REVIEW: DREAMLAND by Alyson Noel

Several years ago some friends and I attended an event hosted by our New Age bookstore. The event was with a medium named Patrick. The evening consisted of Patrick talking a bit about his work,and his experiences with spirits. I really felt a connection with Patrick but wasn't a 100% convinced he was genuine. Each attendee received a raffle ticket and he would pick a few people for complementary readings. I wasn't picked that night but my best friend was. Patrick told her things about her deceased brother he couldn't possibly know!

At the end of the event I walked up to Patrick to say hello. He asked me who in my family I had lost. I told him my mother. He closed is eyes for a few seconds and then gently took my hand. He told me he sensed a lot of pain and heavy emotions where present in my mother's life, as well as some addictions. I nodded confirming his words. Then he said this: "You know our work isn't finished when we leave this world. For some souls there are still lessons to learn and healing to take place."

I thought of this encounter while reading  Dreamland. Riley has to face some really hard truths about her self in this book as well as facing some unexpected repercussions from her actions. After her latest, unsanctioned soul retrieval in the last book, Riley now finds herself before the Council. She is very nervous, Despite having a very prominent glow, she still might be in trouble. Worse she may get her guide Bodhi in trouble, just when they were starting to get along.

The council is impressed with Riley's accomplishments but suggest that she take a break. Bodhi is thrilled with the idea of some time off but Riley is disgruntled. She is so anxious to keep progressing, to finally reach 13!

She decides she needs to get some advice from her sister Ever, The quest to communicate with Ever on the earth plane leads Riley to Dreamland.

The workers in Dreamland are architects at communication. Like exquisite movie sets each Dream is crafted with the intention of bringing the deceased and their loved ones into a peaceful state of communication.

But there are darker forces in play at Dreamland as well and of course our Riley is in the thick of it!

I love Alyson's vision of the afterlife. Riley has such a special place in my heart. Each of the slim volumes in this series are quick reads but they linger with you in the most delightful ways.

I felt so much for Riley as she struggled in this book with insecurity and impatience. Such a beautiful read and as always, wonderful messages for readers of all ages.