 | Xander and the Dream Thief Author: Dilloway, Margaret | |
| Price: $71.24 | ||
Summary:
To rid himself of nightmares, twelve-year-old Xander summons the baku, a mythical creature that eats dreams, but he goes too far and jeopardizes all his dreams as well as the dreams of his family and friends.
Reviews:
School Library Journal (07/01/17)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/01/2017 Gr 5–8—Xander and his friends Peyton and Jinx must travel to retrieve their dreams, which have been stolen by the baku beast. Frequently compared to Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" books, this series definitely fills a gap for middle grade fantasy fans when it comes to East Asian folktales; Xander is half Japanese and half Irish. However, this particular title is a disappointment. None of the characters are very likable, they all lack emotional depth, and their dialogue frequently feels inauthentic (what 12-year-old says "crud" or "for the love of Pete?"). Narrator Chris Patton's Irish accent for Xander's mother, Shea, is particularly cringe-worthy and takes listeners straight out of the story. VERDICT For its diverse characters and plot alone, libraries may want to consider adding this to the collection while they continue to search for better offerings to take its place. ["Dilloway's research into Japanese folklore, the well-crafted characters, and the setting make this fast-paced tale perfect for fans of Rick Riordan's 'Percy Jackson' and Jennifer Nielsen's 'Mark of the Thief': SLJ 4/17 review of the Hyperion book.]—Ann Santori, Cook Memorial Public Library, Vernon Hills, IL - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
