The final book in David Farr’s acclaimed The Book of Stolen Dreams trilogy starts with an event that distresses everyone in the now peaceful state of Krasnia: Emil Bonfleur, much loved star of their favourite action films and romances has disappeared while crossing the Sahara by motorbike. His equally famous pet monkey is missing too.
The citizens, including Rachel’s and Robert’s father, are distraught, but then a miracle happens. Emil and his monkey Randall are alive and returning to Krasnia. As everyone celebrates, Rachel wonders why she feels so uneasy and why the blood-red key central to so many of their adventures and triumphs seems to be sending her warnings.
When Emil announces his plans to run for president, wasting no time in securing the backing of the military, Rachel’s worst fears are realised. Once again, she has to risk her life to stand up for freedom in the face of tyranny and oppression. The story is filled with a real sense both of what’s at stake and the dangers threatening Rachel, her friends and family; democracy is fragile, and we need to be on guard at all times against those who would undermine it.
Tightly plotted, gripping, fully cognisant of its readers’ intelligence and with an ending that will leave all thoroughly satisfied, this is a fitting finale to a series that deserves all the praise it has received.
The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle Synopsis
The stunning conclusion to The Book of Stolen Dreams series from master storyteller David Farr, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Philip Pullman.
After saving the world more times than she can count, things are finally starting to feel normal for Rachel Klein. But life is never normal for a Keeper of the Key...
When a famous movie-star returns alive and well to Krasnia after weeks lost in the desert, everyone is thrilled! Everyone, except Rachel. Something about the actor doesn't feel quite right. Then Rachel realises the horrifying truth.
With both their own lives and the fate of Krasnia at stake, Rachel and her brother Robert must return to the Hinterland, expose the truth and put an end to tyrant Charles Malstain's evil plans once and for all.
The Book of Stolen Dreams series was inspired by the author’s German-Jewish great aunt and great uncle who each made courageous journeys as unaccompanied children, escaping Düsseldorf, Germany in the 1930’s for London.
'A new and important voice for young people.' - Michael Morpurgo
'Dazzling! An instant classic. An eye-wateringly funny and jaw-droppingly fantastical adventure, chock-a-block with rare books, airships, and penguin-shaped hats.' - Ben Miller
'A wonderful story. Gripping and magical.'- Anthony Horowitz
'Told by a distinguished script writer with clarity, feeling and clever plotting.' - The Sunday Times
'A heart-stopping adventure of the kind that should appeal to fans of Eva Ibbotson and Philip Pullman.' - The New Statesman
'Storytelling at its very best.' - Sophie Anderson
'A lyrical book set in an extraordinary world.' - The Radio Times
'A truly magnificent story.' - Books for Keeps
'An unforgettable adventure.' - The School Librarian
Author
About David Farr
David Farr was born and raised in a small town in Surrey. His father is English and loves nature and his mother is a descendant of German-Jewish grandparents who helped their children escape Germany for England in the Second World War.
David studied English at Cambridge University where he co-founded Cambridge Talking Tongues, a small theatre company, alongside two female friends, including actor Rachel Weisz. They won a Guardian Student Drama Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1991. He went on to be a theatre director of Bristol Old Vic, London’s Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith and Associate Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company. His screenwriting credits include the multi- award-winning The Night Manager,Spooks, Hanna, and the Sky production of The Midwich Cuckoos starring Keeley Hawes. David and the late John le Carré became friends while working on the screen play for The Night Manager.
As an ancestor of those German child refugees who lost everything when they fled, including their German citizenship and identity, David was proud to have campaigned for the Article 116 Exclusion Group against a gender discriminatory loophole in German law and to have recently reclaimed his own German citizenship.
