Assessment:

Plot: The plot moves forward at a breakneck pace and never loses momentum, while still managing to tie up all of the important loose ends and leaving the reader wanting another chapter – or three. It does hit all of the plot points one would expect out of a romantic thriller, but the obvious denouement arrives via two particularly well-drawn twists: a reveal that the villain's been spying on the protagonist's dreams, and a deceptive dream that ultimately forces her out of her marriage.

Prose/Style: The story moves quickly thanks to immersive, vivid prose and snappy dialogue. Several particularly powerful sequences blur the lines between reality and dream-world, which is equally disorienting to the protagonist and the reader. The difference between Ness and Altan's narrative voices could be more distinct, to be sure, but once the reader falls into the rhythms of the book it's easier to tell who's narrating.

Originality: While elements of this plot are derivative of "Inception," the author not only realizes this but openly acknowledges it and winks at it endearingly. It doesn't break the mold of romantic thrillers, but by pulling in science-fiction and romance elements, the end result will appeal to fans of all three genres.

Character Development: Ness is a complicated, flawed heroine who frequently makes terrible (albeit not inexplicable) choices, and her indecision at the apex of a love triangle feels wrenchingly real. The gradual buildup of Ness and Altan's relationship as they get more and more enmired in the world of Morpheum, and where that relationship leads them, also feels true to life.

Blurb: This genre-bending romantic thriller delivers steamy chemistry, razor-sharp witty banter, and twist after twist. 

Date Submitted: May 03, 2019