Thursday, January 13, 2011

Sleepless - Cyn Balog - Blog Tour Review


Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest. 
But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and 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. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . 
Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves? 

Title: Sleepless
Author: Cyn Balog
Genre: Young Adult 
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: July 13, 2010
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought. This review is part of Cyn Balog's blog tour, hosted by Teen Book Scene. Follow along with the tour here.
Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository.
My rating: 4/5

Eron DeMarchelle has been a Sandman for the last one hundred years. He has cared for his charges, and is relishing the time when he will be human again. He has a soft spot for Julia, one of his charges, as he has been with her through some terrifying circumstances. He is looking forward to making the change back to being human, but he's also apprehensive, as the new Sandman in training doesn't particularly care for his new charges. Dangers arise and Eron might be the only one able to save Julia. Will he defy authority to save her? 
I really enjoyed the Sandman aspect of the book, and thought it was a unique talent that hasn't been delved into much. Eron is an authentic, and dashing young man. His manners over the last one hundred years have not changed, and he is the same person he was when he first became a Sandman. Immediately, readers are engaged and riveted by his story, and they hope that he will get the happy ending that he deserves. It is easy to see that he cares for his charges, and that he would do anything for them. He is an all around nice guy, and it is interesting to see how he overcomes the obstacles in his path.
We are introduced to Julia, who has just lost her boyfriend. She is flippant, and doesn't stress over anything. It seemed like she doesn't actually allow herself to feel any emotions as she mimicked her boyfriend Griffin's behaviour. Now that circumstances have changed though, she doesn't feel like she can brush things off anymore. She is questioning the way that she reacts to certain circumstances, and throughout, the readers are aware of the feelings that she is battling with. She is an open, and engaging character, that readers will be able to commiserate with fully. 
Griffin, on the other hand, is another story entirely. I didn't particularly like him when he first entered the book, and I was not impressed with him throughout the book. He seemed to be very callous and selfish. I understand that his circumstance needs to be taken into consideration, but I don't agree with what he does, and how he circumvents certain aspects of his new life. What you see is what you get with regards to Griffin's character.
With these three characters being the central focus of the book, it makes for a straightforward read; though there are a few more characters that end up teasing us with potentially different outcomes. 
All in all, a solid read. Sleepless will have you reading late into the night as you read on to see what is going to happen next. I know that I'll be reading more of Balog's work in the future, and I think fans of urban fantasy, and fantasy will enjoy this one. Danger looms, but everyone needs to sleep sooner or later. 

2 comments:

Kelly aka yllektra(I Work For Books) said...

This looks like such an original book.I have never read anything with Sandmen before!!
Thanks for your review!!!

Kelly @ I Read For Books

brandileigh2003 said...

I am excited for this one. Thanks for the review.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog