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NightBorn
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- GenresHorror
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
11 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Cheung
136 books123 followersTheresa Cheung is an internationally bestselling author and public speaker. She has been writing about spirituality, dreams and the paranormal for the past 35 years, and was listed by Watkins Mind Body and Spirit magazine as one of the 100 most spiritually influential living people in 2023. She has a degree in Theology and English from Kings College, Cambridge University, frequently collaborating with leading scientists and neuroscientists researching consciousness.
Theresa is regularly featured in national newspapers and magazines, and she is a frequent radio, podcast and television guest. She hosts her own popular spiritual podcast called White Shores and her own weekly UK Health Radio show: The Healing Power of Your Dreams.
Theresa is regularly featured in national newspapers and magazines, and she is a frequent radio, podcast and television guest. She hosts her own popular spiritual podcast called White Shores and her own weekly UK Health Radio show: The Healing Power of Your Dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and 6th Books publishers for the ARC ebook for review. All opinions are my own.
I was disappointed in this book because the premise sounded promising.
Night Born is a treatise on dreams and the psychology of dreaming thinly disguised as a fiction novel. I liked all the information about dreams in the book and Carl Jung but there were just too many information dumps about dreams, including 5 kindle pages of dream symbology that were just stuck in the middle of a chapter - maybe they should have been placed as a separate section in the back for better placement and reference? I think the author has a lot of knowledge about dreams and could have put together a very well-written piece of non-fiction about her research, perhaps including a what-if section on the magical realism part of her book that posits if dreams can be manipulated en masse by subliminal messaging. The way she described how the manipulation worked in the book was confusing and didn't make a lot of sense.
The writing is VERY dramatic and the plot and characters and motivations of characters were not very well developed. There were so many plot threads that led nowhere or that should have been developed further, which made it hard to follow. This read like the first draft of a novel - it certainly needed more editing and fleshing out.
2 stars
I was disappointed in this book because the premise sounded promising.
Night Born is a treatise on dreams and the psychology of dreaming thinly disguised as a fiction novel. I liked all the information about dreams in the book and Carl Jung but there were just too many information dumps about dreams, including 5 kindle pages of dream symbology that were just stuck in the middle of a chapter - maybe they should have been placed as a separate section in the back for better placement and reference? I think the author has a lot of knowledge about dreams and could have put together a very well-written piece of non-fiction about her research, perhaps including a what-if section on the magical realism part of her book that posits if dreams can be manipulated en masse by subliminal messaging. The way she described how the manipulation worked in the book was confusing and didn't make a lot of sense.
The writing is VERY dramatic and the plot and characters and motivations of characters were not very well developed. There were so many plot threads that led nowhere or that should have been developed further, which made it hard to follow. This read like the first draft of a novel - it certainly needed more editing and fleshing out.
2 stars
September 25, 2025
My Review | My Recommendation
Title | Nightborn
Author | Theresa Cheung
Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreams - What a great, wild and fantastic journey some give us! But if you had the power to choose everyone’s dream, would it be a good dream or a nightmare?
Thank you Theresa for sending me a copy of this book before the release! I absolutely consumed this! Dreams are so fascinating, but not only was this book educating, also thriller vibes. There was something just so magical about it also.
Let’s give Luna a round of applause for being such an iconic character!
Such an easy read and great story and again super grateful for the opportunity.
- might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but when is every book??
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Releasing on 30th September 2025
“Dreams don’t happen to you. They are created for you, by you, and they’re all about you”
“The future isn’t carved in stone. You get to choose”
“Hard choices, easy life versus easy choices, hard life”
“If in doubt, eat”
“Life if never safe. And it’s not meant to be. A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what it was built for”
“Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
“Everything depends on the choices we make in the present moment”
“Shine. Shine bright”
“Anything is possible when you believe in your dreams and follow your conscience”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
I enjoyed the premise of the book and the idea that the government could try and manipulate the population through mind control via their dreams. Especially in this current climate, where there is a lot of distrust around leadership and people in power. I felt that how the dreams escalated and how the image of Alice spread was accurate for a society where social media is everything and we consume it mindlessly.
However, I felt the climax of the story was really rushed, there was all this build up and then just bang….finished. No suspense, just rushed. I didn’t like the Ward and Alice angle at all, when they suddenly kissed I honestly just felt confused cause how had that escalated to that?!
