Several weeks ago, author S. L. Lewis and I happened across each other via that lovely multimedia venue more commonly known as Twitter. Being that I’m an author and a book reviewer, he messaged me to see if I’d be interested in reviewing his recent book, “The Guardian and the Dream Crawler.” I enjoy reading fantasy/magical fantasy so, after perusing this book’s “about” blurb, I accepted his request. I’m glad that I did, as I found “The Guardian and the Dream Crawler” to be a fun and refreshing read.
Once I downloaded my copy; I found a secluded spot and began my literary journey. “The Guardian and the Dream Crawler” definitely begins with a bang; not a whimper… Joanne and William, husband and wife, live in a magical realm called Eden. William serves in the Wizarding Army; his job is to help keep Eden safe from the taint of the dark magic users whose ultimate goal is to disrupt and destroy this realm. And, in this world, each generation of good magic users has one specific person known as the “Guardian.” This individual wields enormous power, more so than any other, but they also bear a heavy burden of responsibility. Their sole purpose is to keep Eden and its inhabitants safe.
Unfortunately, Logan, the guardian born into the same generation as Joanne and William, has recently been killed. Evil has been pushing this advantage and attacks throughout Eden are becoming more prevalent; causing more and more destruction. It is at this point that readers will begin their journey. A stormy night; full of violence and evil… William must leave Joanne and their infant son Daniel. Fearing for his safety, Joanne begs him to stay, but the obligation of duty wins out over the bonds of love.
After William’s departure, she busies herself with mundane household tasks until she looks outside and notices four cloaked figures approaching. Loud knocks on the front door announce their arrival, but instead of opening the door, Joanne begins reciting a protection spell. Moments later, one of the unknown figures stands in the hall. It’s the revered Norman Gunther, and while she now knows she is safe from harm, she is immediately filled with dread.
William and Joanne have been hiding the truth about their new son Daniel; about the fact that he has a birthmark in the shape of two wings on his back. These wings are the mark of a Guardian… That Daniel’s back features this symbol is something that Gunther is apparently well aware of. It is also why he came. He intends to ensure the protection of the new Guardian until he is old enough to receive his magical training. For Daniel’s safety, William and Joanne agree to be sent from Eden. They accept that they must live in a non-magical world since it is the only way to keep Daniel alive. However, there is a price for this safety; both parents must agree to give up their own magical abilities.
Years go by and Daniel is almost thirteen; with absolutely no inkling of whom he is, or where he originates from. However, this illusion of a normal life is about to be shattered. His dreams become disturbing; things around him seem to happen as if by magic and a new teacher, who actually believes in magic, starts at his school. Daniel is at a loss of who to believe, especially as his mother is adamant that there is no such thing as magic…
I will stop my explanation about “The Guardian and the Dream Crawler” here, but, if you enjoy magical fantasy then this is a book you will definitely want to read. While Lewis is a new author, he does write with the ease of a seasoned pro. The plot is great; the characters and their interactions with each other and/or their surroundings are believable. Lewis is also descriptive in a fashion that draws you in; his writing style enables you to visualize what you are reading. (I much prefer this descriptive style versus that which becomes long-winded, tedious and boring). Finally, Lewis took great pains to pay attention to even the minutest detail; consequently, he seamlessly wove this tale together.
“The Guardian and the Dream Crawler” is also the start of a new, magical fantasy series. With that said, Lewis has done a fantastic job of ensuring this first book is open-ended and that his readers are left clamoring for more. And … I, too, am looking forward to book two…