Tom Thorneval: Dream Merchant Extraordinaire

by Cornelius Elmore Addison

"Dream making as clever as Roald Dahl’s in The BFG" is how Kirkus describes the first paperback from the Addison's Tales musical storyworld. The rippingly entertaining anti-fairytale follows the misadventures of Tom Thorneval - a very likable Dreammaker aiming to make it big in the world of men. Unfortunately, Tom's great plan has drawn the ire of Fate, and he is robbed of all his dreams shortly after setting out on his grand adventure.

With his loyal (if slightly insane) stoat Wix, a devastated Tom battles on through a series of horrifically funny misfortunes as he makes his way towards what he hopes is the Grand Goblin Fair, only to draw farther away from it in the process. Will the courageous half-fairy make it back to his true love Mary? Will she be waiting for him? Or will all the orcs, imps, witches, dwarves and mysterious creatures that line the forest paths ruin his one chance at happiness?

The answer lies in the pages of this innovative literary event that races middle-schoolers through a Pythonesque world of music, color and wild adventure. Readers are invited to listen to the three songs from the tale with their smartphones and go on to learn the über-catchy, author-composed melodies at the Addison's Tales channel on MuseScore.com. With its philosophical turns and fable-like qualities, Tom Thorneval is a modern twist on what it's like to be a little dreamer in a very big world.

"Reminiscent of traveling through Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland" – Kirkus Reviews

Themes:

The target audience for this title is principally English speaking creatives and bi-lingual children who enjoy a unique mix of fantasy and fable. The strong narrative pull of the tale is linked to the protagonist's struggle to support himself, being only half fairy and therefore somewhat of an outcast, instead of supporting a fairy 'tribe', as is right and proper for a Dreammaker to do. This reversal of human social expectations will resonate with artists and young people becoming aware that life is not as 'black and white' as many fairy tales or social constructs will have us believe.

As such, it may be used in Creative Writing classes as an example of an 'anti-fairytale', or as a colourful example of a modern fable. The innovative use of various literary techniques including an opening set of jump-cut scenes, choose-your-own-adventure techniques (from the world of gaming) as well as musical scenes also add to the title's appeal as an extremely unique piece of finely crafted and digitally influenced storytelling.

Audience:

- Creatives, or those called to be one, looking for an example of a modern fable

- Creative Writing teachers looking for a colourful example of an anti-fairytale

- Children (aged 10-12) who like fantasy and speculative fiction

- Adults who enjoy a mix of fantasy, Monty Python style surrealist humour, and an 'Alchemist' coming-of-age feeling to the overall story.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

222 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2015

About the author

Greetings!

Welcome to my humble corner on Goodreads. Now you might think it strange that a shy old gardener like myself would become a writer of fantastical tales and songs so late in life. I still find it strange. But I am going to tell you why I write. Some time ago I had a dream about a character merchant called Mack who ran a "One Stop Character Shop". Since the night I first met him, I have been pestered by the idea that the world must hear about this peculiar gentleman who sells characters for everyone, great and small, to put into tales of their own.

So I began writing stories for the characters that I purchased from Mack. Many of these characters sing old songs (for whatever reason), and these I also make available for readers to learn at MuseScore. I do not know why Mack chose me of all people to reveal his shop to the world of human folk, but he did, nor why my characters sing, but they do. And this is the reason why I write - to advertise Mack's store in the world we live and share the music that comes from the realm where characters are first born. Perhaps you nevertheless think this strange. Well, perhaps it is ...

You can read about my first encounter with Mack and the deal I made with him in The Dream - the first introductory story to the Addison's Tales musical storyworld that will be quite unlike any other. Addison's Tales are interlinked tales written for the very small through to the not quite so small, and each story will be available as an audio book, ebook, PDF and printed books as well (and apps, money permitting). But you wanted to know a little bit about myself ... certainly.

