The Lost Expedition: The Dream Rider Saga, #3

The Dream Rider Saga #3

by Douglas Smith

The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy

Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing.

In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will's affliction.

The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives.

What gave them their strange astral powers? What caused Will's crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? What were their parents searching for in the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive?

At the center of every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will?

As creatures from Inca myths hunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will's life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one option remains.

Return to Peru. With the Chakana.

There, they will find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard.

To win this deadly game, the three friends must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they've ever faced. A god.

At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything.

~~~

Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from “one of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal).

“Smith powers to an explosive conclusion in the finale of his Dream Rider series, a lavishly concocted ride brimming with magic, mystery, and mayhem… [and] bursting with dark magic, beastly protectors, and a slew of extraordinary fantasy characters … Smith skillfully probes deeper messages behind all the fun, as the main players face the consequences of humankind’s disregard for the Earth—and each other. … Takeaway: Explosive conclusion to this spectacular fantasy joyride.” — BookLife (Editor's Pick)

Praise for The Hollow Boys (The Dream Rider Saga, #1)
Winner of the 2023 Aurora Award for Best Young Adult Novel
Winner of the 2023 Juried IAP Award for Best Young Adult Novel

“This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. … [A] vigorously imaginative scenario. ... Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“An assured, confident novel... A must-read story for YA fantasy fans.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)

“Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun.” —The Ottawa Review of Books

“A fun supernatural tale with well-developed characters and a touch of romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Mystery and action ... with a balanced dose of romance stylishly rounding off this lovely work of genius.” —Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews (5-star review)

Praise for The Crystal Key (The Dream Rider Saga, #2)

“The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entry…of Smith’s epic YA series. … An exciting plot…always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong through-line of emotion, a swift pace…and a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. … This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.” —BookLife (Editor’s Pick)

“Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. … This fast-paced story delivers in a big way—and Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion that readers won’t want to miss.” —Blueink Review (Starred review)

“Smith’s take on superheroes and serials is both modern and original, but it recreates the same energy, the same yearning for superpowers, the same subconscious fear of dark places and boogeymen as the best stories of our own remembered youth. High adventure leavened with romance and mystery. … The Crystal Key has everything that made The Hollow Boys work and turns it up a few notches. I can’t wait for the conclusion in The Lost Expedition.” —Ottawa Review of Books

“A fun and engrossing superhero sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Fantasy

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2024

About the author

Douglas Smith is a multi-award-winning author described by Library Journal as “one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction.”

His latest work is the multi-award-winning YA urban fantasy trilogy, The Dream Rider Saga (The Hollow Boys, The Crystal Key, and The Lost Expedition). Other books include the urban fantasy novel, The Wolf at the End of the World; the collections, Chimerascope, Impossibilia, and La Danse des Esprits (translated); and the writer's guide Playing the Short Game: How to Market & Sell Short Fiction.

His short fiction has appeared in the top markets in the field, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Amazing Stories, InterZone, Weird Tales, Baen’s Universe, Escape Pod, On Spec, and Cicada.

Published in 27 languages, Doug is a 4-time winner of Canada's Aurora Award, most recently in 2023 for The Hollow Boys, as well as the juried IAP Award for the same book. He's been a finalist for the Astounding Award, CBC's Bookies Award, Canada's juried Sunburst Award, the juried Alberta Magazine Award for Fiction, and France's juried Prix Masterton and Prix Bob Morane.


Buy Doug's books
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Reviews

[Susan Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book forms the exciting conclusion to a fabulous series. Starting with the Hollow Boys and continued with the Crystal Key, we see three young people, Will, a seventeen year-old, multi-millionaire recluse, Case a eighteen year old struggling to support herself on the streets and her younger brother Fader, who Case ‘liberated’ from foster care to keep a promise to their missing mother. These three all have extra-ordinary skills, one walks in dreams and can track others through their dreams, one can fade in and out of their dimension and the last hears voices in her head that guide her and warn of danger. Now they must return the Chakhara, the Crystal key to Peru with the aid of ADI, Will’s guardian and a security team. They are all aware that someone powerful, who means them harm, is seemingly always aware of their every move. They don’t know who to trust, they don’t know where in Peru, they are going, they don’t know who or what they’ll find their. They all hope for answers, are their missing parents alive? Are they together? How are the disappearances connected? How and why did these three, get their strange and powerful capabilities. Join them on this dangerous and thrill filled trip and find the answers with them. You won’t be disappointed, this is a hell of a ride, betrayal, ambushes, death as well as answers await.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Expedition is the action-packed finale to Master wordsmith, Douglas Smith’s Dream Rider Saga. The characters are my old friends and they maintain their attraction to me through some tense and harrowing events. The world is beautifully created with amazing surprises. I love the entire series and highly recommend it along with everything that Mr. Smith has written!

Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some comparisons I never make lightly. Philip Pullman's His Dark Material and much earlier Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time Quintet are some of the finest creations of this century in the same genre as Douglas Smith's Dream Rider Trilogy. This trilogy definitely holds its own against them.

Perfectly blending science, fantasy and adventure, The Dream Rider books are not to be missed. Binge them, gift them, but definitely read them!

[Kit Daven · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Lost Expedition, Will, Case, Fader and his friends figure out more about the mysterious relic, The Chakana, and make their way to Peru. There, the slow build of the beginning of the book descends into a spiral-like journey of real-world and otherwordly confrontations. Their trek into the jungle, past the veil, to the edge of the cosmos stirs up unexpected, intense encounters that force Will and his friends to level up their powers and deepen their relationships. In the pursuit for answers comes knowledge, and the reader will descend along with the heroes into a narrative that is introspective and meaningful, exploring themes of friendship and family, as they confront what exists in the darkness beyond the multiverse and bring to light what happened in their past. A wonderful, character-driven read that explores how enduring strength comes from being surrounded by people who love and support you. A worthwhile read and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

I'm an ARC reader since the beginning of this trilogy, and have immensely enjoyed this series. Be sure to read the first two books first before diving into this one.

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Smiths writing always grabs me. This series has been no exception. Its clever, imaginative, inventive - just downright brilliant! Boy does he know how to write a finale. This finale instalment brings so many threads together and ties them nicely giving his readers a truly satisfying conclusion to this epic tale. Congratulations Mr Smith excellent work as always.

[Leone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series. I reread books 1 and 2 before reading the final book in the trilogy. Wonderful.

[Tom Clyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 80 years old and have a firm reading genre formed on 50 years of preferences. YA was not part of them. For personal reasons and an attempt to try out my new kindle I tried "Hollow Boys" I was captivated. On a recent trip to Cuba I purchased the next two just in case. Finished the series when we were 30 minutes out of Toronto. Bravo Doug thanks for a wonderful experience. See you soon love to the family.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When thinking about Douglas Smith’s ‘Dream Rider Saga,’ and The Lost Expedition: The Dream Rider Saga, #3 in particular, the word epic kept bouncing around in my mind. The scope of the entire story, especially the last book, is huge, and one best enjoyed from the beginning—as the author note explains at the start of books one and two. To understand how the characters got to where they are, and even who they are, you need to start on page one. This review, therefore, may contain spoilers for The Hollow Boys: The Dream Rider Saga, #1 and The Crystal Key: The Dream Rider Saga, #2.

Briefly, Will is the author of the Dream Rider comic series which reflects his own astral powers—the ability to walk the world of dreams. Awake, however, he cannot leave his home. His girlfriend, Case, only survived her time on the streets because of her strange power: a voice that warns her of danger. Fader, her brother, has the power to fade, or disappear.

In the previous two novels, they defeated a body swapper and a witch and battled warring cults, all to protect the Chakana, the crystal key. In this final book, they must figure out what the key unlocks. But, first, they need to find a way to get Will free of his agoraphobia.

The Lost Expedition begins on the heels of the last book, allowing Will, Case, and Fader only a few days to gather themselves. The urgency to continue their quest means they must press on, and the most logical place to keep searching for answers is Peru. But how is Will going to travel halfway around the world if he can’t even leave the tower?

They have also discovered a link between their powers—they all began at the same time, suggesting a link between their parents. But how were they connected? As if this wasn’t all enough, new strangeness has manifested in the form of large creatures who appear and disappear. Are they there to guide or harm? And, more importantly, who sent them?

Everything seems to point back to the Chakana, an artifact too many people have died for. The why is just another question that needs answering and all the answers are in Peru.

The journey to Peru, solving the equation of how Will might get there takes up about half the book and it’s compelling reading as clue after clue is unraveled and lined up. That’s not all, though. Morrigan’s story is far from over and Rani is back, whether she likes it or not (mostly not from her point of view, but she really does rise to the occasion).

Smith never forgets that his main characters are young, with young concerns, however, and Case is still trying to reconcile her past and present (living on the street versus being the girlfriend of a very wealthy man), and Will, Case, and Fader all have questions for their parents, the first and foremost being why did you leave me behind?

Once the mystery of Will being tied to his tower is resolved (somewhat), the story moves to Peru, and greed, lies, mistrust, and rivalry further complicate the quest. A lot of people have been trying to solve the puzzle of the key for a long time and no one is willing to give it up easily.

There’s also a new villain on the scene—one who wants the key for a very specific purpose. And not stopping them will mean that no one’s questions are answered because everyone will pretty much end up, well, gone. Not dead, exactly. Just… not here.

I loved that Smith brought Rani back from book two and continued to weave Morrigan’s story into the main plot. I enjoyed both characters' perspectives with Rani adding her brand of sarcastic humor and Morrigan questioning her history and purpose more deeply.

I also liked the suggestion that Will, Case, and Fader—everyone, in fact—were being subtly guided. It raised the question of fate and self-determination, which is something Will and Case have talked about and thought a lot about.

The steps of the final journey inward (I can’t describe it any other way without giving away too much!) are intricate, perilous, and exciting. This book is about a hundred pages longer than the previous two. It did feel longer, but no less thrilling. There was just more to love and more room to answer every question we had.

The conclusion is worth the journey, but for me, the absolute highlight was the last epilogue with Fader and the reflection of his unique and special relationship with Morrigan. I really quite liked her character and would love to talk about her journey, but again, spoilers.

In case I haven’t made it abundantly clear, I loved The Lost Expedition. In itself, it was a good story. As the conclusion to the Dream Rider Saga, it exceeded every expectation. I enjoyed every minute I spent with these characters and I will miss them now that their story is done.

Written for Sfcrowsnest.

[Robert Runte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Expedition is the third and final volume in the Dream Rider trilogy. The first two novels, (The Hollow Boys and The Crystal Key) were wildly successful, garnering critical acclaim including an Aurora Award and a juried IPA award. If you haven’t already read the first two Dream Rider books, you need to start there; if you’re already read those, I won’t need to sell you on this one, because you will have already been waiting for answers and lined up for this one.

The story concerns rich comic artist,18-year-old Will; his street-wise girl-friend, Chase; and her kid brother, Fader. All three have mysterious but limited powers that have allowed them to enter dream and move between the worlds of the multiverse, battling an as yet unidentified villain or power. The central mystery is to find out what happened eight years ago that caused their parents to go missing, and their powers to manifest. Thus, the search for the lost expedition.

I compared the first volume to a superhero comic or a graphic novel—sans graphics; I compared the second to the thrill of 1950s movie serial, once a regular part of Saturday matinees. This time, The Lost Expedition put me in mind of A Wrinkle in Time. Both books are about the conflict between order and chaos, both place unreasonable demands on their young protagonists, both have the same sweeping scope that engages one’s sense of wonder. Evoking the same emotional response, The Lost Expedition took me back sixty years to the exact weekend I discovered A Wrinkle in Time and the forgotten memory of reading in the dark after lights out.

Looking back as an adult, though, I far prefer Smith’s worldbuilding and politics to Madeleine L’Engle’s. Smith has written a series that is far more inclusive and far less elitist than L’Engle’s. Smith’s characters represent different social classes, ethnicities, abilities and weaknesses. The Dream Rider series is targeted to today’s modern YA audience and so better suited to current sensibilities. Whoever reads this book will find at least one POV character with whom they can identify.

