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The Dreamcatcher
High school is rarely easy, especially for a tall, somewhat gangly Native American girl. Add a sprinkle of shyness, a dash of athletic prowess, an above-average IQ, and some bizarre history that places in the guardianship of her aunt. Then normal high school life is only an illusion. Kai Tiva faces an uphill struggle until she runs into Riley Beth James, the extroverted class cutie, at the principal’s office. Riley shows up for a newspaper interview, while Kai is summoned for punching out a classmate. Riley is the attractive girl-next-door-type whom everyone likes. Though a fairly good student, an emerging choral star, and wildly popular, she knows she’ll never live up to her older sister. She makes up for it with bravery, kindness, and a brash can-do attitude. Their odd matchup is strengthened by curiosity, compassion, humor, and all the drama of typical teenage life. But their experiences go beyond the normal teen angst; theirs is compounded by a curious attraction to each other, and an emerging, insidious danger related to mysterious death of Kai’s father. Their emerging friendship is tested as they navigate this risky challenge. But the powerful bond forged between them has existed through past lives. The outcome this time will affect the next generation of Kai’s people.
352 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 14, 2016
2 1/2 Stars. I have read Barrett before and liked her books. I also really want to read her Damaged series, so when I saw this book, I was really excited to read it. I'm actually very disappointed, this book did not work for me at all.
The story is about two girls in high school, that become best friends and more. When strange occurrences start happening around them, they realize there is a lot more going on in this world, and their lives will never be the same.
This is a YA, with the two main characters being 15 years old. My biggest struggle with this book was it felt like it was written by an adult, trying to be a teenager. The dialogue felt like what an adult might guess a teenager might speak like. It just came out very inauthentic and forced in places. The two mains, especially Riley, seemed very immature. I felt like I was reading about 11 year old's, instead of 15. The only time they seemed age appropriate was when they were making out with each other.
One of the main characters Kai, is a Native American, so I was really excited to see how the paranormal and spiritual aspects might take place, again I was disappointed. Kai is "the chosen one" and after a whole book, we still don't know what that means. Does she have powers? Super strength? Can she do magic? I still don't know. All through out the book, secondary characters would tell Kai little snippets about her life and future. But they were always in a hurry or Kai could not handle hearing it, so as readers we still don't know what the heck is going on!
Last complaint was repetitiveness. This book would head hop between Kai and Riley. We would get Kai's take on something, then get Riley's take on the same thing. This happened over and over, especially about their "feelings" for each other. It was just so repetitive. The book wasted all this time on how the girls thought about each other, over and over, that there was no time for the actually interesting paranormal/magical part of the story. After reading this whole book, all I know is the girls like each other, something strange is going on, and the girls are important. That's it, that's the whole book in a nutshell.
Like I said at the beginning, I like Barrett as an author, so I'm disappointed to have to bash this book so much. This was an ARC that still needed some proofreading. I hope that Barrett might consider tightening up some of the repetitiveness, and maybe let the readers know a little bit more what is going on, before this book is released.
An ARC was given to me by Sapphire Books Publishing, for a honest review.
The story is about two girls in high school, that become best friends and more. When strange occurrences start happening around them, they realize there is a lot more going on in this world, and their lives will never be the same.
This is a YA, with the two main characters being 15 years old. My biggest struggle with this book was it felt like it was written by an adult, trying to be a teenager. The dialogue felt like what an adult might guess a teenager might speak like. It just came out very inauthentic and forced in places. The two mains, especially Riley, seemed very immature. I felt like I was reading about 11 year old's, instead of 15. The only time they seemed age appropriate was when they were making out with each other.
One of the main characters Kai, is a Native American, so I was really excited to see how the paranormal and spiritual aspects might take place, again I was disappointed. Kai is "the chosen one" and after a whole book, we still don't know what that means. Does she have powers? Super strength? Can she do magic? I still don't know. All through out the book, secondary characters would tell Kai little snippets about her life and future. But they were always in a hurry or Kai could not handle hearing it, so as readers we still don't know what the heck is going on!
Last complaint was repetitiveness. This book would head hop between Kai and Riley. We would get Kai's take on something, then get Riley's take on the same thing. This happened over and over, especially about their "feelings" for each other. It was just so repetitive. The book wasted all this time on how the girls thought about each other, over and over, that there was no time for the actually interesting paranormal/magical part of the story. After reading this whole book, all I know is the girls like each other, something strange is going on, and the girls are important. That's it, that's the whole book in a nutshell.
Like I said at the beginning, I like Barrett as an author, so I'm disappointed to have to bash this book so much. This was an ARC that still needed some proofreading. I hope that Barrett might consider tightening up some of the repetitiveness, and maybe let the readers know a little bit more what is going on, before this book is released.
An ARC was given to me by Sapphire Books Publishing, for a honest review.
December 15, 2016
I haven't read a YA book in quite a while. But this one really caught my eye. The description was very enticing. I absolutely LOVED this book...up until the last 1/3. The characters were rich and interesting. The story was quite interesting...Native American spirituality/reincarnation/evil versus good/young romance....kept me turning the page.
There were a score of secondary characters. Some quirky and fun. The romance between Kai and Riley was sweet and a little steamy in places. There was a lot of chemistry between the two. Definitely reminded you of the incredible feeling of a new romance.
My problem came with the ending. Really the last 1/3 of the book took a rather sharp turn. All of a sudden things were easily explained, brushed under the rug and simply ignored for an ending. Obviously the author plans another book. But the way this one just literally rushed to an ending was unfortunate. I can't even describe it as a cliff hanger...it was far worse than that. This started out as a 5 star read but ended as more of a 2.5-3 star. I like books that don't answer all the questions and leave you to think and ponder for a bit. But, this was ridiculous.
I struggled with the rating. I ended up with a 3.5 but rounded up because of how much I enjoyed the characters and the sweet romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were a score of secondary characters. Some quirky and fun. The romance between Kai and Riley was sweet and a little steamy in places. There was a lot of chemistry between the two. Definitely reminded you of the incredible feeling of a new romance.
My problem came with the ending. Really the last 1/3 of the book took a rather sharp turn. All of a sudden things were easily explained, brushed under the rug and simply ignored for an ending. Obviously the author plans another book. But the way this one just literally rushed to an ending was unfortunate. I can't even describe it as a cliff hanger...it was far worse than that. This started out as a 5 star read but ended as more of a 2.5-3 star. I like books that don't answer all the questions and leave you to think and ponder for a bit. But, this was ridiculous.
I struggled with the rating. I ended up with a 3.5 but rounded up because of how much I enjoyed the characters and the sweet romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2016
I absolutely adored the cute f/f romance between stoic, athletic Kai and fierce-like-a-Chihuahua Riley. They were a great duo--The Dreamcatcher is worth reading just for them.
Plotwise, the supernatural happenings were promising but never quite got off the ground. The biggest issue with the story was unusual pacing. The climax (or maybe it was a climax?) occurred about 70% of the way into the story, which then left about 80 pages of mundane events and trivial details not integral to much of anything. Also, there was an often-mentioned buildup to an event, but when it finally happened it passed with barely a blip on the radar.
This next part of my review is difficult to explain without giving away spoilers, but let's just say it was troubling that the interesting, Indigenous-based folklore became subordinate to white Europeans.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
Plotwise, the supernatural happenings were promising but never quite got off the ground. The biggest issue with the story was unusual pacing. The climax (or maybe it was a climax?) occurred about 70% of the way into the story, which then left about 80 pages of mundane events and trivial details not integral to much of anything. Also, there was an often-mentioned buildup to an event, but when it finally happened it passed with barely a blip on the radar.
This next part of my review is difficult to explain without giving away spoilers, but let's just say it was troubling that the interesting, Indigenous-based folklore became subordinate to white Europeans.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
January 9, 2017
I want to start this review by saying that as an adult I am a big fan of the young adult genre. A large number of my top 10 favourite books are young adult. I just needed to make this point so that it was clear that my issues with the book was not because I am an adult trying to see adult characters in young adult, I am not. But what I do have issue with is when you have someone writing in the young adult genre from an adults prospective of teenagers which makes the characters act and look like they are 10 years younger than they are.
I was looking forward to the book and really thought the concept sounded great. The issue for me was that the author clearly has a parent’s perspective of teenagers because it sounded like my mum writing a book about me and my friends when we were in high school. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the book.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I was looking forward to the book and really thought the concept sounded great. The issue for me was that the author clearly has a parent’s perspective of teenagers because it sounded like my mum writing a book about me and my friends when we were in high school. Unfortunately I couldn't finish the book.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
December 13, 2016
This was a great read and what a well rounded cast, when the rat jumped on Kai I freaked out just like her. ). Can't wait for the second book.
Book Given by NetGalley for a honest review
Book Given by NetGalley for a honest review
January 7, 2017
Not the way I wanted to start off the year with such a disappointing book. This falls into the YA genre but with dialogue and actions very obviously written by an author with no sense of how teenagers speak. The dialogue is tremendously painful and I fought with the urge to cut my losses and just abandon the book altogether. There are a lot of things I'll let slide in my reading, but not dialogue; corny/stilted/fake/nonhuman-speech-pattern is the first thing that will take me out of a novel. But this one had plenty of other reasons to boot. This is part coming out/coming of age novel and part sci-fi urban fantasy, yet the two genres are in no way weaved together (ala Buffy, say) naturally. The fantasy elements occur randomly in the midst of these two teenage girls "making out" and have no satisfactory explanation. The author may be leaving room for follow up titles in an ongoing series, but if that was even the case, it would be nice to explore that urban fantasy element and craft a world rather than sprinkle hints and literally run away from it. I just had a difficult time finding something likable from this book. There were a few genuine moments between the protagonists that were cute or sweet but those moments were very few and far between and overwhelmed by the distracting dialogue and nonsensical/unresolved storyline. Would not read any other novels by this author if this is typical of her writing style.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
ARC provided by NetGalley.
December 19, 2016
Young love. Intense and unpredictable. Fun read that had me reflecting on my younger years. Riley and Kai both likeable and trying to find their way in life and a possible relationship. Really enjoyed the dynamics between Kai and her Aunt Tilley and the Native American infusion, very refreshing.
Received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
April 9, 2017
Kai, a 15 year old Native American, is smart, tall and athletic. Now in high school, she is bullied about her looks and her background but also defends smaller students against bullies as well. While in the principal's office because she punched out a bully, she meets Riley, a popular and pretty white student. Soon the two are inseparable, developing a bond that is deep and intense. But at the same time that they are dealing with their growing feelings for one another, they are thrust in the middle of a strange revenge story that is based in Native American spirituality/legend and involves the death of Kai's father.
This is the first book I've read by Barrett and I believe her only YA book to date. On the whole, I think she did a good job with the genre and made the usual coming out story more interesting by melding it with the Native spiritual issues. This felt like the first in a series since the main conflict of the story wasn't resolved, but at least the author didn't end the book with an annoying cliffhanger. Yet, there were some troubling plot holes that should have been addressed (e.g., why was the man in the magic store during the first visit so menacing?) that reduced my rating from a 5 to a 4.
This is the first book I've read by Barrett and I believe her only YA book to date. On the whole, I think she did a good job with the genre and made the usual coming out story more interesting by melding it with the Native spiritual issues. This felt like the first in a series since the main conflict of the story wasn't resolved, but at least the author didn't end the book with an annoying cliffhanger. Yet, there were some troubling plot holes that should have been addressed (e.g., why was the man in the magic store during the first visit so menacing?) that reduced my rating from a 5 to a 4.
March 21, 2017
From author Susan X. Meagher:
"I read The Dreamcatcher while on a long train journey, thinking I’d spend an hour or two with it before I moved onto my own work. Hours later, I finished the book, now with a stiff back from sitting in one spot for the entire afternoon. But I hold no animosity toward Barrett for keeping me in thrall. Actually, distracting me from the monotony of the landscape was a gift!
Why did this book catch and hold my interest? Several reasons. Primarily, I love reading about first loves, and you could hardly have more innocent, appealing characters than these two. But Kai and Riley, though as innocent as lambs, weren’t annoyingly naive. Their non-jaded view of the world was completely appropriate for young women of their age and experience, and I found them charming.
I also found that the secondary characters held my interest. Often, I skim over the parts where the main characters aren’t on the page, since surrounding characters are sometimes given short shrift. Not here. Kai’s aunt, Riley’s parents, the choral leader, the owner of the occult store, Riley’s sister…all of them had dimension and earned their places in the story.
Lastly, the plot buzzed along briskly. I happily went along for the ride, even though I’m not generally a fan of mystery and intrigue and unexplainable phenomena. I think Barrett’s humor helped carry me along, with the girls continuing to make me laugh when they’d comment about how truly weird some of these events were. Having them be sober and serious about everything would have been off-putting, and I’m glad Barrett had the girls view much of the action with the fluidity and nonchalance that many young people effortlessly pull off.
I hate rating books with stars, finding it difficult to quantify my enjoyment of a book against any objective standard. So I’ll rate this with five stars for brightening my day and making hundreds of miles of the industrial north disappear in the blink of an eye. "
"I read The Dreamcatcher while on a long train journey, thinking I’d spend an hour or two with it before I moved onto my own work. Hours later, I finished the book, now with a stiff back from sitting in one spot for the entire afternoon. But I hold no animosity toward Barrett for keeping me in thrall. Actually, distracting me from the monotony of the landscape was a gift!
Why did this book catch and hold my interest? Several reasons. Primarily, I love reading about first loves, and you could hardly have more innocent, appealing characters than these two. But Kai and Riley, though as innocent as lambs, weren’t annoyingly naive. Their non-jaded view of the world was completely appropriate for young women of their age and experience, and I found them charming.
I also found that the secondary characters held my interest. Often, I skim over the parts where the main characters aren’t on the page, since surrounding characters are sometimes given short shrift. Not here. Kai’s aunt, Riley’s parents, the choral leader, the owner of the occult store, Riley’s sister…all of them had dimension and earned their places in the story.
