"Dreamslinger" by Graci Kim is a spellbinding and imaginative start to a new fantasy series that combines the wonder of magical realms with the thrill of competition and the weight of personal discovery. Drawing comparisons to Amari and the Night Brothers and Pokémon, this novel introduces readers to a richly crafted world where dreams come to life, and the line between magic and danger is razor-thin.

The story follows fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge, a Dreamslinger—a child born with a genetic mutation that allows her to enter a magical realm while she sleeps. However, this gift is also a curse, as the magic of Dreamslingers has proven to be unpredictable and deadly. After the Great Outburst, a catastrophic event caused by the Royal League of Dreamslingers that claimed hundreds of lives—including Aria’s mother—Dreamslingers like Aria are feared and tightly controlled. Raised in the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers, Aria has been taught to suppress her powers and stay hidden from a world that sees her as a threat.

When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk announces the first-ever Dreamslinger Trials, inviting teenage slingers to compete for a chance to join the Royal League, Aria sees an opportunity to infiltrate the organization she blames for her mother’s death. But as she enters the Trials, she discovers a world of wonder, friendship, and magic that challenges everything she thought she knew. The Trials are not just a test of skill but a journey of self-discovery, as Aria uncovers dark secrets about her past and her identity that force her to question her mission—and herself.

Graci Kim’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the enchanting and perilous dream realms, every detail is vividly rendered, creating a setting that feels both magical and grounded. The concept of Dreamslingers is fresh and intriguing, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy in a way that feels entirely original. The Trials themselves are a highlight, filled with imaginative challenges, magical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, and a cast of diverse and memorable characters who bring the story to life.

Aria is a compelling protagonist, balancing vulnerability with determination as she navigates the complexities of her identity and her place in the world. Her relationships with the other competitors add depth and heart to the story, exploring themes of friendship, trust, and belonging. The novel also tackles weightier issues, such as prejudice, the consequences of power, and the search for truth, making it a thought-provoking read as well as an entertaining one.

"Dreamslinger" is a thrilling and heartfelt start to what promises to be an unforgettable series. With its blend of magic, mystery, and emotional depth, this book is perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy adventures and stories about finding one’s place in the world. Graci Kim has crafted a tale that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Aria’s journey.

I had a great time reading this book. It had such a great variety of characters without being overwhelming, it created a wonderful world of magic that wasn't over complicated and was introduced a little at a time, giving you time to absorb the information. The story was great and I was constantly excited to find out what was going to happen next.
This is definitely a great set up for what seems like an amazing series and I'm so excited to read more as soon as I possibly can!

Thank you to Netgalley for the preview of this book.
I had no idea what to expect and being honest it started off a little predictable - nothing wrong with that though!
I am an adult reader, I can imagine a child reading this style of book for the first time and totally being captivated by the world.

Aria is a Dreamslinger and her father is working hard to make the world safe from and with Dreamslingers as they can be unpredictable - historic tragedy has made the world fearful. (This is a wonderful way to connect with the current world state and how fear makes people do and say dreadful things.)
Aria's fathers work is about to be destroyed when a secret kingdom decides to open their trials. It turns out there is more to being a Dreamslinger than Aria knows.

The emotional stories running through this world of magic is told nicely. Looking at belongings, being part of something, identity, fear, racism, loyalty....so much covered in a single story.