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The Dreamer
"Children of Light, listen well, for this is a tale of caution..."
The Tale of the Mad Dreamer is a well-worn story among the Alvar. The Dreamers deal in premonitions and memories of lost eras - their minds connected to their Entity who is the source of all power. The gift - or curse - of Dreaming appears in children at random, a fate which sees them taken from their families where they must train to control their strange powers.
Lucky for Theren and his best friend Valyn, they have been spared such a fate. Popular and powerful, Theren is poised to be selected by the Hunters at the Choosing. He will then embark on his first Brotherwalk - the annual pilgrimage of men to find a lover and prove their mettle in the sprawling forests of Alvaren.
But after one strange night, Theren and Valyn find their futures forever altered - secrets and mysteries setting them on a path that will have them questioning their very reality. Fate threatens to pull them apart, forcing them to face an uncertain future alone.
For sometimes, it seems, Dreams don't follow the rules...
The Tale of the Mad Dreamer is a well-worn story among the Alvar. The Dreamers deal in premonitions and memories of lost eras - their minds connected to their Entity who is the source of all power. The gift - or curse - of Dreaming appears in children at random, a fate which sees them taken from their families where they must train to control their strange powers.
Lucky for Theren and his best friend Valyn, they have been spared such a fate. Popular and powerful, Theren is poised to be selected by the Hunters at the Choosing. He will then embark on his first Brotherwalk - the annual pilgrimage of men to find a lover and prove their mettle in the sprawling forests of Alvaren.
But after one strange night, Theren and Valyn find their futures forever altered - secrets and mysteries setting them on a path that will have them questioning their very reality. Fate threatens to pull them apart, forcing them to face an uncertain future alone.
For sometimes, it seems, Dreams don't follow the rules...
- GenresFantasy
286 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2023
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Jean Swan
4 books22 followersHi, I'm Jean - fantasy author from South-Eastern Australia. When not writing or working, you’ll find me anywhere there's beach or snow, hanging with my gang of nieces and godchildren, or in the garden trying to stay on top of the weeds. And reading, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 15, 2025
While I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and magic system (it's unique and cool!) I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. It's still a quick and easy read so you should definitely give it a try. ✨️
August 15, 2023
4.5 Stars. Review to come.
December 6, 2023
This incredible novella will live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
It reminded me a bit of The Giver (Lois Lowry), if it took place in a fantasy realm with magic. What starts as a coming of age story soon evolves (or devolves?) into something more sinister. I was left with a delicious feeling of unease as I watched the main character, Theren, withdraw more and more from his community and question the very foundations of his reality.
I never knew what was going to happen in this story. Highly recommend you read this. You will not be disappointed.
It reminded me a bit of The Giver (Lois Lowry), if it took place in a fantasy realm with magic. What starts as a coming of age story soon evolves (or devolves?) into something more sinister. I was left with a delicious feeling of unease as I watched the main character, Theren, withdraw more and more from his community and question the very foundations of his reality.
I never knew what was going to happen in this story. Highly recommend you read this. You will not be disappointed.
December 9, 2023
The vibes:
- Coming of age
- Glowy-glassy-cities-in-a-dark-forest type fantasy
- Expert character arcs
- Intrigue, mystery, dreams (duh).
The Dreamer took me back to when I read fantasy in my early teens - not to say that this is a book aimed at young'uns - it gave me that feeling of being a newish reader, exploring worlds and writing and characters for the first time and every book you read was so real that you felt you would wake from your dream of real life and into the world of whatever book you were reading at the time. Except now I am an adult and its happening all again.
Swan has an amazing ability to create. Her characters and settings are palpable - they are alive. They breathe. If you value immersion in your stories, I cannot recommend Swan highly enough.
The Dreamer is coming of age story that twists and turns. You watch the protagonist Theren grow through a turning point in his late teens that unexpectedly changes the trajectory of his life and those he loves. His character arc through this process is incredibly satisfying, with Theren making choices realistic of teenager who's had their world turned upside-down without the plot being reliant on nonsensical and unnecessary decisions.
The setting is similarly fleshed-out, with a beautiful fantasy realm and deep background lore that should have long time fantasy-lovers feeling right at home. The book doesn't delve too far into that lore in such a short amount of time, but you can feel the unexplored histories lingering in the background to be explored in later stories.
I loved this book. I loved the curiosity and adventurous spirit of youth that it recalled. Just read it.
- Coming of age
- Glowy-glassy-cities-in-a-dark-forest type fantasy
- Expert character arcs
- Intrigue, mystery, dreams (duh).
The Dreamer took me back to when I read fantasy in my early teens - not to say that this is a book aimed at young'uns - it gave me that feeling of being a newish reader, exploring worlds and writing and characters for the first time and every book you read was so real that you felt you would wake from your dream of real life and into the world of whatever book you were reading at the time. Except now I am an adult and its happening all again.
Swan has an amazing ability to create. Her characters and settings are palpable - they are alive. They breathe. If you value immersion in your stories, I cannot recommend Swan highly enough.
The Dreamer is coming of age story that twists and turns. You watch the protagonist Theren grow through a turning point in his late teens that unexpectedly changes the trajectory of his life and those he loves. His character arc through this process is incredibly satisfying, with Theren making choices realistic of teenager who's had their world turned upside-down without the plot being reliant on nonsensical and unnecessary decisions.
The setting is similarly fleshed-out, with a beautiful fantasy realm and deep background lore that should have long time fantasy-lovers feeling right at home. The book doesn't delve too far into that lore in such a short amount of time, but you can feel the unexplored histories lingering in the background to be explored in later stories.
I loved this book. I loved the curiosity and adventurous spirit of youth that it recalled. Just read it.
September 5, 2025
Book Review: The Dreamer by Jean Swan
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) Lush, emotional, otherworldly
Alright fantasy lovers, gather round, because this indie gem by Aussie author Jean Swan gave me all the nostalgic feels of discovering fantasy as a teen with the depth and nuance I crave as an adult reader. Think glowing cities, dark forests, whispered lore, and dreamy mysteries that unfurl slowly, hauntingly.
At the heart of The Dreamer is Theren, a young man who’s on the cusp of a rite-of-passage known as the Brotherwalk. Alongside his best friend Valyn, Theren is expecting to step into his future as a Hunter… until one strange night flips everything on its head. What follows is a slow-burning, emotional coming-of-age story about fate, identity, connection, and power, where dreams are more than just symbols; they’re dangerous, transformative forces.
What stood out most to me was Swan’s immersion. Her worldbuilding is evocative and layered, you feel the trees breathe, the cities shimmer, the tension hum through every conversation/emotion. But even more powerful are her characters. They feel real. You can practically hear them inhale before a line of dialogue. Theren’s arc is particularly compelling; it’s messy in the way real growth is messy, but always grounded in emotional truth. No out-of-nowhere decisions, no cheap twists, just a boy grappling with a destiny he didn’t ask for.
The lore here is tantalising. We don’t get the full download (this is a novella, after all), but you feel the ancient history pressing in at the edges. The Dreamers, the Entities, the cost of power, it’s all brimming under the surface, ready to be cracked open in future installments. And yes, I’ll absolutely be back for those.
This story won’t be for everyone, it leans more introspective and lyrical than fast-paced, but if you like your fantasy with emotional depth, rich worldbuilding, and that ineffable spark of wonder, this one’s for you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars) Lush, emotional, otherworldly
Alright fantasy lovers, gather round, because this indie gem by Aussie author Jean Swan gave me all the nostalgic feels of discovering fantasy as a teen with the depth and nuance I crave as an adult reader. Think glowing cities, dark forests, whispered lore, and dreamy mysteries that unfurl slowly, hauntingly.
At the heart of The Dreamer is Theren, a young man who’s on the cusp of a rite-of-passage known as the Brotherwalk. Alongside his best friend Valyn, Theren is expecting to step into his future as a Hunter… until one strange night flips everything on its head. What follows is a slow-burning, emotional coming-of-age story about fate, identity, connection, and power, where dreams are more than just symbols; they’re dangerous, transformative forces.
What stood out most to me was Swan’s immersion. Her worldbuilding is evocative and layered, you feel the trees breathe, the cities shimmer, the tension hum through every conversation/emotion. But even more powerful are her characters. They feel real. You can practically hear them inhale before a line of dialogue. Theren’s arc is particularly compelling; it’s messy in the way real growth is messy, but always grounded in emotional truth. No out-of-nowhere decisions, no cheap twists, just a boy grappling with a destiny he didn’t ask for.
