Lucid Dream is an imaginative tale that gives the readers a glimpse into the eyes and imagination of a dreamer—both literally and figuratively. Filled with otherworldly adventures, kilig moments, and heartfelt scenes, it is perfect for those who wish to momentarily escape from reality, while remaining grounded in the realm of fantasy.
The plot follows Angelique, a lucid dreamer who deals with her two worlds—her adversity-ridden waking life and her carefully crafted dreams. Everything changes when Caleb, a mysterious “dream traveler,” suddenly appears one night in her sleep. Meanwhile, in her reality, she becomes close with her longtime crush, Owen, a rich but sensible boy studying in a private school across hers.
The world of dreamers
The world building bound within almost 200 pages of this book is vivid and wonderfully executed, with lore directly tying to the plot being elaborately detailed. Yet even so, it is only to the extent where there is still enough room for the reader’s imagination to flourish. Angelique and Caleb’s escapades into the phantasms of other sleeping people add more depth and character to the unique situations they are in.
The seamless transition between Angelique’s two worlds can be seen every time she is about to sleep or wake up. The contrast in description also makes all the difference—the bleak, somber nature of her waking life, compared to the colorful and vivacious identity of the world that she had created.
Between reality and fantasy
One of the recurring themes in the story is living in reality versus fantasy. At the beginning, Angelique prefers to live in the utopia she created, and even mulls over the possibility of staying there forever.
From there, she meets Caleb, who tells her that reality will always be better than her mere imagination. Soon, her life, as well as her outlook on it, improves, and she begins to rely less and less on her imagination as she and Caleb become closer. Towards the end, it is revealed that the latter is indeed a real person, after much speculation on Angelique’s part about his being.
Almario sets the twists and turns of the story in a way that stays with the reader long after the final chapter is closed. The theme, which can be relatable to many readers, ties really well into the plot. The juxtaposition of Angelique’s vastly different realities is also seen through Caleb and Owen.
Leaving slumberland
Though a fantasy in its own right, this story still has elements grounded in reality where readers are able to take lessons from in life—especially the lead character, Angelique, as she grows into a better person all throughout. There are definitely moments and scenes that can bring tears to the eyes of readers, even before the end. In a nutshell, it has a heart, and it is not afraid to show the fragility of life, even in bizarre scenarios.
The mind is a powerful thing that can create its own “reality” at will. But at some point, we have to learn to wake up and smell the coffee. We must see the sunlight peeking through the clouds, no matter how difficult.
Lucid Dream is available for purchase through The PSICOM Shop and Lazada, as well as in National Bookstore branches nationwide.
