The Book of Dreams

August 1, 2009
Gr 8-10-Dana, the heroine of Melling's "The Light-Bearer's Daughter" (Abrams, 2007), returns in this epic final volume in the series to defeat a dark force that threatens both the Faerie and Earth worlds. The portals between the two worlds have been destroyed, and it is up to Dana, half fairy, half mortal, to restore the balance. The 13-year-old has been uprooted from Ireland and is now living miserably in Canada with her father and Indian stepmother. She frequently escapes by spiritually transporting herself back to Faerie. Her fairy queen mother tells her that she must find the Book of Dreams that will help her fulfill her destiny. On her travels, Dana, who can shape-shift; and Jean, a cute French classmate who is a "loup garoux", journey in a spirit boat that flies through the air as if it's on water. Along the way, they encounter an impressive array of mythological and legendary characters including giants, trolls, dragons, St. Brendan, and Sasquatch. Fans of the series will be happy to know that all of the characters from the previous books play a part here. Melling's lyrical writing and exquisitely detailed descriptions of the Faerie world and geographical locations in Canada easily make up for the book's length. This novel is being touted as a stand-alone but the references to plot details from the previous titles make it worth reading the series in order."Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2009
Grades 7-12 This sprawling final volume in the Chronicles of Faerie series moves not only through ancient, magical, and modern worlds but also around the globe, and maps will help guide readers through each richly imagined setting. An opening conversation recaps elements from the previous titles before launching into 13-year-old Danas exhilarating quest to restore boundaries and order between human and fairy worlds. Although this would have benefited from tighter editing, it makes a satisfying conclusion to a fascinating, romantic series steeped in folklore and archetypal questions of identity, love, family, and shared connections across time and cultures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)