Dream to Me

Gr 9 Up–Welcome to Madrona, WA, population 723. Following the sudden death of their father, Rhonda and Evangeline Sylvan have fled New York upon learning Eva has inherited her Great Aunt Miriam’s home and other property. Broke and grieving, both are looking for a fresh start; however, their arrival in Madrona is not met with smiles. Instead, there are hostile glares, whispers, and vile, cryptic messages painted on the dilapidated old house. More strange things begin to happen: a disabled vehicle, slashed tires, oh, and all the townspeople Eva meets end up comatose. Is she causing these terrible things to happen or is there something much more sinister in town? As the mystery unravels, Eva discovers that she is from a long line of witches who can dreamwalk. With more questions than answers, Eva must overcome guilt and anger in order to learn about her past and save not only her own future, but that of those affected by the mysterious sleep sickness plaguing the locals, her sister, and even her new almost-boyfriend Cal. Paasch’s debut is a well-developed stand-alone novel with a compelling female protagonist and intricate plot. The supporting characters help weave a solid narrative that explores themes of grief, anger, regret, reputation, and familial legacy within a supernatural framework.