Monday, June 9, 2014

Review: The Nightmare Dilemma

Author Mindee Arnett
Format e-Book
Print Length 384 pages
Publisher Tor Teen
Published March 4, 2014

The second in a thrilling new fantastical mystery series

Dusty Everhart might be able to predict the future through the dreams of her crush, Eli Booker, but that doesn’t make her life even remotely easy. When one of her mermaid friends is viciously assaulted and left for dead, and the school’s jokester, Lance Rathbone, is accused of the crime, Dusty’s as shocked as everybody else. Lance needs Dusty to prove his innocence by finding the real attacker, but that’s easier asked than done. Eli’s dreams are no help, more nightmares than prophecies.

To make matters worse, Dusty’s ex-boyfriend has just been acquitted of conspiracy and is now back at school, reminding Dusty of why she fell for him in the first place. The Magi Senate needs Dusty to get close to him, to discover his real motives. But this order infuriates Eli, who has started his own campaign for Dusty’s heart.

As Dusty takes on both cases, she begins to suspect they’re connected to something bigger. And there’s something very wrong with Eli’s dreams, signs that point to a darker plot than they could have ever imagined.

My Opinion


The sophomore curse is avoided in this entertaining sequel to The Nightmare Affair.

Dusty, Eli and Selena create the “Dream Team” which kinda reminds me of the Scooby team from my Buffy the Vampire Slayer watching days. When Britney a mermaid is attacked on school grounds Dusty is asked to dream walk with her to see what happened. What she finds is not what she expected and so she keeps it to herself.

To make matters even worse Lady Elaine asks that Dusty get close to her ex-boyfriend Paul again. As he is now back at school, even though in the previous book he was incohots with the Red Warlock. Her keeping an eye on Paul does interfer with her and Eli’s budding relationship. As does him sending mix singals.

Dusty is growing in her powers and in her confidence of herself. This book shows that growth which is entertaining to read. She is still as sassy as she was but now she is letting her sassiness show more. Selena is a great balance to Dusty. Selena is keeping a secret from her bestie though, a secret that needs to be shared. Her friendship and trust in Eli does take a hit in this book.

There is tension between the two- relationship tension. Eli keeps sending out mix messages- one second he is into her and the next he is not. This does cause Dusty to become a little boy crazy, but ultimately the mission she has been assigned does prevail. Eli’s indeference is explained later in the book and boy is the explaintion a dozy.

The Nightmare Dilemma is a fun read that allows you to escape your reality for a bit of time. I do recommend that you read the first book The Nightmare Affair before you tackle this one, as this is the sequel in the series.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars


Favorite Quote “Go on, my little red-haired Nancy Drew. Hurry up. Be careful.”


Other People

Moira- Dusty’s momma, a nightmare as well
Lady Elaine- Dusty’s mentor and advisor
Lance- Eli’s jock roomie
Selena- Dusty’s bestie

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