The lore here is tantalising. We don’t get the full download (this is a novella, after all), but you feel the ancient history pressing in at the edges. The Dreamers, the Entities, the cost of power, it’s all brimming under the surface, ready to be cracked open in future installments. And yes, I’ll absolutely be back for those.
This story won’t be for everyone, it leans more introspective and lyrical than fast-paced, but if you like your fantasy with emotional depth, rich worldbuilding, and that ineffable spark of wonder, this one’s for you.
October 25, 2023
A brilliant tale. The Dreamer is a moving fantasy story set in the Alvar world with its unique culture derived from an ancient past. It's a society in service to Ena (a higher entity which provides the source of rejuvenating waters for healing and replenishing the 'light' which provides energy and the powers of mind reading). The imagery is poetic with beasts, lush forests and ferns, spires, meaningful 'sigils' (symbols) and glowing mushrooms.
It's an easy book to read and is suitable for young and older adults alike. The story holds your attention right to the end. I'll try to avoid spoilers, essentially the book is a coming of age tale which follows the journey of the two main characters Theren and Valyn who are both, in their own way outliers in the Spire, questioning some of the ways of their culture and the steadfast unwillingness for change within the council (headed by the Speaker, Theren's mother).
The focus is on two events, which serve as rites of passage - The Choosing and The Brotherwalk - the point at which children move into adulthood. Both events are integral to the plot and marks change to the lives of our main characters who, though not blood related, grew up together and formed a strong bond. This questioning and maturing process is not violent or aggressive. The tale that is woven is much more subtle, but the effect is just as palpable. A highly recommended read.
It's an easy book to read and is suitable for young and older adults alike. The story holds your attention right to the end. I'll try to avoid spoilers, essentially the book is a coming of age tale which follows the journey of the two main characters Theren and Valyn who are both, in their own way outliers in the Spire, questioning some of the ways of their culture and the steadfast unwillingness for change within the council (headed by the Speaker, Theren's mother).
The focus is on two events, which serve as rites of passage - The Choosing and The Brotherwalk - the point at which children move into adulthood. Both events are integral to the plot and marks change to the lives of our main characters who, though not blood related, grew up together and formed a strong bond. This questioning and maturing process is not violent or aggressive. The tale that is woven is much more subtle, but the effect is just as palpable. A highly recommended read.
July 12, 2023
Full of adventure and excitement, this fast-paced novella introduces readers to Swan's world, Ahira, the location of her other short works (THE SOLDIER IN THE SCULLERY and THE HERMIT AT THE END OF THE WORLD), and her upcoming novel, BOOK OF ORIGINS.
And what an introduction it is! THE DREAMER is packed full with an intriguing setting; an almost science-fantasy, mysterious magic; a complex people; and multifaceted characters you'll want to cheer for. The guild-based, magical society of the Alvar is everything you want in an epic fantasy, and the ending of this story gives a tantalising hint at connections with Swan's other works, promising a truly sprawling, diverse world.
The complexities of growing up are on show here, with a variety of familial relationships, friendships, desires, and realisations colouring the experiences of both Theren and Valyn. I loved both of these characters and the beginning of a coming-of-age journey they never expected, and I hope to see more of them in the future!
If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure fantasy set in an intriguing and evocative new world, this is one for your TBR!
And what an introduction it is! THE DREAMER is packed full with an intriguing setting; an almost science-fantasy, mysterious magic; a complex people; and multifaceted characters you'll want to cheer for. The guild-based, magical society of the Alvar is everything you want in an epic fantasy, and the ending of this story gives a tantalising hint at connections with Swan's other works, promising a truly sprawling, diverse world.
The complexities of growing up are on show here, with a variety of familial relationships, friendships, desires, and realisations colouring the experiences of both Theren and Valyn. I loved both of these characters and the beginning of a coming-of-age journey they never expected, and I hope to see more of them in the future!
If you're looking for a fast-paced adventure fantasy set in an intriguing and evocative new world, this is one for your TBR!
July 4, 2023
As a new fantasy reader, the hardest part is picturing the world I am diving into and understanding it enough to enjoy it. Not with this dreamy novella - it was easy enough for a new reader to wade into and rich enough that I don’t think old hands will be bored.
I never said I was good at reviews cause I LOVE everything but The Dreamer by Jean Swan might be the best yet. I wanna hug Theren and the way he pushes against the constraints of his society (also my sweet boy and his fear of letting people in). Valyn and her desire for more, and to be her authentic brave self, tugged on my heart strings.
