The Dreamer by Lora Innes

02 Nov 2011 1 Comment

by windowinthesky88 in book thoughts

Allan kissing Bea

I have been wanting to write about this comic series since the beginning of this blog. I mentioned to everyone in my little bio that I am a fan of graphic novels. One of my favorites, is The Dreamer by Lora Innes.

Since I can say very kindly that I lack the ability to give a great summary of this wonderful series, I am going to copy and paste (I call it quoting) Lora Innes synopsis:

“Beatrice “Bea” Whaley seems to have it all; the seventeen year old high school senior is beautiful, wealthy and the star performer of the drama club. And with her uncle’s connections to Broadway theater, the future looks bright ahead of her. Little does she know that her future might actually be brighter behindher…Bea begins having vivid dreams about a brave and handsome soldier named Alan Warren–a member of an elite group known as Knowlton’s Rangers that served during the Revolutionary War. Prone to keeping her head in the clouds, Bea welcomes her nightly adventures in 1776; filled with danger and romance they give her much to muse about the next day. But it is not long before Beatrice questions whether her dreams are simply dreams or something more. Each night they pick up exactly where the last one ended. And the senses–the smell of musket shots and cannons, the screams of soldiers in agony, and that kiss–are all far more real than any dream she can remember.”

What makes me love this series? Truly, it is how Lora Innes has been able to bring history, something that I love to dive into, to life. She does not make it into a story of the fables and legends no,  she researched and brought to life parts of the war that I can tell you I was never taught in school. (which reminds me of that musical, check out 1776, it is a great musical)

When I decided that I wanted to major in American History, I asked myself what parts of the history would I like to focus on. One of the many subjects was the Revolutionary War, which has always been a big deal for me, since it was the beginning of the United States of America.

In high school and even middle school they had always focused on the Declaration of Independence and after the war, than the actual Revolution itself. I knew nothing about Knowlton’s Rangers or Nathan Hale. I have in the past few years learned more about John Adams than what is portrayed in history books. Lora helps to bring that time period and the people who lived that time to life like never before.

Another thing that helped me love the series is the artwork and that it is a webcomic (you can now buy the series in bookstores). Lora updates the comic every Wednesday and Friday. She is currently finishing Issue 13.

I would highly recommend this series to all those who love graphic novels or are history fans, yes there is romance, but that does not hinder the greatness of this series, it actually makes it interesting and fun to read.

Check it out: www.thedreamercomic.com