Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review!

The world and science of Dreamology is very complex, very fascinating, and very dangerous at times. This is what I learnt from reading Johnny Napper and the Dreamworld.

This story follows Johnny on his journey of discovery as he uncovers and learns about his awesome family business, and the secret side to the Napper family brand. He is coached by his grandmother, and goes on various fantastic journeys as he slowly learns about this new world he has been introduced to.

Although complex, the science behind dreamology was captivating. I could barely understand some of the explanations at times, but rereading them helped a lot. The one thing which irked me was the fact that the ending was a bit abrupt and anticlimactic - I mean, the problem that had started at the beginning of the book was resolved in less than 20 pages. That, and the fact that in the end, his grandmother turned her back on what she had staunchly believed in all the time with a very flimsy explanation (will leave readers to discover that for themselves).

Besides those 2 points, this book was really well written and I hope that Sarah Beetle continues this series.

Thankyou Netgalley and Sasha Beetle for allowing me to review this beautiful book.

Dreamworld is a captivating and imaginative tale that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the realm of dreams and family secrets. Fifteen-year-old Jonny Napper is the perfect protagonist—curious, thoughtful, and relatable. His summer visits to London, where he helps in his family’s centuries-old store, are filled with a sense of mystery and wonder, setting the stage for a compelling adventure.

The introduction of the Dreamworld, a parallel dimension where memories, experiences, and emotions shape the dreamscape, is both unique and fascinating. Margaret, Jonny’s enigmatic grandmother, is a wonderfully intriguing character, and her revelation of Jonny's own extraordinary gift—his ability to create dreams for others—adds a delightful layer of complexity to the story.

What truly elevates this novel is how it seamlessly blends family dynamics with fantasy. As Jonny embarks on his quest to find his missing mother, he is drawn deeper into a world that is as strange and unpredictable as it is beautiful. The secrets he uncovers about his family’s past will leave readers gasping, and the emotional journey Jonny undergoes is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

Dreamworld is a perfect read for fans of magical realism and coming-of-age stories, with its enchanting premise, rich world-building, and emotionally resonant themes. The book will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next twist in Jonny’s incredible journey, making it an unforgettable and highly recommended read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I haven’t read many children’s/middle grade books in my time as an adult reader, so my rating and review may reflect my naivety with this genre. I requested this ARC because the concept piqued my interest.

As a fan of the Insidious movies, and a lucid dreamer myself, the idea of a book about a boy who adventures through a parallel dimension based in a dream world sounded like an exceptional read to me — and it was just that! Teleportation, pirates, boxing, Marilyn Monroe, rabbits with wings, ghosts, phantoms, creating objects from mystical sleep fog, and the underlying theme of familial devotion truly makes this a one-of-a-kind story.

My biggest issue with this novel was that, at least the ARC version, contained a plethora of editing and format issues, which I hope will be fixed before its official publication.

In short, this book was a trip — so much going on in so little pages! But it was definitely a unique idea and undoubtedly enjoyable.

I was intrigued by the plot summary and requested the book. The plot is a novel and intriguing one but the writing does not work for me. Sorry.