YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

An exhilarating, awe-inspiring debut from a master storyteller writing for children for the first time, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell and Eva Ibbotson. Rachel and Robert live a grey, dreary life under the rule of cruel Charles Malstain. But when their librarian father enlists their help to steal a forbidden book, they are plunged into adventure. With their father captured, it is up to Rachel and Robert to uncover the secrets of the Book of Stolen Dreams and track down its mysteriously missing final page in order to save him. What they are not expecting is to discover a family of ghosts, a door to the dead and that the Book grants the power of immortality. But they will do anything to stop it falling into Malstain's hands - for if it does, he could rule for ever. Step inside the pages of an immortal adventure and discover a truly unforgettable journey of wonder, courage and magic...

I'm a little early but was in a MG mood so sped through this one today :)

First quarter - (view spoiler)[I loved the way the introduction gave a warning to the reader and it immediately clued me up on what was occurring and immersed me in the story.

Rachel was approached by the very odd Josef, who seemed to know too many facts about her and seemed not to know when to stop talking. He seemed kind and sweet though, if a tad eccentric, before it was revealed that he was tasked with delivering her to an unknown someone. All the best characters are eccentric so I can't see him becoming a villain though.

I liked how the book then went back in time to deliver the reader Rachel and Robert's stories leading up until this point. (hide spoiler)]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[The story is still navigating its way back to the point where the book begun. Laetitia and her Uncle Robert proved instrumental in aiding Rachel and also proved themselves as examples of good people still existing in this dark world. (hide spoiler)]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[I knew Josef would do the right thing! (hide spoiler)]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[Josef was reunited with Lotte! And then Lotte met with Rachel and Robert. They were just on their way to a happy ending when the policeman noticed them together. I thought they were doomed but they managed to save the day and their father.

This was just so much fun. I loved Rachel as a MC. Robert a little less so but this was still a brilliant read. (hide spoiler)]

Colleagues who've been given ARCs of this are raving about it. I love the cover. Think I'll chip away at while trying to find some quicker reads to get on with.

First quarter. Immediately drawn into the world. Rachel is resourceful and determined, but she’s been put in a difficult situation.

Second quarter - when you try to sum up what has happened you realise how packed with events this book is. Tense, but I am feeling they’ll be okay.

Third quarter - Rachel is amazing. I’m able to visualise this so clearly, and am thinking it would make a great movie.

Dannii wrote: "I'm a little early but was in a MG mood so sped through this one today :)

First quarter - I loved the way the introduction gave a warning to the reader and it immediately clued me up on what was o..."

Agree, completely - the opening alerts us to danger, creates a sense of danger but not without giving hope.

Dannii wrote: "I'm a little early but was in a MG mood so sped through this one today :)

First quarter - I loved the way the introduction gave a warning to the reader and it immediately clued me up on what was o..."

Second quarter - I confess to feeling Josef might be a Mr Tumnus figure early on, but I have my conviction that he will not fail when it matters.

Dannii wrote: "I'm a little early but was in a MG mood so sped through this one today :)

First quarter - I loved the way the introduction gave a warning to the reader and it immediately clued me up on what was o..."

I think Rachel was definitely the more interesting of the characters, but so much of what made her work was the relationship she had with Robert.

Karen wrote: "First quarter. Immediately drawn into the world. Rachel is resourceful and determined, but she’s been put in a difficult situation."

She was such a strong and feisty protagonist. I immediately loved her!

Karen wrote: "Second quarter - when you try to sum up what has happened you realise how packed with events this book is. Tense, but I am feeling they’ll be okay."

I totally felt this. I love MG books like this one as they never let you up for air, which makes me feel fully immersed in the story.

Karen wrote: "Dannii wrote: "I'm a little early but was in a MG mood so sped through this one today :)

First quarter - I loved the way the introduction gave a warning to the reader and it immediately clued me u..."

Totally agree with this. Their sibling relationship was the sweetest!