Into the Dream was written by Suzanne Weyn, my second-favorite author in the series. Much like Josepha Sherman, she was an established writer previously and has continued writing in the years since.
Now I must revert back to my shameless fangirl/shipper self and admit that a big part of this book's attraction to me at the time was the fact that it was the first one in which Darian and Sheila kiss.
"But wait!" you're saying, "they first kissed in The Final Test!"
And you're right, of course. But I didn't get to read The Final Test until three or four (that's right) years ago. So, the first kiss I read about was the one in Into the Dream, and that's the one that always stuck in my head.
Wait - weren't there actually two or three kisses in this book? Oy. Great stuff. My fledgling little shipper self sucked it all up.
Anyway. Plot. Pretty much loved all of it. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a thing to complain about. Even after all this time the book seems very solidly written. From Sheila sneaking back through the Molecular Acceleration Transport Device against Dr. Reit's wishes, to her reunion with the Riders (and Darian), to the moment that her tape recorder saved the day, I loved it all.
I thought that the "face paint" idea that went on with the Hickorites and the people of Queelotoo was fun and interesting (and also historically based, as it turns out). As far as villains go, while Ankzar was certainly flamboyant, I always liked Simi the best. I just found her to be the more multi-dimensional character of the two. I also appreciated the introduction of Zanara-Ki, adding to our (culturally diversified) cast a character that I wish could've been expanded upon further.
MY RATING: 
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