A Lot Like Dreaming

3.5 StarsThis isn't a bad book. It truly isn't, I really enjoyed reading about the Histories and the world they stay in. The problem is that The Archived didn't really bring any emotions out of me. The funny parts didn't make me laugh (couldn't even crack a smile), the sad parts didn't pull at my heart, nor did the story feel as intense as I wish it did. I just felt really... apathetic towards everything in this. And this, unfortunately was its downfall for me.There are many things in the book that I found quite predictable and not in a fun way. One of those things being the love triangle/love interests. From the very page he entered the picture, I knew who and what he was without a doubt in my mind. Another thing that I disliked is the Archive itself because only Librarians are allowed to read Histories which shouldn't be the case if it's called The Archive. The ending is so disappointing, nothing feels exciting enough to get me ready to read the sequel except for Wes and his swoony-ness. Wes is the best character in this book, flat-out! Not only is he absolutely loveable but he's also always full of new tricks and helps Mac forget about all of her problems. Um, can I have a Wes of my own, please? There's a lot of action going on in The Archived Mac is forced to fight Histories and send them back. While I was expecting her to fight one or two Histories with precise details, I was overly excited when Victoria Schwab told me about five Histories going wild. And the writing is so beautiful and smooth it's like butter. I could read Schwab's novels for the writing and boys alone because they are that well done.The Archived has an okay world building and an okay love interest but it also has a kick ass heroine and some great Histories that have the tendency to go insane. So I have to recommend this to zombie lovers because that's what I see the Histories as. And anyone looking for a swoon worthy character as well as beautiful writing. I have no hesitation believing that the second novel in this series, Unbound (I think?) is going to surpass this one.