The Last Dream Keeper by Amber Benson – a Review

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Description:
Lyse MacAllister did not step into an easy role when she took over as master of the Echo Park coven of witches after her great-aunt Eleanora’s death. As she begins to forge the bonds that will help her lead her sisters, she struggles to come to terms with her growing powers. And she soon faces a deadly new threat. A group of fanatics intent on bringing about the end of times has invaded the witches Council—but the Council is turning a blind eye to the danger growing in its midst.

Only one witch is prophesied to be able to stop the encroaching darkness. And if Lyse and her blood sisters are to have any chance at protecting all we know from being lost forever, they must keep her safe—no matter what the cost…

Review:

The Last Dream Keeper by Amber Benson is the 2^nd book in her The Witches of Echo Park series. This is an Urban Fantasy series about a coven of witches in Echo Park, Los Angeles. In the first book, Lyse MacAllister , learns that she is a witch, after she comes to visit her dying aunt. Eleanora, who turns out to be Lyse’s grandmother (not aunt), is near death, and explains to Lyse that she will need to take over the responsibility as head of her coven. The Last Dream Keeper picks after Eleanora’s death, and Lyse becoming closer to the members of her coven, as they all know the danger they face with the rise of the evil group, The Flood, who are trying to destroy all the covens in the world. The Echo Park Coven members each have their own specialties, which we get to see, as each member has their own POV throughout.

Lyse is the new leader; she is a hybrid, which supposedly gives her a little bit of power from each of the others.

Arrabelle (Bell) was scheduled to be the heir apparent until Lyse was chosen. Arrabelle, a herbalist, accepts Lyse, and is very tough & independent.

Devandra (Dev) a diviner, is caring and has a family of her own to worry about.

Daniela, an empath (seer), who wear gloves, as no one can touch her. She is a strong member, who can get information at the touch, who will fight for her blood sisters.

Lizbeth, is the youngest and half sister to Weir. She doesn’t talk, but early on she comes out of dream to become a very strong member, who is destined to be the last dream keeper.

What follows is a suspenseful tense tale of evil slowly separating the coven members, and placing them in grave danger, as well as pitting some against each other. Rather than give spoilers, I enjoyed the concept of this storyline, and generally liked all the main characters. I will say that at times early on I thought it was a bit slow, due to the many POV’s that we had to follow. I am used to a two person POV, but this was a 5 person POV all throughout, which did make it a bit confusing.

This series has a lot of potential to be great, and despite the going back and forth between all the characters, I am invested to keep reading, as I want to know what will happen. Amber Benson pulls us into this series, with some great characters, and I look forward to seeing how this will turn out.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher