Sleepless

November 8, 2010
There can be a fine line between romantic pursuit and stalking, and Balog's (Fairy Tale) enticing supernatural story of star-crossed love hovers right on the edge. For nearly a century, Eron DeMarchelle has served as a Sandman, lulling his charges to sleep; lately, he's developed a crush on Julia Devine, a teen with a tragic past. Since Eron's service is ending and he will transition back to mortality, he must train his replacement: Griffin Colburn, Julia's recently deceased boyfriend, with whom Julia shared an ambivalent, emotionally detached relationship. Griffin's best friend Bret also develops an unwholesome interest in Julia, aggravating Griffin, who threatens to default on his Sandman duties if Eron doesn't protect Julia from Bret. Griffin's plan backfires when Julia is charmed by Eron. With three guys, living and dead, out to claim her heart, the battle for Julia's fate is decided in her dreams and in the real world. Julia and Eron share a gentle chemistry that will appeal to paranormal romance fans, but readers drawn to the fantasy concept may wish for a more in-depth exploration of the Sandmen's world. Ages 12–up.

June 1, 2010

In this sweet supernatural romance, Balog resurrects a childhood fantasy: the sandman, who puts us to sleep at night. The sandmen (and women) here are human souls who have died but can return to life after a century of ghostly service. In this case, Eron, who died in 1910, looks forward to meeting in real life Julia, the girl he's watched over all her life and has grown to love. Eron has a rival, though: Griffin, Julia's actual, recently deceased, possessive boyfriend. Griffin becomes Eron's apprentice sandman, but it quickly becomes clear that Griffin has no intention of following the rules or of allowing Eron to romance his girl. The author presents Eron especially as an attractive character, using archaic language to root him firmly in 1910 but allowing readers to watch him cope with modern life and grow more confident. Julia wrestles with a childhood trauma, her growing attraction to Eron and the apparent continued presence of Griffin. Suspense, believable characters and an imaginative twist on a ghost story/romance make for a lovely read. (Supernatural romance. YA)

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August 1, 2010

Gr 9 Up-An interesting, quick-paced, and compelling paranormal romance. Eron DeMarchelle has known Julia all her life. As her Sandman, it is his duty to lure her, and his other charges, to sleep each night. Now, Julia's boyfriend has passed away and just when she unknowingly needs Eron the most, he may be unable to help her. Sandmen are contracted for 100 years after their deaths and then they are able to become human again. Eron has begun training his replacement, who just happens to be Julia's ex, Griffin, an impulsive and obsessive young man. As he begins to break the rules trying to stay forever with Julia, Eron must fight to save both her and himself. Julia is a smart heroine surrounded by flawed, yet mostly lovable boys and involved in a star-crossed romance. It's a surefire formula. Told in chapters alternating between Eron and Julia, the story includes some teenage drinking, some sexually mature scenes, and stalking, but it is definitely recommended for public library collections.-Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

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