Dream Boy

Gr 9 Up—Annabelle has always had vivid dreams, especially about one particularly cute boy. But when that boy walks into her chemistry class, she knows that everything is going to be different. Her dreams are coming to life, but it isn't the perfect reality Annabelle has wanted. Instead, her nightmares are also coming true. The novel is slow to start, focusing mostly on Annabelle's romantic relationship with Martin, the boy from her dreams. In the second half, the story picks up once the action begins. The fast-paced plot lacks tension due to superficial character development. Readers are supposed to feel like the stakes are high, but since they do not really get to know some of the secondary characters, it's hard to be fully invested. The relationship between Annabelle and Martin is a little too instantaneous, even with their dream connection. Some revelations that are meant to be shocking fall flat due to a lack of hints about the eventual reveal. The end is satisfying but underwhelming. Purchase for collections where paranormal romance are still popular and desired.—Paige Garrison, Aurora Central Public Library, CO