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A review by kater07
The Waking Dream by Sage Steadman

emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

The Waking Dream is an emotionally charged novella that takes readers on an intense, soul-searching journey with three teens standing at the edge of adulthood. The narrative weaves together the lives of Jen, Gabe, and Noah, whose personal battles are raw and deeply relatable.

Jen struggles to break free from her abusive father while wrestling with her feelings for her best friend, Gabe. Gabe’s letters to his late twin sister, Ginger, offer grief-filled moments of insight into who Gabe is. Noah’s search for love and struggle with self-hatred add a layer of tension that steadily builds.

Overall, The Waking Dream is a beautifully written, bittersweet exploration of personal growth and finding strength in the face of adversity. A must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with heartfelt, relatable emotion.