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Lost Empire #1
The Traveler
Anissa Robson is becoming an adult in a society she never really identified with. Forced to choose a career path, she becomes an apprentice to a young, headstrong politician who seems to stand for everything she disagrees with. The dreams she has refused to report grow more alluring to her as she becomes disillusioned with her job. But the lines between reality and her dreamland begin to blur and cross over, launching her onto a path she would never have chosen for herself. Is the government medicating Dreamers to protect them? Or to hide something from them?
397 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
About the author
E.B. Dawson
36 books145 followersI grew up in Southeast Asia. My first experience with America was when I was six years old. Sometimes I amuse my friends by telling them stories of my first impressions of this country (clean bathrooms, Toy Story, Taco Bell, getting lost in department stores).
My family moved to California when I was eleven and completely changed the course of my life. On the outside I'm a well-adjusted American adult, but in all honesty some days I still wake up to the sound of the grass being cut by machetes.
I have traveled a fair amount and lived in four separate countries. I see the world very differently from most people that I know. And because I am an analytical introvert I try to understand everything in my life. I pour this into my writing.
Everything I write is deeply personal to me. People who know me well recognize the shadows of people I've met, experiences I've had, and emotions I've walked through in my writing. My goal is not just to entertain and explore imaginary worlds, but to take the reader on a journey that explores difficult questions and instills some sort of hope.
My family moved to California when I was eleven and completely changed the course of my life. On the outside I'm a well-adjusted American adult, but in all honesty some days I still wake up to the sound of the grass being cut by machetes.
I have traveled a fair amount and lived in four separate countries. I see the world very differently from most people that I know. And because I am an analytical introvert I try to understand everything in my life. I pour this into my writing.
Everything I write is deeply personal to me. People who know me well recognize the shadows of people I've met, experiences I've had, and emotions I've walked through in my writing. My goal is not just to entertain and explore imaginary worlds, but to take the reader on a journey that explores difficult questions and instills some sort of hope.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 14, 2017
Four and a half stars, rounding up to five.
(I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, therefore these opinions are my own).
The Traveler is a thrilling ride. From the moment I first met Anissa, sitting on a piece of driftwood and looking out over the angry ocean, I knew wanted to learn more. Who is she? Why is she there alone? And then—why is she beginning her apprenticeship late? I also wanted to know more about her world. All the senses were used to describe the latter, and I felt as if I were not only seeing it, I was living it, right alongside Anissa. The world was well thought out—from the people, to the politics, and even the plants—it was all there.
As for Anissa herself, she was a very likable character. Tough, but not invincible. She's definitely human, and I loved that. She speaks before she thinks a lot of times. And haven't we all found ourselves in that situation at least once?
The other main character that I really want to mention is Carson. I won't say much, at risk of spoilers, but he's the kind of character I have a hard time classifying for most of the book. xD Those kind are maddeningly frustrating, but are always so fulfilling in the end when I finally figure out "who" they are.
One minor gripe I had was the fact that sometimes there were so many characters introduced all at once that it just wasn't practical to describe them all. I wished I had at least something to associate with them, because otherwise they kind of just felt like names floating around in space. Ultimately, however, this problem was resolved through the course of the book. It just took a while for that mental image I needed to show up.
Another plus was the fact that The Traveler dealt with a lot of serious issues, (such as right and wrong, finding your place in the world, and whether there's more to life beyond what science can explain), but it wasn't completely serious, either! Serious books have their time and place, but I have learned that the message has a better reception when there's a pinch of humor added in—especially when it comes to fiction. And The Traveler delivered! (My personal favorite vehicle for this was Anissa's house. That AI really knew how to give the "cold" shoulder, let me tell you).
All in all, I loved reading The Traveler. The story is fascinating, and the climax pretty much swallowed me alive. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast-paced, twisty plot and three-dimensional characters, all wrapped up in a sci-fi/fantasy setting.
(I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, therefore these opinions are my own).
The Traveler is a thrilling ride. From the moment I first met Anissa, sitting on a piece of driftwood and looking out over the angry ocean, I knew wanted to learn more. Who is she? Why is she there alone? And then—why is she beginning her apprenticeship late? I also wanted to know more about her world. All the senses were used to describe the latter, and I felt as if I were not only seeing it, I was living it, right alongside Anissa. The world was well thought out—from the people, to the politics, and even the plants—it was all there.
As for Anissa herself, she was a very likable character. Tough, but not invincible. She's definitely human, and I loved that. She speaks before she thinks a lot of times. And haven't we all found ourselves in that situation at least once?
The other main character that I really want to mention is Carson. I won't say much, at risk of spoilers, but he's the kind of character I have a hard time classifying for most of the book. xD Those kind are maddeningly frustrating, but are always so fulfilling in the end when I finally figure out "who" they are.
One minor gripe I had was the fact that sometimes there were so many characters introduced all at once that it just wasn't practical to describe them all. I wished I had at least something to associate with them, because otherwise they kind of just felt like names floating around in space. Ultimately, however, this problem was resolved through the course of the book. It just took a while for that mental image I needed to show up.
Another plus was the fact that The Traveler dealt with a lot of serious issues, (such as right and wrong, finding your place in the world, and whether there's more to life beyond what science can explain), but it wasn't completely serious, either! Serious books have their time and place, but I have learned that the message has a better reception when there's a pinch of humor added in—especially when it comes to fiction. And The Traveler delivered! (My personal favorite vehicle for this was Anissa's house. That AI really knew how to give the "cold" shoulder, let me tell you).
All in all, I loved reading The Traveler. The story is fascinating, and the climax pretty much swallowed me alive. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast-paced, twisty plot and three-dimensional characters, all wrapped up in a sci-fi/fantasy setting.
September 14, 2017
The Traveler is a difficult story to classify–in a good way. E.B. Dawson cleverly plays with reader expectations as the book unfolds. We meet our protagonist, Anissa, in a joyless, bureaucratic world of politics and secrets. The near-future tech-driven setting gives the impression that this is going to be a dystopian sci-fi novel, but as Anissa’s dreams of a different world become more and more vivid, the supernatural elements take the book in a different direction. The plot continues to take on more unexpected twists leading up to a dramatic and thrilling conclusion.
I’m going to keep things vague here because I really don’t want to spoil any of the plot points. Things like the nature of Anissa’s dreams and the finer details of the setting should be discovered as you read for maximum enjoyment. Dawson draws on her rich life experience to create a deep and fascinating world that quickly draws the reader in. Her characters are all distinct and interesting. The political machinations driving the book’s main conflict are clever and gripping. And while the book ends with some questions answered, a larger puzzle is teased which leaves the reader eager to go on to the next book. Which, of course, is not out yet. Oh, the cruelty. Write faster, Ms. Dawson!
Content advisory: Some violence and peril, but nothing really unsuitable for kids. Teens and adults will be better able to appreciate the nuances of the plot, but judged solely on content, this one is perfectly acceptable for younger readers.
I look forward to seeing where this series goes next. It’s a brilliant addition to the speculative genre, and it’s well worth adding to your reading list.
I’m going to keep things vague here because I really don’t want to spoil any of the plot points. Things like the nature of Anissa’s dreams and the finer details of the setting should be discovered as you read for maximum enjoyment. Dawson draws on her rich life experience to create a deep and fascinating world that quickly draws the reader in. Her characters are all distinct and interesting. The political machinations driving the book’s main conflict are clever and gripping. And while the book ends with some questions answered, a larger puzzle is teased which leaves the reader eager to go on to the next book. Which, of course, is not out yet. Oh, the cruelty. Write faster, Ms. Dawson!
Content advisory: Some violence and peril, but nothing really unsuitable for kids. Teens and adults will be better able to appreciate the nuances of the plot, but judged solely on content, this one is perfectly acceptable for younger readers.
I look forward to seeing where this series goes next. It’s a brilliant addition to the speculative genre, and it’s well worth adding to your reading list.
May 23, 2019
At the beginning of this year I set a goal to read all of the Phoenix Fiction Writers' books that I could get in paperback, by the end of the year. If I remember correctly that list was 25 books long, and so far I've read three off the list (as well as four PFW books that weren't on my list, including a reread). I'm looking forward to significantly growing that number over the next few months, but for now I'm happy to focus on the lovely book that is The Traveler.
First off, I was immediately struck by how atmospheric and vivid the setting description is in this book. Throughout the book I was able to really enjoy the mood of the settings and feel (as much as I could) like I was in the book alongside the characters. The worlds themselves were very well-thought-out and intriguing, as well, and (being primarily a fantasy reader) I particularly enjoyed Angapo.
The characters are where I feel like this book fell a little bit flat. I liked all of the characters, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them. I don't think this is a fault in the development of the characters--I got the impression they were all fleshed out well--but in the writing. A lot of the emotions in this book were told rather than shown, including Anissa's feelings toward the other characters, so I feel like I didn't really get to connect with them like she did. Even with that said, I was able to particularly enjoy reading about Carson, Brett, and Rodge, and I'm looking forward to reading the short story companions/prequels to The Traveler and getting to know a few of the characters better.
The lack of emotional showing also impacted action scenes, which lost the tension they might have had if I'd been able to feel what Anissa was feeling. I think they were well-written otherwise, and they were still usually enjoyable to read, but I think they could have been even stronger with more sensory description.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was the moment my suspension of disbelief was most strongly tested. When Anissa drove for the first time, in a stick-shift, with minimal instruction, and didn't pop the clutch on her first attempt. I've mostly driven an automatic, but I've also driven a stick-shift a couple of times, with leisurely, detailed instruction, and I pop the clutch almost. every. time. Yeah, I'm probably less coordinated with it than the average person, but the idea that Anissa didn't pop the clutch until several minutes into her drive is pretty hard for me to believe. Am I being nit-picky? Maybe.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing was pretty good, most of the characters were interesting, I loved the worldbuilding and the atmosphere, so overall I'd give it 3.5 stars.
First off, I was immediately struck by how atmospheric and vivid the setting description is in this book. Throughout the book I was able to really enjoy the mood of the settings and feel (as much as I could) like I was in the book alongside the characters. The worlds themselves were very well-thought-out and intriguing, as well, and (being primarily a fantasy reader) I particularly enjoyed Angapo.
The characters are where I feel like this book fell a little bit flat. I liked all of the characters, but I didn't feel like I really got to know them. I don't think this is a fault in the development of the characters--I got the impression they were all fleshed out well--but in the writing. A lot of the emotions in this book were told rather than shown, including Anissa's feelings toward the other characters, so I feel like I didn't really get to connect with them like she did. Even with that said, I was able to particularly enjoy reading about Carson, Brett, and Rodge, and I'm looking forward to reading the short story companions/prequels to The Traveler and getting to know a few of the characters better.
The lack of emotional showing also impacted action scenes, which lost the tension they might have had if I'd been able to feel what Anissa was feeling. I think they were well-written otherwise, and they were still usually enjoyable to read, but I think they could have been even stronger with more sensory description.
My biggest problem with this book, however, was the moment my suspension of disbelief was most strongly tested. When Anissa drove for the first time, in a stick-shift, with minimal instruction, and didn't pop the clutch on her first attempt. I've mostly driven an automatic, but I've also driven a stick-shift a couple of times, with leisurely, detailed instruction, and I pop the clutch almost. every. time. Yeah, I'm probably less coordinated with it than the average person, but the idea that Anissa didn't pop the clutch until several minutes into her drive is pretty hard for me to believe. Am I being nit-picky? Maybe.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing was pretty good, most of the characters were interesting, I loved the worldbuilding and the atmosphere, so overall I'd give it 3.5 stars.
March 4, 2022
The Traveler definitely has me interested in the rest of the Lost Empire series!
I was surprised by how much the plot dealt with politics, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed that. But the contrast of the two worlds--one sleek, urban, and monotonous, the other untamed and unpredictable--intrigued me the most.
Sometimes the writing style felt a little unpolished compared to what I'm used to from E.B. Dawson's work. It certainly wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying the story, but I think that since I've only read her more recent books until now, it's just an indication of how she's honed her writing skills since The Traveler.
I enjoyed all the characters and want to get to know them more. This won't make sense unless you've read the story, but...I think my favorite character might've been the house. Is the house coming back for book 2? Because the interactions between Anissa and it were gold! 😝
I was surprised by how much the plot dealt with politics, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed that. But the contrast of the two worlds--one sleek, urban, and monotonous, the other untamed and unpredictable--intrigued me the most.
Sometimes the writing style felt a little unpolished compared to what I'm used to from E.B. Dawson's work. It certainly wasn't enough to keep me from enjoying the story, but I think that since I've only read her more recent books until now, it's just an indication of how she's honed her writing skills since The Traveler.
I enjoyed all the characters and want to get to know them more. This won't make sense unless you've read the story, but...I think my favorite character might've been the house. Is the house coming back for book 2? Because the interactions between Anissa and it were gold! 😝
September 15, 2017
The Traveler is one of those rare books that is just as entertaining and suspenseful as it is philosophical.
Right from the get go we're introduced to an intriguing protagonist in Anissa Robinson, a quietly tough political apprentice who often talks before she consults her brain. I was immediately drawn to her determination to stand up for herself and her opinions even when it meant clashing with her boss- the young and rising political figure Eric Carson.
This brings up my next point, the character Eric Carson. He was definitely my favorite out of the characters. Carson is a tough character to label, because I could never quite get a full handle on him even after we know who's side he's on and what his motives are. I can't really go into much detail about him because spoilers, but let me just say his character arc is so complex and well thought out!!
Even the secondary characters were well developed . They all had something very unique and defining about them that never had me confused as to who was who and what their specific role was. Except for Wynn, I felt like she kind of just melded in the background and didn't really do anything other than offer some kind words once in awhile.
Despite how great the characters were though, The real heart and soul of the story lies in the themes and questions. Are there things beyond what science can explain? Are politics corrupt just because they can't unify everyone? Just because a lot of people in a given group are bad does this make them all so? How many times can you ignore your sharr before it goes on strike? It doesn't really provide us with any answers to these questions, but I didn't really mind that. The main purpose was to get people to think on these questions and to answer them would defeat that purpose.
I did, however, have a few tiny problems with it. For one, and I've already mentioned this before, Wynn. (Or Winn) I just think she could've been given a little more depth. When we first meet her it's hinted at how much potential she has. Yet, we never really get to see any of that potential come into play. I was also a little bit confused about the whole scientific explanation for traveling. I know it has something to do with the phases of sleep, but a lot of it also went over my head. Then again though, I can't science to save my life so this might have more to do with me than the book. And the final complaint I have, and I believe this was previously mentioned by another reviewer, and that is that I never fully understood why Anissa connected with Angapo and not Ryien. It dwells on what she loves about Angapo yet never gives any explanation for why she doesn't like Ryien.
All in all though, this book is awesome. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good sci-fi that doesn't just entertain you, but also gets you thinking as well.
Right from the get go we're introduced to an intriguing protagonist in Anissa Robinson, a quietly tough political apprentice who often talks before she consults her brain. I was immediately drawn to her determination to stand up for herself and her opinions even when it meant clashing with her boss- the young and rising political figure Eric Carson.
This brings up my next point, the character Eric Carson. He was definitely my favorite out of the characters. Carson is a tough character to label, because I could never quite get a full handle on him even after we know who's side he's on and what his motives are. I can't really go into much detail about him because spoilers, but let me just say his character arc is so complex and well thought out!!
Even the secondary characters were well developed . They all had something very unique and defining about them that never had me confused as to who was who and what their specific role was. Except for Wynn, I felt like she kind of just melded in the background and didn't really do anything other than offer some kind words once in awhile.
Despite how great the characters were though, The real heart and soul of the story lies in the themes and questions. Are there things beyond what science can explain? Are politics corrupt just because they can't unify everyone? Just because a lot of people in a given group are bad does this make them all so? How many times can you ignore your sharr before it goes on strike? It doesn't really provide us with any answers to these questions, but I didn't really mind that. The main purpose was to get people to think on these questions and to answer them would defeat that purpose.
I did, however, have a few tiny problems with it. For one, and I've already mentioned this before, Wynn. (Or Winn) I just think she could've been given a little more depth. When we first meet her it's hinted at how much potential she has. Yet, we never really get to see any of that potential come into play. I was also a little bit confused about the whole scientific explanation for traveling. I know it has something to do with the phases of sleep, but a lot of it also went over my head. Then again though, I can't science to save my life so this might have more to do with me than the book. And the final complaint I have, and I believe this was previously mentioned by another reviewer, and that is that I never fully understood why Anissa connected with Angapo and not Ryien. It dwells on what she loves about Angapo yet never gives any explanation for why she doesn't like Ryien.
All in all though, this book is awesome. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good sci-fi that doesn't just entertain you, but also gets you thinking as well.
September 18, 2017
The Traveler takes you to another world and makes you analyze your own.
The book opens with Anissa Robson sitting on a piece of drift wood, staring out into the sea. In the first few pages I felt like I learned so much about her, while simultaneously wanting to get to know her more. I am very glad I did. She is both very strong, but very relatable. She's very stubborn and sometimes speaks before she thinks. But Anissa also has a compassion for the oppressed and doesn't hesitate to do her part in saving those she cares about.
Dawson takes great care in world-building, making sure all of our senses are engaged as we go further into the book. In a way, we are exploring with Anissa, as she learns more about her surroundings and the difficult truths that follow. Dawson doesn't shy away from the difficult questions, but instead encourages the reader to think, and see how Anissa's struggles can apply to our own lives, and our own world.
My only critiques are that we obviously gloss over a few months in the second third of the book. While I realize that this was done to maintain the pace, I would have liked at least one example of Anissa's early travels with the team backing her up. I also thought that, while I was able to get the the essence of the characters introduced in the latter half of the book, there wasn't enough screen time to feel a connection with all of them. That being said, I hear Dawson is planning to write short stories to flesh some of those characters out more. I am also confident that she will delve into those characters in future books as well, if Into the Void (another of Dawson's works you should read) is an indicator.
And there were characters that did intrigue me. Eric Carson being one of them. Can't say much because I don't want to spoil, but there is definitely layers to this character. Some of which were peeled back, some were not. I hope we'll be able to learn more about him in future books.
A very strong start to what I know will be a strong series! I look forward to traveling into future books!
The book opens with Anissa Robson sitting on a piece of drift wood, staring out into the sea. In the first few pages I felt like I learned so much about her, while simultaneously wanting to get to know her more. I am very glad I did. She is both very strong, but very relatable. She's very stubborn and sometimes speaks before she thinks. But Anissa also has a compassion for the oppressed and doesn't hesitate to do her part in saving those she cares about.
Dawson takes great care in world-building, making sure all of our senses are engaged as we go further into the book. In a way, we are exploring with Anissa, as she learns more about her surroundings and the difficult truths that follow. Dawson doesn't shy away from the difficult questions, but instead encourages the reader to think, and see how Anissa's struggles can apply to our own lives, and our own world.
My only critiques are that we obviously gloss over a few months in the second third of the book. While I realize that this was done to maintain the pace, I would have liked at least one example of Anissa's early travels with the team backing her up. I also thought that, while I was able to get the the essence of the characters introduced in the latter half of the book, there wasn't enough screen time to feel a connection with all of them. That being said, I hear Dawson is planning to write short stories to flesh some of those characters out more. I am also confident that she will delve into those characters in future books as well, if Into the Void (another of Dawson's works you should read) is an indicator.
And there were characters that did intrigue me. Eric Carson being one of them. Can't say much because I don't want to spoil, but there is definitely layers to this character. Some of which were peeled back, some were not. I hope we'll be able to learn more about him in future books.
A very strong start to what I know will be a strong series! I look forward to traveling into future books!
October 15, 2017
The Traveler by E.B. Dawson, is a sci-fi fantasy novel set in what feels like a futuristic, technologically-advanced world. Whether or not that world is our future, or another, remains to be determined.
Our main character, Anissa Robson, is starting in her new position as an intern to a politician. In this world, everything is automated and the people don’t dream. Literally, they do not dream. Except, Anissa has started to dream more and more frequently of another place, a simpler life in a gloriously beautiful land. Away from her bureaucratic nightmare of a job, away from the freezing rain and drudgery of her city, away from all the people who don’t believe in the fantastical. Her dreams are deceivingly realistic, and more and more she wishes they were real.
To say more, would give away the plot. And I shan’t take that joy of discovery from you. This novel caught me by surprise. I’m not usually super into sci-fi, I like the easy-going nature of fantasy. However, my biggest catnip in the world is character development– and Dawson did an awe-inspiring job in this department.
At first I wasn’t really sure I would like Anissa, she felt wishy-washy and unsure…which doesn’t typically appeal to me in a main character. However, as time went on and she was fleshed out some more, I discovered a deeply principled, conflicted young woman who, like me, wouldn’t mind upping and leaving to a whole new land if it seemed like a better deal. I liked when she lost her temper with her boss, Carson, especially, because in those moments she felt real.
Speaking of Carson, let’s. Carson was an enigma from the start. We get one chapter from his perspective, and it’s enough to leave you wondering for the rest of the book, just what is he up to?? I wished repeatedly for more chapters from his point of view, however by the end of the book I was glad there weren’t more. I think it would have given away several key surprises, and that would have spoiled some of the fun. That being said, I would not be at all averse to reading the entire novel from his point of view now that I know the ending.
Carson was as well developed as Anissa, if not more so. It really spoke to the truth of the world: everyone is on their own side. Everyone has their own agenda, and reasoning. And with a truly ruthless person (not bad, just ruthless–key difference) you can never trust them to do what you want, unless it is in their best interest.
Halfway through the book, our cast of characters is opened up significantly, introducing our little rebel gang through a high-stakes rescue operation that had me on the edge of my seat. Each character had a distinctive voice and drive, and that made the novel all the more believable.
It was around this time that I found myself fully invested, and kissed both sleep and careful reading goodbye. For myself, it is the mark a truly great novel to have me rushing through the pages almost faster than I can actually read in order to find out what happens next. Dawson had me there, and wrapped around her plot tighter than a circus high-wire. I will need to reread this novel in order to fully grasp the amaze-balls that it is. But, I will do so quite happily.
Dawson touches on some hot-button issues regarding politics, corporations and race-relations in this book. At no time did these touches or comments make me uncomfortable or angry. I thought she handled them with care, and truth, and I am very curious to see where these elements are taken in future novels. A good novel should make you think, and question and consider…and this one did just that. I say this as someone who despises when writers use their work to preach at me, or vilify certain sectors of the population. More than once I have put down a novel in disgust and never revisited it.
The Traveler is a futuristic, political-thriller, with elements of science fiction and fantasy. It has a character-driven plot and incredible attention to detail and world-building. Dawson has a way with prose that will leave you with a beautifully clear image of the worlds she writes of. I enjoyed this novel most thoroughly, and will be back as soon as book 2 is available (it will be a trilogy).
There is so much more to say, so many wonderful things going on in this novel, but you’ll have to read it yourself to find them out. And I highly recommend doing so.
Our main character, Anissa Robson, is starting in her new position as an intern to a politician. In this world, everything is automated and the people don’t dream. Literally, they do not dream. Except, Anissa has started to dream more and more frequently of another place, a simpler life in a gloriously beautiful land. Away from her bureaucratic nightmare of a job, away from the freezing rain and drudgery of her city, away from all the people who don’t believe in the fantastical. Her dreams are deceivingly realistic, and more and more she wishes they were real.
To say more, would give away the plot. And I shan’t take that joy of discovery from you. This novel caught me by surprise. I’m not usually super into sci-fi, I like the easy-going nature of fantasy. However, my biggest catnip in the world is character development– and Dawson did an awe-inspiring job in this department.
At first I wasn’t really sure I would like Anissa, she felt wishy-washy and unsure…which doesn’t typically appeal to me in a main character. However, as time went on and she was fleshed out some more, I discovered a deeply principled, conflicted young woman who, like me, wouldn’t mind upping and leaving to a whole new land if it seemed like a better deal. I liked when she lost her temper with her boss, Carson, especially, because in those moments she felt real.
Speaking of Carson, let’s. Carson was an enigma from the start. We get one chapter from his perspective, and it’s enough to leave you wondering for the rest of the book, just what is he up to?? I wished repeatedly for more chapters from his point of view, however by the end of the book I was glad there weren’t more. I think it would have given away several key surprises, and that would have spoiled some of the fun. That being said, I would not be at all averse to reading the entire novel from his point of view now that I know the ending.
Carson was as well developed as Anissa, if not more so. It really spoke to the truth of the world: everyone is on their own side. Everyone has their own agenda, and reasoning. And with a truly ruthless person (not bad, just ruthless–key difference) you can never trust them to do what you want, unless it is in their best interest.
Halfway through the book, our cast of characters is opened up significantly, introducing our little rebel gang through a high-stakes rescue operation that had me on the edge of my seat. Each character had a distinctive voice and drive, and that made the novel all the more believable.
It was around this time that I found myself fully invested, and kissed both sleep and careful reading goodbye. For myself, it is the mark a truly great novel to have me rushing through the pages almost faster than I can actually read in order to find out what happens next. Dawson had me there, and wrapped around her plot tighter than a circus high-wire. I will need to reread this novel in order to fully grasp the amaze-balls that it is. But, I will do so quite happily.
Dawson touches on some hot-button issues regarding politics, corporations and race-relations in this book. At no time did these touches or comments make me uncomfortable or angry. I thought she handled them with care, and truth, and I am very curious to see where these elements are taken in future novels. A good novel should make you think, and question and consider…and this one did just that. I say this as someone who despises when writers use their work to preach at me, or vilify certain sectors of the population. More than once I have put down a novel in disgust and never revisited it.
The Traveler is a futuristic, political-thriller, with elements of science fiction and fantasy. It has a character-driven plot and incredible attention to detail and world-building. Dawson has a way with prose that will leave you with a beautifully clear image of the worlds she writes of. I enjoyed this novel most thoroughly, and will be back as soon as book 2 is available (it will be a trilogy).
There is so much more to say, so many wonderful things going on in this novel, but you’ll have to read it yourself to find them out. And I highly recommend doing so.
June 21, 2019
3.5/5 stars
The Traveler is a thoughtful story that draws some insightful parallels to our own world. It’s also not quite what you might expect from a fantasy novel, but that’s what makes it so refreshing. The story takes place in two different worlds, and protagonist Anissa has to navigate each one as she tries to find her place. Riyen is a world of structure, technology, and multi-storied buildings – a world very reminiscent of our own modern era but with a bit more of a dystopic edge. Then there’s Angapo, a lush, vibrant world made up of smaller villages whose people live a very different lifestyle from those in Riyen. When a connection is discovered between these two worlds, it isn’t long before the elite of Riyen begin exploiting that connection for their own personal gain (because of course they do), threatening the Angapoans established way of life.
I really loved some of the themes and ideas that were explored in this book. In the author’s note at the end, Dawson says she hopes The Traveler “makes you think about your place in the world,” and that’s exactly what it does. Writing issues like this and the politics that surround them into a story can be challenging, but Dawson handles the task well, clearly demonstrating how we are all connected to each other and that all actions have consequences, both intended and unintended.
I liked the characters for the most part, but to be perfectly honest, I had a bit of a hard time really connecting with any of them. The point of view didn’t work for me consistently (and this is something I am admittedly super picky about), and that made it difficult at times to really get immersed in the story. I also wished there had been some more showing rather than telling, particularly when it came to character’s emotions and internal conflicts. Especially for Anissa. This seemed to be a bigger issue earlier on in the story, and I did notice Anissa and the other characters starting to resonate with me more during the last 1/3 of the book or so. There were also a few moments that broke my suspension of disbelief.
Despite these issues, I really enjoyed the premise of the story and seeing the characters navigate all of the new challenges that were thrown at them. I found the character’s dialogue and the author’s descriptions of settings to be some of the best and most skillfully-written parts of the book. It will be interesting to see how things play out for Riyen, Angapo, and the people inhabiting them throughout the rest of the series. I’ll look forward to reading more.
The Traveler is a thoughtful story that draws some insightful parallels to our own world. It’s also not quite what you might expect from a fantasy novel, but that’s what makes it so refreshing. The story takes place in two different worlds, and protagonist Anissa has to navigate each one as she tries to find her place. Riyen is a world of structure, technology, and multi-storied buildings – a world very reminiscent of our own modern era but with a bit more of a dystopic edge. Then there’s Angapo, a lush, vibrant world made up of smaller villages whose people live a very different lifestyle from those in Riyen. When a connection is discovered between these two worlds, it isn’t long before the elite of Riyen begin exploiting that connection for their own personal gain (because of course they do), threatening the Angapoans established way of life.
I really loved some of the themes and ideas that were explored in this book. In the author’s note at the end, Dawson says she hopes The Traveler “makes you think about your place in the world,” and that’s exactly what it does. Writing issues like this and the politics that surround them into a story can be challenging, but Dawson handles the task well, clearly demonstrating how we are all connected to each other and that all actions have consequences, both intended and unintended.
I liked the characters for the most part, but to be perfectly honest, I had a bit of a hard time really connecting with any of them. The point of view didn’t work for me consistently (and this is something I am admittedly super picky about), and that made it difficult at times to really get immersed in the story. I also wished there had been some more showing rather than telling, particularly when it came to character’s emotions and internal conflicts. Especially for Anissa. This seemed to be a bigger issue earlier on in the story, and I did notice Anissa and the other characters starting to resonate with me more during the last 1/3 of the book or so. There were also a few moments that broke my suspension of disbelief.
Despite these issues, I really enjoyed the premise of the story and seeing the characters navigate all of the new challenges that were thrown at them. I found the character’s dialogue and the author’s descriptions of settings to be some of the best and most skillfully-written parts of the book. It will be interesting to see how things play out for Riyen, Angapo, and the people inhabiting them throughout the rest of the series. I’ll look forward to reading more.
October 25, 2018
I'm not sure where to start with this review. There were so many fantastic elements to this book. For starters, I think it can all be summed up in one line: "This story isn't about you." One character says it to another, and the truth hit me hard. It's so simple, yet so easy to forget. Each of our stories are so much bigger than we think, and the main character, Anissa, embarks on a journey to show just how true it is.
The descriptions in this book border on stunning. There were moments I felt like I was back in the mountains of Bolivia hiking to small villages with medical supplies strapped to my back. I'm not sure what the author had in mind when she wrote some of the mountain and village scenes, but that's what it felt like. Rural, beautiful, big, and a reminder that it's important to step outside our comfort zones.
The characters were in-depth and well fleshed out. I know some of them have side short stories, but even those characters still seemed to have motivations that were believable and real. One of Dawson's strongest points in her writing is the ability to have characters with many sides. They aren't one dimensional, a pet peeve of mine particularly reading indie authors. Dawson blows it out of the water. Carson is a good example: is he a good guy, a bad guy, or both? Does he want to do the right thing, or is he only interested in himself? Is he a narcissist, or does he have the ability to empathize? Bit by bit you see layers to him as the story unfolds.
One last thing, or I'll go on forever. A lot of books have tackled traveling, whether it be time travel, jumping from one world to another, and so on. This book takes a trope that can often be overused and puts a unique edge to it. For me, it was the politics. Both worlds have clear-cut structure, and the interaction between those two structures was compelling. The theme of forced democracy, abuse of the planet, indoctrination of children, and other such "political" issues were delved into, in a way that I've never read before. There were times it was tackled head on, other times it was handled delicately. I feel that Dawson's second strength, besides character development, is politics. This is evident in other books of hers, as well, but it really shines in this one.
The good far outshone the quirks in this novel. There were a few instances of head-hopping, but it wasn't super distracting. There were a couple action scenes that were hard to follow because it was mostly dialogue, which was odd. But it didn't take away from the author's ability to completely submerge you into the worlds in this book. All in all, I can't recommend it enough.
The descriptions in this book border on stunning. There were moments I felt like I was back in the mountains of Bolivia hiking to small villages with medical supplies strapped to my back. I'm not sure what the author had in mind when she wrote some of the mountain and village scenes, but that's what it felt like. Rural, beautiful, big, and a reminder that it's important to step outside our comfort zones.
The characters were in-depth and well fleshed out. I know some of them have side short stories, but even those characters still seemed to have motivations that were believable and real. One of Dawson's strongest points in her writing is the ability to have characters with many sides. They aren't one dimensional, a pet peeve of mine particularly reading indie authors. Dawson blows it out of the water. Carson is a good example: is he a good guy, a bad guy, or both? Does he want to do the right thing, or is he only interested in himself? Is he a narcissist, or does he have the ability to empathize? Bit by bit you see layers to him as the story unfolds.
One last thing, or I'll go on forever. A lot of books have tackled traveling, whether it be time travel, jumping from one world to another, and so on. This book takes a trope that can often be overused and puts a unique edge to it. For me, it was the politics. Both worlds have clear-cut structure, and the interaction between those two structures was compelling. The theme of forced democracy, abuse of the planet, indoctrination of children, and other such "political" issues were delved into, in a way that I've never read before. There were times it was tackled head on, other times it was handled delicately. I feel that Dawson's second strength, besides character development, is politics. This is evident in other books of hers, as well, but it really shines in this one.
The good far outshone the quirks in this novel. There were a few instances of head-hopping, but it wasn't super distracting. There were a couple action scenes that were hard to follow because it was mostly dialogue, which was odd. But it didn't take away from the author's ability to completely submerge you into the worlds in this book. All in all, I can't recommend it enough.
September 24, 2017
This was a crazy mashup of modern fantasy, scifi, and thriller. I liked the mix!
The premise of people being able to travel to a different dimension when they sleep was insanely cool. I loved the world of Angapo. It was definitely more interesting than the dreary world of politics that Anissa inhabited in her waking hours.
The plot took some crazy twists and turns. Definitely never boring! I liked Anissa. She had some very relateable moments as far as trying to function and process like a normal person once everything started happening. One tiny complaint would be that she became super proficient in fighting/marksmanship/stealth in a very short time. But we come to understand and respect her drive and tenacity over the course of the book, so I'm willing to suspend belief for her. :)
I liked Carson, despite his cold and offputting ways at the beginning. I thought there was something more to him and he didn't disappoint. The team that eventually includes Anissa were great, although sometimes I got names and people mixed up - but that's a me thing. It takes once or twice before I can keep more than like 3 names straight. :P
Like I said earlier, this has a lot of political stuff with various parties maneuvering to supply energy to a world and cover up the existence of another. But as much as reading politics will sometimes make my eyes glaze over, not so much in this book. It was kept quick and understandable, without going into long discourses about the right or wrong of things, which I liked. We got each parties side and everyone moved on.
This was a cool book and I'm interested to see where EB Dawson takes the rest of the series. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who likes political thrillers, modern fantasy/sci-fi, and a bit of religious tones.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way*
The premise of people being able to travel to a different dimension when they sleep was insanely cool. I loved the world of Angapo. It was definitely more interesting than the dreary world of politics that Anissa inhabited in her waking hours.
The plot took some crazy twists and turns. Definitely never boring! I liked Anissa. She had some very relateable moments as far as trying to function and process like a normal person once everything started happening. One tiny complaint would be that she became super proficient in fighting/marksmanship/stealth in a very short time. But we come to understand and respect her drive and tenacity over the course of the book, so I'm willing to suspend belief for her. :)
I liked Carson, despite his cold and offputting ways at the beginning. I thought there was something more to him and he didn't disappoint. The team that eventually includes Anissa were great, although sometimes I got names and people mixed up - but that's a me thing. It takes once or twice before I can keep more than like 3 names straight. :P
Like I said earlier, this has a lot of political stuff with various parties maneuvering to supply energy to a world and cover up the existence of another. But as much as reading politics will sometimes make my eyes glaze over, not so much in this book. It was kept quick and understandable, without going into long discourses about the right or wrong of things, which I liked. We got each parties side and everyone moved on.
This was a cool book and I'm interested to see where EB Dawson takes the rest of the series. I'd definitely recommend to anyone who likes political thrillers, modern fantasy/sci-fi, and a bit of religious tones.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way*
September 23, 2017
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review)
After reading the first paragraph of this book, I had to pause and revel in the beauty of Dawson's words and world. This was such a beautiful book. The world-building was superb--whether I was in Riyan or in Anissa's dream world, I could clearly picture the setting in a way that made me fall in love with both worlds. The characters were also fantastic. I loved getting to know them, and like other reviewers, I was frustrated (in the best way) by not being able to pin down what I thought about Carson. (Plus, I kind of really want a talking house like SHARR now.)
This was an entertaining read that made me smile and kept me intrigued, but it was so much more than that. I have the highest respect for the way E.B. Dawson brings up important questions about our world in her books. She doesn't shy away from deep issues, but invites us as readers to examine the way we look at our world and notice things that may have escaped our notice.
In the end, I'm excited for the sequel to Traveler! I can't wait to see more of the world and characters, and to have more of my questions answered.
After reading the first paragraph of this book, I had to pause and revel in the beauty of Dawson's words and world. This was such a beautiful book. The world-building was superb--whether I was in Riyan or in Anissa's dream world, I could clearly picture the setting in a way that made me fall in love with both worlds. The characters were also fantastic. I loved getting to know them, and like other reviewers, I was frustrated (in the best way) by not being able to pin down what I thought about Carson. (Plus, I kind of really want a talking house like SHARR now.)
This was an entertaining read that made me smile and kept me intrigued, but it was so much more than that. I have the highest respect for the way E.B. Dawson brings up important questions about our world in her books. She doesn't shy away from deep issues, but invites us as readers to examine the way we look at our world and notice things that may have escaped our notice.
In the end, I'm excited for the sequel to Traveler! I can't wait to see more of the world and characters, and to have more of my questions answered.
September 19, 2017
I received a free copy of The Traveler for review. This book definitely strays outside of the typical realm of Fantasy books. If you are expecting high fantasy and a typical, historical/mid-evil type feel, you've probably picked up the wrong book but if you are looking for something fresh and new with a Sci-Fi feel and immersive settings, you are in luck.
The Traveler follows protagonist Anissa Robson, a refreshingly different kind of female protagonist, as she tries to settle into her life in the thriving, scientific city of Riyan. This is made harder by a sarcastic smart house, an insufferable boss, and nightly dreams that take her to a place that feels more like home than the one she is in. When dreams and reality start to blend, Anissa finds that she is no longer able to wander through life on someone else's terms but has to find where she belongs.
This is a great book, full of adventure, political intrigue, a cast of engaging characters and a deep message. As a cross-cultural kid, this book especially spoke to me and I think it will have special meaning for those who love to travel.
The Traveler follows protagonist Anissa Robson, a refreshingly different kind of female protagonist, as she tries to settle into her life in the thriving, scientific city of Riyan. This is made harder by a sarcastic smart house, an insufferable boss, and nightly dreams that take her to a place that feels more like home than the one she is in. When dreams and reality start to blend, Anissa finds that she is no longer able to wander through life on someone else's terms but has to find where she belongs.
This is a great book, full of adventure, political intrigue, a cast of engaging characters and a deep message. As a cross-cultural kid, this book especially spoke to me and I think it will have special meaning for those who love to travel.
October 5, 2017
Aaaaah! SO good. Those last few chapters were especially powerful. I can't wait for the second one. Full review coming this Monday.
November 18, 2019
The Traveler is a solid introduction to the world of Riyen. In this volume of the Lost Empire Trilogy, we get a taste for the politics, current issues, and day to day life. Anissa, however, doesn't seem to fit into the traditional mold for what is expected of a citizen of this advanced society of steel buildings and lack of trees. The world has left her out in the cold and her vivid dreams are the only way to escape her undesirable reality.
For starters, I enjoyed the pacing of this book. I had time to get a feeling for Riyen and the culture without feeling overwhelmed. The contrast between Riyen and Anissa's dream world, Angapo helped me to get a better feeling for the drastic differences between the worlds. I also enjoyed the maturity of the characters. This is not a novel full of whiny, melodramatic characters. The dialogue is realistic and delivered with confidence; no awkwardness or over-the-top dramatics even though the book deals with some thought-provoking themes.
The plot proceeds at a steady pace and builds up to an intense climax. Quite a few big events happen in the last few chapters and leave the door wide open for book two. I was left with questions about what will happen next and how things will play out. I read the Lost Empire Short Stories Volume 1 prior to reading this book so I had a better idea of the backstory of several of the minor characters in this book. I think it helped me to understand them better and I knew the reasoning behind some of their actions. I'd recommend reading Part one of The Traveler, then picking up a copy of short stories volume 1 to read in conjunction with part 2 and part 3. You don't have to read the short stories first, but if you'd like the backstories for Brett, Rodge, and Agatha after you meet them, that's the best way to find out more about them.
I loved this book and look forward to reading The Citizen very soon!
For starters, I enjoyed the pacing of this book. I had time to get a feeling for Riyen and the culture without feeling overwhelmed. The contrast between Riyen and Anissa's dream world, Angapo helped me to get a better feeling for the drastic differences between the worlds. I also enjoyed the maturity of the characters. This is not a novel full of whiny, melodramatic characters. The dialogue is realistic and delivered with confidence; no awkwardness or over-the-top dramatics even though the book deals with some thought-provoking themes.
The plot proceeds at a steady pace and builds up to an intense climax. Quite a few big events happen in the last few chapters and leave the door wide open for book two. I was left with questions about what will happen next and how things will play out. I read the Lost Empire Short Stories Volume 1 prior to reading this book so I had a better idea of the backstory of several of the minor characters in this book. I think it helped me to understand them better and I knew the reasoning behind some of their actions. I'd recommend reading Part one of The Traveler, then picking up a copy of short stories volume 1 to read in conjunction with part 2 and part 3. You don't have to read the short stories first, but if you'd like the backstories for Brett, Rodge, and Agatha after you meet them, that's the best way to find out more about them.
I loved this book and look forward to reading The Citizen very soon!
December 1, 2018
3.5
I had a bit of trouble getting into this book for several reasons. The political angle isn't something I normally choose to read, and I think I would have preferred exposition in some of those conversations to come outside of dialogue. Initially, Anissa is a bit lost and uncertain of much besides that she is different than everyone else in society who happily rides the mass transit (rather than walking to work) and enjoys technology (she hates her smart house and seeks to turn it off in nearly every interaction). While I can understand those sentiments (walking is healthy and a choice; the house ignoring her requests is definitely annoying and seems against good programming), to me, Anissa's shun of the entirety of her society seemed extreme and I didn't really get a feel for why she would be that way initially.
When she becomes apprenticed to a cold, calculating politician, Eric Carson, we see that she does indeed have beliefs beyond disliking everything about society. I especially liked her pushback on Carson during the exchange where . Anissa is principled, resourceful, and driven, if a bit unsure where to apply those characteristics. I grew frustrated with many of her interactions with Carson at the beginning; it seemed there were hints of more depth to his character but he never really gave the reader (or Anissa) any indication of it.
The land of Angapo, where Anissa dreams she visits a village in a jungle, sounds beautiful. Dawson deftly weaves sights, sounds, and smells into her descriptions, and it's no wonder Anissa thinks it's real. For me, I just do not prefer the way Dawson writes many of those passages:
"Anissa slowly became aware of sounds around her--the gentle mutterings of soft voices, the soun of rushing water, the quiet crackling of a fire. The scent of smoke-saturated wood filled her nostrils. She opened her eyes and found herself staring at a thatched roof, but instead of alarm, all she felt was familiarity. She sat up slowly and surveyed her surroundings. She lay on a thin bed of dried grasses inside a round structure. In the center, a small fire was dying. Its orange tinted smoke drifted up and through the thatched roofing. The walls were not solid. They were uneven planks of rose red wood, roughly bound together with green twine. The sunlight filtered in through these cracks. The voices she had heard were coming from outside."
I think the straightforward, short sentences and similarity of each of the sentence openings ("she," "the" starting most of them) doesn't draw me in or spark my imagination. A lot of the Angapo passages read this way, and ultimately I just desired more evocative writing, personally.
Later, there was a bit of overload for me when Anissa meets a small contingent of rebels: I think she meets something like... six? new people, and they weren't easily identifiable for me until much later (I still don't really have a picture or idea for several of them). I would have liked to see more development of several relationships, as well, as they're definitely close later in the book but I didn't feel like I saw that development quite enough (). On that note, Anissa gets very good at some things quickly: .
Though it didn't bode well for Anissa, I really liked that was included. Unforeseen consequences are important to note, and I felt that Dawson did credit to the situation and story in that regard.
I did find it odd that .
The pacing really picks up at the end, and I found myself more invested in the book in the last third or so. Characters are imperiled, personalities clash, and the wheels of change start turning.
Overall, I think Dawson laid a good foundation for the series. The themes of colonization, oppression, and agency are important, and I applaud Dawson's handling of them.
I had a bit of trouble getting into this book for several reasons. The political angle isn't something I normally choose to read, and I think I would have preferred exposition in some of those conversations to come outside of dialogue. Initially, Anissa is a bit lost and uncertain of much besides that she is different than everyone else in society who happily rides the mass transit (rather than walking to work) and enjoys technology (she hates her smart house and seeks to turn it off in nearly every interaction). While I can understand those sentiments (walking is healthy and a choice; the house ignoring her requests is definitely annoying and seems against good programming), to me, Anissa's shun of the entirety of her society seemed extreme and I didn't really get a feel for why she would be that way initially.
When she becomes apprenticed to a cold, calculating politician, Eric Carson, we see that she does indeed have beliefs beyond disliking everything about society. I especially liked her pushback on Carson during the exchange where . Anissa is principled, resourceful, and driven, if a bit unsure where to apply those characteristics. I grew frustrated with many of her interactions with Carson at the beginning; it seemed there were hints of more depth to his character but he never really gave the reader (or Anissa) any indication of it.
The land of Angapo, where Anissa dreams she visits a village in a jungle, sounds beautiful. Dawson deftly weaves sights, sounds, and smells into her descriptions, and it's no wonder Anissa thinks it's real. For me, I just do not prefer the way Dawson writes many of those passages:
"Anissa slowly became aware of sounds around her--the gentle mutterings of soft voices, the soun of rushing water, the quiet crackling of a fire. The scent of smoke-saturated wood filled her nostrils. She opened her eyes and found herself staring at a thatched roof, but instead of alarm, all she felt was familiarity. She sat up slowly and surveyed her surroundings. She lay on a thin bed of dried grasses inside a round structure. In the center, a small fire was dying. Its orange tinted smoke drifted up and through the thatched roofing. The walls were not solid. They were uneven planks of rose red wood, roughly bound together with green twine. The sunlight filtered in through these cracks. The voices she had heard were coming from outside."
I think the straightforward, short sentences and similarity of each of the sentence openings ("she," "the" starting most of them) doesn't draw me in or spark my imagination. A lot of the Angapo passages read this way, and ultimately I just desired more evocative writing, personally.
Later, there was a bit of overload for me when Anissa meets a small contingent of rebels: I think she meets something like... six? new people, and they weren't easily identifiable for me until much later (I still don't really have a picture or idea for several of them). I would have liked to see more development of several relationships, as well, as they're definitely close later in the book but I didn't feel like I saw that development quite enough (). On that note, Anissa gets very good at some things quickly: .
Though it didn't bode well for Anissa, I really liked that was included. Unforeseen consequences are important to note, and I felt that Dawson did credit to the situation and story in that regard.
I did find it odd that .
The pacing really picks up at the end, and I found myself more invested in the book in the last third or so. Characters are imperiled, personalities clash, and the wheels of change start turning.
Overall, I think Dawson laid a good foundation for the series. The themes of colonization, oppression, and agency are important, and I applaud Dawson's handling of them.
December 20, 2021
This book is intriguing and trying to put my thoughts in words is hard. The book captured my attention immediately with the character. It was a bit of slow build up building on the main characters and plot. Usually, books like that I have a hard time getting into. Not The Traveler it flowed nicely and gave you enough to want to keep reading.
Anissa’s character was unique. She was the square peg in a circle peg world. She just didn’t fit and she knew it but wasn’t sure why. She was someone who felt lost in her world of Riyen and feels a bit hopeless and odd. Even her house fights against her!
She has no choice to start her career path as an apprentice to politician Eric Carson. He is arrogant and seems like a cruel man. As soon as he shows up in the archives of the library I had a feeling that he wasn’t all that he seemed but I couldn’t put a finger on it until it is revealed later.
In Riyen people don’t dream when they sleep. If you do dream then you are medicated. Riyen is a sterile very modern city. Your life seems laid out before you with where you live and your occupation. Anissa dreams and they seem so real to her. When she finds out her dreams are real and she is actually traveling to Angapo. What she discovers will change her life forever. The secrets and the political agenda behind it is a dangerous endeavor.
The characters grow and develop really nice in this story. The politics aren’t boring and are very compelling. The theme seems to echo some of today’s world with indoctrinating children to fit your agenda, you have to agree with one party or you are considering a trouble maker, appearance of caring about all races, and abusing the planet, and other issues that plaque the world. It is done very well throughout the book.
E.B. Dawson is a new author to me and I look forward to exploring other books she has written.
This sci-fi political thriller is compelling and ends with a huge cliff hanger that I’m eagerly waiting the next book in the Lost Empire series.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Anissa’s character was unique. She was the square peg in a circle peg world. She just didn’t fit and she knew it but wasn’t sure why. She was someone who felt lost in her world of Riyen and feels a bit hopeless and odd. Even her house fights against her!
She has no choice to start her career path as an apprentice to politician Eric Carson. He is arrogant and seems like a cruel man. As soon as he shows up in the archives of the library I had a feeling that he wasn’t all that he seemed but I couldn’t put a finger on it until it is revealed later.
In Riyen people don’t dream when they sleep. If you do dream then you are medicated. Riyen is a sterile very modern city. Your life seems laid out before you with where you live and your occupation. Anissa dreams and they seem so real to her. When she finds out her dreams are real and she is actually traveling to Angapo. What she discovers will change her life forever. The secrets and the political agenda behind it is a dangerous endeavor.
The characters grow and develop really nice in this story. The politics aren’t boring and are very compelling. The theme seems to echo some of today’s world with indoctrinating children to fit your agenda, you have to agree with one party or you are considering a trouble maker, appearance of caring about all races, and abusing the planet, and other issues that plaque the world. It is done very well throughout the book.
E.B. Dawson is a new author to me and I look forward to exploring other books she has written.
This sci-fi political thriller is compelling and ends with a huge cliff hanger that I’m eagerly waiting the next book in the Lost Empire series.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 2, 2019
The Traveler
is a book full of subverted expectations. We are introduced to a dull, grey, ordered world. Anissa Robson doesn’t quite seem to belong in this world of concrete and skyscrapers; her heart is drawn to the majesty of the wild ocean, the towering mountains that surround the futuristic city in which she lives. She is suffocated by the bureaucratic environment of her job, and finds respite when she escapes into the lush, green world of her dreams.
But are they only dreams?
Everything Anissa thought she knew about her world is forever changed when she discovers secrets long buried, and an oppressive campaign that will drag her into the center of a conflict she never knew existed.
What I love about this story is the way Anissa takes on the role of the protagonist; she tries to carry everything on her shoulders, but is told that the “...story isn’t about [her].” There’s so much more to the story than she knows – countless moving parts and individuals and decades of history – it can’t all be tackled by one person, no matter how well-meaning they may be.
The characters are all multi-layered. Their motivations are often veiled, and you’ll find yourself wondering whether you know what they’re up to. They feel like living, breathing people, in richly described environments. Whether it’s the wet, glistening skyscrapers of Riyen after a rainstorm, or the green fields and jungles of Angapo, the world feels alive.
One minor issue I had with this novel was the occasional head-hopping. It made some scenes a little confusing/disorientating, but this didn’t spoil the overall experience of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story was crafted, and how the narrative unfolded in often unexpected ways. Every action has a consequence, even if a character has only good intentions.
I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series, and look forward to what’s in store!
But are they only dreams?
Everything Anissa thought she knew about her world is forever changed when she discovers secrets long buried, and an oppressive campaign that will drag her into the center of a conflict she never knew existed.
What I love about this story is the way Anissa takes on the role of the protagonist; she tries to carry everything on her shoulders, but is told that the “...story isn’t about [her].” There’s so much more to the story than she knows – countless moving parts and individuals and decades of history – it can’t all be tackled by one person, no matter how well-meaning they may be.
The characters are all multi-layered. Their motivations are often veiled, and you’ll find yourself wondering whether you know what they’re up to. They feel like living, breathing people, in richly described environments. Whether it’s the wet, glistening skyscrapers of Riyen after a rainstorm, or the green fields and jungles of Angapo, the world feels alive.
One minor issue I had with this novel was the occasional head-hopping. It made some scenes a little confusing/disorientating, but this didn’t spoil the overall experience of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story was crafted, and how the narrative unfolded in often unexpected ways. Every action has a consequence, even if a character has only good intentions.
I’ll definitely be picking up the next book in the series, and look forward to what’s in store!
December 23, 2021
Dreaming, even remembering our dreams, is pretty common for most people. But what if our dreams were more than simply dreams? What if we could travel to another place that existed outside our dreams, interacting with others, learning from them? What if it were a real place, with real stakes, both within the dream world and the one we inhabit as part of our regular lives?
That’s the premise of The Traveler, and it is a highly engaging and absorbing book. Much of it is a bit confusing and disorienting, but that is because even the main characters don’t understand the whole idea, especially at the beginning of the novel.
Anissa has experienced great losses in her life, and as she deals with the challenges that come from that, she must also learn a new career where her boss doesn’t want her around. Even her smart house has turned against her, and now she’s having strange dreams in a society that thinks only crazy people have dreams.
This book explores the ideas about what lies beyond human sight and understanding. It uses politics, different cultures, and the concept of dreaming to illustrate how we interpret those around us, and even ourselves. What makes us human? What is right, or wrong, and does it matter, or is it only the here and now, what we see with our eyes, that matters?
I really enjoyed this unique and interesting book. It is well paced, with complex characters that kept me guessing, and a twisting plot that surprised me. I highly recommend it for fans of science fiction or dystopian novels, or for those who like suspense or unexpected plots.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit, but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
That’s the premise of The Traveler, and it is a highly engaging and absorbing book. Much of it is a bit confusing and disorienting, but that is because even the main characters don’t understand the whole idea, especially at the beginning of the novel.
Anissa has experienced great losses in her life, and as she deals with the challenges that come from that, she must also learn a new career where her boss doesn’t want her around. Even her smart house has turned against her, and now she’s having strange dreams in a society that thinks only crazy people have dreams.
This book explores the ideas about what lies beyond human sight and understanding. It uses politics, different cultures, and the concept of dreaming to illustrate how we interpret those around us, and even ourselves. What makes us human? What is right, or wrong, and does it matter, or is it only the here and now, what we see with our eyes, that matters?
I really enjoyed this unique and interesting book. It is well paced, with complex characters that kept me guessing, and a twisting plot that surprised me. I highly recommend it for fans of science fiction or dystopian novels, or for those who like suspense or unexpected plots.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit, but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
December 12, 2021
I had no idea what to expect going into this novel. I knew the overall premise intrigued me, but that was about it. And I do have to say, the author did a really good job creating these two worlds--the "real" world and the world Anissa dreams in--and weaving them together. She had me at the edge of my seat, needing to know what happened. Well, she did in the second half of the novel. I felt that the beginning was a little slow, and I found myself having a hard time getting into it. However, when things picked up, they really picked up and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pages.
Anissa was an intriguing main character, although to be completely honest, I didn't really like her. She was too headstrong, refused to listen to anybody, and only did whatever she wanted, forget the consequences. I really liked the side characters, though. They brought life to the novel in a way that I felt Anissa couldn't.
Overall, if you are someone who likes dystopian novels with a political theme running through, I would recommend this book. It has an interesting plotline, has characters you wonder whether or not you can trust, and has a good message.
I had a received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
Anissa was an intriguing main character, although to be completely honest, I didn't really like her. She was too headstrong, refused to listen to anybody, and only did whatever she wanted, forget the consequences. I really liked the side characters, though. They brought life to the novel in a way that I felt Anissa couldn't.
Overall, if you are someone who likes dystopian novels with a political theme running through, I would recommend this book. It has an interesting plotline, has characters you wonder whether or not you can trust, and has a good message.
I had a received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
December 19, 2021
Traveling to other worlds in your dreams creates an interesting premise for this book. This crosswords fantasy novel examines the modern state nation of Riven and Anissa Robson discovers she is dreaming while sleeping. In her dreams, she visits the world of Angapo. One of the interesting parts of this book comes from Anissa living in a smart house. When she crosses swords with the artificial intelligence controlling the house, she deals with extreme temperatures and more.
I love the plot and the character in this book. The author creates characters and a plot line that kept my interest. I enjoyed seeing the contrasts between Riven and Angapo. I also appreciated the way Anissa’s character grew throughout the pages of this book. She went from being lost and alone to having a purpose and finding her voice. So if you enjoy cross-worlds fantasy books, check out this story for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I love the plot and the character in this book. The author creates characters and a plot line that kept my interest. I enjoyed seeing the contrasts between Riven and Angapo. I also appreciated the way Anissa’s character grew throughout the pages of this book. She went from being lost and alone to having a purpose and finding her voice. So if you enjoy cross-worlds fantasy books, check out this story for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2022
The Traveler is written by E.B. Dawson. This is the first book in the Lost Empire series. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a fantasy book. This book was originally released in 2017. It got a new updated cover which draws you in.
In this story, we see Anissa. She lives in a state where you’re not allowed to dream. If you do they will give you medicine for it. After her mother passes she starts to dream of a jungle. Which at first is very odd to her. She travels between modern day world and a world that makes her think. Anissa is a strong character and does not like to listen to others. However she has to be careful of who to trust. Especially when she finds out that the government has been hiding things for years.
This is a great middle age fantasy book. I’ll be passing it down to my 10 year old who enjoys the time travel stories. The characters are well written and the storyline is engaging.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.
In this story, we see Anissa. She lives in a state where you’re not allowed to dream. If you do they will give you medicine for it. After her mother passes she starts to dream of a jungle. Which at first is very odd to her. She travels between modern day world and a world that makes her think. Anissa is a strong character and does not like to listen to others. However she has to be careful of who to trust. Especially when she finds out that the government has been hiding things for years.
This is a great middle age fantasy book. I’ll be passing it down to my 10 year old who enjoys the time travel stories. The characters are well written and the storyline is engaging.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.
December 10, 2021
The Traveler is a dystopian fantasy. E.B. Dawson has created an alternate world and characters who travel between the worlds. Anissa travels between the worlds while she sleeps for a time she thinks she is just dreaming until a friend of her mother tells her differently and she learns to travel when she isn’t “sleeping.”
Part of the mystery in the story comes from not knowing who you can trust and who is lying. The story is well-written and draws the reader in.
Dawson, through the story, shows readers what can happen when there is corruption and a lack of caring about others. I will be interested to see where the story goes in book 2.
The Traveler would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. I think it is appropriate for middle school and up. I also think that some boys would enjoy this story even though the main character is a girl.
I received a complimentary copy of The Traveler. This is my honest review.
Part of the mystery in the story comes from not knowing who you can trust and who is lying. The story is well-written and draws the reader in.
Dawson, through the story, shows readers what can happen when there is corruption and a lack of caring about others. I will be interested to see where the story goes in book 2.
The Traveler would make a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. I think it is appropriate for middle school and up. I also think that some boys would enjoy this story even though the main character is a girl.
I received a complimentary copy of The Traveler. This is my honest review.
December 11, 2021
Anissa, here is a growing and realistic heroine. Her world is full of politics, secrets, and darkness. Oh, does that sound familiar? Sure feels relatable to me! Then we add to that that she's dreaming of a better world. A world with hope, and changes. That takes a lot of things, but in this Sci-Fi setting, no one dreams. They sleep, but they don't dream. Anissa dreams. What will this mean for her, or the world she wants? This book is full of awesome character development. Included are some topics that are current issues of late. They are exceedingly well handled. I'm not going to tell you what they are because I want you to read this book. I like the faith undertones, without a religious or preachy tone. It's well worth all five stars, and maybe more.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit, but I also bought one. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book. A positive review is never required.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit, but I also bought one. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book. A positive review is never required.
December 23, 2021
This speculative fiction has a sort-of dystopian feel. It features very different societies—some more primitive, with the developed ones taking advantage of the simpler cultures—sadly, too much like our modern world. In fact, I think the author wrote this to explore that very issue as well as to tell an intriguing story filled with futuristic details, suspense, and intrigue. And just like in our current time, I could do without all the politics and the political “games.” This tale gives a view from the inside. I came to care for the main character, Anissa Robson, who goes through quite a bit as she travels between worlds. She evokes a reaction from readers as they get caught up in her adventures and problems. The novel allows readers to gain the perspective of one who connects with a less-developed people and empathizes with them and tries to aid them. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2019
Wowee!
That was a ride if ever I took one. Absolutely thrilling story that started a bit slow, but then hooked me. Before I even realized it, I was at the end.
Things I liked:
1. Characters: I'm all about good characters and this book had plenty of them.
2. World-building: so many beautiful details woven throughout which made me feel that the places described were real places.
3. Plot: strong plot that picked up pace as the story went on. My favorite type of plot.
Things I didn't like:
-I already said it was a little slow at first, but honestly it didn't even matter at the end. Definitely an A+ book. Can't wait to read the next one.
That was a ride if ever I took one. Absolutely thrilling story that started a bit slow, but then hooked me. Before I even realized it, I was at the end.
Things I liked:
1. Characters: I'm all about good characters and this book had plenty of them.
2. World-building: so many beautiful details woven throughout which made me feel that the places described were real places.
3. Plot: strong plot that picked up pace as the story went on. My favorite type of plot.
Things I didn't like:
-I already said it was a little slow at first, but honestly it didn't even matter at the end. Definitely an A+ book. Can't wait to read the next one.
December 26, 2021
I’m going to start by saying I absolutely loved this books cover. It drew me in and then the story just let me intrigued. I liked how the author wrote and her characters.
Anissa was a good one, I liked how we met her and how we get to know more about her (while still wanting to know even more). The author dealt with some heavy topics well and I liked the faith involved. I liked the futuristic story here and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Anissa was a good one, I liked how we met her and how we get to know more about her (while still wanting to know even more). The author dealt with some heavy topics well and I liked the faith involved. I liked the futuristic story here and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
July 16, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by the Traveler. The author is very talented when it comes to imagery. I felt like I was there in the story, feeling the rain, taking in the smells, etc. There is also a fair bit of action in this book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I highly recommend this unconventional sci-fi book if you enjoy action, surprises and strong imagery.
I highly recommend this unconventional sci-fi book if you enjoy action, surprises and strong imagery.
September 16, 2020
Hello I didn't realize how much I would love this series. I read all three books in like a week and then forgot to update my goodreads. Also since I read all three books , one right after the other, it's just one continuous story in my mind and I can't tell you what happens where......so I'm a failure there. But it's a decision I do not regret!
November 28, 2021
It took a while for me to get into it, but once I did I couldn't put it down! Great concept, great world building, and relatable characters. I will be watching for the next book, as it was left on a bit of a cliffhanger!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 11, 2021
The Traveler is the first start to E B Dawson’s Lost Empire series. It is, also, my first introduction to this author’s books. I would be interested in reading more by them in the future. This is not go to genre but this one really held my attention from the beginning. I enjoyed Anissa’s story. It had adventure and action. It was not one that I could easily predict, making me guess as to what was going to happen next. It was great.
I am giving The Traveler four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy fiction. I look forward to see where E B Dawson’s imagination take their fans to in the next installment from the Lost Empire series, The Citizen.
I received a paperback copy of The Traveler from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Traveler four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fantasy fiction. I look forward to see where E B Dawson’s imagination take their fans to in the next installment from the Lost Empire series, The Citizen.
I received a paperback copy of The Traveler from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
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