Donna Glee Williams

I received this free e-book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.

This was a beautiful story. I loved the world she created. And the Dreamer, as a role in society, felt like a fresh concept. It actually felt fresh and really old at the same time. I liked that. Williams did an amazing job of creating and bringing to life a traditional feeling culture. And, she did it in a way that did not feel like a typical fantasy novel.

A negative: The story moved slowly. There was nothing big that grabbed my attention. But the world was one I wanted to spend time in, which is what continuously brought me back to the story.

A positive: The love story was subtle and felt organic. It is actually one of my favorite love stories that I've read so far this year.

Another positive: the pool in the cave. Williams did a great job of describing that place and showing what it meant to the Dreamer.

This is definitely worth the read.… (mehr)

This book is thoroughly engaging and keeps the tension strong as it unravels its secrets bit by bit The Dreamer lives a ritualistic and solitary life that is totally dedicated to dreaming for the good of the village. Her dreams are interpreted every day by the Council of Interpreters to help them make decisions for the village. Each day for the Dreamer is the same - following rituals exactly and doing what the Council dictates to try and inspire dreams. She is followed everywhere by her ladies who prevent her interaction with anyone else and make sure she does not sleep during the day. At night, she is alone in a pitch black room - alone with the Scribe, who writes down all the dreams the Dreamer tells him about. The Water-Bearer, a foreigner to this primitive superstitious village, notices the Dreamer and wonders if she chose this life or was it chosen for her. The Master Interpreter loves the dreams, because they help him become more powerful. The tension builds to a climax as the Dreamer is gradually drained of life, as the Scribe worries and tries to protect her, as the Water-Bearer learns about the Dreamer's life and tries to help her, as the Master Interpreter gets more and more greedy for her Dreams. Great psychological thriller. The ending is too abrupt and was too short. I wonder if there will be a sequel. I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program.… (mehr)