Perchance to Dream review

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev (blurb from Goodreads)

From the critically acclaimed author of Eyes Like Stars

We are such stuff as dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.

Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.

When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Once again, LISA MANTCHEV has spun a tale like no other—full of romance, magic, adventure, and fairies, too—that readers won’t want to put down, even after the curtain has closed.

My review:

I was so excited to read this. I LOVED Eyes Like Stars, and I had high expectations for the sequel. I read it yesterday, and all I can think is "what just happened??"

I hate to admit that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I don't like to give an author a negative review, especially when I've liked their writing in the past, but half the time, I couldn't figure out what in the world was happening! In my opinion, the action in a well-written book shouldn't be difficult to follow if you've been paying attention, and creativity does not involve strange, abstract action. When I could follow what was happening, I enjoyed the book. When I couldn't, I just tried to get through to a part that made sense. Unfortunately, I have to say that my overall impression of this book was that it fell short. It seemed like the author was rushed and was trying too hard.

My rating: 3.0