Read_A_Book
Posted June 16, 2011
This is a really cool novel. It's well written, complex, interesting, funny, scary-this novel has it all! Hawley has written a wonderful debut novel depicting the not so distant future with a "Big Brother is watching you" mentality. The government's involvement in individual lives is scary and, though the book is fictitious, the references to real/current political issues and people aides in making the novel that much scarier for the reader. I was actually very impressed by Hawley's ability to add both real and embellished events to her novel, and I was a little thrown off the first time Obama's name was mentioned-Hawley's use of real people and events brings the reader out of the land of fiction and strikes fear in their hearts, making them begin to question where our world is heading. I think this was ingenious and really enjoyed this aspect of the novel.
In fact, I enjoyed all aspects of this novel. The beginning drew me in very quickly as Ann is running from the FBI, and I was wrapped into the story in moments. I will admit that, in the beginning, I struggled with separating Ann's reality with her dream world, but as Hawley explains Ann's life to the reader, it becomes obvious when Ann is dreaming and when she is not. These lines will again begin to blur later on in the novel as Ann's CIA training comes to the forefront but, by that time, the meshing of the dream world versus reality was extremely easy to follow.
In the beginning I was confused by the chapter titles, as they tend to jump around a lot-2015, 2011, etc., but I quickly learned that this backtracking was essential to the story. Although everything is currently taking place in 2011, Hawley takes the reader back to 2011 and even the early 1990s in order to paint the background from Ann's life in the "here and now," which I really enjoyed once I figured that out (I'm a little slow.J).
This novel is the first in the trilogy and I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the novels-it is that good! The paranormal aspect of the story was unexpected, but I found myself enamored by Ann's ability and routing for her along the way. Four stars!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mervi
Posted June 12, 2011
Ann Torgeson is a technical writer for AlterHydro, a company that specializes in alternate energy. She has also vivid dreams of other places where she's hunted by US government agents. Years ago, she was a CIA agent and trained in the use of her paranormal abilities. Now, she's starting to suspect that dreams might be more than just dreams.
It's the year 2015 and because of the threat of terrorism, all countries are monitoring their citizens. RFID chips are commonplace on driver's licenses and ID cards, and even in some people. Since houses usually have a central computer, the government can monitor the occupants, too. One organization is striking back: GOG, Get Out, Government!. It provides its members with technology that can defeat the house listening devices but can also give the members dangerous missions. Ann is a member of GOG and she's sent on a mission to Canada, to interview a new member candidate. The US government considers GOG terrorists so if the members are captured, the cost is high.
The book focuses on Ann's past and present. She seems to be an atypical main character: she's in her forties, a widow, and has a daughter who is in college. She has a Brittany dog called Lulu and Ann can even take her dog with her to her job. She's attracted to one of her co-workers but is fighting the attraction because she doesn't think that dating a co-worker is a good idea. She's also determined and stubborn when she's hunting for answers. She feels that the US government is on the wrong path when it restricts civil liberties and she's feels that she's a patriot when she fights the government as a member of the GOG. Ever since Ann was a child, she has been able to dream vividly. However, during her years in the CIA, she was trained to use her abilities and now her dreams feel almost real. Ann is one of the most complex characters I've ever read about.
Her late husband Armand is in many flashbacks and they seem to have a happy, almost idyllic, life together before his tragic death a few years ago. Her daughter Elinor is away on collage and is mostly seen in the flashbacks when she's younger. Ann has a pretty eclectic group of friends raging from her nerdy co-workers, to green energy enthusiasts, and to her ex-boss in the CIA's paranormal office. As a dog-lover, I really enjoyed Ann's dog Lulu who runs on the treadmill next to Ann and travel with her to conventions.
The world is dystopian: the government is the evil Big Brother keeping people safe even against their will. Yet, the characters aren't depressed or desperate. They try to live their normal lives which includes laughter, too.
Since the book is set in the near future, current day events and politics are referenced.
The book ends in a cliffhanger, so I'm glad that the rest of the series is coming out this year.
The author kindly sent me review copy.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.To begin with, the book really pushed me out of my comfort zone as I've never read any other book similar to this. Politics never fail to bore me, which I reckoned is the main theme of the story, although other readers and perhaps even the author herself may not agree with me. So when I read this book, I was forced to understand everything.
Nonetheless, from the very beginning, the book kept me intrigued by its mystifying plot and excellent narration. I must laud the author for her ability to write her story in the finest detail, which makes the story sounds somewhat believable. Everything was described superbly - from Ann's surrounding to the putrid smell she has to smell. I have to confess though that keeping up with all the flashbacks was quite 'overwhelming'. However, the good thing was, they drove me to read on and on, only to be defeated by weary eyes. I thought the first person viewpoint worked well with Ann's strong and independent character. When it comes to her most heart-wrenching memory of her husband's death, I could feel her emotions pouring through, as if she were talking to me in person. It's a surprise that I didn't end up sniffling in tears!
One more thing I love about this book is the seemingly never-ending adventure to another country and culture. One moment I was in the USA, next I found myself transported to China. So what's next, England or somewhere in Africa? I'm eager to find out!
Overall, this novel is a real and pure page-turner. I just couldn't resist the urge to click on the next page as drowsiness took control of my eyes. For a debut author, Linda Hawley has done it with flying colors. This is truly a recommended read to every reader out there, especially fans of dystopian!
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JackieJones
Posted June 16, 2011
Intriguing...that's probably the best word for this book. Intriguing and thought-provoking. The meat of this book concerns remote viewing and the link between the main character's subconscious and reality. Yeah, that's deep stuff. It forces you to think, and I love books like that. I'm also a big fan of books concerning dystopian societies, and Dreams Unleashed definitely falls within that category. But it's interesting because it's not way into the future like most dystopian books are. The present day of this book is 2015, and the government is right at the beginning of a downhill slope into a freedomless society. The author mentions real events happening today and uses those as the beginnings of a dystopia, so it hits close to home; this isn't so far-fetched. But probably what this author does best is character development. You REALLY get to know every facet of the main character. And there are A LOT of facets. She's about 45 years old and has done a lot of different things in her lifetime so far. She's already a widow (that is of course a rather sad part in the book), she was in the Air Force, she worked for the CIA, she's lived on both U.S. coasts, she is apart of an underground freedom-fighting society, she works for an up-and-coming alternative energy company, and she's a bit of a hippie. Like I said...lots of facets. You also get to know the people she works with, her friends, her family, and her love interest. This story is definitely not lacking in interesting characters. This is the first book in a trilogy, so the author gives plenty of back story in order to sufficiently introduce us to the characters. I've encountered that plenty of times before, when reading Terry Brooks. Most of his stuff is organized into trilogies, and I've found that the first book always introduces the characters and shows them preparing for the journey, the second book introduces all of the crazy problems and chaos, and then the third book is non-stop action and of course resolves all the problems. I have a feeling that this author will work like that also. This book does end with a pretty crazy cliff-hanger, and I can't wait to see where the second book picks up!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sarahsummer
Posted July 2, 2011
I don't think it gets better than this. 1. It's well written. 2. It a little bit thriller, suspense, time-travel, scifi, paranormal, and it mocks our stupid politicians. 3. It's part of a series.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BobDunson
Posted July 2, 2011
Really liked the book. I'd call it a political thriller. From the first chapter, it grabbed me. Can't wait to read all three books. After reading the book then seeing the reviews, I think all the 3-star reviews are from people who aren't very smart. This book is not for people who can't think for themselves. Also, this is a very good book to read if you're libertarian or follow tea party issues.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 2, 2011
Here is 1 reason you should read the prophecies trilogy. Because this is what will happen in America if we don't stop doing the same ol stuff.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 12, 2011
Dreams Unleashed draws the reader into its intriguing subject matter. It delves into the paranormal. It adds fuel to paranoid concerns of too much government control and invasion of privacy. It also shows that people will only stand for so much before they rebel.
The central figure, Ann, a widow in her forties, appears an unlikely candidate for the anti-government subversive group called GOG. As the story unfolds, we find Ann to be not only a member, but a vital member with paranormal skills honed during her years as an operative with the CIA. The CIA trained her for their own purposes, little knowing they were training her to fight against a country she once defended.
The author skillfully introduces new tidbits of information and twists that bring enlightenment---but also more questions. The pieces start coming together, you think you're beginning to understand the role Ann will play with the GOG, you think you're understanding the paranormal activity, and then your mouth drops open at the last words in the book. There is obviously still more to learn. It is also obvious that the author left a hook to have us checking release dates for the sequel, The Guardian of Time. I'll be looking for my copy when it is released on October 22, 2011.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Hapma
Posted September 26, 2011
With the passing of the Patriot Act in what seems a lifetime ago, I think many Americans thought everything would be okay. However, Linda Hawley presents a different spin on the invasion of government into the private sector. What if the government was monitoring us via microchip inserted in our driver's licenses? What if the government was listening to every word we said at every time? Ms.Hawley has taken that line of thought one step further with the first book in her series, Dreams Unleashed. In this tale, Ann is a normal every day woman with special powers that lives in the not too distant future. She resents the government spying on her and is secretly a member of the GOG, an anti-government rebellion group in her secret life, while maintaining an average daily existence as a technical writer in her public one. Our classy heroine also has another secret, and that is that her dreams are potent and powerful and could be used as a government weapon. So there is where the drama begins...
In this first installment we meet Ann: woman, widow, mother of a college student, and hard-worker with a mysterious past. That prior life consists of work in the CIA, where she has been taught remote viewing. With that career long over, she tries to fit into a normal existence, fending off her flirty boss, struggling with the decision to begin an office romance,and making sure her home is safe from government spies. Suddenly she begins having dreams again, and the next thing she knows the government is after her. By the end of Book 1, we are anxiously gripping our seats wondering what is going to happen next. Will she meet the GOG parents? Will the FBI really catchher? Most importantly - is she going to be used as a weapon?
This story flashes back from the past, e.g. 2011 to the present 2015, to fill in the gaps of Ann's existence and give credence to her current plight. In a world that is truly a possible future, Ms. Hawley adds a taste of the paranormal into a frightening social concern. A woman with powerful dreams that leaves the reader unsure who really is trustworthy and who is not, you will eagerly turn each page to find the answers. This is a suspense-filled journey into our potential future that leaves you hanging for more and eagerly awaiting book two.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KrittersRamblings
Posted July 1, 2011
Read in one day between two sittings, this book was filled with ups and downs. There were things that I absolutely loved about this book that kept me flipping pages or pushing the next button on the Nookster. And then there were two things that I wasn't absolutely gung ho about.
Start with the things I would have changed to end with what I loved. There were parts of this book that made mention of the current political environment, including Obama, our financial crisis and the going ons in the world. Maybe I am naive, but being in the year 2015, I wish that this part was either left out or made more fictional instead of so realistic and truthful. The other part that maybe I wouldn't change is the ending. (I am not a spoiler) But we are left with a major cliffhanger and by gosh, I would have rather a little more closure before heading into book 2 in the series.
Now onto the good stuff. I loved the dystopianish part of being a future world where the government is taking more and more control. It is sad, but being tracked through my drivers' license doesn't scare me, so they know that I am headed to the grocery store. I guess I don't mind because I don't find myself getting into trouble and so what if the gov't knows that I am headed into work or to a dog park. But with my mind set I still loved the book and the issues it brings up with how much control should a gov't have in our citizens' lives.
A read for the women and men folk. I think if you are politically minded you may enjoy it a little more - being in DC, I find myself a little more interested in the going ons of our nation's capital. I had a hard time picking a shoe category for this one - so I went with the heels.
1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Life has changed in the United States. Freedoms are being lost under the guise of protection and health. Ann has dreams that are becoming reality and she isn't sure what to do. She belongs to a grassroots organization that is trying to stop the control the government is taking. She must learn to use her organization and her dreams to control the world around her as it seemingly spirals out of control.
This book was really great. I enjoyed the characters and story plot. Even though I'm not a tech savvy person, I understood what was going on because the author explained everything so easily and clearly. The book is a part of a trilogy. So if you don't enjoy that rush at the end that leaves you hanging then make sure you have all three books before you begin reading. Because you won't want to put this down. A fun read that will keep you guessing.
I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
Ann Torgeson is a character that is definitely more than meets the eye. Throughout Dreams Unleashed more and more is revealed about Ann's past and a lot is foreshadowed of what future holds. Ann wants the US to be what it was when she was growing up not what it has become. Now, Big Brother is everywhere and every house is wired with SmartWire. The government is able to track every citizen. There are chips even in people's driver's licenses. She joins with GOG, Get Out! Government, an underground organization that operates worldwide. Their mission is to assist citizens around the globe in uniting to fight the tracking, excessive taxation and government control.
With her past as a CIA spy for the Clandestine Service, a branch of the Science and Technology Division, Ann is a perfect member of the GOG. Her stint with the CIA had her using her strong astral projection abilities to sense any object, person or even existing anywhere in the present, future or past called remote viewing. Others who aren't as naturally strong as Ann seemed to die early in life of cancer or heart disease and the project supposedly was shut down. But after a unique "dream" where Ann returns to her very first remote viewing "dream" and returns with a long lost Herkimer crystal, the government is asking questions about her. Currently she holds a job with AlterHydro, the first company to capture the supercharged energy of the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Now her mission is clear, to take down Big Brother's control she must first practice with the Canadian RFID program and her Herkimer crystal is the key. With help from a very unlikely ally she hopes it is possible so that no one has to live in fear again.
What was unique about Dreams Unleashed was the fact that our lead heroine is 44 years old. There aren't many books out there that the main character is older. She has an acute smelling ability and can tell you the exact date and location of a smells origin. You also see her vulnerability when she reminisces about her late husband, Armond. They were so in love and she has resigned herself to never find that love again. Another thing I loved about Anne, her fondness to enjoy a nice warm bath to relax.
The content of the book can seem a little overwhelming but once laid out is understandable. Bouncing from the past to the future to the present at times got a bit confusing but Dreams Unleashed is a captivating read.
Anonymous
Posted October 17, 2011
The plot of Dreams Unleashed is off and running from the opening scene.
Linda Hawley presents a dystopian view of the Patriot Act, with microchip technology providing a means for government to monitor everyone's lives and undermine their privacy. Set in Washington in 2015, the plot shifts back in time, and switches into dreams, revealing information and posing questions as the plot unfolds.
The heroine, Ann Torgeson, is a woman with a mysterious background and a special power; her dreams are a potent weapon which has her wanted by a government she no longer trusts. Indeed, it is difficult to know just who Ann can trust and every character is suspect.
Ann is a secret member of the GOG anti-government group using her CIA training to undermine the government while maintaining a normal outward life as a technical writer for an energy company.
Woven throughout the story are references to the metaphysical which helps to flesh out Ann's character and explain why her dreams might be so powerful.
By the end we are on the edge of our seats wondering what will happen next. It ends on an unexpected cliff hanger which hooks you into the sequel.
Whether or not you agree with the political statements in the book (it contains current-day political references), the plot is fast paced and keeps you reading. If you like political thrillers and government conspiracy stories you will LOVE this book.
I'm glad to have been enticed back into the political thriller genre with Linda's book. It is a suspense-filled page turner that leaves you eager for book two. A brilliant first novel!
I will begin by saying this is a book about a woman; not a girl turning woman, but a woman. A mature, accomplished, strong woman, with a charming personality, and great nuance in her behavior (and some very special gifts, to top it off!).
And I believe after I've said that you'll get an idea about my feelings concerning this novel. I liked it, a lot!
My favorite, as it is already obvious, is Ann. She's just so witty, and fun, and fresh; I wish I were that energetic, and I'm close to half her age (give a couple of years ). Her daughter makes more of a symbolic appearance, more to mark the nest-leaving then actually be involved. All sorts of things change, evolve, and Ann's right on top of it all. There's also a potential love interest somewhere in there, but it's just dangled before your curious nose, probably to be developed in the next book? I hope so.
I loved the 'paranormal' tint. Of course, there's a lot of secrecy, covert operations, and agencies, always agencies pulling and pushing in all directions. But Ann's abilities are a natural; a powerful gift, that can bring joy and sorrow alike, and great responsibility. I feel she struggles with this weight hanging on her shoulders - she's not overcome, not at all. But after the struggle, I believe she finds the balance needed to feel more then know what her path should be.
And she makes choices I applauded (hint to the Canada thing. You'll understand what I mean when you'll read it.)
What held back some of my enthusiasm is precisely the lack of capitalization on the fact the character is a mature woman. I mean, seriously, if in the next book she doesn't get together with Paul, I'm gonna start making official complaints, somewhere, somehow!! You just wait and see, Linda Hawley! I demand some action Not in the explicit sens, I mean.oh, you know what I mean!
Seriously though, all that tension, and the build-up, your enthusiasm and eagerness just bubbling. and then the ending comes, and I sort of held my breath and remained stunned! I mean, no way!! I had to do a double take, I had a moment of sheer panic.
But then I thought, hey, this is a series, and Ann is the main character, so all is not lost. Right? RIGHT?? Major cliff-hanger alert, don't say I didn't tell you so.
Overall, I do warmly recommend it, it's a delightful dystopia novel, a pleasurable and engaging read, and I do so obviously eagerly await the next book of Ann's adventures.
Linda Hawley's Dreams Unleashed begins the Prophecies Trilogy with the story of a forty-something empty-nester (with delightful dog) writing technical documents and hiding curious secrets in her past. This novel is the first of a trilogy and ends with the author's imaginative recipe for cloning a writer. Assuming the recipe describes the author, as it well might from her novel, Linda Hawley is clearly well-travelled and quirky, possibly slightly paranoid, and an eager follower of current events.
Dreams Unleashed is hard to pin down to any particular genre-travelogue, spy story, paranormal mystery, future history and more are blended together in a complex recipe. The protagonist seems young, little changed from her teenaged self so perhaps quite appealing to a teen audience. The descriptions of cubicle life in the basement are amusingly realistic, and the portrayal of Shanghai's Bund Garden hotel, the San Juan Islands and a day at a ski resort are filled with well-researched details. There are exciting scenes, dream or reality, of running away from foes through foreign cities, neatly foreshadowing revelations about the past, and contrasting with slower scenes of unopposed political discussion of government's intrusions on American freedom.
The nearness of the author's imagined future, set in 2015, is oddly unsettling, leaving the reader unsure which facts are real (like Japan's recent earthquake) and which imaginary (radio chips in drivers' licenses perhaps). But the protagonist's past certainly adds intrigue and direction when it's finally revealed, though all those concerns about tracking by cell-phone and the freedom to bear arms might seem somewhat out-of-date.
The plot is twisted, but careful chapter headings pin the timelines down, and the mix of ideas gives a fascinating insight into 1980s and 90s American view-points. Not having grown up here, I can't speak for the validity of the views or their projection to 2015, and the climax leaves me pondering unintended social consequences. This is probably not a novel for readers with different political views, but it's an interesting adventure in the realm of imagined possibilities.
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review.
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 7, 2011
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