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Dead Dreamer #2
To Wake The Dead
2020 IAN Book of the Year Awards: Outstanding "Paranormal/Supernatural" Category Finalist
Brenna Whit teeters the line between the living and the dead. Now that she's back for her sophomore year at Nephesburg College, she's determined to focus on the waking world. But when her own soul is trying to kill her and a new Dead Dreamer is fighting for power, Brenna is dragged back into the world of the dead.
The Gatekeepers are doing everything they can to restore the power they once held over the town of Nephesburg. With a mysterious set of twins arriving in town to help them prepare, Brenna must decide what's important: continuing to hide her secret or reveal herself and fight for what she believes is right. The decision could end up leading to a permanent death for Brenna so she must choose wisely.
Classes have begun...
The battlefield is set...
Let the fight for the Fade begin.
Fans of Supernatural and Buffy the Vampire Slayer will love this series!
- GenresFantasyParanormal
Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lampkin
6 books161 followersA native of Southern Virginia, best selling author Sarah Lampkin is a 2015 graduate from Lynchburg College [University of Lynchburg] with a master’s degree in English. Since graduation, Sarah now lives in Northern Virginia working in the IT field. When she isn’t working, Sarah continues her Celtic mythology research and Gaelic studies, while working on the Dead Dreamer series.
Her work mainly focuses on Celtic themes, mixed with elements from the spiritual world. And her characters always have a flair of attitude and sarcasm because writing damsels in distress is something she just can’t do.
Her work mainly focuses on Celtic themes, mixed with elements from the spiritual world. And her characters always have a flair of attitude and sarcasm because writing damsels in distress is something she just can’t do.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 3, 2019
Read this full review on my blog along with others at: Foals, Fiction & Filigree.
1) To Dream Is To Die: ★★★★
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, The Parliament House, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Content Warning: Discussion of Death, Murder, Injury, Underaged Drinking, Self-Harm
It’s not often that I find the second book in a series better than the first. Yet, here it is, the mythical favored second book. To Wake the Dead answers all the questions and/or issues I had with To Dream Is To Die (not that there were a ton). I simply wanted more backstory and detail into the facts that were given. A great thing about this series is that it is in a contemporary setting. There isn’t a lot of time spent on world building because it’s not necessary, and the details can be spent on the complexity of the matter and hand, instead. While I like my fantasy worlds, I have found this series to be incredibly refreshing in that regard, especially seeing how there is a lot going on with the realm of the Fade and much to unpack.
The main character Brenna, isn’t as likeable as the average protagonist throughout To Dream Is To Die, which honestly, I understand why. For anyone who had an issue with Brenna before, you will most likely find that she’s much more palatable in To Wake the Dead. I rather appreciate a character who is slower to trust anyone and everyone, as it allows her to be smarter. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I really like how this author captures her characters. They feel real, are engaging, and has made me really care about their stories--which for me, is an accomplishment. I tend to love the overall “atmosphere” and setting that a book offers over the characters themselves.
Two new, and influential characters arrive on the scene throughout this installment. Mysterious and rather creepy Lara and Leon introduce an entirely new complexity to the overall plot. As revelations about the Gatekeepers are made, Brenna finds herself at the center of something much bigger than her--and something that has been going on for many, many years.
The Gatekeepers are revealed to be essentially a group of “cultish Christians” (a complete dichotomy, if you ask me). Thinking to do the work of the Bible, they seal the demon portals to cleanse the town of demons, and lock them out. While I find this to be an odd twist on Christianity, and making them essentially the bad (or naive) guys and demons good in the eyes of the reader, I think it does bring up a good point--man-made laws or protocol should be brought into question, as man oftentimes gets it wrong. This is seen in, but not exclusively in the Church throughout history time and time again.
Demons, having quite a history of being bad, hold a very different status throughout this plot. Brenna, having the unique ability to see the inhabitants of the Fade for what they are, has an understanding of things that typical mortals do not. While I don’t exactly like this angle on the story, it’s fantasy, and it not to be taken literally. I do think the idea creative, and it definitely offers a twist on common conceptions of who stands on the side of good, bad, and somewhere in between. I’m so curious to see what will happen with these characters, and am definitely looking forward to To Reap The Spirit.
Vulgarity: Moderate.
Sexual content: Not as much as To Dream Is To Die but it exists as an undertone to conversations
Violence: Quite a bit. Considering Mora is Brenna’s suicidal soul that tries to make Brenna meet her demise, there are frequent occurrences of what would be considered “self-harm.” Also, the faeries are nasty creatures that are to blamed for some unpleasantness.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
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1) To Dream Is To Die: ★★★★
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, The Parliament House, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.
All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Content Warning: Discussion of Death, Murder, Injury, Underaged Drinking, Self-Harm
The demons were always peaceful creatures. Sure, they weren’t the prettiest things to look at, but they never caused any harm. On the nights of the full moon, their doors would open, allowing them the freedom to explore the Fade. They would play pranks, laugh, and even dance as they explored. From my experience, they were harmless. The fairies were a different story.
It’s not often that I find the second book in a series better than the first. Yet, here it is, the mythical favored second book. To Wake the Dead answers all the questions and/or issues I had with To Dream Is To Die (not that there were a ton). I simply wanted more backstory and detail into the facts that were given. A great thing about this series is that it is in a contemporary setting. There isn’t a lot of time spent on world building because it’s not necessary, and the details can be spent on the complexity of the matter and hand, instead. While I like my fantasy worlds, I have found this series to be incredibly refreshing in that regard, especially seeing how there is a lot going on with the realm of the Fade and much to unpack.
The main character Brenna, isn’t as likeable as the average protagonist throughout To Dream Is To Die, which honestly, I understand why. For anyone who had an issue with Brenna before, you will most likely find that she’s much more palatable in To Wake the Dead. I rather appreciate a character who is slower to trust anyone and everyone, as it allows her to be smarter. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I really like how this author captures her characters. They feel real, are engaging, and has made me really care about their stories--which for me, is an accomplishment. I tend to love the overall “atmosphere” and setting that a book offers over the characters themselves.
Two new, and influential characters arrive on the scene throughout this installment. Mysterious and rather creepy Lara and Leon introduce an entirely new complexity to the overall plot. As revelations about the Gatekeepers are made, Brenna finds herself at the center of something much bigger than her--and something that has been going on for many, many years.
The Gatekeepers are revealed to be essentially a group of “cultish Christians” (a complete dichotomy, if you ask me). Thinking to do the work of the Bible, they seal the demon portals to cleanse the town of demons, and lock them out. While I find this to be an odd twist on Christianity, and making them essentially the bad (or naive) guys and demons good in the eyes of the reader, I think it does bring up a good point--man-made laws or protocol should be brought into question, as man oftentimes gets it wrong. This is seen in, but not exclusively in the Church throughout history time and time again.
”Who wrote the laws saying that doorways must be sealed? Who told you to create another one of you?”
“The church.”
“Why?” He was silent. For once, he had no answer. He merely stared at me00not blinking or unwavering as his eyes locked on mine. I thought I had him; nowhere in the Bible did it say to interfere with the dead or the other side. In fact, the Scripture scorned it. If I remembered correctly, that would border on witchcraft and necromancy, which was forbidden. So, if Wilson were the type to follow the Bible no matter what, then these questions just pushed his logic out the window. Even if the church said he had to do those things, who was to say they were right?
Demons, having quite a history of being bad, hold a very different status throughout this plot. Brenna, having the unique ability to see the inhabitants of the Fade for what they are, has an understanding of things that typical mortals do not. While I don’t exactly like this angle on the story, it’s fantasy, and it not to be taken literally. I do think the idea creative, and it definitely offers a twist on common conceptions of who stands on the side of good, bad, and somewhere in between. I’m so curious to see what will happen with these characters, and am definitely looking forward to To Reap The Spirit.
Vulgarity: Moderate.
Sexual content: Not as much as To Dream Is To Die but it exists as an undertone to conversations
Violence: Quite a bit. Considering Mora is Brenna’s suicidal soul that tries to make Brenna meet her demise, there are frequent occurrences of what would be considered “self-harm.” Also, the faeries are nasty creatures that are to blamed for some unpleasantness.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
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September 5, 2019
As much as she wanted to be “normal,” Brenna isn’t. She once died and her soul has now become a separate entity within her, fighting for control, for her own peace, even if it mean killing Brenna one final time. A new battle looms between the living and the dead, and power is the prize and a choice must be made, expose herself to fight for what is right or hold her secret and risk all she holds dear in the living world.
Sarah Lampkin’s TO WAKE THE DEAD is just as mesmerizing as the previous book and is nearly flawless in its continuation and building of Brenna’s story. Hang on for high tension, wicked fast twists and the inner turmoil between Brenna and her dark soul, Moira.
If you are looking for a series that is both original and filled with a kaleidoscope of seemingly insurmountable conflict, fabulous characters, and a glimpse of what could be beyond the veil, Sarah Lampkin has created it right here!
Feel like you are walking side by side, living on a college campus where the gates holding the darkness back exist. Get ready to believe in the unbelievable and find heroes in the most ordinary of people! I am hooked on this series and Brenna!
I received a complimentary ARC edition form Sarah Lampkin. My honest review is voluntary.
Series: Dead Dreamer - Book 2
Expected publication: October 2019 by The Parliament House
Sarah Lampkin’s TO WAKE THE DEAD is just as mesmerizing as the previous book and is nearly flawless in its continuation and building of Brenna’s story. Hang on for high tension, wicked fast twists and the inner turmoil between Brenna and her dark soul, Moira.
If you are looking for a series that is both original and filled with a kaleidoscope of seemingly insurmountable conflict, fabulous characters, and a glimpse of what could be beyond the veil, Sarah Lampkin has created it right here!
Feel like you are walking side by side, living on a college campus where the gates holding the darkness back exist. Get ready to believe in the unbelievable and find heroes in the most ordinary of people! I am hooked on this series and Brenna!
I received a complimentary ARC edition form Sarah Lampkin. My honest review is voluntary.
Series: Dead Dreamer - Book 2
Expected publication: October 2019 by The Parliament House
September 6, 2019
TO WAKE THE DEAD, book 2 in the Dead Dreamer series, continues with Brenna trying to solve the mystery surrounding the forest near her college. Something very strange about those trees … spirits, demons? With the help of her friends, she uncovers secrets while discovering more about herself. There are cuts, tattoos, and other things that really make this novel creepy.
I love Brenna because: She died. Came back. Now, she is a Dead Dreamer. And in book 2, she’s more powerful, and there’s more danger coming her way.
In summary, TO WAKE THE DEAD is New Adult paranormal at it’s finest, and a perfect college-student-dorm read, or just a great read. Get it–you won’t regret it!
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
I love Brenna because: She died. Came back. Now, she is a Dead Dreamer. And in book 2, she’s more powerful, and there’s more danger coming her way.
In summary, TO WAKE THE DEAD is New Adult paranormal at it’s finest, and a perfect college-student-dorm read, or just a great read. Get it–you won’t regret it!
More on my blog: https://gerardowrites.wordpress.com/2...
May 24, 2020
Really enjoying the series so far
I started reading this series on a whim. So far I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters in the the series.
I started reading this series on a whim. So far I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters in the the series.
September 8, 2019
Woah! This book was a rush. I couldn’t put it down. The last book in the series took a while to get going, but this one hits the ground running. I love how the premise continues to unfurl and blossom in this book. I’m so hooked and simply cannot wait to see what happens next for Brenna and her crew.
May 7, 2020
If you set foot in the woods on the night of a new or quarter moon, you leave yourself vulnerable to the creature’s claws. Should you survive the night without a scratch, you will be blessed. But should you be marked, you will perish within a year.
(Ch. 1)
More than ever before, Brenna teeters on the edge between the living and the dead. In her sophomore year at Nephesburg College, she’s more determined than ever to stick to the living side of her life. But with her own soul trying to kill her and a new Dead Dreamer fighting her for power, Brenna can’t help but be drawn back to the land of the dead.
Meanwhile, the Gatekeepers are doing everything in their power to regain the power they once held over the town. With the appearance of mysterious twins, Brenna needs to decide what’s more important: her secret, or fighting for what she believes is right. Brenna knows the stakes are high as her decision might result in her permanent death. Will she be able to choose wisely?
This book gave me more of what I enjoyed in To Dream is to Die. Brenna continues to try and balance her life in the Fade with her year of schooling in Nephesburg. Having been through post secondary myself, I know it’s not always the easiest to balance school with everything else – and that comes from someone who didn’t have to try live in two different planes. And here I thought being on a varsity sports team while balancing a double major was challenging. At least I didn’t have to juggle my soul on top of all of that!
The world continues to be filled with mystery and intrigue, leaving me with more and more questions and wondering how Breanna’s going to get herself out of the mess she’s in. Of course her friends are still there, but there’s only so much that they can do to help. And, of course, Brenna’s a strong personality who’d rather keep the weight on her own shoulders than force those she cares about to deal with the burden.
In this read we see Brenna continue to learn about her powers and what they mean. Having never met anyone with the same abilities as her before coming to Nephesburg, it’s no surprise that Brenna continues to be shocked and awed by the things she finds out. The more she and her friends learn about the powers of the Dead Dreamers, the less they seem to understand about what’s going on around them. It’s true what they say: too much information can make your head spin.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. The speculative elements kept my attention and the questions raised throughout the story keep me coming back for more. I look forward to seeing how Brenna will deal with what comes next and who she’s willing to open up to.
Full spoiler review: https://phantomofthelibrary.com/2020/...
(Ch. 1)
More than ever before, Brenna teeters on the edge between the living and the dead. In her sophomore year at Nephesburg College, she’s more determined than ever to stick to the living side of her life. But with her own soul trying to kill her and a new Dead Dreamer fighting her for power, Brenna can’t help but be drawn back to the land of the dead.
Meanwhile, the Gatekeepers are doing everything in their power to regain the power they once held over the town. With the appearance of mysterious twins, Brenna needs to decide what’s more important: her secret, or fighting for what she believes is right. Brenna knows the stakes are high as her decision might result in her permanent death. Will she be able to choose wisely?
This book gave me more of what I enjoyed in To Dream is to Die. Brenna continues to try and balance her life in the Fade with her year of schooling in Nephesburg. Having been through post secondary myself, I know it’s not always the easiest to balance school with everything else – and that comes from someone who didn’t have to try live in two different planes. And here I thought being on a varsity sports team while balancing a double major was challenging. At least I didn’t have to juggle my soul on top of all of that!
The world continues to be filled with mystery and intrigue, leaving me with more and more questions and wondering how Breanna’s going to get herself out of the mess she’s in. Of course her friends are still there, but there’s only so much that they can do to help. And, of course, Brenna’s a strong personality who’d rather keep the weight on her own shoulders than force those she cares about to deal with the burden.
In this read we see Brenna continue to learn about her powers and what they mean. Having never met anyone with the same abilities as her before coming to Nephesburg, it’s no surprise that Brenna continues to be shocked and awed by the things she finds out. The more she and her friends learn about the powers of the Dead Dreamers, the less they seem to understand about what’s going on around them. It’s true what they say: too much information can make your head spin.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. The speculative elements kept my attention and the questions raised throughout the story keep me coming back for more. I look forward to seeing how Brenna will deal with what comes next and who she’s willing to open up to.
Full spoiler review: https://phantomofthelibrary.com/2020/...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME!!!! I FEEL LIKE I WANT TO SCREAM TO EVERYBODY “READ THIS SERIES!!”
I really loved book one in the Dead Dreamer series, but book two is FREAKIN AMAZING!!!!! It flows perfectly from book one to book two. Except things have become much more complicated. Brenna has a lot more to deal with, and we see what a strong girl she really is!! There’s some freakin creepy stuff going on and it gets weirder & weirder. This is releasing in October, which is awesome because it’s a great book to read then!! Sarah has proven, once again, that she is a very talented writer!!
Be ready to question Brenna’s friends loyalty. Be prepared to be shocked, creeped out and wonder ‘can Brenna only trust and rely on herself’? If you fell in love with the characters in book one, just wait until you read this book!!! Sarah’s talent in writing this book shows through in the plot that flows beautifully to make up one he!! of a story! Her dialogue gets you so involved in the characters, i would really LOVE to hear this on audiobook!! The world building is done so well that the spooky places really come alive in the mind’s eye!!!!! I can’t say enough about this book, except that I FREAKIN LOVED IT and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IT!!!
AND CHECK OUT THAT BEAUTIFUL COVER! 😍
I really loved book one in the Dead Dreamer series, but book two is FREAKIN AMAZING!!!!! It flows perfectly from book one to book two. Except things have become much more complicated. Brenna has a lot more to deal with, and we see what a strong girl she really is!! There’s some freakin creepy stuff going on and it gets weirder & weirder. This is releasing in October, which is awesome because it’s a great book to read then!! Sarah has proven, once again, that she is a very talented writer!!
Be ready to question Brenna’s friends loyalty. Be prepared to be shocked, creeped out and wonder ‘can Brenna only trust and rely on herself’? If you fell in love with the characters in book one, just wait until you read this book!!! Sarah’s talent in writing this book shows through in the plot that flows beautifully to make up one he!! of a story! Her dialogue gets you so involved in the characters, i would really LOVE to hear this on audiobook!! The world building is done so well that the spooky places really come alive in the mind’s eye!!!!! I can’t say enough about this book, except that I FREAKIN LOVED IT and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IT!!!
AND CHECK OUT THAT BEAUTIFUL COVER! 😍
September 8, 2020
This book 2 of the Dead Dreamers series was excellent. I’m sad the series isn’t finished, because by the time the next book is released, I won’t remember book 1 & 2. Usually, I don’t read series that aren’t finished, but this one caught my attention. And, it was certainly worth it. I like Brenna better in book 2. I find her rude & unfriendly. But, I’m getting used to her attitude, I guess. And she’s basically a good, brave person, acting with altruism. I like that. The story is captivating. The paranormal parts are intriguing & different. The day to day life at college & some time at home is handled very well. The suspense is a little nerve wracking, but exciting. The characters come to life in my head. I like the first person point of view; my favorite. I very highly recommend this book.
July 28, 2020
It took a while to get through this second installment. It felt a lot like a continuation from the first as opposed to starting something new in terms of plot progression. But the power of being able to fall asleep and wake up outside your body is still intriguing. The characters always seem to operate on a razor thin line of emotional outbursts. It will be interesting to see what comes of future works.
July 2, 2020
So far I've actually really enjoyed this series. I love the main characters snarky attitude and how she has a quick response for everything. I can see myself quickly becoming friends with her. I love the story line and I'm excited to read the next in the series.
January 10, 2020
Of course, after reading the first book, I had to read this one immediately.
Somehow, this book was even better? The writing style had improved noticeably and the characters were even more fun to read about. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book as there are still so many questions I need answers to!
Somehow, this book was even better? The writing style had improved noticeably and the characters were even more fun to read about. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book as there are still so many questions I need answers to!
October 8, 2019
In book 2 of the Dead Dreamer series, Brenna is learning to better control her abilities. The Gatekeepers are getting more serious, and they've recruited the ghost hunting job in their quest to seal off all the portals. They're now using the newly turned Dead Dreamer Ashley as their means to close the portals. But it's clearly taking a toll on her as she's looking worse for the wear. Even though Brenna can't stand her, it doesn't mean that she shouldn't try to help her if she can.
Brenna is great because she fights back against authority. She can't find a legit reason as to why the portals should be closed, and so she wants to keep them open, and in the meantime, get a handle on Moira who seems to be stepping up her game. But Brenna is finding herself angrier than she was in book 1, and in turn, she's pushing her friends away, and she needs them more than ever. Even though she's slow to trust people, she's learning that she needs to let people in to help share the burden.
I liked how To Wake the Dead picked up right where book 1 left off, you got right in on the action. While I like the Brenna is a strong and assertive character, I didn't love the level of anger she had, it seemed to be never-ending. If there was one thing I didn't love about the book it was the assumption that anyone who got a tongue piercing would have swelling for weeks. Having worked in the industry, most people swell for a few days and others not at all. I also felt Lampkin spent way too much time discussing Brenna playing with her tongue ring. Outside of that, this is a fun continuation of the series, I'm grateful to Parliament Press for sending this along and I'm looking forward to what the new, enlarged crew is capable of down the road.
Brenna is great because she fights back against authority. She can't find a legit reason as to why the portals should be closed, and so she wants to keep them open, and in the meantime, get a handle on Moira who seems to be stepping up her game. But Brenna is finding herself angrier than she was in book 1, and in turn, she's pushing her friends away, and she needs them more than ever. Even though she's slow to trust people, she's learning that she needs to let people in to help share the burden.
I liked how To Wake the Dead picked up right where book 1 left off, you got right in on the action. While I like the Brenna is a strong and assertive character, I didn't love the level of anger she had, it seemed to be never-ending. If there was one thing I didn't love about the book it was the assumption that anyone who got a tongue piercing would have swelling for weeks. Having worked in the industry, most people swell for a few days and others not at all. I also felt Lampkin spent way too much time discussing Brenna playing with her tongue ring. Outside of that, this is a fun continuation of the series, I'm grateful to Parliament Press for sending this along and I'm looking forward to what the new, enlarged crew is capable of down the road.
August 27, 2019
Read my full review here (much more in blog post): https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...
Opinions: Lampkin didn't skip a beat: all of the tension, atmosphere, and action flowed straight from To Dream is to Die into To Wake the Dead. As I was reading these books almost back to back, I was impressed with the hook and immediately engaged with the text. The recap of the traumatic incidents from the first book was helpful but also lead me to question what Brenna's point was. Why did this all matter to her? What does she plan on doing in this book? All in all, I actually preferred To Wake the Dead to To Dream is to Die. The original book was a quick introduction to Brenna and her situation, but now we get into the real conflict: Maura and her demented, suicidal, antagonistic actions against Brenna. I was much more engaged, entertained, and always on the edge of my seat! The ending is satisfactory, and unfortunately, there isn't another book to read yet. To Reap the Spirit (Book Three of the Dead Dreamer series) is high on my Most-Anticipated list!
Opinions: Lampkin didn't skip a beat: all of the tension, atmosphere, and action flowed straight from To Dream is to Die into To Wake the Dead. As I was reading these books almost back to back, I was impressed with the hook and immediately engaged with the text. The recap of the traumatic incidents from the first book was helpful but also lead me to question what Brenna's point was. Why did this all matter to her? What does she plan on doing in this book? All in all, I actually preferred To Wake the Dead to To Dream is to Die. The original book was a quick introduction to Brenna and her situation, but now we get into the real conflict: Maura and her demented, suicidal, antagonistic actions against Brenna. I was much more engaged, entertained, and always on the edge of my seat! The ending is satisfactory, and unfortunately, there isn't another book to read yet. To Reap the Spirit (Book Three of the Dead Dreamer series) is high on my Most-Anticipated list!
November 24, 2019
My honest opinion is that it is rare, if not downright impossible, for me to enjoy a sequel more than the first book. This astounding author took me on another year of Brenna's ups and downs trying to save us mortals from the destruction of Earth as we know it. Brenna is a Dead Dreamer, someone who died but came back and now when she sleeps, her spirit joins the astral plane which she dubs The Fade. Sophomore year is almost more exciting than the first, tangling with a cult set on destroying "demons" who keep the balance even if they are ugly as heck to look at. The "fairies" are the ones you wanna watch out for. All I can say is, if you loved Brenna the first time around, you'll love her even more now. I can't wait to follow her next two years of college!
February 15, 2020
About in One Sentence: Brenna continues to be able to walk among the dead instead of sleeping and now has to try and protect the spirits from those that want to destroy them and the Fade.
Pros: Brenna is realistic, sarcastic, and smart. She is determined to do her own thing. Whenever college life is described, it feels normal and natural and had me picturing my undergrad life at Duquesne even though Nephesburg's inspiration isn't a city university. The story is intriguing and much better at pacing than the first.
Cons: The only reason I don't give it four stars is because I ended the novel having more questions than answers. It is forgiveable because it is part of a series but I still want to know more!
Pros: Brenna is realistic, sarcastic, and smart. She is determined to do her own thing. Whenever college life is described, it feels normal and natural and had me picturing my undergrad life at Duquesne even though Nephesburg's inspiration isn't a city university. The story is intriguing and much better at pacing than the first.
Cons: The only reason I don't give it four stars is because I ended the novel having more questions than answers. It is forgiveable because it is part of a series but I still want to know more!
October 3, 2019
I was really intrigued the whole time while I was reading, just like with the first book. However I feel like during this one while a few more important things happened, the plot didn't progress much overall. I feel like now that we're halfway through with the series, the plot/characters/world/magic system/etc should have been developed more than they have. Am I still very excited for the next books? You bet I am! The concept is great and I NEED ANSWERS😃
October 18, 2020
Description
In this book Brenna finds out the cult is world wide an has even bigger enimies. A fantasy book with comedy, drama, and action
In this book Brenna finds out the cult is world wide an has even bigger enimies. A fantasy book with comedy, drama, and action
November 12, 2023
The book was literally falling apart
June 26, 2020
Review: https://klling.wordpress.com/2020/05/...
To Wake The Dead is the second book in The Dead Dreamer Series. The story picks up a few months after the events of the first book as university resumes again for Brenna. As a sequel, the story itself fully utilizes the foundation of the first one and builds from those events. However, its more of a second level deal. In the first book, it showed more of the general world of how the alternate plane, Fade would work and the different roles of Dead Dreams, Watcher, the Gatekeepers and more. The story goes further this time as it picks up those pieces and drives it towards something with a deeper scheme with even more characters and other elements involved and some more mysteries. It all says a lot to the entire world building for the premise itself and its incredibly well thought out as more factors come into play.
The characters are mostly the same as before. To Wake The Dead is in first person narration by its star Dead Dreamer, Brenna who tries to navigate the situation. What really builds on her character is that its not only a “battle” with the outside dangers in the Fade and the Gatekeepers but at the same time, its a battle with herself, the whole soul and spirit fight makes for a lot of the intrigue as her inner person, Maura, speaks up once in a while and then also has its danger elements. These unknown moments creates for changes in her mood and unexpected results of different severity and show of abilities that were unseen before. There’s a constant changing element presented each time and it makes Brenna become an intriguing character to follow in her adventures. Of course, it helps that her friends, Aeria and Damon also have a great part as they also get pulled deeper into the equation. The three actually find a balance in their characters especially with the banter between Damon and Brenna (which started off in the first book) and these situations that come up in the story also create some tension as expected.
Overall, To Wake The Dead is a very decent sequel. There’s more depth in world building, plot development and character development. The story does start off a little slower than the first book therefore, pacing at the beginning dragged just a little bit to set up the new situation. Once things started moving again, it was an engaging read. Solid sequel and can’t wait for the next book!
Score: 4 out of 5
To Wake The Dead is the second book in The Dead Dreamer Series. The story picks up a few months after the events of the first book as university resumes again for Brenna. As a sequel, the story itself fully utilizes the foundation of the first one and builds from those events. However, its more of a second level deal. In the first book, it showed more of the general world of how the alternate plane, Fade would work and the different roles of Dead Dreams, Watcher, the Gatekeepers and more. The story goes further this time as it picks up those pieces and drives it towards something with a deeper scheme with even more characters and other elements involved and some more mysteries. It all says a lot to the entire world building for the premise itself and its incredibly well thought out as more factors come into play.
The characters are mostly the same as before. To Wake The Dead is in first person narration by its star Dead Dreamer, Brenna who tries to navigate the situation. What really builds on her character is that its not only a “battle” with the outside dangers in the Fade and the Gatekeepers but at the same time, its a battle with herself, the whole soul and spirit fight makes for a lot of the intrigue as her inner person, Maura, speaks up once in a while and then also has its danger elements. These unknown moments creates for changes in her mood and unexpected results of different severity and show of abilities that were unseen before. There’s a constant changing element presented each time and it makes Brenna become an intriguing character to follow in her adventures. Of course, it helps that her friends, Aeria and Damon also have a great part as they also get pulled deeper into the equation. The three actually find a balance in their characters especially with the banter between Damon and Brenna (which started off in the first book) and these situations that come up in the story also create some tension as expected.
Overall, To Wake The Dead is a very decent sequel. There’s more depth in world building, plot development and character development. The story does start off a little slower than the first book therefore, pacing at the beginning dragged just a little bit to set up the new situation. Once things started moving again, it was an engaging read. Solid sequel and can’t wait for the next book!
Score: 4 out of 5
October 9, 2019
Man this book! I had so much going on in life while reading this one, but i still found myself thinking about it while i was forced to do other things. I was sucked in from the beginning, and even though i would say this book is slower than book 1, there is still so much packed into it that the suspense chokes you as you read. The author has mastered being able to give you some answers while also making you have so many more questions that you are dying to know the answers to. This is such a unique story line that she has written perfectly. It ends on a cliffhanger that now has me with my eyeballs wanting to come out of my head and knowing i now have to wait to know what happens next!
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