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Bad Dreams
We all have nightmares, but not all of us have to live them. Johnathon Clarke did. His bullies beat him. They humiliated him. They stole his life. So at the age of 17 he took it away with a bullet from a gun. In Hell John finds himself working out his existence in the mailroom, until he's given the promotion he died for—he becomes the forger of nightmares, the giver of bad dreams. With his new position, John makes his assignments feel the fear he’s felt his entire existence. He does this until he’s assigned a young girl named Danielle. Danielle’s not much younger than John was, and the circumstances surrounding why she’s been assigned are troubling. They’re troubling because he disagrees. Now John must decide between continuing this life of torture and scares, or using this dark gift for something else, something that could help this girl who needs him.
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2014
About the author
Kenneth Buff
25 books63 followersKenneth Buff was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma in 2007 to attend Oklahoma State University. He graduated in 2013. He currently spends his days working as an elementary special education teacher and his nights at Aspen Coffee, writing his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 20, 2015
I received this book free for review from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. Despite the coolness of receiving a free book, I’m absolutely candid about it below because I believe authors and readers will benefit most from honest reviews rather than vacuous 5-star reviews.
The nutshell summary of this is somewhat Faustian in nature; a young man kills himself only to find that he's now in the employ of the devil punishing wrongdoers with various nocturnal unpleasantnesses.
On the positive side, the book has a rather clever and innovative story. It has elements of darkness but also a twisted romance but doesn't fall into the typical Hollywood cliches that we've all come to expect. The narrative is dark but not without hope and is like nothing I've read before. The author has an exceptional story on his hands that I could see making it to the big screen.
The problem, however, is in the execution. The editing is abominable as it's clear that someone has spell checked the text but nobody has actually read it in detail. Words are obviously missing and at times completely misused in a frightfully distracting manner. Even when the words are correct, there are at times turns of phrase that are vastly inappropriate and the whole body of work just needs a thorough shakedown from a quality editor. It's a pity because there's much potential in this. Lastly, the title and the cover art are entirely beneath this book's dignity. The cover looks like something from the Twilight Saga and the title completely fails to inspire anybody to want to read this. I showed it to my fiancee and her son and they burst out laughing. The contents far exceed the promise indicated by the cover but it's sad that few readers will get past that to sample the inside.
In summary, this story has promise but it's highly lacking in the execution. It needs quite a bit of polish to become a quality piece of work but there's a nugget of goodness inside if you can just get down to it.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
The nutshell summary of this is somewhat Faustian in nature; a young man kills himself only to find that he's now in the employ of the devil punishing wrongdoers with various nocturnal unpleasantnesses.
On the positive side, the book has a rather clever and innovative story. It has elements of darkness but also a twisted romance but doesn't fall into the typical Hollywood cliches that we've all come to expect. The narrative is dark but not without hope and is like nothing I've read before. The author has an exceptional story on his hands that I could see making it to the big screen.
The problem, however, is in the execution. The editing is abominable as it's clear that someone has spell checked the text but nobody has actually read it in detail. Words are obviously missing and at times completely misused in a frightfully distracting manner. Even when the words are correct, there are at times turns of phrase that are vastly inappropriate and the whole body of work just needs a thorough shakedown from a quality editor. It's a pity because there's much potential in this. Lastly, the title and the cover art are entirely beneath this book's dignity. The cover looks like something from the Twilight Saga and the title completely fails to inspire anybody to want to read this. I showed it to my fiancee and her son and they burst out laughing. The contents far exceed the promise indicated by the cover but it's sad that few readers will get past that to sample the inside.
In summary, this story has promise but it's highly lacking in the execution. It needs quite a bit of polish to become a quality piece of work but there's a nugget of goodness inside if you can just get down to it.
PS: I hope my review was helpful. If it was not, then please let me know what I left out that you’d want to know. I always aim to improve.
December 30, 2015
Phew. I plowed this book over a snow storm day, and even though it is midnight with sleepy meds already consumed, I had to burn off the depressive state in which this books leaves a reader. Having read Buff's Sunborn earlier this year, I was more than happy to fulfill his request to read Bad Dreams, which he sent via snail mail. That is where the happy train ends.
This book is depressing. That doesn't mean you shouldn't read it - just be aware before you pick it up. I was immediately hooked when über-depressed John Clarke decides a bullet will release him from his Hell on Earth. Unfortunately, he is just a kid and doesn't realize the entire world will open up soon enough if he can just get through high school, but I digress.
Instead he took the bullet train to Hell where he finds himself in the mailroom. Yes, that sounds bad, but it gets worse. He is promoted to Wrath; his job - to visit sinners in their dreams and provide them nightmares in the spirit of corrective action. Some take and some don't. And so a series of one-off characters and unique nightmares fill the pages for a bit.
At first, I was afraid this book would end up being a collection of weird dreams with revolving characters. It did feel like it for a bit, but it passes and gets on track to the guts of the story and never lets up.
His biggest nightmare challenge happens to be a man whom beats his son while his daughter stays in her room. No, she does care for her brother, but when daddy the drunk comes home, she checks out. It is a terrible cycle with no clear resolution. John does what he can and tortures the bastard in nightmares hoping to put an end to the abuse.
What isn't on John's job duties - caring for the daughter, Danielle. After all he was a loner teen before he bit the bullet and after time in Hell - forgetting memories, feeling empty and such, he clings to her as she does in return, while he provides non-nightmare scenes for them to hang and share.
This book has a very appropriate ending. It may also make you wonder about a few things, which is why I'm up at the moment...and hopefully not rambling too much. I've heard people say Guardian Angels may be the filthy, smelly bum in disguise and one act of kindness can change your life forever. Perhaps the same holds true for those fighting for a purpose or redemption.
IF a book can keep you up or make you feel something - then it is successful. And this is where I leave you, dear reader, spoiler-free and tee'd up to take a swing if you so choose.
YA , pretty clean language with some solid violence.
This book is depressing. That doesn't mean you shouldn't read it - just be aware before you pick it up. I was immediately hooked when über-depressed John Clarke decides a bullet will release him from his Hell on Earth. Unfortunately, he is just a kid and doesn't realize the entire world will open up soon enough if he can just get through high school, but I digress.
Instead he took the bullet train to Hell where he finds himself in the mailroom. Yes, that sounds bad, but it gets worse. He is promoted to Wrath; his job - to visit sinners in their dreams and provide them nightmares in the spirit of corrective action. Some take and some don't. And so a series of one-off characters and unique nightmares fill the pages for a bit.
At first, I was afraid this book would end up being a collection of weird dreams with revolving characters. It did feel like it for a bit, but it passes and gets on track to the guts of the story and never lets up.
His biggest nightmare challenge happens to be a man whom beats his son while his daughter stays in her room. No, she does care for her brother, but when daddy the drunk comes home, she checks out. It is a terrible cycle with no clear resolution. John does what he can and tortures the bastard in nightmares hoping to put an end to the abuse.
What isn't on John's job duties - caring for the daughter, Danielle. After all he was a loner teen before he bit the bullet and after time in Hell - forgetting memories, feeling empty and such, he clings to her as she does in return, while he provides non-nightmare scenes for them to hang and share.
This book has a very appropriate ending. It may also make you wonder about a few things, which is why I'm up at the moment...and hopefully not rambling too much. I've heard people say Guardian Angels may be the filthy, smelly bum in disguise and one act of kindness can change your life forever. Perhaps the same holds true for those fighting for a purpose or redemption.
IF a book can keep you up or make you feel something - then it is successful. And this is where I leave you, dear reader, spoiler-free and tee'd up to take a swing if you so choose.
YA , pretty clean language with some solid violence.
February 8, 2017
At the age of 17, Johnathon Clarke kills himself to escape the bullies who beat him. Only to find that he's now in the employ of the devil punishing wrongdoers with various nocturnal unpleasantness. Until he is given a promotion, he becomes the forger if nightmares. John finds himself doing well until he gets assigned a young girl names Danielle who's circumstances surround her assignment are troubling. John finds himself stuck between continuing his life of scares or using his gifts to help the girl he needs him more than ever.
I found that I did enjoy this book, and I am not one to enjoy a stand alone. I found the story was rather clever. It had the right elements of darkness expected and a romance that appears twisted (so not our average cliches that we all expect these days). The narrative is dark but not without hope and is like nothing I've read before.
I would have to say though there was a few noticeable mistakes when it came to the editing, its as though no one has gone over the final edit and made sure everything flows through correctly. It is obvious better words could have been used and some sentences and details are missing.
Overall, I did enjoy this story and would love for it to have more added and yet some taken away before reading it again. I believe another do-over would defiantly get this book out there.
I found that I did enjoy this book, and I am not one to enjoy a stand alone. I found the story was rather clever. It had the right elements of darkness expected and a romance that appears twisted (so not our average cliches that we all expect these days). The narrative is dark but not without hope and is like nothing I've read before.
I would have to say though there was a few noticeable mistakes when it came to the editing, its as though no one has gone over the final edit and made sure everything flows through correctly. It is obvious better words could have been used and some sentences and details are missing.
Overall, I did enjoy this story and would love for it to have more added and yet some taken away before reading it again. I believe another do-over would defiantly get this book out there.
August 8, 2015
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the goodreads group Lovers of Paranormal, or LOP.***
This was such a unique story. Seventeen year-old John finds himself in Hell after taking his own life. He's assigned the job of creating nightmares for the truly evil people of the world. This is a sort of vengeance for him, as he is able to torture people similar to those who made his life unbearable. He is assigned to an abusive father and his teenage daughter. John finds himself unable to cause Danielle any more pain, and instead aims to save her. The consequences of breaking the rules in Hell are severe, and John must fight to return to Danielle and do whatever it takes to make sure she has the long, happy life he did not.
I really thought I had the ending of this figured out. I assumed it would follow the path of so many books before it, but it went a different way. I loved it. I also thought that John grew so much throughout the story. We don't really know what lays ahead for him, but I hope it's good. He earned it.
This was such a unique story. Seventeen year-old John finds himself in Hell after taking his own life. He's assigned the job of creating nightmares for the truly evil people of the world. This is a sort of vengeance for him, as he is able to torture people similar to those who made his life unbearable. He is assigned to an abusive father and his teenage daughter. John finds himself unable to cause Danielle any more pain, and instead aims to save her. The consequences of breaking the rules in Hell are severe, and John must fight to return to Danielle and do whatever it takes to make sure she has the long, happy life he did not.
I really thought I had the ending of this figured out. I assumed it would follow the path of so many books before it, but it went a different way. I loved it. I also thought that John grew so much throughout the story. We don't really know what lays ahead for him, but I hope it's good. He earned it.
February 25, 2016
I received this book for free for a review. With that said, I gave 4 stars for the concept and execution of the world created around a real issue. I would have liked to give it 5 stars in all honesty, but the beginning and some editing issues stopped me. Had I been a reader, not asked for a review I may have quit this book just on its beginning. The problem really sat in too much going on, it took me a good amount of time to understand what was going on. In a sense I felt like it was a strange acid trip with no clear concept. Thankfully once things did clear up the story captured me entirely! When I signed up to review this book I was very curious as to where this story would take things. Being a sibling of someone who died of possible suicide(my sibling also being 17) really hit home. The ending made it a perfect read, seeing suicide displayed in such a way helped me step out of my own experience and see it from a different view point.
Readers, make it through the beginning, you will be glad you did!
Readers, make it through the beginning, you will be glad you did!
February 12, 2015
Received a free copy from First Reads Giveaway(Goodreads). Nice to read a standalone novel. Its the story of John,who was bullied all his life, and at the age of 17 took his own life. He goes to Hell where he is given the perfect job-the Forger of Nightmares. He finally gets a chance to get back at the people who bullied him-but does he want to now? He meets Danielle. Does she deserve the nightmares or is there something else going on? Very good book, alittle confusing at times, and personally I did not like the ending. Thats just me.
August 20, 2024
Honestly, I didn't know what I was expecting even after I had a brief explanation from the author, but when I finally dived into the meat of the story. it was great. The (under)world that was built was interesting, and the dynamics that were in place were great. I enjoy it when people take big swings. Even though some things didn't land right for me, I find it overall enjoyable. Honestly, I wish we had spent more time with the protagonist before what happened to them, but I enjoyed it, and I can't wait to check out more from this author.
August 3, 2020
Bad Dreams
This is the best story I have read this year! A glance at some may think is too morbid, or too deep to take in but this is a wonderful horrific journey that ends with what may be called the american good ending. With words so much can be said but actions and true joy is what is needed in any life. I loved it!!!!!!!
This is the best story I have read this year! A glance at some may think is too morbid, or too deep to take in but this is a wonderful horrific journey that ends with what may be called the american good ending. With words so much can be said but actions and true joy is what is needed in any life. I loved it!!!!!!!
August 15, 2015
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the group (Lovers of Paranormal)**
Reviewed at my link textThe Reader's Hollow Blog
The imagination that went in with John's journey from depressed teenager to a Nightmare Master were amazing! It's based around the Christian religion, meaning there's God, Satan and the basic rules of sin to the afterlife. I have to say, the scenes where John was wading through the afterlife were really interesting.
John had a sad life, one in which he suffered as a teenager being bullied. He made an interesting point later in the book, one that kept echoing in my head as I read it. He mentioned how people fear what *might happen*, so we'd fear the spikes below us more than actually being pierced by them. John is given a unique role in his time in Hell. He creates nightmares for the living. It's an interesting twist of justice for the reader, and for John.
There came a point where you could tell that John was becoming jaded with his role. He's a torturer, a fear mongering boogeyman, to the living. Then, he meets Danielle.
Danielle is, as detailed in John's report, to suffer nightmares along with her father. She is a witness and never stops the beatings that her father inflicts upon her younger brother. For that, she is considered an accessory in the eyes of Hell. For that, she must suffer through John's nightmares. Though, much to John's surprise, he finds it a difficult task. She's a fifteen year old girl living in an abusive household. She takes on a lot of guilt and the nightmares seem unnecessary to John, with or without Hell's approval. The affection shared between John (a ghost) and Danielle (a living girl) came across as organic and touching.
There was also a nice twist to John's desertion and how the rules of Hell applied to him, a simple worker to the other side of Heaven. I liked that not everyone in Hell was insensitive. Not every sin or teachings of the Bible is without fault, or exception and I felt that this novel tested that. I'm personally not religious, but I can see how the author did a wonderful job at keeping certain beliefs intact while questioning others without prejudice or hate.
CONCLUSION
That ending threw me for a loop. I hadn't been expecting that, and for some reason, it makes me love the story more. I wouldn't mind if there was a sequel to this. I'd like to know how the characters pan out over time. There was also the imaginative rules to the afterlife and the suspense of John skirting around his superiors to break a few rules for a girl was fun to read.
Reviewed at my link textThe Reader's Hollow Blog
The imagination that went in with John's journey from depressed teenager to a Nightmare Master were amazing! It's based around the Christian religion, meaning there's God, Satan and the basic rules of sin to the afterlife. I have to say, the scenes where John was wading through the afterlife were really interesting.
John had a sad life, one in which he suffered as a teenager being bullied. He made an interesting point later in the book, one that kept echoing in my head as I read it. He mentioned how people fear what *might happen*, so we'd fear the spikes below us more than actually being pierced by them. John is given a unique role in his time in Hell. He creates nightmares for the living. It's an interesting twist of justice for the reader, and for John.
There came a point where you could tell that John was becoming jaded with his role. He's a torturer, a fear mongering boogeyman, to the living. Then, he meets Danielle.
Danielle is, as detailed in John's report, to suffer nightmares along with her father. She is a witness and never stops the beatings that her father inflicts upon her younger brother. For that, she is considered an accessory in the eyes of Hell. For that, she must suffer through John's nightmares. Though, much to John's surprise, he finds it a difficult task. She's a fifteen year old girl living in an abusive household. She takes on a lot of guilt and the nightmares seem unnecessary to John, with or without Hell's approval. The affection shared between John (a ghost) and Danielle (a living girl) came across as organic and touching.
There was also a nice twist to John's desertion and how the rules of Hell applied to him, a simple worker to the other side of Heaven. I liked that not everyone in Hell was insensitive. Not every sin or teachings of the Bible is without fault, or exception and I felt that this novel tested that. I'm personally not religious, but I can see how the author did a wonderful job at keeping certain beliefs intact while questioning others without prejudice or hate.
CONCLUSION
That ending threw me for a loop. I hadn't been expecting that, and for some reason, it makes me love the story more. I wouldn't mind if there was a sequel to this. I'd like to know how the characters pan out over time. There was also the imaginative rules to the afterlife and the suspense of John skirting around his superiors to break a few rules for a girl was fun to read.
October 6, 2015
When I finished reading the book, the first thought I had, was about the story. The story is unusual. The story and the concept definitely deserve stars.
Hell has always been described as a place where bad men and women are tortured for leading an evil life. Here, in this story, it has been portrayed as a corporate world, a place where the dead are given jobs to perform. Hell is portrayed as a place where attempts are made to ensure that rhose who are mean, evil and living, get punished through guilt, remorse and nightmare.
John, the protagonist, lands up in Hell, gets the job of a Reviere Collector and subsequently becomes a Dream Forger. When it comes to creating nightmares, he never leaves a stone unturn. However, when he meets Danielle, he becomes confused. John's emotions for Danielle and her reciprocation bring out a sense of hope. It is like, there is always someone to love you even if you are not around. Love can make even Death look better and Hell a better place to live in.
John's desertion from Hell, his escape for the sake of love and his decision to move away from the love of his life, are elements that make this story worth reading.
Be it John, Danielle, James, David, and all the other supporting characters, their portrayals go ai long way in justifying the plot.
Yes, it is true, Kenneth Buff has an interesting style of narrating a story never thought of. Narration is something that keeps improving with every book penned down. I am sure, Kenneth would take care of the issues with transitions and grammar in his next attempt.
A few questions that came to my mind were what was the small debt that John had to pay? What will happen to John now that he is away from Hell? Will John return back to Hell? Maybe these were left purposefully or are included in the next book. In any case, I am sure, the next book would be much more gripping.
P.S- Kenneth, when is your next book due?
Hell has always been described as a place where bad men and women are tortured for leading an evil life. Here, in this story, it has been portrayed as a corporate world, a place where the dead are given jobs to perform. Hell is portrayed as a place where attempts are made to ensure that rhose who are mean, evil and living, get punished through guilt, remorse and nightmare.
