“Do we need a new Narnia?” That’s what my husband asked me when I described what I felt author Kathryn Butler was trying to achieve in her Dream Keeper Saga books. It’s a good question. In some way, no! I hope that series reigns supreme for a long while in middle grade Christian fantasy!
At the same time, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first released 75 years ago. Writing styles have shifted, and tastes have changed, especially among the young. I’ve spoken with many families who tell me their children aren’t captured by The Chronicles in the same way I was as a child. And I’ve seen a hesitancy in my own younger children, even though they’ve read many other classics.
And while Aslan is irreplacable, I’d like to introduce you to a new character: Pax. This unicorn is the prince of the Somnium Realm, the place dreams come from. He’s also a clear Christ figure, especially as the Dream Keeper Saga progresses.
But let me start from the beginning.
The Story of The Dragon and the Stone
Lily’s imagination often carries her away, which is why her mom doesn’t believe her story about the small dragon in their kitchen eating the chili. But that dragon insists that Lily come with him to the Somnium Realm. After all, she possesses a soothstone (belonging to her missing-presumed-dead father), which means she must be a dream keeper.
Things are even more complicated in the Realm since Lily is unable to use the soothstone on command and they’ve inadvertently brought along Adam, a boy who’s been bullying Lily. The trio spends much of the book is spent trying to reach Castle Iridyll, where they hope to find answers. The last third focuses on the quest to find if her father is alive.
Highlights are when the unicorn Pax, the Prince of the Somnium Realm, enters the scene, only perceived by Lily. I won’t spoil what happens, but needless to say, it’s a happy ending.
Series Arc
The Dream Keeper Saga grows more interesting as the series unfolds. In addition to Adam–who has become a friend to Lily–book two introduces a new human character (my favorite), Keisha. While Lily remains the main character, Adam and Keisha have important roles and story arcs of their own. In each book, Pax reveals more about himself and instructs Lily how to follow him. The later books grow in length, complexity, and peril. Ultimately, the series presents a progression analogous to the Christian life of first belief and then learning to trust and obey.
What I loved
Biblical analogy–These books correspond to the Christian life in various ways, and Butler does a great job having Pax be the true hero instead of Lily. In fact, Lily’s task is often to trust Pax, even when things don’t make sense.
Parent/child relationship–While things do become strained in a later book, I really appreciated that Lily comes to realize her parents are trustworthy and love her, even when they disagree on the right thing to do in a situation.
Themes–One of the big themes that resonated with me is that we are made to create. It’s the same theme that I embedded into my own series, The Restorationists. Another similar theme is that we are given gifts in order to use them to serve others.
Audio versions–I read some of the physical books and listened to others. I found the audiobooks very well narrated and enjoyable listens.
Parents should know
As stated before, there are times of strain in Lily’s relationship with her parents. But ultimately, their relationship is one of love and respect.
There’s a lot of peril from a missing father to great battles to the possible end of the world! Because of this, and the increasing length of later books, I’d recommend The Dream Keeper Saga as best for readers ten and older.
So is this a new Narnia? No. But if you’re looking for a series written from a clear love of the gospel, this will certainly satisfy.
*I received a copy of each book in the saga as it came out from Crossway. There was no obligation to review. All opinions are my own.
