Review: Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps by A.J. Massey

Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is an imaginative YA novel written by A.J. Massey that is penned with surprising maturity, despite being targeted at a younger audience. From the very first chapter of this addictive story, readers are transported to a wondrous land where expectations are constantly being dashed and a young boy finds the hero that has always been inside.

When young Ben finds himself transported to the mystifying world of Meridia, he must fend for himself among the strange creatures and magical beings he encounters, as well as the other inhabitants of his decidedly odd surroundings. What he soon realizes is that, whether or not he’s dreaming, there is a sinister danger at work there, a force of evil that is destroying the beauty of the land.

Ben joins forces with the royal Queen Regent, along with a ragtag bunch of magical dragonwoofs, and embarks on an epic quest to rid the world of the creeping Fading and the Sovereign forever. While the classic “human protagonist lands in a fantasy land and goes on an adventure to save the world” plot line may seem overused, the author’s pen elevates this YA novel over others in the genre, and the story moves at a quick, enjoyable pace.

With a touch of Alice in Wonderland whimsy, but the dark elements of The Neverending Story, this novel is both heartwarming and gripping. Unlike so many other books for this age range, the author doesn’t pander to his audience, but challenges young readers with complex characters who are relatable, yet still admirable. The fact that Ben goes between Meridia and the real world makes him a more fully developed character. Readers see his struggles as a nerdy young teenager, but also the strides that he makes towards self-confidence when he is faced with the potentially deadly challenges on his adventures. This duality in the story keeps things interesting, and adds real-world significance to the allegorical experiences Ben faces in the magical realm.

A number of relevant subjects are included in the story that will appeal to younger readers, including youthful romance, finding one’s place in the world, overcoming fears from childhood and making difficult decisions in the face of temptation or peer pressure. Some authors are far too heavy-handed when trying to deliver meaningful messages in these stories, but Massey cleverly weaves his moral moments into the natural flow of the plot.

The writing is tight and clean, with few technical errors, although some of the descriptive passages are a bit repetitive or long-winded. Choosing more memorable details, or incorporating more literary tools, rather than standard physical descriptions, could help the book come alive a bit more. Generally speaking, however, the creativity on display in these pages is remarkable, and will certainly hold the attention of teenage readers, and perhaps even hold an appeal for a slightly older audience – though the cover (and the name ‘dragonwoofs’) do make it appear to be primarily for a middle grade audience.

Combining the fundamental challenges of growing up with the universal battle of good and evil doesn’t always work in literature, but Massey delivers a powerful and entertaining story with his debut work of fantasy.