In Dreams

November 1, 2013
Orloff mixes suspense, romance and Greek mythology to tell the tale of a 16-year-old girl who learns that her dreams might kill her. When Iris falls asleep, she always has the same dream: She walks down an endless hallway with doors stretching to infinity in both directions, searching for a boy she knows is there somewhere. It turns out that these dreams are real and that Iris has a strong connection to several of the Greek gods, who also turn out to be real. She finally meets Sebastian, who she's sure is her soul mate, in her dream, but he's trapped there unless he's willing to risk his life to cross into the mortal world. However, a war is breaking out among the gods, and Iris finds herself caught in the middle of the action. Epiales, the god of nightmares, takes the fight directly into the mortal world, trashing Iris' house and threatening her entire family. Among the gods on Iris' side is Aphrodite, marvelously drawn as an overweight diva with zest for life and lust for the local Greek pastry baker, who sashays into Iris' house to protect her. Orloff heads each chapter with a quotation related to dreams from writers as diverse as Shakespeare and Ruth Rendell. These reinforce the thematic emphasis on the importance of dreams and dreaming, neatly executed without sacrificing excitement or humor. Solid. (Paranormal thriller. 12 & up)

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March 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-Iris wants more than anything to have a decent night's sleep but not if it separates her from the man of her dreams, Sebastian. Utterly confused by the craziness of her life, she is shocked to discover she is the daughter of the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. Unfortunately, Iris's very existence has created conflict among her father and his brothers. Is there a way for her and Sebastian to be together, despite the war she struggles to survive? An entertaining twist on the conflicts and issues among different Greek gods and goddesses, In Dreams looks at the power of love and friendship versus hatred and greed. With interesting characters, a fast-moving plot, as well as the modern setting with mythological elements and quite readable storytelling, this title is especially appropriate for reluctant readers.-Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

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