It was original. But not well executed? I feel kinda bad saying that. We can see there's a lot of work on this book. But the writing is not there. Feelings are told, not shown. There are a lot of repetition.
Also, the characters are supposed to be in their first half of twenties but they are like high schoolers.
I didn't like Story. But the story was interesting and maybe rewritten it'll be nice.

Imaging entering a new world when you fall asleep. A world where you are the person you see yourself as. A world where you find someone you really connect with. A world you would make yourself sleep extra just to spend more time in it.

I loved the concept of this book. I’ll admit, it threw me off some in the beginning because it switches POV and I got a bit confused for a bit. But once I got everything clear in my mind, this was a fun story, and I couldn’t wait to find out how everything would work out.

I’m glad I got to experience this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“But we’ve made something beautiful out of that mess. We rest our foreheads together, two fractured dreamers whose broken pieces form an exquisite mosaic.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I applaud the author for originality and creativity. Despite the rushed feeling I had at being thrust into the setting, once the story developed, I felt that it may have been intentional. Much like an isekai of dreams, Fractured Dreamer is a fast-paced immersion into a world where not much preamble of any kind of introduction is given to said characters. It just begins with sixteen-year-old Bassim, a shaman in training, whose world is upended when a mysterious illness-curse sweeps his village, ensnaring all the villagers' semblance in a shade of darkness. 😥 Alongside him, Lief, a forest spirit that resides within him, that serves as the signature Jiminy Cricket - a comparison that I actually know realize was also executed well, when comparing to the other perspective of the second character, Alec, someone struggling with their identity and whose very fractured state of mind - rift with pressure and tension - may very well be a catalyst for more than either of them realize. 🙏🏻

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Sounds intriguing. Well, it is that intrigue that definitely kept me turning the pages and... as much as I was not too fan of the characterization of certain supporting characters, I do like the creative take it took in focusing on identity and acceptance. The air of mystery revolving around said It is a fantastical approach that is a mix of dreams and reality - of Bassim and Alec trying to figure out their sense of belonging - to fill the void of loneliness of not finding someone who could understand their state of being. 'When you are not complete in yourself, nothing can fill that void.’ 😔 It is a unique idea because it involves tracing your roots and learning to let go of what is ultimately holding you down. I liked that connection and the buildup leading to that realization. There is a frenetic kind of energy that has Alec of the real world desperate to return to this fantastical area where he does feel at most like himself.

“Love required dedication; it required practice. All the need and desire, even the heartbreak, were the foundation he could build love upon.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ His connection with Bassim grows into one of someone who sees him for who he truly is. Their blood bond builds out of trust, loyalty, companionship and ultimately one of a deep-rooted connection that cannot be broken, despite the barriers existing between them. Alec's trust in Bassim developed into a friendship and then an attraction, each eager and so yearning for someone to accept them as they were. 'Was the love as real for you as it was for me?' 😢 They were each other's calming force and they were quite sweet together at times - even if hesitant and unsure of what future awaited them. It's a foreboding feeling to know that even expressing oneself as you wish to be seen can be cause for harm and hurt; and yet, to know that someone recognizes your gifts, your strengths, your inner self - it is a force to be reckoned with. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

“I’ve made my choice. I choose us. I won’t be scared of who we are.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The lack of world-building, explanation to Alec crossing over, Bassim's own paperthin family was definitely unfortunate. It did not hurt either that the switch from first person POV of Alec's to the third person POV of Bassim was hard - not to mention the change in diction and tone was also prevalent. But, I do respect the idea. I do respect how it is a journey of finding yourself that created this adventure - the idea of losing your identity is such a dangerous one - choosing to ignore what has always been. 'But we do the most harm by trying to be separate from each other. Let go.' 🥺 How the tension mounted, how things worsened in the dream realm, so much that Bassim knew he had to do whatever it took to save it - risk it all - was portrayed well. I especially applaud the final chapter, because it was something I had not seen done before; it was original and it connected the two parts in such a believable sense that deserves praise for it. Or maybe because it is my first time reading the author, so who knows? Maybe it has been done before. 😊

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A heart-wrenching but ultimately uplifting book exploring gender identity, love, and self-acceptance. The plot is compelling, but it is really driven by the intense characterisation. Alec's dark sense of humour tickled me.