With twists, turns, and rabbit holes, Frey brings another unique story to readers of speculative fiction mixed with fantasy!

Liza Kidd finds escape within a set of fantasy novels. And not just a reading escape, but a literal escape into a hidden world. And she’s not the first kid to find a portal. Her father, investigative journalist Byron Kidd, believes something sinister is at work and won’t quit until he figures out what is going on. But the more the dives down rabbit holes in LA, the more he begins to question what is really happening until he takes his own journey.

Dan Frey dreams up some unique stories that can’t be described as much just read. He tells the story through the eyes of Byron Kidd with different types of correspondence, emails, interview transcripts, and text messages. Readers see one side of the story, but it is fun to try to patch together the pieces until you get the true reveal. There is some language throughout this book, so it is geared more toward mature readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This was such a good read. It took a bit to get hooked, but once you are, you cannot stop! I didn't think I would enjoy the style of writing as much (emails back and forth, notes with strikethroughs during notes). It enhanced the storytelling, and made sure you were fully immersed in the plot. I was surprised at how intense the young fandom for the book is, considering its similar to how fantasy fans are. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

Title: A Gripping Techno-Thriller Adventure

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dan Frey's "Dreambound" is a masterfully crafted techno-thriller that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a riveting narrative, offering readers a mind-bending journey into the realms of virtual reality. From the first page to the last, Frey keeps the suspense at an all-time high, making this a true page-turner.

The story revolves around a groundbreaking VR experience, inviting participants to explore the deepest recesses of their minds. Frey's world-building is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of both the real and virtual landscapes. The attention to detail in describing the intricacies of the technology adds an authentic layer to the narrative.

The characters are compelling and well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets. The protagonist's journey from the real world into the digital domain is both thrilling and introspective, as Frey explores the fine line between reality and the virtual.

What sets "Dreambound" apart is its ability to tackle complex themes such as the ethical implications of advanced technology, the nature of consciousness, and the consequences of playing with the boundaries of reality. Frey raises thought-provoking questions that linger long after the final chapter.

The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Frey's writing style is immersive, making it easy to lose oneself in the high-stakes world he has created. The dialogue is sharp, and the balance between action and introspection is well-executed.

For fans of science fiction, thrillers, and anyone intrigued by the potential future of virtual reality, "Dreambound" is a must-read. Dan Frey has delivered a compelling and thought-provoking tale that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.

If you’re looking for a good fantasy, then STOP ✋🏽 what you’re doing and go check out this book!
This thriller is about a father searching for his daughter who “somehow” (magically) disappears into her favorite fairytale books. You heard me right… into her favorite fairytale books. The synopsis immediately caught my attention.. I mean, imagine if you could get lost in the universe of your favorite fairytale stories.. 
the settling is in the underbelly of LA. Fairytales and LA two of my favorite things in ONE BOOK. 
However, there were a few things that bother me, such as the grammar and the fact that sometimes I couldn’t tell I couldn’t tell if the main character (the dad) was talking or if it was an e-mail etc. 
Rating: 3/5
Title: Dreambound
Author: Dan Frey

This book sounded great, but the writing style wasn’t working for me. I may try and check this book out in the future when maybe I’ll be in the mood for it.

This was a fascinating tale. I honestly wasn’t sure what it was going to be when I started it, but it was so much more than I could have expected. It is a very quick read due to it being a series of transcripts, “book chapters”, and more. Well worth the read for those of us who grew up reading fantasy and have become hooked on thrillers.

ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

Thanks, NetGalley and Del Rey, for the digital review copy.

The premise is fantastic: “When Byron Kidd's twelve-year-old daughter vanishes, the only clue left behind is a note claiming she's taken off to explore the Hidden World, a magical land from a series of popular novels. She is not the only child to seek out this imaginary realm in recent years, and Byron—a cynical and hard-nosed reporter—is determined to discover the whereabouts of dozens of missing kids.”

The story was told in a collection of journal entries, transcripts, emails, and book excerpts, which was entertaining and well done. Following the clues to find the Hidden World overlapping the “real” one was interesting, and I had high hopes for the ending.

However, the MC was unlikeable: hardheaded, small-minded, short-sighted, and obsessive. Secondary characters weren’t well fleshed out, and the ending felt rushed. Overall, it felt like a lot of work (400 pages) for my amount of enjoyment.

The cover is gorgeous, though!

Fandom, fantasy, and magic come together in Dan Frey's story about a father searching for his daughter, who has disappeared. Byron Kidd's daughter was caught up in a fantasy novel fandom, and as the journalist digs deeper into the fandom, he discovers that other kids have gone missing. Red flags waving, he decides to pursue his daughter on his own and descends into the gritty Los Angeles underground world where he learns that fantasy worlds do exist, and he will have to negotiate a heavy price to get his daughter back. Incredible world building and an epistolary structure make this an unputdownable novel for fantasy fans.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review!

On paper, I shouldn’t like Byron. He’s manipulative, moody, defeatist, and when pressed, often expresses sexist and/or misogynist opinions about the women around him (yes, he does tell a woman helping him in the investigation to “just do it” in reference to having kids…) And having an entire epistolary (a format I LOVE) book told very closely from his perspective should really have turned me away.

But damn if the format and concept didn’t suck me right in. Once this story gets going, it flies on past. I was so rooting for Byron to get to his kid, for this fantastical world to be real (instead of just explained away as the consequence of some dastardly but-still-very-human-villain as in so many other books) and for everything to come to - if not a *happy* ending - at least a bittersweet conclusion.

Ultimately, while Byron was never my favorite in this story, his journey was, and I bought into the concept and loved its epistolary format.

I am not the right audience for this book. It’s not the type of fantasy that appeals to me. If you like fairytales (and actual fairies) you will probably enjoy this book more than I did. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

This was a fun book written for all of us who went to check the backs of our closets after reading The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Dreambound follows magic non-believer/ general a-hole Byron as he races to save his daughter who's gone missing... into her favorite book. The plot was pretty predictable, Byron was so annoying, and there wasn't much magic, so I think I liked the cover more than the book.

Journalist Byron Kidd’s twelve-year old daughter has gone missing, and n his desperation to find her, he delves into a Qanon conspiracy theory that involves kids who love a popular fantasy book series going missing for years. The deeper he digs, the more he thinks maybe there’s something more to this hidden world than most people think.

I love books that are set in our world, but have like a world within our world, sort of like fictional geocashing, or some people being involved in a world the rest of us know nothing about. Think like the podcast (and books in the world of) Rabbits.

This book is part epistolary, which is also a format I love to read. It’s super detailed and involved with the folklore and overlapping mapping of Los Angeles and the potential Hidden World. I loved the adventure and the intelligence behind the crafting. I really enjoyed Frey’s first book and this one didn’t disappoint, either.

Grateful for the opportunity to dive into the ARC of this book, though it didn't quite captivate me enough to reach the final page.

Dreambound is a contemporary fantasy novel about a father going on a quest to solve the disappearance of his daughter. Byron is an investigative journalist who sticks to the facts. However, when he embarks on his journey to save his daughter his views are challenged as the magical world his daughter believed in comes alive around him.

Dreambound is told through Byron's investigative journal, emails, book excerpts, and interviews. The closest thing I can relate it to is Stranger Things meets Erin Morgenstern. Although Dreambound does not have the beautiful and lyrical writing one would find in Morgenstern's books, it does employ that sense of the fantastical as the plot starts to slowly unravel.

I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed reading Dreambound. As soon as I started reading it, it became a book I could not put down. The mystery elements blended so well into the fantasy elements.

At the end of the book Dan Frey mentions this book is a love letter to stories. I agree and must add it is equally a love letter to the city of Los Angeles. Although I am not from Los Angeles I am familiar enough with the city that I enjoyed the references in Dreambound. Most of the novel takes place in Los Angeles.

If you're someone who likes genre-bending, fast paced books and mixed media formats I think you'll really enjoy this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Definitely a very trippy, fantastical, and interesting read. The way the author uses a series of books as the cause of chaos is pretty amazing. What happens when fairy tales come to life? Or when a book becomes a doorway to obsession, that leads to teens disappearing through portal like doors that nobody seems able to find. The author uses corresponding through emails alongside news articles to push the storyline along, it makes for an exemplary read. I'm not normally one for fantasy but this book is more than just that. It has the feel of a true crime show combined with a thriller and somehow it just works.

Dreambound is a story about father/daughter bonds. Its a story about unlearning and relearning for the greater good. I was very interested in how this story would end and was pleased with it when I finally got there. The characters were relatable and I enjoyed the different styles of writing including the journal entries. Overall a very well rounded story.

The nitty-gritty: A skillfully constructed story-within-a-story full of emotion, tension and magic, Dreambound is one of my favorite books of the year.

Dreambound is every bit as good as people are saying, and trust me, this is one 2023 release you’re not going to want to miss. Dan Frey has stepped up his game from his last book—The Future is Ours—and created what might be his personal masterpiece. Dreambound has everything I love in a story and much much more, including an epic quest, a flawed hero, an intriguing mystery, tension, heart and even humor, all told in a brilliantly constructed epistolary format. Frey’s narrative consists of journal entries, emails, texts, interviews and more, carefully stitched together to reveal the story of a father who is looking for his lost daughter. 

Twelve-year old Liza Kidd disappeared a month ago, leaving behind a cryptic note in her favorite book, Fairy Tale, stating “I’m going to the end of the world and beyond.” The police haven’t helped at all, so Byron Kidd, Liza’s father, decides to find her himself. The only clue he has is a single ping picked up from Liza’s cell phone, coming from Los Angeles, CA. Byron can’t imagine how a twelve-year-old got from Massachusetts to California by herself, but he hops on a plane anyway, desperate to find her. Once he arrives, he tracks the GPS coordinates to Venice Beach, where he stumbles upon the End of the World Museum and irrefutable proof that Liza had been there.

Convinced that her disappearance has something to do with Fairy Tale and the book’s reclusive author Annabelle Tobin, Byron begins his personal investigation by contacting and interviewing everyone connected to the popular fantasy series and its fandom. And what he finds is astonishing. With the help of Misha Pimm, the creator of a popular fan website, Byron uses his investigative journalist skills to uncover the truth, which is far stranger and magical than he could ever imagine.

Not all epistolary novels work, but this one does. In fact, I can’t imagine reading this story any other way. Byron is motivated by his love for Liza, but he’s also a formidable journalist, willing to lie his way into an interview for the sake of finding his daughter. The entire story consists of Byron’s personal investigative journal, interspersed with emails, interviews and snippets from Fairy Tale, all of which drop hints about what happened to Liza—and many other children as well. I loved the contrast between the more formal email exchanges (for instance, between Byron and his wife Val, who refuses to believe that Liza is still alive) and interviews and Byron’s rambling, frantic journal entries. It’s this back and forth among different narrative types that keeps the story flowing and almost impossible to put down.

Because I’ve lived in the Los Angeles area for years, I’m always excited to find an L.A. story that gets things right. Frey lives in Los Angeles and is a screenwriter as well as a novelist, so he’s uniquely qualified to write his own L.A. story, and he nails the vibe perfectly. One of my favorite parts of the book is the way he draws parallels between the city of Los Angeles and the Hidden World, the fantasy realm in the Fairy Tale series. Using such iconic sites as the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Silver Lake, Echo Park and more, Frey weaves a portal fantasy that is both familiar and unfamiliar, otherworldly and down to earth.

And while many “quest” stories revolve around the lost child, like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, Dreambound focuses on Byron’s journey instead of Liza’s, although we do get glimpses into what she’s been through. There is a compelling mystery here, and Frey takes his time with the reveal. Why did Liza leave home in the first place? How does a rare book called The Hidden World figure into Annabelle Tobin’s series? What is the meaning behind a rune tattoo that is popular among Fairy Tale fans? And what’s up with Annabelle’s son Gable, and how is he connected to Liza's disappearance? All these mysteries come together in surprising ways, as Frey weaves fairy lore, mythology and history into his story.

The characters were fantastic as well. Byron is a tough-as-nails journalist, but when it comes to Liza he’s a bundle of emotions. I love that he opens up about his flaws as a father—discouraging Liza from her love of Fairy Tale, for example—and admits it could be why she ran away. When Misha enters the picture, she and Byron form a reluctant partnership when she decides to help him, but they grow to like and respect each other in the end. Annabelle was a fascinating character too, a woman who is struggling with some big secrets and knows way more than you think.

Byron’s journey culminates at FairyCon, the fan convention for Fairy Tale fans, where Annabelle has agreed to speak about the upcoming sixth and final book in her series. Byron and Misha have a dangerous plan, and if they can pull it off, Byron can finally see his daughter again. I thought it was the perfect place to stage the story’s climax, and the ending was exciting, emotional and ultimately satisfying. I wish I could read Dreambound again for the first time, which is the highest praise I can give.

Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.

As a voracious reader, I’ve never felt bound to any one genre of publishing, though crime fiction certainly has primacy in my heart. Books that understand this and defy the limitations of genre have especial appeal to me. Books that do this while also being about books – and while being wildly entertaining – thus feel like the best sort of read, a veritable gift from the universe. Or, in this case, from the pen of Dan Frey.

There is a trope in fantasy fiction, particularly in modern works revolving around portals between this dimension and others, that forms the initial basis of this extraordinary epistolary novel. Byron Kidd is an investigative journalist whose teenage daughter Liza has disappeared after seemingly running away from home. Six months on and with no answers from the police or the public, he applies his skills to Liza’s interests in an effort to understand why she left in the first place and where she might be now.

Liza had been heavily invested in a five-book Young Adult fantasy series called Fairy Tale. The heroine, Ciara, had also run away from home. As a fairy tells her, in an excerpt Byron quotes in an email:

QUOTE
“Simply touch the water, and it will rob your memories. Submerge yourself entirely, and you will be forgotten entirely. Even if you do survive a swim, no one will know you ever existed. Not even you.”

Ciara turned and stared out at the frothing waves of abyss. A shiver of terror at their dark power coursed through her veins.

Then she charged madly across the sand and dove right in.

RESUME EMAIL

To me this seems like nonsense. And disturbing. How am I supposed to read this passage if not as a veiled metaphor for teen suicide? Fuck these books.
END QUOTE

Byron knows that as estranged he and his daughter had become – and it takes him a while to acknowledge the breadth of the space between them – she would never have killed herself. While his now ex-wife Valerie is ready to accept that Liza is dead, Byron is not. He begins to dig into Liza’s expressions of fandom, exploring the Internet and uncovering disturbing facts about other missing kids that could be tied back to Fairy Tale and its reclusive author:

QUOTE
There has been an epidemic of global disappearances in recent years, all connected to the Fairy Tale book series. Exact numbers are hard to pin down, but I have identified at least 26 different cases–half in the U.S., half abroad–that fit the same fact pattern. Diehard fans of this fictional world, whose ages range from 8 to 18, have vanished without a trace. Prior to their disappearance, each victim engaged in online communications regarding their fandom. And at least 21 of the cases have some connection to Los Angeles, which is both the home city of Fairy Tale author Annabelle Tobin and the site where the movies are filmed.

Are the cases abductions? Runaways? Something else entirely?
END QUOTE

In his desperate search for Liza, Byron prepares to burn every social and professional bridge he has. This task will utilize all of his skills, sometimes in less than above board fashion. He flies to Los Angeles and finagles his way step by step into the inner circle of Fairy Tale, even as he teeters on a knife-edge between reality and conspiracy theory. Because what he suspects about what really happened to Liza couldn’t possibly be true, could it? And if it is, how can he possibly find his daughter and bring her home?

Like Byron, I’ve always felt uncomfortable with the thinly veiled metaphors for teenage suicide prevalent in many popular fantasy novels. Unlike Mr Frey, I never thought that the perfect antidote to this would be a book about a less than terrific parent understanding how they messed up, and then doing their absolute best to meet their suffering child where that child is. Dreambound is an astonishing work of maturity and empathy that had me sobbing like a baby through the ending pages. It’s hard to say more, because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything about this amazing book, but if you’re a parent who cares about connecting with your kids, like I am, as well as a fan of both the fantasy and mystery genres, then you absolutely must read this smart, stylish heartbreaker of a novel.

This book surprised me! It's a bit of a mystery, a journalist Dad can't let go of his daughter who went missing six months earlier. His wife felt differently, gave her up for dead, and the marriage ended as well. The focus in the book is these fantasy books that the kid was into and how they were connected with her disappearance. The Dad turns into an investigator, finding clues and a way into her world. The way the whole story was told was well done.

I listened to the audio book version and it was awesome, as there were a many narrators for all the different voices, it really added to the book.