The Lost Expedition (The Dream Rider Saga book 3) by Douglas Smith (book review)
When thinking about Douglas Smith’s ‘Dream Rider Saga’ and ‘The Lost Expedition’ in particular, the word epic kept bouncing around in my mind. The scope of the entire story, especially the last book, is huge and best enjoyed from the beginning, as the author note explains at the start of books one and two. To understand how the characters got to where they are and even who they are, you need to start on page one. This review, therefore, may contain spoilers for ‘The Hollow Boys’ and ‘The Crystal Key’.
Briefly, Will is the author of the Dream Rider comic series, which reflects his astral powers: the ability to walk the world of dreams. Awake, however, he cannot leave his home. His girlfriend, Case, only survived her time on the streets because of her strange power: a voice that warns her of danger. Fader, her brother, has the power to fade or disappear.
In the previous two novels, they defeated a body-swapper and a witch and battled warring cults, all to protect the Chakana, the crystal key. In this final book, they must figure out what the key unlocks. But, first, they need to find a way to get Will free of his agoraphobia.
‘The Lost Expedition’ begins on the heels of the last book, allowing Will, Case, and Fader only a few days to gather themselves. The urgency to continue their quest means they must press on and the most logical place to keep searching for answers is Peru. But how is Will going to travel halfway around the world if he can’t even leave the tower?
They have also discovered a link between their powers, they all began at the same time, suggesting a link between their parents. But how are they connected? As if this wasn’t all enough, new strangeness has manifested, with large creatures appearing and disappearing. Are they there to guide or harm and, more importantly, who sent them?
Everything seems to point back to the Chakana, an artifact too many people have died for. The why is just another question that needs answering and all the answers are in Peru.
The journey to Peru, solving the equation of how Will might get there, takes up about half the book and it’s compelling reading as clue after clue is unravelled and lined up. That’s not all, though. Morrigan’s story is far from over and Rani is back, whether she likes it or not. Mostly not from her point of view, but she does rise to the occasion.
Smith never forgets that his main characters are young, with young concerns, however, and Case is still trying to reconcile her past and present, living on the street versus being the girlfriend of a very wealthy man. Will, Case and Fader all have questions for their parents, the first and foremost being why did you leave me behind?
Once the mystery of Will being tied to his tower is resolved somewhat, the story moves to Peru and greed, lies, mistrust and rivalry further complicate the quest. A lot of people have been trying to solve the puzzle of the key for a long time and no one is willing to give it up easily. There’s also a new villain on the scene, one who wants the key for a very specific purpose. Not stopping them will mean that no one’s questions are answered because everyone will pretty much end up, well, gone. Not dead, exactly. Just…not here.
I loved that Smith brought Rani back from book two and continued to weave Morrigan’s story into the main plot. I enjoyed both characters’ perspectives, with Rani adding her brand of sarcastic humour and Morrigan questioning her history and purpose more deeply.
I also liked the suggestion that Will, Case and Fader, everyone, in fact, were being subtly guided. It raised the question of fate and self-determination, which Will and Case have talked and thought a lot about.
The steps of the final journey (I can’t describe it any other way without giving away too much!) are intricate, perilous and exciting. This book is about a hundred pages longer than the previous two. It did feel longer, but no less thrilling. There was just more to love and more room to answer every question we had.
The conclusion is worth the journey but, for me, the absolute highlight is the last epilogue with Fader and the reflection of the unique and special relationship he has with Morrigan. I really quite liked her character and would love to talk about her journey but, again, spoilers.
In case I haven’t made it abundantly clear, I loved ‘The Lost Expedition’. In and of itself, it was a good story. As the conclusion to the ‘Dream Rider Saga’, it exceeded every expectation. I enjoyed every minute I spent with these characters, and I will miss them now that their story is done.
Kelly Jensen
February 2024
(pub: Spiral Path Books, 2024. Print and ebook, 384 pages. Print: Price: $19.99 (US), £19.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-192804-831-2. Ebook Price: $ 4.99 (US), £ 4.99 (UK). ASIN: B0BY1Q5TRV)
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