Sarina is already an extraordinarily talented artist at age 12. She has an ambition to become a world-famous painter, but her first year in high school is exposing the one weakness that could topple her plans—she is hopeless at maths and science, and it shows.
The Principal makes it clear that unless she passes the next maths assessment, she will not be allowed to continue her beloved art studies, and he will prevent her from entering the highly coveted 'National Young Artists Breakthrough Competition'.
Sarina is thrown off-balance by a string of disturbing dreams that transport her into a parallel world; one that is under-threat and stricken by the loss of its women and children. When she responds to a cry for help from the other world's only remaining boy, a deaf-mute, she unexpectedly encounters dark magic.
She finds herself battling a menacing sorcerer and a sadistic bird-like creature—and soon discovers she has hidden powers connected to her artistic talents.
As the deadline for the maths assessment draws near, Sarina can barely focus; and the vivid dreams are now putting everything at risk.
The boy begs Sarina to use her powers to help him save his world, but she is torn between safeguarding her own future and the boy's desperate plea for help.
Fending off the constant put-downs from the annoying school genius, one day things take a sickening turn for the worse, and her strange dreams become her worst nightmare.
Born in Australia, Robert was whisked back to England where he spent his childhood. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the only sensible thing, and moved back to Australia. Queensland actually. Where he enjoys walks along the beach with his wonderful family.
(Pssst. He still complains about the weather if it gets too cold!)
He's studied chemistry; worked in the music industry; sold handbags; taught yoga; raced motorcycles; and trained thousands of people in Presentations Skills, Train-the-Trainer, Negotiation Skills ... and more.
Mostly though he loves to read.
And read and read. His father was a science-fiction fan, so Robert grew up on a voracious diet of all the top-notch sci-fi writers (there's a list below!), eventually discovering he had read the entire science-fiction section of his local library. But nowadays he writes books and runs websites. Which is fun, and nothing like work at all.
A Reader asks: "What do you like to read?"
My dad loved Sci-Fi, so that was a big influence. I loved John Wyndham, Philip K Dick, Robert Heinlein and I have a soft spot for Isaac Asimov (who had great non-fiction books about space that I loved). So I still love Sci-Fi, but also like Fantasy; Thrillers and some Action. I also enjoy Young Adult books hugely. I mean, who doesn't like Harry Potter? (If you don't, I feel for you, I really do haha!)
Sarina Has started having some really strange dreams, She's not too sure what to make of them, but really wants them to stop as she is always exhausted. She can't understand her maths and science classes and if she doesn't start to understand these classes soon she risks being transferred to a special school to get help. She def doesn't want this to happen because that would mean giving up her love for art. When Sarina starts to realize her dreams may be more than dreams her world starts spiraling out of control. I really loved this book. Def a must read. Can't wait for part 2 to come out!
A fabulous fast paced, beautifully written novel - simply enchanting. I bought this novel for my Year 6 students, as I was reading , a boy from my class began reading over my shoulder. I handed the book to him - now I have children desperately wanting to read this novel. There is no better recommendation than this! I can see so many teaching opportunities using the themes, language and ethical and moral dilemas. I will be recommending this novel to our school librarian in our staff meeting this afternoon.
What a great read, that was quite some ride! I delighted in reading about Sarina's adventures - despite a hectic work schedule I found myself finding every opportunity to read further! This is a genre I really enjoy reading and I am so looking forward to the next part in the Dreamer Chronicles. I would recommend this to people of all ages who love to read.
I read this after the second book and have enjoyed both. Thanks to Scanlon for providing me with this book. This book has some humor in it that really made the book more worthwhile. A great read indeed, as it captures the necessary elements to maintain the interest of the reader. The story has a nice pace, not too quick, not too slow.
I bought this for my niece but got totally engrossed in it myself! It's got everything you need to keep even the most reluctant reader keen; magic, intrigue, bravery and a touch of humour.
Driven by Art; Handcuffed by Science; Freed by Magic -- Sarina is already an extraordinarily talented artist at age 12, wants to become a world-famous painter, but her first year in high school is exposing one weakness, she is hopeless at maths and science, and the Principal makes it clear that unless she passes the next maths assessment, she will not be allowed to continue her art studies and he will prevent her from entering the coveted 'National Young Artists Breakthrough Competition'. Then there is Sarina thrown off-balance by a string of disturbing dreams that transport her into a parallel world; one that is under-threat and stricken by the loss of its women and children, and when responding to a cry for help from . When she responds to a cry from the other world's only remaining boy, a deaf-mute, she unexpectedly encounters dark magic.
Sarina's Nightmare: A Sci-Fi Parallel Universe Adventure (The Dreamer Chronicles Book 1) The Dream Killer: A Sci-Fi Parallel Universe Adventure (The Dreamer Chronicles Book 2) Moon Zero: A Sci-Fi Parallel Universe Adventure (The Dreamer Chronicles Book 3) The Dreamer Chronicles (3 Book Series)
A Bar Room Brawl on Ganymede {An Altercation in Rykkamon is one of the stories in Glimpse: A New World, and should come after Bar Room but before Costellation} Constellation (Blood Empire Book 1) “Nebula” - Book Two in the Blood Empire series coming soon.
Set in England and in an alternate universe, this is an interesting dimension to the science fantasy genre. I really liked the character and the strength of Sarina. I also liked how she works with her school nemesis to save another world. I am looking forward to the next book and to see where Sarina will take us next.
Nearly put it down during the first chapter then I couldn't put it down, so read it all in just 2 sessions resulting in less sleep, but it was unputdownable. Storyline is solid and there's something about the authors style that pulls you along, already deep into the second in the trilogy.