Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $4.99

Save $10.00 (67%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $17.46

Save: $9.97 (57%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

J. R. Johansson
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Insomnia (The Night Walkers Book 1) Kindle Edition

by J.R. Johansson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 112 ratings
See all formats and editions
Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp spends each night trapped in the dream of the last person he’s made eye contact with. Every night he is crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion from his brain never truly sleeping is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing the real life nightmares of psychosis and even death.

Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. There is no denying how badly Parker needs it. When he starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day, everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.

Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Night Walkers
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    December 2, 2019
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. Grade level
    7 - 12
  8. File size
    3838 KB
  9. Page Flip
    Enabled
  10. Word Wise
    Enabled
  11. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  12. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
All 2 for you in this series See full series
See included books
Total Price: $9.98
By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Parker Chipp is dying. Dr. Brown confirmed Parker's suspicions that lack of sleep would drive him mad before killing him, but Parker cannot confide in anyone, because who would believe him? Johansson's adult personas are limited by their inability to accept the supernatural and understand the teen experience, both in the form of a ridiculous principal and a concerned yet oblivious mother. Before Mia moved to town, Parker was counting down the days he had left because he's a Watcher: a dream-walker. He is tortured by the dreams of the last person to make eye contact with him, but Mia's dreams offer unexpected respite from his condition; Parker can rest and dream his own dreams while inhabiting Mia's. Unfortunately, his triumph quickly turns sour when she feels violated by his attention, especially when she receives sinister emails, seemingly from Parker. This thriller embraces every conflict imaginable with horrifying results, whether Parker is battling his own good and evil halves, his friends and reputation, or an unseen foe. Insomnia is a suspenseful mystery not entirely resolved at the end, leaving readers biting their nails while waiting for the sequel.-Jamie-Lee Schombs, Loyola School, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"This book plunges you into the waking nightmare of one extraordinary insomniac's life. A riveting story of terror and despair that will keep you up long past your bedtime." -- JENNIFER BOSWORTH, author of Struck

"Completely unputdownable. I've decided to nickname Johansson 'Scary McScarypants,' because she spooked me in all the best ways. Who do I have to bribe to get book two now?!" -- CARRIE HARRIS, author of Bad Taste in Boys

"Cleverly written and dangerously dark, Insomnia will take you to the brink of insanity. A must read for thriller and romance fans alike." -- ELANA JOHNSON, author of Possession

Kirkus ReviewINSOMNIA
Author: J.R. JohanssonJohansson, writing from Parker's point of view, scatters clues and red herrings about. Parker's plight will convince readers, although they will not know if he's innocent or psychotic until the final pages. The ending sets up the sequel in what promises to be an interesting new series.The premise combines with the tension resulting from Parker's psychological quandary to keep pulses pounding. (Suspense. 12 & up)

"Insomnia is the perfect blend of everything I love in a story. Suspense, twists, characters with many levels that make me wonder just how good or just how bad they really are. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I hope a sequel comes soon!" -- JAMES DASHNER, author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling Maze Runner series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B081QC2D3P
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Midnight Media (December 2, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 2, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3838 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J. R. Johansson

J. R. Johansson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

J.R. JOHANSSON is the author of the Night Walkers Series (INSOMNIA, PARANOIA and MANIA) as well as standalone novels, CUT ME FREE and THE ROW. Her books have been published in a dozen languages and more than twenty countries worldwide. She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. She lives in a valley by the mountains where the sun shines 300+ days per year with two sons, a husband, three cats, and a hot tub named Valentino. Find out more about her on her website: www.jrjohansson.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
112 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

S.Staley
5.0 out of 5 stars I felt a more appropriate title for this book would have been, Intense!
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2013
Verified Purchase
I'm so excited to review Insomnia! Ever since I first saw the cover I knew I would love this book. In fact, I pre-ordered the book so I could get my hands on it as fast as I could. The cover is one of the best I've seen this year. If you think the cover is creepy and haunting,this gives you a good idea about what you will find inside.

Even though main character Parker scares you with his bizarre actions, he is a very sympathetic character. You can't help but feel his pain when he longs so much to be able to have a good nights sleep. Parker doesn't sleep at night because he lives within others dreams. He wanders undetected in the dream of the last person he made eye contact with. As I was reading this book I felt a more appropriate title for this book would have been, Intense!
The story hooks you from the beginning and never sets you free until the end. I was so impressed with the great writing in this book considering this is Jenn's first published novel. If you are familiar with I'm Not a Serial Killer, by Dan Wells, it is a creepy and fantastic book. I need to warn Dan that Jenn is fast on his tail for mastering the creepy factor. She has created such a dark tale that keeps the reader guessing and freaked out. This YA thriller I can guarantee you is going to be making a name for itself and it's author.

Read more of my reviews at http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Sydnee
4.0 out of 5 stars Flat ending, but great concept
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
The protagonist of this YA thriller is 16-year old Parker Chipp (gotta love that last name), who hasn't had true, restful sleep in over four years because of a strange condition: He is forced to watch the dreams of the last person he made eye contact with before he fell asleep. Naturally this means viewing a lot of weird, awkward and confusing images involving unicorns and unspoken desires, but most disturbing are the memories -- domestic violence and murder among them.

The premise (and that snazzy cover) alone are powerful enough to make me giddy, but it's Parker and his best friend Finn who kept me reading. Parker isn't particularly noteworthy by himself but my sympathy for his predicament is enough to make up for that. (I mean, it's only natural to be a little deficient in personality when you haven't slept in four years. I start losing charm when I go without sleep for more than four hours, but I digress.) And Finn is a good-natured, laid back weirdo, and they're both dudes (there aren't enough male POVs in YA!). Enough said.

I wasn't expecting the romance that blossomed in this novel, but I actually supported it for once! Although there were some scenes that may have foreshadowed it, I'm glad that the author avoided the creepy tendency to put stalker guys on a pedestal, with the victim of his stalking falling madly in love with him. I can't say how many times I've seen that play out in romance novels, but it happens way too much. This novel is a textbook-perfect example of how you're supposed to handle it, and it does so in a way that makes me sympathetic to both the victim and the perpetrator. What the what? Parker manages to fall in love with someone other than the one who he's obsessively co-dependent on. I can't tell you how awesome it is to be able to write that.

Other things I loved about this novel: busy but concerned/visible mom, subtle critiques of domestic violence and drug abuse, guy who confides in his friends instead of bottling everything up and slowly going insane. I really admire the attention to the relationships between all of the main characters - very refreshing, honest and realistic. Insomnia was also amazing at building tension and creating all sorts of twist and turns that kept me guessing. Up until the climactic end scene, I was totally hooked, although there were a few lulls here and there.

I won't spoil anything, but there's a certain twist in the climax that threw me for a loop, and unfortunately not in a good way. The final reveal of Mia's stalker made no sense to me, as it came way out of left field. Even after stepping back for a couple hours, I couldn't see how the Big Reveal was plausible - I think there needed to be some more foreshadowing or character development on the part of He Who Shall Not Be Named.

I'm not quite sure if I want to read follow-ups but as a standalone novel, Insomnia was extremely satisfying.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Free Thinker
5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting, fresh, and compelling read
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2014
Verified Purchase
Johansson has created a book with a killer premise, a wonderful protagonist, and a fantastic plot. It worked on many levels for me. I felt like I was a teenage boy again, which shows the author's insights into people as well as a talent for capturing that on paper. The mystery and suspense kept me turning pages and by itself would have made this an excellent novel. But the story has tremendous depth. Parker's gift/curse is not only original and compelling, but also an amazing device to explore a wide array of fully developed characters through their dreams and memories. During the book, Parker discovers a fundamental need to connect with another character in order to stay alive and it really hit home. For anyone who has met that one person without whom life would be unendurable, from whom the simplest exchange could change an endless, lonely, and tormented night's tossing and turning into a contented night's rest, this book is worth reading. Johansson deftly navigates through the often-chaotic teenage world of friendships, misunderstandings, duty, love, trust, and conflict to deliver a very memorable story. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Helpful
 Report
John Rogers Clark IV
5.0 out of 5 stars Rock Solid Beginning
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2013
Verified Purchase
As a librarian and author, I read and review a great many books, mostly in the YA fiction genre. After a while it's a challenge for a book to stand out. This one does because it has several elements that are extremely well done. Parker's insomnia, its cause and how he discovers a temporary respite are artfully crafted. His feelings and stream of consciousness as he gets pulled deeper and deeper into other people's dreams creates an eerie atmosphere that feels realistic as all get out. I particularly like the tension/attraction between Parker, Mia, Finn and Addie. Parker's confusion about his other persona and where that tenuous reality line lies ramps up the tension very nicely. As the story progresses, I could see the action unfold like a movie in my head, a sure sign that I'm reading a winner. Perhaps the most telling aspect for me is that I finished the book feeling satisfied, but already salivating for the next in the series. When I feel that way, I know I've just read a winner.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
A. Bridge
3.0 out of 5 stars Predictable
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2014
Verified Purchase
This was a little juvenile sometimes in it's writing/story for YA or adults and very predictable. A little like Nightmare on Elm Street.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Miranda016
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and gripping
Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2014
Verified Purchase
Insomnia was a wonderful read. While I've encountered the idea of being able to travel through the dreams of others, I've never seen it presented in quite the way that Johansson framed her novel.

The whole novel had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what was going to happen in both the main plot and each of the subplots.
Report
Johanna
4.0 out of 5 stars High-tension teenage mystery
Reviewed in Germany on July 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
It had been over four years since I'd really slept, and I suspected it was killing me.

What an opening line. I mean, don't all authors learn that the first line in a book is the one that should pull the reader in? This one definitely does the job. I really liked so many things about this book, and I'm going to tell you a few of them.

I probably don't read enough books with male lead characters considering how much I like them. They aren't overly emotional, but still not as rational as one (or woman) might think. I loved the idea of Insomnia. A boy who can't sleep unless he watches the dreams of a stranger girl. Some really funny descriptions of people's dreams made me laugh. Through Parker's eyes, we can see the world and the people in it from a different perspective. He's not only tortured by sleep deprivation but also by a moral problem: inhowfar should he interfere with other people's problems or crimes that he sort of witnesses in the memories he watches?! As I said, great idea, fantastic plot. The book had some pretty dark moments which made it a true thriller.

I also liked that Parker and Mia, the girl with the relaxed dreams, don't need to fall in love in order to make this story more interesting with the help of clichés. The actual love interest was far better than that.

I read that some people had problems with Parker's selfish behavior, especially towards his mom. But I guess, it's hard to imagine what he goes through. After four years of that kind of life, nobody would behave in a normal way. We can't simply say that he acts in an immature way. Of course, the question arises how he has survived this situation for so long. That doesn't even seem possible to me.

Almost the first half of the book tells how Parker finds Mia and how he stalks her in a really creepy way so he can have eye contact with her as the last person every evening. I can tell you, it was so hard to read about that. I always cringed inside, sometimes put the book away, waited a day or so, but was soon drawn back to it. You think "Dude, don't act this way" but then he's really desperate and doesn't see any other solution.

I can highly recommend this exciting read to all fans of YA mystery or thrillers. It keeps you guessing, biting your nails and shaken between repulsion and sympathy. A great read!
Report
Becky Louise
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
Wowza! Many story lines you come across are so similar to each other but I have never heard of anything like Insomnia before, hence why I was so desperate to read it! I'm glad I did get a copy as it has to have been one of the best books that I have read this year!

The idea is so original and different to many you see on my bookshelf, it was more about Parker and his 'problem' than what it was a major love issue (which tends to be in most ya!). All of the characters were so well written about, I felt I could connect with them when I was reading about them and that for me is a big part of a book!

Insomnia is worth more than 5 stars in my opinion!
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report