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Dreamover
In this captivating debut YA graphic novel, two best friends becoming more than friends feels like a dream come true. But when one sleepover literally turns into a dream, will they ever want to wake up again?
“I wish we could stay here forever.”
Amber and Nico would make an odd couple. She’s a headstrong goofball with a temper. He’s a shy, self-conscious emo boy. But they’ve been best friends since third grade and are both very good at video games, and she can’t hide her feelings for him any longer. During the end of their eighth-grade class beach trip, she confesses her undying love to him. To no one’s surprise except hers, the feeling is mutual! Thus begins a glorious, blissful summer of first love.
But life gets complicated once high school starts. Amber and Nico are faced with their toughest challenges yet: getting to school by 7:25 A.M. every day, dealing with bullies, and juggling their relationship, friendships, and homework. Things start to spiral out of control, causing Amber and Nico to cling to each other and neglect their friends. Soon, they find themselves stressed, depressed, and friendless. Amber wishes she could run away with Nico and escape the never-ending nightmare of high school.
One night, as they play video games together, Amber gets her wish: She and Nico mysteriously fall into a shared lucid dream where anything they imagine becomes possible and endless adventure awaits. Will they run away together forever or choose to return to the real world?
“I wish we could stay here forever.”
Amber and Nico would make an odd couple. She’s a headstrong goofball with a temper. He’s a shy, self-conscious emo boy. But they’ve been best friends since third grade and are both very good at video games, and she can’t hide her feelings for him any longer. During the end of their eighth-grade class beach trip, she confesses her undying love to him. To no one’s surprise except hers, the feeling is mutual! Thus begins a glorious, blissful summer of first love.
But life gets complicated once high school starts. Amber and Nico are faced with their toughest challenges yet: getting to school by 7:25 A.M. every day, dealing with bullies, and juggling their relationship, friendships, and homework. Things start to spiral out of control, causing Amber and Nico to cling to each other and neglect their friends. Soon, they find themselves stressed, depressed, and friendless. Amber wishes she could run away with Nico and escape the never-ending nightmare of high school.
One night, as they play video games together, Amber gets her wish: She and Nico mysteriously fall into a shared lucid dream where anything they imagine becomes possible and endless adventure awaits. Will they run away together forever or choose to return to the real world?
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
11 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
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April 25, 2025
Sometimes the harshness of reality is so much to bear that it takes a journey into the unreal, into the abstract, the dream of reality, to better understand it. Dreamover, the gorgeously illustrated and stirring debut YA graphic novel from Dani Diaz finds two smitten teens slipping into social isolation as their touchingly endless enamourment with one another begins to wear on their friends who want to spend time with them as well. Will it take a mysterious journey to unreality to come to terms with the conflicts of their reality? ‘There are symbolic dreams—dreams that symbolize some reality’, wrote Japanese author Haruki Murakami, a masterful guide between the veils of unreality and reality that is the hallmark of his surreal fiction. It is often the abstract metaphors for life that unlock the outer shell of reality to give us a peek inside and begin to understand the clockwork mechanisms within. Despite some cumbersome pacing, Dreamover dazzles with Diaz’s artwork bringing to life some very tender and emotionally charged dilemmas of early love and finding a balance in life amidst insecurities that makes for a very dreamy and delightful read.
I have to applaud Diaz for capturing such an authentically rendered portrait of young teen anxieties around dating and the ways that, when the heart is so swept up in the tempest of tenderness and eagerness to reaffirm a relationship at every turn, it can be difficult to strike a balance in life. I think we can all recall the friend who disappears the moment they are dating someone, or perhaps have been that friend and usually its not that the person doesn’t want to see their friends, it's just the desire to be with the desired other that keeps them away. But also this is not a healthy dynamic and it was really great to see Diaz address this so well.
When I first picked this up and glanced into the book I thought “woah, is this Tillie Walden?” Walden has been one of my absolute favorite artists and while, no, this is not Walden and Diaz has a style of their own it does feel very Walden-adjacent. Walden even provides the cover blurb, which is cool, but it is lovely to see how the graphic novels now 6-10 years old would be inspirations to up and coming artists who would have read them at formative years. Diaz has a rather lovely, loose style that is best when they can cast their characters into lush landscapes and especially the surreal moments of the dream world that is at the heart of the second act.
Okay, it does have a bit of a Tillie Walden flair though, right? Not in a bad way, I mean they are a favorite for a reason and the quiet tenderness amidst surreal sequences of this book fits well with Walden’s works.
Diaz also manages to spend the space of the novel diving deeply into emotion without it ever feeling burdened by sadness or overly twee. There is a good balance in terms of vibes, although the pacing felt a bit off with the first section feeling drawn out trying to balance the context of a beach trip with the history between the friend group with a secret crush hiding within. Honestly, a lot of the first part could have been cut and simplified though I do see the impulse to allow the character interactions pre-relationship to breathe, but everything after takes a different pacing so it feels disjointed. Which isn’t really a criticism, pacing is the most difficult thing to perfect and for a debut this is astonishingly lovely. I mean, look at this art:
Diaz is really good at setting mood with the artwork and the use of light is really excellent. The art wasn’t always consistent but the variations matched the tone and the framework was great. This is an artist I’m eager to see put out more work for sure. Especially with how well they handled the messages here. The later in the story aspects on the anxieties of possibly outgrowing one another and the fears of breaking up despite knowing that early relationships don’t tend to last for life was addressed quite well too.
So if plunging into the depths of dreams to discover the truth about your reality sounds like your thing, definitely check out Dreamover from fabulous newcomer Dani Diaz! A lovely and heartwarming tale that pulls you through the struggles of young relationships and finding a balance between love, friends, and yourself.
3.5/5
I have to applaud Diaz for capturing such an authentically rendered portrait of young teen anxieties around dating and the ways that, when the heart is so swept up in the tempest of tenderness and eagerness to reaffirm a relationship at every turn, it can be difficult to strike a balance in life. I think we can all recall the friend who disappears the moment they are dating someone, or perhaps have been that friend and usually its not that the person doesn’t want to see their friends, it's just the desire to be with the desired other that keeps them away. But also this is not a healthy dynamic and it was really great to see Diaz address this so well.
When I first picked this up and glanced into the book I thought “woah, is this Tillie Walden?” Walden has been one of my absolute favorite artists and while, no, this is not Walden and Diaz has a style of their own it does feel very Walden-adjacent. Walden even provides the cover blurb, which is cool, but it is lovely to see how the graphic novels now 6-10 years old would be inspirations to up and coming artists who would have read them at formative years. Diaz has a rather lovely, loose style that is best when they can cast their characters into lush landscapes and especially the surreal moments of the dream world that is at the heart of the second act.
Okay, it does have a bit of a Tillie Walden flair though, right? Not in a bad way, I mean they are a favorite for a reason and the quiet tenderness amidst surreal sequences of this book fits well with Walden’s works.
Diaz also manages to spend the space of the novel diving deeply into emotion without it ever feeling burdened by sadness or overly twee. There is a good balance in terms of vibes, although the pacing felt a bit off with the first section feeling drawn out trying to balance the context of a beach trip with the history between the friend group with a secret crush hiding within. Honestly, a lot of the first part could have been cut and simplified though I do see the impulse to allow the character interactions pre-relationship to breathe, but everything after takes a different pacing so it feels disjointed. Which isn’t really a criticism, pacing is the most difficult thing to perfect and for a debut this is astonishingly lovely. I mean, look at this art:
Diaz is really good at setting mood with the artwork and the use of light is really excellent. The art wasn’t always consistent but the variations matched the tone and the framework was great. This is an artist I’m eager to see put out more work for sure. Especially with how well they handled the messages here. The later in the story aspects on the anxieties of possibly outgrowing one another and the fears of breaking up despite knowing that early relationships don’t tend to last for life was addressed quite well too.
So if plunging into the depths of dreams to discover the truth about your reality sounds like your thing, definitely check out Dreamover from fabulous newcomer Dani Diaz! A lovely and heartwarming tale that pulls you through the struggles of young relationships and finding a balance between love, friends, and yourself.
3.5/5
December 24, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Dreamover is a YA graphic novel with romantic and emotional undertones. The book follows two main characters who are opposites of each other. Amber is headstrong and has a temper, and Nico is shy and self-concious. The pair have been best friends for years, and both have a love of playing video games. When they go on a school trip, Amber can not contain her feelings any longer and admits to Nico that she loves him. Nico admits he has feelings for her too, and their summer begins as a romance between them. When they return to school and begin high school however, things get complicated and amongst all the changes and new challenges they are both facing they become inseperable and end up losing all their friends and only have each other. One evening, when they're playing a computer game, Amber's wish to fall inside a game comes true, and another adventure begins. But will they stay there and run away forever or return to the real world and tackle their issues once and for all? This was so sweet in places, and I loved the artwork that changed throughout the book, depending on where the story was currently set in. This will be so relatable to many YA navigating changes, high school, friendships, relationships, bullying and navigating feelings and emotions.
Dreamover is a YA graphic novel with romantic and emotional undertones. The book follows two main characters who are opposites of each other. Amber is headstrong and has a temper, and Nico is shy and self-concious. The pair have been best friends for years, and both have a love of playing video games. When they go on a school trip, Amber can not contain her feelings any longer and admits to Nico that she loves him. Nico admits he has feelings for her too, and their summer begins as a romance between them. When they return to school and begin high school however, things get complicated and amongst all the changes and new challenges they are both facing they become inseperable and end up losing all their friends and only have each other. One evening, when they're playing a computer game, Amber's wish to fall inside a game comes true, and another adventure begins. But will they stay there and run away forever or return to the real world and tackle their issues once and for all? This was so sweet in places, and I loved the artwork that changed throughout the book, depending on where the story was currently set in. This will be so relatable to many YA navigating changes, high school, friendships, relationships, bullying and navigating feelings and emotions.
September 4, 2024
In fact, this is a very sweet story about friendship, first love and life priorities. Good storyboard, good choice of colors. The author's drawing technique is pleasant. The story itself is warm, although quite naive, like all similar teenage novels.
Thanks IDW Publishing and NetGalley for e-copy.
Thanks IDW Publishing and NetGalley for e-copy.
September 11, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley, Top Shelf Productions and IDW Publishing for this eArc.
3.5 stars
A lovely middle grade graphic novel that walks the line between slice of life and magic realism. The Dreamover explores first love, young friendships and growing up.
It follows Amber and Nico, and their friend group, as they prepare to start high school together. A new school is not the only change in their lives, after years of friendship and months crushing on each other, Amber and Nico are finally dating. They are happy and excited, but first love has its own challenges too.
The artwork is lovely. When the story turns from contemporary to magic realism, the illustrations of the dream landscapes and adventures are beautiful to see. The art style fits perfectly in this coming of age story.
It was a very sweet read. If you like middle grade stories, give this one a try.
3.5 stars
A lovely middle grade graphic novel that walks the line between slice of life and magic realism. The Dreamover explores first love, young friendships and growing up.
It follows Amber and Nico, and their friend group, as they prepare to start high school together. A new school is not the only change in their lives, after years of friendship and months crushing on each other, Amber and Nico are finally dating. They are happy and excited, but first love has its own challenges too.
The artwork is lovely. When the story turns from contemporary to magic realism, the illustrations of the dream landscapes and adventures are beautiful to see. The art style fits perfectly in this coming of age story.
It was a very sweet read. If you like middle grade stories, give this one a try.
February 12, 2025
3.5/5 rounded down
Dreamover is a debut graphic novel that follows Amber and Nico, a pair of teenagers navigating life, high school and their first relationship.
This is a sweet and simple tale exploring themes of friendship, first love, forgiveness and growing up as well as darker themes like toxic dependency and very briefly domestic abuse. I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel, it lended itself to the story very well.
Unfortunately, I think I'm just too old for this book. I enjoyed the story but it didn't make me feel anything. Something I would recommend more to a young teen.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW publishing for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dreamover is a debut graphic novel that follows Amber and Nico, a pair of teenagers navigating life, high school and their first relationship.
This is a sweet and simple tale exploring themes of friendship, first love, forgiveness and growing up as well as darker themes like toxic dependency and very briefly domestic abuse. I really enjoyed the art style of this graphic novel, it lended itself to the story very well.
Unfortunately, I think I'm just too old for this book. I enjoyed the story but it didn't make me feel anything. Something I would recommend more to a young teen.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW publishing for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2025
Two best friends since elementary decide to start dating the summer before high school, getting lost in each other’s company and forgetting about their other friends. They fall asleep, get stuck in a joint video game dream and cross many different obstacles and terrains as what seems to me a metaphor for the huge emotions of first love and adolescence in general. I thought it was well done and the art was beautiful.
October 16, 2024
thank you netgalley for giving me an earc
i really like the art style and i found the story so interesting and deep while still light to read
i really like the art style and i found the story so interesting and deep while still light to read
November 22, 2024
Thank you so much to Netgalley, IDW Publishing, and Top Shelf Productions for providing me with this e-arc
1.75 stars. Round down to 1
Unfortunately, I don't have too much to say about this book. I really liked the cover and because it's a graphic novel thought that, that was a sign I would enjoy the art style. I did not. The art style in the book itself looks different than the art style on the cover (in my opinion), and was quite frankly terrible and I genuinely hated it. There were some panels where the art style was actually good and I thought "this is why I was attracted to this book. This is more similar to the art of the cover and the back of the book", and then there were some panels that genuinely made me angry because of how bad and amateur looking the artstyle was.
I almost dnfed on the artstyle alone but decided to give it a chance in other areas like plot, characters, and dialogue. But overall the artstyle constantly took me out of it. Other than that, the plot was actually alright, although not what I was expecting it to be. I was expecting more of a psychological, thrillery, disorienting vibe, but it turned out to be more of a whimsical oh let's explore these nice dream worlds in a more escape from reality kind of vibe. And so although it wasn't bad it still wasn't really that entertaining to read about.
The characters were fine I guess, the dialogue was also fine, as well as the pacing. Everything was just fine and so if I wasn't considering the art style I probably would have given this a 2 or 2.5 stars, but because of my aforementioned issues it takes off a couple points. So, my general expirience and enjoyment of this book was just not good. I wouldn't ever buy this and I wouldn't recommend anyone else to read this. I do however acknowledge how difficult it is to write a book and that it took this author five years to do so, and so in that regard I do respect the author and acknowledge their efforts. But sadly, this was a huge disappointment
1.75 stars. Round down to 1
Unfortunately, I don't have too much to say about this book. I really liked the cover and because it's a graphic novel thought that, that was a sign I would enjoy the art style. I did not. The art style in the book itself looks different than the art style on the cover (in my opinion), and was quite frankly terrible and I genuinely hated it. There were some panels where the art style was actually good and I thought "this is why I was attracted to this book. This is more similar to the art of the cover and the back of the book", and then there were some panels that genuinely made me angry because of how bad and amateur looking the artstyle was.
I almost dnfed on the artstyle alone but decided to give it a chance in other areas like plot, characters, and dialogue. But overall the artstyle constantly took me out of it. Other than that, the plot was actually alright, although not what I was expecting it to be. I was expecting more of a psychological, thrillery, disorienting vibe, but it turned out to be more of a whimsical oh let's explore these nice dream worlds in a more escape from reality kind of vibe. And so although it wasn't bad it still wasn't really that entertaining to read about.
The characters were fine I guess, the dialogue was also fine, as well as the pacing. Everything was just fine and so if I wasn't considering the art style I probably would have given this a 2 or 2.5 stars, but because of my aforementioned issues it takes off a couple points. So, my general expirience and enjoyment of this book was just not good. I wouldn't ever buy this and I wouldn't recommend anyone else to read this. I do however acknowledge how difficult it is to write a book and that it took this author five years to do so, and so in that regard I do respect the author and acknowledge their efforts. But sadly, this was a huge disappointment
December 16, 2024
Thank you Top Shelf Productions for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
2,75/5
I have some mixed feelings. i had a hard time getting into the story, but after that, I really enjoyed this graphic novel! my first problem was that I was bored by the first chapter. even though it was important in order to introduce the relationships, I feel like it could've been done in a more enticing way, though I'm pretty sure it would be enjoyable to a lot of people. my second issue was with the art style — this is something very personal, as I'm convinced a lot of people will absolutely love it. it was not my cup of tea, and the colors weren't eye catching most of the time to me.
that said, this is a very, very cute and heartwarming story about first love, friendship and finding balance. the dream part of the story, during the sleepover — a big and important part of the story — I absolutely loved : it was creative, and the colors and illustrations were beautiful. the pace, after the first chapters, was great. I didn't love love the dialogue, but they definitely weren't bad.
I would still gladly recommend it to people!
2,75/5
I have some mixed feelings. i had a hard time getting into the story, but after that, I really enjoyed this graphic novel! my first problem was that I was bored by the first chapter. even though it was important in order to introduce the relationships, I feel like it could've been done in a more enticing way, though I'm pretty sure it would be enjoyable to a lot of people. my second issue was with the art style — this is something very personal, as I'm convinced a lot of people will absolutely love it. it was not my cup of tea, and the colors weren't eye catching most of the time to me.
that said, this is a very, very cute and heartwarming story about first love, friendship and finding balance. the dream part of the story, during the sleepover — a big and important part of the story — I absolutely loved : it was creative, and the colors and illustrations were beautiful. the pace, after the first chapters, was great. I didn't love love the dialogue, but they definitely weren't bad.
I would still gladly recommend it to people!
October 2, 2024
If you’ve ever felt yourself get carried away by a relationship, you’ll relate to the main characters in this incredible debut graphic novel. Amber and Nico find young love, and then nothing else matters. It takes a shared dream to wake them up to the reality - they’ve been neglecting their friendships. The characters are so adorable and lifelike and the art is gorgeous, in particular the dream sequences. Dani Diaz does an amazing job of capturing those feelings of your first love and how all encompassing it feels. I look forward to more stories from this author!
March 12, 2025
Probably perfect for Jr. Hi readers. Cute and clean.
October 11, 2024
I think this slice of life (with a hint of magical realism) graphic novel could be mostly enjoyed by middle graders and younger teens.
Sadly I couldn't really get into it: the characters weren't super well defined or likeable and the story never really went anywhere super interesting in my opinion. I also didn't like the art very much at all: I'm afraid I found it quite sloppy, and the colours made it look dull (except in the dream sequences, which were occasionally exceptionally pretty). Can't really recommend this one, sorry
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
Sadly I couldn't really get into it: the characters weren't super well defined or likeable and the story never really went anywhere super interesting in my opinion. I also didn't like the art very much at all: I'm afraid I found it quite sloppy, and the colours made it look dull (except in the dream sequences, which were occasionally exceptionally pretty). Can't really recommend this one, sorry
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 6, 2024
This magical realism ish graphic novel broaches the all too common high school phenomenon in which you get a significant other that you’re obsessed with and completely neglect your friendships. I’ve done it. I’ve gotten in friend fights over it just like Amber. I’ve been the friendship third wheel just like Drew. I’ve felt like I’ve held back my boyfriend’s life and happiness because I’m a sad girlie™️ just like Nico. The story definitely brought me back to high school and all the huge feelings teen me experienced.
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the eARC
Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the eARC
September 11, 2024
2.5 stars - This was just ok. I didn’t love the art style for the majority of the book, but that’s just personal preference. I really liked the art during the dreamscapes, though. I didn’t really understand the point and it didn’t feel like a realistic depiction of middle school dating/romance. I did enjoy a lot of the dialogue.
October 10, 2024
This was such a sweet read!
I loved the author's visual metaphors to describe the ups and downs of a young love relationship within this group of friends. The graphics are gorgeous - I love how the author draws water and elements of nature.
Overall, this read made my afternoon much more enjoyable!
Thank you IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved the author's visual metaphors to describe the ups and downs of a young love relationship within this group of friends. The graphics are gorgeous - I love how the author draws water and elements of nature.
Overall, this read made my afternoon much more enjoyable!
Thank you IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 22, 2025
B eing able to remember this stage of life for me helps me appreciate this graphic novel. No, i wasn't in a relationship at this age. But i remember being in tight friend groups that had a lot of drama but ultimately endured in despite of it.
I think it was really significant of this book to portray a tween romance that's healthy at times, in some ways, yet unhealthy at times, in other ways. it's so realistic and i loved that. Amber and Nico have their own very poignant flaws (Amber is pushy and clingy, Nico is non-confrontational and quiet) but try hard to make a relationship work, even while they're afraid of growing out of one another.
As a Christian, I'm not recommending this book to my actual tween sister because the physical touch is sometimes a little too much (things I won't do even though I'm dating are pictured and I don't want to normalize those things in tween relationships), and because two members of the (very sweet) friend group Amber and Nico are a part of are lesbians. However, for older kids, I think the breathtaking art and honest, visceral depiction of what social life is like for kids this age make this debut absolutely worth reading. It was really nostalgic and tender for me and reconnected me to my younger, more fragile, more open self.
I think it was really significant of this book to portray a tween romance that's healthy at times, in some ways, yet unhealthy at times, in other ways. it's so realistic and i loved that. Amber and Nico have their own very poignant flaws (Amber is pushy and clingy, Nico is non-confrontational and quiet) but try hard to make a relationship work, even while they're afraid of growing out of one another.
As a Christian, I'm not recommending this book to my actual tween sister because the physical touch is sometimes a little too much (things I won't do even though I'm dating are pictured and I don't want to normalize those things in tween relationships), and because two members of the (very sweet) friend group Amber and Nico are a part of are lesbians. However, for older kids, I think the breathtaking art and honest, visceral depiction of what social life is like for kids this age make this debut absolutely worth reading. It was really nostalgic and tender for me and reconnected me to my younger, more fragile, more open self.
November 6, 2025
This one didn't really work for me. The pacing was odd in a way I can't quite put my finger on, and none of the characterization was particularly strong. The art was cute, though, and there were some panels which had amazing composition.
November 14, 2024
This was an easy, innocent, enjoyable read. The dream artwork and transportation were realistic, and the themes of young love and changing friendship were consistent throughout the storyline.
September 3, 2024
3.5 thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy of this book. This was a totally adorable YA graphic novel. I adore books like this and it was a pleasant quick read about friendship and love.
August 13, 2025
2.5
oops, creo que le tenía mucha fe
-udpate de reseña (en inglés porque fue un e-arc, claro que sí)-
When I read the synopsis, it caught my attention, so I decided to give this graphic novel a chance. I knew it was about teenagers, but that wasn’t really a problem since we’ve all been there. However, this time I didn’t quite understand them, especially Amber. Honestly, in several moments it felt like some things about her weren’t fully explained or that we didn’t get enough background; everything felt a bit rushed.
Amber is described as “a headstrong goofball with a temper,” and while you can infer some extra details of her personality, it wasn’t entirely clear to me why she behaves the way she does. On the other hand, I really liked Nico, his character felt much more... and well-developed.
That said, the story did have some cool moments visually. Some panels were filled with wonderful colors, especially one horizontal panel where they’re in a forest, observing the flora and the horizon, and they link their pinky fingers, so cute! :)))
Overall, the story has potential, but I wish certain characters, especially Amber, were more developed so it would be easier to connect with them.
oops, creo que le tenía mucha fe
-udpate de reseña (en inglés porque fue un e-arc, claro que sí)-
When I read the synopsis, it caught my attention, so I decided to give this graphic novel a chance. I knew it was about teenagers, but that wasn’t really a problem since we’ve all been there. However, this time I didn’t quite understand them, especially Amber. Honestly, in several moments it felt like some things about her weren’t fully explained or that we didn’t get enough background; everything felt a bit rushed.
Amber is described as “a headstrong goofball with a temper,” and while you can infer some extra details of her personality, it wasn’t entirely clear to me why she behaves the way she does. On the other hand, I really liked Nico, his character felt much more... and well-developed.
That said, the story did have some cool moments visually. Some panels were filled with wonderful colors, especially one horizontal panel where they’re in a forest, observing the flora and the horizon, and they link their pinky fingers, so cute! :)))
Overall, the story has potential, but I wish certain characters, especially Amber, were more developed so it would be easier to connect with them.
October 20, 2024
Dreamover, a graphic novel centered on the romantic entanglement of two lifelong friends within a tight-knit clique of five, delivers an intriguing premise but falls short. The story’s ambition is clear, aiming to explore the tensions that arise when friendship crosses into romance, yet its execution leaves a bit to be desired.
The core conflict—how the new romantic relationship alienates the couple from the group—feels inconsistent, especially given that another couple already exists within the clique. I thought that this semi-hypocrisy undermined the emotional weight of the drama, making the tension feel somewhat forced or superficial…or at the very least, distracting.
Visually, the artwork is competent but unremarkable. The art does its job but lacks the style or emotional resonance to leave a lasting impact.
That said, Dreamover shows promise as a debut effort. The artist’s ambition is clear, and the book demonstrates a willingness to take creative risks with interpersonal themes, even if the execution doesn’t fully land. It’s a respectable starting point, hinting that future works could show growth in both narrative and artistic development.
The core conflict—how the new romantic relationship alienates the couple from the group—feels inconsistent, especially given that another couple already exists within the clique. I thought that this semi-hypocrisy undermined the emotional weight of the drama, making the tension feel somewhat forced or superficial…or at the very least, distracting.
Visually, the artwork is competent but unremarkable. The art does its job but lacks the style or emotional resonance to leave a lasting impact.
That said, Dreamover shows promise as a debut effort. The artist’s ambition is clear, and the book demonstrates a willingness to take creative risks with interpersonal themes, even if the execution doesn’t fully land. It’s a respectable starting point, hinting that future works could show growth in both narrative and artistic development.
February 6, 2025
Dani Diaz has accomplished a tremendous feat of character and world building, disguised as a sweet and nostalgic slice-of-life.
The core of this book is driven by the emotional arc of its characters, which twists and evolves subtly at first, then comes out in waves during a shared lucid dream. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the way kids do and don’t handle new and confusing emotions as they grow into adolescence. Amber and Nico and their core pack of friends get tugged in different directions by internal and external factors that feel intensely familiar to anyone who was ever 13.
The art is perfectly detailed with the character of the early 2000s, with pop culture nods encoded into the visuals. The spirit of the dream sequence pulls on the aesthetic quality of ghibli films and owl city songs and sends you floating through the vibrant imagination of two sensitive and creative tweenagers.
Am I biased? Yes. Am I correct? Also yes.
This book is so easy to love. Read it or else.
The core of this book is driven by the emotional arc of its characters, which twists and evolves subtly at first, then comes out in waves during a shared lucid dream. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the way kids do and don’t handle new and confusing emotions as they grow into adolescence. Amber and Nico and their core pack of friends get tugged in different directions by internal and external factors that feel intensely familiar to anyone who was ever 13.
The art is perfectly detailed with the character of the early 2000s, with pop culture nods encoded into the visuals. The spirit of the dream sequence pulls on the aesthetic quality of ghibli films and owl city songs and sends you floating through the vibrant imagination of two sensitive and creative tweenagers.
Am I biased? Yes. Am I correct? Also yes.
This book is so easy to love. Read it or else.
September 24, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley and IDW Publishing & Top Shelf Productions for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 out of 5 stars.
This was one of the cutest graphic novels I have read in a while!
'Dreamover' by Dani Diaz is a young adult / teen graphic novel about friendship and starting new relationships without spoiling those friendships. Without giving anything away: Amber and Nico have always been best friends, but what happens when they decide to take the next step? What happens to their other friends and even each other? Do things change? Do they have to change?
Follow this new couple through what seems to them to be their dream relationship... Or is it?
Fantastic, sweet novel that teaches us about what could be and what is.
Highly recommend this novel.
5 out of 5 stars.
This was one of the cutest graphic novels I have read in a while!
'Dreamover' by Dani Diaz is a young adult / teen graphic novel about friendship and starting new relationships without spoiling those friendships. Without giving anything away: Amber and Nico have always been best friends, but what happens when they decide to take the next step? What happens to their other friends and even each other? Do things change? Do they have to change?
Follow this new couple through what seems to them to be their dream relationship... Or is it?
Fantastic, sweet novel that teaches us about what could be and what is.
Highly recommend this novel.
December 31, 2024
This was a short and sweet coming of age graphic novel about two long time bestfriends navigating the big leap between frienship and romance, the switch between middle school to high school and the evolution of their friend group not to mention some wacky stuff in between. This was cozy, nostalgic, and bittersweet. A good read for YA or anyone that wants a feel-good story. Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read read this!
February 6, 2025
This is marketed as YA but skews younger, both for the story/writing and the art style. It’s a story of friends becoming “first loves” and getting so wrapped up in their own relationship that they lose touch with their other friends.
Ummm why are we promoting a story about a really toxic teenage relationship as cute? Why does Amber get to physically hurt Nico and then get an apology from him? Why do their friends forgive them instantly for being turds? No thanks.
Ummm why are we promoting a story about a really toxic teenage relationship as cute? Why does Amber get to physically hurt Nico and then get an apology from him? Why do their friends forgive them instantly for being turds? No thanks.
October 8, 2024
This just became an instant favorite for me! I loved every minute of this experience so much!! It’s so magical and beautiful and whimsical and amazing! I highly recommend this book if you’re a fan of trippy capricious fantasy dream worlds. I could live inside their dream state forever. I wish Hayao Miyazaki would pick this up and turn it into a ghibli animated film. It’s seriously that good.
October 6, 2024
A group of friends has been doing a lot of things with each other, and then two of thought friends have feelings for each other and decide to date. This causes a rift to form in their relationship and these kids face a lot of emotions in their first year of high school along with juggling their friendships and new relationships.
December 4, 2024
This was adorable! I love the story and the art work 👩🍳💋 it was a nice little break from what I normally read! If you are looking for a cute store about friends to lovers and their journey to realizing they need to spend more time with their other friends then this is the story for you! 10/10 recommend!
February 12, 2025
I really liked this cute, coming-of-age story. It explores the transition from adolescent to teen, young love, growing apart, forgiveness, and more. The artwork is beautiful as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel :)
July 5, 2025
This was such a great story about friendship and first loves. I loved the art style and how well this story flowed. I didn't want to put it down. A fun read and I would recommend.
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