And then to top it off, you are left at the end, with the feeling of ‘and it was all just a dream..’. I appreciate the whole story is about dreaming and the power of our dreams but I really struggled with this.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC digital copy. This is my honest review.
However, I felt the climax of the story was really rushed, there was all this build up and then just bang….finished. No suspense, just rushed. I didn’t like the Ward and Alice angle at all, when they suddenly kissed I honestly just felt confused cause how had that escalated to that?!
And then to top it off, you are left at the end, with the feeling of ‘and it was all just a dream..’. I appreciate the whole story is about dreaming and the power of our dreams but I really struggled with this.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC digital copy. This is my honest review.
October 26, 2025
Nightborn is a luminous and life-affirming guide into the mystery, magic, and meaning of our nights. Theresa Cheung has once again woven her rare blend of deep wisdom, scientific insight, and soulful storytelling into a book that not only illuminates the dream world, but shows us how profoundly it shapes our waking lives. I can't wait until this is turned in to a TV series or film!
September 25, 2025
My Review | My Recommendation
Title | Nightborn
Author | Theresa Cheung
Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreams - What a great, wild and fantastic journey some give us! But if you had the power to choose everyone’s dream, would it be a good dream or a nightmare?
Thank you Theresa for sending me a copy of this book before the release! I absolutely consumed this! Dreams are so fascinating, but not only was this book educating, also thriller vibes.
Let’s give Luna a round of applause for being such an iconic character!
Such a easy read and great story!
Releasing on 30th September 2025
“Dreams don’t happen to you. They are created for you, by you, and they’re all about you”
“The future isn’t carved in stone. You get to choose”
“Hard choices, easy life versus easy choices, hard life”
“If in doubt, eat”
“Life if never safe. And it’s not meant to be. A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what it was built for”
“Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
“Everything depends on the choices we make in the present moment”
“Shine. Shine bright”
“Anything is possible when you believe in your dreams and follow your conscience”
Title | Nightborn
Author | Theresa Cheung
Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dreams - What a great, wild and fantastic journey some give us! But if you had the power to choose everyone’s dream, would it be a good dream or a nightmare?
Thank you Theresa for sending me a copy of this book before the release! I absolutely consumed this! Dreams are so fascinating, but not only was this book educating, also thriller vibes.
Let’s give Luna a round of applause for being such an iconic character!
Such a easy read and great story!
Releasing on 30th September 2025
“Dreams don’t happen to you. They are created for you, by you, and they’re all about you”
“The future isn’t carved in stone. You get to choose”
“Hard choices, easy life versus easy choices, hard life”
“If in doubt, eat”
“Life if never safe. And it’s not meant to be. A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what it was built for”
“Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”
“Everything depends on the choices we make in the present moment”
“Shine. Shine bright”
“Anything is possible when you believe in your dreams and follow your conscience”
November 14, 2025
NightBorn is a debut novel. The story follows Alice Sinclair, a psychology professor in Florida. She begins appearing in other people’s dreams and this leads to both becoming viral and being harassed, so she goes into hiding with her psychic boyfriend and an older couple of psychics he knows. They call themselves the NightBorn and they decide they’ll discover who’s behind this anomaly. Meanwhile another psychology professor in Florida is growing wealthy by developing a technique of getting people to dream about a specific person by using social media. Some spoilers will follow in the next paragraphs.
It turns out that this psychologist dream manipulator is Alice’s estranged father that she never met. There are strong Jungian synchronicities in the story, and this is one of them. He doesn’t even realize that it’s his own daughter whose image he used, not that he’d care anyway. He’s been hired by a corrupt president of the United States to get everyone to dream about him, with subliminal messages, to get him reelected. Alice meanwhile learns that this is her father and the CIA becomes aware of what’s happening. They decide to get the evidence and prove he’s using election interference.
The story is more complex than this, with one of the president’s aides’ assistants switching sides and falling in love with Alice. Her father ends up getting killed, the president is arrested, and the media calls for Alice to run for president. The last part of the novel gets a bit overblown. The path to presidential election isn’t generally open to professors with no political background. In any case, she wins. I mention on my blog post about the book (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World) that part of the plot resembles the movie Dream Scenario. My main issue with this novel is that it doesn’t have enough space to develop the ideas fully enough. I appreciate briefer novels, but with a complex plot, I need a bit more time to get to know the characters and their motivations. It’s an interesting story, however, and it goes pretty quickly.
It turns out that this psychologist dream manipulator is Alice’s estranged father that she never met. There are strong Jungian synchronicities in the story, and this is one of them. He doesn’t even realize that it’s his own daughter whose image he used, not that he’d care anyway. He’s been hired by a corrupt president of the United States to get everyone to dream about him, with subliminal messages, to get him reelected. Alice meanwhile learns that this is her father and the CIA becomes aware of what’s happening. They decide to get the evidence and prove he’s using election interference.
The story is more complex than this, with one of the president’s aides’ assistants switching sides and falling in love with Alice. Her father ends up getting killed, the president is arrested, and the media calls for Alice to run for president. The last part of the novel gets a bit overblown. The path to presidential election isn’t generally open to professors with no political background. In any case, she wins. I mention on my blog post about the book (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World) that part of the plot resembles the movie Dream Scenario. My main issue with this novel is that it doesn’t have enough space to develop the ideas fully enough. I appreciate briefer novels, but with a complex plot, I need a bit more time to get to know the characters and their motivations. It’s an interesting story, however, and it goes pretty quickly.
July 13, 2025
"Dreams don't happen to you. They're created for you, by you and they're all about you."
"... if you discovered a way to infiltrate dreams, you could set up camp right inside someone's subconscious without them being aware of it."
Many people have dreamed of going viral. Of the possibilities of going viral overnight and the aftermath (positive or negative) that could ensue. For one woman, it was a living nightmare that led her on a dangerous journey to facing her true self in it's entirety.
I had no prior knowledge of the author before reading this novel, so I had wondered how it was packed with so much information about dream analysis, lucid dreaming techniques and the power of the subconscious, as well as relevant text and media references to the subjects. I have always been personally fascinated with those subjects as well as spirituality and the occult; so not only did this novel seemed right up my alley, I got to add to my ever growing TBR list as well. The additions of going viral overnight, subliminal messaging (especially within the realm of political intrigue) were a nice touch of reality within the story. For about 80% of this book, it was getting really close to a 4.5 star for me. Though, the climax of the book hit at an odd point and what unfolded after gave me a bit of whiplash. There were events that I didn't expect at all, events that were shocking, events that seemed out of pocket for the characters themselves. It was... interesting. By the end it had me wondering if the whole story had been a fever dream, and to be quite honest I'm still unsure if it was or wasn't. Though maybe that was the intent in the end. Thank you to Collective Ink Limited and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. My opinions are my own and all in all this was a wonderful read, especially for anyone interested in dreams, mystery, political intrigue and the power of the subconscious. Also, please be aware that there may be some things in this book that some may have a sensitivity to, such as blood, death, loss of a parent, and a few others.
"... if you discovered a way to infiltrate dreams, you could set up camp right inside someone's subconscious without them being aware of it."
Many people have dreamed of going viral. Of the possibilities of going viral overnight and the aftermath (positive or negative) that could ensue. For one woman, it was a living nightmare that led her on a dangerous journey to facing her true self in it's entirety.
I had no prior knowledge of the author before reading this novel, so I had wondered how it was packed with so much information about dream analysis, lucid dreaming techniques and the power of the subconscious, as well as relevant text and media references to the subjects. I have always been personally fascinated with those subjects as well as spirituality and the occult; so not only did this novel seemed right up my alley, I got to add to my ever growing TBR list as well. The additions of going viral overnight, subliminal messaging (especially within the realm of political intrigue) were a nice touch of reality within the story. For about 80% of this book, it was getting really close to a 4.5 star for me. Though, the climax of the book hit at an odd point and what unfolded after gave me a bit of whiplash. There were events that I didn't expect at all, events that were shocking, events that seemed out of pocket for the characters themselves. It was... interesting. By the end it had me wondering if the whole story had been a fever dream, and to be quite honest I'm still unsure if it was or wasn't. Though maybe that was the intent in the end. Thank you to Collective Ink Limited and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. My opinions are my own and all in all this was a wonderful read, especially for anyone interested in dreams, mystery, political intrigue and the power of the subconscious. Also, please be aware that there may be some things in this book that some may have a sensitivity to, such as blood, death, loss of a parent, and a few others.
