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Like a Dream #1
Like a Dream
A shocking event leaves fifteen year old Amelia Waters devastated, especially when she’s forced to stay with her mysterious aunt Leona and two cousins. They completely dominate her life and force her to move away from her home in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Columbia, MO. The moment she reluctantly settles into a toxic reality, she becomes bombarded with nightmares about the past that reveal something she could have never prepared for.
With her back against the wall and no way out, Amelia begins to struggle with the will to live, until Aaron—a mesmerizing boy from her dream, becomes a reality. Every nerve in her body gravitates to him as they both fall deeply in love.
But slowly Amelia begins to realize that nothing was ever a coincidence, and there is something far greater and dangerous in store for her.
With her back against the wall and no way out, Amelia begins to struggle with the will to live, until Aaron—a mesmerizing boy from her dream, becomes a reality. Every nerve in her body gravitates to him as they both fall deeply in love.
But slowly Amelia begins to realize that nothing was ever a coincidence, and there is something far greater and dangerous in store for her.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
348 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2015
About the author
Shina James
4 books19 followersShina James is the author of YA series called LIKE A DREAM, She's excited to announce that she just published her 1st Children's Book, KAI THE KANGAROO AND HIS MASK TOO
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 3, 2016
DNF at page 100
Unfortunately, I won't be finishing this book.
I'm really not getting along with the writing. It's written in present tense for the majority, and somehow it reminds me of an English essay. The sentences are repetitive and quite simple, which for me I just struggle to get through. I will say the flashback chapters were slightly better though, and the descriptions of places were great.
That, paired with how quickly the drama happened and a lot of cliche lines thrown around ... it all just didn't sit well with me I'm afraid.
I DID consider forcing myself to finish the book, since it was sent to me for review. But I made myself read 100 pages (just under a third of the book) and decided that marking it as DNF and explaining why would be MUCH better than forcing myself through it and possibly coming out with a worse review. Plus, I have to be honest.
Unfortunately, this really wasn't for me. Though I HAVE seen people who love it and rate it highly, so if you're interested in the plot then definitely look into it more before you decide whether to read or not!
Unfortunately, I won't be finishing this book.
I'm really not getting along with the writing. It's written in present tense for the majority, and somehow it reminds me of an English essay. The sentences are repetitive and quite simple, which for me I just struggle to get through. I will say the flashback chapters were slightly better though, and the descriptions of places were great.
That, paired with how quickly the drama happened and a lot of cliche lines thrown around ... it all just didn't sit well with me I'm afraid.
I DID consider forcing myself to finish the book, since it was sent to me for review. But I made myself read 100 pages (just under a third of the book) and decided that marking it as DNF and explaining why would be MUCH better than forcing myself through it and possibly coming out with a worse review. Plus, I have to be honest.
Unfortunately, this really wasn't for me. Though I HAVE seen people who love it and rate it highly, so if you're interested in the plot then definitely look into it more before you decide whether to read or not!
February 24, 2018
After her father is almost killed, and he mother has fled, accused of attempted murder, Amelia has to survive in the care of the real villain, her aunt Leona.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a DNF for me, which I hate doing when I've been gifted the book, but I just didn't get on with the story. I got about half-way.
The main thing that put me off, was the author's style of writing. It felt awkward, and stilted, and often contained a blend of present and past tense narration.
To be fair, I thought the flashbacks were written much more smoothly.
I think I was expecting something with more of a paranormal vibe, as Amelia is supposed to connect with this mystery boy through dreams. There's no mention of attempted murder in the synopsis, and it caught me off guard as the opening chapter.
So, it opens with quite a bang (literally), but my main reaction several times throughout the opening chapter (and beyond) was "really?".
So Amelia, our initial narrator, establishes that her parents are deeply in love and never had any problems. Cue father, storming in drunk, accusing his wife of cheating (because his sister, who is known for being a psycho-control-freak told him so). His answer is to grab the gun he's probably never used, and to go shoot his wife's "lover". Arguing ensues, and in a scuffle, he ends up getting shot once.
(BTW, I found it really weird that in the chapters that Amelia is our narrator, she refers to her parents by their actual names, but calls them mum & dad out loud. The parents are narrators in later chapters, and I would consider them main characters, but for crying out loud - when it is from Amelia's perspective, call them Mum & Dad.)
Aunt Psycho storms in, picks up the discarded gun and tries to shoot Amelia's mum, but her dad takes the bullet for her.
Cue police. Pyscho bats her eyelashes at them, and despite Amelia saying clearly that she was a witness, and Psycho was the shooter, the police immediately brush it aside and put her in the care of auntie dearest. Seriously? What about her grandparents? What about social services? What about kicking off and refusing to go with the woman that tried to kill your mum, and put your dad in critical care?
Anyway, once you're past this, Amelia's mum is on the run, and whilst traveling, she has a flashback of how she met the dad.
As I said before, this made for easier reading, the quality of the writing improved.
Unfortunately, I didn't like our main characters. They both came across as spoiled, blinkered and naive. I know they've met the love of their life, but both of them have worked so hard to get where they are, persuading their parents that they deserve further education/the freedom to work in another city. Surely that is worth something to them?
Nope. They skive their respective responsibilities, and are shocked when they are expelled/fired. Really?
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a DNF for me, which I hate doing when I've been gifted the book, but I just didn't get on with the story. I got about half-way.
The main thing that put me off, was the author's style of writing. It felt awkward, and stilted, and often contained a blend of present and past tense narration.
To be fair, I thought the flashbacks were written much more smoothly.
I think I was expecting something with more of a paranormal vibe, as Amelia is supposed to connect with this mystery boy through dreams. There's no mention of attempted murder in the synopsis, and it caught me off guard as the opening chapter.
So, it opens with quite a bang (literally), but my main reaction several times throughout the opening chapter (and beyond) was "really?".
So Amelia, our initial narrator, establishes that her parents are deeply in love and never had any problems. Cue father, storming in drunk, accusing his wife of cheating (because his sister, who is known for being a psycho-control-freak told him so). His answer is to grab the gun he's probably never used, and to go shoot his wife's "lover". Arguing ensues, and in a scuffle, he ends up getting shot once.
(BTW, I found it really weird that in the chapters that Amelia is our narrator, she refers to her parents by their actual names, but calls them mum & dad out loud. The parents are narrators in later chapters, and I would consider them main characters, but for crying out loud - when it is from Amelia's perspective, call them Mum & Dad.)
Aunt Psycho storms in, picks up the discarded gun and tries to shoot Amelia's mum, but her dad takes the bullet for her.
Cue police. Pyscho bats her eyelashes at them, and despite Amelia saying clearly that she was a witness, and Psycho was the shooter, the police immediately brush it aside and put her in the care of auntie dearest. Seriously? What about her grandparents? What about social services? What about kicking off and refusing to go with the woman that tried to kill your mum, and put your dad in critical care?
Anyway, once you're past this, Amelia's mum is on the run, and whilst traveling, she has a flashback of how she met the dad.
As I said before, this made for easier reading, the quality of the writing improved.
Unfortunately, I didn't like our main characters. They both came across as spoiled, blinkered and naive. I know they've met the love of their life, but both of them have worked so hard to get where they are, persuading their parents that they deserve further education/the freedom to work in another city. Surely that is worth something to them?
Nope. They skive their respective responsibilities, and are shocked when they are expelled/fired. Really?
Currently Reading
June 2, 2016* e-Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley *
February 21, 2018
Amelia Waters loses her parents to an argument gone wrong. She is left in the care of her Aunt Leona. Leona is manipulative and uses Amelia’s fears and insecurities against her. Amelia is told that if she tries to leave her grandparents will be killed. Amelia is having a hard time and even tries to commit suicide. Things look down until she starts dreaming about Aaron She finds an escape and starts to love him when she learns that things are not how they appear.
I loved Amelia. She has gone through hell just from losing her parents to Leona’s manipulations. She is weak and broken yet rises above this and shows her true strength. It did break my heart at times to see how evil Leona truly was as she was trying to injure Amelia. Thankfully Aaron was there to help lift Amelia up.
I really didn’t know where this book was going after the dramatic start. But I loved every step along the way. The way it was going I really thought that it was going to be a stand-alone story but the ending leave open a sequel. I can’t wait to see what happens to Amelia and Aaron.
I received Like a Dream from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.
I loved Amelia. She has gone through hell just from losing her parents to Leona’s manipulations. She is weak and broken yet rises above this and shows her true strength. It did break my heart at times to see how evil Leona truly was as she was trying to injure Amelia. Thankfully Aaron was there to help lift Amelia up.
I really didn’t know where this book was going after the dramatic start. But I loved every step along the way. The way it was going I really thought that it was going to be a stand-alone story but the ending leave open a sequel. I can’t wait to see what happens to Amelia and Aaron.
I received Like a Dream from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.
February 14, 2018
LIKE A DREAM is a young adult fantasy novel that id full of mystery and intrigue. When a young girl is faced with an unbearable choice what will she do. A book that is full of hope and heartache with characters that are life like. This story will stay with you long after you read this remarkable read. Overall, I highly enjoyed reading and recommend it to anyone who loves a good young adult fantasy novel.
February 19, 2018
A wonderful Young Adult tale. It felt very believable and steady. The characters were plenty and well developed.
I think that Shina James has shown great growth in her characters. Throughout the novel, you will notice the pacing is always spot on,. I loved the writing style and flow of the novel, very easy to follow.
I think that Shina James has shown great growth in her characters. Throughout the novel, you will notice the pacing is always spot on,. I loved the writing style and flow of the novel, very easy to follow.
February 27, 2018
Emotional and Suspenseful. That is how I would describe this novel. Leona and Aaron have two completely different lives, but have something beautiful.
There was so much going on throughout this novel. I was in it for the romance, like I always am, but the suspense and mystery really managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. It was a twisted ride and I was excited to be on it.
Shina James really manages to captivate the reader with her words and descriptions. I felt the fear, I felt the raw need, I felt the emotions come off these characters.
There was so much going on throughout this novel. I was in it for the romance, like I always am, but the suspense and mystery really managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. It was a twisted ride and I was excited to be on it.
Shina James really manages to captivate the reader with her words and descriptions. I felt the fear, I felt the raw need, I felt the emotions come off these characters.
March 24, 2016
I worked at a call center and while I had my down time I would read this book. I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the next book. The story is well written so you can see the characters and imagine the scenery. I love it!! I'll be waiting!
June 22, 2015
It was really interesting, I really liked it. Can't wait for book 2!
March 7, 2018
Amelia Waters is only fifteen when she loses both her parents following a fight. She is forced to stay with her aunt Leona and cousins Navid and Eli. Much to her horror Amelia is made to move to Missouri, where Leona shows her nothing but hatred.
Now I'll be honest in my opinion Like a Dream starts off slow, but then as you get further into the story it's tempo picks up.
Amelia is a young girl whose life is turned upside down by an aunt who has never liked her mother.
In Amelia, Shina has created a character who no matter how low she gets, knows that she must survive no matter what the world throws at her.
Leona has been written as someone you can't help but hate and be suspicious of as is Eli her son.
Navid on the other hand is someone you can sympathise with as Amelia pieces together a horrific event from when he was small.
Like a Dream is more than a romance novel; it is a mystery and suspense as well.
The ending is a cliff-hanger, but if you are like me and have immersed yourself in Amelia's story you will want to read the rest of the series to find out how her story ends.
Now I'll be honest in my opinion Like a Dream starts off slow, but then as you get further into the story it's tempo picks up.
Amelia is a young girl whose life is turned upside down by an aunt who has never liked her mother.
In Amelia, Shina has created a character who no matter how low she gets, knows that she must survive no matter what the world throws at her.
Leona has been written as someone you can't help but hate and be suspicious of as is Eli her son.
Navid on the other hand is someone you can sympathise with as Amelia pieces together a horrific event from when he was small.
Like a Dream is more than a romance novel; it is a mystery and suspense as well.
The ending is a cliff-hanger, but if you are like me and have immersed yourself in Amelia's story you will want to read the rest of the series to find out how her story ends.
February 7, 2017
LIKE A DREAM is full of suspense and intrigue. As you read, you realize that there is something deeper going on than just the physical world. A young girl is placed in a horrible situation that she is not willing to just walk away from because of the fear and depression that she is battling. At times, she succumbs to the emotions and weaknesses that we all face in dark times and at other times she is strong, strong-willed and it appears that she will be victorious. I have now read this book three times and while there are aspects of the writing style that are not my favorite, I love this book and waited anxiously for the sequel. I was not disappointed.
March 1, 2018
This novel had a lot of heart and a lot of action. Amelia is an interesting lead, she is misunderstood and considered weak yet is such a strong character and I loved that. It was nice getting to know her as a person and not just for her abilities.
I found the plot to be riveting with plenty of twists and turns, drama, and much more along the way.
The writing style was fluid and fast paced, which I really enjoyed!
I found the plot to be riveting with plenty of twists and turns, drama, and much more along the way.
The writing style was fluid and fast paced, which I really enjoyed!
March 1, 2018
I loved the barrage of emotions that Shina James was able to bring out of me as I read about her characters. I felt connected to them as people and their journeys throughout.
I loved the main characters, but there were many secondary characters who added to the drama and fun along the way.
I loved the main characters, but there were many secondary characters who added to the drama and fun along the way.
May 26, 2020
Great book!
This book kept me hooked, I never wanted to put it down! I'm fact, I even stayed up till 5am reading it. Can't wait for book two!
This book kept me hooked, I never wanted to put it down! I'm fact, I even stayed up till 5am reading it. Can't wait for book two!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews