Review: The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle

The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle is the powerful and compelling conclusion to this epic fantasy trilogy that has held me utterly enthralled from start to finish.

Life finally feels good for 13-year-old Rachel Klein. She is enjoying simple pleasures such as spending time with her family, the companionship of her dog and going to the cinema, something that was banned under the dictatorship of tyrant Charles Malstain who has now been defeated.

When Rachel arrives at the cinema to see her father’s favourite actor, Emil Bonfleur, in his latest film, she discovers that the showing has been cancelled as Emil has gone missing in the Sahara Desert – and the worst is feared. Imagine everyone’s delight when the charismatic actor arrives back in Krasnia five days later, safe and well. Everyone except Rachel, who has an unsettling feeling that leads to a terrifying truth. Can Rachel’s fame as a hero of Krasnia help her in her battle to defeat a return to tyranny and reveal the truth, or will a populist leader take the reins of power and manipulate and control both truth and freedom?

I was absolutely gripped by this epic adventure as Rachel finds herself returning to the Hinterland to expose the truth of what is happening in Krasnia before it is too late to prevent a return to despotic rule. I was on the edge of my seat as danger intensified, as democracy was inexorably, and all too easily, stripped, and as a return to a cruel, and feared, autocracy seemed inevitable. But, there is also hope as there are those prepared to expose evil, to stand up for justice and to battle for the rights of decent people who are easily influenced and manipulated by those who will stop at nothing to have absolute power.

This may be an epic fantasy adventure but, like many great and lasting fantasy books which become classics of literature, there are powerful messages – and warnings – for our time. There is a line from the book that really struck me: People are good … But they can be so terribly misled. One of the most powerful messages I took from this is that democracy is fragile, and can all too easily be taken from people when one person can insidiously take control, seemingly for the good of the people but, ultimately, as a way to have total authority and power for their own gain.

As throughout this trilogy, I was in awe of the courage and resilience shown by both Rachel and her brother, Robert. They are prepared to fight for justice and truth and expose the evil of tyranny even when this leads them towards great danger and sacrifice for the sake of others.

Each chapter heading has a beautifully detailed illustration representing something from the chapter. There are also a few full-page illustrations which are absolutely stunning and complement the magic and adventure perfectly.

This is the perfect ending to a stunning, gripping and unforgettable adventure, a story of courage, family and friendship – and a must-read, powerful story for our times.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a copy of this fantastic book.  It was my decision to review this book and my review is my honest opinion.