Fearsome Dreamer

This novel is made of a strange yet satisfying blend of genres and ideas. There are elements of fantasy, but also what seems to be an alternate history juxtaposed with a possible future for the world. Laure Eve creates an entirely new world that seems rooted in the old for this first of a new trilogy.

The world is divided into two nations – Angle Tar, a technophobic and older version of England, and technologically advanced but socially disconnected World, which encompasses a futuristic rest of the planet. France appears to be the dominant state, as words such as Angle Tar are derived from French, as well as ‘Mussyer for ‘Monsieur’. In this new world are rare individuals who can visit real places in the world through dreaming, or even travel by thought. They are dangerous, and yet desirable in a world where no one trusts anyone else.

White is from World, and detests how everyone is continually plugged in to the reality-escaping Life. Having been imprisoned and tortured for his abilities he escapes to Angle Tar, where the enigmatic Frith enrols him in the university to further his skills. Frith similarly finds Rue, an apprenticed hedgewitch in rural Angle Tar, who dreams of World. As they come come together in  Parisette to hone their talents, Frith is secretly aware of a greater threat to both World and Angle Tar that only the Dreamers can stop. Yet no one will co-operate. As loyalties divide and Dreamers are courted by the enemy, time is running our for everyone.

This is a truly original book that will fascinate fantasy lovers. With a world this complex the world building became lesson like at times, but with its sudden ending the sequel will be highly anticipated.