Byron's daughter has gone missing, and he'll stop at nothing to find her, even if it means crossing into a realm that he doesn't think exists. He arrives in Los Angeles determined to bring Liza home. Searching for clues in the fandom of a fantasy book his daughter was obsessed with, Byron is challenged at every turn.

Told through emails, interviews, and notes, Dreambound mixes the speculative with the folkloric in a stunning read.

I loved this book. Something about it gave me similar vibes to The Magicians, but if their parents had wondered where they went when they went to Fillory. The format may not be for everyone, but I felt like it was perfect for showcasing Byron's journey from journalist who is looking for "just the facts" to someone who fully believes in a hidden world. The love for his daughter shines through, even though you're wondering the whole time how reliable of a narrator he is.

This is one I wish I could read for the first time again.

Byron Kidd's twelve year old daughter disappears one day with the only clue being a note saying that she is off to explore the Hidden World, a reference to a magical world in a popular YA fantasy series. It turns out that she isn't the only one that has gone missing under mysterious circumstances tied to this book series.

The journalist Byron, unsatisfied with the lack of progress in the police investigation, decides to do some digging himself in a quest to find his daughter. He journeys from the East Coast to Los Angeles where the author of the book series lives. In the course of his research, he finds that there appear to be parts of the fantasy world blending with the real world. Can he find out what happened to his daughter and the other missing children?

I found the premise of this book very intriguing and the cover is gorgeous. The book is told through journal entries, Reddit posts, interviews and excerpts. While this isn't my favorite style, it seemed to fit here. I found the character of Byron to be a very unlikable person almost all the way through the book. In his defense, his teenage daughter is missing and presumed dead while his wife and others have tried to move on. As a parent, I cannot imagine what that must be like. As a reader, it was really hard to sympathize with him because he is a jerk, lies to people constantly to get what he thinks he needs, drinks like a fish, and looks down on pretty much everyone, especially if you are a woman.

I found this book to be a REALLY slow burn. Things don't really get started until almost 40% in and the action really doesn't ramp up until the last 20% or so. There was a lot of buildup but a quick ending so pacing seemed a little off. It was hard to get a rhythm going due to the writing style changing constantly and Byron's run on sentence journal entries getting in the way. Without the supporting character of Misha, the operator of a popular fan site dedicated to the YA fantasy book series, this would have been a tough read. Byron is just not a fun character to spend time with.

There were some bright spots in this creatively put together modern fantasy novel but it is hard to root for the main character even though his goal is to be reunited with his daughter who he didn't spend enough time with growing up because he was busy with work. Once the fantasy and real world started blending, the book got going but it took awhile. The ending was rushed but was satisfying.

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.