Dealing in Dreams
Lilliam Rivera

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​It’s a new world order and the women are in charge. In Lilliam Rivera’s Dealing in Dreams dystopian novel there is reversal in power dynamics where all-female gangs are in charge of protecting order in Mega City. Through battles and bloodshed, Déesse, Mega City’s founder and leader, makes the decision of who can live a life of luxury and indulgence in the Mega Towers. Nalah, the 16-year-old leader of one of the toughest gangs in the city, has her loyalty challenged by Déesse and is sent on a dangerous mission.
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With an addict as Nalah’s guide, her and her gang- Las Mal Criadas- head into treacherous Cemi Territory in efforts to secure a place for themselves in Mega Towers. In a world of chaos and survival, relationships are tested, alliances are formed and broken, and nothing is certain.

Rivera has built a world of survival, wavering loyalty, and secrets. While developing an almost all female cast of characters, Rivera brings nuance to her girls and destroys the stereotype of how a girl could and should be. Dealing in Dreams takes its time to set the scene and paint a vivid, broken world, and takes you quickly through the lives of teenagers who have to survive with family they’ve chosen and deal with the reality of the family who left them behind.
Lilliam Rivera is an award-winning writer and author of the young adult novels Dealing in Dreams (2019) and The Education of Margot Sanchez (2017). Dealing In Dreams has been featured in Teen Vogue, PBS Books, Los Angeles Times, Bustle, among other outlets, and has received starred reviews by the School Library Journal and Booklist.

Dealing In Dreams is publication by Simon & Schuster Books. Click here to purchase.
Reviewed by
Harmony Trevino​
​6/13/2019
Harmony Trevino is a writer and voracious reader of books. She started her education in journalism, and ventured into nonprofit communications. Harmony eventually went to work at TOMS Shoes for five years supporting their philanthropy efforts. She currently resides in Tennessee.
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