Review: Dreams by Daniela Sacerdoti

Title: Dreams (Sarah Midnight #1)

Author: Daniela Sacerdoti

Published: April 18th 2012 by Black and White Publishing
Book  was given by the publisher

“You’d never think it could happen to you. You’d never think that one day you’ll stand in a graveyard, rain tapping on a sea of black umbrellas, watching your parents being lowered into the earth, never to come back. It’s happening to me. They said it was an accident. Only I know the truth. My parents were hunters, like their parents and grandparents before them, hundreds of years back, scores of ancestors behind me, fulfilling the same call. I must follow in their footsteps. I am the only one left to keep the promise. I can never give up the fight, this fight that has been handed down to me, thrust upon my unwilling shoulders. I’d rather be buried with my parents, my brave, fierce father and mother, who lived and died by the Midnight motto: Don’t Let Them Roam.” 

Ever since her thirteenth birthday, seventeen-year-old Sarah Midnight’s dreams have been plagued by demons—but unlike most people’s nightmares, Sarah’s come true. Her dreams guide her parents’ hunt as Sarah remains in bed, terrified but safe, sheltered from the true horrors of the Midnight legacy. But all this is about to change. After the murder of her parents, she is cruelly thrust into a secret world of unimaginable danger as she is forced to take up their mission. Alone and unprepared for the fight that lies before her, Sarah must learn how to use the powers she’s inherited and decide whom to trust before it’s too late...

My Thoughts:

“Don’t let them roam”

The first time I saw Dreams on Goodreads. I was captured by the cover. The girl with dark hair in a seemingly dreamy state, made me want to read this book. Not only is the cover beautiful but the story as well. Dreams will satisfy your thirst for adventure, mystery and paranormal cravings.

The story is about Sarah Midnight, an orphan who was suddenly thrust into a world full of secrets and danger. She has a special power called “The dark water” and she has dreams that foretell what will happen in the future. Her dreams come true and are plagued by demons.  She was forced to fight off evil without proper training due to her sheltered life. Harry, her long lost cousin suddenly appeared to help her. Together, the two aid each other in defeating the demons.  Who is that pale boy that visits her dreams? Will she be able to fulfill her promise to her parents to protect the world against evil? You have to read this book to find out.

The world building is astonishing! It is dark themed. I love how the author vividly describes the “Dark Water” and the demons. I didn’t have a hard time picturing them in my head. I find the book very cinematic. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book will be turned into a comic. I enjoyed the graphical descriptions and the scenarios that made my heart pumped fast. The pacing is good too! There were no dull moments there.  The author also has the talent to keep the readers engrossed. I literally wanted to squeeze the book for answers. Who is Leaf? Why does Sarah feel connected to him? I really can’t wait to read book two.

The characters are interesting and well made. Each of them has their own individuality. I connected to them easily since they are very realistic. They were also described pretty well. Sarah is my favorite character in this book. Her parents had died, yet I find her strong and courageous. Her parent’s death did not hinder her to her responsibilities; despite the fact that she was not given proper training to handle her gifts. Her stubbornness and flaws made me like her more. As for the handsome Harry, I also find him likable. I love his personality and his drive to take care of Sarah. His commitment to his job as a gamekeeper awed me. I find him interesting and old fashioned.  The fact that he likes teas and soap operas made me laugh. The story is written in different POVs. You get to see what happened in the past and what each character are thinking. I like how I see the story in a transparent way. No more guessing what each of them are really thinking.  There are more characters in the story that I like. I will leave them to you to find out.

As for the love angle, Daniela did a great job. I was torn between Harry and Leaf!  There were loads of scenes that gave butterflies in my stomach. The very dedicated Harry and dependable Leaf –sigh- It is hard to decide between two hot guys.

Overall, this book is an excellent read. I recommend this book to action and paranormal lovers. A great read for a first time author. I will definitely keep an eye on this series.

I give this book 5 splashing whales.