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Bailey Spade #2

Dream Hunter

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What was missing from my life? A crazy cult that worships the ancient god of nightmares, that’s what.

When I break my most sacred vow and invade my mom’s dreams, things get complicated, fast. With Valerian’s help, I’m on a quest to boost my powers and learn to forgive myself—all while saving my home world from complete annihilation at the hands of deranged cultists.

In other words, a regular Wednesday.

318 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2021

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About the author

Dima Zales

125 books746 followers
Dima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.

Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.

He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.

In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.

Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/

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5 stars
105 (48%)
4 stars
74 (34%)
3 stars
31 (14%)
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7 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for LexiLikesLiterature.
451 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2021
"Did you bring a broken gun to a knife fight?" - Elf Chick

Dream Hunter begins to build a bigger story around the original dilemma/conflict for Bailey Spade. The characters are well written and the world-building is excellent. Though most come from the Sasha Urban series, the characters have settled into this new story without constantly reminding the reader that they are shared. The author does an excellent job with keeping this moving forward without giving us whiplash.

Please, Dima Zales, school these other authors on how to kick a series out without waiting 2 and 3 years... it can be done!

Narration by Emily Durante is great as to be expected from her.

4 stars
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,980 reviews61 followers
February 7, 2021
Bailey Spade was always on the go in this second book, and the continuous action had me turning page after page. I enjoy seeing her and her friends navigate all the obstacles in their way, and this second book had a little more romance than the first, which is always fun. But overall my favorite thing is the quest for Bailey to unravel the mysteries of her past. Some things I already think I know and was/am waiting for Bailey to figure it out, and others were a complete surprise to me, and I can't wait for more of that plot to be revealed. As always, this author's books are written and edited well, and truly Dima Zales is a master at ending a chapter in such a way that you have to keep going. Looking forward to book three!
Profile Image for Monadh.
210 reviews35 followers
February 9, 2021
Imaginative page-turner with lots of exciting twists and turns

Bailey breaks her promise to her mother never to walk in her dreams in the hopes of waking her up out of her coma, but when she tries, she is thrown out. In order to boost her powers, she turns to mysterious tech entrepreneur Valerian, with whom she worked before. As the price for his help, Valerian wants Bailey to assist him with an investigation the Senate of Gomorrah has tasked him with.
At the same time the grandfather of one of her friends has been abducted, and Bailey wants to help them, too. So, once again she is stretching herself thin in order to fulfill her various obligations. But in the course of these two investigations she comes to realize that the two might in fact be related…

I really like the elaborate fantasy and dream world that Dima Zales has created. I am particularly fascinated by the notion that the Cognizant can enhance their powers if they can get more people to believe in the existence of those powers and the way that Bailey hopes to accomplish that, which struck me as rather brilliant in its mundaneness. I appreciate how Dima brought his experience as a programmer/software developer to bear on creating this fantasy world.
But at the same time I also felt that the reliance on gaming esthetics influenced the structure of the story in a somewhat detrimental way. This was especially apparent in the transitions between scenes, which sometimes appeared a bit disjuncted. In part it is due to the various dimensions the story takes place: on our world (where the Cognizant live among humans unknown), on Gomorrah, an alternate world/dimension (accessible thru a portal at JFK), which is inhabited by many different Cognizant/paranormal creatures from many worlds, and the different dreamscapes that Bailey routinely enters, the subdream space, which is barren and violent and which she has to travers to get to her dream palace if the person whose dreams she enters is not in the REM sleep phase, her "regular" dream space, where her dream palace houses all the people with whom she has established a link and who at that particular time are sleeping) and then the "black window" dreamscapes, where Cognizant can lock traumatic memories with the help of a dream walker. And though they are difficult to access, Bailey can’t resist taking a peak now an then. I was mostly ok with the abrupt transitions between the different dreamscapes, and even between waking and dreaming, since those made sense, I had somewhat more difficulty with the rapid travel between worlds, which seemed to take no more time than popping out to get some groceries.

Another aspect that bothered me somewhat – and which isn’t really explained sufficiently – is how Bailey seems to have taken the place of Sasha (the heroine of the Sasha Urban UF series), who is off somewhere on her honeymoon with her gorgeous dragon. Bailey appeared as a supporting character in Sasha’s story and did help her, but as far as I was aware, though she might have known some of Sasha’s friends, she wasn’t really close friends with them herself and now she appears to have become the center of that circle of friends in the absence of Sasha…

But despite these minor quibbles, this was another fast paced and imaginative page turner with lots of exciting twists and turns and unexpected revelations, so that I can’t wait to find out where Bailey’s adventures will lead her next and also if she makes any progress in her relationship with the enigmatic and gorgeous Valerian…
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
5,059 reviews24 followers
February 21, 2021
This is the second book of four in the Bailey Spade Series, an Urban Fantasy, and a spin-off of the Sasha Urban Series. You have to listen to this series in order. Bailey’s journey and her quest to save her mother continues in this installment. Bailey, a Dreamwalker, is a fantastic character, strong, smart, and determined. Valerian is sexy, handsome, mysterious, powerful, and protective. I like their slow burn romance. Bailey’s friends are great characters and they have an important part in this story. The Villains are intriguing. The storyline has it all: fast paced, action packed, fun, emotional, intricate, and captivating, filled with romance, secrets revealed, and unpredictable twists and turns. The action scenes are described vividly, and they are entertaining. Some scenes are hilarious. The world building is complex, original, and enthralling. The scenery is amazingly described. Emily Durante did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to Dream Chaser to know what happens next. If you like Urban Fantasy, this series is definitely for you.

Profile Image for Geff Ratcheson.
265 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2021
I enjoyed this more than Volume 1. Dima has a knack for making his villains evil without making it too frightening to read. He also is good at creating characters who while they are definitely fantasy; flesh out & feel like real people. Pretty much couldn't put it down, I read the entire book in just over 1 evening.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the target audience here; I suspect this is a Young Adult older teen series (r-Rated) & I'm 63 but it is still a very enjoyable read. The only frustration for me in this genre is "the girl wants sex, but is afraid.... or....... or................. or........... & the fantasy man of her dreams will wait forever. I'm not saying the books need more sex; I'm saying most real people over 13 don't go to this place unless they have a medical, religious or low self esteem issue. We're even talking hesitancy to kiss a good man (afaik) that our heroine is drooling over.

Though she has a unique reason (I say this from a positive POV as I haven't seen it used before): she's terrified of germs!Only other negative is the overuse of the word "Puck". I don't know if it has a meaning I'm missing, or is a "G" rated version of the "F" word, but either way it is used a bit too often.

By & large, I really did enjoy this quite a bit. I think my nit picking above is just to prove I really read it, lol!

And as I mentioned in a review of the first book Dream Walker, Mr Zales is releasing 1 book in this series every 2 weeks, which to me with an aging memory is a huge bonus!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for D K.
649 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2021
AMAZING and ORIGINAL Fantasy Series, full of action, mystery and romance... 5+ Stars!!!
This is the second book of the new series Bailey Spade (Dream Hunter) by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires . I was blown away. Bailey, who is a dream-walker, is trying to do everything she can to save her mother and that includes trying to grow her powers. This takes her to get involved in a dangerous mission with a deliciously hot and powerful illusionist that goes by the name of Valerian, who can assist her obtain more power in a quid-pro-quo exchange. The story is full of action, twist and turns at every corner, sexual tension between Bailey and Valerian and amazing second characters. I read this book in ONE night. It was so good, I just could not put it down!. This is a spin-off of the Urban Fantasy Series "Sasha Urban", and even though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend you read the Sasha Urban Series, as it can enrich your reading experience of this new series. It does end on a Cliffhanger since there are 4 books, but the authors are releasing each book every two weeks, so the waiting time is almost non-existent. Yay! I wish all authors would try to release books in a series much quicker than they usually do. So just for this they deserve a medal :-)
386 reviews
February 8, 2021
In Dream Hunter, dream walker Bailey Spade finds herself between a rock and a hard place. In a desperate attempt to save her mom, she invades her dreams but instead of finding answers the situation gets more complicated. There's an ancient cult that worships the god of nightmares, and the deranged members plan to bring destruction and mayhem to her world. And as her relationship with the irresistible illusionist Valerian becomes more intimate, she must overcome her doubts and at the same time save her world! All in a days work for our plucky and dynamic heroine! Action-packed and exciting Dream Hunter takes us to a different and fascinating world with dangerous and powerful creatures. Thankfully, Bailey is not alone in her escapades, she has the help of her friends. But she must explore and expand her own powers, and also find the strength to forgive herself, if she wants to succeed!
Profile Image for Bette.
7 reviews
February 8, 2021
Really well done! I loved getting deeper into Bailey's story, and learning new and exciting things about her. I really can't wait for the next one! Great character development, and a good way to move beyond the other book series. Still a connection, but not as important as Bailey develops further. I love the descriptions of what she sees as she works, and the author does really well at bringing you into a setting and letting you fully immerse yourself there for a while. Looking forward to the continued adventures of Bailey Spade!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 reviews
February 9, 2021
The second book was more fast paced than the first one. This made it a terribly more exciting read as the fun never stopped. The plot congealed perfectly to make it so thrilling that I couldn't put it down. The cult, the surprising revelation, Bailey finding out more about her past and powers, all of it perfectly sets up the next book. I can't wait to read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This does not affect my review in any way.
Profile Image for Shelly Young metz.
12 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2021
I am loving this series! Bailey is fun and quirky and I am loving how patient Valerian is with her. There are so many twists and turns in this book. I wasn’t expecting any of them so it brought a lot of surprises I enjoyed a lot. Especially the end!! Looking forward to the next in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for John Loyd.
1,452 reviews31 followers
April 1, 2021
Bailey Spade #2. This series it set following the events of the Sasha Urban series. Bailey's reward for helping the New York Council in book 1 didn't bring her mother out of a coma. Bailey decides she has to, against her mother's wishes, use her dreamwalking powers to jolt her mother back to consciousness.

Valerian has a new job for Bailey. An investigation for the Gomorrah Senate. Her request for accepting the job is that his company feature her in one of their new VR games. He says that's expensive. She says she can help, and get Felix to as well. Ah, Felix is willing in his spare time, but his first priority is to help Itzel find her kidnapped grandfather. Bailey will help Felix, Ariel & Itzel, too.

Fast fun read. No learning curve for the dream scenes. A possible secret society working for a monster that thrives on nightmares. An immediate threat that is worked out, but still lurking is the greater threat. A romantic angle. Pom, her symbiont, is cute and funny. Speaking of Pom, one of my favorite tropes is inner dialogue. It's minor, but I love those scenes. The end has some reveals about Bailey. Very cool. 5 stars. On to Dream Chaser.
Profile Image for Jacques.
78 reviews
May 26, 2021
4.5 stars

Definitely better than the first one. There's less sleuthing and more action. It seems to fit with Bailey's powers and personality better. The book is more of a page turner and kept me interested enough that I didn't put it down once. By the end it starts to delve into her background, leaving me excited to read the next book. It would have been even better if the secondary characters had a bit of background too. It feels weird when one of the people the reader knows the most about is Bernie.

