Curse of the Dream Witch by Allan Stratton

from goodreads

3 stars

I read this book and wrote the review during the fall, but didn't have time to put it up. Since my week has been a bit busy I decided that now was the time to put it up. For those in Canada have a fun and enjoyable long weekend!

Synopsis

King Augustine and Queen Sophia desperately want a child. They are so desperate that they make a pact with the Dream Witch. When they refuse to make their payment, which is their daughters heart, the dream witch makes the kingdom unsafe for all children after dark. On the eve of her 13th birthday Princess Olivia sets out with her pet mouse and her new friend, a peasant named Milo, to put an end to the Dream Witch's power and save the children the witch has already lured into her lair.

My Thoughts

On the whole I enjoyed this book. At times it was a bit abstract, were things dreams or were things real. It was hard to tell. At times the book was a bit disturbing, I am thinking about the children in the grinders.

It was hard to pinpoint the actual period this story was set in. With the descriptions of the castle and the villagers hut I would picture the 16th or 17th century, yet they make references to more modern items. So that was a bit odd. I still say it is fairy talesque.

Stratton does a great portrayal of a bully. He shows the reasons why people bully others, which is often because of their own insecurities which leads them to lash out to compensate for them. It is not an excuse, it is just a way to understand.

Though not as good as The Grave Robber's Apprentice it did hold my interest. The simplicity in the style of writing really worked with the story. It was written for children and that makes it easy to get caught up in its world. I think children 9 and up will enjoy it. It was a very quick read and the pacing was great.

I think you and your children will enjoy reading this book together. I think boys in particular will enjoy this story.