May 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-This intriguing, if not quite stand-alone, sequel to "Wake" (S & S, 2008) follows undercover investigators and high school seniors Janie Hannagan and her partner/boyfriend Cabel as they attempt to unmask and trap a sexual predator teaching at Fieldridge High. Janie is a dream catchershe has the ability to be sucked into another person's dreamsand her job is to glean clues to the culprit's identity from her classmates and to act as bait. The latter task annoys protective Cabe, and their relationship, already strained by a scarcity of alone time and the need for secrecy (their last case might be jeopardized if they are seen together), is further stressed. Furthermore, Janie receives documents from her now-deceased dream-catcher mentor promising to detail the fate in store for her, and she's not sure she wants to know the truth. While there are few surprises in the main plot arc, the spare but effective narrative holds readers' attention, especially when Janie delves into the chilling truth of her ability. Teens who like the supernatural-tinged drama of shows like "Ghost Whisperer" and "Medium" may be tempted by this series."Christi Esterle, Parker Library, CO"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 1, 2008
Grades 8-11 This sequel to Wake (2008) follows dream-catcher Janie as she navigates the treacherous world of dreaming the dreams of others. Janie and her boyfriend, Cabel, use their skills to work undercover investigating teachers suspected of drugging and abusing students at class parties. Janie takes on more than she can handle in cracking the case, and Cabel is unable to intervene to his satisfaction, which strains their relationship. Janie also comes to understand more about her dream-catching ability and the consequences in store for her, most notably a heavy, irreversible physical toll. The series is moving in a darker, more dramatic direction, withJanie facing evil and needing to decide if she can sacrifice her own health for the greater good. Series of sentence fragments (She scratches her head. Looks around. Laughs)take some getting usedto but keep the action firmly in the present tense and build suspense. A greatblend ofmystery, romance, andsupernatural elements, and featuring a strong but vulnerable female protagonist, this episode ends with an irresistible hook for the final installment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2009
"Dream catcher" Janie and her boyfriend Cabel (Wake) take on another stealth assignment: busting a sexual predator among their high school's faculty. The pair deals with unexpected consequences as the dreams take an increasing toll on Janie and the mission strains their relationship. Taut accounts of the danger they face alternate with surreal descriptions of dreams, heightening the already intense suspense.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)