Dean Lorey

Charlie Benjamin lives a very, VERY sheltered life. His parents shield him from the world that could potentially hurt and bully their only son. All Charlie wants is to be "normal" and attend a "normal school" and have "normal friend". But bad things happen when he sleeps and has nightmares.

After a certain incident that becomes known as the "Sleepover Apocalypse", Charlie finds himself dreaming, which leads becomes a nightmare. Forcing himself awake, he is surprised to find a monstrous show more looking scorpion in his room, the same monster from his nightmare. Just when he feels that he's about to die, a strange man crashes into his room along with two others who battle the creature.

Charlie learns that the monster is a creature from the Netherworld. When children with "the Gift" have nightmares, they unknowingly open up portals that allow the monsters into the real world. Reluctantly, his parents agree to let Charlie go with the strangers, and through a series of events, Charlie finds him attending the Nightmare Academy, a place that trains kids who have the Gift to battle monsters.

Just when Charlie feels that he has found a place to belong, he realizes just how different he is. However, armed with a few new friends, Charlie sets out to save those he loves on an adventure that will change his life.

I love this book. The characters are very believable (especially as the story and series progresses) and have amazing back stories. I love how Charlie has to learn how to deal with his emotions before he is able to real deal with the monsters physically. The story is also very engaging; the story never really has a dull moment. It is kind of surprising what happens within a 24 hour period. There is suspense, a bit of mystery, and a lot of adventure. show less

It's been 6 months since Charlie first entered the Nightmare Academy and learned that he was a double-threat. He and his friends have grown closer together and become stronger. Now it is time for their Addy test so that they graduate from being Noobs. However, even though they for the most part defeat the monsters that they are supposed to, they discover that something is going on in the Netherworld.

A nefarious plan is in motion in which creatures from the Netherworld are kidnapping show more children to use them to kill the Guardian. The Nightmare Division begins their Division Invasion ready to ambush and kill one of the two Named on Earth in their lair. However, they discover that they are too late; the Named and their army of Nethercreatures have moved to a new lair. As the agents search for the monsters, Charlie and his friends set out to help the Headmaster heal the Guardian while the agents try to kill a Named so that they can stop the Named's monstrous plan.

Like its predecessor, the book is a fun, thrilling read. The characters are more developed and grow a lot more. There is an emotional battle to the story which I love since most stories like this one deal more with heroics instead of the emotional turmoil that goes on. I totally recommend it for children and adults of any age. The story also deals with bullying, how to deal with people, being an outcast and being accepted, and dealing with fear.

However in their quest, show less

This wildly entertaining adventure is a sure winner! It is a combo, fantasy, sci-fi and action adventure fiction, thus creating a new genre form. I turned the pages in a frenzy to finish, even though I didn’t want it to end. Whether it is used as a read-a-loud, literature circles or individual reading this master storyteller will have you held like a magnet.

The author Dean Lorey has a quick wit and sarcasm that comes out in his character's dialog. What makes this book special is that you show more believe the kids wrote the book. Lorey's characters sound like kids. As an adult I thought the book was hilarious. Kids will love, this story about Charlie and his friends who attend the Nightmare Academy. They are summoned one day to fight the Named, save the Guardian and to slay hideous hydras on their mission to save Earth. Along the way they create portal paths, cross the Bermuda Triangle, discovering its’ mysteries, and bravely, pass through a menacing monster menagerie at the San Diego Zoo. In my opinion Nightmare Academy #2: Monster Madness is a must have for every public and school library and classroom book baskets.

This is the sequel to Nightmare Academy, Enter the Portal to Monsters and Mayhem. In my opinion a must have for every public and school library and classroom book baskets. show less

While reading this book you travel through the portals to a world of monsters and mayhem! Secrets, peril, and erie monsters await like the crazed--mega-monsters, Tyrannus and Slagguron. Charlie Benjamin has always been a little weird, and he has an annoying habit of releasing monsters into the world. But when he unwittingly unleashes a monster so fierce that threatens everything; his devotion to family and friends is revealed. Nightmare Academy #2: Monster Madness is really a coming-of-age show more story mixing reality with a little mystery and suspense. Even in this world Charlie has issues fitting in, but never fear for Charlie is very clever. Like all the books in this series, Nightmare Academy #2: is filled with nonstop action, humor, and fantastical adventure as Charlie continues his journey of self-discovery. show less