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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
5.0
*mini-review because of holidays*
This books was everything I had hoped it would be and than a lot more. I can imagine that if you're not Christian the finale of the book might be a little too much, since it does have a very Christian soul and ending. However, in general it's a very beautiful story about humanity, about the things we want and need from life, about being strong and what makes someone strong, about fighting for those we love so much. By the end I had quite some tears rolling down my cheeks and if the author ever returns to this world, I will follow.
This books was everything I had hoped it would be and than a lot more. I can imagine that if you're not Christian the finale of the book might be a little too much, since it does have a very Christian soul and ending. However, in general it's a very beautiful story about humanity, about the things we want and need from life, about being strong and what makes someone strong, about fighting for those we love so much. By the end I had quite some tears rolling down my cheeks and if the author ever returns to this world, I will follow.
hhuntington's review
4.0
The Nightmare Virus is pitched as Gladiator meets Inception, and it fits those comp titles. From the very first chapter, The Nightmare Virus pulls you in, leaving you ready to find out what happens next. There were a couple instances where the passage of time in the Awake felt like it passed a little unrealistically, but those were likely because the plot needed to get back to the Nightmare.
Nadine doesn't shy away from hard, tough topics and themes in The Nightmare Virus, yet all of them are dealt with carefully and with hope. Nadine's own passions and loves are clear in the story.
It might be because I read The Nightmare Virus essentially in one sitting, but I was a little confused on how exactly some parts of the Nightmare worked from the storyworld science. Though, the story is more science-fantasy, so maybe the parts I'm confused about fall more under the fantasy umbrella.
Nadine doesn't shy away from hard, tough topics and themes in The Nightmare Virus, yet all of them are dealt with carefully and with hope. Nadine's own passions and loves are clear in the story.
It might be because I read The Nightmare Virus essentially in one sitting, but I was a little confused on how exactly some parts of the Nightmare worked from the storyworld science. Though, the story is more science-fantasy, so maybe the parts I'm confused about fall more under the fantasy umbrella.
stormfaery7's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
stephanieshepherd's review
4.0
There aren’t too many authors that are auto buys for me anymore. I’ve really been trying to utilize the library more and save my pennies for those I know I want for myself and to be able to loan friends. @nadinebrandes always makes the cut. Her fantasy stories are some of my absolute favorites and the way she weaves in there battles of light and dark, good and evil, in a way that is so cleverly done … she has a gift with her words!
That said, The Nightmare Virus is no normal Brandes book. She ventures into dystopian science fiction- the story of a virus that is wreaking havoc on the world. Trapping you in your nightmares until you don’t wake from them anymore.
Thank you so much @enclavepublishing for the advance copy of The Nightmare Virus and congratulations @nadinebrandes on the release of your new book!
That said, The Nightmare Virus is no normal Brandes book. She ventures into dystopian science fiction- the story of a virus that is wreaking havoc on the world. Trapping you in your nightmares until you don’t wake from them anymore.
Thank you so much @enclavepublishing for the advance copy of The Nightmare Virus and congratulations @nadinebrandes on the release of your new book!
sccrkid85's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
echamberlin190's review
Interesting... not a typical pick for me... but still really good
egbella's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I've put off writing this review because I didn't think I could do the book justice! I've read every book of Nadine's and she's one of my favorite authors (an "auto-buy" at this point). I was even blessed to meet her and get a signed ARC copy of this one earlier this year. This story is another great one! I'll try to come back at some point and review this better, but for now, I'm going to jot down the bare bones.
The protagonist is my favorite - so real and layered. I enjoyed the story from his perspective and felt like I could both relate to and empathize with him. He's strong but compassionate, rough around the edges but good at heart. I loved that he's older too - more college-aged than teenager. His character change was powerful! The side characters were very well-written as well, all with their own goals, fears, and motivations.
And the action and suspense...top tier! I was legitimately not expecting some of the plot twists and I enjoyed the Christian elements that were woven in as well. The entire premise of this book, and the worlds that Nadine created, are very vivid and unique. I could picture them well, and it's a super fun and terrifying idea. I was sucked in from the very first page. The hints of romance were cute, but in no way annoying or distracting, which I appreciated. I loved this and would love to read more in this story world!
Tricky Content: Hand-holding and one kiss on the cheek, mention of a child trafficker, cannibals, and a character killing himself in the dreamscape (but isn't really dead), fantasy creatures (dragons, chimera, etc.), tension and suspense, murder, mild descriptions of blood and wounds, fighting, violence (throat slit, skull pierced, a character is stoned, character is eaten whole by snake), grief and loss, depression, the protagonist struggles with his relationship with God, and references to a character that died from cancer.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy twisting dystopian/fantasy stories with high stakes and action, intrigue and mystery, vivid and unique worlds, and heartfelt Christian themes and messages!
The protagonist is my favorite - so real and layered. I enjoyed the story from his perspective and felt like I could both relate to and empathize with him. He's strong but compassionate, rough around the edges but good at heart. I loved that he's older too - more college-aged than teenager. His character change was powerful! The side characters were very well-written as well, all with their own goals, fears, and motivations.
And the action and suspense...top tier! I was legitimately not expecting some of the plot twists and I enjoyed the Christian elements that were woven in as well. The entire premise of this book, and the worlds that Nadine created, are very vivid and unique. I could picture them well, and it's a super fun and terrifying idea. I was sucked in from the very first page. The hints of romance were cute, but in no way annoying or distracting, which I appreciated. I loved this and would love to read more in this story world!
Tricky Content: Hand-holding and one kiss on the cheek, mention of a child trafficker, cannibals, and a character killing himself in the dreamscape (but isn't really dead), fantasy creatures (dragons, chimera, etc.), tension and suspense, murder, mild descriptions of blood and wounds, fighting, violence (throat slit, skull pierced, a character is stoned, character is eaten whole by snake), grief and loss, depression, the protagonist struggles with his relationship with God, and references to a character that died from cancer.
I’d Recommend It To: Readers that enjoy twisting dystopian/fantasy stories with high stakes and action, intrigue and mystery, vivid and unique worlds, and heartfelt Christian themes and messages!
cassandraspocket's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mariagilbert's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
leahegood's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Summary
Imagiserum was supposed to be the next big step in alternative realities--full of recreational and therapeutic possibilities. Instead, it's killing the world. Young Cain Cross and his brother are two college kids determined to come up with a cute. Their time is limited. Cain's brother is infected, and it's only a matter of time till he is too. Is a cure even possible? Is hope, smarts, and determination enough? From Cain's perspective, determination is a better tool than the faith his brother relies on.
My Thoughts
This was a truly unique reading experience. For my Adventures and Odyssey listeners out there, did anyone else watch the Adventures in Odyssey: Escape from the Forbidden Matrix? This felt like that movie + Frugal Wizard's Guide to Medieval England + a Chuck Black novel. Basically, trippy alternative reality interwoven with allegorical elements which aren't quite allegorical because the the allegories meld into reality.
Overall, this was a wholesome read that I'd peg as a ideal family read aloud for a fantasy loving Christian family with a wide range of ages. It's got enough plot and world building to keep older readers happy, nothing objectionable for younger readers (it generally has the slightly fantastical adventurous vibe of a middle grade novel but with older characters and a more intricate plot) and a solid, faith-affirming take home message.
I will say, the ending left me a little bit, "Wait? How exactly is that going to work." For me, I shrugged and moved on. I think some readers might be more bothered, but I don't count it as a major complaint.
Content
No swearing or romance. Overt themes of Christianity. Lots of non-graphic fantasy violence, some more real-world grounded violence, and some medical content.
Imagiserum was supposed to be the next big step in alternative realities--full of recreational and therapeutic possibilities. Instead, it's killing the world. Young Cain Cross and his brother are two college kids determined to come up with a cute. Their time is limited. Cain's brother is infected, and it's only a matter of time till he is too. Is a cure even possible? Is hope, smarts, and determination enough? From Cain's perspective, determination is a better tool than the faith his brother relies on.
My Thoughts
This was a truly unique reading experience. For my Adventures and Odyssey listeners out there, did anyone else watch the Adventures in Odyssey: Escape from the Forbidden Matrix? This felt like that movie + Frugal Wizard's Guide to Medieval England + a Chuck Black novel. Basically, trippy alternative reality interwoven with allegorical elements which aren't quite allegorical because the the allegories meld into reality.
Overall, this was a wholesome read that I'd peg as a ideal family read aloud for a fantasy loving Christian family with a wide range of ages. It's got enough plot and world building to keep older readers happy, nothing objectionable for younger readers (it generally has the slightly fantastical adventurous vibe of a middle grade novel but with older characters and a more intricate plot) and a solid, faith-affirming take home message.
I will say, the ending left me a little bit, "Wait? How exactly is that going to work." For me, I shrugged and moved on. I think some readers might be more bothered, but I don't count it as a major complaint.
Content
No swearing or romance. Overt themes of Christianity. Lots of non-graphic fantasy violence, some more real-world grounded violence, and some medical content.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury