Mrs Julia E Hirst A beautifully written story about a girl weighed down by expectations …March 30, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
A beautifully written story about a girl weighed down by expectations discovering her own path to happiness – a lovely read.
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Su. Follow your dreams.February 18, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
OK so being completely honest I didn,’t read the blurb before downloading this little treasure of a story. I therefore had no idea what it would be about. At first I was unsure about this story, a young woman in love with the man of her desires. But the cad simply appears to be using her? Almost with change of heart Roberto begins to encourage her to follow her dreams. This is where the story came alive for me. Athena makes new friends and her dream begins. I found myself smiling with the new adventures. The story warmed my heart. However, don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself 🙂
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Katharine A great readMarch 17, 2021 Format : Paperback
This book is wonderful – and, although short, is very thought provoking. I found the relationship between Athena and Diana interesting and frustrating in equal measure. I was always pretty suspicious of Roberto, right from the start. Encouraging her to follow her dreams then ridiculing her for the way she did it? Very shady. I felt relief when she met Jenny and the wider group became her friends and loved her joy of horse riding. Definitely a worthwhile and enjoyable read which has stayed with me since finishing it
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Lorraine A Lovely TaleMarch 30, 2019 Format : Paperback
A lovely tale from Maria Gibbs, that packs a lot into a short read.
Athena has a troubled relationship with her mother, and is deeply in love with Roberto, who doesn’t seem to share those feelings.
We join Athena as she struggles to make sense of her relationships. When she makes new friends they help her discover her own identity and figure out what she wants from life. Then they go all out to help her make her dreams come true.
The story is well-written and the characters are fleshed out and believable.
(also reviewed on Amazon.com)
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Suseysoo A great short read.January 30, 2017 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
I read this in one go, on a recent ferry trip. It has the right mix of life characters, it is quick paced to give us the base we need, and more detailed in places where dialogue and situations are key. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and a hint at the ending I wanted left me satisfied that I’d had a good read.
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Chris. A fantastic read…August 5, 2016 Format : Paperback
I love Maria Gibbs writing style – she has a great way with words, and the emotions the main character, Athena, goes through are very real and I think every reader will be able to identify with them.
Athena is a person who always wants to do whats right, but this usually means sacrificing her own happiness to please others.
It is a story about discovering who you really are, and not allowing people to hold you back from your dreams and ambitions.
I found this a really enjoyable short story, and was sad to finish it. I will certainly be purchasing more from Maria Gibbs.
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A Critical Reader. Beautifully WrittenMay 30, 2016 Format : Paperback
A Lifetime or a Season is a story most women today should be able to relate to. The games people play, relationships, and making life-changing decisions- it’s all in there.
This is the third novelette I’ve read by Maria Gibbs, and I really love her writing style. She certainly has a way with words, and she pulls the reader into the main character in a very personal manner. I highly recommend As Dreams Are Made On, my favorite of the three I’ve read so far, and I do hope this author will continue to write these relatable and beautifully written stories.
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Julie A Holding FantasticApril 10, 2016 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
Fantastic short read, did not want book to end. amazing author.
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Kindle Customer “A truly inspiring and effective short novel”September 10, 2015 Format : Paperback
This short story was full of life long dreams, romance and genuine, true emotion which was entrancing all the way through.
As a character I found Athena to not only be someone we could all relate to but also as someone who was inspiring; She wishes to follow her passion and life long dreams and longs for that lust, romance and friend that we all hope for. As the story evolves we are almost invited by Gibbs to see her emerge into a new independent woman and wonder if she will eventually get what she wants from Roberto.
I
loved the transition that the book went through and feel like it truly has had an impact on me, the reader. I feel inspired. Cannot recommend enough to anyone.
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KBHA Lifetime or a SeasonJuly 30, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
Wonderfully written short story about a woman who chases her dreams. Thoroughly recommend.
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Jo Elegant and well-written.May 17, 2015 Format : Paperback
Maria has spun an interesting story without any gimmicks or flashy distraction. Her writing is flawless and a pleasure to read. It is easy to relate to the point of view character. We follow her as she experiences a life-altering epiphany and makes the changes. If you are looking for a romantic and uplifting read, pick up this novella.
I look forward to reading more from Maria Gibbs.
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Smith Fabulous readApril 23, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
Another great short story by this great author. I really like the style that she writes in & look forward to the next one
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Lorraine. An Enjoyable ReadFebruary 13, 2019 Format : Paperback
A captivating fantasy story of love.
Matty (Matilda) doesn’t remember her previous life. She’s trapped in a dream world, kidnapped by Thomas.
It’s up to her husband, Donald, to try to wake her and save her from the demon in her dream
Told alternately from Matty and Donalds points of view, this is a wonderful and enjoyable read.
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Alice Enjoyed the bookAugust 8, 2016 Format : Paperback
I really liked the book, the story keeps the reader guessing and the switch of points of view makes it more interesting.
The conflict between good and evil is one of the main themes and at the end love (pure love) is stronger than any evil. The think I liked most is the concept of love because the author shows it from an unusual and interesting point of view!
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tracey brown. Excellent readApril 4, 2016 Format : Paperback
Excellent read, I just couldn’t put it down!
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Sue. A fairy tale with a dark paranormal edgeMarch 19, 2016 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
This is an intriguing fairy tale like short story with a dark paranormal edge. Essentially, this story is about pure love, but what constitutes this pure love may end up surprising you.
The pacing of the story is perfect and the writing is well done, however, both the writing style and dialogue seemed overly formal all the way through the story. I would have preferred to have a more appropriate change in these components in the present day elements of the story and leave the formality for the scenes that appear to be set in a much earlier time in history.
Full of beautiful descriptions, real and believable characters, foreboding gypsy warnings and a nasty villain, this story is sure to keep you enthralled right up until the completely unexpected ending. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable short story and I look forward to reading more from this author.
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Kindle Customer Loved it!!!January 31, 2016 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
Ms. Gibbs nailed this book! I loved it. I’ll be honest, I expected something along the usual dream lover/time traveler story. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy that story or I wouldn’t have picked this up in the first place, but the author managed to twist the story completely around and surprised me. The dream lover isn’t at all what I expected, and that’s the best part. I couldn’t predict the book like I can with so many. This is novella length, and I seriously hope the author either turns it into a much longer book or better yet, a series. I highly recommend it and I look forward to other works by Ms. Gibbs.
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October 31, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
Admittedly, I was apprehensive going into this story but decided to give it a try anyway. Fantasy is not a genre that attracts me, but romance is. This story is really a fairy tale with Sleeping Beauty at its core but done in the author’s own unique way and with an unexpected twist at the end. There is some darkness to it, but like most fairy tales, it’s sweet at the same time. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed it.
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KBH I am a big admirer of her ability to weave her beautiful writing into her wonderful and compelling storiesOctober 26, 2015Format : Paperback
This is the second work of Maria Gibbs’ that I’ve read. I am a big admirer of her ability to weave her beautiful writing into her wonderful and compelling stories.
Matty (Matilda) has entered a dreamlike state and in her dream she is kidnapped by a man and taken away from her family and her privileged life. In the present, her husband must battle to bring her back to him in time… before she falls in love with her dream captor.
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Jo Intriguing and a somewhat unforeseen storyline.June 11, 2015 Format : Paperback
Maria Gibbs has a superb way with words, and after reading a few of her novellas, I’ve become a fan. She has a natural flow, which is a pleasure to read, and As Dreams are Made is no exception.
The characters in As Dreams are Made are simultaneously believable, and of a paranormal realm. I enjoyed the alternating point of view, and how the two seemingly separate stories begin to merge, leading to a conclusion. There is a steady sense of flow and progression.
While this is a great novella, I feel that it deserves a little further development. There is so much back story available for the plot. I would like to know more about the characters and the events that occurred. Perhaps it just felt a little short because I enjoyed it immensely.
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Karen M Beautifully DescriptiveJanuary 19, 2015 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
An imaginative example of romantic fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed the authors ability to paint pictures in her readers mind with enough detail to involve the audience without ‘swamping’ us. A simple and very pretty story of love and the forms it takes.
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Book Mad ME Captivating from the first sentence!February 21, 2017 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Captivating from the first sentence!
Why did I not read this sooner? A ‘time-slip’ novella from a very clever author. As the chapters switch in time and persona (Matty and her husband), there is a clear distinction between the two which helps to make the tale real. Devoured in one setting and I confess I am a fan of this style of narration. For me it helps me to get inside the heads of the characters. Maria Gibbs writes extremely well with varied language and her descriptions really draw you in (or to the past!). I loved it!
If you like something different – a fairy tale style romance which is very cleverly woven together with paranormal overtones – go for it!
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Chris. This story deserves more than just 5 starsAugust 21, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition
As Dreams Are Made On is the 3rd (and so far final) book I have read from Author Maria Gibbs…and what an I credible book it turned out to be. I loved Maria’s other books, but this one has just soared into the Number 1 position.
The chapters bounce between Matilda (nicknamed Matty by her husband), and Donald her husband of 2 months.
Matty is trapped within her own dream, a dream that makes her forget her previous life and takes her down a suductive fairy tale-like life. Little does she know that this dream could be fatal if she does not wake.
Her husband Donald does everything in his power to help his beloved wife, and will stop at nothing to save her from the demons within her dream.
I read As Dreams Are Made On in one sitting, and couldn’t put it down until I had found out what had happened.
This story deserves more than just 5 stars. It is a truely imaginative story, and is something I will will wanting to read again and again. I hope Maria Gibbs writes more like this.
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Fliss Spellbinding Novella.July 2, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Spellbinding novella taking the reader into a magical world, an adult farytale stepping seamlessly from one era into another as the story progresses. Looking forward to another great read from this author.
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CJ Rutherford A well deserved five stars!March 11, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
This is the first time I’ve read any of this authors work, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was drawn into the story. It’s quite a short read, so I finished it in a few hours, but the author does a great job of developing the characters.
The story is original, the pacing is perfect, and the ending is suitably exciting.
A well deserved five stars!
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Janet Gogerty Short satisfying trip into another world.February 29, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
A fairy tale; we are swept into the story and we know something strange is happening… Just as swiftly we are back in real present time with a bereft husband. Neat chapters alternating between the two worlds move the story satisfyingly on, but it seems there can be no happy ending until… Dreams can be very vivid and who’s to say what is actually real!
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KBH. CompellingOctober 26, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
This is the second work of Maria Gibbs’ that I’ve read. I am a big admirer of her ability to weave her beautiful writing into her wonderful and compelling stories.
Matty (Matilda) has entered a dreamlike state and in her dream she is kidnapped by a man and taken away from her family and her privileged life. In the present, her husband must battle to bring her back to him in time… before she falls in love with her dream captor.
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Vickyloo Beautiful narrative coupled with an unusual storyOctober 4, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Matty slips away from her husband one night and enters a dangerous dream world, where she meets an enigmatic man intent on stealing her heart in order to win the prize he’s been working so hard for. Her husband does all he can to fight for her and bring her back to her real life whilst the man of her dreams tugs at her heartstrings, and Matty is pulled in two.
I hate love stories. Have I ever mentioned that? Yes, I know, a million times. I think the thing I’ve got against love stories is that they are all a bit boring (and soppy – who wants soppy!? Yuck). They’re all the same, they tend to fit one of a few formulas: two people meet, there’s trouble, they overcome said trouble; they meet, fall in love, tragedy tears them apart; they meet, they live happily ever after. Blah blah blah. But do you know what? As Dreams Are Made On has completely proved me wrong!
Now I’m not saying I’m going to dive straight into the romance genre or anything – because believe me, I’m not! What this book has made me realise though, is that actually not all romance is the same. This is a love story, yes – there can be absolutely no doubt about that, but it’s also a time-travelling adventure, a supernatural mystery, and a verbose and beautiful narrative. I find it rather exciting, in fact, to find such a rare mix of things in one tiny little unassuming book – and it is nothing like I expected after reading the blurb!
The story itself kept me gripped and I read it in one sitting, although its short length made that significantly easier. I knew what would happen in the end because it’s just that type of book but that didn’t matter – I wasn’t sure how we would get there, and I was enjoying the characters and the narrative too much to care. It’s also quite a bit naughtier than I expected. Although not full-on erotica, there is more than a hint towards sexual proclivities – so if you’re not a fan of the explicit, this one may not be for you.
The first person narration flips between Matty and her husband and that irked me somewhat, if I’m honest. The technique was needed in order to tell the tale but I don’t feel there was enough of a difference between the narratives (the voices, the settings, the types of words used) in order to make it effective. It would have been much better had the Matty sections been dripping with verbosity, suiting the age and the genre, with the Donald sections much more simple and lighter to demonstrate the difference in time. I suspect that this was actually what the author was going for as there is a clear attempt at simpler language with her husband, but I could tell whilst I was reading that Gibbs favours the beauty of the language and she often slipped into loquaciousness in the modern sections too. It’s a real shame, because had this technique been pulled off more effectively, I would have devoured the book a whole lot more.
On the note of verbosity though, Gibbs clearly has a wonderful way with words. She strings them together like pearls, making words trip over your tongue and through your mind in such an aesthetically pleasing way that I couldn’t help but read parts aloud. The very first paragraph of this book is like a party popper full of wonderful words exploding in the air and I couldn’t help but gawp at the beauty of it all. I could hear ‘olde worlde’ Matilda so clearly, and that was exciting. It made me want to put on my posh voice (the one, it seems, that I use so often when reading Victorian literature aloud – yes, I’m odd, I’ve never tried to deny it).
If I’m honest, I suspect I may have been expecting to hate this book just because it was romance but actually, the thing I love about it most now is that it surprised me, and in such a fabulous way too! It’s not long enough for you to feel much for the characters, and yes, there is quite a bit of soppiness (and a touch of sex too) but the language is beautiful and the story is unusual. The blurb doesn’t do this book justice and if you are a romance-hater like me, then I urge you to at least give this one a go – I think it’ll surprise you too.
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Kindle Customer Captivating Short Story full of romance, love and emotionSeptember 8, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Such a unique story which captivated me from the very beginning. It may seem cliche’ but I could not stop myself from wanting to read on. From the genuine love that cannot be broken between husband and wife, to the passion, fire and excitement that romance brings, all throughout I was gripped to see how the novel would conclude. I was completely shocked by the emotional ending.
The concept of incorporating another time era constantly kept my attention and gave the story a new, fresh vibe that made the novel its very own. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dark, demonic aspect which kept a lustful feeling.
I definitely cannot recommend enough as a short story, fantastic debut.
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Angela B Not bad, but not brilliant.August 29, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
An interesting idea for a story, but although I thought the story was fine it was spoiled by poor editing. There were numerous spelling and grammar errors and the punctuation was all over the place.
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***AUTHOR COMMENT – a full edit has been carried out since this helpful review***
David Hunt Would be Five stars but it ended too soon!June 23, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
A totally captivating mix of mystery and romance, un-putdownable from the first paragraph. I hope it’s not the last time we meet the sinister but seductive Mr Trevelyan. There’s definitely more to come from the talented Ms Gibbs.
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D M Singh. Delightfully wicked and yet somehow innocent … magical !June 9, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
This short story is a clever concoction of fantasy, romance and wonder. Maria Gibbs weaves a web of intrigue and had me wanting more. This story felt a little like a grown-up fairy tale with a twist. It is sexy, fresh and absolutely impossible to put down.
The author’s use of language and ability to switch between different eras easily without interrupting the story’s flow, was exceptional.
Short stories can sometimes be challenge to read for me, as I find that before I begin to care about the characters, the story is over. This story does not have this problem. I found myself sympathising with Donald and Matty and wanting to know more about Thomas.
This is a perfect read for anyone who loved Fairy Tales and wished that they grew up along with us. I can’t wait to hear more from this fantastic author.
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Lisa Busby Dark fairytale for adults me thinksMarch 22, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
I loved the premise of this story, original and fairytale like which is always fun. Beautifully put together I could totally imagine it in my head. I would have liked to have read more which has to be a good thing. Well done, especially for a first publication. I look forward to reading more.
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Smith. a great readMarch 21, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed this book as it was so well written & easy to read. Also liked the horse bits in it being a horse owner myself. Look forward to more stories by this author
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saphia sheikh-ahmed Get readingMarch 21, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Beautifully and eloquently written, transporting you into two parallel worlds. Totally absorbing and one of those must reads.
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alyson manzi WOW – HOOKED!!!!! Great talentMarch 19, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
WOW!!!! Got TOTALLY swept into another world, in fact I was so absorbed I missed my tube stop by 2 stations.
LOVED it, well written, beautiful detail….. Can’t wait to download the next. Alyson Manzi
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Hannah Symonds Utterly captivating right from the startMarch 15, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition
I was given this book for an honest review and I will say I was utterly captivated straight away. Even though this is a short story I really enjoyed reading it. There is a twist in this book that you would never believe could happen but it does, it makes you want more. It was a really gripping read and I look forward to reading more of Maria’s books in the future.
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mrs c parker A real page-turner!February 24, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
A cleverly written original! Well done Maria Gibbs, I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and descriptions. What a great first book! I’m looking forward to the next one.
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Jenny. Truly Beautiful StoryFebruary 16, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition
A truly beautiful storyline, totally captivating and very well written, I loved the clever twists and turns and the suprising end. I was engrossed from beginning to end, loved it. Cant wait to ready more from Maria Gibbs.
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Su. The Stuff of DreamsFebruary 1, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
OK being totally honest I was unsure about this little book when I first came across it. The title threw me off, not being a big Shakespeare fan I was unaware that it came from ‘The Tempest Act 4, scene 1, 148–158’ spoken by Prospero. When you know this and discover what he is talking about then this title fits the story perfectly.
Prospero:
Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp’d tow’rs, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on; and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
Life for Matty is one long deep dream, she is caught between the love of her husband and the love of a handsome stranger. I was hooked from the start. Yes it is like a kind of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ story but with a few unexpected twists and turns. I never saw the end coming at all and I am not ashamed to say I cried. I cannot say more without giving away the story, you will just have to buy your own copy and find out for yourselves.
Happy Reading 🙂
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M.K. Aston A promising debut!February 1, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
A promising debut from Maria Gibbs. As Dreams Are Made On is an intriguing tale that deftly weaves two timelines and builds to a satisfying conclusion. Part romance part fantasy, fans of the genre would do well to keep an eye on this author.
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jo WOWJanuary 29, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
All i can say is WOW what a great start to your published works.
Waiting for next one please hurry>
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shirl with a truly amazing finish that you never would guessJanuary 29, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Captivating from the start, such a clever twist on the story leaving you wanting more, with a truly amazing finish that you never would guess!! I love it can’t wait for the next one Maria Gibbs…..
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Ian Robinson. Five StarsJanuary 22, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition
Throughly enjoyed, ticked.all the boxes for captivating my attention from start to finish.
Margaret
Brisbane Australia.
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Julie A Holding Five StarsJanuary 22, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this short story, did not want it to end, would strongly recommend.
Excellent read.
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kathleen coots Five StarsJanuary 21, 2015Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed reading this short story, did not want it to end.
Fantastic.
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A. W. Riter So compelling!January 18, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
This is a beautifully told story, effortlessly weaving different times and places. The suspense works wonderfully. Got it, read it, enjoyed it!
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M Stephens A modern take on Sleeping Beauty… with a differenceJanuary 17, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
From a “romantic” beginning, this excellent, fast-paced story totally didn’t go where I expected it to. Surprise twists and turns are difficult to get right, and Maria Gibbs manages it with surprising skill for a debut author.
It’s difficult to describe the story without giving too much away, but it’s worth mentioning that ‘As Dreams Are Made On’ is a tug-of-war romance involving a demonic presence in a dream world. Sounds sinister, but it’s great fun to read!
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Mrs Julia E Hirst Gripping StorylineJanuary 12, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Gripping storyline with great descriptive writing ! A thoroughly enjoyable read!
**Recommend**
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Sophie Hirst well written and an amazing storylineJanuary 11, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
such an incredible book, amazingly written and a captivating storyline, I can’t recommend it enough. I throughly enjoyed reading this.
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Niki Musto Brilliant debut from Maria GibbsJanuary 11, 2015 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Such a different story. Intriguing and captivating. My only problem with the story is that it wasn’t long enough and left me wanting to know more. Brilliant debut from Maria Gibbs.
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D M Singh Oh my goodness yes!July 8, 2019 Format : Kindle Edition
I loved this, this books ticks all the boxes and then some! Well worth a read
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En-Em intertwines both mystical and everyday life into an adventureMay 8, 2017Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
The descriptions and details are the right balance to rapidly absorb you into story.
The way it intertwines both mystical and everyday, in a way to bring curiosity and tempting the pages to be constantly turned until the answers and descriptions flow to proceed the journey and story of the characters is extremely well done, at times some parts quite dark, so well done it can spook you if read late at night.
An interesting twist including the character to read her book, which is actually an extract from one of Maria Gibbs other books, is a great section that could be taken as a teaser to encourage to buy and read the whole book, as I had read it first it wasn’t applicable to me.
I encouraged work colleagues to read my copy and they all said it got into their dreams as the characters were very detailed in the descriptions and lifelike in the way they became believable.
Overall, a book I highly recommend
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Lorraine An intriguing short storyMarch 2, 2017 Format : Kindle Edition
An intriguing short story that hooked me on page one and kept my attention to the end. I was glad to be able to read it in one sitting, as I didn’t want to put it down.
The descriptive, and almost poetic, writing created a creepy and tense atmosphere. It was an emotional book, with a tragic ending, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This is the first book by Maria Gibbs that I’ve read and I’m certain it won’t be the last
(also reviewed on Amazon.com as a Verified Purchase)
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Booklover BEV excellent short storyFebruary 3, 2017 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
loved this book about lucy the author every page you turned was gripping exciting and a enjoyable read many thanks to the author
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Chris Small story…Big impactAugust 20, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition
This is the second book I have read from Maria Gibbs, and what a great story it is.
I have to be honest that it was nothing like I expected it to be…but saying that I loved it nonetheless.
The Storm Creature tells the tale of Lucy – an author who’s life turns upside down in the blink of an eye.
What this book does is make you think.
Maria Gibbs has certainly packed a large punch with a short story, and I will certainly be recommending this book to everybody.
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Janet Gogerty Open the letter Lucy…July 25, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Lyrical prose which suits the character of Lucy who loves writing and for whom writing becomes her only escape from the terrible event that can never be atoned for. An emotional rollercoaster that propels you towards a shock ending. But I did expect to hear Adele’s story; perhaps her tale will turn up as another story by the author. This is a poignant story, because such tragedies do occur and we have all wondered how we would cope and empathise with Lucy, yet at the same time we are willing her to reach out to others, to open the letter….
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Amazon Customer. MeaningfulJuly 19, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Fantastic short story, creative, easy to read, well written and meaningful. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the unexpected twist at the end look forward to more by Maria Gibbs.
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Rea Just a Chilling and Thought-Provoking Short StoryJuly 6, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition
The Storm Creature is just a short story, but what a thought-provoking and fascinating short story it was. I haven;t read anything from this author before, but I guarantee I will be checking out more of her work in the near future.
The Storm Creature focuses on the mental suffering and delusions of a young woman who is riddled with guilt over being the survivor in a car accident, she felt she was the cause of.
The writing is superb and the tension is well created by the Author. I won’t give any of the plot away, but this was a stunning, little tale. I know it was a short story, but still, I couldn’t put it down for a second until I knew just how it played out. Well done to the author!
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Jo. Quite thought ProvokingJuly 1, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition
The Storm Creature wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it’s a poignant story that made me think more about life. It also reminded me that it is never too late to change your mind.
Maria’s words show us that the way we see things is not always as they are in reality. Sometimes it’s good to take stock before it is too late. It’s not a happy story, but it teaches us to be happy and to dance in the rain.
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David Hunt reminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More pleaseMay 24, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Another impressive vignette from Ms Gibbs. A creepy tale masterfully told, reminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More please.
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Julie A Holding Amazing StoryApril 10, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
OMG this short story was amazing. Once I started reading this book i couldn’t put it down. Thank you to the
author, looking forward to reading your next book.
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A Critical Reader Beautiful!April 1, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition
Having read “As Dreams Are Made On,” I was really looking forward to another beautifully written novelette by Maria Gibbs, and that is exactly what I got! This author has a wonderful talent at both storytelling and writing in her own unique way.
The only thing I found a bit uncomfortable was that the protagonist of the story is supposed to be the author of another novelette by Gibbs, which makes it awkward when she writes about her own work.
With that said, “The Storm Creature” has a creative plot, executed well through the use of poetically written prose, and really has something to say, which is important when a great deal of fiction nowadays is devoid of meaning. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading “A Lifetime or a Season” next.
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Mrs Julia E Hirst Five StarsMarch 29, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
Loved reading this book, the words flowed beautifully with a gripping storyline.
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Su. You many well shiver as you experience this stormy short.March 15, 2016 Format : Kindle Edition | Verified Purchase
At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says ‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Very Highly Recommended.
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Jayem Death has more than one victimApril 15, 2016 Format : Paperback | Verified Purchase
A nice little story that’s almost a character study.
A moment’s thoughtlessness, an accidental death and so many lives are changed forever. Lucy’s life is shattered in a single moment, but it’s the slow disintegration of her being that keeps the story moving.
It seems the person least affected by Adele’s death is Adele.
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Rose English. You many well shiver as you experience this stormy short.March 15, 2016 Format : Paperback
At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says ‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Very Highly Recommended.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Maria Gibbs 