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The Premonition
This mesmerizing audio original short story—a prequel to The Sleepwalker—from Chris Bohjalian, bestselling author of The Sandcastle Girls and The Guest Room, tells the tale of one strange summer when a pair of horses die, an odd boy moves to a small Vermont town, and a woman rises from her bed and disappears into the night.
Lianna Ahlberg is seventeen when a thunderstorm snaps a power line to the earth, electrifying the ground, the rain spreading the current like wildfire across the wet grass. Two horses are killed in the nearby field, unnerving the neighbors, upsetting the peculiar boy who has just moved in, and filling Lianna with a deep and abiding sense of dread. This is not the first unusual thing to happen that summer—a summer when Lianna’s mother begins to sleepwalk in the smallest hours of morning—and it will not be the last.
Lianna Ahlberg is seventeen when a thunderstorm snaps a power line to the earth, electrifying the ground, the rain spreading the current like wildfire across the wet grass. Two horses are killed in the nearby field, unnerving the neighbors, upsetting the peculiar boy who has just moved in, and filling Lianna with a deep and abiding sense of dread. This is not the first unusual thing to happen that summer—a summer when Lianna’s mother begins to sleepwalk in the smallest hours of morning—and it will not be the last.
Audible Audio
Published November 29, 2016
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About the author
Chris Bohjalian
43 books13.1k followersChris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books. His 25th book, THE JACKAL’S MISTRESS, is now on sale. He writes literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and (on occasion) ghost stories. His goal is never to write the same book twice. He has published somewhere in the neighborhood of 3.5 million words.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies (MIDWIVES, SECRETS OF EDEN, and PAST THE BLEACHERS) and an Emmy-winning TV series (THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT). He has two other novels in development for TV series as well.
He is also a playwright, including THE CLUB in 2024; MIDWIVES in 2020; and GROUNDED (now WINGSPAN) in 2018.
His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Bookpage, and Salon.
His awards include the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; the Sarah Josefa Hale Award; the ANCA Freedom Award for his work educating Americans about the Armenian Genocide; the ANCA Arts and Letters Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS, as well as the Saint Mesrob Mashdots Medal; the New England Society Book Award for THE NIGHT STRANGERS; the New England Book Award; Russia’s Soglasie (Concord) Award for THE SANDCASTLE GIRLS; a Boston Public Library Literary Light; a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for TRANS-SISTER RADIO; a Best Lifestyle Column for “Idyll Banter” from the Vermont Press Association; and the Anahid Literary Award. His short story, SLOT MACHINE FEVER DREAMS was a finalist for Best Short Story from the International Thriller Writers Association and the audio production was an Audie Finalist. His novel, MIDWVES was a selection of Oprah’s Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences.
He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Reader’s Digest, and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. He was a weekly columnist in Vermont for The Burlington Free Press from 1992 through 2015.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University.
He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 3, 2017
This is the short prequel to Chris Bohjalian's The Sleepwalker. I enjoyed this, but am left wondering how it compares to The Sleepwalker - which is a full novel, and is getting so many less-than-wonderful reviews.
The young girl in this novel, seventeen, has a premonition of an event that will have an impact on her relatively small town, and specifically on one family. The same young girl is the daughter of a sleepwalker. When her mother goes sleepwalking twice one summer when the husband is away on business. The first time, her actions lead them, her, to be the talk of the town, people driving slowly past their house to take in what her mother had done. The second time, though, was another story. More of a cautionary tale.
There's another family who are new to the area that they befriend, the daughters somewhat begrudgingly. Their two stories are somewhat entangled and I imagine where this ends is more or less where The Sleepwalker begins.
By itself, this is a little less than satisfying - the ending seems to be left too open unless you are sure you want to read The Sleepwalker. Since I haven't read it, I'm not sure how this ties into The Sleepwalker.
May 26, 2022
3 Stars for The Premonition: A Short Story Prequel to The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian read by Cady McClain.
This was a interesting story. I read The Sleepwalker some time ago and I thought reading this might jog my memory about how that story went, but it didn’t really.
This was a interesting story. I read The Sleepwalker some time ago and I thought reading this might jog my memory about how that story went, but it didn’t really.
April 18, 2017
This short prequel is a wonderful introduction to Chris Bohjalian's "The Sleepwalker".
Quick, creepy and leaves you wanting more!
Quick, creepy and leaves you wanting more!
October 9, 2017
2 stars--it was OK.
I read this because I really enjoyed The Sleepwalker, and it was nice to visit Lianna again (a character I was fond of in that book). However, I don't think this added anything at all to the novel or its characters, and generally seemed unnecessary.
I read this because I really enjoyed The Sleepwalker, and it was nice to visit Lianna again (a character I was fond of in that book). However, I don't think this added anything at all to the novel or its characters, and generally seemed unnecessary.
December 23, 2016
Shrouded in foreshadowing and laced with supernatural elements this tale introduces us to sleepwalking and premonitions. This is classic Bohjalian, and I cannot wait to crack open Sleepwalker.
Bohjalian gives us glimpses into the life of a young girl who experiences a premonition before a bizarre electrical accident, a mother who does strange things while sleepwalking and an odd little boy who obsesses over medieval times. The author delights in sharing these prequels with us, and I find they wet my palate and prepare me for the main course.
The author also seamlessly shares information about sleepwalking and how it impacts the entire family. He left me wildly curious about Lianna's premonition and the strange young boy.
Cady McClain did an excellent job narrating, and I am almost sorry I didn't wait for the audio of The Sleepwalker.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Bohjalian gives us glimpses into the life of a young girl who experiences a premonition before a bizarre electrical accident, a mother who does strange things while sleepwalking and an odd little boy who obsesses over medieval times. The author delights in sharing these prequels with us, and I find they wet my palate and prepare me for the main course.
The author also seamlessly shares information about sleepwalking and how it impacts the entire family. He left me wildly curious about Lianna's premonition and the strange young boy.
Cady McClain did an excellent job narrating, and I am almost sorry I didn't wait for the audio of The Sleepwalker.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
March 28, 2024
On a rainy evening in rural Vermont, a teenager thinks she has a PREMONITION before lightning kills two horses at a nearby farm. At home, her mother does bizarre things while sleepwalking. Nearby, an odd boy obsesses about medieval times.
This prequel to to Chris Bohjalian's upcoming novel THE SLEEPWALKER piqued my interest with interesting characters and flawless writing.
This prequel to to Chris Bohjalian's upcoming novel THE SLEEPWALKER piqued my interest with interesting characters and flawless writing.
December 31, 2016
Can't wait to dive into The Sleepwalker now!
December 7, 2016
Excellent! Now I can't wait for the book!!
May 31, 2018
This is the prequel to Sleepwalker and as I was planning on reading Sleepwalker, I opted to read this first. It's in 1st POV of the daughter of the Sleepwalker. At this point in time she's 17 which may explain why this felt rambling and pointless. I was bored with all the content and it took 5 days just to get through this. I kept putting it down. Shouldn't prequels have a point? Shouldn't they make you want to read the actual book? Now I'm wondering if I want to read Sleepwalker after all.
October 7, 2017
Some great background for those who've read The Sleepwalker or a nice intro to that book. Quick and enjoyable read.
September 18, 2023
(I actually could've had this done sooner, lol, but I read it on my ereader and I've been reading other things that weren't on the ereader).
This was the first of Chris Bohjalian's books I've read and it will not be the last. Good story, I can't wait to read The Sleepwalker.
This was the first of Chris Bohjalian's books I've read and it will not be the last. Good story, I can't wait to read The Sleepwalker.
January 16, 2017
This is a prequel to Chris's new novel The Sleepwalker due in January. It gives some background to the soon to be released novel and makes you rush to Amazon to pre-order the novel. I read the novel first and then the short story. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was still entranced by the author's ability to foreshadow his novel just enough but not too much. It introduced the characters and the main premise of the story and told about one incident, that happened several years before the novel starts, where the mom sleepwalks and how much the family is upset with her nocturnal wanderings. You should try to read it before you read the novel and now that the novel has been published, you won't have to wait. Whether you read it before or after, it's still an amazing short story.
January 29, 2017
This is the very short prequel to the novel The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian. I read this novella and the novel on the same day, so it is hard to not compare them. I liked this short novella better than the the full length book that followed. This was intriguing and it was a nice little set up for the coming novel. It left me eager to start The Sleepwalker. So 4 stars because I think this accomplished its intended purpose.
January 23, 2017
Oooooo, tantalizing! I specifically waited to read this short story prequel to Bohjalian's new book, The Sleepwalker, until it was out because I knew it would leave me in agony waiting for the rest of the story. I typically steer clear of books that are haunting or eerie, mostly because I read at night, and being the empathic person that I am (it's a blessing and a curse), I would never sleep. However, Bohjalian is just unavoidable for me. I love his words, his style, his astonishing endings. I am drawn in and holding my breath throughout the entirety of his stories. Enough ramblings...must go read The Sleepwalker!
April 22, 2022
Great short prequel to The Sleepwalker. Actually I would call it more a teaser than a prequel, because as soon as I finished reading it I wanted to get my hands on The Sleepwalker right away. Hopefully I will soon.
August 2, 2025
Chris Bohjalian’s The Premonition is a short prequel to The Sleepwalker. I decided to review only once I finished reading both books.
3 – 3.5 stars seems adequate for this prequel.
Although this short prequel was interesting and rather good, I found the connection between the two books lacking and baffling!! Looking back now, this prequel makes little sense to me. Though I enjoyed it enough to give it the 3 stars, I was left with questions that were never resolved in book 2.
I am left with (SPOILER ALERT):
- What the heck happened to the premonitions? There is nothing about them in the next book, so why was it important enough to name the first book “The Premonition”? It just seemed like a one-off thing that led us astray. Yet both books mention sleepwalking, which is truly the central “condition” of the set, so I think we put too much emphasis on the idea of premonition, in this prequel.
- What happened to Erik, the “strange” little boy? He was an integral part of this book, at lease that’s how the plot seemed to flow. Until his parents split up and he … moved away. I was seriously waiting for him to come up in the second book, tying it all together.
- Anyone else think this prequel and the next could have been one book? And while at it, either remove or expand on Erik. Name the whole thing The Sleepwalker. And maybe downplay or remove the premonition altogether.
That’s it. I’m left with those questions. I’ll write a review for The Sleepwalker later today.
3 – 3.5 stars seems adequate for this prequel.
Although this short prequel was interesting and rather good, I found the connection between the two books lacking and baffling!! Looking back now, this prequel makes little sense to me. Though I enjoyed it enough to give it the 3 stars, I was left with questions that were never resolved in book 2.
I am left with (SPOILER ALERT):
- What the heck happened to the premonitions? There is nothing about them in the next book, so why was it important enough to name the first book “The Premonition”? It just seemed like a one-off thing that led us astray. Yet both books mention sleepwalking, which is truly the central “condition” of the set, so I think we put too much emphasis on the idea of premonition, in this prequel.
- What happened to Erik, the “strange” little boy? He was an integral part of this book, at lease that’s how the plot seemed to flow. Until his parents split up and he … moved away. I was seriously waiting for him to come up in the second book, tying it all together.
- Anyone else think this prequel and the next could have been one book? And while at it, either remove or expand on Erik. Name the whole thing The Sleepwalker. And maybe downplay or remove the premonition altogether.
That’s it. I’m left with those questions. I’ll write a review for The Sleepwalker later today.
July 30, 2022
Told through the eyes of Lianna, a junior magician and stoner in the mid 1990s, this story takes on a variety of moods and emotions in its all-too brief existence that will leave readers yearning for more. Set in the bucolic suburbs of Vermont, a freak accident, new neighbors, and a puzzling parental proclivity provide a tension- filled tale full of elements that- although eerie- are totally believable. Clearly, this is due to the skillful writing and sensitivity of Chris Bohjalian, a master storyteller who can create a sense of ominous foreboding that alternates with glimpses of compassion and salvation. Strongly recommended.
July 28, 2018
Always a good read. This is one of my favorite authors
August 2, 2020
Great little beach read.
July 7, 2017
Since I'll be reading The Sleepwalker for one of my book clubs & I discovered this book is the prequel (Anybody who knows me knows I'm a sucker for series & MUST read them in order.), I read this first. Very short & good background for The Sleepwalker. Told from the point of view of a 17-year-old girl, so a bit angst-filled, but I'm glad I read it.
February 25, 2017
4.5 as I'm hooked, totally hooked, and can't wait to finish the story that continues in "The Sleepwalker." I can't remember ever reading a short (79 pages) prequel like this before.
February 21, 2017
The Premonition is a 44-page prequel to The Sleepwalker that leaves me really looking forward to reading that next book.
It begins with the story of 17-year-old Lianna and the peculiar happenings in her life, including the strange activities – she calls them quirky – of her sleepwalking mother.
The last page aptly sets the stage for the next book. It’s good, it’s very good!
It begins with the story of 17-year-old Lianna and the peculiar happenings in her life, including the strange activities – she calls them quirky – of her sleepwalking mother.
The last page aptly sets the stage for the next book. It’s good, it’s very good!
July 19, 2017
No. No way do I have time to listen to this story - however it short it may be - drone on and on. The narrator cannot even be blamed for it, though she sounded too "forced".
I listened to this intentionally before listening to The Sleepwalker, since it's a prequel. I'm highly debating on listening to that at all now. If it is anything like the prequel, I will fall asleep at my desk.
I listened to this intentionally before listening to The Sleepwalker, since it's a prequel. I'm highly debating on listening to that at all now. If it is anything like the prequel, I will fall asleep at my desk.
January 6, 2017
This is a short prequel which whet my appetite for Chris Bohjalian's nest novel, The Sleepwalker. The characters were well-developed for a short work, and as always, the writing pulls you in quickly. I can't wait to read the novel!
December 23, 2016
If this short story was written to get me excited for "The Sleepwalker," mission accomplished!
December 30, 2016
Whetting my appetite for Chris's newest novel, The Sleepwalker, which is coming out in January! Great story, left me eager for more.
February 6, 2017
This brief story makes me so excited to read The Sleepwalker!
May 26, 2025
An interesting short story about a family whose mother has a parasomnia, or sleepwalking disorder. As the family consists of the professor father who is out of town, 17-year-old female teenager doing magic shows for children's birthday parties and the 12-year-old girl who is expected to be nice and make friends with the new young odd boy who moved into the farm place across the road. The mother and teenage daughter witness the electrocution of their two horses from a downed power line during a bad storm as they were driving home.
The foreshadowing indicates the Holbrook's odd little boy, Eric, who is obsessed with all things medieval will be more developed in the next story. The same is true for Lianna and Paige's(the younger sister), as well as Annalee, the girl's mother, who has bouts of sleepwalking when Mr. Ahlberg is away from home. She has done some crazy and scary things in the past.
All in all, very readable.
The foreshadowing indicates the Holbrook's odd little boy, Eric, who is obsessed with all things medieval will be more developed in the next story. The same is true for Lianna and Paige's(the younger sister), as well as Annalee, the girl's mother, who has bouts of sleepwalking when Mr. Ahlberg is away from home. She has done some crazy and scary things in the past.
All in all, very readable.
October 9, 2018
Every time I see one of Mr. Bohjalian's books on a list I think, "Oh, I should read that." I don't know why - someone must have praised him to me at some point, because I don't remember any prior personal experience of his work. Anyway, I finally decided to bite the bullet. The Sleepwalker has good reviews, and this short story is a prequel to it, so it seemed like a good place to start. Well, it was! Good writing, good characterization, and some interesting problems for the YA narrator to deal with. So I'll queue up The Sleepwalker and a few more of his works, and have something to look forward to.
October 2, 2020
Is every book from this decade about drugs, sex, or violence? Geeeeeeezzzzz. Enough already. This book has the protagonist being on a constant high like that is a totally normal thing to do... even while just hanging out with her family. Yep, mom and dad are just fine with it. I wonder if they can even tell if when she's high or not? Or are they so high too that they can't tell themselves?
Unbelievable. Just so tired of people try to treat this crap like it's good and healthy. If it's their normal, well, I feel sad for them. Going thru life living on the edges because most of the time, according to the book, you're not really even there is just sad, sad, sad.
Ugh.
Unbelievable. Just so tired of people try to treat this crap like it's good and healthy. If it's their normal, well, I feel sad for them. Going thru life living on the edges because most of the time, according to the book, you're not really even there is just sad, sad, sad.
Ugh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews