REVIEW: Skydreamer (+$10 Amazon GC Giveaway!)

Title: Skydreamer

Author: Sheryl Winters

Series: N/A

Pages: 380

Date Published: 2015

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Format: Paperback

Genre: YA Fantasy

Source: Goddess Fish Blog Tours
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Synopsis:
For fire talent, Jaden Zarie, life is far from a fairy tale. Blisters from any contact with water, check. Sleeping in a shed behind your greedy Uncle's house, check. Ex-boyfriend scouting the bar where you work for one-night stands every night, double check.

When Jaden sets off to secure a new life with her two sisters, winning a contest with a huge pile of gold on the line seems like a quick fix. Getting hitched to Draven Winterbourne, King of the Dragon-changers, and finding true love was beyond anything she could have hoped for.

But a friend turned enemy threatens to take it all away. When Jaden is thrust into an alternate universe and separated from her new husband and her sisters, she must summon up the courage to start over, alone, knowing she may never see any of them again.

~My Thoughts~

Skydreamer is an enchanting mix of fairytale and fantasy. There's a certain Cinderella element to the story, as Jaden and her sisters are suffering and slaving away for their uncle after their father dies, and they can barely keep themselves alive with the pitiful care that the new uncle employs. 

There were a lot of characters here, and though told in the perspective of Jaden, there were many people I was curious about. Her twin Isla was fun, and little Adina was adorable in her cute little kid way. Ameranda perplexed me and I kept wondering if she was going to have a bigger role in the story. I would switch between wondering why she was there, and what she was going to be doing when the girls leave. 

The magic system that Winter uses is really fascinating, and I'm still not sure I understand it. It was interesting and gave the story life and depth of its own. The travel spheres had me at once, and I would love to be able to use them! I may have to do a re-read to fully understand everything about the esprits and vegos and all...but well worth it to find something new and different in the land of fantasy! I especially loved all things dragon! The beasts of yore are getting a surge in popularity thanks to books/shows like Game of Thrones, but I've always been a dragon fan from Dragon Slippers to the Inheritance Trilogy and beyond. So getting the awesomeness of magic and dragons mixed in with a ton of adventure was amazing! 

~Try an Excerpt!~

“Draven Winterbourn and Jadelentha Zarie, please place your hands on top of the Iyardar Stone.”

After a moment’s hesitation, I touch the crumbly gray stone with shaking hands and Draven’s large tan fingers cover my own.

Electricity travels from the stone, passing through the tips of my fingers and zipping through my entire body. His hold on my hands tightens and soon, my fingers feel as if they have been placed in a vice grip—one that grows progressively tighter, until I am forced to channel Esmay.

Sparks shoot into the palm of his hand and he lets go. The look he gives me does not bode well for our impending marriage.

Laughter erupts in fits and snorts behind us, but a sharp hand movement by the queen silences them.

I shouldn’t have done this. I’ve made a big mistake. I fold my arms against my chest, feeling sick. The longer I stand there, the more determined I am to leave. Humiliated in front of dragons and humans and whatever else is standing behind us. Let him find another bride—someone who wants to be mortified and have her hand crushed.

“Draven and Jadelentha, you are about to enter an exclusive contract for marriage. What say you?”

I glare at the stone to avoid their eyes, suddenly furious I ever let Isla and a stupid rock decide my life.

For once in your life, make a decision for yourself.

“I have some questions.”

The dragons behind us begin whispering. Soon, the room rumbles with sound.

Beside me, the queen’s teeth clench, a sure sign I’ve annoyed my soon-to-be-mother-in-law. “Now?” she practically shrieks.

What if she changes into a dragon and eats me? Despite what Isla says, I am positive she can do it.

Face the fire, Jaden. Turn and face him.

~Meet Sheryl!~ 

Sheryl Winters lives in a small town in Alaska. She grew up in the midst of old country story tellers, so you might say writing comes naturally to her. She is known for writing paranormal romances with a twist. Her writing inspiration often comes from the great outdoors of Alaska and she enfolds bits of it into her stories. She never set out to be an author only a story teller. Some days she succeeds better than others. 

Sheryl will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host. Additionally, Goddess Fish Productions will be awarding a $5 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn host.

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