In the world of 'Dreamhunter' by Elizabeth Knox, set in an early 1900s-like time period, special individuals known as Dreamhunters have the ability to enter a mysterious place called The Place to capture dreams. These dreams are then shared with the public in dream palaces, where people can experience them together. The story follows the famous Dreamhunting family as dreams start turning into nightmares, the government exploits them for control, and a young Dreamhunter endeavors to uncover the secrets of The Place.

The narrative of 'Dreamhunter' revolves around cousins Laura and Rose, who are expected to follow in their family's footsteps as Dreamhunters. As Laura delves deeper into the world of dream hunting, she begins to question the nature of dreams and their impact on society, leading to unexpected revelations and challenges that test their beliefs and abilities.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, reflecting both the struggles of adolescence and the complexities of familial relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The prose combines lush, descriptive language that immerses the reader in a dreamlike atmosphere, although it may slow the pacing of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the journey of two cousins striving to become Dreamhunters, uncovering dark secrets about their world and the nature of dreams.

Setting:

The setting intricately weaves an alternate historical context that enhances the fantastical elements of dream harvesting.

Pacing:

The pacing can feel deliberate and dense, often requiring readers to engage deeply with the text rather than skimming.

On a hot day near the end of summer, Laura Hame sat with her father, her cousin Rose and her aunt Grace against the fern-fringed bank of a forest track. She watched as her uncle Chorley and the rest o...

Notes:

Dreamhunter is set in an alternate version of New Zealand called Southland.

The Place is a unique dimension where dreams can be harvested by Dreamhunters.

Dreams found in The Place can be performed in theaters for audiences, similar to movies today.

The story follows cousins Laura Hame and Rose Tiebold as they prepare to become Dreamhunters.

Laura's father, Tziga Hame, was the first Dreamhunter and mysteriously disappears at the beginning of the story.

The novel explores themes of privilege, family dynamics, and the consequences of state actions.

Knox's writing style is dense and descriptive, often requiring readers to take their time with the text.

Characters grapple with complex moral questions regarding dreams and their implications on society.

The book combines elements of fantasy and philosophical thought, questioning the nature of dreams and reality.

Dreamhunter is the first half of a duet, with its sequel being called Dreamquake.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of manipulation, state misconduct, and some descriptions of nightmares that may be disturbing.

From The Publisher:

Laura comes from a world similar to our own except for one difference: it is next to the Place, an unfathomable land that fosters dreams of every kind and is inaccessible to all but a select few, the Dreamhunters. These are individuals with special gifts: the ability to catch larger-than-life dreams and relay them to audiences in the magnificent dream palace, the Rainbow Opera. People travel from all around to experience the benefits of the hunters' unique visions.

Now fifteen-year-old Laura and her cousin Rose, daughters of Dreamhunters, are eligible to test themselves at the Place and find out whether they qualify for the passage. But nothing can prepare them for what they are about to discover. For within the Place lies a horrific secret kept hidden by corrupt members of the government. And when Laura's father, the man who discovered the Place, disappears, she realizes that this secret has the power to destroy everyone she loves . . .

In the midst of a fascinating landscape, Laura's dreamy childhood is ending and a nightmare beginning. This rich novel, filled with beauty, danger, politics, and intrigue, comes to a powerful crescendo, leaving readers clamoring for Book Two.

Dreamhunter is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

"It is like nothing else I've ever read." - Stephenie Meyer, The Twilight Saga

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About the Author:

Elizabeth Knox is the author of several books for adults, including The Vintner's Luck. Her book, Dreamquake: Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet, was a Printz Honor Book. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand.

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Dreamhunter

Elizabeth Knox

Book 1 in the series:The Dreamhunter Duet