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The Magic of Black Forest #1
Dreamlike State
Natalia spends her days in her dreamlike world fantasizing about love to escape from reality. Bradley has it all except for the one thing he wants most, a soul mate to spend eternity with. After tragically losing her parents, Natalia takes a vacation that leads her on a journey, which brings them together. Together they face the challenges of a jealous ex-lover, an estranged father and a sadistic friend. They all have one thing in common, to keep Bradley and Natalia apart. And they'll do anything to end their relationship, even murder. Will Bradley and Natalia's love be enough to defeat all who wish to destroy it?
- GenresRomance
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2012
1 person is currently reading
599 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 19, 2020
In my opinion, this story is a more mature version of the Twilight Series. Natalia and Bradley very much resemble Bella’s and Edward’s characters. So as a huge fan of Twilight, I thought it was fantastic. After reading Twilight I had always hoped to come across something such as this. I had even picked up Fifty Shades of Grey in hopes of finding what I was looking for. That didn’t happen with Fifty Shades but the Magic of Black Forest Series is exactly what I was looking for. I wouldn’t call this series erotic romance, but it has more graphic scene’s and takes the sexual content a step further than what Meyer’s had done. The entire story is told in a first person POV, coming only from Natalia.
Natalia’s character has a bit more going for her than Bella did. She is a witch, so she has means of defending herself slightly better. At first I worried that the “witch” thing would ruin the story, but I think the author did a great job with it. Though it would have been nice had she not labeled the parents as a witch and wizard. But it’s not mentioned enough for it to bother me too much. I had a bit of an issue with the constant giggling thing with Natalia. I think the idea was that she was suppose to happy and laughing but it could have been worded better. Still, this is not a major problem for me.
Bradley also has a bit of a difference from Edward in that he is half human and half vampire. But like Edward, he lives from drinking animal blood as oppose to human blood. He is a “good” vampire.
The supporting characters were great, which also resembled some of Stephanie Meyer’s characters. Natalia’s good friends Colleen came across to me as another version of Alice and her boyfriend, Jesse (the big brother type) seemed to be a mix between Jasper and Emmett. Though Colleen and Jesse are Bear Shapeshifters instead of Vampires. But it still worked well because both were able to help protect Natalia and are part of the supernatural world.
I also want to throw out there that I thought what the author did with her dog, Seager was awesome. I loved Seager and want him for myself.
I’m using a 1 – 10 scale to rate books on grammatical errors, 1 being the least amount of errors and 10 being completely incomprehensible. I would give this book a 3. There were a few errors but nothing major and you won’t need to keep rereading the paragraph to try to figure out what is being said. There were quite a few sentences that could have used a comma to separate the statements, but again, nothing major that you couldn’t figure out reading it the first time.
I thought the story was different enough from Twilight to make it’s own place in paranormal romance, but also similar enough to make the comparison. It was exciting from the very first page. Full of action and suspense. For anyone who enjoyed the Twilight Series, you’ll love this one. I will definitely be buying the rest of the books in the series.
Natalia’s character has a bit more going for her than Bella did. She is a witch, so she has means of defending herself slightly better. At first I worried that the “witch” thing would ruin the story, but I think the author did a great job with it. Though it would have been nice had she not labeled the parents as a witch and wizard. But it’s not mentioned enough for it to bother me too much. I had a bit of an issue with the constant giggling thing with Natalia. I think the idea was that she was suppose to happy and laughing but it could have been worded better. Still, this is not a major problem for me.
Bradley also has a bit of a difference from Edward in that he is half human and half vampire. But like Edward, he lives from drinking animal blood as oppose to human blood. He is a “good” vampire.
The supporting characters were great, which also resembled some of Stephanie Meyer’s characters. Natalia’s good friends Colleen came across to me as another version of Alice and her boyfriend, Jesse (the big brother type) seemed to be a mix between Jasper and Emmett. Though Colleen and Jesse are Bear Shapeshifters instead of Vampires. But it still worked well because both were able to help protect Natalia and are part of the supernatural world.
I also want to throw out there that I thought what the author did with her dog, Seager was awesome. I loved Seager and want him for myself.
I’m using a 1 – 10 scale to rate books on grammatical errors, 1 being the least amount of errors and 10 being completely incomprehensible. I would give this book a 3. There were a few errors but nothing major and you won’t need to keep rereading the paragraph to try to figure out what is being said. There were quite a few sentences that could have used a comma to separate the statements, but again, nothing major that you couldn’t figure out reading it the first time.
