- 12-year-old Sam discovers his consuming daydreams are actually memories from moments when he traveled through time (both forward and backward)
- themes include: sacrifice, friendship, good conquering evil, courage, and teamwork
- convo: magic, violence (gunfights, deaths, mentions suicides, some harsh physical treatment)
- language: x1 darn, x2 heck, x3 stupid, x1 shut up, x1 moron, “I could have kissed you back there” (did not feel romantic)
Type: middle grade novel
Ages: 10-14
Author: N.D. Wilson
What a trip! This was a really well-crafted novel set in Arizona, which means there’s sand, heat, parched mouths, Navajo friends, and rattlesnakes. Ha! Our main character, Sam, has a pretty difficult life as he is smack in the middle of a worldwide “good vs. evil” battle. He’s hampered by a disability, suffers much physical pain, deals with philosophical issues, and has a few life lessons to learn.
Readers’ minds will feel stretched as they try to follow all the “time travel” passages. The characters bounce between many different ages for different reasons. For example, you might find yourself riding a modern motorcycle seemingly seconds after a wild west shootout in the middle of old Tombstone, Arizona.
Sam makes some solid friendships as we journey along with him, and he is a wonderfully caring brother to his sister, too.
The minimum age suggestion is due to the level of violence. I believe it’s age-appropriate, but parents should know it’s throughout the entire book. If you’re unsure if your child is ready for it, perhaps read this first book [of the trilogy] together or suggest he or she reads it away from bedtime. Note later: Book 2 increases the intensity and evil components a significant amount. See its review here.
In the middle of the book, Sam undergoes a procedure to help his arms work better. This is the wildest element of the story! I don’t want to give it away, because just typing it out would make it sound cheesy. Wilson totally pulled it off, though.
If you’re looking for a new-to-you little fantasy (and, in a way, historical fiction) series, try this one out. I will link to the next two books’ reviews when I read them!
Review for Book 2: The Song of Glory and Ghost
Review for Book 3: The Last of the Lost Boys