inkpop: First, to Dream of Love - When an ancient legend told as a fairytale begins to come true what is there left for you to do but read and believe?

ab<3music

wrote 30 days ago

OH MY GOODNESS! I sat down intending to read the first chapter, or the first ten if I liked it. Four hours later, i've finished the entire book! It is very rare that a book makes me cry, and if I do, I know that it's really good. I cried through the whole book, and I need a sequel! This is beyond amazing, as a Christian, I can relate to it, and I am encouraged by it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, I think that it's one of my favorite books now. I will seriously be telling everyone I know about this, I know a couple of friends that could really use to read it!
Thank you so much for writing this, and making it such a light to others. I have no complaints (this is someone who is a very harsh critic!) and it's going on my picks RIGHT NOW!
~ab<3music

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vulcan icarus

wrote 71 days ago

I'm not going to beat around the bush: your talent is breathtaking. My face was mere inches from the screen throughout the entire book.

I love the way you incorporated the Catholic faith. Being a Catholic myself, I can truly appreciate the religious aspects and the wholehearted trust in God that Eliza displays. I have to say my favorite character was her guardian angel. I also love the idea of angels taking animal form; I've read it that way before, but never like this-- with this level of purity and fierceness.

The plot revolving around an angels and demons theme appealed to me greatly. So many books nowadays deal with the supernatural, mystical side of life, but hardly any revolve around The original battle of good vs. evil. The temptations and tauntings were brilliantly executed, and the pull of the God Almighty was evident in every way.

The way the story seems to allude to Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet was perfect; just enough of their story to be eye-catching, with your eloquent voice rising to fill in the rest with priceless mastery.

It is so rare these days to see talent like yours. Your writing style is so unique and 'pure,' and the imagery employed seems to roll off the tongue like velvet. In fact, I can't remember the last time a story touched me like this one-- perhaps this is the first time.

I have to mention: the chapter of Michael's baptism particularly reached out to me. The part at the end when he sees his guardian angel made me smile with joy-- I felt, literally felt, his uncontained joy. It was beautifully done.

To the matter of being published....All I can say is that if the publishers keep refusing to see the masterpiece that is this story, I will descend upon them as St. Joan of Arc upon the English, fiery sword of doom in my hand.

I wish I could elaborate a bit more on the ways I'm in love with this book, but I really cannot find the words.

So, I take my leave, and add only that I will be impatiently awaiting the arrival of First, to Dream of Love in bookstores.

-Cassi

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mscheponik

wrote 75 days ago

AH! I never knew that you added more to this! Oh my goodness, your writing is so beautiful; I love it. And those last couple chapters had me crying so much. The style you write in is so unique, but it's so poetic and flows perfectly together. Your characters all come to life from the story, and I can picture it all in my head as I read, and I love stories that enable me to do that. I really hope that this ends up published because it's killing me being left with the cliffhanger of not knowing how it ends.

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cara_ruegg

wrote 100 days ago

The dork that I am, has decided to bring along my authonomy comments hehe. :) I love my authonomites (some of them at least lol)

Not really there wrote:
Such a unique style makes this writer stand out from the rest. Any comparisons to Milton or Shakespeare are substantiated by fine imagery, delivered with a timeless eloquence.
The themes of faith and love are inseparable at their purest level; themes which are proficiently expressed here. All contained within a natural story full of fresh ideas.
From the poetry of Dante, to the storytelling of Dan Brown, the public have never lost interest in the continuing examination of theology - a subject I personally believe should be tested to destruction.
There are times when I wanted to stop and read passages again which is a rare joy for me when reading literature, usually I prefer to just get it over with. First, to dream of love shows that originality and culture constantly evolve. Just when I thought the classics protected against anything new being of real merit, this book shines, revealing the true potential of the author. I just hope there are publishing professionals out there with the vision to take this one on.
The most curious thing this book has so far uncovered is a minority of people who seem opposed to a new direction; and worse still, it would appear there are actually people who think the public don't "get", or want poetry, wherever it appears? I'm glad I don't know any of those kind of people.

The brilliant writer of morningside said:
I love the idea of a guardian angel, and I must tell you, the prologue was fantastic!
The poems you have laced throughout the prologue were beautifully written and I enjoyed reading them (I'm not much of a fan of poetry, but I have nothing against yours, in fact, I loved them!).
It's stories like these I search and search for, but struggle finding. Your description when you say "allowed my white wings to caress the broken night," made me melt completely. I'm so very jealous of your description, and I admire you completely!
You have been backed with pleasure, and I look forward to getting through all 33 chapters you've shared :)
-Ashley

SiCorbz wrote:
Hi Cara. First, to Dream of Love: this is quite astonishing -- astonishingly good, that is! To be honest (and to my eternal shame!) I actually expected this to be far less accomplished -- given your age. So, a big slap in the face and a wake-up call to me not to...er....judge a book (or indeed its author!) by its cover! You write with a poet's rhythm, employing rich descriptions and a evoking a strong sense of atmosphere. Nice appropriation of the R&J Prologue to open the action and very clever recurring usage of the R&J themes and motifs throughout (e.g. the poison Michael takes in Ch 11 and the reference to "loving my enemy" in Ch 13). The dual perspective of alternating narrators works very well and the fantasy landscape they inhabit is beautifully designed. If this book cannot persuade young girls (and others) to dip their toes into the Fantasy genre, then nothing can! And yet the writing (and use of language) is far, far more sophisticated than the typical YA audience would probably comprehend - lending it depth for adult readers (such as yours truly!)! OK, I think I've blown enough smoke in your direction(!)...and from your Profile notes I think you know this all already! Overall: a sophisticated fantasy epic that shows an extraordinary command of language. Shelved, of course -- and I take my metaphorical hat off to you, young lady...you will go far...then, again, you know that already don't you?! ATB Simon

Ruth Francisco wrote:
Flowing freely between dreamscape, archetype, and Arthurian legend, this tale has a moody loveliness that is as lyrical as it is sad. We have seen this dream before, but we never tire of it. Here it is retold with something special, a fierce adolescent yearning that should appeal to the YA audience. Good luck with this.

Francesco wrote:Simply lovely.
Backed...what a heart you must have.

cavicante wrote:
Hello Cara,
Wow!! You are mature beyond your years. You said it all when you said that your writing style was unique. This book read like one long poem, as you are very descriptive and poetic in everything that is read. This book is like a breath of fresh air, that sweeps one off of thier feet. You are truly, a gifted, talented and beautiful writer. I am in total awe of you and your work; and until I find 5 more books to take its place, this book will remain SHELVED!! You are awesome!!

Geveret wrote:
You've got something special here, Cara. This is no mere fiction. In fact, to tag it "fantasy" is a bit of an injustice. It's an allegory about the love of God, told in the form of an exploration of the heart. Love and faith are one, and the depth of both is astonishing and heartbreaking. That you make it work in such human terms is a tribute to your gift as a poet. I've read everything you've uploaded. I long to read more. gobsmacked. Gobsmacked and in tears, feeling blessed to have read it but utterly powerless to accurately describe its beauty and its effect. Truly a "Lord, I am not worthy" moment. Shelved.

Microbe wrote:
Cara, this is beautiful! The story is awesome, what a love story. It is one of the most distinctive books I've read, anywhere. I like your rich language. I'm just so impressed. It is reminiscent of the classics, yet not overdone or pretentious. It works! I admire the confidence you have in your poetic style. It's great.

Inkycreative wrote:
Hi Cara, Obviously you have a wonderful talent for poetry and that style radiates through your prose giving you the thing that so many authors long for; a unique voice. You also have a wonderful imagination and the imagery of the angel becoming wolf, soaring through the snow was stunning.