I thought the story was different enough from Twilight to make it’s own place in paranormal romance, but also similar enough to make the comparison. It was exciting from the very first page. Full of action and suspense. For anyone who enjoyed the Twilight Series, you’ll love this one. I will definitely be buying the rest of the books in the series.
November 27, 2013
This is a fantastic book love the series can't wait to read number four loved the three I read couldn't put book down
February 25, 2016
As a first rare reader of the paranormal romance, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Macy Farmer’s tale, Dreamlike State, the first in The Magic of Black Forest series. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
This story has everything.
Magic, intrigue, adventure.
The story begins from the point of view of Natalia as nightmarish vision and then horrifying reality plague her.
From there, Farmer forges her own literary path, letting her characters take the helm on a journey unlike any other.
I couldn’t wait to turn each page just to find out what would happen next.
What an awesome read.
I am, indeed, a fan!
This story has everything.
Magic, intrigue, adventure.
The story begins from the point of view of Natalia as nightmarish vision and then horrifying reality plague her.
From there, Farmer forges her own literary path, letting her characters take the helm on a journey unlike any other.
I couldn’t wait to turn each page just to find out what would happen next.
What an awesome read.
I am, indeed, a fan!
November 29, 2014
If I wouldn't had go to work I would of finished this book in one day, it took me two. I am from western Pa so I know & have been to some of the places Macy writes about in Dream Like state. I love Fantasy & paranormal & mixed together makes for a great story. You will find yourself in a dream like state while reading & will become apart of the story. You will feel that Bradley, Natalia, Colleen, Jesse, are your friends. I can't wait to continue the series. Well done Macy, thank you for sharing.
May 24, 2015
http://www.crandomblog.com/?p=415
At first glance, I felt a good bit of disappointment. Another paranormal romance. I felt myself cringe slightly as I realized what I had gotten myself into (once I start a book, I finish it… regardless of whether I like it or not. If I don’t I am left wondering). Don’t get me wrong, I love all things paranormal, it’s the romance part I find myself often having issues with. Romance just isn’t my thing. It could have went one of two ways. It could have been a little like the Twilight Series, which I enjoyed as a kid… not so much as an adult ORRRRR it could have been a little like the Southern Vampire Series, which I just adored all the way around even though the last book kind of ticked me off. Not only was it a paranormal romance, but it was written in first person point of view. Another thing that I just don’t like that often.
However, Dreamlike State was neither like the Twilight series or the Southern Vampire series. Dreamlike State is a novel that paved it’s own path and it paved it very well. Macy Farmer did an awesome job in writing the narrative so that even though it is first person, it is easy to read and at times you forget that you are reading a book that isn’t third person. The book draws you in from the very beginning and it keeps you interested throughout the entire story. Things move very fast and even though the ending leaves you hanging I was still kind of shocked to find out that this is actually book one in The Magic of the Black Forest series. Even though I am dying to get my hands on the next book in the series (what can I say, I actually enjoyed this), there were still some things that got on my nerves about the story.
Love at first glance – I have never been a big fan of it and it happened very quickly. They went from strangers to ‘hello love’ pretty quick. I understand there is a plot behind this, I understand that it is going to make more sense in the coming books. Before I knew came to the realization it was really getting on my nerves and it still kind of does.
The other issue that really bugged me (only after I was done) was how quickly things progressed throughout the story, it felt a little rushed and a little like it wasn’t suppose to be a part of a series. At the same time there are so many things that are just hanging there, answers that we didn’t get and the ending is a huge cliff hanger.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. I am giving it four out of five stars. I read this book from May 21st – May 23rd 2015 and it only took so long because I have been so incredibly busy and on the go.
Read for the 2015 Reading Challenge; Cover Pick.
At first glance, I felt a good bit of disappointment. Another paranormal romance. I felt myself cringe slightly as I realized what I had gotten myself into (once I start a book, I finish it… regardless of whether I like it or not. If I don’t I am left wondering). Don’t get me wrong, I love all things paranormal, it’s the romance part I find myself often having issues with. Romance just isn’t my thing. It could have went one of two ways. It could have been a little like the Twilight Series, which I enjoyed as a kid… not so much as an adult ORRRRR it could have been a little like the Southern Vampire Series, which I just adored all the way around even though the last book kind of ticked me off. Not only was it a paranormal romance, but it was written in first person point of view. Another thing that I just don’t like that often.
However, Dreamlike State was neither like the Twilight series or the Southern Vampire series. Dreamlike State is a novel that paved it’s own path and it paved it very well. Macy Farmer did an awesome job in writing the narrative so that even though it is first person, it is easy to read and at times you forget that you are reading a book that isn’t third person. The book draws you in from the very beginning and it keeps you interested throughout the entire story. Things move very fast and even though the ending leaves you hanging I was still kind of shocked to find out that this is actually book one in The Magic of the Black Forest series. Even though I am dying to get my hands on the next book in the series (what can I say, I actually enjoyed this), there were still some things that got on my nerves about the story.
Love at first glance – I have never been a big fan of it and it happened very quickly. They went from strangers to ‘hello love’ pretty quick. I understand there is a plot behind this, I understand that it is going to make more sense in the coming books. Before I knew came to the realization it was really getting on my nerves and it still kind of does.
The other issue that really bugged me (only after I was done) was how quickly things progressed throughout the story, it felt a little rushed and a little like it wasn’t suppose to be a part of a series. At the same time there are so many things that are just hanging there, answers that we didn’t get and the ending is a huge cliff hanger.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. I am giving it four out of five stars. I read this book from May 21st – May 23rd 2015 and it only took so long because I have been so incredibly busy and on the go.
Read for the 2015 Reading Challenge; Cover Pick.
December 16, 2014
Natalia Middleton isn’t like any other twenty something young women. She has a job she is comfortable with, an adventurous side that she shares with her father and a best friend to share all her most personal secrets with. It is that secret that sets her apart from all the rest. Natalia has an uncanny special ability to see glimpses of the present and the future. Right before she is leaves for vacation, she sees the fatal accident of her parents. She decides to not cancel her vacation, despite what she sees.
Once there, she makes some new friends and meets a man named Bradley Jenkins. The instant connection and chemistry is something neither could deny. But, Natalia realizes she is not the only one keeping secrets. Will their love be able to withstand the secrets they are keeping from each other? Why is everyone trying to keep them apart?
This is a paranormal series that had me staying up late and turning the pages. The story of Natalia and Bradley kept me on my toes and wanting more. I am in love with Natalia’s dog, Seager. He brings so much as a supporting character and helps shapes the character of Natalia and who she truly is.
I found similarities to Twilight in this series, but on a much more mature level. Although there are shape shifters and vampires involved, this story brings witches, warlocks and a steamy sexual content to the reader. I so enjoyed this story for the content, the flow and how Macy developed her characters and brought them to life. I felt I knew each and every one of them personally. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. I would definitely recommend this book!
Dreamlike State, The Magic of Black Forest, is the first in a four part series.
January 11, 2015
MY REVIEW:
I am gonna start out by just saying Macy Farmer your one awesomely amazing and riveting writer. From page one i was hooked and i can say i am a huge fan officially now. I want to say to all my readers who read my reviews about books this is a MUST buy i loved it i give it a 5 Star anyone who reads my reviews knows i do my best to not give away spoiler so with that being said i will try to tell you what i can which won't be much cause this book is so crammed full with a little bit of everything. It is so action packed and soul wrenching that there isn't much i can say that wouldn't be a spoiler. Here we go ill do my best . Our main two characters Natalia and Bradley with that said i have to say this booked is jammed packed with extremely strong supporting characters that you are so engrossed in that you jonesing to know more about them as well like Colleen and Jesse and then you have the Father that you don't have anything to do with and a best friend in my opinion and the nicest way to put this is crazy,and off his rocker and to me if i had a best friend like that who needs enemies. I know this is all confusing but i told you i didn't wanna give any spoilers away thats why one of the first things i typed is that this is a must buy you most diffidently wont be bored not on one page not with murder,Natalia coming into your own powers,love,hate,a Natalia and Bradly that just want to be together but to them everything seems to be trying to pull them apart which is!!! i will say that and so much much much more. A 5 STAR READ i would rate it higher if i could . Amazing job Macy Farmer i cant wait to read the next book in the series and more of your work.
I am gonna start out by just saying Macy Farmer your one awesomely amazing and riveting writer. From page one i was hooked and i can say i am a huge fan officially now. I want to say to all my readers who read my reviews about books this is a MUST buy i loved it i give it a 5 Star anyone who reads my reviews knows i do my best to not give away spoiler so with that being said i will try to tell you what i can which won't be much cause this book is so crammed full with a little bit of everything. It is so action packed and soul wrenching that there isn't much i can say that wouldn't be a spoiler. Here we go ill do my best . Our main two characters Natalia and Bradley with that said i have to say this booked is jammed packed with extremely strong supporting characters that you are so engrossed in that you jonesing to know more about them as well like Colleen and Jesse and then you have the Father that you don't have anything to do with and a best friend in my opinion and the nicest way to put this is crazy,and off his rocker and to me if i had a best friend like that who needs enemies. I know this is all confusing but i told you i didn't wanna give any spoilers away thats why one of the first things i typed is that this is a must buy you most diffidently wont be bored not on one page not with murder,Natalia coming into your own powers,love,hate,a Natalia and Bradly that just want to be together but to them everything seems to be trying to pull them apart which is!!! i will say that and so much much much more. A 5 STAR READ i would rate it higher if i could . Amazing job Macy Farmer i cant wait to read the next book in the series and more of your work.
January 30, 2016
As everybody know, I am a fan of YA Paranormal, but sometimes you can catch me reading other genres.....
Wow, the beginning of this book had me hooked!! I loved how the author brought our attention to excitement and yet sadness all in the very first chapter, and from then on, I couldn't put the book down!! This story is full of excitement, adventure, love, loss, friendship, and romance!!
Natalia
Where to start?......Natalia is a great character. She has many rough patches, but she figures out how to get through them. She is brave yet also very leery of people. She is the type of character I can relate with. I have some of the same issues, especially with people. I felt everything Natalia felt and I loved everything about this character. I also loved the other characters in the story too. I loved how they helped push Natalia to her insecurities, which helped her overcome some obstacles. Then there were the ones who got in the way, but Natalia didn't let that stop her with Bradley at her side.
This is a phenomenal romance with a slight twist and I highly recommend it!!
I won a paperback copy of this book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
Wow, the beginning of this book had me hooked!! I loved how the author brought our attention to excitement and yet sadness all in the very first chapter, and from then on, I couldn't put the book down!! This story is full of excitement, adventure, love, loss, friendship, and romance!!
Natalia
Where to start?......Natalia is a great character. She has many rough patches, but she figures out how to get through them. She is brave yet also very leery of people. She is the type of character I can relate with. I have some of the same issues, especially with people. I felt everything Natalia felt and I loved everything about this character. I also loved the other characters in the story too. I loved how they helped push Natalia to her insecurities, which helped her overcome some obstacles. Then there were the ones who got in the way, but Natalia didn't let that stop her with Bradley at her side.
This is a phenomenal romance with a slight twist and I highly recommend it!!
I won a paperback copy of this book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
January 15, 2015
Dreamlike State, The Magic of Black Forest, is the first in a four part series. I absolutely adored this book, and if you too love paranormal romances than buy now. The two main characters are incredibly detailed and they come alive so much that they could just pop off of the page. Even the main supporting characters are similarly detailed. I can’t say to much due to spoilers – I just absolutely love it too much and just want to gush about it instead. I’m anxiously and eagerly awaiting the next installment. 5 Stars and a wonderful new author too!
May 14, 2015
Book one of four, must be read in order. It was a little wordy in places, and the constant non-sex scenes were a little over done. A woman with visions goes on vacation with her shepherd-wolf dog into the mountains of Pennsylvania after her parents horrific deaths. She immediate makes some new friends, but knows not everything is as it seems. She gets her first boyfriend, makes some new enemies and when she goes home she gets some astonishing news about herself and her late parents. All in all a very good read.
July 25, 2015
Natalia is very introverted and doesn't make friends easily. She goes on vacation and literally runs into new friends. She also meets a "man of her dreams". Bradley says all the right things and she is not looking forward to her vacation being over. His friend starts to start problems and they need to work through obstacles to move forward in their relationship.
This is one of the most interesting books I have read recently. The paranormal aspects with the loveable characters make it a must read. I can't wait until the next book!
This is one of the most interesting books I have read recently. The paranormal aspects with the loveable characters make it a must read. I can't wait until the next book!
March 27, 2015
I will start by saying that I totally loved the story, the characters, the premise. What I didn't love were the distractions: the punctuation, typos, etc.. It wasn't horrible, just enough to detract from my personal enjoyment. Also, I received this book as a prize at a Facebook party, and would have liked to know that there was such a dreadful cliffhanger at the end. It's taken me a week to overcome my ire at this, in order to leave a fair review. When is the next book coming out?
September 26, 2016
DNF: Couldn't get into the story due to mediocre writing - like a teenager's writing style. Run-on sentences, lack of punctuation, etc.
February 5, 2015
I received this book from BookRythm in return for a fair and honest review.
This book tells the story of Natalia, a young woman who tragically loses her parents in a car accident. After spending some time grieving for their loss, she decides to continue with her vacation plans that her parents had helped her prepare for. So, along with her dog - Seager, she goes away on vacation and before she's been there long, she literally bumps into someone and they quickly become friends. The story quickly becomes more involved and more characters appear. This book is well-written and edited and the story flows along nicely. I should have enjoyed it more than I did but for some reason, it just didn't work for me.
I almost feel apologetic as I leave this review, as I know that it will drop the rating. I'm pretty much in a minority here because everyone else seems to love the book. Rather than just saying it didn't work, let me try to explain.
The main character - Natalia - I tried to connect with her but couldn't. She was too paradoxical for me and I'm not even sure if she was meant to be or not.
"I'm stronger than you think" - but she acts weak and whiny most of the time.
"Everyone keeps telling me to trust him. I must look closer at what is giving them this impression" - you are giving them this impression! You say you trust him but your actions say otherwise on numerous occasions.
"I won't push, I won't cross that line. He is more important to me than just sex" - but pushes at every opportunity and sulks when she doesn't get her own way. I was getting whiplash from the 'yes, we will/no, we won't' scenarios that kept on happening.
It is hard to enjoy a book when you are constantly at odds with the main character (unless, of course, you're supposed to be) but I kept on going. There's a whole big dose of insta-love in here. The hints given in the book seem to have more of an effect on the reader than they do Natalia, as she blindly ignores most of them, leaving me talking out loud to my Kindle.
For me, this book just didn't work - things happen way too easily, fate really must have been having a good day and storylines are built up but then fade away as something else comes along.
Like I've said though, I'm in a minority so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and you will probably love it, along with everyone else.
This book tells the story of Natalia, a young woman who tragically loses her parents in a car accident. After spending some time grieving for their loss, she decides to continue with her vacation plans that her parents had helped her prepare for. So, along with her dog - Seager, she goes away on vacation and before she's been there long, she literally bumps into someone and they quickly become friends. The story quickly becomes more involved and more characters appear. This book is well-written and edited and the story flows along nicely. I should have enjoyed it more than I did but for some reason, it just didn't work for me.
I almost feel apologetic as I leave this review, as I know that it will drop the rating. I'm pretty much in a minority here because everyone else seems to love the book. Rather than just saying it didn't work, let me try to explain.
The main character - Natalia - I tried to connect with her but couldn't. She was too paradoxical for me and I'm not even sure if she was meant to be or not.
"I'm stronger than you think" - but she acts weak and whiny most of the time.
"Everyone keeps telling me to trust him. I must look closer at what is giving them this impression" - you are giving them this impression! You say you trust him but your actions say otherwise on numerous occasions.
"I won't push, I won't cross that line. He is more important to me than just sex" - but pushes at every opportunity and sulks when she doesn't get her own way. I was getting whiplash from the 'yes, we will/no, we won't' scenarios that kept on happening.
It is hard to enjoy a book when you are constantly at odds with the main character (unless, of course, you're supposed to be) but I kept on going. There's a whole big dose of insta-love in here. The hints given in the book seem to have more of an effect on the reader than they do Natalia, as she blindly ignores most of them, leaving me talking out loud to my Kindle.
For me, this book just didn't work - things happen way too easily, fate really must have been having a good day and storylines are built up but then fade away as something else comes along.
Like I've said though, I'm in a minority so don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself and you will probably love it, along with everyone else.
July 11, 2016
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway! I loved this book! It was a little slow at the beginning but then I was hooked! I love the romance and the mystery in this book, and of course my favorite is fantasy so I loved that part as well! I'm hoping to get my hands on the next book!
May 13, 2016
Wow, what a fantastic read. It had romance, hot guys, a witch, vampires,and even shape shifters. What more could you ask for. I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews