Author: Dan Frey
Length: 300 pages
Genre: Contemporary, Magical Realism
(Netgalley states the book is Sci & Fantasy)
Publication: September 12th, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book (ARC) from Netgalley and Ballentine (my thanks!) in exchange for an honest review.
I recently had the opportunity to read and review Dreambound by Dan Frey, thanks to an ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Let me start by saying that this book was an absolute mind-bending journey - a delightful mind-bender, if you will. The story unfolds in multiple layers, creating a fascinating narrative within a narrative within yet another narrative.
What sets Dreambound apart from other books is its unique storytelling approach. The use
of emails, journal entries, articles, and transcribed interviews between characters added depth and richness to the plot, making it a truly immersive experience. The heart of the story revolves around Byron, a father who, admittedly, wasn't as present in his 12-year-old daughter Liza's life as he could have been. He struggled to accept her interests and passions, which created a disconnect between them. When Liza goes missing in search of a magical place from her beloved books, "Fairy Tale," similar to the fandom of Harry Potter, Byron embarks on a gripping journey to find her. As a Californian myself, I appreciated the book's setting in Los Angeles, a city I'm somewhat familiar with. It added an extra layer of connection to the story.
The use of journal entries throughout the book was particularly captivating for me, as it has always sparked my curiosity in previous reads written similarly. Dan Frey masterfully crafts distinct voices for each character, making them easily identifiable and adding depth to the storytelling. While some characters may have felt a bit basic, it didn't detract from the overall experience. The well-developed story itself kept me hooked and eager to uncover what would happen next.
One of the trickiest aspects of reviewing a book is determining whether the ending is satisfying, and Dreambound definitely delivers in this regard. The conclusion ties up the narrative threads in a fulfilling way, leaving readers with a sense of closure and satisfaction.
In conclusion, Dreambound is a truly unique read that takes you on a mind-bending journey through its inventive storytelling. Dan Frey's skill in bringing characters to life and crafting an engrossing plot makes it a book worth recommending to others.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.✨
Enjoyment: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Plot:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.✨
Thought Provoking: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ease of Reading: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
World Building: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.✨
Happy reading!
Bobbi
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