River of Dreams: Dreamrealm Mysteries 1

Dreamrealm Mysteries #1

by Iris Beaglehole

What if dreams are more real than waking life?

Life is already complicated enough for Awa Bryant when she starts having weird dreams – waking dreams – and strange coincidences start appearing in her real life.

She meets dreamcharmer, Veila, a quirky glowing creature who helps to guide Awa through the mysterious Dreamrealm.

At first the Dreamrealm is a glorious escape from Awa’s daily struggles but something is not right… Soon Awa discovers she has a bigger quest, and everything she cares about is at stake.


Will she be brave enough to face her fears and save her friends?

*suitable for ages 8 to 128!

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

204 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2023

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the writings of this author, and I was excited to read this new series. I had read the prequel and was excited to read more. Awa is such a gentle soul, and she’s still dealing with her parents’ divorce and a new school. She finds solace in the dream world where she finds out she’s a dreamweaver. This is a lovely book that is appropriate for all ages with a mystery, learning how to deal with bullies, and a spectacular other world to learn about. I’m looking forward to the next. Wonderful writing, lovely imagery, and lively characters. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Loretta Maines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for tweens.

I've loved every Iris Beaglehole book I have read. I am a little disappointed that this book is more for tweens. It's a great read for them. Myself, I thought it would move quicker thru her tween years to when she is an adult. I understand the p!ot is building for things in the future but it wasn't what I was expecting after reading the connecting series.

[Talie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler

The only thing that truly bothered me was that when the posters got displayed around the school why was only the girl in the picture pulled into the office and the boy never even questioned?

[Ms Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Myrtlewood and Crones series, but sadly I couldn't get into this one.

[Becky Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about teenager Awa who has moved from a loved house in the country into a small place in the City (Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand). She is struggling with two lives: waking and sleeping. In her waking life, she has to deal with a school bully, missing her old school friend, making new friends, embarassment, relationships with her separated parents, anxiety and not being able to share her new life with anyone. While asleep, Awa finds Veila and the Dreamrealm where she finally feels at peace, but there are fragments after her and no one will tell her quite what they are or what she has to do about it. Each storyline is wrapped up in this book, but also clearly continues to the sequel, which I'm looking forward to reading. Awa and those around her are relatable, likeable people and some important issues are dealt with. I recommend this diverse young adult urban fantasy book!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

River of Dreams: Dreamrealm Mysteries 1

Thrilling ride, issues addressed in a much more coherent and understanding way. I recommend this for all ages. This is definitely a great companion book to the Myrtlewood Mysteries and expands the villages boundaries. Brilliant world and writing

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxiety

What a great story about concurring anxiety and bullies! What a great imagination and story telling! I hope this book helps many people understand more about children’s mental heath.

[Ari (Head in a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

River of Dreams was alright, but the writing was a lot more basic then the Myrtlewood Mysteries books which makes sense since its more for younger readers.
I liked Awa and I also liked the fact that anxiety got represented in the book.

[Audra Ritter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is out there. I can't really say I enjoyed it. I kept hoping for some clarification, but there only ever seemed to be more questions. It was a fast read and I did like Awa, the main character.

[Elizabeth Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring - I tried. I read 56% and I could not read another word!

I've dead all of Beaglehole's other series of books and have quite enjoyed them. This one, I kept waiting for it to take flight and turn exciting and it just fell flat for me. I usually stick it out until the end but with this book I just could not do it

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attracted by the Cover, stayed for the story

What a fun little book, with great queues to treat each other fairly and to know yourself! I'm not usually into preachy books but this was very good! Might have to buy the next one...

[Julia Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Dreamrealms, dreamweaver, and bullying by her new school bully. Dream world becomes her escape world but also teaches her she is special and liked. Her mom is a lawyer and sticks up for her with the school and her bully. A great story and different metaphors, recommend it.

[janece collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical read!

This book was a beautiful adventure. I loved every minute of it. Iris Beaglehole is such a wonderful writer, I look forward to more books in this series

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Really enjoyed this story and look forward eagerly to the next instalment- keep up the great work :) :) :)

[Victoria Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

We get the meet Awa and enjoy her story of being a Dreamweaver, looking forward to more adventures.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Life isn’t easy. I have been told that it is a for lettered word. It isn’t what happens but how you deal it. Don’t let it beat you down

[Emmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Iris Beaglehole and her ability to weave a wonderful tale ✨

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read!

This book is great for all ages as are all of Ms. Beaglehole's books that I've read. An excellent storyweaver!

[Fiona Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this as much as the other series Iris has written. Some readers have said they think this series is aimed at tweens which is perhaps why. Disappointed.

[Sarah Porter]

This was much slower to grab me than any of their other books. I do plan to try the second as well, because I love every other piece of their work that I've read!

[Bobbie Simoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute YA read

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to the Dreamrealm Mysteries series. Iris Beaglehole has created a really cool dreamrealm and I think this is going to be an interesting series.

[Gwen Godfrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating book

Although this book is about a child, the story is a psychological rollercoaster of emotions and events. Its connection to the Māori world is both intriguing and bewitching in a beautiful way. I loved the interlacing of human life with the mysterious dream realm. An excellent read.