Dreamland: A Ghost Story

by Nick Clausen

Some nightmares never end

In his sleep, Louie starts visiting a magical world where he meets his father, who died when Louie was still a baby. But nothing turns out to be what it seems, and great horrors loom very close by ...

Welcome to Dreamland
 

A mysterious teen ghost story about fear and loss and losing yourself in dreams, Dreamland was originally published in Danish to great reviews, and is now available in English.
 

BOOK BLOGGERS ON DREAMLAND

“Really awesome, well thought out and creepy.”
★★★★★ Sabrina

“A thrilling ride down into the subconscious … I can only recommend it!”
★★★★ Eva Lucia

“Incredibly compelling.”
★★★★ Pernille

“I loved the concept of Dreamland—more than once I held my breath as Louie went there.”
★★★★ Cecilie

“It is hard not to get dragged into Dreamland.”
★★★★ Regitze
 

EXCERPT

“Dreamland is merely a small part of the dreamworld,” his dad said. “All around us is this. I call it the outskirts. That’s where nightmares come from.”
     Louie stared out into the wasteland and felt a growing discomfort.
     “Something lives out there,” his dad went on, his eyes searching the horizon. “Once in a while they come close enough to the border to be glimpsed. And if you listen carefully, you can hear their voices.”
     Louie held his breath and listened. The silence on this side of the edge was deep and calm, only interrupted by bird song now and then. On the other side a cold wind howled.
     “Do you hear them?” his dad asked.
     “I only hear the wind.” But as he said it, he realized the wind was the voices. It was a chanting choir of faint fragments; whispering, giggling, alluring.
     “… hi, Louuuuie …”
     “… how sweet he is …”
     “… come out here …”
     “… we’ve been waiting for you …”
     “… visit us, Louuuuie …”
     They kept saying his name. The sound made him shiver. The voices seemed to rise and fall with the wind, but at the same time it seemed like they came from inside his head. There was something drawing, almost hypnotic about them. Louie wanted to step closer, just so he could hear them a little more clearly …
     “Louie?”
     Dad’s voice pulled him back, and he looked up.
     “Don’t listen anymore. If you listen for too long, you end up taking the bait. The reason I show you this is so that you can understand where the voice you heard is coming from.

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Young Adult

162 pages, ebook

First published March 19, 2019

About the author

I write stories about the apocalypse so that I don't need to work a real job. I grew up reading Stephen King and still haven't fully recovered. I'm currently ending the world in my new series Under the Breaking Sky.

Join my reader club to be kept in the loop -> nick-clausen.com

Reviews

[Scarlett Readz and Runz....Through Novel Time & Distance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready to get lost in DREAMLAND and face your innermost fears and wishes?

Louie meets a man on the playground in his dream. A dream that is the beginning of his journey to reconnect with his father whom he never met. Now a young teenager, Louie lives with his caring mother who is still struggling with the loss of her husband to cancer. With fears of commitment, she has found reasons to move into new apartments over and over in an attempt to dodge more faults in this world that could hurt her even more. A family dynamic that is loving and grieving at the same time.

Dreamland opens up a whole new world for Louie to escape into. His mother's ways aren't always the best of ideas and he is aware of her struggles. This is why he doesn't give her much of opposition when she eludes to another move.

As Louie's mother is beginning a new relationship, Louie is moving on too...in dreamland. He enters it more and more often in his sleep and this is where he meets his father. This is where they spend time together and make up for the missing years. Great conversations, memory recaps and a shared interest in telescopes and stargazing unite and bond their relationship lost over the last years.

But nothing is ever as good as it appears to be. There are demons and dark creatures in this dreamland and Louie's entire life will be affected by what happens in there. Dark forces mingle within and don't want to let Louie back out. What ensues is a struggle of survival and the greatest fear for his mother to endure.

Will their little family recover this nightmare?

***

I was kindly approached by the author to review his novel. Admittedly, I was hesitant at first, as being trapped or confined in a dream, or anywhere for that matter, is one of those things I don't like to imagine or feel. Upon learning more about this novella and reading it, I realized it wasn't as intense of horror as I initially thought. There were some dark forces at work, but completely manageable.

To me, the relationship and family dynamic/trauma/loss became the forefront of the plot and was enhanced by the dreams Louie had. There is a real sense of grief that hasn't been addressed in the characters to move on properly, resulting in this arch in the plot when realization hits and new decisions have to be made. A subject any single parent raising a child after the loss of one parent can connect with. If by intended purpose or not, this novel combines the fantastical with realism to broach a difficult subject. Whereas young readers might be more drawn to the aspects of dreamland in this novel, adults might connect more with all the other aspects.

