Momotaro Xander and the Dream Thief

February 15, 2017
Following Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters (2016), Xander Miyamoto's second quest takes him to the Land of Dreams, where he encounters more creatures from Japanese folklore. His careless use of his grandmother's baku charm, which takes away nightmares, renders him powerless and his family and friends dangerously close to lethargic death. With higher stakes than before, this half-Japanese, half-Irish 12-year-old dives deep into his own personal psychology as he battles demonic oni on his quest to find the baku (a dream-stealing anteater) and restore his Momotaro power. In a plot that feels comfortably familiar, Xander is lured by the forces of evil, is offered the power of ruling the galaxy, and is horrified when he sees that the enemy has his own face. But through the kabuki mask of Japanese mythology, these familiar themes take a surprising twist, with appearances by Kintaro, the Golden Boy, Fudo-Myoo, the Angry Lord of Light, and the Princess Kaguya. Xander slowly realizes that true things bring power and assistance: true anger, true fear, and true compassion. He also learns the importance of words from Princess Kaguya. "Words are the sounds of the heart, Xander-san....What you say to others--and yourself--matters a great deal." A satisfying sequel that balances the monsters of Japanese mythology with the personal demons of a likable protagonist; fans will be waiting to see what battles he will fight next. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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April 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-Xander and his friends return in the second installment of this series centered on the Japanese folklore legend of the Momotaro. Xander has learned that he is the descendant of an ancient warrior, and his newfound powers are creating an extreme amount of stress in his life. To make matters more complicated, his missing mother has returned after a long absence. Xander is not sleeping, and he must deal with evil creatures, the oni, trying to harm him at every turn. His father constantly demands that he train and be prepared. Xander's mother, whom he barely recognizes, is trying to reinsert herself into his life after many years of being away. But more than anything, his nightmares are starting to deeply frighten him. To combat this problem, Xander's grandmother gives him a special baku charm, which is supposed to ease his dreams by taking them away. Xander soon realizes that he has turned his world upside down by using the baku foolishly. Thus begins a new adventure for Xander, who must save his family and friends. 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- series. VERDICT Readers will eagerly anticipate the next volume. Purchase where mythology-based adventures are popular.-William Anderson, Scott County Public Library, IN

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