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The Switching Hour
A bewitchingly beautiful, spine-chilling story of courage, friendship and fears that come alive after dark... Never stay out after the Switching Hour... never let the outside in... Amaya lives with her grandmother, her small brother Kaleb and her pet goat Tao in a land suffering a terrible drought. Every night, the doors must be locked after twilight, the Switching Hour, because the drought has awoken Badoko, a creature that snatches people away to eat their dreams. Three days later, the memory that they existed is gone from those that knew them, and those that are left are afflicted with The Sorrow Sickness - a grief which consumes a person without them knowing why. When Kaleb is taken by Badoko, Amaya must journey into the terrifying forest to find her brother before she forgets him.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2019
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May 29, 2019Never stay out after the Switching Hour… never let the outside in….
Amaya lives with her grandmother, her small brother Kaleb and her pet goat Tau in a land suffering a terrible drought. Every night, the doors must be locked at twilight, the Switching Hour, because the drought has awoken Badeko, a creature that snatches children away to eat their dreams.
Three days later, the memory that they existed is gone from those that knew them, and those that are left are afflicted with The Sorrow Sickness – a grief which consumes a person without them knowing why. When Kaleb is taken by Badeko, Amaya must journey into the terrifying forest to find her brother before she forgets him.
Amaya lives with her grandmother, her small brother Kaleb and her pet goat Tau in a land suffering a terrible drought. Every night, the doors must be locked at twilight, the Switching Hour, because the drought has awoken Badeko, a creature that snatches children away to eat their dreams.
Three days later, the memory that they existed is gone from those that knew them, and those that are left are afflicted with The Sorrow Sickness – a grief which consumes a person without them knowing why. When Kaleb is taken by Badeko, Amaya must journey into the terrifying forest to find her brother before she forgets him.
October 28, 2020
Wow what a book! This was great! Such a creepy suspenseful read. Badeko is such a scary monster! It snatches kids & devours their dreams. After so many days the loved ones of the snatched kids completely forget them, & they get the sorrow sickness. So every night, at twilight you’re supposed to stay inside w/the doors locked so he can’t get you. Amaya is a great main character. She has been through so much. Grief is a main part of this story, & is dealt w/so well. She is strong & brave. Loved her. Her younger brother is taken by the monster so she sets out w/her goat to go & rescue him. The goat Tau is my favorite character lol so smart, loyal, brave & just so cute! She meets/makes a friend on her journey-Molly. Molly has her own secrets. She decides to go w/Amaya & help her. Such a creative story full of mystery, courage, adventure, friendship, spookiness, & full of emotion. Beautiful cover of course as well!!😍😍 Perfect read for this season for sure. I highly recommend this!!💜💜
August 4, 2019
I read this wonderful MG story really quickly as it was so gripping!
Young Amaya's quest kept me on the edge of my seat, as she travels through a drought-ravaged landscape to find her little brother Kaleb, and rescue him from the dreadful monster, the Badeko, before the Sorrow Sickness wipes all memory of him from her mind.
Beautiful, evocative writing capturing lands filled with dagger-tooth jackals, wrathclaw cats, heat, dust, and most of all - fear of the Switching Hour: when night falls, and the Badeko roams, hunting for children so it can feast off their dreams.
The Badeko is a truly sinister monster, full of trickery, but the story also has a unique companion, Tau, Amaya's very clever goat - he's super!
Full of thrills, brave deeds, and themes about the importance of family. I loved it!
Young Amaya's quest kept me on the edge of my seat, as she travels through a drought-ravaged landscape to find her little brother Kaleb, and rescue him from the dreadful monster, the Badeko, before the Sorrow Sickness wipes all memory of him from her mind.
Beautiful, evocative writing capturing lands filled with dagger-tooth jackals, wrathclaw cats, heat, dust, and most of all - fear of the Switching Hour: when night falls, and the Badeko roams, hunting for children so it can feast off their dreams.
The Badeko is a truly sinister monster, full of trickery, but the story also has a unique companion, Tau, Amaya's very clever goat - he's super!
Full of thrills, brave deeds, and themes about the importance of family. I loved it!
September 29, 2020
Wonderful storytelling. The author has created a downright terrifying monster! I'm not ashamed to admit that I had a nightmare about the Badeko - which may be ironic, right?
