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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Gordon Dahlquist's GLASS BOOK OF DREAM EATERS.
Joann from Blackstone, MA
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I usually read Harlan Coben, John Sandford, Robert Crais, the Kellermans and Robin Cook, as well as cozy mysteries and "bestseller" mysteries.
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
Wow, what a read! I finished the book last night. When I opened the delivery, I was a bit daunted by the size of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS. I usually read books that are a bit shorter --- due to the lack of a lot of reading time --- but I'm so glad that I finished.
The book intrigued me as I read the title page. The title was so unique and I could not imagine what was to be described within its pages. Gordon Dahlquist has quite an imagination. His attention to detail and scene development kept my interest as my arms got tired holding the book up. I kept turning pages and was amazed to see how quickly time passed. The events and situations were believable and I was transported to a different world of suspense and intrigue. I wanted to learn how each of these characters were related; their emotions became mine and I felt their trepidation or concern as each scene unfolded. He has a strong sense of human development and relationships. He has a good understanding of people. As I read, I tried to think of scenes that could be deleted to make a shorter book. Most people I know would not tackle a book of this size, no matter how much I recommended it. But, each scene and character seemed important and should not be eliminated. There did not seem to be a lot of extra verbiage.
Would you ever read a future book by Gordon Dahlquist?
I would definitely read another book by Dahlquist. I like his story development, character treatment and description. I think he has a lot to offer the novel-reading public. He transitioned well from his career as a creator of plays.
Judith from Los Angeles, CA
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I have read all of Lee Child's books and will often pick up the "big book" in the genre for the season. If I like a writer, like Elizabeth George, I'll read everything she comes out with.
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
Dahlquist is a beautiful writer. He captures the main characters --- Miss Temple, Chang and Svenson --- in really spectacular fashion, and I am very envious of his ability to create and flesh out his characters and to project a sense of place and movement.
That having been said, the book is at least 100 pages too long and the plot is way too convoluted. I had a hard time keeping up with the plot threads, the supporting characters, and "bad guys;" there was also too much exposition at the end. But if these sound like major complaints, the reality is that the strength of the writing kept me hooked right on through. Dahlquist is a major talent.
Would you ever read a future book by Gordon Dahlquist?
Absolutely, although I hope he sticks to "period pieces," even if they come with a fantasy twist --- he has a real gift for it.
L.M. from Oakland, CA
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Sara Paretsky, Walter Mosley, Elizabeth George, Linda Barnes and Orson Scott Card (I know they're generally classified as "mystery" and "science fiction" authors, but they are all masters/mistresses of suspense).
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
I am not quite finished with it, but it is definitely a page-turner; it has had me up too late more than once, and I was so caught up in it that I almost missed my train stop getting to work this morning. The graphic sex and violence are somewhat unsettling, but the writing is flawless, with tension and suspense from the first page. I usually prefer books written in the present, generally do not care for magical elements in my fiction and also find the casual references to "savages" and "Red Indians" repugnantly racist, but the masterful writing admittedly has me hooked.
Would you ever read a future book by Gordon Dahlquist?
Yes.
Sharon from Valley Falls, KS
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I'm not sure if [the books] I read are considered suspense or mystery, but I have read just about all the authors around --- Elizabeth Peters, Elizabeth George, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Patricia Cornwell and tons of others. I am an omnivorous reader, as you can tell. I have had to start reading all my books over again. We have books everywhere in the house.
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
Thank you very much for the copy of the novel. I enjoyed it very much. It [started off slowly, but after the characters and the story were set up], it was very interesting and quite fast paced.
Would you ever read a future book by Gordon Dahlquist?
Yes, I would read another book by Gordon Dahlquist. Thank you again.
Marion from Atlantic Beach, NY
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
I read this, although it is not the type of book I usually read. The suspense was amazing. The author really kept you reading even though there were some preposterous things happening. These heroes and heroine never slept. It reminded me of a swashbuckling movie from years ago. I think it was a little long, and the plot a little weak. It also took me a long time to figure out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I know there will be an audience for this book and it might even be picked up for a movie.
However, I don't think I will read a book like this again unless I am on an extended vacation. Thank you for the opportunity to critique it and I hope you will consider sending me books in the future. I loved ENRIQUE'S JOURNEY and the others I have received from Bookreporter.com.
I shall pass this one on to friends and family. Thank you again.
Dawn from Saskatoon, SK
What suspense/thriller authors do you read?
The suspense/thriller authors I've enjoyed are Patricia Cornwell, Sue Grafton, Kathy Reichs and Tom Clancy. I prefer plot-driven stories rather than a character-driven ones.
What did you think of THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS?
Although the plot was interesting and the characters were unusual, I was expecting a different kind of "thriller" ( I'm more familiar with forensic and medical thrillers than this [kind], so I am not the best critic). I wasn't pulled into the story and found myself reading, at times, only because I had agreed to respond to your questions. I felt the author was struggling to produce a work of classical literature and found myself skimming past some of the lengthy descriptive passages.
Would you ever read a future book by Gordon Dahlquist?
Perhaps I'd read another one of his books, but not one categorized as thriller.
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