#51 Book Review: Dreaming Awake

Dreaming Awake
Release Date: January 3rd 2012
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publisher: NAL Trade
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love…

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

My review:

Cover:
So pretty! I really love Falling Under's cover but I think Dreaming Awake's cover is even better! Love the rose petal background and the girl's dress. Reflects the story of the book!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for the cover!

Story:


To love is to let go?


Dreaming Awake continues directly from Falling Under. Theia and Haden are back and they try to continue their daily life by going to school and being together with their friends again. But Theia has difficulties controlling her hunger because of the pact she made with Mara. When her friends starts to get ill, she wonders if it's Haden who is doing it or her? As she struggles with herself, she starts wondering if she should let Haden go because she feels that she can't control herself anymore while Mara decides to return and bring chaos to Serendipity Falls, starting from Theia's closest people. 

Although I think that Falling Under really hooked me more than Dreaming Awake, I really enjoyed reading the story, particularly reading about how Theia tries to control her hunger while trying to be 'normal' again. Like in Falling Under, Theia and Haden struggles with their relationship as new problem starts appearing in Serendipity Falls. The story became really interesting after the first half of the book with Mara appearing in their town and as the characters have a final 'showdown' with Mara. I like how Hayes end the book and I'm hoping that there is a third book for the series!


Characters:
Theia has developed into a strong and tough character in this book. In Falling Under, Theia is a shy girl who falls in love with Haden and becomes exposed with the world of Under. In Dreaming Awake, Theia often finds herself travelling to Under without Haden and becomes a daring character who is not afraid of doing something she never did before. Sometimes, I find her quite annoying when she becomes a very over-protective girl-friend although she should have known better that Haden truly loves her and will not do that to her. Haden is still an awesome character I enjoyed reading in this book. He is my favourite character in the book and I really love the way he treats Theia with love, respect and care. I also enjoyed reading about Donny, Varnie, Amelia, Gabe and see how they have developed as well after knowing that their friends are demons. Mara is still the villain in this book and sometimes, I pity her because she wanted Haden back to the Under and never encounter the humans. 


Overall:
Dreaming Awake is a fast-paced sequel which shows how the characters developed since the first book and how Theia's and Haden's love are put to trial when new problems are appearing in Serendipity Falls. Although I didn't quite enjoyed it as much as the first book, I still loved it!

4 Forget-me-not flowers for Dreaming Awake!