This story also delicately touches on dealing with loss and grief, the importance of family, finding your inner strength and ultimately facing your fears. Perfect addition for your Halloween TBR pile!
This story also delicately touches on dealing with loss and grief, the importance of family, finding your inner strength and ultimately facing your fears. Perfect addition for your Halloween TBR pile!
November 17, 2020
What a wonderful book! It's a mix of The Circus of Stolen Dreams and Labyrinth. Spooky, creepy, mysterious, but exciting and magical at the same time. For kids who love something a little darker, this is absolutely perfect for them.
December 31, 2021
Wow! What an amazing book. My daughter borrowed it from our library but it interested me so much I had to read it. What a great story! I had to keep reading and reading as I wanted to know what was going to happen to Amaya. Spooky but without being to scary.
I’ll definitely read any further books from this author.
I’ll definitely read any further books from this author.
December 13, 2019
This was a nice read. I really enjoyed it and I found it to be quite different from other children's books. It always nice to read about a strong female character!
I did find that there were a few plot holes or elements that could not have been plausible (), but then again, this is me just being too specific about it. I did enjoy all the different descriptions of how things looked like or smelled like... even though a few things had an odd mixture (blanket smelling of hay, mixed with lavender and something else, but on the next page the same blanket has a whole new smell.).
Anyway, lovely story of bravery, friendship, the importance of family. I would recommend it!
I did find that there were a few plot holes or elements that could not have been plausible (), but then again, this is me just being too specific about it. I did enjoy all the different descriptions of how things looked like or smelled like... even though a few things had an odd mixture (blanket smelling of hay, mixed with lavender and something else, but on the next page the same blanket has a whole new smell.).
Anyway, lovely story of bravery, friendship, the importance of family. I would recommend it!
January 25, 2020
I haven't read much Middle Grade so take this with a pinch of salt because maybe my issues were staples of the genre.
On the one hand Damaris Young is excellent at building tension, I spent 90% of the book anxious! Considering it's a mystery surrounding supernatural monsters stealing children I think is how you should feel!
On the other hand, part of the tension was due to the silly choices that the characters made, often. I know they're about 12/13 and I was probably an idiot aged 12/13. At the same time I'm still fairly sure I'd not leave water bottles open on the floor, or not drag my friends away from bad stuff. Amaya is also quick to anger "why isn't she helping me?" when the next paragraph is having a rope thrown to her. I found it somewhat frustrating and a little tedious.
On the one hand Damaris Young is excellent at building tension, I spent 90% of the book anxious! Considering it's a mystery surrounding supernatural monsters stealing children I think is how you should feel!
On the other hand, part of the tension was due to the silly choices that the characters made, often. I know they're about 12/13 and I was probably an idiot aged 12/13. At the same time I'm still fairly sure I'd not leave water bottles open on the floor, or not drag my friends away from bad stuff. Amaya is also quick to anger "why isn't she helping me?" when the next paragraph is having a rope thrown to her. I found it somewhat frustrating and a little tedious.
August 14, 2019
A gripping middle grade story of survival against the evil monster called Badeko, of a friendship that will last even through hardship and the importance of love amongst family. That even though they may no longer be around in this world, it is still possible to keep them constant on our memories and to remember them in all their glory.
I really thought that somehow the main character, Amaya was the one who was going to be kidnapped but it turns out that she's the one who has to rescue his brother. This just shows that one could go to such lengths when it involves someone you love. It goes the same to siblings as well even though it may seem that at times, you just want to strangle them most of the time. You really do have it hard and see that once they're no longer around, you start to appreciate them.
Honestly, the main point regarding the monster, the evil creature that haunts children really reminds me of any other monster that lurks in closets, in one's nightmares or wherever they may lurk at other places. Because they all want the same thing and that is to haunt children and seek something that only children have. In this case, it craves for their dreams and all that cozy feeling of love, warmth and longing. So, in that sense and taking into account that it only comes around at a certain time makes it even more thrilling.
This story was a short read, one that you can easily read in one whole sitting. It was filled with scenes that may keep you on the edge of your seats. You should keep this story in your radar and read it if you can because it shouldn't be one that you should miss out on.
I really thought that somehow the main character, Amaya was the one who was going to be kidnapped but it turns out that she's the one who has to rescue his brother. This just shows that one could go to such lengths when it involves someone you love. It goes the same to siblings as well even though it may seem that at times, you just want to strangle them most of the time. You really do have it hard and see that once they're no longer around, you start to appreciate them.
Honestly, the main point regarding the monster, the evil creature that haunts children really reminds me of any other monster that lurks in closets, in one's nightmares or wherever they may lurk at other places. Because they all want the same thing and that is to haunt children and seek something that only children have. In this case, it craves for their dreams and all that cozy feeling of love, warmth and longing. So, in that sense and taking into account that it only comes around at a certain time makes it even more thrilling.
This story was a short read, one that you can easily read in one whole sitting. It was filled with scenes that may keep you on the edge of your seats. You should keep this story in your radar and read it if you can because it shouldn't be one that you should miss out on.
September 28, 2019
Oh wow! This was a captivating, spine-tingling read imbued throughout with an underlying sense of danger in an environment of stifling heat, inspired by the landscape of Southern Africa. The writing is exquisite and lyrical and took me on the most incredible journey of fear, awe and heartbreak, but also let me see the incredible bravery and strength of others in the face of seeming hopelessness and abject loss … this really is a story to be devoured in a single sitting.
Twelve-year-old Amaya’s community is suffering from a dreadful drought which is threatening the destruction of their homeland. People believe that it has also awoken the terrifying Badeko, a creature that steals away children during The Switching Hour to feed upon their dreams, leaving their loved ones to suffer from the curse of the Sorrow Sickness, grieving for someone they can’t remember.
Amaya clearly adores her younger brother, Kaleb so imagine her terror when she wakes up one morning to discover he has disappeared, taken by the Badeko. Now imagine her guilt when she realises his disappearance is her fault. To add to this, her Granny Uma has been called away, so Amaya is left to take action on her own.
Well, not quite on her own, as she has the wonderful companionship of her pet goat Tau. I had a pet goat as a child – not very imaginatively called Kid - and remember fondly its stubborn nature and propensity for head-butting! Of course, I adored Tau who is courageous, protective and loyal … and so much more!
Blaming herself and feeling guilty, she is determined to rescue her brother from the grip of the Badeko. And this is where I must mention the cover illustration by Kelsey Buzzell which perfectly encapsulates the pervading sense of danger and oppressive heat throughout the story.
I’m not brave. I’m just too scared of losing him.
Amaya must be both brave and strong as she fights her constant fear on her dangerous journey through the suffocating heat of the forest to the Badeko’s lair to rescue her brother. Her journey is filled with incredible episodes of tension, awe-inspiring courage, and just the perfect amount of spine-tingling scary moments that kept me turning page after page with bated breath. The action is fast-paced as time runs out, as the Badeko plays tricks with her mind … Will her love for Kaleb be strong enough to help her face her greatest fear?
Friendship … courage … overcoming fears … this story is a perfect read for children of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as entranced by Amaya’s brave adventure as I was.
Twelve-year-old Amaya’s community is suffering from a dreadful drought which is threatening the destruction of their homeland. People believe that it has also awoken the terrifying Badeko, a creature that steals away children during The Switching Hour to feed upon their dreams, leaving their loved ones to suffer from the curse of the Sorrow Sickness, grieving for someone they can’t remember.
Amaya clearly adores her younger brother, Kaleb so imagine her terror when she wakes up one morning to discover he has disappeared, taken by the Badeko. Now imagine her guilt when she realises his disappearance is her fault. To add to this, her Granny Uma has been called away, so Amaya is left to take action on her own.
Well, not quite on her own, as she has the wonderful companionship of her pet goat Tau. I had a pet goat as a child – not very imaginatively called Kid - and remember fondly its stubborn nature and propensity for head-butting! Of course, I adored Tau who is courageous, protective and loyal … and so much more!
Blaming herself and feeling guilty, she is determined to rescue her brother from the grip of the Badeko. And this is where I must mention the cover illustration by Kelsey Buzzell which perfectly encapsulates the pervading sense of danger and oppressive heat throughout the story.
I’m not brave. I’m just too scared of losing him.
Amaya must be both brave and strong as she fights her constant fear on her dangerous journey through the suffocating heat of the forest to the Badeko’s lair to rescue her brother. Her journey is filled with incredible episodes of tension, awe-inspiring courage, and just the perfect amount of spine-tingling scary moments that kept me turning page after page with bated breath. The action is fast-paced as time runs out, as the Badeko plays tricks with her mind … Will her love for Kaleb be strong enough to help her face her greatest fear?
Friendship … courage … overcoming fears … this story is a perfect read for children of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as entranced by Amaya’s brave adventure as I was.
June 17, 2021
Not the best book but certainly not the worst. There are definitely areas that need improvement but to say the least its a great story for kids still learning to be kind, trustworthy and fearless.
Now it’s nice to see that the setting wasn’t very stereotypical but you naturally feel more energetic and nourished when reading a book with lots of rain or with a green setting. On that note I can see why this book must have been quite a challenge to write and why the plot itself seemed a little dry and repetitive.
There weren’t many characters in the book which made it a bit too straightforward. Alot of the attention was focused on the main character and what they were doing. We didn’t see much of a backstory (except how her mum died) and it would have been nice to know how life was before the drought and about other people she knew before Badeko arrived (an insight on Mally’s life, what the boy and his father would do when they got home, what Granny Uma was like when she was young, even a short description of her village etc. etc.)
This is not really from a child’s perspective so I do believe go ahead and read it if it’s with a child because it will show the power of friendship and the relationship between brother and sister in a really heartwarming tale that doesn’t bore out the kids.
Great for a debut book!
Now it’s nice to see that the setting wasn’t very stereotypical but you naturally feel more energetic and nourished when reading a book with lots of rain or with a green setting. On that note I can see why this book must have been quite a challenge to write and why the plot itself seemed a little dry and repetitive.
There weren’t many characters in the book which made it a bit too straightforward. Alot of the attention was focused on the main character and what they were doing. We didn’t see much of a backstory (except how her mum died) and it would have been nice to know how life was before the drought and about other people she knew before Badeko arrived (an insight on Mally’s life, what the boy and his father would do when they got home, what Granny Uma was like when she was young, even a short description of her village etc. etc.)
This is not really from a child’s perspective so I do believe go ahead and read it if it’s with a child because it will show the power of friendship and the relationship between brother and sister in a really heartwarming tale that doesn’t bore out the kids.
Great for a debut book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
Damaris Young's debut, "The Switching Hour", is a wonderful and sometimes spooky fairy tale.
Since her mother's death, Amaya has lived with Granny Uma and her little brother Kaleb. Granny Uma is strict about Amaya being inside with the door locked during the Switching Hour, as day turns into night, for fear of being taken by Badeko, and eight-legged creature who feasts on the dreams of children. Once Badeko takes a child, the family, after a few days forgets the child existed, but come down with the Sadness Sickness. One night when Granny Una, a midwife, is called away to help deliver a baby, Amaya is left to take care of Kaleb. It is on this night that Badeko steals off with little toddling. Amaya sets off to find her brother before she forgets him and is overcome with the sadness.
Amaya's journey is compelling, and I love the character of Mally she meets along the way. Damaris Young weaves an engaging yarn. I love the sense of magic within these pages, and how the magic comes from inside the characters.
I really enjoyed it.
Since her mother's death, Amaya has lived with Granny Uma and her little brother Kaleb. Granny Uma is strict about Amaya being inside with the door locked during the Switching Hour, as day turns into night, for fear of being taken by Badeko, and eight-legged creature who feasts on the dreams of children. Once Badeko takes a child, the family, after a few days forgets the child existed, but come down with the Sadness Sickness. One night when Granny Una, a midwife, is called away to help deliver a baby, Amaya is left to take care of Kaleb. It is on this night that Badeko steals off with little toddling. Amaya sets off to find her brother before she forgets him and is overcome with the sadness.
Amaya's journey is compelling, and I love the character of Mally she meets along the way. Damaris Young weaves an engaging yarn. I love the sense of magic within these pages, and how the magic comes from inside the characters.
I really enjoyed it.
April 21, 2020
Captivating
Few books in my recent (reading) past have captivated me quite like The Switching Hour. The concept is simple, yet marvellous, a fabled monster that comes with the drought and takes away children and feasts on their dreams. Anaya has to go in search of her little brother, Kaleb when he is taken by the monster, Badeko. Okay, it’s a little bit dark but it deals carefully with themes of loss and the hurt children go through when they find themselves sharing their parent(s) with a new sibling. The writing is some of the most glorious I have been treated to in many a year. I couldn’t put it down. Destined to be a classic. Wonderful, wonderful book.
Few books in my recent (reading) past have captivated me quite like The Switching Hour. The concept is simple, yet marvellous, a fabled monster that comes with the drought and takes away children and feasts on their dreams. Anaya has to go in search of her little brother, Kaleb when he is taken by the monster, Badeko. Okay, it’s a little bit dark but it deals carefully with themes of loss and the hurt children go through when they find themselves sharing their parent(s) with a new sibling. The writing is some of the most glorious I have been treated to in many a year. I couldn’t put it down. Destined to be a classic. Wonderful, wonderful book.
March 9, 2021
The story is just incredibly satisfying with a very fun storyline and set of characters. Amaya leaves the door unlocked, forgetting what her grandmother tells her. Because of this, Amaya's little brother is taken by a monster, Badeko, that sings a song with no words, puts children to sleep, and devours their dreams. Amaya. She is determined to bring him back, entering a forest after the switching hour. The story features a variety of characters whose personalities are extremely enjoyable to read and listen to.
May 9, 2021
This book... muwah. I loved this gem. I devoured it in under a day and I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. This spooky yet clasping book held me into its claws quite firmly, not meaning to let go until I had finished it. Amaya and her brother, Kaleb, are taken on a perilous journey, well, maybe just Amaya. Amaya sets out to find the all feared Badeko to rescue her brother from his clutches before he is forever forgotten by everyone. This is a good book for starter readers, yet I would recommend it to anyone. As I say, no book is bad.
~Aurora. N
~Aurora. N
June 30, 2020
This book really surprised me. I felt that the author kept me on the edge of my seat, so panicked about the 'Switching Hour'. I enjoyed the story and the pictures being painted were so striking; it left a vivid imprint in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to use this as a class text. However, I think this is designed more for UKS2 and beyond. Still a very thrilling read and one I am sure to revisit again.
December 14, 2020
A haunting, atmospheric story about a land gripped by a terrible drought that has awoken the Badeko - a monster that steals children away during the 'switching hour' and leave their families with a terrible sorrow sickness that causes them to forget their children ever existed. When Amaya's little brother Kaleb is taken, Amaya knows it is her fault and she must travel into the forest to face the terrifying Badeko and get her brother back.
August 7, 2019
If, like me, you like a lot of the natural world, a sprinkling of magic, a good dose of environmental awareness and a riveting adventure in your stories, then The Switching Hour is the one for you.
It is a story about hope, courage and the importance of family. It is a thrilling adventure and I urge you to read it.
It is a story about hope, courage and the importance of family. It is a thrilling adventure and I urge you to read it.
October 3, 2019
Damaris Young brings your senses alive with this beautifully written tale of drought, adventure and the unbreakable bonds of family. Watch out for Bedeko - I absolutely love a book with a creature that gives you the shivers and this one is genius. A stunning debut that is a must-read.
March 15, 2021
I only gave 4 stars because I wished that the main character was described more. The book has a lot of emotion and got more exciting as the story went on. The creatures in the book were scary, but cool. Such an exciting adventure you go on in The Switching Hour. Must read for kids my age. (I'm 10)
September 29, 2021
I quite good, but it just has so much room for improvement... The author set up the perfect scenario for a frightening plot, but after the one scene where the main character runs through the forest it seems to stop being written as horror and switches to adventure... But it's still a good book!
January 2, 2022
Wow! This book was great. I was supposed to be reading this book but my mother said it looked interesting so she started to read it. I read it after her and I couldn't stop reading it! I would defo read more books by this author. I recommend to read this book!
July 7, 2025
The writing is simple yet literarily beautiful. Amaya is a very brave girl with a beautiful soul and the lengths she would go to save her little brother is admiring. I love middle grade fics so much and this did not disappoint!
August 5, 2019
Book review to follow soon on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com
August 19, 2019
This was fantastically atmospheric and genuinely creepy -Watch out for my full review coming soon!
September 2, 2019
I raced through this! Beautiful descriptions and edge of your seat stuff. Amazing!
November 6, 2019
Such a gripping and atmospheric story which had me hooked from the first page. Just brilliant!
December 18, 2019
Repetitive MG horror.
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May 12, 2020A deliciously spooky book. With goats. What more can I say?
November 1, 2020
Another perfect read for halloween!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews