Sower of Dreams

The Gods' Dream Trilogy

By: Debra Holland

Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A kingdom invaded. A warrior princess on the run for her life. A hero from another world. An evil god who wants their souls. Can they join forces to defeat the evil one and win freedom for their people?

©2011 Debra Holland (P)2013 Debra Holland

Survival and finding love, even with loss.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am in the middle with this story. It's got a slower feel to it. Thinking back through the story I realize we get a bit of everything. There's danger in both Daria's and Khan's lives and they have a goal that's not possible for one reason or another. But they also need to save themselves. The beginning feels slow as it sets the stage of the world. The sense that's part of the royal people we see. The sense of dangers and more. Then the dream threads that Daria has that she can visit with others in dreams. Along with meeting of the characters and memories of Indaran, the eldest brother of Daria's that was lost at sea on a mission he chose to go on.

The story is slower in the fantasy sense as it presents the problems and solutions with characters working together. This is to thread a relationship for them that is growing stronger. It's a story of finding love, even with all the loss one might have to life through.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The magic connection Daria and her family has is neat. It's something that's called a heart line. She knows that they are alive and connected with them. A power that thrums in them. They are connected to their God this way as well. But this magical connection grows with Khan as well. He feels it with his goddess and with Daria. It's interesting to see how it grows with the strength of their relationship.

We don't get into great depth of many gods here other than a few details on Daria's sea god and Thaddis's god. We do get a great view of the goddess Khan comes to serve. The Gods seem to be very active in the lives of their people. However, Daria's god abandons them. She can't connect or talk with him as she was able to do. Khan has a Goddess that helps him, and he pledges his life to help care for her land. The Goddess is very active in helping him to do just that.

The name of the series, Gods' Dream Trilogy, is what I'm looking forward too. With the ending of this book, it feels as there is more to come.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes. His vocal speed was not off pace for the events of the story. Noah tells the story in the accents and tones of each character. There are Middle Eastern accents present along with higher tones for different characters. The infliction of his voice fits the presence of the characters, such as King Iceros and others. There are dream moments present as it's an important part of Daria's abilities, and Noah narrates it in a softer tone so we know we are in the dream moments. There are emotions that become familiar to each character in his voice. He also yawns and a few additional vocal cues used through the story to bring the moments to life.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe. The fantasy descriptions would be visual and not take from the action that could be accented, along with the love growing.

Really liked it!

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the author described everything. Not to much info but enough for u to get the picture. and there was humor, which is alwayz nice. I would recommended this book to any fantasy fan

I couldn't finish it.

I feel compelled to leave a review because I had a much different opinion than the reviews on the front page, which were all glowing. I could have given this book a lower score but I felt it wasn't fair since I didn't finish it. Maybe it got better. But after slogging through 3 hours to give it a fair chance, I'm not giving it anymore.

I normally don't like to be negative, but the writing was at the level of a good high schooler. Decent fanfiction. Cliche phrases abounded, and I could finish half the sentences in my head. Lots of eye rolling. Not terrible, but my standards have risen pretty high. The story itself had potential, but not enough to overcome clunky world building and clumsy romance. There was a total lack of believability and detail.

A fantastic narrator might have saved the audiobook. Levine's character voices were actually pretty good, but his regular narration voice is better suited for military non fiction. I'd be willing to give him another chance but for something like SciFi. Maybe a good space opera.

All in all, if you have even dabbled in fantasy and enjoy the genre, move on. There are many many many more audiobook where your credit would be better spent.

Fast moving experience

I love Science-fiction. This was a very action filled book that has a lot of spiritual beings which the author has made believable. It was filled with dreams that had to be deciphered
and I sometimes got a little lost in the flash backs. All in all I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the 2nd book in the series.

Dream walking at it's best...

A well written book that is part paranormal, part science fiction, part fantasy and part romance and a place where worlds collide. A war of Gods and royalty and at a time where family would kill each other to gain power. A princess is in danger and her hero is in her dreams. It is dream walking at it's best. Read along as Daria faces danger in many different places.

The author, Debra Holland tells a story as only she can while keeping our interests peaked and keeping us guessing as to what is going to happen next. The narrator, Noah Michael Levine delivered this story flawlessly with that entertaining voice he has. He is superb at multiple voices and his accents are spot on. I can almost hear a sense of humor in some of his character voices. Kudos to both author and narrator for a job well done!

Absolutely loved this book.

Where does Sower of Dreams rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks right up at the top of my lists of books that I have listened to in many months. Daris and Con as, well as all other characters are well developed to the point that they were all very real.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sower of Dreams?

I enjoyed all the scenes and many stand out in my memory but when Thadis stabs the knife into the table after Daris' refusal to his proposal of marriage.

What about Noah Michael Levine’s performance did you like?

Noah Michael Levine did a wonderful job putting me right in the middle of the story at all times, the voice control he exhibits makes the whole story come alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was NOT happy when my "real" life interfered with my listening; my Kindle and I spent a lot of quality time in the kitchen where my book did not interrupt my husband's TV viewing.

Any additional comments?

I am going to love the second and third books in this Trilogy.

Second in the trilogy continues a fantastic story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I've recommended to my sister already. I enjoyed it, and it's just getting better and better.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Again, 2 main characters and I couldn't choose between them.

What does Noah Michael Levine bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He reads well, and pulls you into the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

I'm excited to read the third book and already purchased it.

Fantasty Romance and Adventure Under Two Moons!

Would you listen to Sower of Dreams again? Why?

Yes I would. All the attributes of a fantastic "fairy tale"; adventure, a hero, a beautiful Princess, a villain and of course, romance, love, and a happy ever after. The warrior Princess touch and the mystic creatures, ruins and the accommodating goddess was the icing on the cake.

What about Noah Michael Levine’s performance did you like?

Noah was just amazing.The way his voice changes for the differing personalities was simply splendid. His performance added to the storyline and to the enjoyment of this fantasy audiobook. It was a great experience listening to the narrated story.

Any additional comments?

The author wrote a thrilling, compelling story of Khan's and Daria's love and exciting adventure under an exotic and beautiful lavender sky and wondrous two moons. The interaction with the various deities in the story added to the intrigue and mystery of this tale of betrayal of friendship, lack of honor and Khan's devotion to his dream lover. Debra Holland created a marvelous tale that kept up the interest from beginning to end. Debra has described this fantasy world, beautifully and brilliantly, every scene is described so that you feel surrounded and enveloped into this world and its many adventures. It was a riveting and fantastic tale. I'm looking forward to reading the sequels to this tale.

From Dreams to Reality

Would you consider the audio edition of Sower of Dreams to be better than the print version?

No. But hearing it brought the characters emotions to another level.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has me hooked and I have to listen to the others.

Which scene was your favorite?

Yes. She just flows from one aspect to another.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Nothing.

Any additional comments?

This story is so different from anything I have ever read or listened to. From meeting in their dreams, to meeting in reality, Khan and Daria have a connection that can never be severed. Through the destruction of her people and land to being chased by and evil king, they join together in perfect harmony. Through losing her faith in her god to finding faith in another goddess, Khan helps her as only he can. I was very intrigued by this book and cannot wait to get started on the next one.

Enter an Exciting Fantasy World of Adventure

Debra Holland meshes two worlds in an imaginative, intriguing and suspenseful way. Its a story that draws you in and makes you not want to put it down (or press pause). The narrator was excellent, especially with doing the different voices and inflections. This isn't just a reading, its a performance! If you're new to fantasy fiction and audible editions, I found, you can go back a "page" to "re-read" (re-hear) the character names and set-ups for scenes. The Audible app makes this easy with the backup 30 seconds button. I also pressed that button twice when I was at a stopping point so it made it easier to pick back up. Its great that you can be in the story while driving, walking or getting things done around the house. Immersing yourself in this fascinating world of fantasy, adventure and relationships makes even the mundane tasks of the day a breeze.