Which is not to say The Lost Expedition doesn’t have a few flaws. I was annoyed and distracted early on by a logical flaw in the plot, only partially mitigated by the characters recognizing that inconsistency themselves twenty pages on, and that that was therefore an important clue. I was similarly annoyed that one of the characters, Nix, can only remember key facts when it is time for the next clue to be handed out—again, somewhat mitigated by a reasonable explanation in the denouement. Withholding key information from the reader in a mystery feels like a bit of a cheat, even though Smith eventually explains why and the reader has to grudgingly admit it all makes sense. Still, waiting until the end to explain everything from all three books in the final chapters of this one meant the denouement went on a bit too long after the grand climax. Indeed, there are several occasions throughout the novel when the characters get bogged down explaining things to each other while the action grinds to a stop.

Notwithstanding these minor reservations, The Lost Expedition is a solid ending to a great series. The various mysteries are finally revealed in all their intricate complexity; there are several twists I totally did not see coming; and there is a sweeping majesty to the worldbuilding we have not seen since—well, since A Wrinkle in Time.

Marathoning all three books at once is probably best, so that one can keep all the fiddly bits of the mystery in mind and so that the denouement in book three becomes proportionate to the series as a whole. If you haven’t done so already, you should package up all three volumes to gift to any young adults in your life—or any adult in your circle nostalgic for the Golden Age of science fiction fantasy.

[This review originally appeared in the Ottawa Review of Books.]

[zh. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What really happened all those years ago in Peru? This captivating book teases and slowly reveals a magnificent tapestry both magical and intricate, bringing threads together to form something spectacular, with many moments both heart-breaking and heart-warming, not only the illumination spell shedding some light to the question of life, universe and everything along the winding paths. Emotional and entertaining, imaginative and original, this trilogy can be warmly recommended to a wide audience, from mystery to fantasy and sci-fi, action and adventure.

Their powers, their parents' disappearance, Peru... must be somehow connected. Though what does an astrophysicist have to do on such a trip? And what are these mysterious guardians that suddenly appeared? The arrival of the most tangible clue yet with the Flower long sought after, its scent triggering memories and a change in Nyx... can't all be coincidence - as if they're being moved like pieces on a board. The Chakana may be the Key, but how much more critical information remains hidden? Follow the crew as they seek to retrace the steps of their parents and hopefully find some sort of closure, to discover what lies buried deep within (in memories, caves, ...)

Quite a ride! Emotional and entertaining, fast-paced with a lot of action and unexpected turns, both the characters and the story engaging and growing, even the ones with supposedly minor roles. Satisfying character arcs, many moments both heart-breaking and heart-warming along the way, as we learn new sides to those we thought we knew and some we learn to know better.
A memorable and captivating tale of friendship and (found) family, of trust and betrayal, adventure and excitement, of overcoming odds and rising to challenges, of growing and (taking) responsibility, with many twists and turns that keep surprising, with every answer arise several new questions, with the stakes rising as well.

... travel into what you think is a trap, taking a sentient thing that people will kill for, to chase something that can't exist - sums it up pretty nicely.

There are many fun references and amusing moments too, what with a place being considered too open when three floors underground, or amusing and at the same time tinged with sadness, like Fader finally getting a cape. I've grown fond of the term additional moments of enlightenment as well. (Anyway, true friendship/companionship is a superpower as such and should never be underestimated - we all can make the world a little better place with kindness, seemingly little things can mean a lot to some. Each of us might play an important, irreplacable part yet.)

There's also the frustration and pain in desperately trying to remember and not being able to, also how heartbreaking it can be to try to embrace memories. No matter how you try, you always end up missing or losing something or someone... and, after all this time, you find you don't know Jack. You might want to have something soft at hand to dry your eyes occasionally as you embark on this journey.


The scope of this work is impressive, the wonderful comprehensive worldbuilding from impossible molecular structures to what can be glimpsed from the In Between, spanning hundreds of years and yet keeping it all together beautifully for the reader to enjoy. Never a boring moment on this fantastical adventure to seek the answers only to find more questions ... and satisfying closure by the end of the book. Dare to venture the science bits will inspire some to delve deeper into those mysteries as well.


As a nice bonus, the appearance of a familiar figure (and the build-up to it) will certainly delight BUBBLE Comics aficionados as Igor plays an important part in the story - or, well, not Igor exactly but still... if you know you know. Read to find out. (As if you needed more reasons to pick up the book anyway... If you enjoyed the first two, this third/final will be even better.)

And since this is a book, it's probably not necessary to remind you to stay for the Post Credit Scene...

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Smith has pulled-off a home run with the third book in this trilogy. In the Dream Rider Saga, I was hooked by The Hollow Boys and after reading the Crystal Key, I couldn't wait for the final book.

In my humble opinion, the third book of a trilogy is the hardest to write. The open story arcs need to be resolved in ways that mesh well with the previous books. Story arcs can't have gaps that require mental acrobats to accept.

This book does all of the above and more. It adds new dimensions to the evolving worldview. The character development continues to deepen our understanding of all the players. Will, the titular Dream Rider, continues his quest to learn what happened to his parents and him. Case and Fader are joined by the somewhat reluctant Rana to form the guardians to Will's Chakra.

I've had the privilege to travel to Peru and the descriptions mesh well with my memories. There is a lot that is foreign to our experience and our belief systems. If we go with the story, you'll be enmeshed in a wonderful world and story.

I strongly urge that the books be read is sequence. WHile there is some catch-up/refresher content, I think too much would be lost if you started here.

I can unequivocally recommend this book to others.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Expedition is the third book of The Dream Rider Saga trilogy by Douglas Smith. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire trilogy.

Make sure you read this cohesive trilogy in order as this is "one large mystery, one single story, told over the course of three books" as described by the author. The Lost Expedition follows immediately after the events in book 1 and book 2 of the trilogy.

The Lost Expedition is fast-paced, including some unexpected twists. Mysteries raised in the earlier books are explained in this satisfying conclusion. Smith employed some intriguing methods of revealing mystical related information and provided us with imaginative, vivid locations. Be prepared for some incredible and mind blowing world descriptions!

Please see my previous reviews in the Dream Rider saga trilogy including book 1 - The Hollow Boys and Book 2 - The Crystal Key. In all of my reviews for this trilogy I tried to avoid providing any spoilers.

Disclaimer note: I received an ARC from the author however the opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Expedition: The Dream Rider Saga, Book 3, my third read from authors Douglas Smith and the third in The Dream Rider Saga. An entertaining, enjoyable, and suspenseful read, 460-pages but reads so much longer longer due to the depth & development of everything in the book. It had been almos t a year since I read The Crystal Key: The Dream Rider Saga, Book 2 so I had to get back up to speed. “I received a complementary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Peter Ptok · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Expedition is a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. Of the three books, this was my favourite - providing a fast-paced story, new and returning characters, despicable villains, questions answered, and a very satisfactory ending. Doug Smith's writing flows effortlessly and invites you to return to the story started in the Hollow Boys. The Lost Expedition was difficult to put down - even as sleep beckoned - and it begged to be picked up again the next day.

[Cadejo Negro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Smith's The Lost Expedition nicely ties up the Dream Rider trilogy. We are reunited with old characters from The Hollow Boys and The Crystal Key, and we discover how all the pieces of the mystery fit perfectly together.

This was another thrilling high-stakes journey, filled with monsters, magic, gunfights, betrayal, and ultimately, the willingness to sacrifice everything to protect those we love.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book.

I don't want to spoil any of the various storylines in the book, so I'm just going to say that this book encompasses everything you could ever ask for in an adventure, and in the final book in the series. The author packed so much in-between these pages!

An excellent piece of work. Absolutely wonderful!

[Kris10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing finale to an incredible series!! Old characters came back and it was all tied up with a pretty bow. This has been an awesome journey, I'm kinda sad that it's over now. But with a satisfying ending, I'm ok with it being over. This was a great series that I would recommend to anyone who loves to read books!! This series should definitely become a Netflix series!!

[Susan Forest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Dreycott, a superhero and multi-millionaire publisher, and his girlfriend, Case, go to South America to finally discover what happened to their parents. The Dream Rider Saga books are wonderfully plotty, with amazing superhero and pulpy villains—and author Douglas Smith manages to tie up every last loose end to the trilogy—I'm in awe.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conclusion to the series
This last book is like a roller coaster - it starts off slowly and builds great momentum as the story progresses. I enjoyed reading this series and was looking forward to finding out what would happen but didn't want it it end. Excellent work by Mr. Smith.

[Meenaz Lodhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ series!
Complete review to come soon.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

been compared to books I like so hope I'll like this one too