The dreamwalker's child by Steve Voake

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(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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