This novel is a translated work of fiction from Danish into English. According to the author, the "Danish libraries categorized the story upon release as fit for kids from 12 years to read it on their own..." and I will agree with that. The writing reflects to be readably suited for that age but here in the States, it is rated "young adult" which I will not exactly agree with. Young Adults will most likely not find a match of interest here as the targeted audience unless specifically interested in the subject of loss. I do think it is very readable and perfect for middle graders and as guided reading to point out empathy and understanding of loss.

I enjoyed reading this novel and connected with the message. A great mixture of heartfelt and spook in one. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and the author has been great to communicate with.
Definitely a book to recommend.

Happy reading!

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a book, I read a different book
I read a book, I read a fantastic tale
I read a book, I read about the dreams
I read a book, I read about the nightmares
I read a book, I read about being pulled into a dream
I read a book, I read about sirens of horrors
I read a book, I read about a talented author
I read a book, I read a Nick Clausen story!!

Talented authors sometimes get lost in the millions who appear everyday and sometimes they get overlooked too. I was glad that I got the opportunity to read this book by a brilliant author, Nick Clausen.

There was something about the book which caught my attention from the beginning, you could call it the style of writing, the storytelling, the vivid imagination. I would call it a spark of brilliance, a spark which started from the depths of his brain as thoughts which translated into the words which captured me, I was all enthralled.

The story was simple. Louie dreamt, he saw his dead father in his dreams, a man in a blue suit, he spent time with him in Dreamland. Till things happened and Louie was shown that nothing was as it appeared. Things in Dreamland was what he wanted, as per his dreams, but were they real? He got to the truth, but it was too late...

The words used were simple, but the meaning behind them was powerful. Make no mistake, it was a fantastic thriller where the author could define dreams and nightmares in a horrific manner. One has to read it to really live through it. There were tingles of horror, but nothing that scared me. I am quite a scaredy-cat. My own shadow scares me at night.

At 160 pages, the book was a fast complete thrilling story. I couldn't let go of it once I started. Ah, the mark of a good book.

And yes, I loved it!!

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the cover and it is perfect for the story. I have read a lot of NIck Clausen’s books and he never ceases to amaze me with his ability to add a fresh twist to a familiar tale. Translating his books to English has not been an issue for him. They read seamlessly. The characters wormed their way into my heart, especially Louis. He gets lost in his nightmares and it is through his own ingenuity that he finds his way out. Do you believe in ghosts? Do nightmares haunt your sleep? Maybe Louie can give you some hope.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dreamland by Nick Clausen.

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s been a seeming abundance of genre freebies lately. Then again we live in such terrifying times, books barely come close. But these ones seemed interesting enough and actually turned out to be pretty entertaining too. Which is to say I read two Nick Clausen’s books back to back one fine Sunday morning. But, of course, I shall review them separately. First one was Dreamland. An intriguing concept for anyone who’s ever had a dream more compelling and engaging than their current reality. That’s precisely how it is for the young protagonist of Drreamland, he goes to sleep and dreams of a man in a blue suit, a man so much like his dead father. And of a place with different colored sky. A place that has its own rules. The thing with dreams, though, of course, is how easily they can turn into nightmares. So read it and find out which way this story goes. The writing is pretty good and has a succinct plainness characteristic of Scandinavian literature, which it is. This isn’t a kid story per se, despite having a kid protagonist, but it would probably be appropriate for younger audience. It’s fairly mild in its fright, nothing more severe than an unDisneyfied European fairy tale. At any rate, it was a fun enjoyable read and, appropriately enough, it went by just as quickly as a dream does. Or a nightmare.

[Regitze Xenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denne anmeldelse blev udgivet på min blog i august 2016.
Tak til forlaget for anmeldereksemplaret.

Hvis du i dine drømme kom til en verden, hvor alting var, som du ønskede det? At alt du så, var præcis det du ville se. Ville du så have lyst til at vågne igen? Nogensinde?