October 30, 2025
Nightborn immediately caught my attention with its premise, and once I started reading, I found myself surprisingly drawn in. This isn’t my typical genre, but the blend of psychology, dreams, and thriller elements created something quite unique. Theresa Cheung’s deep knowledge of dreams and consciousness shines through in a way that feels both accessible and thought-provoking, and it adds a layer of authenticity that sets this story apart.
I especially enjoyed how the novel blurs the line between reality and the dream world. The idea of shared nightmares and manipulated consciousness is chilling precisely because it feels just plausible enough. The book also raises some unsettling questions about power, influence, and how easily the mind can be steered—questions that lingered with me long after I’d finished.
Alice Sinclair is a compelling protagonist, and following her through this maze of secrets, intuition, and self-doubt kept me fully engaged. I really appreciated the mix of introspection in the first half and the escalating action in the second. And while opinions differ on the ending, I actually liked how it leaves you questioning everything. It fits the story’s themes perfectly. Although this isn’t a genre I read often—and the author’s style isn’t one I’ll personally return to—I still found Nightborn to be a gripping, original, and impressively crafted debut. I’m genuinely pleased I picked it up, and I can absolutely see why readers who enjoy dream theory, Jungian psychology, or mind-bending thrillers are raving about it. A fascinating concept, a strong protagonist, and an undercurrent of unease that keeps you turning pages—Nightborn is definitely worth a read.
I especially enjoyed how the novel blurs the line between reality and the dream world. The idea of shared nightmares and manipulated consciousness is chilling precisely because it feels just plausible enough. The book also raises some unsettling questions about power, influence, and how easily the mind can be steered—questions that lingered with me long after I’d finished.
Alice Sinclair is a compelling protagonist, and following her through this maze of secrets, intuition, and self-doubt kept me fully engaged. I really appreciated the mix of introspection in the first half and the escalating action in the second. And while opinions differ on the ending, I actually liked how it leaves you questioning everything. It fits the story’s themes perfectly. Although this isn’t a genre I read often—and the author’s style isn’t one I’ll personally return to—I still found Nightborn to be a gripping, original, and impressively crafted debut. I’m genuinely pleased I picked it up, and I can absolutely see why readers who enjoy dream theory, Jungian psychology, or mind-bending thrillers are raving about it. A fascinating concept, a strong protagonist, and an undercurrent of unease that keeps you turning pages—Nightborn is definitely worth a read.
October 24, 2025
Fascinated from the start! The prologue grabs you as clearly something is bothering Alice and it's invading her dreams. This continues into the first chapter where students are showing there's something a little strange going on!! Initially you don't realise just how crazy things can get but it becomes clear as we read on that it's bigger than Alice could have imagined.
Some people say they don't dream or don't remember dreams. I've always been a big dreamer where sometimes things have been so vivid that I've woken confused and disoriented. Synchronicity has been a common theme throughout my life and déjà vu pops up occasion just to add puzzlement to my days.
I liked how the story adds psychic intuition and the dream analysis throughout and shows it being used to manipulate. Alice's involvement seems accidental but you can't help but wonder if anything is ever accidental. Her involvement balances things out where she's representing good and Garcia representing the bad in their field of expertise.
The corruption within the president's office and the lengths they'd go to manipulate the public is at the heart of this too and it's interesting to see how Alice and the people around her work on fixing things. Luna is a fun addition and I'm sure Alice would be lost without Luna to keep her company.
It's a quirky thriller that I really enjoyed and didn't want to put down. Curious as to where things might lead for Alice and whether she has any more interesting adventures!
Some people say they don't dream or don't remember dreams. I've always been a big dreamer where sometimes things have been so vivid that I've woken confused and disoriented. Synchronicity has been a common theme throughout my life and déjà vu pops up occasion just to add puzzlement to my days.
I liked how the story adds psychic intuition and the dream analysis throughout and shows it being used to manipulate. Alice's involvement seems accidental but you can't help but wonder if anything is ever accidental. Her involvement balances things out where she's representing good and Garcia representing the bad in their field of expertise.
The corruption within the president's office and the lengths they'd go to manipulate the public is at the heart of this too and it's interesting to see how Alice and the people around her work on fixing things. Luna is a fun addition and I'm sure Alice would be lost without Luna to keep her company.
It's a quirky thriller that I really enjoyed and didn't want to put down. Curious as to where things might lead for Alice and whether she has any more interesting adventures!
October 29, 2025
Some dreams must be set free. Nightmares, after all, are dreams…”
When thousands of people begin experiencing terrifying and vivid nightmares that centre around Alice Sinclair, an academic psychology professor.
But when Alice’s life begins to unravel she is
haunted by questions of why she’s become the subject of these shared dreams.
Alice is determined to search for answers but soon becomes embroiled in a web of treacherous deceit and the chilling discovery that hidden networks of “Nightborns” have the ability to manipulate individuals dreams.
Who can Alice really trust in her race against time?
Nightborn is a unique, thought provoking, engaging immersive read that explores the boundaries between reality and the subconscious. You will finish this book questioning everything!
I found the pacing slow to begin with, but I suspect this is deliberate because when the mass viral dreams begin the pacing quickens. I couldn’t put the book down.
Cheung’s writing style is deceptively simple but descriptively rich, she pulls you into the narrative and makes you feel like you’re not just reading a thriller but inhabiting Alice’s mind.
This debut novel is a must read, especially for readers who enjoy genre mashups fused with spirituality, dreams and the paranormal.
When thousands of people begin experiencing terrifying and vivid nightmares that centre around Alice Sinclair, an academic psychology professor.
But when Alice’s life begins to unravel she is
haunted by questions of why she’s become the subject of these shared dreams.
Alice is determined to search for answers but soon becomes embroiled in a web of treacherous deceit and the chilling discovery that hidden networks of “Nightborns” have the ability to manipulate individuals dreams.
Who can Alice really trust in her race against time?
Nightborn is a unique, thought provoking, engaging immersive read that explores the boundaries between reality and the subconscious. You will finish this book questioning everything!
I found the pacing slow to begin with, but I suspect this is deliberate because when the mass viral dreams begin the pacing quickens. I couldn’t put the book down.
Cheung’s writing style is deceptively simple but descriptively rich, she pulls you into the narrative and makes you feel like you’re not just reading a thriller but inhabiting Alice’s mind.
This debut novel is a must read, especially for readers who enjoy genre mashups fused with spirituality, dreams and the paranormal.
October 25, 2025
NightBorn is a fascinating debut novel that not only deals with the power and persuasion of dreams but poses serious questions given the seemingly current mass ‘psychosis’ which seems to be following around certain political leaders and parties. As someone who is interested in dreams and their meanings I was instantly hooked by this novel. I loved the premises and how, for me, it could very easily become a reality when we look at some of the political parties and leaders we have in the West today. The thing that really captivated me, however, was the writing. Cheung has a way of pulling you into the narrative and not letting you go.
The writing is easy to immerse in but intricately woven so you do not want to put it down. Alice was a wonderful protagonists who I instantly got attached to. I know some reviewers have mentioned they weren’t keen on the end but I have to say I personally loved it. No spoiler, but I think it was a perfect way to ‘end’ the novel and leave us questioning just what is real and how much we know. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in dreams but also those who love a good sort of thriller.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
The writing is easy to immerse in but intricately woven so you do not want to put it down. Alice was a wonderful protagonists who I instantly got attached to. I know some reviewers have mentioned they weren’t keen on the end but I have to say I personally loved it. No spoiler, but I think it was a perfect way to ‘end’ the novel and leave us questioning just what is real and how much we know. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in dreams but also those who love a good sort of thriller.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
November 2, 2025
What if your nightmares weren’t just dreams but messages from something watching you? 👀
NightBorn by Theresa Cheung hooked me from the very first page.
I went in expecting a psychological thriller with a sprinkle of the supernatural and what I got was a full blown mind bending descent into the blurred line between science, dreams, and power.
Alice Sinclair, a psychology professor with her life perfectly under control (or so she thinks), becomes the literal centre of thousands of people’s shared nightmares.
That setup alone gave me chills. From there, everything spirals: conspiracy, technology, dream manipulation, and that eerie question of what’s real anymore?
Cheung’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and filled with unsettling tension. I loved the academic meets apocalyptic tone. It felt like Inception collided with Black Mirror in a dream lab gone wrong.
It’s dark and thought provoking. The way the story examines consciousness and control had me thinking even after I finished the book (and maybe checking my own dreams a little too closely 👁️).
If you love cerebral thrillers that play with reality and leave you doubting your own mind...NightBorn is the one.
NightBorn by Theresa Cheung hooked me from the very first page.
I went in expecting a psychological thriller with a sprinkle of the supernatural and what I got was a full blown mind bending descent into the blurred line between science, dreams, and power.
Alice Sinclair, a psychology professor with her life perfectly under control (or so she thinks), becomes the literal centre of thousands of people’s shared nightmares.
That setup alone gave me chills. From there, everything spirals: conspiracy, technology, dream manipulation, and that eerie question of what’s real anymore?
Cheung’s writing is sharp, cinematic, and filled with unsettling tension. I loved the academic meets apocalyptic tone. It felt like Inception collided with Black Mirror in a dream lab gone wrong.
It’s dark and thought provoking. The way the story examines consciousness and control had me thinking even after I finished the book (and maybe checking my own dreams a little too closely 👁️).
If you love cerebral thrillers that play with reality and leave you doubting your own mind...NightBorn is the one.
October 10, 2025
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Nightborn, and wow — what a ride. Theresa Cheung has written many books on the metaphysical and parapsychology, but this marks her debut novel, and she came out swinging.
This story hit that “feed me more information I don’t know yet” itch while still delivering a solid, engaging plot — which is so hard to pull off without getting dull. There’s a ton of fascinating insight into Jungian psychology and how dreams can blur into waking reality. The concept of coding dreams for any reason, let alone marketing purposes? Absolutely terrifying. And yet the way Cheung explains it makes it sound chillingly possible.
There’s just a touch of romance (enough to keep me intrigued), but this one is really about the science, the ideas, and the tension. It’s smart, eerie, and entirely too plausible.
Also, bonus points because the main character’s dog is named Luna — same as mine 🐾 and yes, I’m biased.
If you like your thrillers with a side of psychology and speculative science, Nightborn is definitely one to watch for.
This story hit that “feed me more information I don’t know yet” itch while still delivering a solid, engaging plot — which is so hard to pull off without getting dull. There’s a ton of fascinating insight into Jungian psychology and how dreams can blur into waking reality. The concept of coding dreams for any reason, let alone marketing purposes? Absolutely terrifying. And yet the way Cheung explains it makes it sound chillingly possible.
There’s just a touch of romance (enough to keep me intrigued), but this one is really about the science, the ideas, and the tension. It’s smart, eerie, and entirely too plausible.
Also, bonus points because the main character’s dog is named Luna — same as mine 🐾 and yes, I’m biased.
If you like your thrillers with a side of psychology and speculative science, Nightborn is definitely one to watch for.
October 28, 2025
The premise really attracted me to this book and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Quite unique, it kept me engaged, and I did not know where the story would lead which made my reading experience very fun.
I looved all the information about dreams and Jungian psychology, I don’t think I’ve heard of a fiction book focused on these themes before, so it was fascinating.
There was a lot of reflection on dreams and various interpretations, predominantly in the first half of the book, but there was also a lot of action in the second half, some shocking and very dramatic moments too.
The analysis of dreams is something I’ve been interested in, but never properly studied. This book inspired me to look into it more because I loved all the presented information about dreams and their possible meanings. I tabbed more than half the book I think🤭
This was a unique book which kept me engaged and kept me wondering until the end. I recommend it if any of the themes interest you, especially dream interpretations.✨💤😴
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours, the author, and publisher for my review copy. All thoughts are my own.
I looved all the information about dreams and Jungian psychology, I don’t think I’ve heard of a fiction book focused on these themes before, so it was fascinating.
There was a lot of reflection on dreams and various interpretations, predominantly in the first half of the book, but there was also a lot of action in the second half, some shocking and very dramatic moments too.
