Erin S. (nantuckerin) reviewed on 2/24/2010 + 158 more book reviews

I think Elizabeth Knox may have lost a fight with her publishers on the release of Dreamquake. As I read the book, I couldn't get over the feeling that it would have worked so much better if it was published together with Dreamhunter as one, long novel. This is not to say that I enjoyed either volume less for their separation -- but I also read the books back-to-back. I think the cliffhanger ending of Dreamhunter would have had me completely undone if I didn't know the companion novel was waiting patiently on the shelf. But I digress.

In her second novel, Elizabeth Knox continues the story of young dreamhunter Laura Hame and her efforts to find both her missing father and the answers to her family's mysteries. Dreamquake begins immediately after the surprise public performance of the disturbing nightmare Laura caught at her father's request at the end of Dreamhunter. Laura's life is more complicated than ever. She is still trying to unravel the secrets of Nown's existance and to learn the Hame family magic. She's missing her family support system, as Rose continues to board at her finishing school and her aunt and uncle continue to try to keep her safe -- by keeping Laura at a distance. And she's hard at work to reveal the truth of the government's use of "dreams for the public good" and the sinister mind control plans that threaten everyone in the community.

In the midst of all this action, Laura develops into a much more likeable and relatable character than her portrayal in Dreamhunter. She falls in love with fellow dreamhunter Sandy, and their relationship becomes one of the bright spots of the novel. I wish Knox had been able to dedicate even more time to develop their romance, because I really enjoyed those parts of the story.

Overall, fans of Dreamhunter will not be disappointed in Knox's conclusion. I think readers would struggle to understand the book without first reading Dreamhunter, because much of the novel's fantasy is set up in that first volume. Not all of the loose ends are tied up in a neat little bow, but I don't think the story suffers because of it. I was a little uncertain about the ending -- especially the fate of my favorite character, Nown -- but in the end, I had to concede that the epilogue provided a satisfying conclusion to the most pressing questions, at least. And I'm a sucker for a happy ending.

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