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The Dream King's Courier: Payback
Animal Control Officer Gwen Revmore has no use for the gods. They've never answered any of her prayers-even after a tragic accident leaves her husband dead, and her young son gravely injured.
But after her estranged grandfather shows up at the hospital to urge her to try one more time to save the boy, Gwen decides there's nothing left to lose. She asks Nathao, the powerful King of Dreams, for help, and he agrees to save Sam-but like most favors, the help will come at a price.
King Nathao needs to replace an employee killed in an attack on his lands, and he promises to save Gwen's son if she agrees to take on that very important job of Courier. Gwen will work closely with Nathao's other staff, including her grandfather, and serve as the King's public face for his congregations around the world. She will also be his official emissary to other gods.
Gwen soon finds herself caught in a dangerous conflict as Nathao and rival god Bayel struggle for followers and power. In a world where gods are created and shaped by human belief, these beings will stop at nothing to gain more worshippers-regardless of who is caught in the crossfire.
But after her estranged grandfather shows up at the hospital to urge her to try one more time to save the boy, Gwen decides there's nothing left to lose. She asks Nathao, the powerful King of Dreams, for help, and he agrees to save Sam-but like most favors, the help will come at a price.
King Nathao needs to replace an employee killed in an attack on his lands, and he promises to save Gwen's son if she agrees to take on that very important job of Courier. Gwen will work closely with Nathao's other staff, including her grandfather, and serve as the King's public face for his congregations around the world. She will also be his official emissary to other gods.
Gwen soon finds herself caught in a dangerous conflict as Nathao and rival god Bayel struggle for followers and power. In a world where gods are created and shaped by human belief, these beings will stop at nothing to gain more worshippers-regardless of who is caught in the crossfire.
- GenresFiction
340 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2014
3 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 24, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
The idea of this story intrigued me. Gwen lives in a world where gods are real in that they can take on forms, are strengthened, weakened, or even changed by the worship of their followers. She nearly loses her son in a car accident and in exchange for his life, vows to serve The Dream King for the rest of her existence. It is a difficult time to join the Dream King's entourage as he is under attack, his domain is being invaded, and his standing among the gods is threatened. Gwen is thrown into the middle of this- how is she going to survive?
Ok, that's the set up. But then, I felt that the story didn't deliver on its promise. The potential action sequences devolved into endless meetings and talking among the god's human servants. It was sort of like watching a movie about a war completely through the lens of a committee meeting in the UN. We're talking about gods, for goodness sake. Where's the head bashing, the awesome powers, where's the kraken!!
Admittedly, I was looking for some Clash of the Titans type action but it never happens. Even when his servants are in mortal danger, the Dream King doesn't pop in to bust some heads. My frustration with the story reached a peak when Gwen is sent in to a lawyer's office to talk to the errant god's head honcho and, not only does the slime ball refuse to return her co-worker (who is being held in another temple against his will- why not send in the god and take him back??) but he starts to play with her hair and her response was to roll her eyes and say (not a direct quote here) "Stop it" or something impotent like that. When he does it again, she (a direct quote, pg 233) "Slowly and steadily, she began bending it (his thumb) back and to the side, forcing him to bend the arm and pull away". The Courier of the Dream King has to physically remove someone's hand from her person by force like a little girl defending herself from a school yard bully. I wanted some god-created headaches (like Gwen was inflicted with earlier in the book when she stood up to the Dream King) or perhaps a hallucination/nightmare sequence. Bending his thumb back? Sigh.
The sidekick in this story is an enchanted jacket (yes, clothing) that protects her from attack, sends her relief when she's in pain or emotionally distraught, and keeps her consciousness in her body when she's walking through other dimensions or into Death's domain. I thought that was kind of cool at first but, as the story continued, it was clear that the jacket wasn't going to be able to do more than give her hugs or endorphins when she was in trouble. Again, I wanted more from the concept. Perhaps, when a baddie lays violent hands upon her, Gwen's jacket sends them into a nightmare from which only the Dream King can release them. Or, when Gwen needs to be removed from a dangerous situation, the jacket can create a mind-fog to hide her from her enemy's eyes... the possibilities are endless! The jacket (which has a secret name that I won't reveal here) had so much potential that was never tapped.
Gwen is a single mom, but that aspect of her character is sort of glossed over beyond the obligatory good morning/good night that she tells her children and a scene or two where she makes the Dream King promise to take care of them if anything happens to her. I felt that Gwen's family life could have added a fascinating twist to the story if the two could have been intertwined a bit more. Maybe her kids could have been kidnapped by her enemies? Maybe they could have stumbled upon her magic window that she uses to travel the dimensions? Maybe the author is just saving this part of the story for another book in the series... I don't know. It could have been great though.
The strength of this story lies in the world itself. It is a great concept. I hope that any further books in the series have more action and less diplomatic talks.
The idea of this story intrigued me. Gwen lives in a world where gods are real in that they can take on forms, are strengthened, weakened, or even changed by the worship of their followers. She nearly loses her son in a car accident and in exchange for his life, vows to serve The Dream King for the rest of her existence. It is a difficult time to join the Dream King's entourage as he is under attack, his domain is being invaded, and his standing among the gods is threatened. Gwen is thrown into the middle of this- how is she going to survive?
Ok, that's the set up. But then, I felt that the story didn't deliver on its promise. The potential action sequences devolved into endless meetings and talking among the god's human servants. It was sort of like watching a movie about a war completely through the lens of a committee meeting in the UN. We're talking about gods, for goodness sake. Where's the head bashing, the awesome powers, where's the kraken!!
Admittedly, I was looking for some Clash of the Titans type action but it never happens. Even when his servants are in mortal danger, the Dream King doesn't pop in to bust some heads. My frustration with the story reached a peak when Gwen is sent in to a lawyer's office to talk to the errant god's head honcho and, not only does the slime ball refuse to return her co-worker (who is being held in another temple against his will- why not send in the god and take him back??) but he starts to play with her hair and her response was to roll her eyes and say (not a direct quote here) "Stop it" or something impotent like that. When he does it again, she (a direct quote, pg 233) "Slowly and steadily, she began bending it (his thumb) back and to the side, forcing him to bend the arm and pull away". The Courier of the Dream King has to physically remove someone's hand from her person by force like a little girl defending herself from a school yard bully. I wanted some god-created headaches (like Gwen was inflicted with earlier in the book when she stood up to the Dream King) or perhaps a hallucination/nightmare sequence. Bending his thumb back? Sigh.
The sidekick in this story is an enchanted jacket (yes, clothing) that protects her from attack, sends her relief when she's in pain or emotionally distraught, and keeps her consciousness in her body when she's walking through other dimensions or into Death's domain. I thought that was kind of cool at first but, as the story continued, it was clear that the jacket wasn't going to be able to do more than give her hugs or endorphins when she was in trouble. Again, I wanted more from the concept. Perhaps, when a baddie lays violent hands upon her, Gwen's jacket sends them into a nightmare from which only the Dream King can release them. Or, when Gwen needs to be removed from a dangerous situation, the jacket can create a mind-fog to hide her from her enemy's eyes... the possibilities are endless! The jacket (which has a secret name that I won't reveal here) had so much potential that was never tapped.
Gwen is a single mom, but that aspect of her character is sort of glossed over beyond the obligatory good morning/good night that she tells her children and a scene or two where she makes the Dream King promise to take care of them if anything happens to her. I felt that Gwen's family life could have added a fascinating twist to the story if the two could have been intertwined a bit more. Maybe her kids could have been kidnapped by her enemies? Maybe they could have stumbled upon her magic window that she uses to travel the dimensions? Maybe the author is just saving this part of the story for another book in the series... I don't know. It could have been great though.