Lastly, the plot buzzed along briskly. I happily went along for the ride, even though I’m not generally a fan of mystery and intrigue and unexplainable phenomena. I think Barrett’s humor helped carry me along, with the girls continuing to make me laugh when they’d comment about how truly weird some of these events were. Having them be sober and serious about everything would have been off-putting, and I’m glad Barrett had the girls view much of the action with the fluidity and nonchalance that many young people effortlessly pull off.
I hate rating books with stars, finding it difficult to quantify my enjoyment of a book against any objective standard. So I’ll rate this with five stars for brightening my day and making hundreds of miles of the industrial north disappear in the blink of an eye. "
January 22, 2017
This book would be classified as young adult genre. It deals with two girls, Kai and Riley, becoming aware of their sexual orientation. Watching their young love develop is cute. Various thoughts and issues they have are ones expressed by many gay people.
The other storyline in the book pertains to native Indians. Kai is an Indian and is experiencing visions related to her family history. Kai has many questions about her father who died when she was young and her mother who abandoned her shortly after birth. She is being raised by the father’s sister and they have an excellent relationship.
The characters were well developed and certainly believable. Kai’s aunt, her new girlfriend, Riley’s sister, and Ms. Byrd all made for good support to the story line. The sexual realization story is one which is old, but people still enjoy reading.
Editing was a problem which I noticed. There were numerous times when words were misused or missing. Thorough proof reading would certainly elevate the quality of this book.
Unfortunately, the book comes to a very quick finish. Throughout the story the author provides in-depth details about the growing relationship between Kai and Riley. The super-natural visions were a little confusing at times. The ending certainly leads the reader to expect a sequel to this book.
I am giving this book 3-1/2 stars out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
The other storyline in the book pertains to native Indians. Kai is an Indian and is experiencing visions related to her family history. Kai has many questions about her father who died when she was young and her mother who abandoned her shortly after birth. She is being raised by the father’s sister and they have an excellent relationship.
The characters were well developed and certainly believable. Kai’s aunt, her new girlfriend, Riley’s sister, and Ms. Byrd all made for good support to the story line. The sexual realization story is one which is old, but people still enjoy reading.
Editing was a problem which I noticed. There were numerous times when words were misused or missing. Thorough proof reading would certainly elevate the quality of this book.
Unfortunately, the book comes to a very quick finish. Throughout the story the author provides in-depth details about the growing relationship between Kai and Riley. The super-natural visions were a little confusing at times. The ending certainly leads the reader to expect a sequel to this book.
I am giving this book 3-1/2 stars out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for an honest review.
December 10, 2016
The Dreamcatcher
by Barrett
Sapphire Books Publishing
Pub Date 15 Jan 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of The Dreamcatcher through the publisher and Netgalley:
This book introduces us to Kai Tiva a Shy, Native American Teenage girl with an above average I.Q and a bit of athletic prowness. Kai Tiva is not to shy to stick up to bullies who pick on the smaller kids though.
Riley is the attractive girl next door type, popular and a good student who is on her way to becoming a Choir star.
This is a story of an unusual friendship between a popular girl and an outcast as well as a story of self-discovery.
I give this book four out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
January 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Oh, I really loved the two main characters-Kai and Riley! These two girls meet quite by accident one day in the principal's office. Kai, is a Native-American athlete and not afraid to stand up to those that bully others. Riley, is a passionate musical theater student trying to live up to her older sister's perfect image. A friendship gradually forms and gives way to a budding romance that will remind older readers about the innocence and beauty of young love.
I felt the secondary characters like Kai's aunt and Riley's parents were well written, but found it interesting how quickly the other students and friends seem to fade into the background of the story.
The part of the story that I found took this rating down from a 4 or 5, was the sub storyline that took hold around the middle featuring the supernatural and the kidnapping of Riley's sister. I was glad that it ended as quickly as it had started. But I really don't want to dwell on that because the beauty of this story was Kai and Riley.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced e-arc of this book.
Oh, I really loved the two main characters-Kai and Riley! These two girls meet quite by accident one day in the principal's office. Kai, is a Native-American athlete and not afraid to stand up to those that bully others. Riley, is a passionate musical theater student trying to live up to her older sister's perfect image. A friendship gradually forms and gives way to a budding romance that will remind older readers about the innocence and beauty of young love.
I felt the secondary characters like Kai's aunt and Riley's parents were well written, but found it interesting how quickly the other students and friends seem to fade into the background of the story.
The part of the story that I found took this rating down from a 4 or 5, was the sub storyline that took hold around the middle featuring the supernatural and the kidnapping of Riley's sister. I was glad that it ended as quickly as it had started. But I really don't want to dwell on that because the beauty of this story was Kai and Riley.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced e-arc of this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews