The dreamwalker's child by Steve Voake
Faber and Faber, 2005
(10+) A fast paced adventure sci-fi, The
dreamwalker's child teems with exciting action and scary
adversaries. After a strange bicycle accident that leaves him in a
coma, Sam Palmer wakes up on Aurobon, a world that is oddly like Earth.
He discovers that he has been abducted by the evil Odoursin, whose
plans threaten not only Aurobon, but also Sam's own world. He faces
deadly marsh dogs with human faces and insects that are huge sinister
flying machines, piloted by people. Teaming up with Skipper, a fearless
girl pilot, the race is on to save his planet.
Voake has written an original and compulsive story, with enough scares
and thrills to keep the reader continuing to the end. His heroes are
really well developed and appealing, his villains cruel and terrifying.
It was great to find such a strong female lead as Skipper, who is a
brave and adventurous leader.
Although the nail-biting action is paramount, Voake throws in some
thought-provoking notions about love, the environment and war that will
give young readers plenty to think about.
This was a thrilling page-turner, and fans will want to grab the
sequel, The web of fire.
Pat Pledger
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Consulting, 2007