Review PERCHANCE TO DREAM by Lisa Mantchev

PERCHANCE TO DREAM

by Lisa Mantchev

Details: Published: May 25th 2010 by Feiwel & Friends (first published 2010)
Hardcover, 384 pages

Placement in Pile: Reaching New Heights

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?

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.

REVIEW:

It took me a little while to get back into the world Lisa has created (which, in my opinion, is somewhat confusing at times with the combination of modern and historical elements and magic and everything else). I remembered that EYES LIKE STARS was different, but I didn't seem to remember just HOW different her writing/world building was. Once I got back into it though and remembered more of the details from the first book, I was sucked right in to the craziness, romance, and suspense of the Theater Illuminata books. A unique story, wonderful characters of all sorts (aren't the faeries hysterical?), and a complicated love triangle. (I know who I'm rooting for!) The way this one ends I have no idea who she's going to pick or how, but I can't wait for more. And I really am craving some cupcakes. Or just cake. Or anything with sugar.