John, the protagonist, lands up in Hell, gets the job of a Reviere Collector and subsequently becomes a Dream Forger. When it comes to creating nightmares, he never leaves a stone unturn. However, when he meets Danielle, he becomes confused. John's emotions for Danielle and her reciprocation bring out a sense of hope. It is like, there is always someone to love you even if you are not around. Love can make even Death look better and Hell a better place to live in.
John's desertion from Hell, his escape for the sake of love and his decision to move away from the love of his life, are elements that make this story worth reading.
Be it John, Danielle, James, David, and all the other supporting characters, their portrayals go ai long way in justifying the plot.
Yes, it is true, Kenneth Buff has an interesting style of narrating a story never thought of. Narration is something that keeps improving with every book penned down. I am sure, Kenneth would take care of the issues with transitions and grammar in his next attempt.
A few questions that came to my mind were what was the small debt that John had to pay? What will happen to John now that he is away from Hell? Will John return back to Hell? Maybe these were left purposefully or are included in the next book. In any case, I am sure, the next book would be much more gripping.
P.S- Kenneth, when is your next book due?
August 22, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Lovers of Paranormal, or LOP. John is a troubled teenager who is being brutally bullied by a group of mean kids and he makes a horribly tragic decision to end his life. He wakes up in hell and is informed that he has a debt to pay and that he will be required to work it off. John does well and receives a promotion into the position of the creator of nightmares. His new job is to punish those who commit sins and do wrong. John enjoys his new position very much. That is, until he is tasked with the punishment of Danielle, a fifteen year old girl who's father is an abuisive alcoholic. Danielle is assigned punishment for not stepping in and stopping her father from beating her brother. John finds that he doesn't want to punish Danielle at all. In fact, he wants to save her. This is an interesting story and I found myself rooting for John to finally be able to find some happiness in his life after everything he's gone through in both life and death.
August 21, 2015
I actually want to give this 3.5 stars. This story was very interesting, but I did have an issue with the scene changing. The scenes should flow together, but a few times I was wondering “what is going on”. I had to figure it out as I read and that is part of what kept it interesting, but also a little annoying. This story is not for the faint of heart. There were some gory things going on, but that is why the book is called Bad Dreams. The author needs to do better describing a girl’s point of view. There were a times I didn’t buy that a girl was speaking. It felt like a guy, but I have faith in this author and he can write a very interesting story. I have to say the story didn’t go where I thought it would and that was a good thing. It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Is there going to be a sequel? I could see this story progressing in an interesting way. I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP) Lovers of Paranormal.
February 25, 2016
What a unique book! I am not even sure if this has ever been covered which I find extremely refreshing. Kenneth is a well versed author who definitely knows his skill. He expertly draws you into the story and leads you along in a pleasant pace.
John is an extremely likable character, one we have probably all known at one point in our life. His story in the "what happens" next makes this book so different. Kenneth continuously develops John in this story and you can't help but cheer for him.
Danielle is an interesting counterpart to John and just want to shake her and say "come on, do something" and eventually she did. Her friendship with John lets her finally stand up to her circumstances.
All in all this is a very interesting book that brings something new to the table.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
John is an extremely likable character, one we have probably all known at one point in our life. His story in the "what happens" next makes this book so different. Kenneth continuously develops John in this story and you can't help but cheer for him.
Danielle is an interesting counterpart to John and just want to shake her and say "come on, do something" and eventually she did. Her friendship with John lets her finally stand up to her circumstances.
All in all this is a very interesting book that brings something new to the table.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
July 13, 2016
Grabbed me from the cover story> In Hell John finds himself working out his existence in the mailroom, until he's given the promotion he died for—he becomes the forger of nightmares, the giver of bad dreams.
What a great set up! Kind of like Big UnFriendly Giant!
You do kind of get the feeling this is a new author trying out his style and it will mature but he knows how to tell a story and hold your interest so I'll be looking for more from KBuff.
What a great set up! Kind of like Big UnFriendly Giant!
You do kind of get the feeling this is a new author trying out his style and it will mature but he knows how to tell a story and hold your interest so I'll be looking for more from KBuff.
November 24, 2023
Dreams
This was a hood read,sad and emotional but truly I am glad I took the time to read it. I hope that everyone who sees this will try a diamond in the ruff
This was a hood read,sad and emotional but truly I am glad I took the time to read it. I hope that everyone who sees this will try a diamond in the ruff
April 26, 2018
This story is very intriguing. Catching your attention after only a chapter. Showing what could lie ahead once were dead. What we may face was an idea that had and still has me curious. And, I really enjoyed this authors take on that idea.
Personally I felt most difficult topics in here were handled well, specifically suicide. Its a hard topic to write and get right. I think he did get it right. I came away with the thought that a positive message was woven in within the other dark aspects of that this novel contained.
I liked the characters. They had good and interesting personalities. Although I didn't feel very connected to some of them. That's probably just me though. I may have been a teenage girl once but, even when I was one I still had trouble relating to them and understanding them.
The only downside I found was towards the end. Some aspects in the story seemed convenient. Maybe they were realistic maybe not. I'm not quite sure. I've found that human kindness isn't an easy thing to come across. So, if I'm wrong and there are kind people out there like that biker then John was a very lucky guy to have met him when he did.
The ending was very good and seemed like a perfect ending to this dark adventure through death and love. Overall I really liked this book and it felt unique in comparison to other books I've read that try to show what could be after death. I recommend this anyone. It if sounds interesting to you then definitely give it a try.
(I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.I liked this book for the reason I mentioned above and for no other reason.)
Personally I felt most difficult topics in here were handled well, specifically suicide. Its a hard topic to write and get right. I think he did get it right. I came away with the thought that a positive message was woven in within the other dark aspects of that this novel contained.
I liked the characters. They had good and interesting personalities. Although I didn't feel very connected to some of them. That's probably just me though. I may have been a teenage girl once but, even when I was one I still had trouble relating to them and understanding them.
The only downside I found was towards the end. Some aspects in the story seemed convenient. Maybe they were realistic maybe not. I'm not quite sure. I've found that human kindness isn't an easy thing to come across. So, if I'm wrong and there are kind people out there like that biker then John was a very lucky guy to have met him when he did.
The ending was very good and seemed like a perfect ending to this dark adventure through death and love. Overall I really liked this book and it felt unique in comparison to other books I've read that try to show what could be after death. I recommend this anyone. It if sounds interesting to you then definitely give it a try.
(I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.I liked this book for the reason I mentioned above and for no other reason.)
September 24, 2021
I am giving this book an eight out of 10 for SPFBO purposes. I like the characterization in this book. John was a good character. I liked how he slowly realized that he could still care for people. I didn’t see the ending coming. I wonder if this is going to be a standalone or a series. I still have a few questions. In this book. John tries to kill himself, and succeed. He is then sent to Hale when he becomes the forger ly of bad dreams for people who have done bad things. The story takes off from there.
August 24, 2022
An interesting premise but I didn’t enjoy the story. Firstly, the main character, John, commits suicide so early in the book that it’s hard to feel much for him. All we know was that he was bullied but no details. He then goes to some sort of hell which the only thing more boring than living it is having to read about it. I wanted to stop reading but finally the story picked up a bit when John was able to enter peoples dreams. This is where the book became interesting and I started to like and dislike characters. The ending was a complete disappointment. It ended leaving me with unanswered questions.
February 6, 2023
Ok
Would have been 4 stars if not for the lazy errors and typos. It was a good story though. Would have been nice to have an epilogue to see what was happening to David in Hell but I guess the author couldn't be bothered.
Would have been 4 stars if not for the lazy errors and typos. It was a good story though. Would have been nice to have an epilogue to see what was happening to David in Hell but I guess the author couldn't be bothered.
May 9, 2018
A Goodreads win. I thought this would be a good horror book, wrong.....
January 29, 2021
This is an interesting concept of hell. Overall, it was an interesting read but I can’t say there was anything that made it extraordinary.
November 6, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. But it was bad.
January 27, 2024
I really struggled to finish this book. Amateur literature at its finest.
April 23, 2018
This was an interesting view of hell. Also it shows no matter where you go you will always have a choice of good or bad. I like books that review hell through writers eyes since I read Dantes.
May 14, 2018
This was a very great story from start to finish and I want to recommend this to others!
March 26, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ba...
Bad Dreams
By Kenneth Buff
ISBN-13: 978-1505465150
Author’s Website: http://www.kennethbuff.com
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer LizzyO
Synopsis:
We all have nightmares, but not all of us have to live them. Johnathon Clarke did. His bullies beat him. They humiliated him. They stole his life. So at the age of 17 he took it away with a bullet from a gun. In Hell John finds himself working out his existence in the mailroom, until he’s given the promotion he died for—he becomes the forger of nightmares, the giver of bad dreams. With his new position, John makes his assignments feel the fear he’s felt his entire existence. He does this until he’s assigned a young girl named Danielle. Danielle’s not much younger than John was, and the circumstances surrounding why she’s been assigned are troubling. They’re troubling because he disagrees. Now John must decide between continuing this life of torture and scares, or using this dark gift for something else, something that could help this girl who needs him. (Amazon)
Review:
Bad Dreams was an interesting read for me. I found it difficult at first to get into the story as there were some grammatical errors and inconsistencies. At one point, there is a character named Barbara, who later is referred to as Barbra. However, the writer is very promising and was able to develop a character that I became invested in. I enjoyed the main character, Johnathon Clarke, and needed to see where his story went.
When John took his life as a result of constant bullying, and then ended up in hell because of the suicide, I confess that I was put off that this act of suicide led to John facing an eternity in hell as he was only escaping a broken life. But that was the catalyst that drove John to examine his actions and realize what he lost. I was fascinated to read about the task he was given in the afterlife regarding the conferring of bad dreams on bad people. Some of the dreams were cringe worthy and entertaining. Then the story evolved into a more character driven tale, where we get to meet a girl named Danielle, as well as her brother and her abusive father. It’s during this part of the book that my interest deepened, as John became a more fully evolved character.
I started finding myself for the first time rooting for John and Danielle. It is during his time tormenting Danielle with bad dreams that John realizes that Danielle doesn’t deserve these dreams and that the bullied are not the ones who should be punished. I’m glad that John was able to break free from hell in time to rescue both him and Danielle.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I would recommend this book but caution the readers about the lack of attention given to grammar and consistency.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Bad Dreams
By Kenneth Buff
ISBN-13: 978-1505465150
Author’s Website: http://www.kennethbuff.com
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer LizzyO
Synopsis:
We all have nightmares, but not all of us have to live them. Johnathon Clarke did. His bullies beat him. They humiliated him. They stole his life. So at the age of 17 he took it away with a bullet from a gun. In Hell John finds himself working out his existence in the mailroom, until he’s given the promotion he died for—he becomes the forger of nightmares, the giver of bad dreams. With his new position, John makes his assignments feel the fear he’s felt his entire existence. He does this until he’s assigned a young girl named Danielle. Danielle’s not much younger than John was, and the circumstances surrounding why she’s been assigned are troubling. They’re troubling because he disagrees. Now John must decide between continuing this life of torture and scares, or using this dark gift for something else, something that could help this girl who needs him. (Amazon)
Review:
Bad Dreams was an interesting read for me. I found it difficult at first to get into the story as there were some grammatical errors and inconsistencies. At one point, there is a character named Barbara, who later is referred to as Barbra. However, the writer is very promising and was able to develop a character that I became invested in. I enjoyed the main character, Johnathon Clarke, and needed to see where his story went.
When John took his life as a result of constant bullying, and then ended up in hell because of the suicide, I confess that I was put off that this act of suicide led to John facing an eternity in hell as he was only escaping a broken life. But that was the catalyst that drove John to examine his actions and realize what he lost. I was fascinated to read about the task he was given in the afterlife regarding the conferring of bad dreams on bad people. Some of the dreams were cringe worthy and entertaining. Then the story evolved into a more character driven tale, where we get to meet a girl named Danielle, as well as her brother and her abusive father. It’s during this part of the book that my interest deepened, as John became a more fully evolved character.
I started finding myself for the first time rooting for John and Danielle. It is during his time tormenting Danielle with bad dreams that John realizes that Danielle doesn’t deserve these dreams and that the bullied are not the ones who should be punished. I’m glad that John was able to break free from hell in time to rescue both him and Danielle.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I would recommend this book but caution the readers about the lack of attention given to grammar and consistency.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 23, 2015
I was drawn into 'Bed Dreams' immediately, and found the plot and characters to be very intriguing. John, the seventeen year old, main character, commits suicide because he can't see a life beyond the bullying he's suffered at school. Sent to Hell, he's assigned as the bearer of bad dreams. Given the name of a sinner, he inserts their worst fears into their dreams as punishment for their sins. He's really good at it and his superiors are very happy with his terrifying imagination.
The author's visions of Hell and the 'people' who work there, are pretty inventive. Although we get a taste of fire and brimstone, it's mostly void of everything, and John is happy to have a purpose, as most of the residents have become emotionless drones. He enjoys tormenting the living evil, for the most part and, although he has regrets, he's content with his duties. Then, one night, he's assigned a father and daughter to torment. The father is a horrible human being but the daughter is mostly guilty by association. This discovery leads to John questioning his role and eventually defying his superiors. One thing leads to another, and John must make some important decisions about what he feels is right, regardless of where he is.
I was kind of disappointed by the ending. It's a bit of a cliffhanger and I haven't found any information on a sequel. I would've liked the story to be a little more 'wrapped up' but I assume the author intended for us to use our imagination on what happens after the ending. I also wasn't thrilled with the editing. It wasn't very thorough, and there were a lot of extra words and the wrong tense/spelling of words used. It's as though the book didn't get a final check before being published. This can be annoying and takes the reader out of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed 'Bad Dreams' and, with a little 'polishing', I think it could be a great paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book through the Lovers of Paranormal (LoP) group on Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.
The author's visions of Hell and the 'people' who work there, are pretty inventive. Although we get a taste of fire and brimstone, it's mostly void of everything, and John is happy to have a purpose, as most of the residents have become emotionless drones. He enjoys tormenting the living evil, for the most part and, although he has regrets, he's content with his duties. Then, one night, he's assigned a father and daughter to torment. The father is a horrible human being but the daughter is mostly guilty by association. This discovery leads to John questioning his role and eventually defying his superiors. One thing leads to another, and John must make some important decisions about what he feels is right, regardless of where he is.
I was kind of disappointed by the ending. It's a bit of a cliffhanger and I haven't found any information on a sequel. I would've liked the story to be a little more 'wrapped up' but I assume the author intended for us to use our imagination on what happens after the ending. I also wasn't thrilled with the editing. It wasn't very thorough, and there were a lot of extra words and the wrong tense/spelling of words used. It's as though the book didn't get a final check before being published. This can be annoying and takes the reader out of the story.
All in all, I enjoyed 'Bad Dreams' and, with a little 'polishing', I think it could be a great paranormal read.
I received a copy of this book through the Lovers of Paranormal (LoP) group on Goodreads, in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2018
There is no hell but the hell we make. This story of John going from a minion to a maker of nightmares is interesting. The hints were place though out the story that his hell was in his own minds power to change. We are trapped in what we think it is suppose to be. John never truly figures out that his hell is truly intellectual. Why a machine when all is thought. Because that is what your mind builds to deal with the infinite possibilities. This book make you think and has a good story that follows the him though his journey. Raising questions along the way.
August 9, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
In Bad Dreams, Johnathon Clarke is a bullied teenager who kills himself and gets sent down to “work off his debt” in Hell’s mailroom. After so long, he is promoted to the forger of nightmares – to punish evil people for their wrongdoing by forcing them to have nightmares about their fears. Then, he is assigned to Danielle. He disagrees with the reasoning behind her assignment, however, and struggles with her punishment.
This book was ok. It didn’t really bother me that it needed a few spelling/grammar corrections, because those are so common in almost everything I read nowadays, and it had fewer mistakes than a lot of other recent books. I was a little confusing throughout, but the main thing that threw me out of the story and almost made me quit reading it completely, was when John referenced something he supposedly did earlier in the book, but that he never did (at least not that I was able to find). It was an interesting premise, though, and I hate to not find out what happens, so I decided to just move on regardless.
I agree with other reviewers that it could use just a bit more work, but I don’t regret reading it.
In Bad Dreams, Johnathon Clarke is a bullied teenager who kills himself and gets sent down to “work off his debt” in Hell’s mailroom. After so long, he is promoted to the forger of nightmares – to punish evil people for their wrongdoing by forcing them to have nightmares about their fears. Then, he is assigned to Danielle. He disagrees with the reasoning behind her assignment, however, and struggles with her punishment.
This book was ok. It didn’t really bother me that it needed a few spelling/grammar corrections, because those are so common in almost everything I read nowadays, and it had fewer mistakes than a lot of other recent books. I was a little confusing throughout, but the main thing that threw me out of the story and almost made me quit reading it completely, was when John referenced something he supposedly did earlier in the book, but that he never did (at least not that I was able to find). It was an interesting premise, though, and I hate to not find out what happens, so I decided to just move on regardless.
I agree with other reviewers that it could use just a bit more work, but I don’t regret reading it.
March 13, 2016
John Clarke is a cool character, and I wish I had gotten to know him better. Kenneth Buff's vision of Hell was really creative and unique, and I enjoyed the imagery. The concept of this book had a ton of potential. We enter the story as John enters Hell, which is the beginning of a new journey for him. He quickly advances in the ranks and ends up being a sort of boogeyman; someone who weaves nightmares for the wicked.
I wish that we could have seen more of the struggle for John as he loses his humanity, and then fights to regain it for the sake of love. I found the rapid POV switches and the throwaway characters who are the victims of John's nightmares to be more of a distraction than anything else. I feel that the story would have been more consistent if John's point of view had remained the dominant one.
I also had a hard time with the throwaway characters, like the old man at the lake and the guardian. The characterization and their stories felt sort of rushed, and I didn't really get to know anyone the way I would've liked. I feel like this story was a really brilliant, original idea, but a bit skeletal, and could have been extended into three fleshed-out books.
Read the complete review on my blog:
http://tracyauerbach.com/2016/03/13/r...
I wish that we could have seen more of the struggle for John as he loses his humanity, and then fights to regain it for the sake of love. I found the rapid POV switches and the throwaway characters who are the victims of John's nightmares to be more of a distraction than anything else. I feel that the story would have been more consistent if John's point of view had remained the dominant one.
I also had a hard time with the throwaway characters, like the old man at the lake and the guardian. The characterization and their stories felt sort of rushed, and I didn't really get to know anyone the way I would've liked. I feel like this story was a really brilliant, original idea, but a bit skeletal, and could have been extended into three fleshed-out books.
Read the complete review on my blog:
http://tracyauerbach.com/2016/03/13/r...
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