Review: Ashlynn’s Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert (Melissa’s review)

Ashlynn’s Dreams
written by Julie C. Gilbert
published by Julie C. Gilbert

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Smashwords, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: It was okay.  I like the premise well enough, and while I love the idea of a story told through letters, I’m the kind of girl who sometimes skips ahead to the good parts.  It was tough to tell when the good parts were coming, though, which I guess is the nature of letter-writing, but after awhile I got sort of bored.  I mean, I knew there were exciting parts coming up, but I guess I’m a traditionalist; I found it tough to keep reading when I wasn’t sure if someone was going to do something important or just eat pancakes.  It’s a cool way to write a book, but I think the story would play out better with more in situ action and less of the good stuff buried half-way through a letter.

Would I recommend it: Yeah.  It’s interesting.  It’s got an X-men sort of vibe, only with kids.  It’s a decent read.

About the book – from Goodreads: 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.