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Dead Dreams #1
Dead Dreams
Eighteen-year-old Brie O’Mara has so much going for her: a loving family in the sidelines, an heiress for a roommate, and dreams that might just come true. Big dreams--of going to acting school, finishing college and making a name for herself. She is about to be the envy of everyone she knew. What more could she hope for? Except her dreams are about to lead her down the road to nightmares. Nightmares that could turn into a deadly reality.
Dead Dreams, Book 1, a young contemporary adult psychological thriller and mystery.
Dead Dreams, Book 1, a young contemporary adult psychological thriller and mystery.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2013
About the author
Emma Right
30 books123 followersAward winning, best selling author of young adult and children books, Emma Right is also a CSAHM homeschooling five children. Ms. Right is a multi-award winning copywriter.Emma Right is also the owner of YourAuthorBusiness which aims to help authors maneuvering the self publishing and book business. For tip,s tactics and strategies to book marketing and getting an online presence, visit her site, and her Youtube channel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 78 reviews
February 28, 2018
This book was exciting to read. I was curious why someone like Sarah would show up in Brie O’Mara's life. I think this should be read by young adults so they learn to be weary of people and sometimes it is not a great idea to trust blindly. I enjoyed the book and thought it had a great but a little bit of a cliffhanger ending. How is Keith involved, if he is even? I can't wait to find out more in the next book!
November 12, 2013
First let me say that this book is a complete thriller through and through. I thought okay I am going to read some crazy paranormal book but what I got was a complete mind F%^& and a crazy cliffhanger! So yes I was screaming at my kindle thinking I am going to go crazy because I need book two. I mean there was so many things going on that the book flowed flawless but I needed no wanted more. I was so into reading that I had not realized what time it was and then I realized I missed dinner and it was 3am in the morning.
Dead Dreams is about a girl Brie who has dreams and aspirations of going places and making something of her life. She is hindered by her parents so she moves out of their house and takes on two jobs so she can fulfill her dreams of finishing college and being an actress. As she struggles paying the bills she realizes she needs a roommate so she puts an add in craigslist. Which is crazy because no one should put personal stuff on craigslist but she needs the roommate and when she finds one she is so excited. Her new roommate Sarah is strange but she over looks it because Sarah is helping her pay the bills.
But as time goes on Brie realizes there is something strange about Sarah and also Brie is having dreams that are scary more like nightmares. She also can't stop thinking about her brother Kieth who she doesn't really talk to. So what do the dreams mean? Who is Sarah? and why the bloody hell is she having these crazy nightmares?
The only thing I hated was the cliffhanger because I was so reading along and then BAM no more you need book two!!!!!!!!!!! How cruel is that ;)
Dead Dreams is about a girl Brie who has dreams and aspirations of going places and making something of her life. She is hindered by her parents so she moves out of their house and takes on two jobs so she can fulfill her dreams of finishing college and being an actress. As she struggles paying the bills she realizes she needs a roommate so she puts an add in craigslist. Which is crazy because no one should put personal stuff on craigslist but she needs the roommate and when she finds one she is so excited. Her new roommate Sarah is strange but she over looks it because Sarah is helping her pay the bills.
But as time goes on Brie realizes there is something strange about Sarah and also Brie is having dreams that are scary more like nightmares. She also can't stop thinking about her brother Kieth who she doesn't really talk to. So what do the dreams mean? Who is Sarah? and why the bloody hell is she having these crazy nightmares?
The only thing I hated was the cliffhanger because I was so reading along and then BAM no more you need book two!!!!!!!!!!! How cruel is that ;)
March 7, 2014
Fab cover but the plot just lost me and the main character was so naïve and gullible that I couldn't connect. I read this book as part of a blog tour however I have waited until the tour was over to post my review. So for all those wondering if participating in blog tours means you sugar-coat your review, then my answer as you can see below is NO, definitely not.
First Line:
“It started on warm April afternoon.”
My Thoughts:
My main thought is that the main character was so naive that she practically begged to be scammed and I had little sympathy for her. She advertises for a flat-mate to share her apartment and ends up with Sarah. First off Sarah is aloof and condescending and I would have no interest in spending anytime with her let alone fall in with any scheme she proposes.
I also found the plot hard to understand, it was convoluted and it took me a while to figure out what exactly Sarah wanted Brie to do and even longer to figure out why. I ended up rereading that part of the book a few times. I was even more lost trying to understand Brie’s motivation for going along with it. I can understand a huge part of the motivation is financial but would that really be enough to abandon your family. Brie has a family who care (her mother even brings around food to ensure she eats correctly), maybe a little on the smothering side but at least they love her and it should have seemed harder for Brie to walk away from them.
Also Brie was at least savy enough to do a little bit of snooping and investigating into Sarah however she didn’t follow through on any of it. There is obviously faint warning bells going off in her head but she ignores the signs. Did no one ever tell her that if something seems too good to be true then it probably is!
So I wasn’t getting the plot or Brie’s motivation however the suspense was built up nicely and I was eager to see what was really going down. At least something was working for me, right? Wrong! I should have bottled that eagerness as no answers were given! One of the most interesting parts was Brie’s dreams however they aren’t explored or explained in this book so you can only guess as to their meaning. And then it ends in a huge cliff-hanger.
I really wish authors wouldn’t do that, it feels like a cheap plot devise to get you to buy the next book. I feel like a broken record repeating this but every book should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Not a beginning, a middle and a ton of unresolved questions, it just makes me feel there is no point to the book. Even in a series, a book should entertain on its own merit and not be totally dependent on you finishing the series to get any form of enjoyment.
Who should read Dead Dreams?
I can’t recommend the book right now. Maybe when the series is finished and you can read from start to finish, then it will be an entertaining psychological thriller. Maybe. I can’t say I’m interested enough to find out.
First Line:
“It started on warm April afternoon.”
My Thoughts:
My main thought is that the main character was so naive that she practically begged to be scammed and I had little sympathy for her. She advertises for a flat-mate to share her apartment and ends up with Sarah. First off Sarah is aloof and condescending and I would have no interest in spending anytime with her let alone fall in with any scheme she proposes.
I also found the plot hard to understand, it was convoluted and it took me a while to figure out what exactly Sarah wanted Brie to do and even longer to figure out why. I ended up rereading that part of the book a few times. I was even more lost trying to understand Brie’s motivation for going along with it. I can understand a huge part of the motivation is financial but would that really be enough to abandon your family. Brie has a family who care (her mother even brings around food to ensure she eats correctly), maybe a little on the smothering side but at least they love her and it should have seemed harder for Brie to walk away from them.
Also Brie was at least savy enough to do a little bit of snooping and investigating into Sarah however she didn’t follow through on any of it. There is obviously faint warning bells going off in her head but she ignores the signs. Did no one ever tell her that if something seems too good to be true then it probably is!
So I wasn’t getting the plot or Brie’s motivation however the suspense was built up nicely and I was eager to see what was really going down. At least something was working for me, right? Wrong! I should have bottled that eagerness as no answers were given! One of the most interesting parts was Brie’s dreams however they aren’t explored or explained in this book so you can only guess as to their meaning. And then it ends in a huge cliff-hanger.
I really wish authors wouldn’t do that, it feels like a cheap plot devise to get you to buy the next book. I feel like a broken record repeating this but every book should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Not a beginning, a middle and a ton of unresolved questions, it just makes me feel there is no point to the book. Even in a series, a book should entertain on its own merit and not be totally dependent on you finishing the series to get any form of enjoyment.
Who should read Dead Dreams?
I can’t recommend the book right now. Maybe when the series is finished and you can read from start to finish, then it will be an entertaining psychological thriller. Maybe. I can’t say I’m interested enough to find out.
November 15, 2013
For some reason I went into this one thinking it was paranormal and after a few chapters realized that couldn't be right and finally read the synopsis again. To say I was thrilled to find out this was actually labeled as a psychological thriller/mystery is an understatement. It has been while since I have read a really good thriller and I was pretty excited about continuing with the story after that.
This kind of played out like a movie would in flashes. Not quite a before and after but close. Brie narrated the story from the very beginning as she looked back on the last months of her life. Of all that played out and lead up to the moment the story began, to the moment it all went to crap in a hand basket.
Of all that she ignored, those gut feelings she didn't pay attention to and the warnings and red flags going off like a tornado warning staring her right in the face. Her naivety, her innocence, her stupidity and most of all, the betrayal that took place as the story unfolded and the deception began.
If I had to describe this book in one word and one word only that one word would be intense.
Constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what else was going to go down. Who the bad guys were and what possible deception was unfolding and then later, just how many deceptions there were exactly and how many players played a role in it all.
This was nicely done and I can say with surety that I will read the next book because I have to know what happens next. Did Brie wise up? What about her brother, her father and most importantly what happened to her roommate?
The ending left you hanging and wanting to know more. I wish more would have been answered but I know why it wasn't, she has to leave something for the next book and I understand that but, I can't help wanting all the answers now.
This kind of played out like a movie would in flashes. Not quite a before and after but close. Brie narrated the story from the very beginning as she looked back on the last months of her life. Of all that played out and lead up to the moment the story began, to the moment it all went to crap in a hand basket.
Of all that she ignored, those gut feelings she didn't pay attention to and the warnings and red flags going off like a tornado warning staring her right in the face. Her naivety, her innocence, her stupidity and most of all, the betrayal that took place as the story unfolded and the deception began.
If I had to describe this book in one word and one word only that one word would be intense.
Constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what else was going to go down. Who the bad guys were and what possible deception was unfolding and then later, just how many deceptions there were exactly and how many players played a role in it all.
This was nicely done and I can say with surety that I will read the next book because I have to know what happens next. Did Brie wise up? What about her brother, her father and most importantly what happened to her roommate?
The ending left you hanging and wanting to know more. I wish more would have been answered but I know why it wasn't, she has to leave something for the next book and I understand that but, I can't help wanting all the answers now.
November 14, 2013
When I read the summary for this book, I thought it seemed super cool. I don’t get a chance to read too many psychological thrillers, but I watch lots of these types of movies and I love them. Unfortunately, Dead Dreams just was not the book for me. I thought the story was jumpy and confusing.
I thought this was going to be a story about Brie. And while she is the main character, it really isn’t a story about her at all. It is about a chain of events that happen to her. My biggest problem with this book was that I didn’t really understand the point of it. It felt like it was missing a plot. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of stuff happened, but they felt like things that could be a really cool story surrounding a main plot. I didn’t really know what Brie was doing with her life before her new roommate showed up. I didn’t really know what she was doing during the story except for working, and I never really felt like I got to know her.
The mystery surrounding Brie’s roommate was interesting enough, but it was so confusing. I know that’s how it was meant to be, but it just frustrated me. I tried multiple times to get into this book, but I had to force myself to keep reading. I think some people could really enjoy the mystery surrounding this story and would totally get into the creepy, and unique story telling, but it just wasn’t something that I enjoyed.
I thought this was going to be a story about Brie. And while she is the main character, it really isn’t a story about her at all. It is about a chain of events that happen to her. My biggest problem with this book was that I didn’t really understand the point of it. It felt like it was missing a plot. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of stuff happened, but they felt like things that could be a really cool story surrounding a main plot. I didn’t really know what Brie was doing with her life before her new roommate showed up. I didn’t really know what she was doing during the story except for working, and I never really felt like I got to know her.
The mystery surrounding Brie’s roommate was interesting enough, but it was so confusing. I know that’s how it was meant to be, but it just frustrated me. I tried multiple times to get into this book, but I had to force myself to keep reading. I think some people could really enjoy the mystery surrounding this story and would totally get into the creepy, and unique story telling, but it just wasn’t something that I enjoyed.
August 10, 2016
DNF at 35%
I don't get why Brie was so involved in her new roommate, Sarah's issues. Clearly Sarah comes from a bad/sketchy background that is causing unnecessary problems in Brie's life, I don't understand why instead of getting rid of Sarah as a roommate, Brie continued to dig stuff up. Makes no sense to me! And that's why I couldn't continue the story and had to DNF it.
A Copy was provided by the Author and CBB Book Promotion for review purposes. Thank You.
I don't get why Brie was so involved in her new roommate, Sarah's issues. Clearly Sarah comes from a bad/sketchy background that is causing unnecessary problems in Brie's life, I don't understand why instead of getting rid of Sarah as a roommate, Brie continued to dig stuff up. Makes no sense to me! And that's why I couldn't continue the story and had to DNF it.
A Copy was provided by the Author and CBB Book Promotion for review purposes. Thank You.
November 14, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
Dead Dreams, from the cover, looks like it would be a paranormal kind of novel, but surprisingly not! I checked the genre again just to be sure even though it's clearly stated on the cover that this is a psychological thriller. It was definitely thrilling to read - I felt like I was holding my breath throughout the entire novel!
I enjoyed taking a break from the paranormal genre for Dead Dreams. Brie has moved out on her own into an apartment and advertised for a roommate on Craigslist. When I read that, I couldn't help but facepalm. Craigslist? Really? That'd be the last place I'd advertise for a roommate even if I was end-of-the-rope desperate. After an interview, Brie has found her roommate, who happens to be an heiress. An heiress on Craigslist??
A lot of this wasn't making sense to me, but not in an irritating way. It was in an oh-my-God-watch-out-Brie kind of way. I could have kept a tally of all the mistakes Brie makes that I wish she hadn't made in the first place. Sprinkled here and there throughout the novel are hints from Brie that this isn't going to end well for her. I don't know exactly how or when but that something really bad is going to end up happening. It was inevitable.
While Brie questions her roommate's secrecy and the lies she catches her in, Brie still continues to trust her and doesn't listen to the gut feeling she has that something is very wrong. The situation Brie is in along with the decisions she made had me thinking this was a huge scam, but I couldn't figure out the roommate's angle. What would she have to gain from tricking Brie? The first time I caught my roommate in a lie I wouldn't be able to trust her or explain it away like Brie did.
Things escalate quickly, and I practically chewed my fingernails. I had no clue what was going to happen and tried to put the pieces together as I went along. This is an extremely gripping read that snatches you up from page one and doesn't let go until the end. And even after that, you aren't going to be able to stop thinking about this one for quite a while!
Dead Dreams, from the cover, looks like it would be a paranormal kind of novel, but surprisingly not! I checked the genre again just to be sure even though it's clearly stated on the cover that this is a psychological thriller. It was definitely thrilling to read - I felt like I was holding my breath throughout the entire novel!
I enjoyed taking a break from the paranormal genre for Dead Dreams. Brie has moved out on her own into an apartment and advertised for a roommate on Craigslist. When I read that, I couldn't help but facepalm. Craigslist? Really? That'd be the last place I'd advertise for a roommate even if I was end-of-the-rope desperate. After an interview, Brie has found her roommate, who happens to be an heiress. An heiress on Craigslist??
A lot of this wasn't making sense to me, but not in an irritating way. It was in an oh-my-God-watch-out-Brie kind of way. I could have kept a tally of all the mistakes Brie makes that I wish she hadn't made in the first place. Sprinkled here and there throughout the novel are hints from Brie that this isn't going to end well for her. I don't know exactly how or when but that something really bad is going to end up happening. It was inevitable.
While Brie questions her roommate's secrecy and the lies she catches her in, Brie still continues to trust her and doesn't listen to the gut feeling she has that something is very wrong. The situation Brie is in along with the decisions she made had me thinking this was a huge scam, but I couldn't figure out the roommate's angle. What would she have to gain from tricking Brie? The first time I caught my roommate in a lie I wouldn't be able to trust her or explain it away like Brie did.
Things escalate quickly, and I practically chewed my fingernails. I had no clue what was going to happen and tried to put the pieces together as I went along. This is an extremely gripping read that snatches you up from page one and doesn't let go until the end. And even after that, you aren't going to be able to stop thinking about this one for quite a while!
November 15, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Emma Right has created a lightning fast page turner filled with suspense and intrigue. Dead Dreams is book one so needless to say it ends in a major cliffhanger. I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed since it's a relatively short book anyway (approx. 50k words or so). It appears that the author plans to divide the entire story into two separate books. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Right does with book two because by the end of book one, it seemed like the story was just about over.
Main character Brie is about as naïve as they come. That's the only reason I can fathom that she'd take new roommate Sarah at her word and trust her. My instincts were screaming early on to not trust that duplicitous girl. Poor Brie is just trying to eke out a living working two menial jobs before attempting to pursue her acting dreams. She gets almost no support from her family (though her mom does complain about her choices constantly).
Enter coal empire heiress Sarah, hiding from her uncle and brother who are after her inheritance. She decides to slum with Brie in an attempt to allude them. Please. There are many ways to hide that don't include a socialite in a tiny apartment. It was suspicious from the beginning. If she was so terrified, wouldn't she move someplace where she'd be safer: better locks, security, etcetera. Brie just shrugs it off and goes about her life, oblivious to the dark plans hatching around her.
While I enjoyed reading this novel, I can't help but think I would have liked it much better if Ms. Right added an additional 10k words and finished the story. There's little worse than being left hanging in the middle of a psychological thriller. Of course I have my ideas of the outcome, but I want the satisfaction that comes with not leaving things undone. It's already an extremely quick read, I finished in just a little over an hour.
If you're looking for an interesting, suspenseful psychological mystery, consider adding Dead Dreams to your to-read list. Just keep in mind that book 2 isn't coming out until next year. Oops, almost forgot...this book is suitable for high school and up.
Emma Right has created a lightning fast page turner filled with suspense and intrigue. Dead Dreams is book one so needless to say it ends in a major cliffhanger. I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed since it's a relatively short book anyway (approx. 50k words or so). It appears that the author plans to divide the entire story into two separate books. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Right does with book two because by the end of book one, it seemed like the story was just about over.
Main character Brie is about as naïve as they come. That's the only reason I can fathom that she'd take new roommate Sarah at her word and trust her. My instincts were screaming early on to not trust that duplicitous girl. Poor Brie is just trying to eke out a living working two menial jobs before attempting to pursue her acting dreams. She gets almost no support from her family (though her mom does complain about her choices constantly).
Enter coal empire heiress Sarah, hiding from her uncle and brother who are after her inheritance. She decides to slum with Brie in an attempt to allude them. Please. There are many ways to hide that don't include a socialite in a tiny apartment. It was suspicious from the beginning. If she was so terrified, wouldn't she move someplace where she'd be safer: better locks, security, etcetera. Brie just shrugs it off and goes about her life, oblivious to the dark plans hatching around her.
While I enjoyed reading this novel, I can't help but think I would have liked it much better if Ms. Right added an additional 10k words and finished the story. There's little worse than being left hanging in the middle of a psychological thriller. Of course I have my ideas of the outcome, but I want the satisfaction that comes with not leaving things undone. It's already an extremely quick read, I finished in just a little over an hour.
If you're looking for an interesting, suspenseful psychological mystery, consider adding Dead Dreams to your to-read list. Just keep in mind that book 2 isn't coming out until next year. Oops, almost forgot...this book is suitable for high school and up.
October 23, 2013
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That's my blog! The review is up!
Dead Dreams by: Emma Right
Dead Dreams us a book where you meet two girls, Brie O’Mara and Sarah McIntyre. They’re two similar, but different girls. These girls are here for two different reasons. They’re different personality wise, but they are very similar in other ways, especially in the end. But, there is a huge lesson in the book, always trust your gut feeling. It’s there for a reason. It could just save your life.
Reality and dreams could just be your life, waiting to be told. If your nightmares start to come true, then talk to your good old friend Pastor Perry, who ‘knows’ the future and is a big part of the story towards the end.
He was a supporting character when chaos came about or there was a problem. He was one of the most knowledgeable characters that I have ever read about in a book. I loved it; he was so all-knowing. But, every character has their good parts and bad parts.
I personally liked, Keith, he was Brie’s brother and Sarah’s ‘partner in crime’. He drove the fancy cars, and was a not-so-typical 27 year old. He seemed to be everything that a 27 year old was. But, in the end every character was just a little bit devious and deceiving.
It was interesting to see how they did certain things, and how you could imagine how the scenery is. Imagery is a huge thing for me because I am a very visual learner, so, if I can’t imagine it or see a picture, then I won’t be able to read the book. But this book was so clear and I could imagine everything. I would recommend this book to everybody that likes a good Thriller and mind tricking book.
This book is 5 out of 5 stock sheets.
That's my blog! The review is up!
Dead Dreams by: Emma Right
Dead Dreams us a book where you meet two girls, Brie O’Mara and Sarah McIntyre. They’re two similar, but different girls. These girls are here for two different reasons. They’re different personality wise, but they are very similar in other ways, especially in the end. But, there is a huge lesson in the book, always trust your gut feeling. It’s there for a reason. It could just save your life.
Reality and dreams could just be your life, waiting to be told. If your nightmares start to come true, then talk to your good old friend Pastor Perry, who ‘knows’ the future and is a big part of the story towards the end.
He was a supporting character when chaos came about or there was a problem. He was one of the most knowledgeable characters that I have ever read about in a book. I loved it; he was so all-knowing. But, every character has their good parts and bad parts.
I personally liked, Keith, he was Brie’s brother and Sarah’s ‘partner in crime’. He drove the fancy cars, and was a not-so-typical 27 year old. He seemed to be everything that a 27 year old was. But, in the end every character was just a little bit devious and deceiving.
It was interesting to see how they did certain things, and how you could imagine how the scenery is. Imagery is a huge thing for me because I am a very visual learner, so, if I can’t imagine it or see a picture, then I won’t be able to read the book. But this book was so clear and I could imagine everything. I would recommend this book to everybody that likes a good Thriller and mind tricking book.
This book is 5 out of 5 stock sheets.
November 12, 2013
Dead Dreams is about two young girls, Brie, who wants to become independent and is living on her own for the first time, and Sarah, an independently wealthy secretive know-it-all.
The book is supposed to be a psychological thriller for YA, but reads more like chick-lit with the light, casual, conversational feel of the book, with some mystery thrown in. There's lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading - the part that I enjoyed, along with the good writing.
But Brie is so, so stupid and unbelievably immature. She's always whining about her mother, who is just there to watch over her & to protect her and to make sure she's safe. And clearly Brie needs watching over, because she starts off by making a bad decision and just keeps on making bigger and badder mistakes. She knows she's making bad decisions and just goes ahead and makes them anyway - trying to prove her independence and maturity, perhaps? But all she's doing is proving what a sniveling child she really is. Can you tell I'm NOT a Brie fan?
So, if I dislike Brie so much, why am I rating this book 4 stars? Well, because of the character of Sarah. She's so secretive and mysterious and sure, is beyond manipulative, but that's exactly why I like her - it's like hate watching certain tv shows. You know it's awful, but you can't help watching and yelling at the TV screen anyway. That's exactly how I felt about Sarah.
The book ends with another twist, and leaves you feeling very confused - so confused in fact, I honestly wanted to give the book 3 stars for this reason. Yes, you want a cliffhanger at the end of any book in a series, but this feels like Right ended the book literally in the middle of the book, not written in such a way that opens up the next part to the story.
The book is supposed to be a psychological thriller for YA, but reads more like chick-lit with the light, casual, conversational feel of the book, with some mystery thrown in. There's lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading - the part that I enjoyed, along with the good writing.
But Brie is so, so stupid and unbelievably immature. She's always whining about her mother, who is just there to watch over her & to protect her and to make sure she's safe. And clearly Brie needs watching over, because she starts off by making a bad decision and just keeps on making bigger and badder mistakes. She knows she's making bad decisions and just goes ahead and makes them anyway - trying to prove her independence and maturity, perhaps? But all she's doing is proving what a sniveling child she really is. Can you tell I'm NOT a Brie fan?
So, if I dislike Brie so much, why am I rating this book 4 stars? Well, because of the character of Sarah. She's so secretive and mysterious and sure, is beyond manipulative, but that's exactly why I like her - it's like hate watching certain tv shows. You know it's awful, but you can't help watching and yelling at the TV screen anyway. That's exactly how I felt about Sarah.
The book ends with another twist, and leaves you feeling very confused - so confused in fact, I honestly wanted to give the book 3 stars for this reason. Yes, you want a cliffhanger at the end of any book in a series, but this feels like Right ended the book literally in the middle of the book, not written in such a way that opens up the next part to the story.
November 13, 2013
'Dead Dreams' is a fast paced and thrilling first novel in what promises to be an exciting YA mystery series. We meet the main character, Brie, at the beginning of the book after everything has gone terribly wrong. The main story is Brie recounting what led up to and eventually happened that got her in the predicament she was in. Brie was a great main character - strong, kind, full of hope and ambition, determined, loving. And yet, she had flaws along with her strengths, which made her all the more realistic to me and easier to identify with right from the start of the book. The plot of the novel is a gripping mix of psychological thriller and mystery with tons of twists and turns that kept my head spinning. I'm a huge fan of the genre and I always love to try and figure out what's really happening or who's behind it all before the characters do. This book left me confused, puzzled, and astonished by the end - which I consider a mark of exceptional mystery writing. The book was fast paced and flowed so smoothly that I flew through the pages. The author made everything in the book accessible to the reader, so it seemed like I was immersed in Brie's world right from the beginning. There's a lot of interesting story lines and tidbits throughout the story that added a unique edge to the book and sets it apart from most others in the genre. After reading this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, I'm definitely going to be reading the next book in the series. Very highly recommended for fans of YA mystery and thrillers!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2013
It’s tough being the sister of an almost perfect brother, but eighteen-year-old Brie plans to make her own way in the world, and if a life without sleep can earn her enough money to pay for acting school—well—she’ll work two jobs and do whatever it takes.
Lack of sleep is probably the only excuse for the foolish decisions Brie makes. Taking on a roommate just because she can pay, ignoring all that roommate’s secrecy and trusting every twisting change in her story, allowing temptation to overrule common sense and uncommon nightmares... Reading this book is like watching one of those movies where the audience cries out, “No, don’t open the door!”
