Search for the Shadow Key

Written by Wayne Thomas Batson

Narrated by Dave Cruse

Book #2 in a trilogy from fantasy author Wayne Thomas Batson explores the concept of dreams and their effects on us.

Fourteen-year-old Archer Keaton discovers he has the ability to enter and explore his dreams. He is a dreamtreader, one of three selected from each generation. Their mission: to protect the waking world from the evil lurking in the Dream.

The Nightmare Lord has been thrown down, but his throne is no longer empty. Rigby Thames has taken up the evil mantle with Kara Windchil as his queen. Now the only living dreamtreader, Archer Keaton finds himself on the outside of two worlds looking in. Dream Walking Inc. is taking the world by storm, allowing Rigby to build an unstoppable empire. Worse still, Rigby has unleashed the Tendrils, shadow people who can cross over into the waking world. As Archer’s family and friends begin to disappear, unexpected help comes in the form of the Wind Maiden, a mysterious angelic being who seems to know how Archer can rescue his loved ones and defeat the new Nightmare King. But the cost may prove too dear for Archer to pay. 

Steeped in epic fantasy and intrigue, this second book in the Dreamtreaders series teaches kids important Christian values such as being a light in the darkness, resisting temptation, and keeping your faith, even when you feel like you’re standing alone. 

Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.375

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy Nelson
• Release date: Jul 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781400339921

Reviews for Search for the Shadow Key

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: Search for the Shadow Key (Dreamtreaders Book #2)Author: Wayne Thomas BatsonPages: 336Year: 2014Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating is 4 stars.The Search for the Shadow Key is a fast-paced fantasy thriller that brings back Archer Keaton to the World of Dreams, but this time facing greater challenges than before. Archer is now the only Dreamtreader left to prevent a rift from happening, which would merge the Dream and reality together to create a chaotic nightmare for the world. Dangers, trickery and temptation face Archer at every turn and he must gain help soon or it will be the beginning of the end of the world.What I liked most about this second book is its important themes like making wise choices for the greater good even though they are unpopular choices, resisting the temptation to make wrong decisions with the intent to do good, being a light in a world of darkness, and learning not to lose sight of why God calls us to do the things that He has called us to do. The book brings back old characters and introduces some new likeable characters. It also provides some interesting twists and turns in the story, but still makes plenty of connection to the first book. There was nothing in the book that I didn’t like. Some readers may not like the fact that Keaton’s best friend Kara has turned against him for the sake of gaining power in the Dream world; however, a lesson can be gleaned from this. Christians can be friends with non-Christians, but standing for our beliefs and not living the ways of the world like they do can be a cause to lose their friendship. My mom (and I’m sure others too) has had experience with this, and though I’m still young I’m sure I will gain some of this experience as I get older. I would recommend this book to others because of the lessons we can learn from it like being leaders and standing up for our beliefs. Though we stumble and fall sometimes, which is fine, we just pick ourselves up, learn from our mistakes and just continue to glorify God, seek Him with all our hearts, souls and minds.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”