was a unique plotline filled with characters that don’t normally get a spotlight in Greek mythology. My only true dissatisfaction was that the book fell short of the expectations I had for it.
Would I recommend it? In Dreams is light and quick, a perfect weekend read.
Read
September 14, 2020Tbh,this is my first time reading stories based on greek myths..even I havent heard of greek myths before reading this one,A pleasent read and I could imagine everything narrated.The best part is Annie and Iris friendship .Everytime Annie stood by Iris and even if it is friends who would believe that their friend is a half godess?Having said that Annie belived her friend was!..On the whole this is a book about friendship.Nothing could win over it neither her love nor the greek myths❤
May 9, 2026
While I might have enjoyed this book and this author once upon a time, as an adult it does not stimulate my brain enough to keep going. For all young adults out there looking for a quick and fun read, this is the book for you!
April 11, 2019
In Dreams is the first book I've read by Erica Orloff and I enjoyed it. I rarely enjoy YA books and this one, I was hooked!! Loved it!
October 7, 2019
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BOOK, THE CHARACTER, THE CONCEPT, THE PLOT. EVERYTHING!
and i love Erica Orloff too! hahaa
Couldn't thanked much to Erica for writing this book.
Thank you again!
and i love Erica Orloff too! hahaa
Couldn't thanked much to Erica for writing this book.
Thank you again!
January 22, 2014
In Dreams is the type of book you buy because you're in a reading slump because it gets you out of it. I loved this book and all the characters were amazing, I didn't hate anyone. It's a stand alone as far as I know but it's very unique. It has Greek mythology but it centers around a few select gods. Morpheus, the god of dreams is Iris's father while her mother is mortal. Her uncle Epiales, the god of nightmares is planning something that is only revealed at the end of the book. Iris has only met her father a handful of times and she hadn't even known it at the time. Iris's dream "guardian" Sebastian and her fall in love and he wants to become mortal for her but Iris has to deal with everything else first.
This book was so good, it has that light and fluffy feel to it along with the excitement of what's going to happen next that most fantasy romance YA books have. Sebastian didn't have as big a part as you would expect going into this book but that's okay because all of the other characters are so great, you can't help but like them too. This book isn't some big climactic read but it really does make you want to seek out other books to actually read and not just put down halfway through. I've actually had trouble finding new series that I like enough to finish or think it's more then a decent read and this is just what I was looking for.
This book was so good, it has that light and fluffy feel to it along with the excitement of what's going to happen next that most fantasy romance YA books have. Sebastian didn't have as big a part as you would expect going into this book but that's okay because all of the other characters are so great, you can't help but like them too. This book isn't some big climactic read but it really does make you want to seek out other books to actually read and not just put down halfway through. I've actually had trouble finding new series that I like enough to finish or think it's more then a decent read and this is just what I was looking for.
August 6, 2016
This was a refreshing read after my NA binge. At first it was slightly slow and I was ready to give up on this book. But about halfway it got interesting and then had hooked.
Iris has been having the same dream for a long time. She's always in this hallway surrounded by doors and a guy's voice. After a few chapters it seems repetitive, and then there is finally a face to the voice. Things start to pick up, her dreams are becoming real, and next thing you know, you're finally hooked.
When her dreams start to become real, Isis starts to freak out, but no matter what her best friend believes her about her dreams and about being a half-goddess. Yup turns, out there is a reason for her mom to always be asleep and Isis having these dreams. Her dad ends up being the god of dreams.
Once the god of nightmares figures that his brother had a kid with a human, he tries to get rid of her. He is not happy, builds an army and thats when Isis's dad comes back into the picture more. A battle will break out, Isis gets to see the man of her dreams in person, gains family and finally has everything she's wanted for a family.
Iris has been having the same dream for a long time. She's always in this hallway surrounded by doors and a guy's voice. After a few chapters it seems repetitive, and then there is finally a face to the voice. Things start to pick up, her dreams are becoming real, and next thing you know, you're finally hooked.
When her dreams start to become real, Isis starts to freak out, but no matter what her best friend believes her about her dreams and about being a half-goddess. Yup turns, out there is a reason for her mom to always be asleep and Isis having these dreams. Her dad ends up being the god of dreams.
Once the god of nightmares figures that his brother had a kid with a human, he tries to get rid of her. He is not happy, builds an army and thats when Isis's dad comes back into the picture more. A battle will break out, Isis gets to see the man of her dreams in person, gains family and finally has everything she's wanted for a family.
February 7, 2014
Really liked the mythological premise of this book. And I LOVED the portrayal of Aphrodite as a curvy, pastry-loving aunt. Ending seemed a little rushed, but the plot moves fast and is filled with neat characters. My main complaint-- and this is not at all the author's fault-- is that the cover is hideous! Iris is described as having long, curly black hair. The cover features a girl with shoulder-length blonde hair. There was so much to work with to create an amazing cover, and the publisher blew it-- it looks cheesy.
"Immortality is not necessarily a gift. Humans only think it is." --page 128
"Immortality is not necessarily a gift. Humans only think it is." --page 128
June 29, 2014
I literally ready this book less than a week ago and I'm already rereading it. The book was AMAZING and what drew me is was the Greek mythology because most books these days are werewolves or fae or vampire and this was a shock, literally one of my favorite books. This book is a must read and if you don't read it you are missing out on something INCREDIBLE. I can't even explain how good This book was. I was lost in it and the time just passed without me realizing it! I now have a newfound interest in the Greek mythology because this book was so good. All I can say is that Erica Orloff did an amazing job and has gained me as a fan. READ IT.
March 19, 2014
The plot summary sounded so good and yet I was disappointed with the overall quality / telling of the tale. Definitely, for the tween / teen crowd. I wasn’t too fond of the writing style. The story often jumped around a lot and felt rushed. The plot itself was something different and very different from the cover. Overall I would only read this to pass time. Took me by surprise when it turned into mythology and spoke about the interpretation of dreams. I did love the quotes about dreams at the beginning of every chapter.
February 21, 2014
While a lot of books have been taking Greek myth and doing retellings, Orloff does something different by focusing on the lesser gods that most people forget and creates a different spin on dreams. Not only that, but Aphrodite is so much more than she's often portrayed and she attacks today's notion of Western beauty and encourages Iris and Annie to ignore this notion. Quite probably my favourite character in the book because of how awesome she is!
July 19, 2014
In Dreams was an interesting quickie read that I enjoyed. I needed a light summer read and I liked the premise of this book. It was mysterious from the get go and I found the unfolding of the story to happen at a steady pace. It took me in directions I did not expect and I found myself really drawn into the plot. I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to know how everything would play out. Check it out....quickie read but really interesting. 4/5 stars!
February 14, 2014
I have read another book by this author-illuminated and I liked it a lot more than this book. I liked the story idea, but it didn't have enough depth to make it believable. It also had a totally out of left field coping a feel make out moment that ruined the romance.
August 26, 2016
This book was okay but not so great I would read it agin. I think it needed more emotion. Reading it I didn't get the urge that something really good was going to happen. I never felt as though I needed to keep reading. I just don't think it was the book for me.
June 18, 2013
oh dios, que libro aburrido.... me vi obligada a terminar de leerlo para saber como terminaba, pero ash.... no lo recomiendo por nada en el mundo u.u
donde tenia lo distopico???
donde tenia lo distopico???
March 17, 2015
Agh, de verdad quería que me gustara, pero todo es tan absurdo!
April 7, 2015
I looooooooove greek mythology but arg! this book is so boring,I'm pretty sure that more than half of the story could be ignored.
September 9, 2015
I love Aphrodite, she sure is different than how people usually portray her. She's the coolest aunt yet.
February 28, 2016
TOO SHORT! I NEED MORE!!
Read
October 6, 2016Me quedo con las historias de Hades
Want to Read
May 2, 2019I am literally on the second page, and is it just me or did anyone else notice that the cat is a "male calico"......just a minor detail but it might just change my mind about finishing this book. Calico cats are female only UNLESS there is a rare genetic factor.....
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