As with everyone single one of Jean’s stories, I always always want to know more and you can bet I’m going to reread them all and keep putting those puzzle pieces together!
I never said I was good at reviews cause I LOVE everything but The Dreamer by Jean Swan might be the best yet. I wanna hug Theren and the way he pushes against the constraints of his society (also my sweet boy and his fear of letting people in). Valyn and her desire for more, and to be her authentic brave self, tugged on my heart strings.
As with everyone single one of Jean’s stories, I always always want to know more and you can bet I’m going to reread them all and keep putting those puzzle pieces together!
July 26, 2023
The Dreamer was exactly what I have come to expect from Jean Swan - expert storytelling combined with compelling and memorable characters.
As an emotionally reserved person who has always struggled with deep connections, Theren really resonated with me. His character was incredibly well-developed for a novella, as were all the rest. My fingers are crossed for them to make an appearance in Book of Origins, Swan’s upcoming debut novel.
In a saturated fantasy market, Swan still manages to present a unique setting. I loved the eeriness of the spires and the forest and the whole society that she’s crafted around them.
A smashing novella, and I can’t wait to read more stories set in this wonderful world.
As an emotionally reserved person who has always struggled with deep connections, Theren really resonated with me. His character was incredibly well-developed for a novella, as were all the rest. My fingers are crossed for them to make an appearance in Book of Origins, Swan’s upcoming debut novel.
In a saturated fantasy market, Swan still manages to present a unique setting. I loved the eeriness of the spires and the forest and the whole society that she’s crafted around them.
A smashing novella, and I can’t wait to read more stories set in this wonderful world.
January 25, 2024
The Dreamer by Jean Swan was everything my teenage self loved about reading scifi. A city made of blue crystal and glass spheres 😍 It felt like The Giver meets Avatar in the best way. The Dreamer is a standalone but will tie into other books set in the same world.
• found family
• coming of age
• unique world building
This was the closest I've ever gotten to reading a John Christopher book without reading John Christopher himself. I love Jean for giving me that.
The only thing I didn't like is right when the plot gets going, the book ends. Being a standalone, the resolution will likely happen as mentions in other books set in the same world. I would have loved for the book to have stopped later in the story or else been wrapped up a little cleaner.
• found family
• coming of age
• unique world building
This was the closest I've ever gotten to reading a John Christopher book without reading John Christopher himself. I love Jean for giving me that.
The only thing I didn't like is right when the plot gets going, the book ends. Being a standalone, the resolution will likely happen as mentions in other books set in the same world. I would have loved for the book to have stopped later in the story or else been wrapped up a little cleaner.
January 2, 2026
In short space and time, Swan creates fully fleshed characters- employing excellent character interaction with flashbacks in the beginning of each chapter to give further insight into the characters and the events that shed some light on them today. This is also a fully realized world with a well developed culture with rituals and beliefs and customs and even lore they tell. The world itself is also visually stunning- with the Crystal City in this massive forest. And the blue lights of Ena, and the ithlyn. The magic here is also really cool. In short this could have been a longer novel - which would have given the plot a little more time to happen. Ultimately this was an unput-downable story that has me thinking over theories for this world.
July 27, 2023
I loved this book so much. As a romance reader I rarely venture into other genres but I am so glad I did for this book.
The FMC (Valyn) was one for me. Jean Swan has written a strong, female character who gave no f*cks about being different without exerting any “pick-me” vibes (The dedication of this book really got me in the feels). I also can’t not mention Roshin, who has the vibe of being the mother of all mothers.
It was so easy to become immersed and then lost in Alvaren, the combination of writing in the past and present created a great understanding of the magic system while also giving a feeling of something slightly unsettling.
The FMC (Valyn) was one for me. Jean Swan has written a strong, female character who gave no f*cks about being different without exerting any “pick-me” vibes (The dedication of this book really got me in the feels). I also can’t not mention Roshin, who has the vibe of being the mother of all mothers.
It was so easy to become immersed and then lost in Alvaren, the combination of writing in the past and present created a great understanding of the magic system while also giving a feeling of something slightly unsettling.
December 13, 2023
Short and too good to put down!
I couldn’t believe how invested I was in a couple of kids with questionable decision making skills but I was sucked in from the very start. The world building was so well done, especially for such a short piece. The cast of characters was so varied and well-rounded. The build of tension, apprehension, and mystery had me flipping pages like there was no tomorrow and THAT ENDING! I am still in shock.
I definitely want more of Theren and Valyn. I desperately want to know where they go from here. I hope we see more of them in future book. All in all this book is totally worth picking up
I couldn’t believe how invested I was in a couple of kids with questionable decision making skills but I was sucked in from the very start. The world building was so well done, especially for such a short piece. The cast of characters was so varied and well-rounded. The build of tension, apprehension, and mystery had me flipping pages like there was no tomorrow and THAT ENDING! I am still in shock.
I definitely want more of Theren and Valyn. I desperately want to know where they go from here. I hope we see more of them in future book. All in all this book is totally worth picking up
July 14, 2025
The Dreamer is a novella set in a uniquely crafted world filled with magic, mystery, and an intricate sense of connection.
In The Dreamer, we follow Theren as he approaches adulthood in a magical forest where the community shares a hive mind. Theren’s life seems set on a clear path—until unexpected events shift his future entirely, leading him into questions of fate, reality, and power.
The novella is full of atmosphere and immersive world-building. The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read before—blending dreamy, almost ethereal elements with grounded emotional stakes. I’m well and truly hooked and can’t wait to see more of Jean Swan’s work.
In The Dreamer, we follow Theren as he approaches adulthood in a magical forest where the community shares a hive mind. Theren’s life seems set on a clear path—until unexpected events shift his future entirely, leading him into questions of fate, reality, and power.
The novella is full of atmosphere and immersive world-building. The magic system is unlike anything I’ve read before—blending dreamy, almost ethereal elements with grounded emotional stakes. I’m well and truly hooked and can’t wait to see more of Jean Swan’s work.
July 29, 2023
You can just sink into this sparkling world of Swan's and be swept away. The colour, culture, and magic of these tree-dwelling folk provides an immersive backdrop for this coming-of-age fantasy tale, which examines the slippages and ruptures between individual identity, community, purpose, and perspective. One of those reads that leaves you exasperated that there isn't more immediately available...
September 18, 2023
4.5
Wow this novella was such a great read! I find that novellas can be really tricky because they have to accomplish so much in so little time for it to create an impact. And this one certainly did!
Swan did an amazing job at establishing the world in which her other books are going to take place in. I still have SO many questions and I'm excited to see where she takes her series and the other spires!
Loved this!!
Wow this novella was such a great read! I find that novellas can be really tricky because they have to accomplish so much in so little time for it to create an impact. And this one certainly did!
Swan did an amazing job at establishing the world in which her other books are going to take place in. I still have SO many questions and I'm excited to see where she takes her series and the other spires!
Loved this!!
August 19, 2023
Super interesting concept.
Loved the writing in this.
I got that needing to know more throughout the book.
Hopefully there’s a follow up. I need to know more about the sigil and the void and the broken spire.
There are so many things still left unfinished, so I’m hopeful there will be a continuation of this.
Thanks for a good read Jean.
Loved the writing in this.
I got that needing to know more throughout the book.
Hopefully there’s a follow up. I need to know more about the sigil and the void and the broken spire.
There are so many things still left unfinished, so I’m hopeful there will be a continuation of this.
Thanks for a good read Jean.
September 18, 2025
Jean Swan weaves an enchanting tale that blends myth, magic, and raw human emotion. The Dreamer pulls you in from the very first line, balancing lush worldbuilding with characters that feel strikingly real. Theren and Valyn’s journey is both thrilling and heartbreaking, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This is easily one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in years.
September 18, 2025
What makes The Dreamer stand out isn’t just its immersive setting, but its heart. Theren and Valyn’s bond shines through even as fate conspires to separate them, and their choices feel weighty and real. The prose is lyrical without being overdone, and every chapter left me hungry for more. A must-read for fans of epic yet intimate fantasy.
August 9, 2023
And again, I was swept away!! This story is so well crafted, the world so well thought out and described, I felt like I was walking through the Spire... and I need more!! I can't wait for october!
October 18, 2023
Absolutely brilliant!
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June 10, 2025I loved this book. Swan creates a compelling, beautiful world, with complex characters. There is something enchanting about Swan's worlds, I find myself wanting to spend more time in them.
September 25, 2025
Obligatory author self-five. I mostly did this to offset the bot that gave me 1 star 😇
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews