"Dream Frequency". A YA Fantasy Book Review

Fast Facts:

Title: "Dream Frequency" 
Author: S.J. Lomas
​Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars

The conclusion to a dreamworld-based duology, filled with vast landscapes...and ugly secrets that lie behind it all...

"A person of your talents should not have to go through so much turmoil here. We were trying to find out if you were worthy to join our ranks, but we should have considered if we were worth having you." 
-Commander Tor from "Dream Frequency"

When I finished reading "Dream Girl", I didn't hesitate to purchase "Dream Frequency"...although I've been procrastinating on my TBR list. 

Thankfully, this "sequel" did not disappoint. I also like to point out that there aren't many series that are set up as a duology, but the way to plot unfolds feels appropriate. In the first book, we learn about two key characters, Christine and Gabriel. It focused on learning about the dreamworld and how their two lives intertwine.  It had a satisfactory ending, but left a trail for "Dream Frequency", which is more about the U.S. agency behind manipulating these "frequencies".

Christine must choose: lead her normal life as she transitions to college OR follow Leo as a recruit ... in hopes of re-uniting with Gabriel (especially after a cryptic message of a mother asking Christine to save her son). The focus of this plot really twists into one of its own. We learn about this agency, what it's supposed to be...and what it shouldn't.

Why is there a secret agency that utilize's people's dreams? What for? This novel peels back another shocking layer that almost takes on a sci-fi feel. (almost)

Throughout the novel, Christine tries to reach Gabriel as she discovers secrets, like what happened to Gabriel's mother. and his father's legacy. Meanwhile, Gabriel completes training with a smart-as-a-whip leader, Zemma. He feels eyes on him at the agency, treated and judged as the son of one of the most powerful agents in history. However, when "special ops" tries to claim Gabriel, things turn sour, fast.

Characters:  Aside from a few additional key players, most characters have been well established from book one. Gabriel experienced the most growth in my opinion: he came off as a little emo/intense in book one, but grows into a strong, capable young man by the end of "Dream Frequency". Christine's relationship with both Gabriel and Leo develop simultaneously, which triggers one of my favorite themes: love. BUT not a romantic love alone. (See next paragraph)

This novel establishes that love can take any form for any person- removing your cliche romance tropes. I've really appreciated this aspect of Lomas' writing.  The other aspect I appreciate about this novel is the twist that lead to unexpected ends. This novel did not have a predictable ending. (In my opinion.)

Other things to note, "Dream Frequency" is significantly lengthier than it's previous counterpart. This is not a criticism, although this is worth noting. This duology is a marathon, not a mental-chewing gum sprint. You must be committed to these characters and their dreams (literally and figuratively), and if you are, you'll be well awarded. The set up is similar to "Dream Girl": Chapters interchanging between Christine and Gabriel, and are short.

To conclude, I am impressed by the author. What I've read so far is an indicator of genuine talent and is someone I will be following for future publications. 

I recommend this book, well, if you read "Dream Girl" (obviously), but I recommend the duology in general for its clever plot twists and promise of deep character development. While the concepts of dream manipulation is not new, Lomas' descriptions are unique in their own right and worth a read.

"Dream Girl" Review

TAKE ME TO AMAZON!

Interview with the author!

BLURB:
Christine would never have considered herself new recruit material for a secret U.S. agency. Until recently, she's just been an ordinary girl graduating from high school and wondering if a friendship with Gabriel, a mysterious coworker, would grow into something romantic. When Christine's fascination with Gabriel leads to her discovery of dreamworlds, she learns that she's anything but ordinary. In this thrilling conclusion to Dream Girl, Christine and Gabriel must choose their allegiances and face corruption, conspiracy, and the complexities of love in order to save themselves and everyone who matters to them - or die trying