The strength of this story lies in the world itself. It is a great concept. I hope that any further books in the series have more action and less diplomatic talks.
May 23, 2014
An immensely enjoyable, engaging read of refreshing premise and philosophical conception
As an avid reader of fantasy fiction I was intrigued upon encountering this uniquely divergent read, with its well-plotted story and intricately woven storyline. The convincing storyline and believable characters brought this author’s visionary masterpiece to life, plus the remarkable ending was a sure sign of a good story as it left me wanting more. The entire idea of how Gods are created by their followers I found absolutely fascinating, as too was the irony imposed upon the Pantheon Gods {who compete for stature through their own personal popularity created by their followers}. Main protagonist Gwen was a character whom I was able to warm to easily, and so I felt a part of her journey and more connected to the narrative.
The fantastic fantasy world that Patrice Sikora has created is bewitchingly beguiling and full of texture and depth as to enchant rabid readers. I am so pleased to have been presented with the opportunity of reading this entertaining story, as it was greatly appealing and hard to put down. To be able to escape from everyday life and immerse yourself totally in another world is wonderful, and this impressive story was a real escape and joy to behold! I found the strong, interesting characters and curious creative concepts made me want to keep reading…right up to the distinctly memorable, explosive ending.
Patrice Sikora’s accomplished debut novel was a thoroughly compelling read and one that I am very excited about, as I cannot wait to read the sequel in this new series. I would recommend this story to fans of fantasy and readers seeking something entirely new and different.
3.5 Star rating!
*I won a physical copy of “The dream king’s courier: Payback” through a first-read giveaway on Goodreads. *
As an avid reader of fantasy fiction I was intrigued upon encountering this uniquely divergent read, with its well-plotted story and intricately woven storyline. The convincing storyline and believable characters brought this author’s visionary masterpiece to life, plus the remarkable ending was a sure sign of a good story as it left me wanting more. The entire idea of how Gods are created by their followers I found absolutely fascinating, as too was the irony imposed upon the Pantheon Gods {who compete for stature through their own personal popularity created by their followers}. Main protagonist Gwen was a character whom I was able to warm to easily, and so I felt a part of her journey and more connected to the narrative.
The fantastic fantasy world that Patrice Sikora has created is bewitchingly beguiling and full of texture and depth as to enchant rabid readers. I am so pleased to have been presented with the opportunity of reading this entertaining story, as it was greatly appealing and hard to put down. To be able to escape from everyday life and immerse yourself totally in another world is wonderful, and this impressive story was a real escape and joy to behold! I found the strong, interesting characters and curious creative concepts made me want to keep reading…right up to the distinctly memorable, explosive ending.
Patrice Sikora’s accomplished debut novel was a thoroughly compelling read and one that I am very excited about, as I cannot wait to read the sequel in this new series. I would recommend this story to fans of fantasy and readers seeking something entirely new and different.
3.5 Star rating!
*I won a physical copy of “The dream king’s courier: Payback” through a first-read giveaway on Goodreads. *
August 7, 2014
Even though her grandfather and her mother are both strident believers, Gwen Revmore has never had any use for the gods. When her husband and son are in a horrific accident, her husband is killed and her son is in critical condition at the hospital. Her estranged grandfather appears at the hospital and begs Gwen to pray to Nathao, the King of Dreams, to heal her son. When Nathao agrees to save Sam, Gwen is beyond grateful, but a god’s favor always comes with a price.
Nathao needs Gwen to be his new Courier – working with his Riders (which include her grandfather), being the public face to his followers, and being an emissary to the other gods. Right now, a popular party god, Bayel, has followers who are changing his image and increasing his thirst for power no matter the source or cost. Now Gwen must use her wits to stop Bayel’s followers and save the world…nothing big, right?
