Dreamwalker

by C. S. Friedman

Overview

The first book in the action-filled urban fantasy Dreamwalker trilogy follows Jessica Drake as she navigates the dangerous landscape of distant worlds and dimensions

All her life Jessica Drake has dreamed of other worlds, some of them similar to her own, others disturbingly alien. She never shares the details with anyone, save her younger brother Tommy, a compulsive gamer who incorporates some aspects of Jessica’s dreams into his games. But now someone is asking about those dreams...and about her. A strange woman has been watching her house. A visitor to her school attempts to take possession of her dream-inspired artwork.

Why?

As she begins to search for answers, it becomes clear that whoever is watching her does not want her to learn the truth. One night her house catches on fire, and when the smoke clears she discovers that her brother has been kidnapped. She must figure out what is going on, and quickly, if she and her family are to be safe.

Following clues left behind on Tommy's computer, determined to find her brother and bring him home safely, Jessica and two of her friends are about to embark on a journey that will test their spirits and their courage to the breaking point, as they must leave their own world behind and confront the source of Earth's darkest legends – as well as the terrifying truth of their own secret heritage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780756409647
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	01/06/2015
Series:	Dreamwalker , #1
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

An acknowledged master of dark fantasy, Celia Friedman is a John W. Campbell award finalist, and the author of the highly acclaimed Coldfire Trilogy, New York Times Notable Book of the Year This Alien Shore, In Conquest Born, The Madness Season, The Wilding and The Magister Trilogy. Friedman worked for twenty years as a professional costume designer, but retired from that career in 1996 to focus on her writing. She lives in Virginia, and can be contacted via her website, www.csfriedman.com.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for C.S. Friedman:

"Marked by epic battles and powerful emotions, the concluding volume of Friedman's rousing fantasy saga demonstrates once again her talent for creating and populating worlds with unforgettable characters." —Library Joural (starred)

"While everyone is taking about Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and many others, C. S. Friedman wrote one of the very best—and perhaps the best—fantasy series of the new millennium." — Pat's Fantasy Hotlist

"C.S. Friedman makes fantastic things—and frightening things—seem very real. Her characters are people, not just place-holders, and the worlds she creates are as tangible as a live feed from the battlefront or a crash-landing in a savage and unfamiliar wilderness. She also writes bright, clear prose that can shine like gemstones or cut like broken glass. If you haven’t read her work you need to do something about that right now." —Tad Williams

"Powerful, intricate plotting and gripping characters distinguish a book in which ethical dilemmas are essential and engrossing." —Booklist

"Subtle writing and relentless storytelling skill make for a fantasy both elegant and edgy—and, as always with her work, compulsively readable." —Melanie Rawn

RT Book Reviews

Elements of this coming-of-age novel, the author’s first aimed at young adults, hearken back to the works of H. Beam Piper and Charles Fort. Friedman develops her themes with more maturity and skill than either of those old figures, taking a more critical view of grand empires than is the custom in science fiction.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for the Dreamwalker series: 

"Dreamwalker is nerve-twisting and fascinating. Siblings Jesse and Tommy are tangled in a murderous genetic bait-and-switch that transcends worlds and time.... Waiting for the next book will be tough!" —Tamora Pierce, New York Times-bestselling author of the Song of Lioness series

"[C.S. Friedman] writes bright, clear prose that can shine like gemstones or cut like broken glass. If you haven’t read her work you need to do something about that right now." —Tad Williams, New York Times-bestselling author of the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series

"Once again, CS Friedman shows us strong characters and innovative magic that transcend genre. Dreamwalker is a satisfying read for long-time fans, but will also serve to showcase her work to a whole new generation." —Peter V. Brett, New York Times-bestselling author of the Demon Cycle series

“There is plenty of suspense; some affecting, mild horror scenes; and intriguing hints at a much deeper game being played, with Jesse as the pawn.” ―Booklist 

"Friedman skillfully blends science fiction and fantasy elements, tying them together with fairy tales and solid worldbuilding." —Publishers Weekly

"Friedman does many things well in this novel, and her experience as an engaging storyteller is on full display.... Friedman shows that her writing and storytelling abilities are strong, regardless of what type of story she’s telling." —Tor.com 

"The fast pace and younger protagonist will make this an obvious crossover book for YA readers, appealing...to those teens (and adults) who enjoy Cassandra Clare." —Library Journal

“Friedman does a great job at expanding upon the foundation she put in place in Dreamweaver.” ―Bookworm Blues

“Dreamseeker cemented this trilogy as one that I'm truly invested in.” ―No More Grumpy Bookseller

From the Publisher

11/11/2013
Friedman (the Magister Trilogy) launches a series with this dimension-hopping, genre-bending adventure that will appeal to both adults and teens. After a DNA test reveals that 16-year-old Jesse Drake isn’t related to either of her parents, she begins investigating her true heritage, only to learn that she might not even be human and that other “changelings” are dying in freak accidents all over the world. When her house is destroyed and her brother kidnapped by mysterious beings, Jesse and her newfound changeling friends travel to a parallel Earth and discover a society built on magic and extradimensional exploitation. To get home, they will have to challenge the powerful Guilds, who control all passage. Friedman skillfully blends science fiction and fantasy elements, tying them together with fairy tales and solid worldbuilding, but both the magic-driven alternate world and the romantic undercurrent feel too familiar. The bulk of the book is aimed at laying the groundwork for a much larger story, albeit one laden with potential. Agent: Russell Galen, Scovil Galen Ghosh Literary Agency. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

01/01/2014
Sixteen-year-old Jessica Drake draws the vivid things she sees in her dreams. Having just undergone DNA testing and learned that she somehow doesn't belong in her own family, Jessica connects with other "DNA orphans," only to find they are dying mysteriously. When her brother is kidnapped by forces who think he is the dreamer they seek, Jessica and her friends travel to another dimension to get him back. VERDICT Epic fantasy writer Friedman (Black Sun Rising) shows her customary imagination but otherwise changes course with a urban fantasy that looks like the first of a new series. The fast pace and younger protagonist will make this an obvious crossover book for YA readers, appealing more to those teens (and adults) who enjoy Cassandra Clare than to fans looking for the deep worldbuilding of Friedman's earlier books.

Library Journal