May Anderson reviewed Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert
Review of "Ashlynn's Dreams" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
OMG, I chose this story first to try and read not thinking that it would end up being one of those I didn't want to stop reading. How wrong I was! This was a wonderful story that made it hard to get up for work the next day.
I read the audible version of this book and with the journal style that the author Julie Gilbert wrote in the narrator Julie Hinton absolutely made this story terrific and had me hooked from the beginning. I know there were some reviews that said it was hard to read because of the journal style, but maybe try again and read the audio version.
Yes, in the beginning of each entry it tells you who it's from, but Julie Hinton makes sure you know who is who because they each have their own voice. Mrs. Hinton does has an awesome Southern voice for 12 year old Jillian Blairington and hearing the southern sayings had me laughing at times even when the moments were in tense. Julie also has the right type of tone that brings out the attitude that Danielle Matheson sometimes shares in her entries or the fear and confusion she felt. Whew, I could go on and on about the narrator, but I can't, smiles. So just one more thing. Mrs. Hinton's singing is absolutely wonderful to hear. The song comes at just the right time and takes your breath away. Another reason to say if you haven't listened to the audio version of this story, please do so!
This was definitely not your typical kidnapping story where ransom is needed and timelines are given. This was a kidnapping with a weird sense of sick purpose. The out of his mind scientist Dr. Dean Devya figured because he created Jillian/Ashlynn she was his to do what he wished. She owed him her life like the rest of the genetically altered children. In my opinion I seriously feel that if it wasn't for Jillian's mom number 2 talking Dean down at times, Jillian and Danielle would have had a rougher time than they already were having. Especially when Jillian did something that was unexpected and she couldn't explain to his satisfaction what she did. Just wow!
I can't wait until I have a free moment to get to the next book. No reading ones like this during the work week, lol. Thanks to both Julie's for having me up all night wanting to finish this story and see what happened next!
Disclaimer:
I received this book for free from the author and my review is definitely given freely.