THE DREAM KING’S COURIER: PAYBACK is a fascinating fantasy tale of gods and their followers. I found it quite interesting how the followers of the gods influenced the gods’ personalities and power. The world the author built was well-detailed and impressive. I liked Gwen a lot, especially because Nathao chose her due to her skepticism. Going along with Gwen’s journey as she learns her role as Courier and seeing through her eyes was amazing. THE DREAM KING’S COURIER: PAYBACK is a complete story on its own, which is very nice in this age of cliffhangers. I’m looking forward to see where the author takes Gwen next.
Nathao needs Gwen to be his new Courier – working with his Riders (which include her grandfather), being the public face to his followers, and being an emissary to the other gods. Right now, a popular party god, Bayel, has followers who are changing his image and increasing his thirst for power no matter the source or cost. Now Gwen must use her wits to stop Bayel’s followers and save the world…nothing big, right?
THE DREAM KING’S COURIER: PAYBACK is a fascinating fantasy tale of gods and their followers. I found it quite interesting how the followers of the gods influenced the gods’ personalities and power. The world the author built was well-detailed and impressive. I liked Gwen a lot, especially because Nathao chose her due to her skepticism. Going along with Gwen’s journey as she learns her role as Courier and seeing through her eyes was amazing. THE DREAM KING’S COURIER: PAYBACK is a complete story on its own, which is very nice in this age of cliffhangers. I’m looking forward to see where the author takes Gwen next.
December 12, 2019
I loved this new take on Gods and how their personality and power comes to be! It was an interesting read from beginning to end, although a few parts were cut short a little prematurely imo. Overall though, I enjoyed the story and will be continuing the series.
April 22, 2019
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book using the audible version. I enjoyed listening as I went about day to day task. Great story.
I enjoyed this book using the audible version. I enjoyed listening as I went about day to day task. Great story.
Read
July 15, 2019DNF
Narration hit a wrong note for me...
could not get into the story
Narration hit a wrong note for me...
could not get into the story
June 6, 2014
Fantasy novels can sometimes tend to be written in a dense language, with writers yearning to emulate Tolkien and GRRM. That can lead to lofty exposition for tales told of even the most accessible, normal realms, which sometimes makes an author appear to be trying to hard to convince the reader of a story's importance. JK Rowling is the best recent example of a storyteller who welcomed readers in with a comfortable, universally-acceptable language...so confident in her story that it almost seemed to write itself.
In The Dream King's Courier: Payback, author Patrice Sikora writes with a similar confidence and the world she writes of feels real, lived-in, and naturally developed. It's also a very familiar world...it is ours. However, it's also a world where gods are very real and influence reality. One such god, the King of Dreams, employs the book's protagonist, Gwen, to be his next Courier. Gwen becomes Nathao's emissary and she's a bit of a spark-plug amidst his buttoned-up followers. She also quickly learns that things are becoming quite dangerous in the realms of the gods and she is playing a bigger part than she expected.
Gwen is a great archetypal hero, one who comes to her position from great sacrifice and obligation, but who also bucks the traditions of those around her. The supporting cast, including the Riders and other followers, play a more direct part in moving the story along than many of the elusive gods. The gods themselves are not quite what you'd expect and they're better for it. Reading their descriptions, you can't help but wonder how much fun it would be to see some of them on the big screen. They are an eclectic group, who both embody and defy what you expect from the realms they lord over. And it's not hard to see some real world religious and political allegories in the relationships between the gods and their followers (even though Sikora never attempts to get heavy-handed with any such allusions).
A thoroughly enjoyable read; and even though Payback concludes in a satisfying manner, you will also be anxious to see what lies ahead for Gwen, the Dream King and everyone else in the next volume of the series.
In The Dream King's Courier: Payback, author Patrice Sikora writes with a similar confidence and the world she writes of feels real, lived-in, and naturally developed. It's also a very familiar world...it is ours. However, it's also a world where gods are very real and influence reality. One such god, the King of Dreams, employs the book's protagonist, Gwen, to be his next Courier. Gwen becomes Nathao's emissary and she's a bit of a spark-plug amidst his buttoned-up followers. She also quickly learns that things are becoming quite dangerous in the realms of the gods and she is playing a bigger part than she expected.
Gwen is a great archetypal hero, one who comes to her position from great sacrifice and obligation, but who also bucks the traditions of those around her. The supporting cast, including the Riders and other followers, play a more direct part in moving the story along than many of the elusive gods. The gods themselves are not quite what you'd expect and they're better for it. Reading their descriptions, you can't help but wonder how much fun it would be to see some of them on the big screen. They are an eclectic group, who both embody and defy what you expect from the realms they lord over. And it's not hard to see some real world religious and political allegories in the relationships between the gods and their followers (even though Sikora never attempts to get heavy-handed with any such allusions).
A thoroughly enjoyable read; and even though Payback concludes in a satisfying manner, you will also be anxious to see what lies ahead for Gwen, the Dream King and everyone else in the next volume of the series.
August 9, 2014
The Dream King's Courier: Payback, by Patrice Sikora
Patrice Sikora's "The Dream King's Courier: Payback" is simply a phenomenal book, and one that I have just stayed up all Friday night reading, in virtually one sitting. Simply put, I could not put it down.
The mix of urban fantasy, leavened by a pantheon of gods numbering in the dozens, and who were in many cases the ones from Greek mythology (in hipster clothes, and with matching attitudes and sensibilities) were just a delight, and the world building and character development were first-rate.
I highly recommend this feast of a novel, and I eagerly await more in this series.
Patrice Sikora's "The Dream King's Courier: Payback" is simply a phenomenal book, and one that I have just stayed up all Friday night reading, in virtually one sitting. Simply put, I could not put it down.
The mix of urban fantasy, leavened by a pantheon of gods numbering in the dozens, and who were in many cases the ones from Greek mythology (in hipster clothes, and with matching attitudes and sensibilities) were just a delight, and the world building and character development were first-rate.
I highly recommend this feast of a novel, and I eagerly await more in this series.
July 18, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I found the world that Sikora creates to be detailed and different, but very believable. I really like that in a book. I found the characters to be strong and interesting. I found it hard to put this down, and I finished it in a few days of commuting. It seems this is the author's first book because I searched to see if she had any others out there and it doesn't look like it. I hope a sequel comes out, I'll definitely read it.
July 16, 2014
Gwens Husband has been killed in a car accident and her son badly injured, his heart has stopped once during surgery and gwen is beside herslf with worry and grief. When her enstraged grandfather suggests she ask the king of dreams to help, how can she refuse?
The King saves her son and makes her his new courier, now she is in a crazy race to prevent bayel the god of joy from destroying her dream kings position of power.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and really good.
The King saves her son and makes her his new courier, now she is in a crazy race to prevent bayel the god of joy from destroying her dream kings position of power.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and really good.
July 23, 2016
The gods among us
A fascinating take on the idea of multiple gods in a society like our own. Like Harry Potter's world or even American Gods world, but all the people in the society are fully aware of the gods and their magic and influence. I always like a woman as the lead character, and this is a worldly woman with young children too. I LIKE IT. Getting the next book right away.
A fascinating take on the idea of multiple gods in a society like our own. Like Harry Potter's world or even American Gods world, but all the people in the society are fully aware of the gods and their magic and influence. I always like a woman as the lead character, and this is a worldly woman with young children too. I LIKE IT. Getting the next book right away.
May 15, 2014
I thought the book was outstanding ... the plot kept me thinking and I felt like I really got to know the characters. It didn't take me long to read because I was very intrigued to find out what would happen to Gwen and company along the way. Overall I would recommend it to anyone ... even those who aren't fans of books in this particular genre.
August 21, 2014
Not bad. I'd say the notion of gods being products of humans is pretty accurate in the real world as well.
September 21, 2014
I got this book through Goodreads First Reads.
It was a good book, just not my style.
It was a good book, just not my style.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews