The Portal of Dreams By: Charles Neville Buck (1879-1930)
The Portal of Dreams by Charles Neville Buck is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy into a thrilling narrative. Set in a small seaside town, the story follows the life of the enigmatic protagonist, John, who discovers a hidden portal that allows him to traverse between the waking world and the realm of dreams. One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Buck's meticulous attention to detail. From the vivid descriptions of the seaside town and its peculiar inhabitants to the exquisite portrayal of the dream realm, every aspect of the book is carefully crafted, immersing the reader in a rich and vivid world. The author's prose is both lyrical and evocative, making it easy to envision the scenes as they unfold. The character development is another standout aspect of this book. John, the central character, is intricately crafted, with his complex and conflicted personality offering a constant source of intrigue. His journey through the portal not only reveals hidden truths about his own past but also forces him to confront his fears and desires. The supporting characters, such as the enigmatic dream guide and the enigmatic femme fatale, equally contribute to the story's depth, their motives and backstories slowly unraveling as the plot progresses. The plot itself is a carefully woven tapestry of mystery and discovery. As John delves deeper into the dream realm, he uncovers a web of secrets, ancient legends, and unexpected connections to his own life. The pacing is expertly managed, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and quiet introspection, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricacies of the plot without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, The Portal of Dreams explores profound themes such as the power of dreams and the mysterious workings of the mind. Buck skillfully delves into the nature of reality and the blurred lines between dreams and waking life, leaving readers pondering the boundaries of their own consciousness. However, despite its many strengths, the novel does have a couple of drawbacks. The middle section of the book feels slightly slow-paced at times, as the plot progresses more slowly than in the opening chapters. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying in its own right, leaves a few loose ends that may leave some readers wanting more closure. Overall, The Portal of Dreams is a captivating and imaginative novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy. Charles Neville Buck's vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail make for an immersive reading experience, while the thought-provoking themes and memorable characters offer a rich and rewarding journey. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, mystery, or both, this book is sure to leave you enchanted and longing for more. First Page: The PORTAL OF DREAMS by CHARLES NEVILLE BUCK Author of "THE KEY TO YESTERDAY" "THE LIGHTED MATCH" etc. Illustrated by FRANK SNAPP NEW YORK W. J. WATT & COMPANY PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1912 Published September [Illustration: "Sit down!" he thundered.] CONTENTS I. A VISION UPON A WARNING II. PURSUING A WILL O' THE WISP III. I EMBARK ON A FOOL'S ERRAND IV. SOME PASSAGES FROM A DIARY V. PREMONITIONS BECOME REALITIES VI. THE END OF THE "WASTREL" VII. IN STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCES VIII. NATURE INDULGES IN SATIRE IX. A PORTRAIT AND A TEMPLE X. I SEEK ORCHIDS XI. I FIND MYSELF A DEMI GOD XII. PORT AND STARBOARD LIGHTS XIII. ENTER THE INFANTRYMAN XIV. THE "ASH TRASH LADY" XV. TWO DISCOVERIES XVI. AN INTERVIEW AND A CRISIS XVII. WE GO TO THE MOUNTAINS XVIII. A CHAT WITH A DICTATOR XIX. A VOLLEY FROM THE LAUREL XX. A CAVALCADE FROM THE LAUREL XXI. I GO WALKING AND MEET ENEMIES XXII. I FAIL TO RETURN HOME XXIII. THE OFFER OF PAROLE XXIV. MY DAY IN COURT XXV. BEING LAUGHED AT List of Illustrations "Sit down!" he thundered... Continue reading book >>

The Portal of Dreams By: Charles Neville Buck (1879-1930)

The Portal of Dreams by Charles Neville Buck is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy into a thrilling narrative. Set in a small seaside town, the story follows the life of the enigmatic protagonist, John, who discovers a hidden portal that allows him to traverse between the waking world and the realm of dreams.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Buck's meticulous attention to detail. From the vivid descriptions of the seaside town and its peculiar inhabitants to the exquisite portrayal of the dream realm, every aspect of the book is carefully crafted, immersing the reader in a rich and vivid world. The author's prose is both lyrical and evocative, making it easy to envision the scenes as they unfold.

The character development is another standout aspect of this book. John, the central character, is intricately crafted, with his complex and conflicted personality offering a constant source of intrigue. His journey through the portal not only reveals hidden truths about his own past but also forces him to confront his fears and desires. The supporting characters, such as the enigmatic dream guide and the enigmatic femme fatale, equally contribute to the story's depth, their motives and backstories slowly unraveling as the plot progresses.

The plot itself is a carefully woven tapestry of mystery and discovery. As John delves deeper into the dream realm, he uncovers a web of secrets, ancient legends, and unexpected connections to his own life. The pacing is expertly managed, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and quiet introspection, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricacies of the plot without feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, The Portal of Dreams explores profound themes such as the power of dreams and the mysterious workings of the mind. Buck skillfully delves into the nature of reality and the blurred lines between dreams and waking life, leaving readers pondering the boundaries of their own consciousness.

However, despite its many strengths, the novel does have a couple of drawbacks. The middle section of the book feels slightly slow-paced at times, as the plot progresses more slowly than in the opening chapters. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying in its own right, leaves a few loose ends that may leave some readers wanting more closure.

Overall, The Portal of Dreams is a captivating and imaginative novel that seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy. Charles Neville Buck's vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail make for an immersive reading experience, while the thought-provoking themes and memorable characters offer a rich and rewarding journey. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, mystery, or both, this book is sure to leave you enchanted and longing for more.

First Page:

The PORTAL OF DREAMS

by CHARLES NEVILLE BUCK

Author of "THE KEY TO YESTERDAY" "THE LIGHTED MATCH" etc.

Illustrated by FRANK SNAPP

NEW YORK W. J. WATT & COMPANY PUBLISHERS

Published September

[Illustration: "Sit down!" he thundered.]

CONTENTS

I. A VISION UPON A WARNING

II. PURSUING A WILL O' THE WISP

III. I EMBARK ON A FOOL'S ERRAND

IV. SOME PASSAGES FROM A DIARY

V. PREMONITIONS BECOME REALITIES

VI. THE END OF THE "WASTREL"

VII. IN STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCES

VIII. NATURE INDULGES IN SATIRE

IX. A PORTRAIT AND A TEMPLE

X. I SEEK ORCHIDS

XI. I FIND MYSELF A DEMI GOD

XII. PORT AND STARBOARD LIGHTS

XIII. ENTER THE INFANTRYMAN

XIV. THE "ASH TRASH LADY"

XV. TWO DISCOVERIES

XVI. AN INTERVIEW AND A CRISIS

XVII. WE GO TO THE MOUNTAINS

XVIII. A CHAT WITH A DICTATOR

XIX. A VOLLEY FROM THE LAUREL

XX. A CAVALCADE FROM THE LAUREL

XXI. I GO WALKING AND MEET ENEMIES

XXII. I FAIL TO RETURN HOME

XXIII. THE OFFER OF PAROLE

XXIV. MY DAY IN COURT

XXV. BEING LAUGHED AT

List of Illustrations

"Sit down!" he thundered... Continue reading book >>

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