Excuse me, a Mesoamerican inspired fantasy? Yes please. This is truly the first one I can think of that I’ve read like this. And I loved the fantasy and the magic SO much. While The Lost Dreamer has a bit of a slow start, the last half of it had me shrieking! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Indir is a Dreamer, descended from a long line of seers; able to see beyond reality, she carries the rare gift of Dreaming truth. But when the beloved king dies, his son has no respect for this time-honored tradition. King Alcan wants an opportunity to bring the Dreamers to a permanent end—an opportunity Indir will give him if he discovers the two secrets she is struggling to keep. As violent change shakes Indir’s world to its core, she is forced to make an impossible choice: fight for her home or fight to survive.
Saya is a seer, but not a Dreamer—she has never been formally trained. Her mother exploits her daughter’s gift, passing it off as her own as they travel from village to village, never staying in one place too long. Almost as if they’re running from something. Almost as if they’re being hunted. When Saya loses the necklace she’s worn since birth, she discovers that seeing isn’t her only gift—and begins to suspect that everything she knows about her life has been a carefully-constructed lie. As she comes to distrust the only family she’s ever known, Saya will do what she’s never done before, go where she’s never been, and risk it all in the search of answers.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Lost Dreamer is a YA fantasy series starter that is founded in a world of dreams, but also of usurpers and those who wish to bring a a rule based on patriarchy and power. Inspired by ancient Mesoamerica, this dual POV story examines the tides of change. Currents of insurrection and a desire to tear down. Seeing Saya and Indir’s lives is a brilliant way for readers to get to know the world. While it The Lost Dreamer begins a bit slowly – as Huerta establishes the characters – as someone who has finished, it is 100% worth it for the story.
There are so many layers within the world. Secrets about Saya’s past and the dreams she may be having. Indir’s family and the way that a burning fire threatens not only her family, but the stability of their world. In many ways, Saya and Indir are foils as Saya feels disconnected from a community, whereas Indir is surrounded by her family and support. But throughout The Lost Dreamer, we begin to realize that their lives are not as separate as they thought as each wonders who they are and how the world will change.
Overall,
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And don’t even get me started on how obsessed I am with the last half. As a whole, The Lost Dreamer explores the idea of fate and faith. We can see the paths of our lives and we think we know how it’s going, but what about when it changes? The power of prophecy and dreams, the truth which feels illusive. By the end you’ll be as hooked as I am and we can scream and wait for the sequel together. Trust the process and you’ll be rewarded with Saya and Indir’s questions and journey. Find The Lost Dreamer on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
I read a sampler of this one and it sounds so good! I have got to get my hands on it! Great review!