The Dreamweavers

Mei and Yun Wu have always been different from the other kids in the village.

They’ve learned not to talk about why.

But now, as this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the twelve-year-olds find that they are exactly like everyone else: bursting with excitement.

That’s because word of their grandfather’s incredible mooncakes has reached the Emperor of China himself. And on festival night, the emperor’s son will arrive to sample Grandpa’s mooncakes and report back to His Majesty.

The twins can hardly dare to dream what might come of the prince’s praise.

Unfortunately, when disaster strikes on the big night, what happens in the aftermath is the stuff of nightmares.

Mei and Yun are suddenly left to rescue both their grandfather and their village from a terrible fate. And while the twins have always been able to count on each other, this situation, steeped in ancient magic and tales of curses and revenge, is exactly the sort that’s powerful enough to snap the ties that bind.

©2021 G. Z. Schmidt (P)2023 Recorded Books

An original Asian folktale

“Better to be a salamander than a babbling commander.”
This was a darling story of two intrepid kids questing to save their family. The mystery was interesting and the dream magic unique. There were some fun side characters and quips. Overall, it was a great Asian themed folktale.

I could’ve used either more humor or less length to keep things moving. Also, considering the magic and settings (in the dream world and at the imperial palace), I was disappointed at the lack of details to paint a more vivid picture.