"
Roc, Sept 2001, 5.99, 368 pp.
ISBN: 0451458435
People can enter the Dream, a mental plane of existence where thoughts are communicated to others though their bodies might be light years apart. Only the Silent may actually enter the plane of the Dream, but they can also take over the mind and body of another Silent if that person is willing. On the planet Rust, a new phenomena surfaces when teenage Sejal has the ability to take over the mind and body of Silent and non-Silent alike, up to eight at a time.
Agents of the Children of Irfan look for Sejal because they know if knowledge of him reaches the other Silents or the public at large, the ancient history Salem witch trials on Earth will look like a picnic. When they manage to locate and get Sejal to leave Rust, human and other species that can enter the Dream State have already learned about this unique individual. All have a use for him but the only people willing to listen to Sejal's wishes are the children of Irfan and even they doubt he should be allowed to live.
DREAMER is a fresh, original story that will interest readers who want something different. The plot has so many twists and turns that nobody will be able to predict what happens next. Steven Harper has created a clever concept tightened by the issue of the needs of the majority vs. the rights of one (similar to killing or exploiting instead of isolating Typhoid Mary) and weaves an exciting tale around it. Let's hope Mr. Harper is not silent about the Silent in the near future.
Harriet Klausner
"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Steven Harper Scholar
Click above for the new Obama Girl Parody video!
Overall Review
Our unique search engine breaks down books and movies into
dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 20% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- science fiction story
Explore/1st contact/ enviro story
Yes
Plotlets:
- exploring the dreamscape
Spying & Investigations
Yes
What is main char. doing?
- rescue mission/escape from confinement
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- mage/magician
Age:
- a teen
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- an organization
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an average amount
Setting
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:
- humans in a futuristic society
- very controlled society
Planet outside solar system?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only)
- a moderate amount of scientific explanation
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
