I really enjoyed this book. A fantastical middle-grade read, The Dreamsnatcher takes the reader deep into an enchanted world. With magic, riddles and a family of quirky gypsies, it was impossible to put this book down. A truly fantastic debut by the amazing Abi Elphinstone!

The story follows twelve-year-old Moll Pecksniff and her wildcat, Gryff, as they try stop an evil witch doctor from stealing the old magic of the forest. But as more and more witch doctors appear, the dark forces grow stronger… and thanks to an ancient prophecy that states Moll and Gryff are the only ones capable of stopping this evil, they are now the witch doctors main targets…

I was really drawn in by the world building of this book. The atmosphere of the gypsy camp, the creepiness of the witch doctors lair, both really captured my imagination. It was virtually impossible to put this book down. Each chapter was short, action packed and full of intrigue and mayhem. A truly delicious read.

Moll is a spunky, tough talking heroine. She hides her doubts behind a witty facade and I couldn't help but like her immediately. In this story we see her bravery, loyalty and determination to protect all that she loves. I can’t wait to meet her again in the second book.

The other characters are all a motley, mismatched cast of strange and interesting people. Earthworm tamers, fortune tellers, joint-dislocating men… lets just say Moll’s gyspy family certainly won’t bore you. I also like how you see just enough of each character to develop compassion for them which made the show-down at the end all the more dramatic.

But the Evil Doers… wow. Skull made a truly fantastic villain. His description, his personality and the dismal eeriness of his lair, everything was written so well. The creatures he created, the whole idea of the dreamsnatch (manipulating people as they sleep), not to mention the cryptic riddles and prophecies surrounding him… Skull not only kept Moll on her toes, but he kept the plot moving forward too. He and the other witch doctors really added spice to the story.

All in all this is a gripping, fast paced read that would be loved by anyone in search of a good adventure, with a bit of fantasy and magic thrown in. 5 stars!

The Dreamsnatcher is all about a young girl called Moll, she is a gypsy but has never felt like she belonged as she did not know her parents. Every night she gets the same dream and it takes her further and further out of the clearing. One night she wakes near the river and as her horse Jinxed had been stolen by Skulls camp she went to rescue her. What happens once she enters the camp for the first time changes her life in a big way.

An adventure begins, she needs to stop Skull and the other Witch Doctors from killing her and breaking the Bone Murmur, Protect her own camp and find the amulets.

This book is full of fantasy, adventure, magic, secrets and can be a little scary at times. My daughter loved the adventure. She fell in love with Gryff and now wants a Gryff of her own. She clung on to every word while reading it.

Moll needs to find two more amulets before she is completely safe so we are expecting at least another two books in the series.

A great read for both mum and child. Very well written and fast pacing.

"Gypsies, travellers, wandering people, we believe our souls are part of our natural surroundings - wild and free. That when we walk through the forests, the heath, the fields or the moors, our souls walk beside us, as a shadow."

I enjoyed this story. It was fast-paced, mysterious, and funny. I loved that there is a wild cat in the story. Animals are always the best part, as they are more awesome than most humans.

It had some original parts inside the story that I enjoyed. I also enjoyed the dynamic in the "tribe". The writing was good too. I definitely will read the second one just to see where it goes.

This book was a bit darker than I was expecting for a Middle Grade read, but it wasn't bad. It didn't hold my attention as much as I would have liked, and it took me well over a week to get through this, but overall, it was a decent story. I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series, though. I just didn't connect with any of the characters and don't care to see the outcome.

One of the best children's books I've read in a long time, possibly ever!!
Moll took me with her on her adventures, I felt her pain, excitement, anger, fear, love, belief. From the first page I was hooked, I stepped into the story and got lost in it's magic. Every moment is spellbinding. And the last few chapters left me breathless!
I can't wait to read it to my children and to give a copy to our school library.
This is a fast paced adventure that will leave you desperate for the sequel! I can't wait to meet up with Moll and Gryff again and see where their story takes us next!
Brilliant characters, beautifully written, magic, adventure, suspense and soul. My inner twelve year old wants to BE Moll.
A must read!