Ashlynn's Dreams

Devya's Children, Book 1

By: Julie C. Gilbert

Narrated by: Julie Hinton

The kidnapping changes everything...

Twelve-year-old Jillian Blairington never thought she was particularly special.

She was wrong. She’s a Dream Shaper.

The scientists responsible for the genetic modifications kidnap her in order to teach Jillian how to use her Gift. But she isn’t alone. They also have her babysitter, Danielle Matheson, snatched to keep her in line.

They also have a task for her.

If Jillian can’t master her Gift quickly, Danielle might only be the first victim of many.

This is book one in the YA sci-fi Devya's Children series. It's highly recommended you experience this series in order: Ashlynn's Dreams, Nadia's Tears, Malia's Miracles, and Varick's Quest. There's also a prequel called The Dark Side of Science and a series of short stories called Ashlynn's Dreams Shorts. They're also available as audiobooks. Ashlynn's Dreams Shorts, Ashlynn's Dreams, and Nadia's Tears are performed by Kristin Condon. Malia's Miracles and Varick's Quest are performed by Julie Hinton. The prequel, The Dark Side of Science, is performed by Brian Troxell.

Interview with the Author:

Q: What makes the Devya’s Children series special?

A: At the heart, this series is about family and friendship as well as the ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering. It’s been likened to the Orphan Black TV show. I like to think of it as a more family-friendly take on those themes. The premise is that a brilliant scientist and his team created several genetically altered children who have special Gifts, such as telepathy, healing, and dream shaping. The journal/letters style is not unique to this series, but I believe ultimately it suits my need to get in these people’s heads.

Q: What order should I read them in?

A: I suggest the traditional order of:

• Ashlynn’s Dreams
• Nadia’s Tears
• Malia’s Miracles
• Varick’s Quest
• Before jumping into the prequel - The Dark Side of Science - or Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts.

The prequel and the short stories can certainly be listened to as stand-alones, but they may be more enjoyable once the listener is already familiar with some of the characters.

Q: Where does this audiobook fit in the series? What theme(s) make it special?

A: Ashlynn’s Dreams is where it all started. This is definitely the place where you want to jump in and get connected. If I had to pick a few central themes, I’d say kidnapping, family, and genetic engineering. Why kidnapping? Well, it’s awful and scary and just plain wrong, but in this case, there’s a specific reason the scientists do it. Science fiction’s all about the what-ifs. We’re actually just getting into the advancements in real world genetics where some of these things could be in the near future. That’s going to open a whole can of ethical worms. Fiction’s a wonderful playground for delving into scientific ethics.

Q: Why should listeners check out this series?

A: Because Devya’s Children will introduce you to a charming cast of characters dealing with some big issues.

©2013 Julie C. Gilbert (P)2021 Julie C. Gilbert

A fast-paced, imaginative YA sci-fi adventure!

Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert is a gripping start to the Devya's Children series, full of twists and surprises. Julie Hinton's narration brings the characters to life with a captivating edge. “The kidnapping changes everything,” as young Jillian discovers her true potential as a Dream Shaper in this fast-paced, imaginative YA sci-fi adventure.