Being a teen, and a sleepless teen at that, Brie spends a lot of time analyzing her own motivations without figuring them out. The story’s definitely scary, filled with an intriguing combination of foreshadowing and surprising twists and turns. When perfectly absent perfect brother reappears, and perfectly leavable perfect parents suddenly need Brie’s help, well, it’s suddenly too late. Coincidence, or plot?
Sadly, this is book 1 and the ending’s a cliffhanger. Dreams have turned to either nightmares or premonitions, and even a rebellious teen might remember to pray in a foxhole. But you’ll have to wait for book 2 to find out what was really going on.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy of this book as part of the author’s blog tour, and I’m offering my honest review with this post on my blog.
November 15, 2013
Dead Dreams totally screwed with my mind. Just when I thought that up was down, I found out that down was up. This book was intense and suspenseful and left me with not only a cliffhanger but a ginormous book hangover
18 year old Brie is on her own for the first time. She longs to be independent and is enrolled in college with, Sarah, a wealthy heiress for a roommate She has a pretty good life and big dreams of becoming a famous actress. But somehow it all goes wrong. There are sharp twists and turns that will leave you dizzy, mystery, suspense, and fear. This book will leave you spell bound. This is a very fast paced read mainly due to the fact that you cannot put it down. I was left scratching my head and asking “what? “who?” and “how?”. This is a true psychological mystery built with a very strong plot and well defined characters. This book is nicely set up for a sequel and leaves you with more questions than answers. Dead Dreams is like a book splinter, it gets under your skin and will not let go. I had never read anything by this particular author before and I came away very impressed with her writing. I cannot wait till the second book in this series. Hopefully I will find some resolutions to all the questions and the mystery that I have been left with.
I would recommend this, even if mystery or thrillers isn’t your usual genre. It is a very interesting, well thought out, intelligent read. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
18 year old Brie is on her own for the first time. She longs to be independent and is enrolled in college with, Sarah, a wealthy heiress for a roommate She has a pretty good life and big dreams of becoming a famous actress. But somehow it all goes wrong. There are sharp twists and turns that will leave you dizzy, mystery, suspense, and fear. This book will leave you spell bound. This is a very fast paced read mainly due to the fact that you cannot put it down. I was left scratching my head and asking “what? “who?” and “how?”. This is a true psychological mystery built with a very strong plot and well defined characters. This book is nicely set up for a sequel and leaves you with more questions than answers. Dead Dreams is like a book splinter, it gets under your skin and will not let go. I had never read anything by this particular author before and I came away very impressed with her writing. I cannot wait till the second book in this series. Hopefully I will find some resolutions to all the questions and the mystery that I have been left with.
I would recommend this, even if mystery or thrillers isn’t your usual genre. It is a very interesting, well thought out, intelligent read. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
November 20, 2013
Brie O’Mara dreams of becoming a well-known actress and showing her family she’s truly an adult. She’s living on her own at 18, but advertises for a roommate to help cover the expenses. In walks Sarah, very cultured, knowledgeable, and rich...Brie thinks she’ll work out perfectly. But is Sarah too good to be true?
‘Dead Dreams (Book 1)’ is an interesting psychological thriller which really does keep you guessing. Brie strikes me as someone who is functionally innocent. She dreams of making her family see her as a grown-up, but she doesn’t seem to have a real clue about the dangers in the world. Especially when it’s closer than she ever thought. I can understand why the author wrote Brie’s character that way in light of the events which transpired, but sometimes I found her naïveté to be too much. Considering all she goes through by the end of the book, I think Brie will have her eyes wide open in the future. ‘Dead Dreams (Book 1)’ kept me anxiously turning pages to a crazy conclusion. All I know is that I cannot wait for Book 2!
‘Dead Dreams (Book 1)’ is an interesting psychological thriller which really does keep you guessing. Brie strikes me as someone who is functionally innocent. She dreams of making her family see her as a grown-up, but she doesn’t seem to have a real clue about the dangers in the world. Especially when it’s closer than she ever thought. I can understand why the author wrote Brie’s character that way in light of the events which transpired, but sometimes I found her naïveté to be too much. Considering all she goes through by the end of the book, I think Brie will have her eyes wide open in the future. ‘Dead Dreams (Book 1)’ kept me anxiously turning pages to a crazy conclusion. All I know is that I cannot wait for Book 2!
November 7, 2013
I just finished reading an e-Book that I thought was a good young adult read. Dead Dreams, by Emma Right, is the first book in a series, as it does not finish in the first book. Yes, there is a sequel. Now I say young adult for there were a few things that I found myself questioning. Quick read, yes. But I did not think that the thinking of the main character was sound. Too quick and hasty to jump into a dangerous plan. Why would I thing this would work for a young adult? Well for that very reason. The excitement of jumping into a new plan, a new way of life, a chance to change or escape daily life. Myself? I found that at 50, I was thinking like a mom and saying no way would I do these things. You might want to check it out for yourself though.
November 30, 2013
My reaction to the book is a straight line. While I can't say that I hated the book but I can't' say that I liked it even a little. I was expecting agony and excitement and I got nothing. Nada. Brie can be described as selfish, greedy, stupid and naive. She dives into deep waters without knowing how to swim.
The writing was medium. The chapters ended a little abruptly. They were also short and it was bothering me. The story hasn't ended yet and I am not sure if I want to read was is going to happen next...
The writing was medium. The chapters ended a little abruptly. They were also short and it was bothering me. The story hasn't ended yet and I am not sure if I want to read was is going to happen next...
Read
October 29, 2013I really wanted to like this, I am a fan of mystery, murder, thrillers but could not connect to the characters, and the unique writing style. For this reason I chose not to continue. I know others enjoyed it, but the plot felt scattered, and I struggled with time lines, and plausibility.
September 5, 2017
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
Wow! Great story, I loved the main character Brianna 'Brie' O'Mara. She's really interesting. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. My only complaint about this book is it ended on a big cliffhanger, and I don't have the next book to read and see what happens, other than that I loved it.
Wow! Great story, I loved the main character Brianna 'Brie' O'Mara. She's really interesting. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. My only complaint about this book is it ended on a big cliffhanger, and I don't have the next book to read and see what happens, other than that I loved it.
March 11, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
November 5, 2013
Also published in "A Cup of Coffee and a Book" as part of Dead Dreams Blog Tour.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Candace @Candace’s Book Blog and with the consent of the author, Emma Right, in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Dreams is that sort of book that when you start reading you think “this is not my cup of tea!” but can’t put it down and end up enjoying more than what you’d expected. Which, in my humble opinion, is a great thing.
This book tells the story of a young girl, Brie, who makes the wrong choices. After accepting Sarah as a room-mate she’s suddenly thrust into a world of mystery that might just end up wrong to her side. After learning that Sarah is a heiress who her brother and uncle are trying to get rid of in order to get her inheritance, Brie is involved in a scheme to save both Sarah and her own dreams. However, things are not what they seem and Brie ends up in a wild and creepy crime she doesn’t understand.
At first glance, this isn’t my type of book though I do like some mystery. When I began reading this, I wasn’t connecting with Brie or Sarah and felt the whole inheritance story filled with loose ends. But as soon as the two main characters begin planning their escape, I was drawn to the plot and found that something was definitely off. Truth is, Emma Right wrote such a creepy and unexpected ending I have no idea how she’ll continue the story.
Brie’s character develops slowly within the story. When we first met her, she’s just an ordinary girl who has two jobs to pay her rent and to save for her acting degree. But as soon as Sarah appears in her life, she shows a different side of her that was concealed under the layers of concern. But, I have to be honest, her decision in accepting Sarah’s plan made me want to slap her. Somehow I knew things would go wrong that she wasn’t thinking clearly but, then again, if she didn’t accepted, we wouldn’t have story.
Sarah’s character is still a big mystery to me. I just don’t know what to make of her. The small discoveries Brie finds throughout the book about Sarah just increases our suspicion. Is she scamming Brie into steal her identity? Is she really being hunted by her brother and uncle because of her inheritance? Did she kill someone? And as the story develops, especially towards the end, we’re not sure whether Sarah is trustworthy or not.
Overall Dead Dreams turned out to be an enjoyable, quick and interesting read. It’s a nice thriller that hooks you as soon as the whole mystery sets in and I sure will be following Emma Right’s sequel to see what’s going to happen next.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Candace @Candace’s Book Blog and with the consent of the author, Emma Right, in exchange for an honest review.
Dead Dreams is that sort of book that when you start reading you think “this is not my cup of tea!” but can’t put it down and end up enjoying more than what you’d expected. Which, in my humble opinion, is a great thing.
This book tells the story of a young girl, Brie, who makes the wrong choices. After accepting Sarah as a room-mate she’s suddenly thrust into a world of mystery that might just end up wrong to her side. After learning that Sarah is a heiress who her brother and uncle are trying to get rid of in order to get her inheritance, Brie is involved in a scheme to save both Sarah and her own dreams. However, things are not what they seem and Brie ends up in a wild and creepy crime she doesn’t understand.
At first glance, this isn’t my type of book though I do like some mystery. When I began reading this, I wasn’t connecting with Brie or Sarah and felt the whole inheritance story filled with loose ends. But as soon as the two main characters begin planning their escape, I was drawn to the plot and found that something was definitely off. Truth is, Emma Right wrote such a creepy and unexpected ending I have no idea how she’ll continue the story.
Brie’s character develops slowly within the story. When we first met her, she’s just an ordinary girl who has two jobs to pay her rent and to save for her acting degree. But as soon as Sarah appears in her life, she shows a different side of her that was concealed under the layers of concern. But, I have to be honest, her decision in accepting Sarah’s plan made me want to slap her. Somehow I knew things would go wrong that she wasn’t thinking clearly but, then again, if she didn’t accepted, we wouldn’t have story.
Sarah’s character is still a big mystery to me. I just don’t know what to make of her. The small discoveries Brie finds throughout the book about Sarah just increases our suspicion. Is she scamming Brie into steal her identity? Is she really being hunted by her brother and uncle because of her inheritance? Did she kill someone? And as the story develops, especially towards the end, we’re not sure whether Sarah is trustworthy or not.
Overall Dead Dreams turned out to be an enjoyable, quick and interesting read. It’s a nice thriller that hooks you as soon as the whole mystery sets in and I sure will be following Emma Right’s sequel to see what’s going to happen next.
October 14, 2013
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
Cliffhanger! Really, after all that build up! The whole time I am reading this book, one word stuck with me...SCAM! (Maybe it is because I was in a recent one myself.) The character's inquisitive mind could be seen throughout the plot. The tension at a steady pace at it builds to the final ending. Deliberately planned and filled with mystery, the author keeps your attention on the unfolding plot. Making it an exciting read for young and old. Loved the cover, well fitting for this Young Adult Thriller.
Brie O'Mara lived on her own, eighteen years old, holding two jobs to pay for her acting career. In need of a roommate, because her mother insisted, she finds Sarah McIntyre, a twenty-one year old heiress with lots of down time and too much money to spend.
Trying to live on her own, Brie hated the fact that her mother were always nosy and meddling in her affairs as if she was a child.
(The nerve of the woman...me chuckling and rolling the eyes. Kids!)
Suspicion quickly surface with Sarah's no-string attached, invisible to everyone manners, flaunting cash around to pay people. The no responsibilities and no work. Claiming she sits in the Library everyday, really? Yea right! **Smile**
Dreams invaded Brie's sleep, all signaling that everything is not as it seems. But...always a but, kids never learn, do they? Her mother is worried, and she dismissed the warning, even Pastor Perry, a good friend of the family makes contact with her, trying to help, but instead of confiding in the older, and much wiser man she tried to sort things out, on her own. Wrong decisions brought many disasters upon this young lady, always trying to be independent, but at the end, what will it cost her? Do not know...remember the cliffhanger statement right in the beginning...frustrating, isn't it?
Sarah's character was well developed, and because it ended so abruptly the verdict is still out on her, villain or victim. But she was obnoxious, arrogant and selfish. Independent and strong willed, she could be the mastermind, or as I already said, a poor little rich kid.
I love the way the author add the Biblical dreams to bring light to Brie's problems, will she listen and follow the direction?"....We will have to see in Book 2. Fingers crossed.
Pastor Perry's character stays mostly in the background but yet his inner peace and care could be seen throughout the story line. A pillar, not only to society but to the O'Mara family, during a time they need it the most.
Brie's brother Keith seems interesting, over confident, arrogant and self-absorbed. What is his part in the plot?
It seems we will have to wait for Book 2 to find the answers to all the questions.
Well written and fast paced the book will keep you entertained till the very last page.
Cliffhanger! Really, after all that build up! The whole time I am reading this book, one word stuck with me...SCAM! (Maybe it is because I was in a recent one myself.) The character's inquisitive mind could be seen throughout the plot. The tension at a steady pace at it builds to the final ending. Deliberately planned and filled with mystery, the author keeps your attention on the unfolding plot. Making it an exciting read for young and old. Loved the cover, well fitting for this Young Adult Thriller.
Brie O'Mara lived on her own, eighteen years old, holding two jobs to pay for her acting career. In need of a roommate, because her mother insisted, she finds Sarah McIntyre, a twenty-one year old heiress with lots of down time and too much money to spend.
Trying to live on her own, Brie hated the fact that her mother were always nosy and meddling in her affairs as if she was a child.
(The nerve of the woman...me chuckling and rolling the eyes. Kids!)
Suspicion quickly surface with Sarah's no-string attached, invisible to everyone manners, flaunting cash around to pay people. The no responsibilities and no work. Claiming she sits in the Library everyday, really? Yea right! **Smile**
Dreams invaded Brie's sleep, all signaling that everything is not as it seems. But...always a but, kids never learn, do they? Her mother is worried, and she dismissed the warning, even Pastor Perry, a good friend of the family makes contact with her, trying to help, but instead of confiding in the older, and much wiser man she tried to sort things out, on her own. Wrong decisions brought many disasters upon this young lady, always trying to be independent, but at the end, what will it cost her? Do not know...remember the cliffhanger statement right in the beginning...frustrating, isn't it?
Sarah's character was well developed, and because it ended so abruptly the verdict is still out on her, villain or victim. But she was obnoxious, arrogant and selfish. Independent and strong willed, she could be the mastermind, or as I already said, a poor little rich kid.
I love the way the author add the Biblical dreams to bring light to Brie's problems, will she listen and follow the direction?"....We will have to see in Book 2. Fingers crossed.
Pastor Perry's character stays mostly in the background but yet his inner peace and care could be seen throughout the story line. A pillar, not only to society but to the O'Mara family, during a time they need it the most.
Brie's brother Keith seems interesting, over confident, arrogant and self-absorbed. What is his part in the plot?
It seems we will have to wait for Book 2 to find the answers to all the questions.
Well written and fast paced the book will keep you entertained till the very last page.
October 29, 2013
2.5 stars
I both really liked and really disliked this book at the same time, and as such, had a hard time choosing a star rating for it. This book was a very quick read; I literally couldn't put it down. I flew threw this book because I was so hooked into the suspenseful story and reading it almost felt like I was watching a movie.
The author did a great job with the mystery aspect of this book. I really like psychological thrillers, but only if they're done right. And Emma Right really knew what she was doing when it came to creating a creepy atmosphere and leaving me totally clueless as to how this series is going to continue. I hate being able to figure out what's going on before the main character does, and that definitely didn't happen with Dead Dreams.
I do have to say that I think part of the reason I was so stumped was because of the unrealistic plot. It was almost like a soap opera, in that, even though what was happening was really engrossing, something like this would never happen in real life. And it's hard to guess the outcome of something when it's so far-fetched. But, at the same time, it was engrossing. I really wanted to keep reading and reading, to find out how Brie's story was going to turn out.
But Brie's character was another downfall of this book. At first, I really liked her...an 18-year-old aspiring actress, Brie moves into an apartment in order to get away from her suffocating family. She's working two jobs in order to save up for college, and hopes to become friends with her new roommate, Sarah. Sarah eventually convinces Brie to participate in a plan to get them both more money, and that's when the story starts to get really interesting.
But I started to dislike Brie as the novel went on, because the author forced Brie to make some really stupid and out-of-character decisions/judgments in order to move the plot along. While I understand that this particular plot necessitated a sort of gullible and immature narrator, it was confusing that Brie originally seemed so smart, independent, and capable. I think that this book would've worked better if Right had gone the more untraditional "unlikable main character" route, and then had her show character growth after learning a lesson from this experience. Because there definitely are people out there who are dumb enough to have gone along with Sarah's plan...it's just that Brie doesn't seem like she'd be one of them.
Ultimately, I loved how fast-paced, intriguing and captivating this novel was. I seriously couldn't put it down! Dead Dreams is an admirable thriller debut, and I will most likely stick around to see what Brie does next (yes, this book does have a cliffhanger!), but I was a little disappointed with the super unrealistic plot and Brie's confusing decisions.
I both really liked and really disliked this book at the same time, and as such, had a hard time choosing a star rating for it. This book was a very quick read; I literally couldn't put it down. I flew threw this book because I was so hooked into the suspenseful story and reading it almost felt like I was watching a movie.
The author did a great job with the mystery aspect of this book. I really like psychological thrillers, but only if they're done right. And Emma Right really knew what she was doing when it came to creating a creepy atmosphere and leaving me totally clueless as to how this series is going to continue. I hate being able to figure out what's going on before the main character does, and that definitely didn't happen with Dead Dreams.
I do have to say that I think part of the reason I was so stumped was because of the unrealistic plot. It was almost like a soap opera, in that, even though what was happening was really engrossing, something like this would never happen in real life. And it's hard to guess the outcome of something when it's so far-fetched. But, at the same time, it was engrossing. I really wanted to keep reading and reading, to find out how Brie's story was going to turn out.
But Brie's character was another downfall of this book. At first, I really liked her...an 18-year-old aspiring actress, Brie moves into an apartment in order to get away from her suffocating family. She's working two jobs in order to save up for college, and hopes to become friends with her new roommate, Sarah. Sarah eventually convinces Brie to participate in a plan to get them both more money, and that's when the story starts to get really interesting.
But I started to dislike Brie as the novel went on, because the author forced Brie to make some really stupid and out-of-character decisions/judgments in order to move the plot along. While I understand that this particular plot necessitated a sort of gullible and immature narrator, it was confusing that Brie originally seemed so smart, independent, and capable. I think that this book would've worked better if Right had gone the more untraditional "unlikable main character" route, and then had her show character growth after learning a lesson from this experience. Because there definitely are people out there who are dumb enough to have gone along with Sarah's plan...it's just that Brie doesn't seem like she'd be one of them.
Ultimately, I loved how fast-paced, intriguing and captivating this novel was. I seriously couldn't put it down! Dead Dreams is an admirable thriller debut, and I will most likely stick around to see what Brie does next (yes, this book does have a cliffhanger!), but I was a little disappointed with the super unrealistic plot and Brie's confusing decisions.
April 19, 2014
Unlike others, I did not love this book, and perhaps for the same reasons others did. The suspense was there, and I was definitely reading to find out what the deal was with the dreams and Sarah, cause she was just plain "off". However, I struggled with Brie. Some would describe her as naive, I saw it more as idiocy. She was trying so hard to prove to her parents that she could live on her own, that she made some really bad decisions. Brie is 18, and on the one hand she seemed so intelligent, then on the other, I kept thinking WTH?
Against her parent's advice and better judgement, Brie moves out and into her own apartment. She is working two jobs to save money to attend acting school. Here is where I applaud her. Her dream is to act, and although her parents don't see this as a viable profession, she makes the courageous decision to move out and follow that dream even if it means she has to put off school to save up the money for tuition. However, to appease her over-protective parents, she moves into a really nice neighborhood and agrees to get a roommate to offset the cost of the apartment. First mistake, or bad decision? She interviews one person. One! And then she doesn't do a background check. She is a young woman living alone...sure, Sarah seems good on paper, but her whole demeanor and paranoia should have clued in Brie to just how off this girl is. There is NO way a billionaire heiress is going to live in a non-secure apartment with a complete stranger. NONE.
Second big mistake? She trusts Sarah, and actually considers her, her best friend. Sarah is condescending, secretive, and the opposite of friendly. To make matters worse, she talks Brie into committing fraud, lying to her family, planning to abandon them in their time of need, and flat out lies to her about her intentions. And what really pisses me off? Brie senses this. Again, she isn't stupid, but she just goes along with it. For money. Money, she may or may not even get her hands on.
So yes, I struggled with Brie. I liked her, then I didn't. Well, I didn't like her decisions. I also got a little lost trying to follow the "scheme" Sarah concocted. I'm still not sure how it works that Brie will actually be able to touch the money, but since we don't find out how it all ends, there is still time to figure that out I guess. And I really hope the author intends to explain the whole dreams thing. Is the title in regards to her intuition telling her something is off and she is going to die or is it about the fact that in agreeing to Sarah's plan, her dreams of going to acting school have essentially died?
If you like YA books, suspense & intrigue, and are ok with cliff hangers, then you'll enjoy reading this. I don't think everyone is going to love this...I wanted to really enjoy it, but it just didn't feel right to me.
Against her parent's advice and better judgement, Brie moves out and into her own apartment. She is working two jobs to save money to attend acting school. Here is where I applaud her. Her dream is to act, and although her parents don't see this as a viable profession, she makes the courageous decision to move out and follow that dream even if it means she has to put off school to save up the money for tuition. However, to appease her over-protective parents, she moves into a really nice neighborhood and agrees to get a roommate to offset the cost of the apartment. First mistake, or bad decision? She interviews one person. One! And then she doesn't do a background check. She is a young woman living alone...sure, Sarah seems good on paper, but her whole demeanor and paranoia should have clued in Brie to just how off this girl is. There is NO way a billionaire heiress is going to live in a non-secure apartment with a complete stranger. NONE.
Second big mistake? She trusts Sarah, and actually considers her, her best friend. Sarah is condescending, secretive, and the opposite of friendly. To make matters worse, she talks Brie into committing fraud, lying to her family, planning to abandon them in their time of need, and flat out lies to her about her intentions. And what really pisses me off? Brie senses this. Again, she isn't stupid, but she just goes along with it. For money. Money, she may or may not even get her hands on.
So yes, I struggled with Brie. I liked her, then I didn't. Well, I didn't like her decisions. I also got a little lost trying to follow the "scheme" Sarah concocted. I'm still not sure how it works that Brie will actually be able to touch the money, but since we don't find out how it all ends, there is still time to figure that out I guess. And I really hope the author intends to explain the whole dreams thing. Is the title in regards to her intuition telling her something is off and she is going to die or is it about the fact that in agreeing to Sarah's plan, her dreams of going to acting school have essentially died?
If you like YA books, suspense & intrigue, and are ok with cliff hangers, then you'll enjoy reading this. I don't think everyone is going to love this...I wanted to really enjoy it, but it just didn't feel right to me.
November 16, 2013
I took part in a tour for this book and couldn't wait to get my hands on it! I was very thankful to receive a copy for review. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I am so new to the review world, so I hope that I don't give anything away! I haven't quite figured out how to talk about the characters without giving too many things away!
There was a time in the book where I thought that the MC was a little too naive for my liking, but then I realized that she was 18, first time away from home, first place of her own, first everything, I still think the situation she decided to take part in was a little unrealistic, but it obviously didn't stop me from reading what was going to happen!
I like that towards the end of the book I found out something I wasn't expecting to find out! I love it when a book does that for me! I feel like the book ended in the middle of a sentence! The cliffhanger is going to drive me crazy until the next book comes out! (In a good way!) Makes me think!
I love the Mom in the book! I am sure most probably would think she is too intrusive, but I think that is why I like her! I have kids, I can relate to her feelings!
The whole idea of having dreams that may or may not come to life is terrifying to me, which is why I was so interested in what was going to happen!
There are characters in the book that I don't think are going to have a major role in the series, but I wish they would! I hope to find out more about the MC's ex-boyfriend! I hope to find out more about her colleague at the gym! I know they say "flashbacks" are bad, but I LOVE them, and hope that we get to find out more about the MC's background in the next book! She is interesting, slightly annoying, naive and great!
I really enjoyed this book! There may have been some elements that made me go "ya right", but over all I think it's a fantastic read! I am really looking forward to the next installment!
When a movie leaves me with too many questions I tend to dream about them and make up my "own" endings! I have a feeling the same thing is going to happen with this book! I have to many "scenarios" going on in my head I won't be surprised if I dream about the book! How appropriate! Right?!
I hope you have enjoyed the excerpts as much as I have, and I hope you will enjoy the book as well! It is a good, clean book!
My Rating: I am giving Dead Dreams 3 1/2 (it says three on the site because I don't know how to do 1/2) only because the MC's naivete is a little much for me.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the host of the tour in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. These are my own "PERSONAL" thoughts on the book!
There was a time in the book where I thought that the MC was a little too naive for my liking, but then I realized that she was 18, first time away from home, first place of her own, first everything, I still think the situation she decided to take part in was a little unrealistic, but it obviously didn't stop me from reading what was going to happen!
I like that towards the end of the book I found out something I wasn't expecting to find out! I love it when a book does that for me! I feel like the book ended in the middle of a sentence! The cliffhanger is going to drive me crazy until the next book comes out! (In a good way!) Makes me think!
I love the Mom in the book! I am sure most probably would think she is too intrusive, but I think that is why I like her! I have kids, I can relate to her feelings!
The whole idea of having dreams that may or may not come to life is terrifying to me, which is why I was so interested in what was going to happen!
There are characters in the book that I don't think are going to have a major role in the series, but I wish they would! I hope to find out more about the MC's ex-boyfriend! I hope to find out more about her colleague at the gym! I know they say "flashbacks" are bad, but I LOVE them, and hope that we get to find out more about the MC's background in the next book! She is interesting, slightly annoying, naive and great!
I really enjoyed this book! There may have been some elements that made me go "ya right", but over all I think it's a fantastic read! I am really looking forward to the next installment!
When a movie leaves me with too many questions I tend to dream about them and make up my "own" endings! I have a feeling the same thing is going to happen with this book! I have to many "scenarios" going on in my head I won't be surprised if I dream about the book! How appropriate! Right?!
I hope you have enjoyed the excerpts as much as I have, and I hope you will enjoy the book as well! It is a good, clean book!
My Rating: I am giving Dead Dreams 3 1/2 (it says three on the site because I don't know how to do 1/2) only because the MC's naivete is a little much for me.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the host of the tour in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. These are my own "PERSONAL" thoughts on the book!
November 8, 2013
Dead Dreams is the first book in the Dead Dreams series. This book follows an eighteen-year-old girl, Brie O'Mara.
Brie moves into an apartment to get away from her family. She works two jobs to save up for college. She aspires to be an actress. When she accepts Sarah as a room-mate without doing any background check, she slowly starts to learn more about her room-mate. Brie finds out that Sarah is an heiress and that her brother and uncle are after her to get her inheritance. Furthermore, she begins experiencing dreams that were getting more and more gruesome as time passes by.
Initially, I was kind of against this book before I even started because I don't read much mystery books. But I was intrigued when I read the prologue.
I thought the pacing for the first half of the book was really slow. I didn't feel anything while reading it. I kept on reading it because I wanted to know how this story was going to turn out. Furthermore, I didn't really relate to the characters that well. I didn't really feel any connection with the characters. For me, one of the most important aspects in a novel are the characters. It was really hard for me to really absorb or like the book for this reason.
However, things start to pick up when you've passed the first half of the book.
I start to feel something for the characters, especially Brie. I was really concern for her when she made some stupid decisions. I wished I could have prevented her from doing so. I was really worried for her. Then, we get to meet her family and it was really nice. I really adored Lilly and Pastor Perry.
Sarah. Where do I even begin? She's one of the most infuriating character in this book. I've never liked her since she appeared in the story. I've always been wary of her. When Brie found out more about Sarah, I was like, "I knew it." However, I feel like she's a really confusing character. Honestly, I'm not even sure whether she's a friend or foe. I think I would be really shocked if Sarah is genuinely friends with Brie.
The last few chapters were really amazing. Things were going insanely fast which made my heart beats faster. We find out a lot of things which made it feel like one whole roller coaster ride. I was literally jumping. It kind of ended abruptly which made me even more curious.
Overall, it was okay for me. I didn't hate it nor do I necessarily love it. I do plan on reading the sequel which comes out in Summer 2014 because like I said, the last few chapters were insane. I really enjoyed that part. I'm excited to see what's in store for the next book.
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
Brie moves into an apartment to get away from her family. She works two jobs to save up for college. She aspires to be an actress. When she accepts Sarah as a room-mate without doing any background check, she slowly starts to learn more about her room-mate. Brie finds out that Sarah is an heiress and that her brother and uncle are after her to get her inheritance. Furthermore, she begins experiencing dreams that were getting more and more gruesome as time passes by.
Initially, I was kind of against this book before I even started because I don't read much mystery books. But I was intrigued when I read the prologue.
I thought the pacing for the first half of the book was really slow. I didn't feel anything while reading it. I kept on reading it because I wanted to know how this story was going to turn out. Furthermore, I didn't really relate to the characters that well. I didn't really feel any connection with the characters. For me, one of the most important aspects in a novel are the characters. It was really hard for me to really absorb or like the book for this reason.
However, things start to pick up when you've passed the first half of the book.
I start to feel something for the characters, especially Brie. I was really concern for her when she made some stupid decisions. I wished I could have prevented her from doing so. I was really worried for her. Then, we get to meet her family and it was really nice. I really adored Lilly and Pastor Perry.
Sarah. Where do I even begin? She's one of the most infuriating character in this book. I've never liked her since she appeared in the story. I've always been wary of her. When Brie found out more about Sarah, I was like, "I knew it." However, I feel like she's a really confusing character. Honestly, I'm not even sure whether she's a friend or foe. I think I would be really shocked if Sarah is genuinely friends with Brie.
The last few chapters were really amazing. Things were going insanely fast which made my heart beats faster. We find out a lot of things which made it feel like one whole roller coaster ride. I was literally jumping. It kind of ended abruptly which made me even more curious.
Overall, it was okay for me. I didn't hate it nor do I necessarily love it. I do plan on reading the sequel which comes out in Summer 2014 because like I said, the last few chapters were insane. I really enjoyed that part. I'm excited to see what's in store for the next book.
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
November 11, 2013
When Brie O’Mara moved out of her parent's house, she never imagined just how much her life would change. All she wanted was a little independence, as well as a chance at the college scholarship that was always denied her. In her mind, a place of her own was just what she needed to start sowing her seeds in the world around her. Yet never once did she give thought to what she'd end up doing with her life when the time came to truly live it.
Determined for further her independence, Brie decides that it's in her best interest to get a roommate. This will keep her mother off of her back about the fact that she'll be living alone. Not to mention that she'll only have to answer to herself each and every day. It's the perfect set up, and it will allow her to do as she pleases.
To her surprise, the candidate that shows up in hopes of becoming her roommate is not your ordinary roommate material. The girl obviously has money, and she's used to getting her own way. Agreeing to testing waters between them, she soon latches onto to Brie, and demands little things of her own that will allow them to live in harmony. Against her better judgment, she goes along with Sarah's plans, never giving thought to how things will truly be later on down the line.
As secrets about Sarah's past surface, she soon realizes that she barely knows the girl at all. Granted, she's tried to ask questions of her on occasion, but her roommate hasn't been that forthcoming to begin with. When things start to change, and Sarah suggests she do things out of the norm, it becomes apparent that she's hiding things she doesn't want anyone to know. Caught up in a sordid game of cat and mouse, she does her best to come to terms with the situation at hand. There's treachery afoot, and Brie will do everything possible to get to the bottom of things by any means necessary.
A suspenseful and mind-boggling read, Dead Dreams is a wonderfully orchestrated story that will definitely leave you wondering as what exactly happens next. Brie finds herself involved in a situation from which she may never get out of. She's never been one to be involved in such deceits, but one wrong step soon changes everything. This is a great start to a promising series. I can't wait to dive into book two when the time comes just to see if Brie eventually untangles herself from the predicament she now finds herself in.
Determined for further her independence, Brie decides that it's in her best interest to get a roommate. This will keep her mother off of her back about the fact that she'll be living alone. Not to mention that she'll only have to answer to herself each and every day. It's the perfect set up, and it will allow her to do as she pleases.
To her surprise, the candidate that shows up in hopes of becoming her roommate is not your ordinary roommate material. The girl obviously has money, and she's used to getting her own way. Agreeing to testing waters between them, she soon latches onto to Brie, and demands little things of her own that will allow them to live in harmony. Against her better judgment, she goes along with Sarah's plans, never giving thought to how things will truly be later on down the line.
As secrets about Sarah's past surface, she soon realizes that she barely knows the girl at all. Granted, she's tried to ask questions of her on occasion, but her roommate hasn't been that forthcoming to begin with. When things start to change, and Sarah suggests she do things out of the norm, it becomes apparent that she's hiding things she doesn't want anyone to know. Caught up in a sordid game of cat and mouse, she does her best to come to terms with the situation at hand. There's treachery afoot, and Brie will do everything possible to get to the bottom of things by any means necessary.
A suspenseful and mind-boggling read, Dead Dreams is a wonderfully orchestrated story that will definitely leave you wondering as what exactly happens next. Brie finds herself involved in a situation from which she may never get out of. She's never been one to be involved in such deceits, but one wrong step soon changes everything. This is a great start to a promising series. I can't wait to dive into book two when the time comes just to see if Brie eventually untangles herself from the predicament she now finds herself in.
November 27, 2013
Dead Dreams by Emma Right is certainly a book to make one stop and think. Brianna, known as Brie, needs to find a roommate to help with the rent and she accepts Sarah, the first person to answer Brie’s advertisement on Craig’s List. Brie did not do any kind of background check on Sarah before she asked her to move in and later she begins to think that this was a grave mistake. I could not decide if Sarah was a poor little rich girl or a ditzy female. So many of the things she does are almost too far fetched to be believed. And add to that her talent to think up some of the most outrageous things to do. Brie has dreams of going to acting school, finishing college, and making a name for herself. Now with a rich roommate she seems to be right on track but then things begin to happen that cause her to question her choice of Sarah for a roommate and to even fear for her life.
The book is filled with suspense on nearly every page. Just as I would think that I had the plot figured out, things would drastically change. The characters and their dialogue is well developed and they came to life on the pages of the story but in all honestly I must say that I was not impressed with Brie or Sarah and would not want them for friends. They both did lots of stupid things but that is the heart of the story. Nearly all the scenes contained suspense which kept me reading to see what they would do next. The last half of the book was the most interesting for it contained more suspense than the first half. I actually liked the book in spite of the two main characters. They even provided me with a few laughs and definitely some head shaking.. After I read all the crazy things that the two kept doing, I got to the end of the book and it just stopped. I like series but in my opinion each book should be able to stand alone. I do not like to be left hanging and wondering what is going to happen. I like to give five stars to books but due to the ending of this book I can only give four stars.
I recommend this book for those under the age of twenty-five. However, older readers might enjoy the book even though the main characters are eighteen and twenty.
Thanks to the author, Emma Right, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The book is filled with suspense on nearly every page. Just as I would think that I had the plot figured out, things would drastically change. The characters and their dialogue is well developed and they came to life on the pages of the story but in all honestly I must say that I was not impressed with Brie or Sarah and would not want them for friends. They both did lots of stupid things but that is the heart of the story. Nearly all the scenes contained suspense which kept me reading to see what they would do next. The last half of the book was the most interesting for it contained more suspense than the first half. I actually liked the book in spite of the two main characters. They even provided me with a few laughs and definitely some head shaking.. After I read all the crazy things that the two kept doing, I got to the end of the book and it just stopped. I like series but in my opinion each book should be able to stand alone. I do not like to be left hanging and wondering what is going to happen. I like to give five stars to books but due to the ending of this book I can only give four stars.
I recommend this book for those under the age of twenty-five. However, older readers might enjoy the book even though the main characters are eighteen and twenty.
Thanks to the author, Emma Right, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
November 5, 2013
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!!!
I’ve read a lot of books my whole life, but to be honest, I didn’t love them all. It’s hard and rare to find a book that you really love from top to bottom, to say so. This is one of the books I love. I started reading at work, in my lunch break and I couldn’t stop. The time passed right by me, and I didn’t care, I wanted to read! Anyway… Emma Right managed to steal my heart and make me fall in love with her writing.
The story starts with Brie O’Mara, a young woman who has learned what hard life means and how hard it’s to keep up with it. Brie decides to move out of her parents’ house, and she gets two part time jobs to keep up with the bills and everything, especially to have a chance at becoming an actress. She has a brother Keith, but for a time now, he has been out of the picture. Life it’s hard, but Brie it’s committed to succeed. After a while, she realizes that she needs a roommate to help around with everything, so she posts on Craiglist that she is looking for someone. She didn’t think hard enough about the consequences.
Brie finds a roommate, kind of strange but she has a lot of money, her name is Sarah. She didn’t think to find out more about her, about her life and what is she hiding. Sarah it’s a strange person, you can see it from the start, but Brie doesn’t think a lot about it, even if she has the sense that something it’s wrong, she just wants a roommate so she can save up some money for her. From that point, everything it’s strange, you don’t know what to believe or what it’s going to happen.
Dead Dreams it’s filled with surprising twists and turns keeping you on your tip toes, and making you second guess yourself. I loved the characters, but now I want to read more. Unfortunately for me, the book has a cliffhanger and it’s killing me. Can’t wait to read book two, to understand better the story, and especially Brie. She is on interesting story, same as her brother Keith and the crazy girl Sarah. So, go give this book a try, you won’t regret it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who adores thriller stories and mystery! You will have both in this book, and many other things.
I’ve read a lot of books my whole life, but to be honest, I didn’t love them all. It’s hard and rare to find a book that you really love from top to bottom, to say so. This is one of the books I love. I started reading at work, in my lunch break and I couldn’t stop. The time passed right by me, and I didn’t care, I wanted to read! Anyway… Emma Right managed to steal my heart and make me fall in love with her writing.
The story starts with Brie O’Mara, a young woman who has learned what hard life means and how hard it’s to keep up with it. Brie decides to move out of her parents’ house, and she gets two part time jobs to keep up with the bills and everything, especially to have a chance at becoming an actress. She has a brother Keith, but for a time now, he has been out of the picture. Life it’s hard, but Brie it’s committed to succeed. After a while, she realizes that she needs a roommate to help around with everything, so she posts on Craiglist that she is looking for someone. She didn’t think hard enough about the consequences.
Brie finds a roommate, kind of strange but she has a lot of money, her name is Sarah. She didn’t think to find out more about her, about her life and what is she hiding. Sarah it’s a strange person, you can see it from the start, but Brie doesn’t think a lot about it, even if she has the sense that something it’s wrong, she just wants a roommate so she can save up some money for her. From that point, everything it’s strange, you don’t know what to believe or what it’s going to happen.
Dead Dreams it’s filled with surprising twists and turns keeping you on your tip toes, and making you second guess yourself. I loved the characters, but now I want to read more. Unfortunately for me, the book has a cliffhanger and it’s killing me. Can’t wait to read book two, to understand better the story, and especially Brie. She is on interesting story, same as her brother Keith and the crazy girl Sarah. So, go give this book a try, you won’t regret it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who adores thriller stories and mystery! You will have both in this book, and many other things.
November 23, 2013
Braine's Talk Supe review
Well I'll be damned. Where's book 2?!?!
I love the plot and how it was executed by ERight. As this is book 1 of the series, all I can say at this point is everything is timed and calculated to the last point. From what was told, Sarah is the ultimate manipulator and mastermind and I love it! You gotta love Sarah's "puppy dog"/victim drama which Brie fell for. She had Brie wrapped around her finger with promises of big bucks and a means to fulfill the latter's big dreams of independence and then some. Sarah's plotting was slow, deliberate and calculated, I don't think Brie really stood a chance because I'm convinced Sarah will keep on finding ways to hound and torment here until Brie relents. By the end of DEAD DREAMS, I'm convinced that Sarah hand "selected" Brie carefully placing her in a very difficult situation, a hefty collateral for a convenient and expensive end worth $99M.
As for Brie, right now I'm not impressed because of her foolhardiness which makes her the perfect "victim" due to her gullibility. As a reader, we can smell the deceit a mile away and til now, I can't justify why Brie said yes to Sarah's plan. All I can think of is that (1) Sarah knows Brie more than she let on, (2) Brie seeing how Sarah is so paranoid and in so much fear for her life she felt protective of her new roommate, and (3) Brie is really desperate and needed Sarah's gratuity for her own purposes. However these two didn't really demonstrate a convincing friendship for me to justify how on Earth can Brie subject herself to such a complicated fraud! A convenient plot choreography from ERight if you ask me.
Now even if Brie irritated me a bit, I have to admire Sarah's genius at this point. And when the conflict finally unfolded, my jaw dropped to the floor. There's more to the story than meets the eye and Brie is now in a very compromising situation with no one to turn to. DEAD DREAMS is gripping and very engaging, it's one of those books that will make you desperate for book 2 right away because you can't stand the suspense any longer. ERight has a vicious mind I want more!
Well I'll be damned. Where's book 2?!?!
I love the plot and how it was executed by ERight. As this is book 1 of the series, all I can say at this point is everything is timed and calculated to the last point. From what was told, Sarah is the ultimate manipulator and mastermind and I love it! You gotta love Sarah's "puppy dog"/victim drama which Brie fell for. She had Brie wrapped around her finger with promises of big bucks and a means to fulfill the latter's big dreams of independence and then some. Sarah's plotting was slow, deliberate and calculated, I don't think Brie really stood a chance because I'm convinced Sarah will keep on finding ways to hound and torment here until Brie relents. By the end of DEAD DREAMS, I'm convinced that Sarah hand "selected" Brie carefully placing her in a very difficult situation, a hefty collateral for a convenient and expensive end worth $99M.
As for Brie, right now I'm not impressed because of her foolhardiness which makes her the perfect "victim" due to her gullibility. As a reader, we can smell the deceit a mile away and til now, I can't justify why Brie said yes to Sarah's plan. All I can think of is that (1) Sarah knows Brie more than she let on, (2) Brie seeing how Sarah is so paranoid and in so much fear for her life she felt protective of her new roommate, and (3) Brie is really desperate and needed Sarah's gratuity for her own purposes. However these two didn't really demonstrate a convincing friendship for me to justify how on Earth can Brie subject herself to such a complicated fraud! A convenient plot choreography from ERight if you ask me.
Now even if Brie irritated me a bit, I have to admire Sarah's genius at this point. And when the conflict finally unfolded, my jaw dropped to the floor. There's more to the story than meets the eye and Brie is now in a very compromising situation with no one to turn to. DEAD DREAMS is gripping and very engaging, it's one of those books that will make you desperate for book 2 right away because you can't stand the suspense any longer. ERight has a vicious mind I want more!
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