"A fantasy with tremendous heart and a magisterial execution." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A normal eighth-grader by day, thirteen-year-old Ben awakens one night in a fantastical dream world where snow burns, the sun disappears and reappears without warning, and magic is addictive.
But the mysterious realm of Meridia is disappearing, eaten by a phenomena called the Fading. Joined by Avery, Marcus, and three dog-like dragonwoofs, Ben journeys across monster-infested oceans and sun-scorched mountains to retrieve the sphinx's head, the key to saving the world and every astonishing creature that inhabits it.
But not everyone wants them to succeed. Soon, they find themselves pursued by the Sovereign and his generals, whose armies will stop at nothing to perpetuate the Fading and its consumption of the land.
Assessment:
Plot: Narratives that alternate between reality and the fantasy world of Meridia raise intrigue. Massey juggles the main and side quests well, as Ben, Marcus, Tam, Char, and Avery attempt to end the Fading.
Prose: Pointed but descriptive prose sets a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.
Originality: This novel is the enchanting offspring of The Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland.
Character Development: The odd, often silly side characters are delightful, while the main characters form a balanced group of endearing individuals.
Blurb: A charming read with a satisfying plot twist and heartwarming conclusion.
Date Submitted: July 12, 2018
"Young adult readers take a foray into surrealism in this timely fantasy novel that alternates between middle school reality and an imaginary land to comment on contemporary themes and explore a common teen problem."
★★★★
"Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps will captivate young audiences with its unique blend of contemporary thrills and fantasy adventure."
★★★★★ (4.7)
"Hints of beloved fantasy throwbacks and tons of excitingly one-of-a-kind ideas coalesce into an impressive, unmissable fantasy adventure in WHERE DRAGONWOOFS SLEEP AND THE FADING CREEPS."
(starred review)
"A fantasy with tremendous heart and a magisterial execution."
★★★★★
"Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended."
★★★★½
"With a touch of Alice in Wonderland whimsy, but the dark elements of The Neverending Story, this novel is both heartwarming and gripping."
