Sleepless by Cyn Balog
July 13th 2010 by Delacorte Press
Hardcover, 224 pages
Review Copy
Book Synopsis
Eron De Marchelle isn't supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to--after all, getting too involved in one human's life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest. But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't seem to reach her . . . Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves......(Goodreads)
Review
Sleepless is what I would call whimsical yet mysterious........Not that this story goes deep or even gets you in the grit with the characters, but the setting, the tone and the storyline definitely pleased this reader. Sleepless is a great bedtime read and this being my second Cyn Balog novel, I must say her writing has defiantly matured since Fairy Tale. I think the characters in this story offered more humor and wit, while the writing flowed with a fast consumable, entertaining plot line. Balog has certainly found her voice in the YA mainstream and has plenty to offer in the teen romance genre. I also love when an author in the paranormal market steps out and highlights unknown or unpopular subjects. There are not many stories out there that center the superhero or paranormal feature on the legend of the Sandman and I thought Cyn did a great job making this tale magical and almost fairy tale feel verses the frightening stories usually told about these men.
Eron died one hundred years ago, but instead of a cold death, he was offered a chance to become a Sandman, a invisible man whose duties include watching over his charges and gently putting them to sleep throughout the duration of their lives. After his one hundred year commitment and proper replacement trained, Eron would be able to become human again-thus finishing the life he lost. Longing for the day when that time came, Eron soothes to sleep Julia and his other two girls, each one different and each one dependant upon Eron to fall asleep. For Eron though Julia is special, having taken care of her since infancy, Eron has grown intensely devoted to her and has slowly but surly fallen in love with her as an almost adult woman. Eron is thrilled when his replacement finally arrives, looking forward to finally meeting Julia as a human and starting his life over in a new century. Things aren't going to be easy though, as Eron trains his new replacement each day he turns human for a few hours, not accustomed to the times, he's outdated, confused and has no clue how to blend into society. Things aren't going well with his replacement ether.... considering he was Julia's once boyfriend Griffin (who was killed in a car accident) and was happy being alive, the two aren't seeing eye to eye. Griffin is having a hard time letting go of the human world and especially of Julia........
I loved the chemistry between Eron and Julia, it was hilarious yet sweet and very reminiscent of Jessica and Lucious' love story in Jessica's Guide to Dating on The Dark Side. The gentleman stuck in an old fashioned era and the modern 21rst century girl bewildered at his mannerisms. I loved the story and the writing because of Eron, I loved his sense of humor (or lack of) and his quality's as a lead character. Perhaps that's what is missing in modern culture today, the gentleman..........Regardless though of our lack of gentleman door openers, Sleepless offered a fun love story with a hopeful happy future for our young becoming human sandman.
Rating
Sleepless is suitable for most teens and can be enjoyed by adults as well. Content includes; Violence, mild sensuality, mild language, drinking, death, frightening situations and hilarious dialog...(15 and up).
4/5- YA- Fantasy-Romance
Review Copy Provided by Around the World Tours
Review Copy Provided by Around the World Tours
If you loved this and are looking for a darker version with a more frightening look into the the legend of Sandmen...try Tenaya Jaynes Blue Aspen
sounds like a good book--must add to the reading pile. Did read blue aspen ;)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Eron was a gentleman, a charcter I loved. Great review
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concept. I'll have to pick this one up!
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my to-read list for awhile, I haven't bought it yet, but I'd heard good things about it! Maybe I will finally break down and order it, since my library doesn't have it yet.
ReplyDelete