Dangerous Dreams

The preface of Rhynard’s hefty debut describes how he drew on his own experiences dreaming about historical characters whom he “spoke... laughed... feared... and ultimately died with” in writing this novel set in the lost colony of Roanoke, Va., in 1587. Young Emily Colman is one of the 117 English colonists left behind after Gov. John White sails back to England for more supplies. She and the others—her father, friends, soldiers, and various paramours among them—strive for basic sustenance and desperately fight the Powhatan tribe, which was ravaged by an earlier English expedition. As the colonists attempt to elect leaders and establish defenses, Emily struggles to find lasting love amid the harsh conditions of the new world. Interwoven is the present-day story of Allie O’Shay, who realizes she’s dreaming the entire saga—and learns that her lucid dreams could mean actual danger for her. A graphic rape scene in which the victim is depicted as being aroused will likely put off some readers, but those who can get past that will find a story full of convincing period details, fraught with tension and violence, and featuring a strong cast. (BookLife)