What if you could enter a world where everything is exactly as you want it to be? In Dreamland by Nick Clausen, we see just that.
But of course, our main character also learns that some things are too good to be true, and that he needs to be very careful about what he wishes for…
Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on Dreamland by Nick Clausen
The story begins with this awesome first line:
Louie had always had lifelike dreams, but he’d never had a dream continuing over several nights, like chapters in a book – not until he visited Dreamland.
From there, we dive right in to learning what has been going on with Louie and Dreamland. And while the world Louie visits in his dreams seems wonderful and inviting at first, we soon learn that the trips to this world aren’t having the best influence over Louie. He’s talking back to his mother, he’s causing a rift between his mother and her boyfriend, he’s falling asleep at school… and terrifyingly, with each night he enters Dreamland, he comes out feeling like he has been there for longer and longer periods of time, and he isn’t actually resting.
Soon, Louie learns that he’s in well over his head in the dream-world. But can he get out by himself? Or will he have to rely on the help of a ghost to escape?
There was so much to love about this tale!
- The plot was wonderfully executed.
- The pacing was perfect.
- The main character was realistic and interesting.
- The family dynamics and relationships were wonderful.
- The ghost element was very well done.
- The suspense was exciting.
- The “monsters” were super creepy! (I actually had a nightmare about them!)
This was one of those tales that really plays out like a film in your head while you are reading and I had so much fun experiencing it!
My Final Thoughts on Dreamland
While definitely on the lighter side of horror, this tale was still very creepy! It also really focused in on family and learning how to let go and move on from the past.
This is another novella that I would highly recommend to those looking for a quick, but impactful read that will stick with you! It is a perfect read for the fall season!
Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:
If you haven’t read them yet, check out my reviews for some of Nick’s other works; They Come At Night, Human Flesh, Beast, A Taste for Blood, and Blind Date.
Thanks for reading!
It sounds like you completely loved this one! And I am loving the cover. When the plot is so suspenseful and good, and the characters are complex too… you can’t go wrong 😀
Olivia-S @ Olivia’s Catastrophe
<3
Thanks for this review! This definitely sounds like something I’d enjoy. I love the creepy cover btw!
If you give it a go, I’d love to see your review!! 🙂
This sounds like a really interesting read! I love the idea of going between the real world and dreamland!
Right?! What a thought! This premise could be great for various genres of tales!!
I haven’t heard of this one, but I do love it when a book easily plays out in my head. It means the story flows and you’re able to lose yourself within the pages. Lovely review!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
Thank you! I highly recommend any of this authors work if you’re looking for a spooky read!
The lighter side of horror sounds like my kind of book since I’m a big chicken, lol. This book and author are new to me but your review definitely has me curious.
I’d love to see what you think if you give any of his work a read!!
Sounds like a perfect read for this time of year!
For sure!!! 🙂
That’s an amazing cover design! Your review has got me intrigued to read Dreamland now. I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to graphic horror so I think a lighter story like Dreamland would work for me
😀 I hope you enjoy this one if you give it a go!!
Something funny – when I opened your blog, I scrolled down and at a quick glance thought this novella was the same as the one in the next post down (look at them yourself quickly and see if it doesn’t throw you off too. LOL!).
I’m not into horror much, so “light horror” is right up my alley. This is the type of Halloween read I can manage. 🙂
Ha!! You’re totally right!! The covers are quite similar! If you give any of Nick Clausen’s books a read, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I love a well-done ghost story! I enjoy horror but I don’t know that I have read a horror novella. This sounds really good.
I hope you love this one as much as I did if you give it a go!!
This sounds amazing Erica! I love horror – all of it! And this is a new name for me. Thank you!
😀 Enjoy!! I have been cruising thought a LOT of his work recently!!