READ & REVIEWED: Dreamslinger by Graci Kim

Graci Kim takes readers on an exciting adventure in Dreamslinger, set in an immersive world reminiscent of Pokémon, Harry Potter, and X-Men.

14-year-old Aria Loveridge is a Dreamslinger—someone who can step into dreams and channel powerful abilities. She lives in a sanctuary where people like her are trained to control their gifts, mostly because the outside world sees them as dangerous, even deadly.

When the reclusive Kingdom of Royal Hanguk opens up its Dreamslingers League—a high-stakes competition for teens to prove they’re worthy of formal training—Aria goes undercover to find out if Hanguk’s intentions are as noble as they seem. As the trials unfold, Aria’s long-held beliefs start to shift as her loyalties are tested, and she begins to realise that the truth about Dreamslingers—and their world—is far more complicated than she ever imagined.

Graci Kim builds an exciting and immersive world in Dreamslinger—think Harry Potter meets Pokémon with a dash of X-Men! I love that most of the story unfolds in a magical reimagining of South Korea and that teens from all over the world join the trials; the global diversity adds richness and raises the stakes while keeping the story steeped in Korean culture.

Aria’s story will resonate with young readers with its themes of friendship and courage; it entertains while gently nudges them towards empathy and self-discovery. And with a cliffhanger ending, there’s clearly more to Aria’s journey in its sequel, which I’m definitely looking forward to. Thank you @definitelybookskids for sending me this newly-released middle grade title! Dreamslinger is now available at all good bookstores.

Disclaimer: The book was provided by Pansing for our review. As always, all opinions are ours.

©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.