Still, it's a great read, so I only knocked off half a star.
89 reviews
February 10, 2021
This was a great continuation to the series. I really enjoyed it. I love the dream aspect of this series and also how they can connect to memories. The pacing was as fast as the first, but at least Bailey got genuine sleep this time. There were some dark areas (dreams and/or memories), but they passed fairly quickly. The dream memories of Bailey's mom are interesting and give a surprising window into the past that Bailey can't remember. One of the bad guys in this one wasn't difficult to guess. It does seem like Bailey suddenly took Sasha's place as the center of the group of friends (Sasha is not in this one), when she had seemed to only be an acquaintance in the other series. I mean, I like the characters, but it seemed a little weird. There are things I'm guessing about the series, but I'm still enjoying the journey and how it (may) get there. I'm definitely curious and excited to see what happens next. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted to me by the author, with no obligation.
8 reviews
February 11, 2021
In this book we find out more about Bailey, her history and her troubled relationship with her mother. Bailey bites off almost more than she can chew trying to wake her mum from a coma, taking on a mission with Valerian (her potential paramour, who is trying to get on the senate) and another mission personal to one of her friends. This means Bailey has to spend more time on her base planet, Gomorrah which allows us to get a better idea of this highly advanced world and all the different species.
I would say this is a fast paced young adult book, unfortunately I no longer fit in this category so all can read and enjoy it. Both Bailey and the book are sassy, geeky, funny and quirky. I loved the Harry potter and star wars references.
I can't wait to see what happens next with Bailey's relationship with valerian, her mother and the mysterious black windows.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Lockwood.
111 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2021
At the end of the last book Bailey was going to break her promise to her comatosed mother and dream walk in her. I needed to know what was going to happen and I wasn't disappointed.
What Bailey sees shocks her and leaves her questioning why. Bailey is determined to wake her mother and asks Valerian for his help. What she needs most is a power boost and someone to be there incase she turns crazy from being killed in a dream.
But there are also bigger problems with a gang who if their plan succeeds with kill millions in Gommorrah.
Bailey and her friends have to use all their skills to find out what is going on and how to survive.
Awesome story again. I love these books set in the world of the cognizant of where orcs, vampires, werewolves and dreamwalkers and many other mythical creatures exist. Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
February 16, 2021
4.5 Stars!!

Bailey's addictive journey continues with so much fun, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, and turning the pages the entire time. This series is just getting better, and better.

This series is an excellent work of science fiction, with compelling characters, a great world-building, and plot twists to keep you hooked, and wanting more of each installment. Sorry, I can give you more because I hate spoilers, and I don't want to give anything away; just know that this is a thrilling, unpredictable, and original read.

If you haven't start this fabulous series, I recommend that you get on it right away, it'll be worth your money and time!! Oh, and don't worry, you don't have to wait months between installments!!
Profile Image for Michele.
49 reviews
February 9, 2021
Bailey and friends on another mission to save the Gommorah and Earth world. Finally Bailey finds out what her mom is hiding but does not understand the why. I do not want to ruin story, but suffice to say big surprise and lots of action in this book. Definitely cannot wait until dream Chaser and last book Dream Ender. Extremely well written book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cassie Hilton-parker.
45 reviews
February 8, 2021
This was an amazing second story in this series. Bailey is such a fun character to follow. I love her relationship with Felix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
744 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2021
Liked the 1st book better

I liked the first book better, but will read the rest of the series. I didn’t like the direction of the mom plot line at all even though that seems to be key to the story.

I like the characters, but didn’t like moms dreams.
Profile Image for Viki.
Author 8 books41 followers
February 13, 2021
Better than the first one. Still reminds me of Sasha. Plus a not that surprising cliff-hanger. I am pretty sure the author(s) just really like ending the book with something that makes you want to have the next book ready.
1,011 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2021
Interesting

I love the way Dims Sales and Anna Zaires write, the characters, especially Bailey, are hilarious and so real in terms of thought processes and peculiarities. Love this series!!!
941 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2021
Bailey saves the world

Will Bailey, Valerian, Fell x, Kit and friends find a way to save Gomorrah? Is Bailey going to succeed in waking up her mother? Interesting continuation of the Bailey Spade series. Dima Zailes is very good at writing Sci-fi/Fantasy.
797 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2021
I love this series and loved this book, which is the second in this series. Well written with a great engaging fast paced, full of action storyline with great characters.
265 reviews
February 11, 2021
The continuing story of Bailey- I can’t get over how amazing the world building is in this series (and in Sasha’s). Another mission, with a fantastic twist. Love this series so far!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews