Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes

Title: Dreaming Awake
Author: Gwen Hayes
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012
Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Falling Under
Age Group: Young Adult
Rating: 5 Stars

When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions.

Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own.

And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start…

The sequel to Falling Under, Hayes brings back Theia, Haden, and the rest of the gang. Now that Theia is back to the human world, she has some readjusting to do as she quickly realizes that things will not be the same. And that Mara, the queen of Under and a human's worst nightmare, will never let Theia go.

I have to say, I loved the first one, but this one completely blew my mind. The world that Hayes has created is haunting, chilling, twisted, dark, and incredibly creepy. She brings back this world that literally creates terror to the human world.

Theia's struggle to get back to normal and try to hide what could be her demon side that she now holds proves to be incredibly difficult. I felt like Hayes never rushed things when it came to Theia. She was able to keep a steady pace and realistically present the hardships that her heroine goes through. And with Haden, Hayes is still able to keep him a dark, delicious mystery that will make any girl want him.

When students in Theia's school begin to show signs of an unknown sickness, Hayes keeps us surprised at every turn with a revelation that continues to shock as the story develops.

The character's, I feel, go through some incredible developments and grow as the story progresses. Hayes even lets us into the minds of Donny and Amelia for a chapter, as the horror increases and everything begins to unravel as Mara grows stronger and stronger.

One thing I was not expecting was the way things ended. This leaves a lot open for hopefully future books, because so many things have been left open.

This book was as wonderful as the first and I have to say that I'm starting to love both Theia and Haden, because Hayes breathes such life into her character that it leaves no room for argument how wonderful they are for each other. This book definitely focused much more on the demonic aspect than the first, which brings goosebumps across my arms while reading it.

Another wonderful story by a wonderful author.