Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018 & recipient of the Kirkus Star
"A fantasy with tremendous heart and a magisterial execution."
A normal eighth-grader by day, thirteen-year-old Ben awakens one night in a fantastical dream world where snow burns, the sun disappears and reappears without warning, and magic is addictive.
But the mysterious realm of Meridia is disappearing, eaten by a phenomena called the Fading. Joined by Avery, Marcus, and three dog-like dragonwoofs, Ben journeys across monster-infested oceans and sun-scorched mountains to retrieve the sphinx's head, the key to saving the world and every astonishing creature that inhabits it.
But not everyone wants them to succeed. Soon, they find themselves pursued by the Sovereign and his generals, whose armies will stop at nothing to perpetuate the Fading and its consumption of the land.
Praise for Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps:
Valerie Ettenhofer for IndieReader
★★★★★ (4.7)
"The elements of Meridia are breathtakingly original and impressively cohesive, all while still managing to fondly bring to mind the fantasy works of Jim Henson and Hayao Miyazaki. [...] Hints of beloved fantasy throwbacks and tons of excitingly one-of-a-kind ideas coalesce into an impressive, unmissable fantasy adventure in WHERE DRAGONWOOFS SLEEP AND THE FADING CREEPS."
The BookLife Prize by Publishers Weekly
"This novel is the enchanting offspring of The Neverending Story and Alice in Wonderland. [...] A charming read with a satisfying plot twist and heartwarming conclusion."
Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Silver Medal Winner- 2019 Readers' Favorite Awards
★★★★★
"Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is exactly the kind of sleeper fantasy that the target audience and the larger adult audience may be inclined to overlook, and there are infinitely many reasons why fantasy lovers and even those, like myself, who are somewhat jaded by fantasy at this point, should pay attention and start reading. [...] Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I've come across in some time, and it's most highly recommended."
Self Publishing Review
★★★★-
"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 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. Massey delivers a powerful and entertaining story with his debut work of fantasy."
Foreword Clarion Reviews
★★★★
"Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps will captivate young audiences with its unique blend of contemporary thrills and fantasy adventure."
BlueInk Review
"Young adult readers take a foray into surrealism in this timely fantasy novel that alternates between middle school reality and an imaginary land to comment on contemporary themes and explore a common teen problem."
Gary Shapiro, Host: From The Bookshelf - KSCO-FM
​"A marvelous book."

A.J. Massey writes thrilling fantasy novels for young teens and adults. His first book, Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps, blends shared dream worlds and middle school and was influenced by his favorite childhood movies of the 80s, Labyrinth and The Neverending Story. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife, Katie, and pet dragonwoofs, Abby and Peanut.
Keep in touch with A.J. at www.dragonwoofs.com or follow @dragonwoofs on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.