Sleepwalker: The Last Sandman

Plot/Storyline: 4 Stars This was an extremely imaginative tale that takes place mostly in the dream world of Nod. There is even a surprising explanation for why it is called `Nod. Although this is listed as a YA novel, it is just as enjoyable for adults, if not more so. Younger readers would possibly miss many of the subtle nuances of the work. At first, the switching of viewpoint from omniscient to first person was a little awkward. Cole, the father of twins, is reading a book to them that is written by his father, Jake. The book he is reading is told in first person, and relates a tale from Coles childhood. The portions featuring the `adult Cole become scarce after the first quarter, though, making for a smoother read. I felt that having Jake write his book from a first person perspective, but relate in detail events he was not personally privy to, gave the story an unrealistic feel. Yes, the tale is a fantasy and, therefore, not realistic at all. However, this aspect leant a fictional quality that is negated later in the work. Coles explanation for why he did not call Jake Dad, or something similar, was bothersome to me. The story did not really explain why or when Cole switched to calling his father by his name. I figured that he must have called him `Daddy when a baby as the adults would have ensured this. His brother, Sean, calls Jake, Dad. So, the explanation Cole gives his sons seemed like something contrived by an adult to earn points with his kids, rather than something based in reality, especially given the story he reads to them with his fathers part in it. Although the story takes place mostly in the `dream world, it is pointed out that Sean and Cole have physical bodies there and can be hurt or killed. However, when Sean breaks his leg, he still manages to run, jump, climb ladders, etc. I tried hard to overlook this and succeeded for the most part, thinking that perhaps his leg wasnt actually broken, just sprained or something. However, being told that Sean still limps as an adult reinforced the idea that the leg was broken. This was a fairly fast paced novel with many action sequences. I especially enjoyed the stories injected into the storyline. They were a good fit and very interesting. Oddly enough, my favorite characters were the cows from the trampoline scene. I dont know why, but that image just stuck with me. Character Development: 4 Stars Jake is a very well-developed character. The reader can really feel his emotions coming through. I have to admit that I found it difficult to feel much sympathy for a man who abandoned his children, but sympathy did come into play for him being a widower. Cole could have been developed more as the reader really doesnt get much explanation for what he is really feeling. As a child, we understand that he loves his brother, but we dont get a feel for how this boy feels about having his mother die and being abandoned by his father. This is not expressed well from the adult Coles viewpoint, either. Sean is very well developed from the childhood view. I did wish that he would have made an appearance as an adult, but, even though that never happened, I was still satisifed with the development of his character. Writing Style: 4 3/4 Stars The writing style of Mr. Marlowe had a wonderful flow to it that kept me enthralled throughout. The descriptions were vivid, bringing the dream world to life. Aside from a very few dangling participles and awkward sentences, the structure was outstanding. The dialogue was realistic and engaging. The action sequences were also very nicely done with no confusion for the reader. I could actually see the action unfolding in my mind as I read (especially those cows). Editing/Formatting: 4 3/4 Stars There were a few too many editing errors to refer to this as `professionally edited; however, it did not fall very short. The formatting was excellent. Rating: PG ------------------------------- For more information and reviews, including commentary by authors, be sure to check out my blog. You will find it listed in my profile!

Perfect gift for a 9 year old boy. He loved it.

What a magnificent imagination this author has. I love the idea of being able to travel to dream land as I wished to be able to do that when I was a kid. The characters were likable and spoke the way children actually speak. It did not sound like an adult trying to speak, kid. I was also impressed when the author chose to make one character switch from a he to a she, back and forth. At first I thought he had made a mistake but I soon realized it was quite intentional and found out why, later in the book. I love it when I cant predict it all. I also thoroughly enjoyed the stories inside the story by Jake. Jake was known to be an off the cuff great story teller and would get many requests to do so. He was even requested to do so to receive the book that was vital to the conquering of the nightmare in the dreamland. Just another example of this authors fantastic story telling ability. I found myself drawn in to this story each night when I picked it up. I actually looked forward to snuggling in to bed under the covers and continuing to read. It was like a little fantasy vacation to some far off distant land and I could leave all the problems of this world behind as I traveled with those trying to conquer the nightmare and repair dream land for those in dream land as well as our own. I cant believe this is an indie author. He writes exceptionally well, the story was well defined, it flowed beautifully and I could not find a single flaw in it all. I dont say this very often about books but this was simply brilliant. I can even see this being made in to a movie...easily. This will definitely appeal to a younger crowd, no doubt, but it is also enjoyable for the older crowd as well. To the author: Bravo. You did wonderfully and I look forward to more from you in the future. The only reason I gave this 4 stars is because I got an earlier version that had a small formatting issue. Every so often, the font size would change and I would be ripped out of the story until I upped the font size or decreased the font size on my Kindle. The author has stated that he has done some fine tuning to the book so hopefully that issue was resolved and anyone buying this book now or in the future will have a nice, clean version.

This book was an absolute page turner! The authors writing blurs the line between fantasy and modern day reality in such an imaginative way and keeps the reader excited for the next chapter. Brad Marlowes storytelling is top notch and never ceases to captivate his audience. Every place, character, and motion is described so vividly, it feels as if you are there in the book. The characters are written in a very believable fashion. From the mannerisms of the children to the rationale of the adults, it is evident that Brad Marlowe is talented in fleshing out every character so well. I loved everything about Sleepwalker: The Last Sandman. It has the feel of a Harry Potter or Percy Jackson book while still being original and exciting. Definitely a great read and looking forward to more from Brad Marlowe.

I really enjoyed this book. Ive always like the themes of the unreal world intruding into modern life. There is an awful lot going on in this book, and if youre a fan of Gaiman-esque worlds youll really enjoy this one. Looking forward to more from Mr. Marlowe

By any standard, including the work of many of todays leading authors, this is an exceptional book. *As in the best literature, the characters are created stroke-by-stroke rather than in extended, often boring, asides. *The plot is highly original, properly braided with natural transitions between character and locale, and the rhythm and pacing are perfectly suited to the writers easy flowing style. One has only to read the prologue, which is included in the free sample, to gain an appreciation for the excellent prose quality. The hook is excellent, quickly and deeply set, and is fully supported by the books development. *Dialog is spot-on, never stilted, and children sound like children--precocious children to be sure, but children nonetheless--rather than obnoxious forty year olds. *The formatting of the book is essentially perfect and the editing is nearly so. This is a thoroughly professional job in every respect. In closing, Ill simply add that, were I a literary agent, Id be doing all within my power to get this writer under contract. With proper representation and guidance, Im confident hes destined for a highly successful career.

If youre a father or if youve ever had one, if you dream, if you love great stories filled with imagination and daring - you have to read this book. You wont be able to put it down. Loved it and cant wait for them to make this into a movie (it wont be easy!!)

I fell through the hole in the sky I loved this line!! Enjoyed this book very much. I look forward to reading it to my grandchildren when they get a bit older. I would compare it to the Never Ending Story, Alice in Wonderland, and a Twilight Zone episode All wrapped up in one. This would really make a great movie. I will keep an eye out for more from this Author. I do not have much to critique and will leave that to the professionals but if you want an entertaining book to keep you guessing, then click the buy now button.

This is a well-written book and an excellent story. I got snagged a little bit in the middle with the more surreal parts of the story, but that probably has as much to do with outside influences as it does with the obscurity of the storyline. When I read The Last Sandman again, I imagine those few parts of the book will make much more sense. The stories within the story were fantastic and the author tells the overall narrative in a conversational manner that I enjoyed. I look forward to whatever Brad Marlowe comes up with next and will be watching this author with much interest. And thanks again for the free digital copy that came with the purchased paperback, Brad!

I loved this book! It brought back memories of my favorite childhood stories, Peter Pan and Narnia, and the fantastic worlds in which they were set. The kind of worlds that, as a kid, I always wished I could explore and sparked not only my imagination but my love of reading. The book was well written and kept me engaged, as my husband can attest. He could tell how things were going in the story by the faces I was making... Great first book from this author. Ill be looking for others.