Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev
- YA, fantasy -
reviewed by Tara SG
received for review via Around the World Tours
Book Order (Théâtre Illuminata Trilogy)
- Eyes Like Stars * * * 1/2
- Perchance to Dream * * *
- So Silver Bright (2011)
Links
Author’s Website : www.lisamantchev.livejournal.com
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This book in 6 words:
added mythology and danger advance story
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I wanted to read Eyes Like Stars and when given the chance I jumped on an ARC tour for Perchance to Dream. I enjoyed the first book, but I think I liked this one more. You jump right into the action and learn a lot in the first 50 pages. The action keeps up and the love triangle grows. Your left wanting more, but not too much so.
Brief Summary
The stuff that 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?
- via GoodReads.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
In this second book of the series, the characters take their show on the road. This adds some more action and allows the much needed variety in scenery. I was little thrown off by who Bertie’s father was, but came to terms with it by the end. I really don’t like love triangles… I’ve picked my team and will be reading the next book to make sure Bertie chooses correctly 
The pacing was better in this one, but still not as smooth as I would have liked. You’ll still find your favorite quotes and characters making appearances.
Characters
Bertie is growing up more and more in this one. She has to learn to use her gift more carefully and has to face some tough facts about life while learning more about her parents and trying to save Nate.
We don’t get to see as much of Nate as I’d like in this one. Ariel was growing on me a little, but there’s still too much I don’t like about him.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about Bertie’s parents and how it ties in with the Sea Queen!
Recommendations
If you liked Eyes Like Stars then you should definitely continue the series!
What a fantastic cover! While not up my alley it is definitely eye catching and the books sounds like it would be a good read. I really wish I liked pure fantasy more!
@ Felicia : Yeah I wouldn’t recommend these for you :/
I liked this one better than Eyes Like Stars as well. And Ariel did grow on me in this book. A bit. But I’m still Team Nate! Lol. I guess I’m just getting tired of the mysterious, brooding types. Lol!
@ Natalie : I’m completely Team Nate! While I like a little mystery and brooding… the nice guy needs to win sometimes!