For the child who loves to explore worlds beyond our own and wonders what hidden powers lie within their dreams, this magical adventure offers an empowering journey.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is fascinated by the world of dreams and nightmares, or when seeking a fantasy adventure with a strong, intelligent female lead. This story follows Lily, a young queen who must save her kingdom from a mysterious sleeping sickness. Her quest takes her into the dream world itself, a place where nightmares are real and fears take the form of monsters. The book explores themes of courage, self-confidence, and the power of friendship to overcome even the scariest of challenges. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love creative magic systems, gothic-lite settings, and a story that empowers them to face their own fears.
The main characters are consistently in dangerous situations, facing powerful foes.
Sensitive Topics
The core theme is fear, explored metaphorically through nightmares that become tangible monsters. The experience of being trapped in sleep could be unsettling for some readers. The approach is entirely fantastical, with the resolution being hopeful and empowering, as characters learn to control and overcome their fears through courage and collaboration. Fantasy violence is present but not graphic.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 12-year-old who has read and enjoyed the first book, "Shadow Magic". It's also an excellent fit for any fantasy lover who is drawn to unique magic systems, gothic atmosphere (think more spooky than terrifying), and character-driven adventures. This will appeal to a child who likes to see smart protagonists solve complex magical problems.
Parent Prep
Reading the first book, "Shadow Magic," is strongly recommended to understand the characters, their relationships, and the world of Gehenna. Parents could preview the descriptions of the nightmare monsters if their child is particularly sensitive, but the tone remains appropriate for the age range. No other specific context is needed. A child has been talking about their dreams or nightmares, expressing either fear or fascination. A parent may also seek this out after their child finished another popular fantasy series and is looking for a new world to explore, especially one with a capable female hero.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the action, the giant bat, the creepy monsters, and the adventure of exploring a dream world. An older reader (11-13) will likely connect more with Lily's internal struggle to be a good queen, Thorn's conflict with his past, and the complexities of friendship and trust under pressure.
What Makes It Special
Its magic system, based entirely on the logic and manipulation of dreams and nightmares, is highly creative and distinct. Unlike typical elemental or spell-casting magic, dream magic requires ingenuity and psychological strength. The combination of a gothic setting with a scientifically-minded, non-traditional princess protagonist also sets it apart from more conventional fantasy tales.
Read plot summary
This is the sequel to "Shadow Magic". Young Queen Lily of Gehenna finds her kingdom under threat from a magical sleeping sickness. Alongside her friend Thorn and her giant bat, Hades, she discovers the source of the plague is the dream world, Morpheus. A powerful sorceress named Somnia is harvesting nightmares to gain power and conquer both the dream and waking worlds. To stop her, Lily must master the dangerous art of dream magic and confront not only Somnia's monstrous creations, but also her own deepest fears.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the dream world, a person's greatest fear can become a real monster. If you had to face your own fear-monster, what do you think it would be and how would you try to defeat it?
2
Thorn struggles with his identity, feeling out of place in the castle because of his past. Why is it so hard for him to accept his new role? How does his friendship with Lily help him see himself differently?
3
Lily has to learn dream magic very quickly to save her kingdom. Think about a time you had to learn a new, difficult skill. What strategies did you use, and what parts were the most challenging?
4
The villain, Somnia, uses nightmares to become powerful. Why do you think fear can be such a powerful tool? How do Lily and her friends fight back against fear itself, not just the monsters?