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Soul On Fire

wrote 92 days ago

I just got done with Chapter Three now, and I feel like I'm coming out of a wonderful dream. Your writing has a poetic, innocent, dreamlike quality about it. It's pretty, but it doesn't just SOUND pretty. Every single sentence came brilliantly alive in my head. Your chapters were that atmospheric. And I already feel like I know quite a bit about Eliza and Michael. You really got me inside their heads, and their lives. I could feel nothing short of heaven in Eliza's world, and in Michael's, it was cold and flat and gray, like slate. They are so starkly different. It's going to be interesting to see how they manage to fall in love. The bond between Eliza and her brother is so sweet and beautiful. I can feel the strong bond between them, like I'm part of it myself. If anything happens to him, like you seem to be foreshadowing, my heart is going to shatter right along with Eliza's. I just know it. I can tell that this thing is going to be a gorgeous, tragic story, and I can't wait to read more, as soon as I get the chance. So far, First, to Dream of Love has stolen my heart. I think that's a pretty great start. :-)

-Kara

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Cassie Green

wrote 5 days ago

Good job!
:)
Comment on my work?
Thanks!
-Cassie

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HealedMyWings

wrote 11 days ago

CONGRATULATIONS CARA!!! =D You are now officially the author of a Top Pick!!

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Orangefanatic13

wrote 11 days ago

I've read the whole thing and i must say i love it. it took me awhile to read it, especially when i couldn't stop even though i had a friend at my house. I cried, and laughed, this book had it all! I'm making sure i tell all my friends to read this, because they will LOVE it just like i did. :)

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spoof82088

wrote 11 days ago

I read through chapter four so far. I really love all of the imagery used in this. The descriptions of the guardian angel and the demons provide a beautiful contrast to each other. The voices of the narrators also seem very authentic and really made the setting of the book come to life.

I also really like Matthews character, his love for his sister and his strength. I also find myself liking Michael despite myself. There is something about him that really draws me in. I hold onto a hope that later on he will learn to love.

Eliza seems the most complex character so far. She struggles between fighting the evil of Michael because and the love she feels for him. Also her connection with her guardian angel provides for more insight into her actions.

The prose and characterization in this are flawless. It definitely seems very publishable. I will add it to my picks.

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Cato077

wrote 12 days ago

Ok i read the prologue to get a feel for the piece and then read 39 like you asked. I am very impressed. I could not find anything really wrong with it and your imagery and decriptions are amazing. Oddly my favorite line is the one i like the least. The one about the author of evil wishing to hit her with lightning. This line is poetic and descriptive, so i enjoyed it, though i wonder its place in the story. Perhaps i would have to read the rest of it to understand(which i now plan to, the change in michael is suberb and the imagery breathtaking), but i had to read it several times, and i still dont completely understand. Is there literally a demon wishing to kill her(gods favored) with lightning and risk the displeasure of god? Good work..destined to go on my picks list

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Bree Chafin

wrote 13 days ago

i just read the 1st 2 paragraphs of the prologue and i cant stop reading it:)

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Poading

wrote 13 days ago

I WAS going to stick it out and not comment until the end, but, well, clearly I didn't. You are amazing. Your writing is so smooth. It's like creamy gelato, or soft cream cheese (can you tell I'm hungry?). You've written this splendidly! Everything flows together so beautifully, every word seems deliberately written and your attention to detail is remarkable! I'll certainly be back to read the rest, but for now I have to sleep. With one day to go until the editorial board reads this, I'll give you my vote in hopes that this stays in the top 5 where it deserves to be! So, until next time,
~Rosiee

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jessisay

wrote 13 days ago

if you're not too busy and have time, could you comment on any of my writing, especially my two books: "Miranda's Nightmare" and "Razor Burn"? I'd really appreciate any input you could give me. Your comments would mean lot! Of course I would read more of your writing in return.

<3 Jess

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Tracy McCarthy

wrote 13 days ago

Cara, this is exquisite. I have nothing that I could possibly suggest for improvement.
I read the first couple chapters then skipped to the middle then skipped to the end, and it is fluid throughout. Heavy with a thoroughly fleshed out concept. I honestly think this is appropriate for literary fiction of any age. Truly remarkable.
I wish you the very best of luck with this when it rests at the fingertips of the HC Editors.
Will be picked when the shelf opens up.
Tracy

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Author S M Johnston

wrote 13 days ago

It reminded me at first of a gothic version of This Present Darkness, which is one of my favorite books. I love that she was dreaming of Michael. I think this will have a huge following if published.

People may beat me over the head for saying this as I know you had a lot of supporters (and this is not to say I didn't enjoy the read - I am still picking it people) but...... Too may sentences starting with 'I' for me. I know it can be hard in the first person but there are ways around it.

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plutoisaplanet

wrote 13 days ago

This is incredible! you have some incredible talent right here :) I really love your poetic prose (if that's an apt description), it's really amazing :) I stayed up later than my parents would ever let me just to read your incredible-ness!!!! Your story is so realistic - so descriptive and... woah. :) I hope you take this book places, because it is incredible!!!!

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BeeLu

wrote 13 days ago

this is literally amazin. i cant describe how good it is. the discrition, the characters, eveerythin. gd job!!!!!

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Firefly93

wrote 14 days ago

Beautiful style!

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Mitsomi

wrote 14 days ago

i am silenced. i have no words to describe how well written this was. i might have only read the first chapter but i can already tell you are incredibly talented. i will get back to this as soon as i can. i have to keep reading.
my favorite line in this chapter.."only love defies the nature of a man"
excellent work :D

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AllyLeian

wrote 14 days ago

SUPER!

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sara4beck

wrote 14 days ago

Wow, I've only read the prologue and first chapter, and this is amazing! I intend to read the rest of it sometime- this is definitely going on my picks! I can see why it's in the top five.

Sara

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Gabriela V

wrote 15 days ago

simply amazing. :)

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patchy_luvr26

wrote 15 days ago

WOW!!! Bravo...Bravo! This was such a good book. I just intended to read chapter 42, like you said in your author's note, but after I read that chapter I just had to read more. A total of 3 hours, and I finally finished! I cried, I laughed (at parts), and I fell in love. You had me hooked from the beginning lines. I just wanna say: CONGRATZ! You have such a great talent!

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xxTokyoxx

wrote 16 days ago

Wow! I have read like three chapters and it is sooooo awesome!

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Sarah Dilbeck

wrote 16 days ago

So far this is very creative and detailed; I like your use of words and descriptions! Maybe add a little more thoughts in Eliza's head, I see where you're getting at when she talks about what she knows but I'd like to hear more of her personal opinions and what her as her own character thinks about her situation at hand. Overall, It's beautifly written but could use a little more action to keep the reader interested. It's very interesting so far, but just include more irony, perhaps to keep it easy on the gloom and doom. But I really think your style of writing is very unique and different and is very intelligent. I'll read more when I get the chance, but so far, well done :)

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pandora23

wrote 16 days ago

The prologue captures my interest right away! I've only read the first few chapters, but already I can see why this is so popular :) The last sentence of the first chapter "They were silenced; the died but I stayed alive.", is cutting and intense, and I think it sets the story up to be interesting.
You've done a great job and I can't wait to read more :)
-Pandora

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Lycanthrope

wrote 16 days ago

And this is the part of the reading where i click the "pick" button

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Lycanthrope

wrote 16 days ago

Wow. I read the first chapter so far, and the begining is so powerful it shocked me for a long minute. Awesome Job!

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Jake Warner

wrote 16 days ago

Very, very good writing. I saw no mistakes and it all flows very well. Also an interesting and unique story, but not really my thing. Keep at getting it published! It's easily good enough!

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sandrachhuon

wrote 16 days ago

The first page alone is so beautiful it seems alomost impossible. I haven't seen words flow so greatly before. I love how right at the beginning you talked about how Love could conquer all because I believe in it too. Your writing is really something unique and please don't stop writing because if I had your talent I would write until I couldn't write anymore.

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plutoisaplanet

wrote 17 days ago

I've only read the prologue, but I can tell this will be an amazing story! I can't wait to read more - you are so descriptive I love it!!!!! such vivid imagery......... :)

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Grace Forester

wrote 17 days ago

I love your book! I've always liked the Romeo and Juliet romance, but this was different. It was the same forbidden love that I like with an ending I adore. It's an awesome story that I would love to see get published. Great job! :)

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HannahMuffins

wrote 17 days ago

The way you have writen this is beautiful. Every sentence flows together with the next and the way you descibe is simple astounding. I love the way you wrote the dialogue. I loved how you wrote about the guy seeing the guardian angel I had a similar expierence when I was ten. I applaude you very much so!

