Title: Dreams
Author: SianCeinwen
Reviewer: Fayesther
Title + Cover: 5/5
Simple but incredibly effective! The title fits the story wonderfully. I could see why you chose this title after reading the blurb. I can say the same about the cover too. After reading the blurb I can see clearly why you chose the picture you chose. The font used is clear and fits the colour scheme well.
Blurb: 5/5
A brief but clear blurb. Starting off with a fascinating hook and ending with an even more gripping hook that flips the starting concept on its head. A very cleverly structured blurb that truly drew me in with questions that I couldn't wait to discover answers to.
The title, cover and blurb of your book work perfectly together to sell your work to potential readers. Great work!
Writing Style: 4/5
Your writing style has an upbeat and sunny tone. Bringing plenty of drama, passion and humour in a beautifully balanced way.
I love the way you structured the story. Swapping back and forth between Cheli's everyday life and her dream world chapter by chapter worked wonderfully. You showed the passionate situations in her dreams so vividly, then explained the inner workings of Cheli's thought processes as she carried out her mundane tasks; this really brought the concepts of your story to life.
Using bold font for texts was an effective addition.
Your descriptive writing was on point throughout! The dream settings were really cleverly portrayed. I loved how you included that small details were easily looked over, which is the case in dreams. For example, making sure to not include them reading anything or focusing on details in pictures. Also having no other people about and no use for money truly brought me to a place out-with reality in a subtle way. So clever! I also have to mention the sex scenes! They were written tactfully, you give a good amount of detail without going too far. Steamy but not cringy; masterfully done!
One thing that I would like to mention is that I noticed places where your writing got a bit repetitive. There were a few paragraphs throughout that included the phrase "Dream man" a number of times. I think it'll benefit your story if you took some out.
My favourite feature of this story that you described was how the dream setting changed to match whoever's dream it was. What a great idea! The way you described the rainstorm that Cheli's anger and feelings of betrayal brought to her dream was absolutely incredible!
Characterisation: 5/5
Cheli is likeable and relatable. I rooted for her from the start! She is independent and strong, she also has a fab sense of humour. She is a well fleshed out, 3D character with so many strengths and vulnerabilities, which makes her incredibly realistic. I love her!
I also love her best friend Vanessa, she is fun and compliments Cheli's personality well – bringing an energetic friendship to the page. I also appreciated how accepting she was of Cheli's crazy situation. She is truly Cheli's rock throughout the story. What a gem!
Matt is instantly likeable. As soon as he and Cheli first interacted I was on board. Instant chemistry! Great banter, great flirting! Matt is the perfect guy. Considerate, sexy and fun. Cheli and Matt's chemistry only got stronger! It's gorgeous to see how their relationship progressed. They move together as one unit beautifully. Seeing how both of them prioritise their moments together is so lovely!
I also have to mention Richard! Poor guy! I felt so sorry for him.
Plot: 5/5
A very clever story that made me think beyond what was written on the page! You made me seriously explore the number of possibilities that were brought to the table. Is it all real – indescribable magic through dreams? Or is it all a manifestation of Cheli's overactive imagination.
You start off with a well explained main character background set up. Bringing relatable situations to Cheli's everyday life.
I love that you don't hold back. You get straight into meeting Matt in the dream and I was hooked right from the start!
You include a brilliant use of cliff hangers and hints that spark questions in the reader.
Cheli not being able to remember Matt's name when awake and the pair of them not remembering details of their lives was a fascinating idea that set up dramatic complications for our main characters that were so much fun to read about. I couldn't wait to see how it all would pan out.
Cheli's dilemma with choosing between her real life and fantasy was so compelling, I found myself getting stressed out with her!
OVERALL SCORE: 24/25
An addictive story that I would've read the entirety of even if you didn't request me to! I was obsessed to find out what would happen with Cheli and Matt! I was not disappointed at all and I believe no other readers who love an adult fiction with a genius twist would be! This story was incredible and I will happily recommend it to anyone!
Thank you so much for asking me to review (now one of my favourite books) I hope you found my feedback helpful.