Friday 20 February 2015

The Dreamsnatcher, Abi Elphinstone


Pages: 278
Publisher: S&S
Release Date: 26th February 2015
Edition: UK paperback, review copy

‘There is a magic, old and true, that shadowed minds seek to undo...’

Moll Pecksniff wakes one night in the middle of the forest, lured there by a recurring nightmare – the one with the drums and the rattles and the masks. The Dreamsnatcher is waiting...

Because Moll is more important than she knows. The Oracle Bones foretold that she and Griff, a wildcat who’s always been by her side, are the only ones who can fight back against the Dreamsnatcher’s dark sorcery. Suddenly everything is at stake, and Moll finds herself drawn into a world of secrets, magic and adventure.

The Dreamsnatcher is a debut filled with magic, charm and a good dollop of sass. So much fun!

Abi Elphinstone has a gorgeous writing style: lyrical and evocative, it sets the scene of Oak’s camp and the Ancientwood perfectly. I love Moll and the camp’s gypsy life. A childhood of climbing trees, making pets out of earthworms, learning about natural potions and remedies; a dream childhood. It has made Moll fierce, brave, mischievous and a little wild. Add some of the phrases that come out of her and all in all I think she’s brilliant.

With the threat of Skull and the Dreamsnatcher looming over Moll’s head, her life takes on a completely different pace. Sneaking around, working out risky ways to escape Skull’s camp, deciding if she can trust the boy trapped in the cage with her; it’s all going on. I have to admit that I struggled in the beginning as I wasn’t really in the mood for the novel, but once I settled into The Dreamsnatcher I became so involved with Moll and Gryff’s adventures.

The connections between the humans and the animals are one of my favourite elements about this book. Gryff, Jinx and Raven are companions, friends and a lifeline for them. It goes above the human with a pet thing that those without animals will always assume; they genuinely love and care for each other and it gave me the warm fuzzies. And attempt o hug my cat who doesn’t really enjoy hugs. I got a tail swiped across my face for that one...

Abi Elphinstone’s debut is original, exciting and a sure-fire winner for everyone who wants a little magic in their lives.

Thanks to S&S for the review copy!

Sophie

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