Title: Kingdom of Sleep
Author: E.K. Johnston
First published December 6, 2016
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.38
Overview
The world as we know it is ending. The magical apocalypse has arrived, and the covenstead must be protected at all costs.
But when Max is kidnapped by a powerful demi-god, she is forced to tap into a magical power she never knew existed, even if it means sacrificing herself. Meanwhile, a Fury is about to be born in Horngate, and its anger threatens to destroy everything in its path.
Max finds herself trapped in the Shadow City, a place of dark magic and danger, where she must fight to regain her freedom from ruthless and powerful creatures. But back in Horngate, Alexander must put aside his pride and anger to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever defeated before.
Will it be courage, friendship, faith, and loyalty that saves them all? Only time will tell, and the stakes have never been higher.
About the Author
Before becoming a published writer, E.K. Johnston had multiple jobs and aspirations. She now understands that life can be unpredictable and strange, leaving you with little control.
Additionally, she’s gained the skill of persevering through uncomfortable fanfiction because of her love for certain pairings.
For those interested in learning more about Alderaanian political theory, you can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston). Alternatively, if you’re just looking for aesthetically pleasing images, check out her Tumblr (ekjohnston).
Editoral Review
Kingdom of Sleep, written by E.K. Johnston, takes readers on an imaginative journey through the sleepy, magical land of dreams. Johnston is a New York Times bestselling author and has written several acclaimed young adult and fantasy novels.
With Kingdom of Sleep, she tackles the world of dreams and the intricate mechanics that allow them to exist. The novel follows the story of the Dreammaster, a powerful figure who governs the dream world, and a young girl named Joey, who finds herself pulled into the Dreammaster’s inner circle.
Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to save the dream world from an impending threat that could spell disaster for both the dream world and the waking world. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including dream warriors, talking animals, and otherworldly creatures.
Johnston’s writing is immersive and enchanting, successfully capturing the ethereal and magical nature of the dream world. She expertly weaves together elements of fantasy and mythology to create a rich, fully-realized world.
The characters are well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motivations that drive the narrative forward. Joey is a compelling protagonist who is both strong and vulnerable, making her highly relatable to readers.
The pacing of the story is fast and engaging, with plenty of action and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Johnston masterfully balances the narrative’s darker elements with moments of levity and humor, making the book an enjoyable and entertaining read.
One of the strengths of Kingdom of Sleep is its exploration of complex themes such as power, identity, and self-discovery. Johnston cleverly uses the dream world as a metaphor for the subconscious, delving into the deeper layers of the human psyche.
However, some readers may find the book’s themes and subject matter overly complex, making it more suitable for older readers rather than young adults. Overall, Kingdom of Sleep is a beautifully crafted book that is sure to enchant readers with its imaginative world-building and intriguing characters.
It tackles thought-provoking themes and issues that are relevant in today’s society, making it a poignant read that will resonate with readers long after they have finished the book. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and young adult literature.
Rating: 4/5
