Dream Raider: A Johnny Marsh Adventure

Johnny Marsh Adventure #1

by K.C. Webb

Johnny Marsh is different. For John the mysterious and unknown is not something to be afraid of. When he was a child he wasn't afraid of the monster under the bed; he would go looking for it. He has an aura of dread around him, and people keep their distance. And then there are his dreams. In his dreams John enters worlds that are beyond most people's wildest imaginings. John is different, but no one ever makes fun of him. When Peter Wright - the school nerd - enlists John's help in understanding the vivid dream that has been terrorising him for a month, John has no idea that his investigations will take them on a journey into the heart of evil, where unimaginable terrors will test their investigative powers and their courage. Who is the malevolent clown that invades Pete's dreams? What is the meaning of the mysterious eyes? And why does John find himself amongst a race of pig-like beings in a desperate quest to defeat the powerful and sadistic creature known as the Mauler? Before their investigations are over, John and Pete will meet horrifying creatures from distant worlds, and nightmares they may never wake from. In their relentless search for the truth they uncover evil that has been devastating lives for over four thousand years. John will have a new understanding of who he is and his place in the world, and their lives will never be the same again.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tona]

It was different reading a book in a third person with out an obvious narrator. The book starts of with 2 boys, one a nerd and the other a little odd. The boy John has gone through the loss of his mother and Pete is a nerd with no friends. John's oddity is that he doesn't frighten easily and is more curious about things normal children would find frightening. John starts a paranormal detective agency which Peter hires because of his nightmares. These two quickly become friends not knowing that in a past life they were best friends. They boys find that haunting Pete's nightmare is a clown that is thousands of years old that eats peoples souls. John soon learns that he is the one that needs to end this evil. He has been battling this evil clown in past lives. John learns that this clown was the one who killed his mother. With the help of Peter and 13 white witches he must end this evil forever.

You never knew where this book would twist which made this a very interesting read. It is full of terror and gore and I had to put it down a couple of times so that I didn"t have nightmares. Perfect October reading.

[Kathryn Merkel]

One of my favorite mystery series as a child was Alfred Hitchcock & the Three Investigators by Robert Arthur. In Dream Raider, KC Webb has created the beginning of a YA series a bit darker, but every bit as compelling. If the coming books are as well written, it is sure to be a success with both teens & adults.

Johnny Marsh is a teen with an insatiable curiosity about the things most kids run from. The day he decides to go public with his fascination for the supernatural by offering his services as an investigator, he meets Peter Wright, who just happens to be tormented in his dreams by an evil clown. It soon becomes apparent that Peter’s dreams are more than just the product of an overactive imagination. As Johnny & Peter delve deeper into the horrifying reality behind the dreams, they uncover a centuries old evil and a group who believes it is Johnny’s destiny to defeat that evil. This is one carnival ride you do not want to miss.

[Leigh K Cunningham]

Manjucus, the soul stealer, can be stopped with an engraved soul spear, but to find the pieces for the spear, Pete and John have to enter the dream and face off against Manjucus on his terms.

Dream Raider: A Johnny Marsh Adventure is the first book in a series, and no doubt this will be one of those series that develops a cult following. Dream Raider is pure action, thrills and horror - there is burning blood, squashed eyes and gore galore. Yes, it's scary, but older kids and adults will love it.

[Nik]

Omg! When we chatted at supanova and I bought this book you never once mentioned it was all about a murderous, soul eating clown! The "creepy YA" book freaked me out.
Who on earth buys a lifesize clown doll anyway, that never ends well. EVER
"Can't sleep, the clown will eat me"
I thought it was a pretty creepy story and developed well, though the third person way it is written took some getting use to.

[Elizabeth]

Decent horror novel for the young adult set. If you find clowns scary then certainly don't read this book. The evil Manjucus is coming into young Pete Wright dreams and Pete keeps waking knowing that the evil is coming for his soul. Johnny Marsh is new to Pete's school and had just that morning passed out his new business card as a supernatural investigators. John and Pete team up and head off into an adventure that is sure to scare.

[Maggie]

A truly creepy tale. Be prepared to be scared!