As a retired grandad I am probably not a reader from the target audience for this sort of book, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It had appealing and disarming characters and fascinating dream scenarios that demanded you read on: a definite page-turner. The novel prepares the reader for a conflict between good and evil, and further stories along similar concepts can be expected.
River Kay, the young protagonist, is a Dreamwalker which means she has the ability to move from the Wokenworld to the Dreamworld while she sleeps. The author is to be congratulated for his ability to write about the main characters in a suitable fashion for their age: around twelve years-old. River and Harper, another young Dreamwalker, have an interesting relationship. She keeps him in line by shoulder punching Harper constantly, but there is a hint of teen-age romance. The heroine is feisty and fearless; and we end up quite definitely on her side!
There could be too much description sometimes if this book is meant for the younger, pre-teen, market, since long expository passages can tend to slow down the tempo. However, there is an unexpected twist and an exciting climax to the story, which leaves you wanting to hear more about the main protagonists’ future exploits. Parents should have no misgivings about this novel as it is totally appropriate for young readers. There is an equilibrium between the fantastic and the real world and, in River Kay, Otomo has a character that young girls can easily identify with, regarding her emotions about parents and friends.
I will definitely be recommending this exciting book to my grandchildren.
Rating: 4 stars