Monday, August 11, 2014

Book Review: Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert


Ashlynn's Dreams, by Julie C. Gilbert
2013, 218p, YA Science Fiction
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the author for an honest review



Before she was kidnapped, Jillian Marie Antel Blairington was just an average bright, brave, headstrong child. She was excited for life in a new house with her Momma and new Daddy. Afterward, she's all that ... and so much more.

Held in a scientific facility, Jillian discovers her past-a family she never knew and a power she doesn't understand. With her ability now activated, she can enter and even shape a person's dreams. Jillian's been kidnapped, and her Gift has been triggered, so she can locate and save Benjamin Connelly, a brother she never even knew she had. She'd better master this strange ability quickly, though, because her life isn't the only one at stake. Her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, is being held as a hostage to ensure Jillian's full cooperation. Slowly, Jillian begins to learn more about her captor and the other genetically altered children held at the facility.

Join Jillian as she tries to survive the training being forced upon her, find her unknown brother, escape with Danielle, and work her way back to a normal life once more.


This book is very different from what I've been reading lately and I really liked that! Jillian is 12 years old and she and her babysitter, Danielle, were kidnapped. It's written through letters written by Danielle and journal entries written by Jillian. Jillian first reveals that she has two mommas and four daddies and yes, that sentence alone was intriguing enough to me to keep reading. 

Jillian has no idea at first why she's been kidnapped. She learns more about her surprising past and the people who become a big part of her life. Some of them are likable and others definitely aren't (like Daddy Three). She learns about her gift to shape people's dreams and needs to learn how to use it quickly to save Benjamin, a brother she wasn't aware of. Danielle is being held hostage to keep Jillian in line and she quickly learns that the man in charge isn't afraid of inflicting pain on Danielle. Jillian works to find Benjamin so she can return home, but of course it's not that easy.

I felt that this storyline wrapped up nicely, but there are still lots of questions and there's definitely more to learn. I like the style the book was written in (letters and journal entries) and was interested to find out who Ashlynn was. The ending led me to believe there was more, and there is! The second book is Nadia's Tears, and I'm looking forward to reading it! 





Julie is a high school chemistry teacher who spends all summer writing. Her stories tend to fall in YA, YA sci-fi, sci-fi, or Christian mystery genres though on a challenge from a friend, she's also attempted YA paranormal.

She enjoys warm (not hot) weather, tea, coffee, reading, writing, teaching, and listening to books on CD.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

This sounds like a great book. Although I am not in love with that cover :(. I am glad you liked it! Thanks for bringing it to my attention :)

Melanie said...

There is an updated cover so I changed it on here to reflect it. Hopefully you like it better!

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