Review: 4 1/2 Stars
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 5, 2009
Plot/Storyline: 4 StarsThis was an extremely imaginative tale that takes place mostly in the dream world of Nod. There is even a surprising explanation for why it is called `Nod.' Although this is listed as a YA novel, it is just as enjoyable for adults, if not more so. Younger readers would possibly miss many of the subtle nuances of the work.At first, the switching of viewpoint from omniscient to first person was a little awkward. Cole, the father of twins, is reading a book to them that is written by his father, Jake. The book he is reading is told in first person, and relates a tale from Cole's childhood. The portions featuring the `adult Cole' become scarce after the first quarter, though, making for a smoother read.I felt that having Jake write his book from a first person perspective, but relate in detail events he was not personally privy to, gave the story an unrealistic feel. Yes, the tale is a fantasy and, therefore, not realistic at all. However, this aspect leant a fictional quality that is negated later in the work.Cole's explanation for why he did not call Jake "Dad", or something similar, was bothersome to me. The story did not really explain why or when Cole switched to calling his father by his name. I figured that he must have called him `Daddy' when a baby as the adults would have ensured this. His brother, Sean, calls Jake, "Dad." So, the explanation Cole gives his sons seemed like something contrived by an adult to earn points with his kids, rather than something based in reality, especially given the story he reads to them with his father's part in it.Although the story takes place mostly in the `dream world', it is pointed out that Sean and Cole have physical bodies there and can be hurt or killed. However, when Sean breaks his leg, he still manages to run, jump, climb ladders, etc. I tried hard to overlook this and succeeded for the most part, thinking that perhaps his leg wasn't actually broken, just sprained or something. However, being told that Sean still limps as an adult reinforced the idea that the leg was broken.This was a fairly fast paced novel with many action sequences. I especially enjoyed the stories injected into the storyline. They were a good fit and very interesting.Oddly enough, my favorite characters were the cows from the trampoline scene.  I don't know why, but that image just stuck with me.Character Development: 4 StarsJake is a very well-developed character. The reader can really feel his emotions coming through. I have to admit that I found it difficult to feel much sympathy for a man who abandoned his children, but sympathy did come into play for him being a widower.Cole could have been developed more as the reader really doesn't get much explanation for what he is really feeling. As a child, we understand that he loves his brother, but we don't get a feel for how this boy feels about having his mother die and being abandoned by his father. This is not expressed well from the adult Cole's viewpoint, either.Sean is very well developed from the childhood view. I did wish that he would have made an appearance as an adult, but, even though that never happened, I was still satisifed with the development of his character.Writing Style: 4 3/4 StarsThe writing style of Mr. Marlowe had a wonderful flow to it that kept me enthralled throughout. The descriptions were vivid, bringing the dream world to life.Aside from a very few dangling participles and awkward sentences, the structure was outstanding. The dialogue was realistic and engaging. The action sequences were also very nicely done with no confusion for the reader. I could actually see the action unfolding in my mind as I read (especially those cows).Editing/Formatting: 4 3/4 StarsThere were a few too many editing errors to refer to this as `professionally edited'; however, it did not fall very short.The formatting was excellent.Rating: PG-------------------------------For more information and reviews, including commentary by authors, be sure to check out my blog.  You will find it listed in my profile!