No one can know Natalie works for a supernatural protection agency and is charged with protecting Meadow’s Creek from vampires. But as their numbers swell, their presence doesn't go unnoticed throwing her town under the microscope from the local government and the FBI.
Natalie’s job is pushed even further into the shadows where she must dodge the police, concerned citizens and even her own parents.
Meanwhile a deadly plague grips the town and Natalie suspects it’s more than just a hacking cough. While the stress of working overtime erodes her relationships she will race against time, illness, to face a familiar enemy, save an old friend, and stop an undead seize that wants nothing more than to suck Meadow’s Creek dry.
Author of the YA Dream Slayer series, Jill loves to blend horror, comedy, the supernatural, and love, through her novels. A fan of genre blending, her work strives to cross boundries, but most of all strives to entertain.
She loves soft cuddly cats, warm blankets, and paranormal romances.
Jill resides in Massachusetts, is constantly renovating her home that she shares with her husband, young daughter, and two skittish cats.
After defeating a Demon Queen, you would think Natalie Johnson would get a little reprieve. Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished as they say. There is definitely a lot going on in this book. There are also a few surprises along the way! In Demon Royale, we can begin to see that there is a connection between the paladin and the "created" slayer. In Dawning Apocalypse, the connection between them strengthens. So when the number of vampires begins to increase inexplicably, there are repercussions in both the real and created worlds. In the real world, a virus and a murderer both attack poor Meadowcreek. People are becoming sick and no one knows why. There also seems to be a serial killer on the loose. The dream world isn't safe either. People are just mysteriously disappearing. Will the paladin and the slayer be able to save their towns? What happens when the connection between the paladin and the slayer becomes so strong that they can feel what the other is feeling? Death to one, means the death of both. So can they both each have their own boyfriends? Troubles come in a torrential downpour. After one battle is won, there are more awaiting. Through all the struggles, Natalie and her friends hold together and fight for one another. This book was truly a great read! There were so many problems to be dealt with all the while gaining little tidbits of knowledge. There were a few shocking details that the paladin must come to terms with and I am positive there are still a few more waiting to be uncovered. So what happens when a chubby teen girls creates a fictitious world that comes to life? Jill Cooper knows! Jill does a wonderful job not only creating the paladin world but also creating the "alternate" slayer world as well. It is truly remarkable to be able to create one world. But Jill has gone above and beyond. She has successfully created a "dream" world inside of the character's world. Throughout the book, you can see how the dream world and the real world are both affected and how the people in those worlds are affected as well. Imagine finding out that you were a character created by the mind of another person. An even though Ms. Cooper is writing about vampires, her paladin still has real world issues that today's teen face. Natalie's father has a problems that she must face eventually. She has friends, peer pressure, and all your other typical teenage drama on top of all the supernatural. I have truly loved watching Jill Cooper develop and cultivate Natalie into a stronger and more self assured person. In this book we get to see her grow more and become bolder, not only with the vampire fighting but in her personal life. Natalie makes more stands and backs down less. She takes charge instead of being taken charge of. It is truly impressive. On a side note, what's a good book without a good villain. Morach, of course, makes his appearance. He is definitely worthy adversary. We also get to see more Damien. I wish this book had some pictures, because I'd love to see more of Damien ;-). Secrets are revealed, betrayals are exposed, people are lost, and feelings become a mess.... All in all, this was an excellent book. I love the concept and the unique plot. I can't wait to see where Ms. Cooper goes from here. 4.5 out 5
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!! But, let me start with saying that this is Book 3 of The Dream Slayer series - AND - if you haven't read the beginning books of the series before reading Dawning Apocolypse, you might feel a little lost. I was asked to read this series and love love love it!!! The more I read of this series -- the more I love the way that Jill Cooper writes!!! Jill writes twists that will totally catch you off guard and the will keep you guessing as to where she is taking you!! I find that this series is definitely one of those where you just can NOT put the book down for anything!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
There comes a time when the series needs to grow up with the reader. Add more complexity and Dawning Apocalypse does that! As things get more complex for Natalie, her friends on both her side and the dream side become blurred. In this book, you'll find the stakes have been raised for both Natalie, her friends, the dream world and our world. Vampires are different and danger is around every corner. I loved the descriptions, the pacing, the plot and (especially) the twists. Cooper has me waiting for the next book and I don't like to wait! I recommend this read!