Review – Dreams by Daniela Sacerdoti

Posted March 14, 2013 by Emma in Blog / 9 Comments

Title – Dreams (The Sarah Midnight Trilogy Book 1)
Author – Daniela Sacerdoti
Genre – YA Fantasy
Publisher – Black and White Publishing
Release Date – April 18th 2012
Source – For Review

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..

The moment I received this book, I had a feeling that it would have great potential and it definitely exceeded my expectations! It was a dream to read, pun intended  (Haha) The concept behind the novel was something I haven’t actually read before, so for me it was a refreshing change from the current books I have read! The combination of dreams and demon hunter worked really well, almost simultaneous throughout the progression throughout the novel. Sarah Midnight has taken up the legacy of becoming a demon hunter after her parent were killed by the Sarari. Now The Enemy lurks with the Secret Families, killing them one by one and The Midnight’s are next. Sarah is left, alone, to carry on the tradition, but she has had no help, only her dreams guide her. I was hooked from the beginning, the switch between many perspectives of the characters each shedding some light and pulling together the many strings that you, as the reader will wonder. It never phased me with the transition between the various character, I embraced them instead.

Sarah Midnight had more demons than just her dreams, her parent death lurk with in the walls of her house and she hasn’t felt any closure to continue on her life! As one of the main protagonists of the novel, I somehow connected with her as a reader, not necessarily personally. The loss of her parents enabled her to have an obsessive cleaning routine, neglecting herself and you really felt pity for her yet you could understand the trauma that she has had to go through. Though what I found infuriating was her past and her parents, they were so secretive, cold and uncaring that she never had even a shred of normality in her life. Sarah started her dreams at the age of three, waking up continuously crying without the aid of her parent. But in a way her her strength and skill to manipulate her power grew, fulfilling her potential as the main character. I was rooted into her character till the very end.

Alongside Sarah, there was Sean Hannay aka Harry Midnight. As Harry’s last request, Sean became the role of Harry Midnight, Sarah’s cousin to help and protect her family and her legacy. But for me he was the light at the end of the tunnel. Sean’s disguise was just brilliant, it even got you fooled as the reader. Daniela’s integration of the various perspectives and flashbacks led to your answers, making the consistency of the book more fluent. I was totally in love with his character from the beginning with his charisma, humour and his strength that he progressed and helped Sarah to no end. However there is this torn relationship between both of them, a love interest which both of them can’t ignore. In once sense they know they can’t get together because of there “so-called blood relation” and in another you can’t help shouting at the pages, wanting them to get together. Sean was Sarah’s anchor to reality and to life.

The most infuriating element of novels amongst love triangles is cliff-hangers, I detest against them when you have to wait a year for the sequel to be published. It left you once again wondering, what will happen between Sean and Sarah, how will they conquer and survive The Enemy? All of this running throughout your head will drive you crazy… and it certainly did me until I received the next instalment a few days later. Daniela’s concept of the novel was propelling, interesting and intriguing, elements of which I can’t ignore. If you want something unique and refreshing then the Sarah Midnight series is for you.

Rating: 4.5/4.75 (Undecided)

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9 responses to “Review – Dreams by Daniela Sacerdoti”

  1. Maji Bookshelf

    ooh this sounds awesome!! I'm a fan of cliffhangers, so it might not be infuriating for me 😛 & Sarah sounds like an awesome character! Fantastic review, and thanks for putting this on my radar!
    – Farah @ MajiBookshelf

  2. Sophia

    I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds really good! Sarah sounds like a really great and relatable protagonist. I'm glad the reader feels for her after her trauma. Sean and Emma sound fabulous together! I love when there's a super strong romantic tension between two characters. It's my faaavorite. 😉 Wonderful review, Emma! 🙂

  3. Henrietta @ Leisure Reads

    I've only read a few books featuring demon hunters so far, and it seems like this one has a lot of mystery and suspense! Thanks for giving us a bit more of a glimpse into the life of Sarah. I enjoyed reading your review 🙂

  4. Aman

    How have I not hear of this before? I really like the premises, Sarah's dream turning into reality is so fascinating and there are demon hunters involved. I like a good paranormal and I think I'll enjoy this one. Thanks for sharing it!

  6. Sam

    I detest cliffhangers, too. It's always such a relief when I don't have to put up with one. This sounds great otherwise, though, and I'm glad to hear it exceeded your expectations. I have a copy but haven't yet made my way through it. I'll have to pick it up again one day. 🙂 Great review, Emma!

  7. Zoe Crook

    Great review, Emma! This book sounds amazing, I love the idea of dreams coming true. I hate cliffhangers, too! It makes the book better in a way, but if the sequel comes out a year later than it is SO annoying >.< Some of the excitement from the ending can be ruined in a years time, too. I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'll have to look out for this one 🙂 xx

  8. Jasprit

    This definitely sounds like an interesting read Emma, a concept which I haven't come across before. I'm glad this world was able to completely suck you in! I have no patience at all, and usually have to wait until a few books in the series are out before picking up a book, especially when I know it ends in a cliffhanger!