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…

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!

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!