The Book of Stolen Dreams

By Author / Illustrator

David Farr, Kristina Kister

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Usborne Publishing Ltd

ISBN

9781801315135

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

01-09-2022

Synopsis

An exhilarating, awe-inspiring debut from a master storyteller writing for children for the first time, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Eva Ibbotson and His Dark Materials.

When Rachel and Robert are passed a stolen book by their librarian father, they have to go on the run and protect it at all costs. With their father captured and everyone hunting for the Book, they must uncover its secrets and track down the final, missing page.But the cruel and calculating Charles Malstain is on their trail. When the children discover the astonishing, magical truth about the Book, they resolve to do everything in their power to stop it falling into his hands. For if it does, he could rule forever.Step inside the pages of an immortal adventure and discover a truly unforgettable journey of wonder, courage and magic...

"A new and important voice for young people." Michael Morpurgo "Dazzling! An instant classic. An eye-wateringly funny and jaw-droppingly fantastical adventure, chock-a-block with rare books, airships, and penguin-shaped hats." Ben Miller

Book Two: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key

View Extract

Reviews

The Book of Stolen Dreams is a fantastical, rip-roaring adventure from master storyteller David Farr. This is his first time writing for children and he has created a wonderful, magical story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Set in the land of Krasnia we find our heroes Rachel and Robert who live in the town of Brava. Their family life is a simple one, they are poor but happy and they are truly loved by their parents. Their country has been ruled under the dictatorship of Charles Malstain, an awful tyrant who rules the country with an iron fist. He despises children, they are not allowed to play in the streets and must only attend school and exercise when told to. Bad things happen in Krasnia, people disappear if they criticise the government or speak out. Townsfolk are being whisked away to work in camps or worse should they dare to speak out about the regime that they live under.

One fateful night Rachel's librarian father is embroiled in a deadly mission. He steals a book from the library, a book that is so precious that if it falls into the wrong hands the people of Krasnia could be doomed forever. When Rachel's father is captured the children must protect the book and its secrets at all costs. But who can they trust? Charles Malstain is a powerful, unforgiving man, he will not rest until the book is found and the children are captured. And so, the adventure begins...

This book is a truly fantastic adventure that you cannot put down. Our heroes Rachel and Robert face every challenge and use their wit and bravery to overcome the dangers that are put in front of them. Farr writes with such a pace that you never know what is going to happen next. The story keeps the reader engaged from the very first page. It is sad in parts and you really do find yourself rooting for the children in the book, even though the odds are hopelessly stacked against them, they must overcome the wicked Malstain. There are some great twists and turns in the book too.

I would recommend this book for upper KS2 and KS3 readers. With short chapters and written with such a fast-paced narrative this book is hard to put down. Readers who enjoy action, adventure, magic and mystery will really love this book. It feels like a future classic and I would highly recommend this book for all types of readers.

384 pages / Reviewed by Julie Broadbent, school Librarian