To Dream is to Die is the first part in the Dead Dreamer series. Having just got back into paranormal books I was looking forward to reading this one. There aren't many books on the market based around dreams etc so it made for a unique subject. Add to that we have the Fade with ghosts and demons, my hopes were quite high!

Although listed as a new adult/romance paranormal book, I felt this could have easily say in the YA category. Yes there is mentions of drinking, drugs (Although its more Pot and its in passing) and some adult situations there was no sex or anything I would put as not suitable for the more mature teen.

Although the book is told from Brenna's point of view, a 19 year old student. Her language came across as younger at times. My daughters are 18, 16 and 14 and she didn't feel very mature compared to them in how she thought, acted or spoke. Again making me feel this was more of a YA.

Brenna is a good character though. She is has a unique gift which she got after a car accident she was involved in 3 years before that killed her. I found her rather melancholy at times and although I liked her sarcasm and whit when she was with her best friend Aria, it wasn't enough to make me like her more. In fact, I preferred Damon, Mike and Erica at times more than Brenna and was more on their side than hers earlier in the book.

The story has a quick pace which keeps you interested and made this a fast page turner for me. I especially liked the 'club' Brenna joins later in the book and found those scenes were fun and interesting with a great supporting cast. In fact I had only a few issues with this book and that's why it didn't get more than 3.5 stars from me.

Firstly I do not give spoilers at all, I will happily elaborate if you wish to message me for more details but will not put them here so apologise for my vagueness. One instance sticks out heavily in my mind concerning the President and concert. This was completely washed over and Brenna who meticulously stresses and investigates everything, this instance seemed to ignore the event entirely. There were other mysteries in the book surrounding another character that even towards the end I was left thinking, 'Duh is Brenna really that stupid to not see something?' I guess with age is naivety yet Brenna seemed to focus on things that weren't necessary and then dismiss those clues that were really glowing brightly on a 50ft sign!

I love a mystery and To Dream is to Die is definitely a paranormal mystery where romance takes a back seat. Again I still feel this could be read by mature YA readers. I will continue to read the series as there is so many twists and turns even I am wondering who Brenna should trust and what's going to happen. I just feel this book could have been put together better - 3.5 stars (This book was gifted to me via NetGalley for an impartial review).

10 stars- This was a truly phenomenal book. Every word, every page, every character both good and bad was such an important part of this book. I absolutely loved every page. The developing relationships between the main characters were so well written and played an important part of this series. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to write this after reading such a fantastic book.

To Dream is to Die by Sarah Lampkin, an interesting read. Brenna is just starting college and still learning about what she can do after dying 3 years ago. She knows she forced herself back into her body and since then can interact with the fade around, see ghosts and spirits and who knows what else...

I struggled a little with this book, I have mixed feelings about it. The things I liked the most are the main characters, Brenna and her sarcasm, her streght and her relationship with Damon. I like that the demons are little mischievous creatures and not bad. The fairies instead are evil but we don't know much about what they do. The villains in this story are humans that interfer with the natural order and use their devious believes to hurt other creatures and other peoples. What I didn't particulary enjoy are the pauses, because the story follows the timings of a college year. Also I couldn't relate much to all the college stuff because I am not American but I enjoyed the plot so far.