Perchance to Dream

Goodreads Synopsis:   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 Thoughts:

-    Another amazing cover!!

-    Not as fun as the first book, but it has a riveting ending, and I enjoyed it.

-    Most of the book feels like the characters are wandering around lost, and they never know what to do.

-    Bertie is kind of a jerk in this book.  She is mean to everyone.  Part of me doesn't blame her for some of it, but she could try to be more pleasant.

-    I no longer hate Ariel.  I think he is just misunderstood, and I find him quite charming now.

-    I really liked the power of words idea in the whole book.  Bertie has to be careful about what she says and writes.  It is a good lesson for everyone.  

-    The love triangle is more prominent in the second book, and I still don't like it.  I do like all the characters though.  I just don't like that Bertie has to decide.  Love triangles frustrate me.