I loved this book the world was so fun to explore along with Jonny and it felt real and breathing. The stakes felt high, and kept me turning the page!

Jonny Napper and the Dreamworld is a fascinating adventure that skillfully blends magic, personal growth, and imagination. Sasha Beetle delivers a novel rich in detail and dreamlike settings that captivate from the very first pages, taking readers on a unique journey.

The story follows Jonny Napper, a protagonist who starts off clumsy and full of doubts but driven by an innate curiosity that leads him to explore the mysterious Dreamworld. This universe, so vividly crafted by Beetle, is not just a realm of dreams but also a reflection of the fears and hopes of the characters who inhabit it. The Dreamworld serves as a powerful metaphor, with its dangers and wonders mirroring the challenges of growth and self-discovery.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced: moments of tension alternate with deep reflections and scenes of pure magic. However, some sections in the middle feel slightly repetitive, which could slow the immersion. Despite this, Beetle brilliantly recovers in the final act, delivering an emotionally rich ending that leaves the door open for potential sequels.

Jonny is a complex and multifaceted protagonist whose journey of growth feels genuine and well-crafted, making him an easy character to root for. The secondary characters, such as the enigmatic Dreamglow and the irresistible yet fearsome Shadowqueen, are also carefully described, each carrying a symbolism that enriches the story. That said, some of them could have been developed further, especially in their interactions with Jonny.

Beetle’s writing style is evocative and poetic, with descriptions that vividly paint the Dreamworld and its unique atmosphere. The dreamlike landscapes, fantastical creatures, and the world’s unique rules are among the book’s strongest points. Sasha Beetle captures a sense of wonder reminiscent of classic fantasy literature while maintaining an original voice.
The narrative weaves these themes naturally, offering readers—especially younger ones—thought-provoking moments without ever feeling preachy.

It was cool seeing elements of the movie *Inception* mixed with magic. For me, the story was too leisurely and took its time with slow-burn worldbuilding. This is just my personal taste, but I prefer being dropped into the middle of the intrigue or at least getting from point A to point B relatively quickly. For me, there was too much setup and wandering around with Grandma doing inconsequential things. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. It wasn't for me, and I wasn't able to get into it. Others may enjoy its style.

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.