THE WAKING DREAM by Jennifer Ford

Seth writes. . . 

If you're a regular reader to this blog you'll know we usually review books that resonate in some way with our own story, Pledged. The Waking Dream by Jennifer Ford is no exception.

It also focuses on a lost people as you will see from the Goodreads synopsis:

Cut off from the outside world by a hostile desert full of savage secrets, the city of Illamar must fend for itself. Late one night, Dante Montero, Commander and Ruler of Illamar, is confronted on his own streets by a mysterious woman bearing an ominous message from a dangerous man known only as Rasheim. 

Dante and his close friend Kerran, Captain of the Guard, rush to discover the identity of Rasheim and the nature of the threat posed against their city. The closer they get to the truth, the more their worlds begin to fall apart. Both men will have to rely heavily on their friendship as they struggle to comprehend the events happening around them, their past, and even the truth about themselves. They must move quickly and choose wisely, for time is running out as Dante and Kerran discover a secret plot is already underway to destroy their city and kill every last person alive. It seems the answers they so desperately need can only be found in a sequence of dreams, but in a world where nothing is as it seems, even their dreams could turn out to be deadly.

Seth writes. . . Okay, that's the official waffle, now down to what I think. 

The Waking Dream is magical fantasy on steroids. I loved it. The story is utterly original, the world building spellbinding, and the characters so defined they leap right off the page.

But be warned, it does get off to a slow start. Don’t let it put you off or you will miss a fantastical – in every sense of the word – read. The slow build up in the beginning is essential for setting the main characters and the overall tone.

It was also cool to read a story seen through the eyes of two guys for a change – Dante and Kerran. Close friends, they both have very different, but equally important missions to fulfill.

Given the title, The Waking Dream, you can expect a lot of dream sequences and you won’t be disappointed. They litter the book, but are so well handled, with such originality, it almost took my breath away. In one crucial part of the book the use of the dream world was pure genius.

Erin writes. . . And for those who are wondering about LOVE, you need to know that it isn’t a romance, although there is a very sensual relationship that develops between Kerran and urgh! I can’t tell because that would be a spoiler of note. Just know that it’s there, adding a spicy twist to the story.

So now you know that you HAVE to own and read this book, we're pleased to tell you we're running a GIVEAWAY. Yes, the author is giving us a SIGNED copy to offer you as a prize. 

Trust me, if you love fantasy, magic, and great characters then you want this book. So fill in the Rafflecopter below. Or, if you are really impatient to read it, then you can buy it through: Amazon / B&N / Outskirt Press

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Wednesday we will be posting an interview with Jennifer Ford, followed by our usual character interviews on Friday.

Cheers
S&E