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Dreamsnatcher #3
The Night Spinner
Moll Pecksniff and her friends are back for a new adventure as the thrilling series that began with The Dreamsnatcher concludes.
Deep within Tanglefern Forest, Moll and her wildcat, Gryff, are waiting for a sign from the Old Magic before they continue their quest to find the last Amulet of Truth and free their world from the Shadowmasks’ terrible magic.
Still missing fellow Tribe member, Alfie, and armed only with a mysterious set of clues, Moll sets out on an adventure across the northern wilderness with Gryff and her friend Siddy at her side. They must brave the Lost Isles, scale the Barbed Peaks and face witches, goblins and giants who lurk at every turn . . . while the Shadowmasks draw ever closer.
Can Moll, Siddy and Gryff find the friend they think they have lost? And do the Tribe have what it takes to defeat the Dark magic once and for all?
Deep within Tanglefern Forest, Moll and her wildcat, Gryff, are waiting for a sign from the Old Magic before they continue their quest to find the last Amulet of Truth and free their world from the Shadowmasks’ terrible magic.
Still missing fellow Tribe member, Alfie, and armed only with a mysterious set of clues, Moll sets out on an adventure across the northern wilderness with Gryff and her friend Siddy at her side. They must brave the Lost Isles, scale the Barbed Peaks and face witches, goblins and giants who lurk at every turn . . . while the Shadowmasks draw ever closer.
Can Moll, Siddy and Gryff find the friend they think they have lost? And do the Tribe have what it takes to defeat the Dark magic once and for all?
327 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
26 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Abi Elphinstone
27 books436 followersAbi Elphinstone grew up in Scotland where she spent most of her childhood building dens, hiding in tree houses and running wild across highland glens. After being coaxed out of her tree house, she studied English at Bristol University and then worked as a teacher.
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
THE DREAMSNATCHER is her debut novel for 8-12 years (published by Simon & Schuster in 2015). THE SHADOW KEEPER is her second children's book (published by Simon & Schuster in 2016).
When she's not writing, Abi volunteers for Beanstalk, teaches creative writing workshops in schools and travels the world looking for her next story. Her latest adventure involved living with the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in Mongolia…
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 5, 2019
The final instalment in the Dreamsnatcher series continues the adventures of Moll and Gryff as they flee north to finally try and defeat the remaining Shadowmasks and prevent the world from plunging into eternal darkness.
This has been an ok series for me. It’s fast paced, with lots of different animals, myths and creatures to encounter but I often felt that the story skips about too much. In most cases, Moll and her friends fight a foe over a page, before moving on rapidly to something else leaving very little room for development of the plot or characters. I know this is middle grade, and as such I do have a degree of leeway with the story, but I’ve read better.
The heart of the story still centres around Moll and Gryff and her friends, and it was nice to see this love for a found family develop further. The ending is also nice, and wraps up well.
A good adventure story with strong friendship bonds, but I’ve read better.
This has been an ok series for me. It’s fast paced, with lots of different animals, myths and creatures to encounter but I often felt that the story skips about too much. In most cases, Moll and her friends fight a foe over a page, before moving on rapidly to something else leaving very little room for development of the plot or characters. I know this is middle grade, and as such I do have a degree of leeway with the story, but I’ve read better.
The heart of the story still centres around Moll and Gryff and her friends, and it was nice to see this love for a found family develop further. The ending is also nice, and wraps up well.
A good adventure story with strong friendship bonds, but I’ve read better.
March 5, 2017
The perfect ending to the best trilogy I've read in years. While the action is still here in spades Moll has grown to be a more reflective and emotional character. The Night Spinner is as much about recovering and strengthening bonds of friendship as it is about beating the Shadowmasks. Maybe the Old Magic is really, quite simply, our ability to love each other. The ending had me in absolute pieces. A classic story. ADORED it.
February 23, 2017
The final (and best) book in the Dreamsnatcher trilogy, we meet Moll and Griff back in Tanglefern, as with the help of the Elders, they look for clues to find the final Amulet, knowing it won't be long before the last two Shadowmasks being hunting for them. With the Old Magic struggling to break through the Dark Magic’s growing power, Moll, Gryff, Siddy and Domino set off for the north to the lands full wild, and they'll need every ounce of courage, hope, friendship and resilience they can muster if they are to stop the eternal night from descending…
Magic and mayhem abound in this gripping adventure. The vivid settings pull you into Moll’s world, as you journey with her through dense forests, never ending moors, rocky seas and treacherous mountains filled with witches, bog monsters and giants. At the heart of this story sits the meaning of true friendship, and the courage, hope, determination and comfort that it brings.
I opened this book with mixed emotions; I couldn't wait to see where Moll’s adventure would take me next, but I also knew that in turning the last page, I'd be saying goodbye to characters and magical world that Abi Elphinstone has woven through three superb books. But, while it's goodbye to Moll and her family and friends, I know that wherever Abi chooses to take us next, I'll be right there at the front of the queue, ready to dive in.
Great for fans of Harry Potter, Eva Ibbotsen, Piers Torday, Michelle Harrison and Robin Jarvis.
Magic and mayhem abound in this gripping adventure. The vivid settings pull you into Moll’s world, as you journey with her through dense forests, never ending moors, rocky seas and treacherous mountains filled with witches, bog monsters and giants. At the heart of this story sits the meaning of true friendship, and the courage, hope, determination and comfort that it brings.
I opened this book with mixed emotions; I couldn't wait to see where Moll’s adventure would take me next, but I also knew that in turning the last page, I'd be saying goodbye to characters and magical world that Abi Elphinstone has woven through three superb books. But, while it's goodbye to Moll and her family and friends, I know that wherever Abi chooses to take us next, I'll be right there at the front of the queue, ready to dive in.
Great for fans of Harry Potter, Eva Ibbotsen, Piers Torday, Michelle Harrison and Robin Jarvis.
September 3, 2020
Buku ketiga dan termasuk terakhir ini cukup menegangkan. Rada berbelit dalam artian pencarian amuletnya ini sampai harus jatuh bangun gitu. Tau2 kena jebakan Goblin. Atau kepisah sama Siddy. Sempet juga si Gryff masuk kerangkeng.
Terus, mulai banyak hal yang meragukan buat Molls. Sesuatu yang tampak baik jadi mencurigakan bagi Molls. Karena, bisa jadi itu jebakan dari Shadowmasks. Di bagian ini banyak korban berjatuhan.
Untuk ceritanya cukup kompleks. Dengan tokoh utama yang cukup nyebelin buatku karena impulsif banget. Jadi, nobody perfects especially the lead characters. Gaya berceritanya enak dan mengalir.
Terus, mulai banyak hal yang meragukan buat Molls. Sesuatu yang tampak baik jadi mencurigakan bagi Molls. Karena, bisa jadi itu jebakan dari Shadowmasks. Di bagian ini banyak korban berjatuhan.
Untuk ceritanya cukup kompleks. Dengan tokoh utama yang cukup nyebelin buatku karena impulsif banget. Jadi, nobody perfects especially the lead characters. Gaya berceritanya enak dan mengalir.
March 14, 2017
Perfect end to a fantastic trilogy!
March 3, 2017
Moll's adventures come to an end in this thrilling story with a hectic race-against-time across a landscape inspired by the wilds of Scotland, and more dark magic and bizarre creatures (many inspired by Scottish myth and legend) than ever before. The Night Spinner takes everything you loved about The Dreamsnatcher and The Shadow Keeper and turns it up to 11.
Moll's bravery, loyalty, and determination, even in the face of terrible loss and overwhelming odds, make her one of the most memorable heroes of modern children's fiction - and her catapult makes her one of the most iconic. Gryff, her wildcat friend and ally, whose fierceness complements Moll's own, is no cute animal companion, but a wild and powerful character whose influence on the story is tremendous.
The secondary characters are wonderful, too. Moll's adventure tears her away from her family in Tanglefern Forest, but ever-constant Siddy is with her - and if he can't take his pets Hermit and Porridge the Second with him on such a dangerous journey (a small crab and a worm might get squished), he somehow manages to acquire a new friend in Frank the ferret, whose antics provide comic relief.
Some of the new characters are memorable, too - especially the ones who blur the line between friend and foe. I particularly enjoyed Bruce and his mixed-up words, and Murk with her pessimistic outlook struck a chord with me.
A fitting conclusion to a magnificent trilogy.
Moll's bravery, loyalty, and determination, even in the face of terrible loss and overwhelming odds, make her one of the most memorable heroes of modern children's fiction - and her catapult makes her one of the most iconic. Gryff, her wildcat friend and ally, whose fierceness complements Moll's own, is no cute animal companion, but a wild and powerful character whose influence on the story is tremendous.
The secondary characters are wonderful, too. Moll's adventure tears her away from her family in Tanglefern Forest, but ever-constant Siddy is with her - and if he can't take his pets Hermit and Porridge the Second with him on such a dangerous journey (a small crab and a worm might get squished), he somehow manages to acquire a new friend in Frank the ferret, whose antics provide comic relief.
Some of the new characters are memorable, too - especially the ones who blur the line between friend and foe. I particularly enjoyed Bruce and his mixed-up words, and Murk with her pessimistic outlook struck a chord with me.
A fitting conclusion to a magnificent trilogy.
August 5, 2019
3.5 stars from me.
I'm not sure about this one. There were good moments but the most important scene in the book felt flat to me. There was no suspense, no feeling of doom to something that was such a huge thing in the first two books.
I still like it but it wasn't fantastic either.
I'm not sure about this one. There were good moments but the most important scene in the book felt flat to me. There was no suspense, no feeling of doom to something that was such a huge thing in the first two books.
I still like it but it wasn't fantastic either.
December 31, 2021
This book is vey exciting and has so many surprising twists that make you want to read on. And it has the most unexpected ends.
September 16, 2017
A fittingly thrilling and emotional climax to a wonderful trilogy.
October 4, 2021
My second reading of the book brought back a lot of pleasant memories of this series and Elphinstone ties it all up so well. Moll, Gryff, Domino and Siddy all set off to find the final amulet in order to defeat the final Shadowmasks who would cast a blanket of darkness over the world and be done with the old magics.
Fast-paced from the start with a host of magical and nefarious creatures, the story will delight its readers in its passion and constant sense of threat and danger. I have loved spending time with Moll and her family. Her grit and determination remind me so strongly of Abi's own quest to get published and follow her dreams.
Fast-paced from the start with a host of magical and nefarious creatures, the story will delight its readers in its passion and constant sense of threat and danger. I have loved spending time with Moll and her family. Her grit and determination remind me so strongly of Abi's own quest to get published and follow her dreams.
April 9, 2017
Abi Elphinstone is my favourite author ever. I have been to two of her talks, and she signed my book at both! She writes really nice comments on the book {she said she really likes my name and it was good to see me again}, and this is probably my favourite. It had a really good ending {though I almost cried when Domino had to go with the Oracle spirit and that Moll's adventures had to come to an end]. This is an AMAZING book. I recommend this to everyone!
October 30, 2020
It was the perfect happy ending to a wonderful series: Alfie came back and became "real"; all the shadowmasks were defeated; Gryff stayed and didn't have to go to Otherworld; Moll and all her friends were safe! Although it didn't directly give answers to my questions, The Night Spinner had so much drama I felt they didn't need to be answered. I suppose Elphinstone was implying that the "Tribe", as they call themselves, are special and they're the hope everyone needs.
Overall an amazing read - I would definitely read the series all over again!
Overall an amazing read - I would definitely read the series all over again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2021
THE NIGHT SPINNER is an action-packed trilogy finale. It was the perfect book to keep me company on a day when I was not feeling well, so just wanted something to curl up with and take my mind off how awful I was feeling. I read through it in the afternoon and evening, dashing from adventure to adventure, narrowly dodging threats with Moll as she faces down the last of the Shadowmasks - and has to fight to cling onto hope, no matter what.<
There is a lot that cannot be said about this book without spoilers, as so much of what I want to talk about is the ending - the ups and downs, and the message at the heart of this book. Basically, it's all about hope and continuing to believe even in the darkest times, which was SO perfect for when I read this (mid January)
There is so much happening between the pages of this book as Moll and Siddy head north with Gryff. We have goblins who make sly deals, the Highland Watch, selkies, and so much more bursting from the pages. I loved how much was fitted in as this is absolutely full of classic fantasy vibes.
This is certainly an epic fantasy book. Moll has a quest, and is on the final leg to defeat the evil, but evil keeps sending forces against her to delay her, and the world as a whole keeps throwing things in her path she has to navigate before going after her friends.
I am almost at the end of reading through all of Abi Elphinstone's currently published work (booo, but at least there is another book out this year). It's always a treat when you discover a new author who already has a lot of books under their belt, like I did with Abi last year. Now to find a new UKMG author!
There is a lot that cannot be said about this book without spoilers, as so much of what I want to talk about is the ending - the ups and downs, and the message at the heart of this book. Basically, it's all about hope and continuing to believe even in the darkest times, which was SO perfect for when I read this (mid January)
There is so much happening between the pages of this book as Moll and Siddy head north with Gryff. We have goblins who make sly deals, the Highland Watch, selkies, and so much more bursting from the pages. I loved how much was fitted in as this is absolutely full of classic fantasy vibes.
This is certainly an epic fantasy book. Moll has a quest, and is on the final leg to defeat the evil, but evil keeps sending forces against her to delay her, and the world as a whole keeps throwing things in her path she has to navigate before going after her friends.
I am almost at the end of reading through all of Abi Elphinstone's currently published work (booo, but at least there is another book out this year). It's always a treat when you discover a new author who already has a lot of books under their belt, like I did with Abi last year. Now to find a new UKMG author!
May 9, 2020
This book was a perfect end to the rest of the series. Moll really came alive for me in this book and I love how much of centre stage she took; yes she's always been the main character but I really feel she came into her own in this story.
It had the right balance of action and moments of friendship and love and bravery. These characters weren't born with this courage but through everything they've been through they've developed together and would go to the ends of the earth for one another. Sid also felt so developed in this book and I think it's because it was mostly stripped back to Moll and Sid; two kid who started this journey together that will end it together.
My only only issue with this was Domino's death; there seemed to be absolutely no reaction to his death and everyone was just like, eh okay. I just wanted a little bit more heart from this and it would have been five stars for me.
It had the right balance of action and moments of friendship and love and bravery. These characters weren't born with this courage but through everything they've been through they've developed together and would go to the ends of the earth for one another. Sid also felt so developed in this book and I think it's because it was mostly stripped back to Moll and Sid; two kid who started this journey together that will end it together.
My only only issue with this was Domino's death; there seemed to be absolutely no reaction to his death and everyone was just like, eh okay. I just wanted a little bit more heart from this and it would have been five stars for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2018
A beautiful conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. Moll and Gryff and what's left of the tribe head up into the wild lands of the north to finish off the last two Shadowmasks and save the Old Magic, but darkness is descending and hope feels harder than ever to hold on to.
I love the way Abi writes mythological creatures and creatures of her own invention into her stories, building up a deep and magical world that feels both familiar and startlingly new. This is no exception, with witches and selkies, a brilliant, tough-dealing goblin and the best giants I've read about in a long time.
Moll's path feels darker than ever, and you can really feel the despair creeping in.
It is an emotional ride, but a lovely way to say goodbye to the tribe.
I love the way Abi writes mythological creatures and creatures of her own invention into her stories, building up a deep and magical world that feels both familiar and startlingly new. This is no exception, with witches and selkies, a brilliant, tough-dealing goblin and the best giants I've read about in a long time.
Moll's path feels darker than ever, and you can really feel the despair creeping in.
It is an emotional ride, but a lovely way to say goodbye to the tribe.
July 23, 2020
The Night Spinner is a good book. The book has so much stuff like when Moll and Sid have a fight with dark witches in the forest and when the sea castle caches fire. The second to last shadow mask tries to get Moll to give up her impossible dream so they can make eternal night, but she fights it. Moll and Sid jump onto a moving train with Oaks son Domino, and so the land is safe for now. The book needs more to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2018
Wow! Amazing storytelling. The best book in the trilogy and the first two were great! Moll is a fabulous character, with a determination to envy.
I’ve enjoyed all three books but this one stands out, all the parts of the story are finally woven together in a powerful and satisfying way.
Definitely recommend this trilogy.
I’ve enjoyed all three books but this one stands out, all the parts of the story are finally woven together in a powerful and satisfying way.
Definitely recommend this trilogy.
June 19, 2018
I didn't realise it was the last book of a trilogy when I picked it up but it didn't cause a problem as it was easy to understand what happened on the previous adventures. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read the previous books though.
Nice and easy read even though I wanted to slap the main character in the face xD
Nice and easy read even though I wanted to slap the main character in the face xD
January 13, 2018
Oh my goodness! Loved every single second spent reading this book. I can’t believe it has all come to an end 😩 definitely shed a few tears whilst reading this last instalment with Moll, but am sure that I will remember these stories for a lifetime. If I could sum all three in one word; magical ✨
May 17, 2017
Fab conclusion to the trilogy. Definitely recommended! I'll miss these characters, but this was a superb and fitting close.
February 21, 2018
A great finish to the exciting, fantasy adventure trilogy. I look forward to her new series out this year.
January 18, 2019
Gripping magical adventure.
June 21, 2019
A brilliant conclusion to the dreamsnatcher trilogy!
May 24, 2022
Last in the trilogy and it doesn't disappoint. Great new characters, lots of dangers, suspense and adventures.
December 22, 2022
good read
It is a very well written book but it isn’t quite as good as the first in the series. Well done, Abi Elphinstone, it’s a brilliant series!
It is a very well written book but it isn’t quite as good as the first in the series. Well done, Abi Elphinstone, it’s a brilliant series!
May 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
May 5, 2017
In this final book of Elphinstone's Dreamsnatcher trilogy the stakes are higher than ever: a dear friend is missing, Moll's journey takes them to even an even wilder setting, and the Shadowmasks are more powerful than ever. This third book takes place up in the wilds of the north where the terrain really comes alive. I had absolutely no trouble picturing the northern wilderness that Moll, Gryff and Siddy venture through because of the rich descriptive nature of Elphinstone's writing, which created both magical and tense atmosphere's when needed. I loved that while we still had some of our favourite characters at the forefront of the adventure, we met a varied assortment of new and interesting side characters who either wanted to aide Moll or thwart her whenever possible. As this was the concluding book in the trilogy, the ending was both exciting and emotional, while still leaving things open for more tribe adventures (which I would definitely be interested in).
Moll is one of my favourite heroine's for this age range of books. She is headstrong, stubborn and is determined to have her way, not letting anyone get in the way of her adventure. But she can also be brash, unthinking, and at times mean. What is wonderful is that Moll accepts that she has been wrong, apologises for her mistakes and tries to make up for them - she actively works towards bettering herself and avoiding repeating mistakes. This is such a wonderful message to be passed on to Elphinstone's young readers - unapologetically be who you are but don't be afraid to make mistakes and take responsibility for them.
Overall, this was a wonderful and thrilling conclusion to a fantasy adventure trilogy that all should read. I look forward to what Abi Elphinstone puts out next.
Moll is one of my favourite heroine's for this age range of books. She is headstrong, stubborn and is determined to have her way, not letting anyone get in the way of her adventure. But she can also be brash, unthinking, and at times mean. What is wonderful is that Moll accepts that she has been wrong, apologises for her mistakes and tries to make up for them - she actively works towards bettering herself and avoiding repeating mistakes. This is such a wonderful message to be passed on to Elphinstone's young readers - unapologetically be who you are but don't be afraid to make mistakes and take responsibility for them.
Overall, this was a wonderful and thrilling conclusion to a fantasy adventure trilogy that all should read. I look forward to what Abi Elphinstone puts out next.
January 16, 2021
What a brilliant way to end an incredible trilogy! The twists in the book were amazing and surprised me every time- it isn't very memorable but sticks in your memory at the same time... I loved how each time they were in danger there was always a new solution. The ending was perfect- Gryff got to stay 🐅♥️! I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy or adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews