At times it can feel that children’s literature isn’t what it used to be – any visit to the bookshop seems to be full of celebrity authors (often ghostwritten) or the same toilet humour repeated over and over – but dig beyond what seems to gain the most attention and there are many treasures to be found. The Book of Stolen Dreams belongs firmly in that group, the kind of book that transports you to a world that’s different but recognisable and gives us a brother and sister pair of heroes that any child will root for.

Rachel and Robert are growing up under the rule of Charles Mastain, a dictator with a loathing of children who has left their home country a drab and dangerous place. In the great tradition of children’s books, the children have to fend for themselves and it is up to them to find depths of courage and resourcefulness to prevent Mastain from controlling their country forever.

This book had me hooked from beginning to end. The two main characters are absolutely wonderful, full of bravery and determination but always aware of the danger they face and responsibility that has landed on them. There are equally fascinating side characters, good and bad, and the settings are full of atmosphere. Most children of the age group this is aimed at will have done some history of World War II and will probably recognise elements that remind them of this, particularly the treatment of the Jews under the Nazis, and it’s an excellent look at how difficult life can be without being overwhelming for them.

The narrative is fast paced and tightly plotted but the writing style is almost conversational with the reader, so this would be a wonderful book to read aloud to a child, at home or in school. There is genuine peril throughout, sadness and happiness, and nothing is ever made out to be simple of straightforward. There is magic in the world the children live in but it is introduced slowly and doesn’t dominate – most situations need practical solutions and the magic is used by both sides so is never an easy answer.

Only when I finished the book did I realise it was the first in a trilogy, with the second already published. I immediately went and bought that and am now waiting with bated breath for the final part! I really can’t recommend this book highly enough – I would have lapped it up as a child and been completely engrossed by the world – and I’ll certainly be gifting it to younger members of my family. An absolute gem.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review. It has been added to Goodreads, Waterstones and Amazon.

This is a book that eleven-year-old me would have chosen in the library. It had everything I looked for in a gripping read from amazing characters to a sense of urgency which kept me turning the pages. With danger lurking around every corner, I loved experiencing the adventures of Rachel and Robert as they determined the best course of action alongside who was worthy of their trust. I was not aware that it was part of a series so I will certainly be looking out for the rest of this series. I think this will make a fantastic story time read.

I must admit I was prepared for a Fantasy rather than an Action-Adventure story, which turned out to be so much better…
This might well be among the best adventure stories I’ve ever read. An evil dictator, a society living in fear, conspiracy, resistance, collaboration, bravery, family, hope and sacrifice, all laid out through challenge after challenge… and in between, the fascinating magic of the dreams to guide you through the plot. A great plot at that, well-structured and unfolding at a fast pace with vivid imagery that adds to the overall atmosphere.
A great ‘page turner’, highly recommended for the age of ten!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Usborne for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An adventure book perfect for young and old alike. I enjoyed this book with it's mysteries and strange people. It was warm and exciting and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

An atmospheric and mystical story about a troubled country in which the only hope for freedom lies in a precious book that the dictator is determined to misuse to his own ends.

All that stands between him and the Book of Stolen Dreams are a handful of brave souls, including two children. Vivid characters, a suspenseful storyline, and an oddly Eastern European flavour to the storytelling make this book worth checking out. It gets 3. 5 stars.