I spent many years working as a gardener in the Old Town History Museum in Calladin where many (but not all) of my tales take place. The owners of the museum gave me the cottage after my many decades of service, and it is here that I enjoy writing tales of high fantasy and heart-stopping adventure complete with clever and courageous heroes, nefarious villains, magic, spells, potions, riddles, fairies, goblins, witches, monsters, animals gifted with speech, gnomes, pirates ... well, you get the picture - all the creatures that you don't see in the world every day but have a habit of being spotted and reported on in Calladin.

I trust you will enjoy reading about my characters and learning their songs. It would please me very much to receive a letter or review, as it encourages me to continue writing my tales and songs in my little cottage for the people, great and small, in the world of menfolk.

C E Addison

Reviews

[moonlit reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enchanting musical fairytale - or more accurately, an anti-fairytale - aimed at younger readers but enjoyable for adults too.

It has all the classic ingredients of a good tale: goblins, fairies, trolls, toads - you name it! But it also adds a modern twist with some interactive features. There are links to songs scattered throughout the story, which I thought was a lovely idea, though I wish there had been more of them to fully bring that concept to life. There’s even a “Choose Your Own Adventure” moment, though only one. I’m still not sure how much it really changes the story, but it was a nice surprise.

Things are never easy for poor Tom, our very special hero. His misadventures keep the plot engaging, while also diving into deeper themes. The book adds some clever philosophical reflections and gentle lessons about morality that feel very thoughtful and accessible.

My only real complaint is how long it took me to actually get into the story. The beginning felt a bit slow, and I can imagine younger readers might struggle with that too.

That said, the tone is perfect: whimsical, silly in the best way, and also quite profound. There are even a few twists along the way to keep things interesting.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read. A realistic coming-of-age journey where things don’t always go as planned, wrapped in a charming fantasy world.

(I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads, in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, make yourself a cup of tea and sit down, I have a lot to say on this one.

This is the story of a little half-fairy called Tom who wants to go to the Grand Goblin Fair, sell his dreams, and return to his sweetheart, Mary. A pretty basic children's story all in all. The pretext is good, and the writing can't really be faulted - there are the occasional spelling mistake (I cannot forgive the word 'worser') and wrong words, like past/passed for example, but nothing that really takes away from the pleasure of reading.

My problem isn't with the way it's written, or even the basic gist of the story, my problem is with the morals this book is proposing to teach kids. I'll start slow and work my way through.

On the very first page of the book we are introduced to Wix. Wix is Tom's stoat, which pulls his wagon and basically acts like a deranged, evil horse. Still on this first page, Wix passes gas - from both ends - and then vomits, for no reason whatsoever. I get gas. Gas is funny for kids, right? But throwing up? When is this considered funny? Shouldn't Tom think about taking this stoat to a vet or something? But no, apparently this is quite normal behavior, okay whatever.

Then our unlucky hero, Tom, is set upon by three bullying imps. They destroy his dreams, push him around a little and trash his stuff. Pretty basic bully stuff. So, how would we like to teach our children how to deal with bullies? Find an adult? Outwit them? Ignore them and take the moral high ground? Nope, we are going to let our vicious stoat rip their throats out and return blood coated and carrying an eye-ball which our 'hero' plans on cooking for his dinner. That's right kids, how do we deal with bullies? Cannibalize them!

Each chapter in this book is 2-4 pages long, so you can imagine the plot moves quickly. No sooner have we left the imps in their own carnage than we happen upon a bunch of characters that have no point in this tale whatsoever. We meet a riddle-asker, a gender confused witch and a crazy old lady with a shotgun who have no plot base at all, and are just there to extend the book. Speaking of that crazy old lady, though... Tom just stops to ask directions and the 'kind-looking' old lady runs into the house for her gun and returns to shoot at him several times. For no reason. Wow.

Now, after this the plot thickens a little and we run into a poor goat-man called Theophanus. Poor Theo. Now, Theo has a little bit of a problem, you see he likes to help people. Now, normally that's a good character trait, but the problem is Theo is a bit special. He'll help anyone at all, good or bad. It doesn't matter to him, because he honestly can't see the evil in people so he thinks everyone is doing good. In a truly abhorrent piece of moral writing, we see Tom and two fairy 'heavies' (these guys refer to themselves as Magicians, because they make problems disappear) nail this goat-man to a door with his earring and continue to threaten and bully him until he admits his part in a scheme he wasn't even fully aware of.

"Maybe you like our visits? Do you like our visits, Theo?"

This is the fairy mafia picking on a completely innocent goat-guy that likes to help people. The resounding lesson we (and poor Theo) learned from this section of the book, was that if someone asks you for help, you must ask 'why'?

Hey, son, will you help me pick up your toys?
Why?

Isn't this the obnoxious kid we all really don't want to end up with?

Okay, well, we'll just carry on. There are a lot of uses of guns in this book. Tom owns his very own Blunderbuss and isn't afraid to use it. He shoots birds all the time. At one point he shoots two ravens down into the mud and uses their still warm corpses as a little bridge. Charmingly quaint and cute isn't it?

Now, Tom, is a luckless little chap, and all the way the way through the book all he wants is to get back to the love of his life, Mary. Mary incidentally is a fairy he met briefly for two days and hasn't seen in over four years. Then, of course, when he rescues a fairy called Bluebell towards the end of the book he can barely remember Mary's face and is getting funny feelings in his chest whenever he looks at Bluebell. Eventually, of course, he decides he really loves Mary after all and finally gets reunited with her at the climax of the book. Oh, but now she's married with kids and he came too late. The End.

Looks like love doesn't conquer all after all. These are not suitable lessons for kids. I honestly can't see Disney approving this story line, and they approved Prince Hans!

Then there's Tom's parents. Tom is a half fairy, half shape-changer. His parents are basically outcasts from fairy society because of this. Tom's mother has literally told him that he will never be accepted into society and must learn how to make lots of money so he can support himself. But that's not the worst thing. It turns out Tom has an elder shape-changing brother and his parents, unsure of how to deal with him, dumped him in a swamp and left him to die. Then they immediately went home and tried for another baby, Tom. Tom seemed to be more fairy, so he was allowed to live. It turns out that his brother was the main villain of the story, but poor Tom doesn't even learn that until he's already let him fall off a cliff to his death. Oh well! Que Sera, Sera.

The other point I would like to mention is the musical element to the book. It's a decent idea. In a few years when tech is a bit better it might even catch on. For now it's annoying to have to hold the book perfectly still while the QR code is read. It only seems to work with high quality machines (the old tablet I have couldn't manage it). Oh, and there's only three.

There's also supposed to be a 'Choose-Your-Own-Adventure' element to the book. There was. One. You could pick for Tom to go left or right. It had no effect on the story. I read both. Completely pointless.

Let's see, to sum up. It's a violent bully-fest, where the innocent are punished, the guilty go free and nobody gets anything they wanted. Happy reading!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, I found this book a pleasant and winding romp into a fantasy world of unexpected complexity. Just bear in mind that its not a fairytale for little kids!

I was fortunate enough to come across a copy of this book, and I found it to be quite charming. I think we need to be clear when we think about this book is that its probably not for 8 and 9 year olds. In general, I'd probably say its more suited to those of 13-15 years and adults who enjoy a bit of fantasy along the lines of the Hobbit or Harry Potter.

In relation to an earlier review that spoke highly critically of the book as not being a healthy moral example, I think that perhaps the book is aimed at people who are generally old enough to tell that its a fantasy story, and not take their moral cues from it. Its a book not aimed at a Disneyesque audience, so far as I can tell anyway. Nor should it unduly offend the sensibilities of its intended readers, since a touch of grossness highlights its un-fairytale nature and adds an appeal to younger male readers.

In terms of the characterisation, the book exhibits the ingredients of a series-in-the-making, and more development of Tom's character will be needed to flesh him out. Despite this, the book makes some lovely philosophical points about the indifference of the gods to our dreams and wishes and the seeming absurdities we all encounter in life. I think if Tom had shown a little more conscious development in these aspects during the course of the book it would allow the reader to appreciate and share more fully his journey in life.

**Spoiler Alert**
As other reviews have noted, the book takes a little time to warm up, but the second half of the book is engaging and delightful. Tom's encounter with Bluebell, his odyssey in the Valley of Darkness, the death of his unknown lost brother Toad and the pain of being too late to return to Mary are all well crafted scenes. His final realisation with Mary is poignant and deeply resonant for all those who have sought and lost love by being too little and too late.

The book is charming, but not in a sugar-coated sort of way. It is an un-fairytale clearly, and needs to be thought of as such. My key wish would have been for the book to have perhaps included a glossary at the beginning to explain a few of the ideas and types of characters. For instance, I may have had a deprived childhood, but I didn't really know what a stoat was at first. But then again I live in the Antipodes, which is probably something to do with it.

[Joshua (ithildins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a slow start rather a long while ago but i finished the rest of it pretty quickly once i stopped trying to figure out what was going to happen. This is a very unique tale and sort of like a tale gone wrong that needs to get put back on track. Only a few errors in the printed version i have.

[Rebekah Crain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom is a Dreammaker, but because he isn't a full fairy he has never felt like he truly belonged to his calling and kind. If he could just prove to the world that his dreams are just as good as a full blooded fairy Dreammakers then he feels he could be accepted as an honorable match for his future bride, Mary. In order to show the world that he is just as capable and talented as his full fairy peers, Tom decides to set out across the land to find a special fair where he can demonstrate his ability and high quality wares and rake in the gold. Unfortunately for Tom his plan never quite goes according to, well, plan. Imps, trolls, birds, toads, and even other fairies all throw Tom off his game, and his course quickly becomes more than he bargained for.

I found that this anti-fairytale to be quite a cute little book. I'd say it deserves a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The author did a fine job crafting Tom, his world, and all the other characters that came to play. It was a light hearted story good for both kids and adults alike, and one with a strong message. You can try to be someone you're not, but in the end your true self will always shine through. That's the message I took away from reading this tale anyways.

There are a couple of fun and equally unique things I'd like to point out about this book.

1. Musical Interludes - Okay, so what exactly do I mean by musical interludes? It's quite simple really. As our main character Tom travels on his adventure he likes to occasionally sing himself a little tune; the lyrics of which are written within the pages of the book. Not so different, I know. But what is different is the interactive option which allows readers to click to hear the song being sung to the intended tune. This to me was not just unique, but a little bit brilliant. What a great way to draw readers in and give them an even more enveloping feel of being inside the story?

2. Reader's Choice - Alright, this aspect is nothing new, but it is a fun and refreshing way to kick it old school. Part way through Tom's story, readers are given the option of choosing which path Tom will take. Giving this choice allows the reader to play a part in the adventure that Tom experiences going forward. This is similar to some of my childhood favorites the Choose Your Own Adventures books. Unlike with that series, however, there is only one point within this book for readers to make such a choice. What's cool though is that by presenting these two options readers have been given two possible outcomes which automatically ensures a second read through in order to see what the alternative could have been.

All in all, I liked this story and think it will delight readers both young and old because of the style and storyline. I look forward to any future installments to Tom's story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for granting me this early release review opportunity.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a goodreads give-away.
The author included a very friendly and personal note. A very nice gesture. I had intended to give this book to a friend's daughter, but I'm going to wait until she is a little older.

It took me some time to write this review, because I have some reservations about the story and I couldn't really put the finger on the spot that itches me. I think it's a combination of several things: First of all, the storyline reminds me too much of "Star dust" (Gaiman). There is this guy who is by birth somewhat different and kind of an outsider and one day he sets out to please the girl he wants to marry. He goes through many adventures, rescues another girl, falls in love with this one sooner or later, comes back the hero, but decides to be with the new girl. That being said, if there is a story with so many similarities, compared to Gaiman - sorry - you can only loose. Gaiman is such a strong writer who doesn't need many words to capture my imagination. Tom Thorneval just didn't do that.

Furthermore, the writing made me feel rushed through the story, there were so many encounters with creatures and not every one seemed to move the plot along. It felt like an enumeration of crazy incidents. The choice of the two different paths didn't seem to have a point either. Even the resolution of who the bad guy really is seemed a little far-fetched. (Don't want to spoil here - it wasn't the type of ending that surprizes you, it just raised a sceptical eyebrow - "Really?")
Other reviewers have already mentioned the unnecessary use of violence and lack of negative consequences in connection with violence so I don't want to focus on that.

What I liked about the story was the idea of dream-making and the dilemma that Tom was facing: Go with the hot, new stuff by doing something evil? Be compliant, but boring? Or try to be innovative and find your own way somewhere inbetween! I like this message, the world is not black and white. You can remain true to your morals, but you are allowed to question what "has always been done like that".

So, all in all: For me, there are some positive and some disappointing aspects in this book. It is a first work and contains some promising ideas, but I will probably not go so far to recommend it.

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like a blast from the past, it was fairy tales, adventure, misfortune, and a choose your own all wrapped into one beautiful package. Tom is not your normal adventurer - conquering bad guys going on his merry way - he is more like the Greek myths of old... bad things keep happening to him and he is trying to get out alive and make the best of the situations.

Tom Thorneval is a half-fairy trying to take his dreammaking business on the road to the Goblin Fair, only to get horribly lost and have SO many bad things happen to him. The story sets off with Tom as he starts his adventure and eventually the reader is able to see a lot of character growth in Tom through his misfortune.

When we began Tom is a headstrong dreammaking looking to make a quick buck on his wares, by the end - not so much and it is refreshing even though through most of the story you feel so sorry for him. But all of it is character building (quite literally since it is a book). The story talks a lot about choosing the right path and understanding the path you are on as well. It was a charming tale.

What made it even more exciting was that the ebook is also interactive! Ever read a book and the characters sings and you try to make a tune to fit but come up short? That won't happen here - there are links to the actual songs that you can listen to embedded in the appropriate places. There is even a choice the reader helps Tom make about 1/4 of the way through the book - choose his path, see what happens - all so much fun. I think that younger readers will definitely enjoy it especially because as an adult I found it new and different and a lot of fun.

This would also be a great book to read a a family and talk about why things may have happened to Tom and how he could have avoided some/ all of his troubles. A wonderful book!

[Erika Messer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goblins and Fairies and Witches oh my! This is probably the best fantastical story I have read in a long time. Tom Thorneval is a Dreammaker but he has fallen on hard times due to upsetting Fate and the novel starts as he is making his way towards the Goblin Fair. He meets many fairy tale characters along the way and because his little stoat Wix has eaten the half of the map that shows where he needs to go he has to ask their assistance. So he is always wondering if they are sending him on the right path. I was totally hooked as soon as I saw in the first part of the book that it was one of those "choose your own adventure" type books where the reader gets to choose what Tom will do next! I remember those from my childhood and loved them. You could go back and the story could turn out differently each time you read it :) This is such a great take on a fairy tale world but not the typical fairy tale world we are used to - this is more like a cross between the popular fairy tales and the Grimm fairy tales - a little good, a little bad makes it just the right balance. I think this would be great for middle school readers and I am 39 and loved it! Kids at heart will absolutely adore this story. Another thing that everyone will love about this is that it comes with a song track - at the beginning of the book is a bar code you can scan and download the musical and animation soundtrack that you can learn and sing while reading :) Tom is a very comical and yet lovable character and Wix his pet is just hilarious. I still am not sure what a stoat is but I am willing to believe in the magic of it all. If you like movies such as Ella Enchanted you will no doubt fall in love with this story and want to keep reading even when it's done. You cannot help but root for the hero Tom as he makes his way to the Goblin Fair and attempts to rebuild :)

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Thorneval: Dream Merchant Extraordinaire is something truly unique and different for the middle grade readers. It's a musical storyworld so you can use your smartphone for the code at particular parts of the book and hear the music. And not only that but it's got some choose your own adventure parts! So this is truly an interactive book and is perfect for those reluctant readers that may need a bit more to capture their attention.

Tom Thorneval is a cute little guy (but he is a grown up), determined to find his way to the festival to sell dreams and find the love of his life. Unfortunately his map was eaten by imps (if I remember correctly that's the creature he first encountered) and the forest is full of less than happy residents who are not so very helpful in helping him find his way. Adventure after adventure we travel through this forest meeting all sorts of fantasy creatures with an assortment of crazy and quirky personalities.

Because there is a bit of silliness in the fart/burp/throw up category it will get kids giggling (and possibly parents rolling their eyes) it brings the age range up just a bit, depending on what you wish to expose your kids to. Obviously this will depend as each child is different. I wouldn't hesitate to give it to my 5th grader. The book works good for boys and girls but I can imagine boys will have a great time with it because of the darker humor that girls would just say GROSS to.

I definitely recommend this and can't wait to hear YOUR thoughts about it!

You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com

[emyrose8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, this book wasn't for me. It took me a long time to get in-to the story and even in the climax, I wasn't thrilled with the story. I'm sure other people will love it; I just didn't connect with the characters.

I loved the concept of the book... that readers can use a QR-scanner to listen to the songs characters sing in the book (and you can buy the sheet music for the songs), but with such hype about this capability, I was expecting more songs. I think there were maybe three?

One part of the story has the reader choose which direction to take (a choose-your-own-adventure kind of thing). It threw me for a loop when I came across that part of the story. I kept expecting to see more of those markers later on, but there was just the one. That's it. Just one time.

And there was a cliff-hanger(ish) ending. Which means there will be a second book. Sigh. Which means I'll probably read that book too.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! :)

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book. It features Tom who has decided that instead of being a Dream Master he is going to be a Dream Merchant and travel to the Grand Goblin Fair and sell the dreams hes made to earn enough gold to marry Mary, the fairy of his dreams. But is that all that drives Tom and his companion Wix as they travel through dangerous territory?

As you learn about Tom who is a half fairy half shape shifter mix, you come to realize as does Tom, that the choices we make are what help to define who we are. This is a great tale of adventure filled with creatures who are out to get Tom into trouble or worse. Sometimes the paths we choose send us down roads we weren't ready for even if they turn out to be the right ones.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free as a giveaway from Goodreads. Obviously a book for the young but since I am young at heart I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel young readers would also. Very easy to read and a true fantasy. It tells of a half fairy dream maker trying to make his way in the world and being able to go back and marry the love of his life. Fairies live very long lives and he has been working towards this goal for a long, long time. Tom is a sweet, kind, loyal and good natured fellow and has many adventures in trying to achieve his goal some very scary. I think the moral to this tale could be 'be true to yourself and don't always take the easy way'.

[Amy Neftzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairy tale in the true sense of the word, similar to works such as Thumbelina. The tale is about Tom (a half fairy) as he journeys through a magical land and encounters all types of adventures as he seeks his fortune. His goal is to become a master dream maker and sell his dreams to people outside of the fairy world (where dreams are given away for free). The book deals with concepts such as deception and misunderstanding, as well as persistence toward your goals.

Recommended for young readers who like magical adventures with unusual creatures.

Note: A free ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and interesting story!

The author makes you care about what happens to the characters in the story.

There is a twist in the story...

I now can't wait until the sequel is out.


This book was a win from the Goodreads First Reads Program.