I was eagerly awaiting this book, I absolutely loved the first in the series and was excited to see what would happen. It did NOT disappoint! Dreamtaker is a bit darker than book 1, which added a great element to the story. We get to see all the wonderful characters from book 1, and we also get introduced to a whole host of new faces, both good and evil. I adore Jase and Liya and want so badly for them to get to live happily and in peace, however, that is not in the cards for them. Once again, they are the center of the action. We see an evil man who is hellbent on taking everything from them, and does a good job at it. He enlists the help of several others, who also cause serious damage and carnage to the couple as well as the communities of Chall, Zendost and Undall. Many lives are impacted. Powers are shifted, gained and lost. Love, loyalty and friendship are tested. There are so many levels to this world, it is ever changing and keeps you trying to figure out what might happen. I soon learned to stop trying and to just hang on for the ride. And let me say, it was a fantastic ride indeed! I will be waiting ... not so patiently.... for the final book, I really can't wait!
I loved Dreamtaker- it was an absolute page turner. I would sit down to read "one chapter" and end up reading three! It is an excellent second novel in the Zodiac series, with heaps of adventure, twists and turns. I have been trying to select the best word to describe the book and all I can think of is... it is gripping. I read the electronic version, but if it had been the paperback, I would have gripped the book tightly with each line as I read! I could literally see the scenes and events playing out in my mind like I was watching a movie. While the action/adventure part of this book was mesmerizing, I also loved the continued development of all my favorite characters and the ending leads right into Book #3 in the series. Very smart move because I can not wait to read what is next! Easy five stars!!
I tried to minimize the spoilers here for book one but there may be something. That said go read the first if you're interested in an epic fantasy with flare and absolutely loveable characters. Now that that is out of the way ...
This review is based on an advanced copy of the book provided by the author.
Easy 5 stars, would give more if I could.
Author L Krauch's penchant for malevolence and mayhem is on full display in Dreamtaker. Her natural talent for visual storytelling continues as well. Every scene and setting is able to be clearly seen in the mind's eye with clarity in a way that would make this book (and it's predecessor) feel right at home on the big screen (here's looking at you Hollywood/Funimation/the guy that made Avatar The Last Airbender).
What little respite our heroes earned from book one was spun on its head as a kidnapping and a wedding forces our favorite band on yet another adventure. If you thought the first book had a bit of dark undertones, this one will make the first book look like it was about unicorns and butterflies by comparison. The villain will surprise you with the darkest turn of the series to date and, full disclosure, you will absolutely loathe this guy. The new characters added a whole new level of depth to an already lovable (or hateable) cast of memorable companions.
Jase continues to be haunted by the spectre of his past as Liya tries desperately to hold herself and her love together. Their love is tested and only Time will tell if it is Fated to survive.
This book continues the multi-POV writing style L used in the first book. The scenes are darker and the action hits quickly. This is not a book to be missed.
Note: This review contains spoilers to the first book in the series - The 13th Zodiac. If you haven't read that book yet, I strongly urge you to do so. It's ok, I'll wait ....
.... ok, now on with the review!
"Fate was a power he seldom used. The implications of control over Life and Death were dangerous, even in his hands."
In L Krauch's Dreamtaker, the sequel to The 13th Zodiac, Jase Raion is still coming to terms with the power of Fate as well as being the King of Chall. No sooner does he marry Liya, when Damien, the son of the former king, returns and kidnaps Jase and takes him to the distant land of Zendost. Liya, accompanied by Tokei and Jemi and Jase's old friend Corvus, risks her life time and again to rescue her husband and bring him back home.
In Damien, Krauch has created an antagonist that you can't help but hate. Assisted by the equally vile Dr. Roos, he will stop at nothing to extract revenge and to regain his birthright.
The book wastes little time starting the action and once it starts the roller coaster ride never ends! This sequel is much darker than the original but needed to be in order to fully depict the evilness of Damien.
Krauch used this book to further expand the world of Gaea as well as introduce us to some characters from Jase's past. Characters I am sure we will meet again in the forthcoming prequel - Leo.
One last thing to mention is I appreciate Krauch's world that at times seems steeped in an alternate version of the Middle Ages until you realize they have guns, elevators, and (my favorite) derigibles
The Series Continues, Taking a Turn on the Dark Side
Dreamtaker is the second book in the 13th Zodiac series. While the first book made us fall in love with our gang of heroes, the second book takes us on a roller coaster through hell. If you’re expecting L. Krauch to give our favorite characters a brief period of quiet after the end of Book 1, think again. I had moments of full-body cringing during some of the more graphic scenes, but they were written very well. One thing I can promise, the villain is one you will love to hate… ten times more than Soren. He is evil incarnate, encompassing all of the diabolatry our dear author can channel.
That being said, thank goodness for Corvus! His witty remarks and carefree nature lend the comic relief we so desperately need to cut through the tension. Corvus has quickly taken the mantle of ‘Favorite Character’ from Tokei, though we still love our mountain man.
I’m giving Dreamtaker five stars, but it deserves six because it definitely surpasses its predecessor.
Darker than its predecessor, Dreamtaker features many of the same characters as the original 13th Zodiac story. However, the sequel adds a few new players, most notably the evil Damien who takes the story in a new, more sinister direction.
Dreamtaker is a riveting read that boomerangs you through a wide range of terrifying emotions for your favorite characters, particularly for the King and Queen of Chall.
Although Jase and Liya are prominent in this story, other familiar characters have their stories fleshed out a bit. The author’s trademark vivid descriptions of the action scenes and running jokes (apples, anyone?) are also present in the sequel.
While I wouldn't have thought it possible, I am even more excited for the next installment of the 13th Zodiac series than I was for Dreamtaker. As readers, we are set up for so many different possibilities, that I can’t wait to see what direction we are catapulted into next.
My review is based on an e-ARC provided to me by the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
To read more of my review, including my review of The 13th Zodiac, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
BUY THIS BOOK! (Well, buy the first one, then this one) BUY IT NOW! I didn't think it was possible, but I liked this book better than the first book. It was full of adventure and high stakes, and a twist M Night Shyamalan wouldn't see coming. Just wait until you meet "Crow"! I freaking loved him. New favorite character, for sure. Anyway, read this book. You won't regret it.
What an epic adventure! A strong sequel to the 13th Zodiac and a wonderful read. It is full of exciting action, unexpected twists, and characters who are always up to something interesting. I really enjoyed the darker themes in this book and the addition of several new characters. I found Dreamtaker a lot easier to read than the first one, perhaps since I was already familiar with the large cast of characters and could just sit back and enjoy their misadventures this time round. Overall an exciting read I highly recommend.
Fresh off the end of this one, oh my gods, I AM IN LOVE. So much brutal violence amidst real love (both romantic and familial). There is so much care with the characters and story, so much mystery and pain to be had with every page. Jase and Liya continue from The 13th Zodiac with a happy marriage to bind their kingdoms together, only for all hell to break loose. There's a new villain on board, and he's ready to take everything Jase has, whatever it takes. You'll also be introduced to a hilarious little man named Corvus, who will win your heart. I promise. Love Final Fantasy? How about Final Fantasy where the romance actually sticks? Anime? Guns in your fantasy? Corruptible power that could end the entire world??? Get on this book RIGHT NOW