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The Dreamosphere
What if dreams don’t disappear when we wake up? Haunted by her sister’s death, Gwen Stoker takes solace in her web of dreams—the Dreamosphere. But when someone begins destroying it, Gwen must find the culprit—or risk losing all her happy thoughts and feelings forever! Dreams come to life in this fantastical children’s tale!
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2014
About the author
Laura Stoddard
3 books14 followersLaura Stoddard was born in Idaho and spent her formative years running amok in the great outdoors. She dreams every single night, and remembers all of them--which provided the inspitation for her debut novel, The Dreamosphere.
Laura received her B.A. in English Literature from Arizona State University, and when not reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, rowing, and participating in volunteer activities.
She currently writes for a travel magazine, and lives in Phoenix, Ariz.
And she's awesome.
Laura received her B.A. in English Literature from Arizona State University, and when not reading or writing, she enjoys hiking, rowing, and participating in volunteer activities.
She currently writes for a travel magazine, and lives in Phoenix, Ariz.
And she's awesome.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 22, 2014
Gwen is a young girl who is suffering after the death of her younger sister. A few years have passed, and she has retreated into herself. Her personality is completely altered from her natural friendly and fun loving self.
Gwen is a dreamer. She has vivid dreams that she remembers the next morning. She keeps a dream journal that she records the events in. It is something that keeps her together. She begins to notice that she isn't dreaming every night, this is strange for her. She begins to have memory lapses.
She finds out that this is happening because someone is destroying her dreams. Each dream is stored on a web in orbs. She and her friend, Tabitha, must stop the destruction of the dreams. Kids in school are also having their dreams changed. It is a mystery that must be solved before it is too late.
I liked the concept that Gwen's dreams are connected to her reality. As she begins to explore her dreams, she becomes a better person. In fact, I would say that it is saving her and her quality of life. There are some powerful themes found in this book. Gwen is going through grief and she and her family try to find a way to cope with the tragedy that has struck them. Many of the kids bully Gwen. They say she is crazy or that she killed her sister. There is a lack of empathy. I also enjoyed that we see the a little of the psychology behind the bully. It's a great lesson for kids to learn why people can be mean. Maybe they are hurting too. Again an empathy lesson.
This is a book that can capture a child's imagination. The dreams are strange at times. Laura Stoddard has illustrated her own imagination in the creativity of the dreams.
Gwen is a dreamer. She has vivid dreams that she remembers the next morning. She keeps a dream journal that she records the events in. It is something that keeps her together. She begins to notice that she isn't dreaming every night, this is strange for her. She begins to have memory lapses.
She finds out that this is happening because someone is destroying her dreams. Each dream is stored on a web in orbs. She and her friend, Tabitha, must stop the destruction of the dreams. Kids in school are also having their dreams changed. It is a mystery that must be solved before it is too late.
I liked the concept that Gwen's dreams are connected to her reality. As she begins to explore her dreams, she becomes a better person. In fact, I would say that it is saving her and her quality of life. There are some powerful themes found in this book. Gwen is going through grief and she and her family try to find a way to cope with the tragedy that has struck them. Many of the kids bully Gwen. They say she is crazy or that she killed her sister. There is a lack of empathy. I also enjoyed that we see the a little of the psychology behind the bully. It's a great lesson for kids to learn why people can be mean. Maybe they are hurting too. Again an empathy lesson.
This is a book that can capture a child's imagination. The dreams are strange at times. Laura Stoddard has illustrated her own imagination in the creativity of the dreams.
July 18, 2014
Now here’s a fantasy novel that parents wouldn’t mind their middle schoolers reading. It was imaginative, fascinating, and substantial. There was a feel of originality to the story that made for an exciting read. The mystery it presented in the beginning had me hooked, the plot had me lined, and the sinker came at the end. Although, I was able to guess who the “bad” guy was and the potential hero at the end, I was surprised at why; so that was a delightful discovery.
This was a fun quick read. I was immersed in Gwen's story because I liked that the dream world tied well with the real world. There was a lot of heart in the evolution of the tale and that provided room for lessons that the readers can take. Well done, Ms Stoddard! This was a charming debut.
By the way, the cover is very pretty. So fetching that it's too pretty for my son to be seen with (he's going to middle school for the first time this fall). But attractive in my 7 year old daughter's eyes. In fact, the day I received the book in the mail, she said, “Oooh, so pretty! Can I read this, Mom?” And she did start reading it that day. :)
Jinky is Reading
This was a fun quick read. I was immersed in Gwen's story because I liked that the dream world tied well with the real world. There was a lot of heart in the evolution of the tale and that provided room for lessons that the readers can take. Well done, Ms Stoddard! This was a charming debut.
By the way, the cover is very pretty. So fetching that it's too pretty for my son to be seen with (he's going to middle school for the first time this fall). But attractive in my 7 year old daughter's eyes. In fact, the day I received the book in the mail, she said, “Oooh, so pretty! Can I read this, Mom?” And she did start reading it that day. :)
Jinky is Reading
July 17, 2014
First of all, this cover is absolutely gorgeous. Gwen's dreams are vivid and creative and sometimes quite horrifying. Gwen starts out with a chip on her shoulder and is pretty miserable. We soon learn that her sister died and she feels that she was to blame. She's also been having a hard time dreaming lately. She meets Tabitha who helps her understand the Dreamosphere and there are still plenty of questions to be answered.
I really liked Gwen! Even though she was sulky at the beginning, I understood why and was anxious to see how she would turn it all around. Gwen makes some new friends in her journey and also has to deal with Xander, the bully. She is also able to come to terms with what happened to her sister. The villain took me by surprise and I thought that part was well done.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I know my 10-year-old daughter will absolutely love it! The author definitely leaves an opening at the end for a second book and I would love to see where it goes from here. There are some great questions at the very end which will help spark discussions about dreams, bullies, small town living and Edgar Allan Poe. This is a great start to a fun and creative new middle-grade series!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I really liked Gwen! Even though she was sulky at the beginning, I understood why and was anxious to see how she would turn it all around. Gwen makes some new friends in her journey and also has to deal with Xander, the bully. She is also able to come to terms with what happened to her sister. The villain took me by surprise and I thought that part was well done.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I know my 10-year-old daughter will absolutely love it! The author definitely leaves an opening at the end for a second book and I would love to see where it goes from here. There are some great questions at the very end which will help spark discussions about dreams, bullies, small town living and Edgar Allan Poe. This is a great start to a fun and creative new middle-grade series!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
September 13, 2014
While I wasn't crazy about this book, I still liked it quite a bit. I liked the concept of the dream webs and the orbs and how the kids could travel from one dream to the next. I also liked Gwen and her life in the real world. I loved her dreams, too. They were crazy, nonsensical situations that made me smile.
The first half of the book was repetitive, with Gwen going to school, coming home, going to sleep, learning about dreams, waking up, and following the same pattern for several days. Many of the dream sessions in the first half could have been condensed into one or two trips to the Dreamosphere. There were also some details that were irrelevant to the plot and I wasn't sure why they were included.
The second half of the book picked up and moved along nicely. The bad guy was appropriately scary and I liked learning his motives and his rationalizations for what he was doing. Gwen was an interesting character that had some deeper issues going on than just her dreams. She developed and matured over the course of the book as well as made some new friends and improved her outlook on life. She also learned to let go of her pain and accept the past for what it was. The ending left the possibility for more books, but it can definitely be read on its own. This is a good book for young kids that want an unusual and different adventure.
Content: A small bit of non-descriptive violence.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
The first half of the book was repetitive, with Gwen going to school, coming home, going to sleep, learning about dreams, waking up, and following the same pattern for several days. Many of the dream sessions in the first half could have been condensed into one or two trips to the Dreamosphere. There were also some details that were irrelevant to the plot and I wasn't sure why they were included.
The second half of the book picked up and moved along nicely. The bad guy was appropriately scary and I liked learning his motives and his rationalizations for what he was doing. Gwen was an interesting character that had some deeper issues going on than just her dreams. She developed and matured over the course of the book as well as made some new friends and improved her outlook on life. She also learned to let go of her pain and accept the past for what it was. The ending left the possibility for more books, but it can definitely be read on its own. This is a good book for young kids that want an unusual and different adventure.
Content: A small bit of non-descriptive violence.
Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My blog: Batch of Books
July 25, 2014
I have always been so intrigued about dreams and what they mean. So this new take on a person's dreams and where they collect was fascinating. Main character, Gwen, is an interesting 11 year old girl who is quite surly. She seems to be very unhappy and not friendly at all. We soon find out why, as it's revealed that she feels guilty for her younger sister's death. The reader also learns early on that Gwen can go to a place called "The Dreamosphere" where all of her dreams are kept. I have to admit that would be a scary thing for me. I don't like a lot of my dreams that I remember. Gwen finds out someone is destroying her Dream Orbs, which is making her depressed. It also doesn't help that she is being bullied at school and being called weird. {One thing that was kind of confusing for me, was that Gwen and the kids at school seemed to be written as teenagers in the way they talk and act with boyfriends/girlfriends and having several different school periods during the day. Gwen is 11 and in Elementary school, so this sometimes threw me off while reading.} One thing I really liked was how this novel subtly deals with some major issues, like death, grief and bullying and I liked the way they were presented and dealt with. As the story moves along, there are some surprising answers to who is messing with Gwen's dream orbs and her friends. This fantasy suited for tweens and teens is exciting and sets things up well for another book in the series. I truly liked the ending to this story!
July 25, 2014
4 STARS
Gwen Stoker is a character that at first does not seem likable, in fact she goes out of her way to be mean. Then you learn about her past and she changes your mind. How easy it is to judge a person wrong without getting to know them. Gwen feels guilty for her sister's death. That would be hard to loose a sister for anyone. I like Gwen and admire her.
There are a few characters in this book that I have made snap judgments on and later change my mind. Most of the characters are children. They are going through hard emotional times in their lives.
Gwen escapes into books and dreams. She can recall her dreams with a lot of detail, she even journals her dreams. Tabitha comes into her dreams and helps her and warns her that she needs to protect her dreams. So they search her dreams looking for the center that they need to protect. Gwen realizes that someone is out to destroy her and others like her by taking their dreams.
My favorite part of the dreams is the cowboy potato who saves people from the chickens. Dreams can really be weird. I don't want to go into other dreams. Would you want to?
I love how the kids work together to protect each other.
This was fun to read, a little scary, also had some tough subjects like loosing a sister, divorce, bullies and people who you can't trust.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of it
Gwen Stoker is a character that at first does not seem likable, in fact she goes out of her way to be mean. Then you learn about her past and she changes your mind. How easy it is to judge a person wrong without getting to know them. Gwen feels guilty for her sister's death. That would be hard to loose a sister for anyone. I like Gwen and admire her.
There are a few characters in this book that I have made snap judgments on and later change my mind. Most of the characters are children. They are going through hard emotional times in their lives.
Gwen escapes into books and dreams. She can recall her dreams with a lot of detail, she even journals her dreams. Tabitha comes into her dreams and helps her and warns her that she needs to protect her dreams. So they search her dreams looking for the center that they need to protect. Gwen realizes that someone is out to destroy her and others like her by taking their dreams.
My favorite part of the dreams is the cowboy potato who saves people from the chickens. Dreams can really be weird. I don't want to go into other dreams. Would you want to?
I love how the kids work together to protect each other.
This was fun to read, a little scary, also had some tough subjects like loosing a sister, divorce, bullies and people who you can't trust.
I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of it
October 31, 2014
This is a very creative story. Dreams are really strange things and the dimension where dreams exist in this case, was fascinating! The orbs, strands, webs...it was a very inner-woven, detailed area. There were ideas that really sparked my imagination. A lot of thought went into this one, that's for sure!
Gwen is 11 years old and for me, personally, that was a problem. I have an 11 year old and granted, he's not as mature as some kids his age, but there is no way he would connect the dots to this mystery the way Gwen did. She seemed far older than 11 to me, which made it harder for me to relate. When I tossed that aside, I was able to get into the story more.
Gwen is having a hard time moving past her sister's death. For two years, she's wallowed in grief and guilt and is a very angry, surly person. This mystery really seemed to help her deal with things, but she has to solve it before it's too late--for her and for those around her.
I have to admit--with an 11 year old main character, I was expecting a simpler mystery and solution, but this one had some real twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I really enjoy being surprised and was happy to find myself feeling that way. I love the friendships that were made and the relationships that were healed.
Content: fantasy elements that may be scary for really young readers, but I can't remember anything of note to worry about. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Gwen is 11 years old and for me, personally, that was a problem. I have an 11 year old and granted, he's not as mature as some kids his age, but there is no way he would connect the dots to this mystery the way Gwen did. She seemed far older than 11 to me, which made it harder for me to relate. When I tossed that aside, I was able to get into the story more.
Gwen is having a hard time moving past her sister's death. For two years, she's wallowed in grief and guilt and is a very angry, surly person. This mystery really seemed to help her deal with things, but she has to solve it before it's too late--for her and for those around her.
I have to admit--with an 11 year old main character, I was expecting a simpler mystery and solution, but this one had some real twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I really enjoy being surprised and was happy to find myself feeling that way. I love the friendships that were made and the relationships that were healed.
Content: fantasy elements that may be scary for really young readers, but I can't remember anything of note to worry about. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 24, 2014
The Dreamosphere
By Laura Stoddard
Gwen (Gwenevere) Stoker is haunted by her sister's death, a death for which she feels responsible. She is not the same person that she was two years ago. But something is about to happen that could again forever alter Gwen's life.
Gwen has always had dreams that are vividly eclectic, but recently her dreams have been almost non-existent. But Tabitha is about to change that. Someone or something is destroying Gwen's dreams and the memory of her dreams. And Tabitha is determined to help Gwen stop this threat to her very experience.
But to save her dreams Gwen must enter her Dreamosphere - the place where every dream she's ever dreamed exists. Can the very act of saving her dreams restore to Gwen what she has lost? Enter The Dreamosphere to discover the truth for yourself.
I think this is a story that is very timely in looking at how grief is dealt with on an individual basis and how the affects on various family members can be so different. This book could be valuable in helping pre-teens (tweens) and teens to understand the various changes that a friend may be going through during times of grief while at the same time providing an entertaining reading experience.
I was provided a digital file of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.
It should be noted for all dreamers - Beware of Edgar Allen Poe's poetry - it could be detrimental to your dream health.
By Laura Stoddard
Gwen (Gwenevere) Stoker is haunted by her sister's death, a death for which she feels responsible. She is not the same person that she was two years ago. But something is about to happen that could again forever alter Gwen's life.
Gwen has always had dreams that are vividly eclectic, but recently her dreams have been almost non-existent. But Tabitha is about to change that. Someone or something is destroying Gwen's dreams and the memory of her dreams. And Tabitha is determined to help Gwen stop this threat to her very experience.
But to save her dreams Gwen must enter her Dreamosphere - the place where every dream she's ever dreamed exists. Can the very act of saving her dreams restore to Gwen what she has lost? Enter The Dreamosphere to discover the truth for yourself.
I think this is a story that is very timely in looking at how grief is dealt with on an individual basis and how the affects on various family members can be so different. This book could be valuable in helping pre-teens (tweens) and teens to understand the various changes that a friend may be going through during times of grief while at the same time providing an entertaining reading experience.
I was provided a digital file of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.
It should be noted for all dreamers - Beware of Edgar Allen Poe's poetry - it could be detrimental to your dream health.
July 23, 2014
THE DREAMOSPHERE by Laura Stoddard is an interesting Christan Fantasy/Mystery/Dreams.
A unique,interesting and intriguing mixture of fantasy, adventure,dreams, with mystery and bit of suspense. Young readers are sure to enjoy “The Dreamosphere”. Do you remember your dreams? After reading this you will never forget them. Full of surprises and twists and turns.
Gwenevere Stoker, is becoming bitter after the death of her sister. Someone is stealing her happiness though her dreams. Tabitha, appears to Gwen in her dreams and reveals the Dreams-Orbs. Gwen and Tabitha must find the Original, and stop him from stealing her Dream-Orbs before he destroys Gwen’s life.
An adventure filled with fantasy, engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. As a reader who will be guessing on every page right to the very last chapter. What an interesting story! Well done! Any young reader and any older reader are sure to enjoy “The Dreamosphere”. An enjoyable read from beginning to end. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: N/A
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
A unique,interesting and intriguing mixture of fantasy, adventure,dreams, with mystery and bit of suspense. Young readers are sure to enjoy “The Dreamosphere”. Do you remember your dreams? After reading this you will never forget them. Full of surprises and twists and turns.
Gwenevere Stoker, is becoming bitter after the death of her sister. Someone is stealing her happiness though her dreams. Tabitha, appears to Gwen in her dreams and reveals the Dreams-Orbs. Gwen and Tabitha must find the Original, and stop him from stealing her Dream-Orbs before he destroys Gwen’s life.
An adventure filled with fantasy, engaging characters and an intriguing storyline. As a reader who will be guessing on every page right to the very last chapter. What an interesting story! Well done! Any young reader and any older reader are sure to enjoy “The Dreamosphere”. An enjoyable read from beginning to end. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
Rating: 4
Heat Rating: N/A
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
July 26, 2014
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS?
Struggling with the loss of her sister Gwen takes great solace by escaping into her dreams.
When she starts to have dreamless nights and even periods of memory loss during the day Gwen turns into an angry and bitter person and finds pleasure in making everyone around her miserable.
Then one night Tabitha shows up in her dreams.
Tabitha explains that her dreams are orbs on a big web of dreams...
And someone is destroying Gwen's dream orbs.
Tabitha teaches Gwen how to reach the other reality where her dreamosphere is kept.
Together they seek to find the offender.
Clues are drawn together...
An Edgar Allen Poe poem seems to be a key piece of the puzzle.
But when her friends start to become angry and bitter...are their dream orbs in danger too?
The race is on to find the answers!
A GREAT READ for the whole family!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
A FANTASTIC story of "family, friendship, grief, healing, and of course, DREAMS."
Struggling with the loss of her sister Gwen takes great solace by escaping into her dreams.
When she starts to have dreamless nights and even periods of memory loss during the day Gwen turns into an angry and bitter person and finds pleasure in making everyone around her miserable.
Then one night Tabitha shows up in her dreams.
Tabitha explains that her dreams are orbs on a big web of dreams...
And someone is destroying Gwen's dream orbs.
Tabitha teaches Gwen how to reach the other reality where her dreamosphere is kept.
Together they seek to find the offender.
Clues are drawn together...
An Edgar Allen Poe poem seems to be a key piece of the puzzle.
But when her friends start to become angry and bitter...are their dream orbs in danger too?
The race is on to find the answers!
A GREAT READ for the whole family!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
A FANTASTIC story of "family, friendship, grief, healing, and of course, DREAMS."
July 21, 2014
3.5 stars
When I received The Dreamosphere in the mail, I was a little disappointed at the size of the book. But Laura Stoddard sure packed a lot into 198 pages!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Gwen's character was very relatable. She had been sad, depressed, and angry since her younger sister died. Once she made sense of what was going on in her dreamosphere, see made huge changes in her life that helped not only her, but also helped to uncover the darkness that seemed to be plaguing many others at school.
This book had a wonderful plot and believable characters. It did start out a little slow, but picked up about a third of the way into the book. There was action and adventure, and a surprising hero at the end.
The cover is gorgeous! And while I think boys and girls would both enjoy this book, the cover is definitely on the feminine side! I would highly recommend this for late elementary or middle school students.
When I received The Dreamosphere in the mail, I was a little disappointed at the size of the book. But Laura Stoddard sure packed a lot into 198 pages!
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Gwen's character was very relatable. She had been sad, depressed, and angry since her younger sister died. Once she made sense of what was going on in her dreamosphere, see made huge changes in her life that helped not only her, but also helped to uncover the darkness that seemed to be plaguing many others at school.
This book had a wonderful plot and believable characters. It did start out a little slow, but picked up about a third of the way into the book. There was action and adventure, and a surprising hero at the end.
The cover is gorgeous! And while I think boys and girls would both enjoy this book, the cover is definitely on the feminine side! I would highly recommend this for late elementary or middle school students.
June 17, 2015
The Dreamoshphere was a truly amazing book. There were some parts that made me want to cry, and at the beginning I absolutely hated Gwen, but overall the book was fantastic. The book is about an amazing idea I'd never really thought about. The Dreamosphere is truly genius. There were also plenty of funny and entertaining parts, overall fulfilling every need and not lacking any important characteristics of a good book. The main idea had so much potential, and Laura Stoddard carried it out perfectly. The plot had me hooked, and though the villain's identity was a bit predictable, that just made it more fun to notice all the little clues along the way. I definitely recommend this book.
July 1, 2014
This book was amazing read, a great fantasy story. The cover is gorgeous enough for you want to pick up and dive right in. The way the characters connect, you really feel for them. I really felt like i was in the story, fighting the same demons that the characters where dealing with. Loved it.
February 4, 2015
everyone needs to read this book!! so imaginative! like nothing i've read before. :) Sweet, funny characters. Awesome story!!
July 13, 2014
5 star review- posting here soon
July 19, 2014
3 1/2 stars. Full review coming next week.
April 17, 2015
Such an interesting story about how one girl's dreams could change everything! I loved this kind of deep thinking book that wove into the story so well.
September 16, 2015
Great book!
April 19, 2017
I'll borrow words from a fellow reviewer "imaginative, fascinating and substantial" and I'll add captivating. I too, thoroughly loved reading this one. It felt unique, realistic and enveloping. I have kept a dream journal off and on for 30+ years and found this delightful tale captured my fascination with the dream world. Thanks author!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews