Dream Castle

By: Andrea Kane

Narrated by: Gemma Dawson

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Her dark past could become her future, and only one man can save her.

The dream is always the same. The terrifying stalker. The gaping abyss. She can see herself running, desperate to escape the huge black beast waiting to devour her. For Kassandra Grey, there is only one refuge from her nightmare - and a horrifying secret hidden in the swirling mists.

Braden Sheffield first spies her on a deserted beach - a lone figure who emerges from the fog like a stunning apparition. Betrayed by the woman who was to be his bride, the world-weary duke of Sherburgh is captivated by Kassie’s youth and beauty, by her candor and the tinkling music of her voice. But Kassie’s life is in grave danger. As passion ignites between them, Braden vows to protect Kassie no matter the cost - and to preserve a love that could be the fulfillment of their happiest dreams.

©1992 Andrea Kane (P)2014 Audible Inc.

interesting twists

The narrator does a great job with the various voices as well as the feelings of the dialogue. A love story with a mystery to slove. A very good tale.

great story, narration needs work

This was an intricate, well-developed tale, but the narration was distracting at times. Now, I'm not saying it was awful; it wasn't.

I suggest that the narrator pause for a few seconds when transitioning from one scene to another within a chapter. Running scenes and characters together was jarring and, a few times, confusing.

Also, since many listeners are driving, the volume changes were annoying. Dialogue went from near-shouting to whispers and necessitated backing up and adjusting the volume to catch the softer words. Then, the louder parts blasted my eardrums and startled me. It was a constant battle of turning the volume know, and there was no "happy medium" level that allowed both comfortable listening and being able to hear the murmured words.

Last, the heroine is "a grown woman," strong and brave, as mentioned many times. The voice used for her sounded, about a third of the time, like a frightened four-year-old, and other times, like a whiny pre-teen. She seldom sounded strong or brave. She wasn't supposed to sound like a child. She's a duchess, not a pre-schooler.

Romantic Historical Mystery!

A romantic historical mystery is definately more like it!! Definately a dream holding a nightmare... literally!!!
This nightmare driven love story is great! I was surprised at how quickly the time passed.... it was well written, excellently performed and contained so much mystery, so many twists and turns, so much treachery and such extremes of heart wrenching emotion, that I was thoroughly entertained and wanted nothing more than to be left alone to listen. Can't say better then that I guess.

CREDIT worthy, YES!!!

HEAT factor.... 4!

One of my favorites

This story had everything! Love, betrayal, a mystery, and even a twist! Definitely recommend reading this book.

I didn't see it coming

the suspense was epic! I thought I had it all figured out, I was sure I knew who dunnit! but what do you know. great story

content warning, minor spoilers

some not ok content. mentions of underage (albeit consenting) sex for one of the male characters. the lovers first meet when she is a 15 and he old enough to be her father. not that unusual for the time (see Austen for example), though it is set but creepy by modern standards. at least she is 18 before anything happens, but even then there is continued to mention it and her youth/childlikeness.

some jerk/troubling behaviour from the hero including anger, jealousy and possessiveness. some mentions of lack of sexual 'control' in the guise of desire/love.

contains some scenes of abuse and violence.

the author continues to have little concept of realistic historical details, forgivable but particularly annoying one is vast sums of money mentioned are way too high for the time.

overall and with the caveat of not ok stuff, it's not the worst book. there are worse ones out there.

Loved it!

I am fast becoming a fan of Andrea Kane, although I was introduced a couple of month ago to her, I have read several of her work and just loved it. I love the heroine courage, innocence and virtue. I have to say I am not a believer of falling in love at first sight but still the story dialogue and flow is captivating

Enjoyable

This story is an enjoyable mystery. I wasn't surprised with the ending. The narrator is pretty good. I wasn't sure if I could get through this book at first, but I am glad I finished it.

Dream Castle

I found this book to be entertaining and romantic. I thought that the characters were interesting and they were colorful.

Sensational book by Andrea Kane! Beautifully Acted

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! This book has it all: Tantalizing romance (in great detail), mystery, suspense, complex believable characters and an unexpected twist at the end. Ms. Kane is a master of historical romance. This story was impressively acted by Gemma Dawson. I seek out her performances as she is not your average narrator; she passionately acts the story out in a way that truly and uniquely brings it to life. Some prefer a flatter more neutral read- I do not. I think that such compelling and emotionally stirring stories are enhanced by a passionate and realistic performance.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything! I loved the setting, not just the historical back-drop but the mystical element of nature that permeated the story and in a way defined the characters. Kassandra is a wonderful heroine, displaying such maturity and strength for a girl who has suffered though such extreme abuse and isolation. The scenes with her father are heartbreaking, as he attacks her in fits of alcohol induced rage, but Kassie endures and finds her strength and safety in Braden. I love the supporting characters as well, they were wonderfully drawn; the shrill and bitchy Abigail Devon, the ever present support of Charles, the bumbling Percy... they all beautifully contributed to Ms. Kane's intricate tapestry and all were voiced with versatility, flair and conviction by Ms. Dawson.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to ruin any of the mystery so I shall say the opening scene where Braden is captivated by a young and sassy Kassandra on the beach. Also the scene in which the catty, whiny and entitled Ms Abigail Devon confronts Braden and is sharply shot down in a very humorous and cutting manner. Ms. Kane does a lovely job of capturing what we think of as 'British wit' in the scene.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by the sadness of Kassie's life before she met Braden, and the love she goes on to experience for the first time after he comes back into her life. Her leap of faith when she goes to him desperately in her time of need- her vulnerability is so perfectly captured. I was also moved by the notion of such a powerful and enduring love, lasting in their minds and hearts for so many years after their first meeting.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next one (I read that this is a trilogy!). I am looking forward to seeing how Kassie and Braden's story progresses and delighting in every minute once again thanks to Gemma Dawson's ever stunning voice and Andrea Kane's masterful story telling.