Dreamwalkers by Leslie Rush
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by MoonflowerThe danger isn’t walking into a dream; it’s escaping the nightmare.
Between working in her mom’s Tarot shop and trying to graduate before her nine-year-old genius brother beats her to it, Vivian Night Hawk has only one escape from her tiny New Mexico town: the ability to control her dreams, a gift she inherited from her Apache father. But lately that control is slipping, stranding her in a repeating nightmare that seems to follow her, even when she’s awake.
When she finds a jacket she suspects belonged to her dead father, Vivi steps beyond her usual lucid dreaming and discovers the electrifying secret of dreamwalking—the power to control the dreams of others. But with it comes a deadly menace: a top-secret CIA plot that threatens her brother, Brian.
Sought out by fellow dreamwalker Lucas, who is convinced their fathers are still alive, Vivi ventures deep into Dreamland to find a way to protect Brian. As the bond between Vivi and Lucas ignites, the conspiracy linking them together closes in, and Vivi must unlock the darkest power of all—a power that begins with her father’s quiet words: “Walk with me.”
Imagine if you could lucid dream to the extent you can visit other people and make suggestions to them that they carry out during their waking hours? How about being able to do that when you are awake? That’s what happens in this book so hold onto your hats.
Vivi is a sixteen-year-old who doesn’t fit in with the popular girls. She is also left alone every summer as her best friend goes to stay with her dad. Her mum is a ‘health freak’ and also runs a Tarot shop where Vivi helps out. Her normal life changes when she finds a jacket that she just has to own and she collides with a mysterious stranger in the local shop.
This was a well-written story that pulled me in from the very beginning, but I do feel like the subject was only skimmed. I am also hoping this is the first of a series because I am left with some major questions! The characters are all developed nicely and relatable. The pacing was a bit slow in places but then it would speed up again.
All in all, this was a great read with interesting themes, especially when you consider it is based on a real-life program. I just hope there is more to come so I can get some of those questions answered. Plus, I’d love to learn more about the Native American myths and legends that were briefly mentioned. Definitely recommended by me.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! Yes, there is indeed a sequel coming, and a prequel about Vivi’s mom in 1990 Sedona. No spoilers–but there’s plenty of adventure, secret plots, psychic powers and romance on the way!