The Dream-Maker's Magic

http://readersdialogue.blogspot.com/2011/01/dream-makers-magic.html
As coming-of-age stories go, this one is really good. We follow Kellen from ten years old to sixteen, seeing her slowly realize what she wants and accept who she is. Both Kellen's and Gryffin's development is full of depth and color, and flows so smoothly. The way they grow into themselves is real and true-to-life - well, except for the magic part!

The feel and texture of the narrative struck me as so fitting, because I actually felt like I was in this tiny village, with ignorant, uncultured people, and when the story took us into the capital city, I felt the difference in sophistication. I think it takes a great deal of talent to create the effect of that movement from show more country bumpkin to city slick, and Sharon Shinn does that beautifully.

The plot kept me guessing for a good part of the book. I have to say, I was shocked when I found out who was the new Dream-Maker! I expected someone different entirely. One thing I'd say, though, is that although I didn't feel dissatisfied when reading the book, I did notice that there didn't seem to be a clear motivation or goal that the characters were working toward, and the ending was a big surprise because I didn't know the story was even heading in that direction.

Still, I like the book, the way I was drawn into the characters' lives, the weirdness of it all, and the way Kellen and Gryffin make lives for themselves. show less

I hate it when you turn the page and there is no more story. The Dream-Maker's Magic seemed unfinished. All I needed was a couple more pages to find out what happened with Kellen and Griffyn. Did Griffyn have the surgery? If he did, did he lose his magic? Would they stay in the city or return to Thrush Hollow?

Throughout the series I've encountered the same problem, it's unfair to leave us hanging at the end of every book. Other than the above this was an excellent trilogy, the stories were highly imaginative and original.

I read this in one day. Of course the fact that I was sick in bed at the time might have something to do with how fast I read it. Still, it is a very readable ya coming of age fantasy. There's something about the way Sharon Shinn writes in this series that makes it great sick day reading, its somehow gentle and reassuring without being saccharine or dull. Like a warm bowl of really good soup. Which is kind of what you need when you're sick in bed.

I certainy wouldn't say its the most challenging thing I will read this year by any stretch of the imagination, but its a lovely little story and her characterization is, as always, excellent.

My favorite of the series and the most complex. Kellen is raised as a boy by her mother who swears she birthed a male child. She befriends Gryffin, a crippled boy. While the ending was a bit too neat, I thought the emotional relationships were realistic.

Disappointing ending to Sharon Shinn's YA Safe-Keepers series. It's not that the book is bad, exactly; it's just that it lacks the richness and emotional complexity of most of her work. Even given the premise that the hero's power makes unlikely coincidences happen and unspoken dreams come true, everything feels very scripted, very predictable. The characters and especially the setting are charming, but it didn't make my heart yearn as I've come to depend on from Shinn.

In The Dream-Maker’s Magic, we follow the tale of Kellen, a girl who has brought up as a boy because her mother insists that she was born male and not female. When Kellen attends school, she meets a fellow outcast, Gryffin, who while crippled is highly intelligent. They develop a strong bond as they endure the struggles and abuse of people around them. Eventually, their lives take a turn for the better as they both take jobs at a local inn. However, even as their relationship begins to grow into something deeper, a change a fate occurs for both Kellen and Gryffin. The kingdom’s Dream-Maker, who can make anyone’s dream come true just by being near someone, dies. Kellen and Gryffin’s lives become entangled around the discovery of show more the new Dream-Maker. Are their dreams coming true? Or, is there something else going on? What will the discovery mean for both Kellen and Gryffin?

I would recommend this book for middle school and lower level-high school students who enjoy romantic stories. It is especially enjoyable since the magical element gives a unique twist on the typical boy meets girl tale. Those who read The Dream-Maker’s Magic will enjoy trying to unravel and decipher the adventures of Kellen and Gryffin. show less

In this medieval world, there are humans born with the ability to keep secrets safe, to tell only the truth if asked, and one human with the ability to make dreams come true. The romance is not overboard, an especially admirable accomplishment here, plus the plot threads are strong, uplifting, with rustic sincerity.