Perchance to Dream: Theatre Illuminata #2 (edition 2010)

I really can't say why I like this series so much. Heavy fantasy with a love triangle, shouldn't be that remarkable. But its so unique, the mixing of folktales and classic Shakespearean stories, the weaving of classic romance tropes with modern feminism. And it's just such a fun world where absolutely anything can happen. It reminds me a lot of Labyrinth so that could be part of it. And writing isn't too shabby.

"Seek out the company of those who will never ask you to jump," the earth advised.
Bertie remembered the rush of feather as she soared above the audience. "I can catch myself."
"Of those whose love will never fill your lungs with water - " the earth argued.
"But it did not kill me."
"There should be more to love," said the earth, "than 'it did not kill me.' More than 'I survived it.'" - pg 316 ( )

I figured I might as well read the second book, since I read the first one and it was sitting right there. My reaction was pretty much the same as for the first book. [Nov. 2010] ( )

'Perchance to Dream' is the sequel to 'Eyes Like Stars'. Book two in the 'Theatre Illuminata' series, 'Perchance to Dream' was an enjoyable, fun read. Similar to my experience with 'Eyes Like Stars', I found that while I whipped through 'Perchance to Dream' and liked the story, I was still a bit confused during certain bits-- mostly action parts. There are a lot of inside jokes that pertain to plays, especially Shakespeare. Myself, I missed a lot of them because I'm not too into the Shakespeare/Classic play scene. Theater lovers should get the references right away, though.

MORE AT MY BLOG (Brookes Box of Books):
http://brookesboxofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-perchance-to-dream-by-lisa.html ( )

Brought to you by TeamNerd Reviewer Annabell Cadiz

Perchance to Dream is the second installment in the Theatre Illuminata Trilogy. Bertie has left the enchantment of the Theatre in order to rescue Nate. But she hasn’t gone alone, the irresistible Ariel and as always her four faithful fairy companions: Moth, Peaseblossom, Cobweb, and Mustardseed, have tagged along on the adventure. And true to form, they manage to get themselves in all sorts of wild and entertaining predicaments.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the four fairies. They are just too funny and oh so much fun to read! From their crazy antics and pranks to their outlandish sayings, you will find yourself laughing out loud throughout most of the book. One of my favorite parts is when Peaseblossom thinks she’s finally fallen in love, you won’t believe who she chooses! Cobweb, Mustardseed, and Moth are as always: crude, jokesters, and hungry! They manage to get themselves (along with Bertie and Ariel) into a heap of trouble when they come upon a wedding FULL of food. Oh boy!

A new character makes his way into Bertie’s adventure: Waschbar, the sneak-thief. Waschbar turns out to be just as clever as the fairies but with a good heart and better logic. He joins Bertie and her crew when Bertie uses The Book (the one that holds the origins of every Player) to help get her and the others out some dangerous trouble.

Bertie manages to get herself and her band of interesting sidekicks into a lot of trouble on her own though. Still not use to being the Mistress of Revels, The Teller of Tales, every time she writes something new in The Book, something always seems to go wrong and turns everything topsy-turvy.

Ariel is still determined to keep Bertie safe (and all the while greasing on his charm and sexiness)– which Bertie finds herself drawn to more and more.

Even from the Sea Goddess lair, Nate is still very much alive in Bertie– well, in her dreams that is. Bertie’s guilt continues to magnify the more she dreams of Nate because he is fading, and quickly, there is only so much time left for her to save him.

Perchance to Dream was DELICIOUS, VIVID, AND HILARIOUS! Bertie is strong willed and stubborn and loyal– a beautiful heroine girls of any age will love to read and find a connection with.

If you haven’t read Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream than you are missing out on two of the best young adult novels out there! Full of beautiful fantasy, rowdy characters, a sassy lead heroine, and crazy antics– you will find yourself devouring every word of the Theatre Illuminata Trilogy. ( )

I love so many things about Lisa Mantchev's novels. The settings and characters are imaginative, colorful, and undeniably fun. Both EYES LIKE STARS and PERCHANCE TO DREAM are gorgeous novels, inside and out.

I am definitely Team Nate, so the parts of the novel where Bertie's relationship and love for Ariel deepens was complete torture. I don't think I've ever been so unsure of a character as I am with Bertie; I really have no clue who she'll choose. And I can't help but hope, that if she doesn't pick Nate, that she'll decide to choose neither. I don't know what it is about Ariel, but I just loathe the thought of her being with him. I think Ariel is a bit too pretty for my tastes. I feel like Nate genuinely loves Bertie, while her relationship with Ariel is based more on lust. I'll never understand you, Team Ariel.

Bertie learns more about her role as Mistress of Revels and Teller of Tales and her magical word-related abilities in PTD. The mishaps that occur due to sloppy word choice were entertaining and redefined the importance of choosing your words wisely.

The fairies provided many hilarious lines and situations... as well as a growling stomach with all their talk of scrumptious treats.

The ending of PTD left me a bit disappointed and anxious for the next installment. I can't say too much without spoiling it for those who haven't read it yet, but it simply didn't satify me. I'm confident that Mantchev will resolve the issues in the next novel, but I'm too impatient to wait! ( )