A fun and action packed middle grade fantasy, Dreamslinger is full of amazingly creative world building. It contains a heartwarming message of friendship and what it means to be extraordinary. I highly recommend this for fans of Percy Jackson, and Amari and the Night Brothers.

Sydney Cicman
3 reviews
June 21, 2025
I read this book on the Netgalley Reader. I did not get any monetary promotions and all opinions are my own.

In a world much like our own, there are extremely rare people born with the Dreamslinger gene. This gene allows them to travel into a new world when they sleep and to bring back powers with them. The powers are based on four different seas. Aria's father runs a home for Dreamslingers, who have always been a marginalized group, but after a disaster ten years ago, are now persecuted. Aria's father is giving a speech about welfare for Dreamslingers when Aria accidentally causes a fire. To compensate, she goes to a small island in South Korea to compete in the Dreamslinger Trials while also being a spy. While there, Aria makes both friends and enemies and many secrets are revealed.

STRENGTHS
I love how the Korean elements were added to the story. They blended seamlessly with the fantasy. I have not really had a chance to learn about Korean culture, so this book helped as I love learning about other cultures. I appreciate that the book does not definitively make one of Aria's parents good and the other evil as most other middle grade books would do. Instead, both parents are complex with valid points, and yet are flawed. The fantasy elements brought me back to reading Harry Potter for the first time. How much I loved the world and wanted to live in it. I love that the author is so inclusive in her world with Dreamslingers coming from all over the world. This diversity will allow many children to see themselves. Aria also grows greatly as a character; she learns that both her father and the Trials are not perfect. Most middle grade books would have had the big reveal about everything you thought is wrong and had Aria spend the rest of the series taking down her father. This one is different; it shows how both methods of Dreamslinger welfare are valid with both pros and cons.

DISLIKES
It took me a little while to get into this book. But when I did, I loved every minute. It wad also hard to remember some of the characters and who they were, though I figured it out by the end. My biggest problem with the book is that the Royal Kingdom of Hanguk is described in a way that makes it hard to visualize where things are. The directions of the Palaces get confusing, as do the location of the shops.

I wanted to love this book, but I think it needed another round of editing.

What I loved:
-The rich world infused with Korean culture and mythology,
-The fascinating magic system,
-The emphasis on kindness, found family, and loyalty,
-The diversity of characters and the ways their cultures were part of who they were and not just tacked on as an afterthought,
-The dragons!!! And the other creatures!

What I thought needed work:
-The mashup names of things were fine at the beginning, but overwhelming by the end. Introducing terms like "seasonbilities" and adding dream- to the beginning of practically every word felt so strange in juxtaposition with the story's focus on language and meaning. I think it did the story a disservice to both its tone and comprehensibility.
-In addition to the silly mashup names, there were just so many words to keep track of. Including Korean words was a really great touch but as someone not fluent in Korean I had to work to remember those words. I wish the Korean words had been prioritized and the dream-related jargon had been simplified.
-The pacing made it difficult to keep track of how much time was passing.

I fully enjoyed the story and characters, and I want to know more about their journey, but I can't say that I'm looking forward to the actual process of reading the sequel. I hope continuations in this world improve in these areas.

This was a fun story once you get into it, but it takes some time to get going and suffers from some pacing issues around the passage of time. Definitely a good pick for fans Rick Riordan_esque adventures, but without the mythology.

Dragons for a younger audience. Its compared to Amari and the Night Brothers meets Pokemon which is totally spot on. I think kids will find a lot to love and related to in Dreamslinger.

Aria Loveridge is a dreamslinger, one of a growing group of people with a genetic mutation that allows her to dream lucidly, to visit a magical realm during sleep, and to wake up with residual powers - powers that can become wildly out of control and therefore dangerous. She lives at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers, which was established by, and is run by, her father, who is trying to find ways for dreamslingers to control their powers. This is especially important after the Great Outburst a decade previously which killed a great many people, Aria's mother among them. Because of the Great Outburst, dreamslingers are viewed with suspicion and fear, and there is legislation controlling their movements in this country, and others.

But some countries, such as the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk, treat dreamslingers in a different way: they base their society and technology on the abilities of dreamslingers, and seek them out to be trained, so they can benefit society. The Kingdom of Royal Hanguk is, for the first time, opening its dreamslinger trials to people from across the world - and Aria is invited to participate. At the trials, she meets people from a wide range of cultures, and begins to realize that her father's way isn't the only way.

This novel does a wonderful job of exploring what it's like to grow up knowing you are different, and that your difference is considered something unwanted, to be hidden whenever and however possible - and then discovering a society in which your difference is not only accepted, but celebrated. Recommended for readers of all ages.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Such great worldbuilding! Loved the characters and the magic! Very whimsical, a great start to a fantasy series

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

I really really really liked the concept of this. Although not specific to disabilities, the parallel between the "dream slinging" and just being different (especially with genes or DNA or whatever) is clear. The story line focuses on what it's like to be different in a world that -- in this case -- is trying to get rid of you. Add in magical realism, dreams, animals, some conspiracies, etc., and it is a great middle grade novel. I did see one of the revelations pretty early on that I picked up from the hints, but the ending was an absolute surprise. Overall, I really enjoyed this and want to know more about the world and its history!

While marketed as middle grade, it is much more middle school and lower high school than upper elementary and middle school. The main character is fourteen, and while it is appropriate, it feels a bit older than books that have a 12-year-old protagonist.

Aria is a dreamslinger, one of the many people with a genetic mutation that allows them to bring back elements from their dreams that can have devastating effects. After losing her mother in "The Great Outburst" caused by the Royal League of Dreamslingers, she is trying to help her father set up schools to help dreamslingers. When she messes up in front of government officials and a camera crew, she volunteers to join the trials for the Royal League of Dreamslingers and play spy. But there is more to the situation than she is aware of. Once she is able to be fully herself, will she want to go back to what she had before?

This is a great book with a great sense of adventure. I think it is a great addition to middle and high school libraries. I will read more in the series because I want to read more!

Thank you to Net Galley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Disney Hyperion for the DRC.

Thank you to Disney Hyperion Publishing for granting me an ARC copy of the book via Netgalley and Graci Kim for writing it!

What a whirlwind of dreams, ideologies, and learning about family. I was already ecstatic to read Graci Kim's newest book, Dreamslinger, but I never knew how much I really needed it. In a world of chaos and turmoil, it's so nice to have a book this whimsical and imaginative. For some context, Dreamslinger takes place in our world with a key difference: Some people are born with a special genetic mutation that allows them to enter the Asleep, a magical realm that takes place in their dreams. This gene also allows them special powers. Aria Loveridge is a fourteen-year-old girl who goes undercover in an effort to save her father and her home, entering the dangerous Dreamslinger Trials in the mysterious and secretive kingdom of Royal Hanguk.

First off, what a magical first entry. It is jaw-droppingly inspiring how much work Graci and Disney have put into this book. I found myself stopping to Google multiple Korean terms and games throughout my reading. Also, dreampanions?! 10/10, I need one in my life NOW. The political aspect of this book is also so prevalent in the book, especially when seeing how the trials that Aria enters challenge not only her viewpoints, but also how readers can see the faults of the Dreamslinger League as well. It was also great to see all of the diversity in the novel as well, I'm a sucker for kids being able to see themselves in stories, it's so important to feel represented.

The magical school aspects of the novel take center stage as well. The way the Asleep is woven together with Aria's trialeer life and the daily lives of Royal Hanguk is super well-done, and the worldbuilding, while simple, leaves enough out for readers to truly get immersed. It's also, of course, refreshing to see another novel give their take on the magical school genre; more books in it are needed more than ever.

Overall, I loved the book. While some parts of the dialogue were a bit lackluster and boring, any reader in the age group is gonna be absolutely enthralled with this new series. And I look very, very forward to the next book in the series. Alas, there's nothing in the Asleep that can make time go faster, is there? :D

3.5 stars. This book reminded me a lot of Harry Potter. Aria is a girl who has magic dreamslinging abilities but lives in a place and with people that make her feel she should hide this part of herself. In trying to help her father, she gets a chance to go to Royal Hanguk, a small kingdom within Korea where Dreamslingers are revered. She enters the trials to become part of the Royal League of Dreamslingers. She meets friends who become like family and learns secrets along the way.

The world building in this was wonderful. I’m still not 100% sure what a Dreamslingers does or why but I look forward to finding out!! While I enjoyed the characters, I would have liked to have learned more about them. I think the book was a little too short to do that, but hopefully there will be more characterization in the sequels.

Overall, a great book that I think fantasy loving middle schoolers will enjoy. I will definitely recommend to my students!

Thanks to the author, Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for opportunity to read the ARC.

Dreamslinger by Graci Kim is a magical school adventure full of wonder. Aria is young and having only grown up a certain way she is forced to find out the truth about everything she thought she knew and with a whole host of strong supporting characters to back her up she finds grows and finds herself.

This book did start out a little predicatable. It was giving "Harry Potter vibes", but but the end it had morphed into an impressive world unlike others I had read before. I think that my favorite parts of this book were the same things I loved about her Last Fallen Star Series and that was the Korean culture sprinkled throughout the book. I was also impressed by all the different (original) magical elements that Kim was able to come up with. They gave the story a sense of wonder that I love finding in middle grade books. I will be honest, Aria was not my favorite character but her growth is very evident throughout the story and I think in the next one she may be able to win me over. The supporting characters were what really made this story for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

What an absolutely charming read! Dreamslinger by Graci Kim has everything you’d hope for in a middle-grade fantasy—imagination, heart, and adventure—but with a unique twist of Korean history, rich cultural details, and magical lore that makes it truly stand out. It’s a whimsical story that had me chuckling one moment and tearing up the next.

Graci Kim’s storytelling shines in how beautifully she weaves Korean culture into the narrative. The descriptions of traditional clothing, food, and homes bring the world to life in a way that adds depth to both the setting and characters. You can feel the love and care poured into every detail.
At the center of the story is Aria Loveridge, a young dreamslinger tasked with helping to control and restrain dangerous dream magic. When an important event for her father—who’s been working on a project to help dreamslingers—takes a sudden and chaotic turn, Aria finds herself entangled in a mystery involving two dreamslingers who’ve harnessed forbidden power from the world of Asleep. Her journey leads her to the dreamslinger trials, where she goes undercover as a spy in hopes of making her father proud.

But nothing is as it seems. Along the way, Aria uncovers secrets, makes unexpected friends, and learns powerful lessons about identity, trust, and the true meaning of family. Her growth throughout the story is heartfelt and rewarding to witness.

I especially loved the supporting characters—Librarian Yong and her snackpan tree, Lion, and Tui—each one vibrant and memorable in their own way. They brought warmth, humor, and emotional resonance to the story.

For a middle-grade novel, Dreamslinger packed in more twists than I expected, and I genuinely didn’t see them coming! They added so much excitement and made the story even more enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Amari and the Night Brothers, or Nevermoor, you’ll find so much to love in Dreamslinger. And yes… I think I need my own dreampanion too.

Dreamslinger presents a vividly imagined world with a rich mythology that uniquely blends dreamscapes with reality. The integration of the four elemental guardians at the beginning effectively establishes the stakes and adds a sense of foreboding that resonates throughout the story. Aria's character arc was compelling and her struggles with identity, loyalty, and power were deeply engaging.

10 years ago, 14-year-old, Aria Loveridge lost her mother in the Great Outburst. Her father is the leading expert on Dreamslinger Welfare. Together, the two live at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers. Born with the Dreamslinger gene, Aria doesn’t get along with her father. When the Royal Hanguk’s Dreamslinger League announces the opening of trials for teenage Dreamslingers, Aria knows she must go. Not only to learn about her powers, but also to prove to her father she’s not cursed. Things at the trial don’t go as planned. Her dreampanion Rio is born missing part of its tail and struggles to fly. The two have trouble working together. The longer she spends in Royal Hanguk, the more she discovers secrets from her mother’s past. Who was her mother, really?

The mystery-filled plot is engaging and well written. The characters are sassy, realistic, and well developed. The world building is fantastical, creative, and draws readers into the novel. Readers who like Rick Riordan, Korean mythology, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections. Grades 5 to 9, 5 stars

I first became acquainted with Graci Kim's work in the world of Rick Riordan Presents. Dreamslinger is a wonderful story in this author's own universe -- fantasy-oriented with a strong central character who is relatable, and prose that is well worth enjoying with young readers. I recommend this for school and classroom libraries.

As the first in a new middle-grades fantasy series, this set the stage for exciting adventures to come. I think that this book will appeal to pre-teens who enjoy Keeper of the Lost Cities, Percy Jackson, and learning about Korean culture.
While the world-building was fun and the characters were wholesome, I do wish that a bit more happened in the story and that some events had more fleshing out. Hopefully the next in the series will do even more to draw the reader in.

Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book is similar to other middle grade novels that follow the same formula of having to go through trials or tests in order to prove their powers. The world building was different in that it surrounds the four seasons, and each trainee grows their own familiar or sidekick pet. The writing felt a bit strained at times or lacking. However, the plot twists at the end were surprising and exciting, leaving a nice cliffhanger that will pull in readers to wanting to read the next book.
The setting and imagery are fun with an Asian influence, and while some parts were slow, the pace did pick up towards the end. The theme of found family is a common theme seen in middle grade novels, but I wish the author wouldn’t have TOLD us the theme and would have just SHOWN us the theme. I think kids are smart enough to know this is the theme without having the be so explicit, almost insulting. I think the author needs to trust the readers a little more. It makes it feel forced when the author lays it out with so much talking about “found family” instead of just letting it happen organically and giving it more time to breathe and develop.
Overall, I ended up enjoying it after getting more into the story and getting to know the characters more.

I was fortunate enough to be added to Graci Kim's official Dreamslinger group, which included receiving a six chapter sampler of this title.

However, there was no way that I was going to be content with only reading six chapters, and I am so grateful to Netgalley and the Disney Publishing group for allowing me to read the full ARC.

I was absolutely enchanted by the world that Kim was able to create and build as the story went on. Some of my favorite elements being:
Butterfly Mail
Mood Menus
A Harry Potter Sorting Hat-esque experience

There were parts of this story that were predictable, but I was really happy with how the plot played out, and how it left burning questions that will (hopefully) be answered in the next book.

I am always on the lookout for a Fantasy series to recommend besides Harry Potter, Wings of Fire, and Percy Jackson, and this will be one of them.

This was so, so good. I usually don't expect this level of world building in a middle grade and I was pleasantly surprised. Loved it.