In Your Dreams (novel)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Magical services |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Entertainment, media, mining, construction, conflict mediation, practical sorcery applications, pest control |
In Your Dreams is a fantasy novel released in 2004 by the British writer Tom Holt. It serves as the second book centered around the magical enterprise J. W. Wells & Co, which draws inspiration from the titular figure in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer. The narrative depicts J. W. Wells & Co as a premier provider of magical services.
Plot summary
The story follows Paul Carpenter, who becomes employed at J. W. Wells & Co located in London's financial district, initially unaware that the firm ranks among the top six family-run and commercial magic companies in the United Kingdom. This organization extends its operations into various industries including entertainment and media, mining, construction, conflict mediation, practical sorcery applications, and pest management.
Upon uncovering the true nature of the company, Paul tries to quit but discovers that his parents financed their retirement in Florida by effectively selling his magical inheritance to JWW. During his time there, he briefly develops romantic feelings for Sophie, a fellow junior employee, until she is kidnapped by Contessa Judy di Castel Bianco—the firm's entertainment and public relations partner as well as the hereditary Queen of the Fey—who subsequently removes Sophie's affection for Paul.
Throughout his tenure, Paul gains expertise from several principal partners: he learns mineral deposit scrying from Mr Tanner, a half-goblin; acquires skills in heroism and dragonslaying under Ricky Wurmtoter, the pest control associate; studies applied sorcery with the younger Mr Wells until he is transformed into a photocopier by the elder Mr Wells; and embarks on exploring spatio-temporal displacement theory under Theodorus Van Spee, a former professor of classical witchcraft and inventor of a portable folding parking space.
Significantly, Paul experiences death twice within the plot—the second occurring accidentally—and is briefly maintained within the company's account at the Bank of the Dead.