Det er hvad der sker for 12-årige Louie. Han begynder en nat at drømme om en mand i et blåt jakkesæt og drømmene bliver mere og mere virkelige. Manden i det blå jakkesæt kalder landet Drømmeland, hvor alting er to ting; det du ser og det du ønsker at se. Og selvom det bliver kaldt “drømmeland”, er det mere som en anden verden for Louie. En anden virkelighed. Lige uden for Drømmelands dragende og forunderlige verden er udkantslandet hvor mareridtsvæsnerne bor og det viser sig, at Drømmeland er mere end et fantastisk sted hvor drømme bliver det virkelighed på et splitsekund, når bare man ønsker det. Det er faktisk et ret uhyggeligt sted og jo mere tid Louie tilbringer i Drømmeland, jo mere begynder det at påvirke hans dagligdag på de mest foruroligende måder. Og i Drømmeland bliver det sværere og sværere at se forskel på, hvad man ser og hvad man ønsker at se.

“Herinde er drømme virkelige, Louie. I den vågne verden er de kun drømme.”

Lige som Louie syntes, syntes jeg også at det næsten var for godt til at være sandt og jeg kan godt forstå at Louie bliver draget af denne verden, hvor alting er, som han ønsker det. Der var ikke et øjeblik, før jeg gik i gang med denne her bog, at jeg var i tvivl om at det at ønske at verden var præcis som man selv vil have det er noget meget menneskeligt. Men jeg havde også en fornemmelse af at det virkelig var for godt til at være sandt, en fornemmelse, der snigende og så meget pludseligt blev bekræftet. Ikke alle er, hvad de giver sig ud for at være og jeg kan ikke lade være med at tænke på, hvis der er to personer i Drømmeland, hvis ønsker er det så, de ser?

Drømmeland er ikke et kæmpestort mysterium, der skal løses og først kommer for dagen lige til sidst. Men det behøver bogen heller ikke at være. I gennem et let tilgængeligt sprog fortælles der en historie om at savne og drømme, om at være bange for fortiden og om mod og at turde give slip. Og så giver den gåsehud over hele kroppen, hvordan Louie langsomt bliver mere og mere indfanget i Drømmelands forunderligheder. Og som læser er det svært ikke at lade sig rive med ind i Drømmeland.

”Første gang han så Jupiter, blev han tryllebundet ved synet af den mægtige planetkonge. I tankerne hørte han farens stemme: ”Er det her ikke virkeligt nok?”
Nu hvor han så Jupiter i virkeligheden, kunne han mærke forskellen. Billedet var det samme, men oplevelsen var anderledes. Måske var det fordi han havde måtte vente så længe på at se Jupiter. I Drømmeland behøvede man ikke vente på at planeten dukkede op. Man skulle ikke bekymre sig om vejret. Man behøvede ikke engang at være god til at bruge kikkerten.
Måske var disse udfordringer netop det, der gjorde det hele spændende.”

På trods af at det her er Nick Clausens 15. bog, er det faktisk den første af hans bøger, jeg har læst. Og jeg er så afgjort ikke færdig med hans forfatterskab. Louie var en så fin hovedperson, der med et barns naive og til tider letpåvirkelige – og samtidig meget observante – blik på verden omkring ham, tager Louie det, at han kommer til en anden verden i sine drømme som en naturlighed. Da han jo er en dreng på 12 år, er det svært at sidde og sige “selvfølgelig skulle han have tænkt på det og det”, for som det illustreres flere gange er han god til at holde sine hemmeligheder for sig selv og sige det, han ved de voksne gerne vil høre. Ikke fordi han med vilje vil lyve for dem, men fordi han især ikke vil gøre sin mor ked af det på nogen måde. Fordi jeg ikke kunne lade være med at holde sådan af ham, var det et desto større gysende at følge med i hans udvikling. For det at leve i sine drømme til fordel for at leve i den virkelige verden fører ikke i sidste ende ikke noget godt med sig.

Bogen er markedsført som en tween-bog, der henvender sig primært til børn i 10-12 års alderen, men det betyder på ingen måde, at den ikke også kan læses af ældre læsere. Jeg ved, at det i hvert fald ikke er sidste gang, jeg læser den.

[Lulu [at] Reckless Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a stunning cover and an interesting hook, I wondered if Dreamland by Nick Clausen, especially as it was a translation. That said, I fell absolutely in love with the story, so much so that I immediately sent the recommendation on Goodreads to my 12-and-and-a-half year old niece. It’s a very short novella, only 160 pages, but the writing is so well executed that the same piece of prose can evoke different emotions based on the reader’s experience/age; where a younger reader might find a ‘twist,’ older readers find unease at witnessing warning signs.

It’s incredibly tricky balancing the various aspects that make a good story. It’s even harder to do that with the page constraints of a novella. That said, everything felt spot on in Dreamland. The pacing was never too fast to feel rushed, nor too slow to feel stuck. The novella unfolds as protagonist Louie discovers a world unlike any other while asleep which he calls Dreamland, gaining speed and intensity the deeper Louie gets involved with Dreamland. Descriptions are there where important and meaning. Though we don’t see the lengthy descriptive prose of other authors, it never feels as though we’re missing anything.

Something that was truly wonderful, however, was the character development. Their characters truly drove the plot forward. They unfolded beautiful as they navigated the complex emotions of grief, loneliness, anger, jealousy, love. Characters grow and emotions unfurl so fluidly you almost don’t realize how it’s impacted you until the cathartic release at the end. Observing the changes in Louie as he loses focus on physical reality truly highlights the dangers we all face should we choose to live in the ideal dream worlds of our imagining rather than the imperfect reality of waiting, working, and wondering.

Dreamland by Nick Clausen was surprisingly moving for its short length. Though it might remind some readers of the movie Insidious, it evoked the feelings I felt with El orfanato (The Orphanage). It was frightening, frustrating, and hauntingly sad. Additionally, any worries I had about this being a translation were completely unfounded. Dreamland had better grammar and word structure than a few other novels I’ve read and reviewed by authors whose first/home language is English. If you liked A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, I think you’ll quite like Dreamland.

// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. //

[Brittany Saferight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story??

This is a fairly short book (162 pages in total, about 155 of the actual story), and sometimes those throw me off a little. Let me explain. Short books end almost as fast as they begin. I finished this in a little over an hour, so you get what I mean. There isn’t a lot of time for easing a reader into the story, and as a reader who likes to be eased into stories, it takes a little getting used to. But, I get used to it nonetheless and tend to enjoy them.

This story starts off fast. From page one you’re already submerged into what’s going on. Basically, Louie has started having dreams of a man in a blue suit that feel very real. He quickly comes to the conclusion that this man is his father, who died when he was very little. Nearly every night he gets to bond with the dad that he had to grow up without. But sometimes, people only see what they want to see… and thing’s start to get very dark and go very wrong.

Though the story takes off immediately, the author makes up for this a lot throughout the remainder of the book. Readers get little glimpses into the past and information about Louie’s family as time passes, which really helps build the situation that he’s found himself in. There were times when I wasn’t entirely sure where exactly the story was going because I felt like there were several avenues that the author could take with the story. I was truly intrigued and anxious to find out how Louie’s dreams could play into a ghost story. With this being said, Clausen kept me on my toes the whole time, and I really liked the direction the story went in. It was unpredictable and fun.

I felt like Clausen did a really good job on shaping the characters throughout the story with the little room he had to do so. I know I keep repeating myself, but these short stories can be really difficult to create with sufficient development. There isn’t a lot of room to let readers get to know the characters. Clausen took the opportunity to make the story plot driven, which worked wonderfully in his favor. None of the characters felt too one dimensional; they all played an important part in the story and we had enough insight into their personalities to understand their parts well.

The book was fast paced and enthralling. It’s rare for me to read an entire book in one sitting (even one this short). The paranormal aspects created a mysterious, capturing alternate reality that I was completely jealous of (who wouldn’t want to be see their loved ones who have passed away every night in their dreams??) until I realized how dark and twisted Dreamland truly was.

Overall, it was a great, quick ghost story that reminded me of old favorites like Goosebumps, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, or something that would’ve aired on Are You Afraid of the Dark? in the 90s. A definite recommendation if you’re on the market for easy paranormal reads!

[Simon Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered the book for a review by the Author and it grabbed my attention from the introduction as it sounded a very different book.
The book follows Louie, who lost his dad when he was a baby so didn't really know him, as he enters a dream world where nothing is as it seems.
We meet Louie as he enters the dream world, called Dreamland, and at first he thinks it is a barren place with no-one else living there, but very soon meets his dead father who teaches him all about Astronomy.
Everything seems perfect for Louie, until his dreams start lasting longer, and he struggles to wake up each morning. His mum worries about him as the same thing happened to his dad shortly before he died, so she is scared the same thing is happening to Louie.
I can't really talk more about the book itself as it would be full of spoilers, but it is a brilliant book which I enjoyed and is well worth reading. It is a nice short book, which only took me a couple of hours to read and was very well translated into English.

[Stacia | stacialovestoread · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have this book much more than the ole college try. I gave it nearly a month. I read books around it and with it and it didn’t stick at all.

I love the idea that the MC is connecting with someone via his dreams, and that maybe Dreamland isn’t all rainbows and cotton candy like it seems but something was lacking?

The grammar and spelling of the story are wonderful. Despite English being the second (or maybe third) language of the author, the translations held up well and there weren’t any major issues.

———————————————————————————

Thank you so very much to the author Nick Clausen, for reaching out to me and asking me to read and review his novel. Receiving a copy of Dreamland for free has in no way affected my review of this book.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreamland is a young adult horror story.

Twelve-year-old Louie has been having dreams which continue over several nights. He visits a place called Dreamland where he meets a man he believes is his father, John. In real life Louie’s dad passed away when he was a baby, so meeting him now and being able to talk to him makes Louie feel wonderful.

As Louie continues to visit Dreamland, he finds he wakes exhausted instead of refreshed from sleep. He visits the house his parents once lived in, which is now derelict, and there are rumours among his friends that it is haunted, but Louie always feels safe there. The story continues and takes a sinister turn as it reaches the denouement. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eJ2

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to give a HUGE thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read his book and review it! I like quick reads, especially ones that make it difficult to put down. Why must I have to go back to reality? Can't I have my OWN dreamland? Without the demonic sirens?

Do you often remember your dreams? Most of the time, I don't and I always saw it as more of a blessing than anything. Who knows what my head concocted in my sleep. How about dreaming of someone whom you never really got to meet? Louie is twelve and never got the chance to know his father before he died of cancer. Now, he's dreaming of a man in a blue suit, who happens to look like his father and knows stuff about him and his mother.

Louie is dreaming of his father and they can talk and be together in a place called Dreamland. Sounds like a good thing, doesn't it? Don't be fooled! Everything has a price.

It's hard explain to his mother, however. Louie knows things his father told him that he couldn't possibly know from anybody else. So...what is this Dreamland and is it too good to be true?

This novel is the first one I've read from Nick Clausen and like I said, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the way the story was written. It's not told in any specific point of view from the characters, so you're able to know what's going on with this situation and the other without having to switch POVs.

Sirens are no joke! If you've read any bit of Mythology, you would know just how awful these creatures are. They are fun to read about, but damn, I don't want them in my dreams, not ever.

I would definitely categorize this as horror, but not going as far as to say Stephen King or watching an episode of the Twilight Zone. I think of it more as Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? Don't knock that show. That was my show growing up in the 90s. I'm babbling, which is part of my charm.

I enjoyed reading this story and I felt bad for Louie and his mother, but I'm happy with how it ended and feel like there would have been no other way to do it. A quick read...but not in the dark.

[anie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received from the Author

I loved it!

Louie lost his father when he was just a baby and lives with his mother. Then he starts to have dreams, very vivid dream in which he visits the magical place-dreamland. In dreamland, he finds his father. He is happy to finally meet him and spend time with him but the visits seem to be longer and longer. However, his real life starts to suffer.

It's such a magical story, with a perfect amount of creepiness. :)

The writing is top notch. The story just flows so nicely and even though there are heavier moments, it doesn't weight down the story, just give it depth.

[EvaLovesYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on Eva Lucias blog

Læs interview med Nick Clausen her

Anmeldt for Forlaget Facet

”Drømmeland” er skrevet af Nick Clausen og udgivet ved Forlaget Facet. Jeg kan starte ud med at sige, at jeg er yderst imponeret over denne roman. Jeg fik en snak med Nick Clausen ved årets fantasyfestival i Esbjerg (2016), hvor vi snakkede om hans roman. Udover at være et varmt menneske, så besidder Nick Clausen et særligt talent.

Da jeg læste ”Drømmeland” var jeg allerede hooked fra første side. Jeg tænkte, at jeg nok ikke ville blive skuffet – og det gjorde jeg heldigvis heller ikke. Nick Clausen har nemlig sproget i sin magt og formår virkelig at lokke læseren ind i sit litterære spind med sin særlige storytelling, som er spækket med metaforer, symbolik og dette psykologiske twist, som gør det så spændende at læse denne roman.

"I begyndelsen vidste Louie selvfølgelig ikke, hvad stedet hed. For ham var det bare en ganske almindelig drøm. Bortset fra, at den føltes mere realistisk. Han kunne mærke vinden og dufte græsset. Det var detaljer, der normalt ikke var med i hans drømme".

Hvad er virkelighed og hvad er vrangforstilling i hovedpersonens (Louie) hoved? For os læsere bliver det selv svært at afgøre, men det giver blot reflektion til at tænke videre over plottet, som præsenteres for os. Jeg er vild med fortællinger som denne, selvom det ikke er i samme genre, så giver det mig associationer til ”Skyggesider” af Christina Bonde og ”A Monster Calls” af Patrick Ness. Den afmagt, som Louie føler igennem fortællingen; savnet til sin far, forvirringen i at finde sig selv og den svære afgørelse af hvad der er virkeligt og hvad der blot er opdigtet – disse ting føler vi også, når vores øjne løber henover papiret, imens vi suger historien til os.

Denne roman giver læseren tankemylder. Hvad ønsker vi at se? En forskønnet udgave af virkeligheden? Eller den brutale sandhed?

""Men du glemmer, at vi er i Drømmeland. Hvad tror du, du ser, når du sætter øjet til kikkerten?"
"Det, jeg ønsker at se?" gættede Louie.
"Præcis. Så hvad vil du helst have? En kikkert, der kun viser dig det, den viser dig? Eller en, der viser dig lige præcis, hvad du ønsker?""

Samtidig er denne idé om drømme altid et spændende emne at tage fat på i litteraturen. Hvad sker der, imens vi sover? Vores fantasi og underbevidsthed tager over og pludselig er der ingen barrierer mere. Vi kan agere som vi dybest set føler og vise de brudstykker, som vi ellers ikke ønsker at verdenen ser. Samtidig kan vi give os hen til drømmene og lade fantasien spille os et puds, for i drømme er alting virkeligt.

Med denne roman giver Nick Clausen læseren lov til at drømme, samtidig med at man føres ud på en gyserende rejse ind i underbevidstheden. Kan kun anbefales!

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[Jordan (Forever Lost in Literature) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review at Forever Lost in Literature!

Dreamland is a fantasy/horror novella that packs a huge punch and explores a number of imaginative and surprising elements in under two hundred pages. This was such a unique story blend of bittersweet, paranormal, and unpredictable elements that worked together to create an incredibly memorable story.

Dreamland itself is a place for Louie to escape to at night from the grief and everyday struggles of his everyday reality. This escape is something that I think a lot of us can easily relate to and that Clausen expands upon really well. While in Dreamland, Louie is able to talk to his father who died when he was a baby an experience that Louie is hooked by and makes him want to continue visiting Dreamland.

Unfortunately, as seems to be the case with lot of things that are possibly too good to be true, there's a big downside to Dreamland the Louie slowly starts to discover and things slow turn darker and darker in Drealmand. I think Clausen did a spectacular job of conveying the atmosphere of this change and in creating a setting that felt very vivid and believable. The physical changes that Louie begins to experience after visiting Dreamland at night--such as being tired rather than refreshed upon waking--contribute to this so much and really add an extra layer to the discomfort of Dreamland. There wasn't every anything overly terrifying, but the creepiness permeated the story extremely well.

There is a great exploration of grief and all of the surrounding struggles that come with grief that I really appreciated. The characters were all complex and well-developed and provided a great backdrop for the rest of the plot to unfold. I really enjoyed following Louie on this journey and experiencing all the crazy, unpredictable changes that made this such an interesting story.

I found the pacing of Dreamland to be really well done. It has a great balance of moments that slow things down in order to fully explore an important scene or element. I also really enjoyed the fact that I couldn't ever predict where the story was going. Clausen includes a couple big twists, but the entire storyline is so interesting and unique which allowed me to fully enjoy it and the discovery of each point to its fullest extent. There is a very bittersweet ending, which is how I tend to like my endings.

One last note I'd like to make about Dreamland is that although it's technically a YA story, it seems as though it has some great appeal for all ages. I found a lot of the themes highly relatable and I can see different areas meaning something different to each person, no matter the age.

Overall, I've given Dreamland four stars! This was a really enjoyable and quick novella that I definitely recommend to anyone looking for a little bit of spooky with their fantasy.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guess who reads books about dreams and sleeping right before going to sleep? Me, that's who. And that's why it takes a bit longer to finish than I'd like.

Now, to the actual review.

Getting approached by an author to review their book has always felt very special to me and this was not different. As soon as I finished by current books, I got to this (at night and Sherlock Holmes at daytime).

This story read really easily. Even though we more or less slide into story immediately, Louie and his mom never felt flat. For a twelve-year-old, Louie was a really good protagonist that didn't annoy me at all, which is becoming unfortunately rare to me while reading YA.

While the blurb says this is a mysetrious novel, I wouldn't really describe it that way. I never felt there was a mystery, more like paranormal features with little bits of unknown around.

The plot was easy to follow and since the story was short, there weren't parts where I told myself "he only wrote this to have more words" and yet, there wasn't a slow part and lots of stuff happened. Like, really a lot.

Dreamland is also educational in certain parts and being a 19-year-old who still reads YA, I can say that if you do too, this is a book for you. It's a great book for kids starting with YA as well, particularly for boys, as the hero is a boy (obviously) and there's no romance (well... maybe tiny bit on behalf of adults) involved.

All in all, I felt like the novel was well thought through. I'd just work more on the blurb, because this read more like a magical realism/paranormal contemporary YA than a horror ghost story. Which is nice. Nobody needs nightmares because they read books about sleep before sleeping. Or that's just me.

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy***

I loved this book. It was different from what I usually read but it has me from page one to the end. It's is gripping, heartwarming and suspenseful. Dreamland is like an alternate universe whether it is good or bad, you will need to read to find out. You follow Louie who is just a kid go into Dreamland. He meets someone in Dreamland and for a back visit a lot. In the meantime he notices that his behavior has been changing. Louie's emotions are all over the place and as you read you can't but cry. I thought my heart was going to break for Louie. I was scared for him and sad as I continued to read. He is such a strong and smart kid who just captures your heart. I was so glad to read this book. This is definitely a 5 star book.

[Deli · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC sent by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book isn't done in the usual style of Nick Clausen. That being said, it was still pretty intertaining. I gotta say I wasn't really expecting the turning it took. It has a great vibe if you're trying to get in a spooky mood.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale satisfied my craving for a ghost story!
Full review at: http://bit.ly/2MRBot1

[Erica Robyn Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you could enter a world where everything is exactly as you want it to be? In Dreamland by Nick Clausen, we see just that.

But of course, our main character also learns that some things are too good to be true, and that he needs to be very careful about what he wishes for…

The story begins with this awesome first line:

Louie had always had lifelike dreams, but he’d never had a dream continuing over several nights, like chapters in a book – not until he visited Dreamland.

From there, we dive right in to learning what has been going on with Louie and Dreamland. And while the world Louie visits in his dreams seems wonderful and inviting at first, we soon learn that the trips to this world aren’t having the best influence over Louie. He’s talking back to his mother, he’s causing a rift between his mother and her boyfriend, he’s falling asleep at school… and terrifyingly, with each night he enters Dreamland, he comes out feeling like he has been there for longer and longer periods of time, and he isn’t actually resting.

Soon, Louie learns that he’s in well over his head in the dream-world. But can he get out by himself? Or will he have to rely on the help of a ghost to escape?

There was so much to love about this tale!

-The plot was wonderfully executed.
-The pacing was perfect.
-The main character was realistic and interesting.
-The family dynamics and relationships were wonderful.
-The ghost element was very well done.
-The suspense was exciting.
-The “monsters” were super creepy! (I actually had a nightmare about them!)
-This was one of those tales that really plays out like a film in your head while you are reading and I had so much fun experiencing it!

While definitely on the lighter side of horror, this tale was still very creepy! It also really focused in on family and learning how to let go and move on from the past.

This is another novella that I would highly recommend to those looking for a quick, but impactful read that will stick with you! It is a perfect read for the fall season!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreamland: A Ghost Story by Nick Clausen

Louie is a twelve-year-boy who has started having dreams that take him to a realm of dreams he learns to call “Dreamland.” The colors are off, but it looks like a small town with a park, a railroad, and stores. However, the only person there is a man in a blue suit and Louie. The blue suit man stays at a distance until he feels like he can approach Louie without scaring him. Blue suit man aims to earn Louie’s trust above all else. Blue suit man shows him around Dreamland. It’s a small contained perfect world which is surrounded by the outskirts. The outskirts are gray and gloomy. It is where monsters and nightmares live. Blue suit man tells Louie he is his father who died when Louie was one year old. Stories his dad tells Louie turn out to be true when he fact checks with his mom. So Louie uses his time in “Dreamland” to get to know his father. Louie is totally enthralled with his dad, and he feels safe escaping to Dreamland.

Louie’s mom, Ellen, still mourns her husband’s death from cancer eleven years ago. She has a fear of commitment, which manifests in moving every few months, but not out of the town they live in. Louie locates the house they used to live in as a small family. It’s abandoned, run down, and is rumored to be haunted, which Louie dismisses. When Louie starts spending too much time in Dreamland things start to go sideways. Louie is losing control and tension goes into overdrive as the darkness starts to move around and claim Louie.

The rich description of Louie and his mom’s world put you in the story. “Dreamland” is easily watched from afar, and the darkness is all consuming and unrelenting. So hold on to your wits, and your seat for this wild ride.

FYI: **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** May 13, 2020
Format/Typo Issues: Only a few proofing misses, nothing that threw me out of the story.

[Price Girls · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story starts out to be a heartwarming tale that slowly takes a sinister turn. In fact, the phrase too good to be true came to mind when reading this novel. The story first starts out as a literal dream come true when Louie meets his long-dead father through a place he dubbs Dreamland, but as his relationship with him seems to grow Louie's relationship with his mother Ellen begins to falter. Ellen is uneasy about Louie talking to his father John and attempts to deter Louie from speaking to him. And she is not the only one. As the story continues Louie discovers that the ghost of his father isn't the only supernatural being attempting to make contact with him and whoever or whatever the being is it is determined to keep John and Louie apart.

The mystery to the story I thought was well planned out and I appreciated the way Clausen uses the characters reactions to hint towards the mystery surrounding John and Dreamland. I felt the subtle change to Louie's character due to the influence of his father and Dreamland created a real sense of foreboding. However, I did feel that certain parts of the story that were supposed to be hair raising lacked the ability to bring me chills. I felt the story was less horrifying and more a fantastical mystery.

Overall, I did like the story and I believe fans of Dawn Kutrich's AS THE TREE'S CREPT IN would appreciate the author's style of writing.

[Energy Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louie couldn't remember his father, he was only one when he died. But lately, when he falls asleep, he's been visiting a place called Dreamland, and in Dreamland, he gets to meet his father. Over time, as his father gets to know Louie, Louie learns what his father was like as a man, husband, and father. He's coming to treasure his time with his dad but his time in Dreamland is not without repercussions.

He's always tired when he wakes up, he's spending more and more time in Dreamland, and his relationship with his mother is suffering. These days he's having trouble staying awake. Perhaps there is more to Dreamland than Louie realizes, something sinister.

So this was an interesting story that took a dark twist. While I didn't trust Louie's father at first, it wasn't until later on in the book when some of what his father was saying came across as anything other than fatherly advice. Louie's behavior took a dangerous turn as he was sneaking out, lying, and interfering with his mother's relationship. Dreamland was an easy read, it was well-written with good characters, and it carries a good element of horror to an otherwise innocent story. Very well done.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamland' is an easily recognizable state for most living creatures. Some say that in dreams is when our mind is able to sort through the vast amount of information we are exposed to each day. I think of it like a computer reorg(anization) where data is sorted, allowing it to run more efficiently. That's all well and good, but the other side of peaceful dreams are nightmares. When does a dream become a nightmare is examined in this book by author Nick Clausen. I enjoyed this book and recommend it, as I have many others by this writer. -Mr.Bill

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ghost story!

This is a good ghost story, but felt much too short! I guess that's good, since I wanted it to be longer. The story is interestingly different, and written convincingly from the perspective of a teen boy. Well worth the read, and I will check out more books by this author.

[Quinn W Buckland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only real problem i have with the book is that the characters come off a little flatter than I'd have liked. But, the story, concept an ending more than make up for it. If you're into short but well written books, I would recommend this story.

[Dawn Parnell]

I so enjoyed this book!!

Knowing this author and what he writes


what a terrific book!
I had no idea what to expect since it
Wasn't an EMP/Zombie book! I couldn't stop reading and couldn't put it down! I truly hope we get to read similar stories!!!!!! Thank you, thank you

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This was an amazing ghost story with a bittersweet ending. It also had a new look on how one becomes a ghost. A great, quick read that I wished was longer. You just wanted a happy life for these characters.

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cover and story. You will definitely make a connection to Louis. Especially if you have lost someone in life. He gets lost in his nightmares and it is through his own ingenuity that he finds his way out. Do you believe in ghosts? Do nightmares haunt your sleep? This story is a must read.

[Quique Cova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Such a unique horror/paranormal/fantasy/ghost story. Read a few of his books and this one is one of my favorites. Definitely recommend reading this book as well as his others. I will reread this book in the future. And excellent cover!

[Rhonda Ofstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good as ghost story as it's between father and son. I enjoyed the book