By the way I updated my project "Cherubs Purgatory". I brought in a new character, so when you get the chance tell me what you think.

Don't stop writing!

-HannahMuffins <3

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A.P.Pitcher

wrote 19 days ago

You have amazing talent as an author! Beautifully written!!! There sooooneeds to be a sequel! I wish I had your talent, everything about your writing was amazingly wonderful! 7,000 up! D
-A.P.Pitcher
Proud author of: A W O K E N

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Shirley R. Kleiner

wrote 19 days ago

Wow, you sucked me into your story, and it will not relinquish me from its grip. I haven't been able to read much, but I will definatley come back to finish it, so please leave it up!! Congratulations! You have made my PICKS!

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CueZebra

wrote 20 days ago

Sometimes I write long comments, but i feel that one such as that for a breath taking book like this wouldn't expess my thoughts as potent as I need. Sometimes the less said the more is heard. So here comes my real comment:

This book is beautiful.

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Dancing Wolfe

wrote 20 days ago

This was a great beginning! I like the descriptions of the hellish creatures and the Amatorians. It probably needs to be cleaned up a little, but I really like it. You start well, and compel the reader on to the next chapter. And that is not easy to do! Great job!

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Dancing Wolfe

wrote 20 days ago

This was a great beginning! I like the descriptions of the hellish creatures and the Amatorians. It probably needs to be cleaned up a little, but I really like it. You start well, and compel the reader on to the next chapter. And that is not easy to do! Great job!

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LuxorTiger

wrote 20 days ago

It does take my breath away. I love how you described the demon being weakened by her hail mary's. Sounds to me you're in a direction of a good book.

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me bite!

wrote 20 days ago

Wow only on like chapter 2 and hooked!

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jkt315

wrote 20 days ago

Absolutely stunning novel. Breathingtaking voice, and honestly so wonderful it reminds me of Shakespeare. I have never seen a book written so beautifully and guess what -- I'm only on chapter 2. That says so much. This is such a fantastic piece and NEEDS to be published and not just sit on the internet.

You have an incredible talent and I wish you the best of luck in sharing this book with others.

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Lauren Ashley

wrote 20 days ago

Oh wow. So this is a published book? Duh. Would you mind giving me some pointers to the publishing world? I'm new to this and am writing a novel, hoping that it will get published. I haven't uploaded it to the site yet because it's still a rough draft. But would you mind reading "The Tripoli Chronicle" and giving me feedback? I'd really appreciate it! Thank you! Keep up the amazing work! Good job!

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Vargot

wrote 20 days ago

This a beautifully written story with tons of detail and wonderful imagery. I want this to stay in the top five. You deserve a review from Harper Collins and after the mishap of last month I send all the luck your way. Good luck honey! Added!

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silverherring

wrote 21 days ago

Very awesome! I'm not even religious, but I can still love the way you thread spirituality so effortlessly into a story, and how you characterize the polar opposites of evil and good and then intertwine them! Love it!

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klummzie

wrote 21 days ago

Wow I loved just the first chapter!! Can't even imaging what the rest is like! Ha I will add it to my watch list! But when I like a book I read the whole thing and yours looks worthy!! Haha lol! The subject is unbelieveable to most but I really like it. And from what I can tell you write in a very realistic manner. So I'm excited to get to 52!

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Candycane

wrote 21 days ago

I just read the prologue and oh my goodness is it good. I will deffinetly read more, but sadly I havta get ot bed. I'll read more tomorrow! ^.^

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Herald Angus Penn

wrote 21 days ago

Just started reading and I'm already entranced. You are darn good. I can't comment fully yet but this is going right on my picks.
-H.A

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InkyWorld:P

wrote 21 days ago

"his heart slamming against his chest" --- I love this imagery it is great!

"the stars hide behind the moon" --- I never thought of it this way, great job!

I have only read Chapter 1 so far, but I am lovin this story XD It is definitely worthy of my Picks list!!!

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Mandybeth

wrote 21 days ago

Expertly written! This isn't my usual genre of choice (having a short attention span, I tend to gravitate mostly toward fluff), but I certainly can recognize a well-written story when I come across one.

For some reason, I really enjoy books written in the first person perspective (perhaps because I feel so much more of a personal connection with the main character, since I am essentially inside his/her head) - yet at the same time, I often wonder what other characters are thinking, or what they are doing while the narrator is telling us their story. With that said, I think it's perfect that you've got chapters written in the perspectives of both Eliza and Michael. It really helps to bring the story together nicely.

I can't really find anything to nitpick here. Your writing seems pretty flawless, and I envy your ability to add just enough detail without making the story too wordy - yet at the same time, allowing me to paint a vivid picture of your world in my head. It's no mystery to me why this is in the Top 5 and I wish you the best of luck - not that you'll need it!

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WillowxMichelle

wrote 21 days ago

There's some wonderful sentence structure here, and it's great to see a 'God-Featuring' story. The plot looks like it'll be quite twisting along the way, the imagery is vivid. You did a wonderful job. I'm only on the prologue right now, but I'll be sure to go around and look some more. (can't believe I'm just now getting to this story)

Willow
Porcelain Doll

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Anticipation

wrote 22 days ago

Well.
So your book has been up for a while now, but I haven't bothered reading it until now... because you sent a message to me (I know, pathetic, right?) and... well, yeah. I'm sure I've at least started to read everything on the 'Top Picks' list but this one. And I'm sure I've gotten messages from every other writer with their stories on the 'Top Picks', and of course a number of other writers. So I decided that since you were all so hopeful to get so many more people to fall in love with your books/stories, I'd give this one a try. I read the first two chapters to start off.
I like the story. I really do. I'm not that far into it to see where it's going yet, but today, my mind is fogged and I feel like I don't have anymore room to stuff information into it. So (forgive me!) I skimmed those two chapters. And though I didn't really catch too much information, I enjoyed the overall idea.
However! Don't think I'm just going to forget... I will go back and read each chapter through slowly... so I can get every word and fall in love with it. It's awesome from how much I've read so far, so wait till I'm done, and mabye (if it's not too late?) I'll add you to my very lonely picks and give my thoughts on the book!

-Anticipation

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littlered123

wrote 22 days ago

WOW! Your ability to write is unbelievable! I was captured with the first sentence. The eloquent style you use is something I admire a lot, the words flow together so well its like they were meant to be. I appreciate how you added some Christian aspects into it, "Love is more powerful than any of the virtues; it is hard to attain and even harder to hold onto but love is God and God has made all things that have been. With God all things are possible." That line was absolutely beautiful and pure, I loved it. I can't wait until this is published(because with this amount of drive, talent, and faith in God, I just know it's going to be published) because I will most defenitely read it! Good luck!

~Jesse~

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Ladedada73

wrote 22 days ago

I only read the first bit, but I'm liking it! "She bears a soul of love and what can conquer that?" - beautiful. You're writing style is quite amazing. So poetic. The words just flow along the page. Making the first to paragraphs about love was really good, it really introduces you to the role love plays. Those first to paragraphs are really really beautiful. GREAT WORK. I will be back for more! - Annabelle

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Leah Marie Rose Majdic

wrote 22 days ago

Oh My GOD!!!! I only had enough time to read the proluge but it was amazing... i cant even say anything towards critism

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Teagan Ramos

wrote 22 days ago

You are very poetic, I find myself getting lost in the way you use dialogue. I love your descriptions and everything about it really. The only thing that threw ne off a little bit was the overuse of the word divine and all the religious words. Its okay to tie in the religious aspects, in fact I was nervous about it at first, but it actually adds to your story. It just overused, that's just me. It is very much like a fairytale. I did notice one error, before I got caught up in the story, there might be more in the other chapters I read, you forgot to put a comma before but in the first or second paragraph of the prologue. After that I got lost in your story. :D Keep Writing.
-Teagan

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