In her first novel and YA trilogy, Lisa McMann brings us Wake, the soon be released Fade (Feb. 10) and the final book, Gone, scheduled for Spring 2010.
Without any warning, Janie will be pulled into the dream of anybody in her proximity. While driving home one night, Janie passes an open bedroom window and she finds herself pulled into a horrible nightmare. Unable to do anything but watch in horror as the nightmare unfolds, Janie realizes she is standing next to Cabel Strumheller, the school loner who also has a secret. Eventually, Cabel is able to see Janie in his dream and they learn to communicate -- leading to a friendship and beyond in the waking world. Unable to control the dream hopping, Janie is a victim of her own ability until she meets Miss Stubin, a patient at the nursing home where Janie works. Unbeknownst to Janie, Miss Stubin is also a dreamcatcher and after she passes away, it’s through dreams that she is able to help Janie understand her abilities.
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Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (March 4, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1416953574
ISBN-13: 978-1416953579
Fade continues the story of Janie and Cabel. Having been let in on Cabel’s secret, Janie is now working with him. Strange things are happening at the high school involving teachers and students, but nobody is talking. Janie is trying to get into the dreams of the students in an effort to find out who is involved, but dreamcatching is starting to take a physical toll on her. When Janie is given a box of Miss Stubin’s notes, including a journal describing the horrible things that will eventually happen to her, Janie is worried for herself and her future with Cabel; but her gift has helped so many people and she doesn’t think she could stop, despite the consequences.
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Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 10, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1416953582
ISBN-13: 978-1416953586
Although these books are considered YA, they are for mature and age appropriate readers. There is, as my mother would say, “colorful language” and sexual content. Don’t worry, it is age appropriate teenage sex, so it’s not too explicit. What I’m really trying to say is, you’re not going to learn anything new, so get yourself a copy of The Missing.
As for the books, I truly enjoyed reading them. I liked the characters. They’re strong, confident and self-sufficient – perhaps a little too self-sufficient for their age, but I’m willing to go with it for the entertainment value.