The analysis of dreams is something I’ve been interested in, but never properly studied. This book inspired me to look into it more because I loved all the presented information about dreams and their possible meanings. I tabbed more than half the book I think🤭
This was a unique book which kept me engaged and kept me wondering until the end. I recommend it if any of the themes interest you, especially dream interpretations.✨💤😴
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours, the author, and publisher for my review copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 27, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Palamedes PR and Zooloo's Book Tours.
When I saw the cover design for this book and read the description, I was very intrigued. Dreams are a very important theme in this book, and as a person who takes an interest in dreams, this book really sparked my interest. Some years ago, I kept a dream journal, to regularly record and interpret my dreams, purely as a pastime. Reading this inspired me to take it up again.
I think my enthusiasm for dreams was something that helped me to connect better with Alice, Joe and the other characters. The characters were likeable and presented in an interesting way.
I found this a very thought-provoking and unique read. At times it was quite chilling too, but it had me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Palamedes PR, Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
When I saw the cover design for this book and read the description, I was very intrigued. Dreams are a very important theme in this book, and as a person who takes an interest in dreams, this book really sparked my interest. Some years ago, I kept a dream journal, to regularly record and interpret my dreams, purely as a pastime. Reading this inspired me to take it up again.
I think my enthusiasm for dreams was something that helped me to connect better with Alice, Joe and the other characters. The characters were likeable and presented in an interesting way.
I found this a very thought-provoking and unique read. At times it was quite chilling too, but it had me hooked from start to finish.
Thank you to Palamedes PR, Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
October 28, 2025
Thank you @zooloosBT For letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Nightborn is a fantasy/paranormal genre. The story is about Alice, who is a professor of psychology, and all of a sudden she starts sharing dreams with other people. I was fascinated with this book, especially about the theme, which is dreams and the psychology behind them, and I find Nightborn intriguing anyway because it’s a great read. I loved finding out more about dreams through the story that I didn’t know. I came away with more knowledge. Nightborn is a delight to read, and the story flows very well all through the book. . I did feel like I was on a roller coaster while reading this book. Which is always good. I like Alice as a character and was drawn to her from the get-go and find her character interesting. It was lovely to read something different and a topic I'm interested in. Thrilling read. 4 stars.
November 24, 2025
Some dreams must be set free. Nightmares, after all, are still dreams.
I have always been fascinated by what my dreams mean, so I loved reading the extra part in this fiction novel, that explains what most things we dream off, in what they really mean. I absolutely adored the unique of this novel Nightborn about dreams, by the talented Theresa Cheung. Alice Sinclair is a Psychology professor in Jungian Studies at University Central Florida. Strange dreams are taking place by too many people, who are dreaming about Alice with one dark blue eye and the other a brown. Alice has secrets that she doesn’t like to tell. Now I have always been interested with tarot cards readings, and Alice is in an area where she has tarot cards readings. I couldn’t put this novel down following what happens to Alice, along with her dog, Luna. This is one debut fiction novel I’m shouting loudly about, Nightborn is a page-turning , must buy, must read.
I have always been fascinated by what my dreams mean, so I loved reading the extra part in this fiction novel, that explains what most things we dream off, in what they really mean. I absolutely adored the unique of this novel Nightborn about dreams, by the talented Theresa Cheung. Alice Sinclair is a Psychology professor in Jungian Studies at University Central Florida. Strange dreams are taking place by too many people, who are dreaming about Alice with one dark blue eye and the other a brown. Alice has secrets that she doesn’t like to tell. Now I have always been interested with tarot cards readings, and Alice is in an area where she has tarot cards readings. I couldn’t put this novel down following what happens to Alice, along with her dog, Luna. This is one debut fiction novel I’m shouting loudly about, Nightborn is a page-turning , must buy, must read.
November 16, 2025
This book was a surprisingly addictive read! The idea of shared nightmares spiraling out of control is fascinating, and the way the author blends psychology, dream theory, and suspense keeps you guessing the whole way through. Alice is a relatable protagonist, and I liked how her curiosity and intelligence make the story feel grounded, even as the situations become increasingly bizarre and unsettling.
The pacing is a little uneven, some sections drag while others feel rushed, but the atmosphere and ideas more than make up for it. I found myself thinking about the book long after finishing it, especially the questions it raises about consciousness, control, and how fragile our sense of reality can be. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist that also makes you pause and think, this book is definitely worth the read.
The pacing is a little uneven, some sections drag while others feel rushed, but the atmosphere and ideas more than make up for it. I found myself thinking about the book long after finishing it, especially the questions it raises about consciousness, control, and how fragile our sense of reality can be. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist that also makes you pause and think, this book is definitely worth the read.
September 25, 2025
When I picked up this book I thought it was going to be another paranormal thriller but it turned out to be something quite different. The book goes deep into dreams, Jungian psychology, and how our subconscious can shape reality.
At first I found Alice’s obsession with her own dreams a little over the top but then I realized that’s the point. She’s someone living on the edge of sanity and the author captures that unease brilliantly. The drowning scene at the beginning still lingers with me it’s one of the most visceral depictions of a nightmare I’ve ever read.
The more I read the more I started questioning my own dreams. That’s the power of this book it blurs the line between fiction and something disturbingly possible.
At first I found Alice’s obsession with her own dreams a little over the top but then I realized that’s the point. She’s someone living on the edge of sanity and the author captures that unease brilliantly. The drowning scene at the beginning still lingers with me it’s one of the most visceral depictions of a nightmare I’ve ever read.
The more I read the more I started questioning my own dreams. That’s the power of this book it blurs the line between fiction and something disturbingly possible.
September 29, 2025
While most readers will talk about Alice I actually found myself drawn to Neal and the role he plays in her unraveling. His drawing of her before she even revealed her eyes was one of the most terrifying moments in the book. But beyond that Neal is a mirror. He doesn’t dominate the story, but his presence makes Alice’s situation feel heavier because he reflects back the strangeness without being able to help her. Even the smaller characters students, colleagues felt believable. The way they began reacting to Alice as her “dream fame” spread reminded me of how quickly people shift when they think they’re close to someone special. It gave the book a layer of realism that I didn’t expect in what could have been just a surreal tale.
September 29, 2025
The author does an incredible job making the ordinary feel uncanny. Alice’s campus with its sprawling lawns and glass-walled buildings starts as a familiar safe place yet by the time the dream phenomenon begins it feels almost alien.
I loved how the normalcy of classrooms, office corridors, and cafeterias contrasted with the surreal intrusion of dreams into reality. The way sunlight streamed through the windows or how the birds and flowers were described gave a sense of calm that sharply clashed with the tension Alice felt making her anxiety and confusion even more tangible.
By grounding the story in recognizable spaces the author heightened the sense that the supernatural could invade our everyday lives at any moment which left me genuinely wandering.
I loved how the normalcy of classrooms, office corridors, and cafeterias contrasted with the surreal intrusion of dreams into reality. The way sunlight streamed through the windows or how the birds and flowers were described gave a sense of calm that sharply clashed with the tension Alice felt making her anxiety and confusion even more tangible.
By grounding the story in recognizable spaces the author heightened the sense that the supernatural could invade our everyday lives at any moment which left me genuinely wandering.
September 29, 2025
Luna was more than a side character she was a lifeline for Alice and reading their interactions added a layer of emotional depth I didn’t expect. The way Luna comforted Alice during panic episodes or simply accompanied her on drives created a sense of normalcy amidst chaos.
I felt like Luna gave Alice and the reader a moment to breathe between the escalating dream disturbances and public frenzy. There’s a scene where Alice reflects on Luna while driving and I found myself almost holding my own breath along with her feeling the tension ease just slightly. Luna’s presence was subtle but critical showing the author’s skill at using relationships human or animal to make the psychological stakes feel real and grounded.
I felt like Luna gave Alice and the reader a moment to breathe between the escalating dream disturbances and public frenzy. There’s a scene where Alice reflects on Luna while driving and I found myself almost holding my own breath along with her feeling the tension ease just slightly. Luna’s presence was subtle but critical showing the author’s skill at using relationships human or animal to make the psychological stakes feel real and grounded.
October 2, 2025
I didn’t expect to be so invested in how the world reacted to Alice but the portrayal of social media frenzy felt so real. The moment her students sketches went online and strangers began claiming to dream about her was chaotic but the author captured the mix of fear, curiosity, and absurdity perfectly. I could feel Alice’s dread as her private life became public while also seeing the fascination she had longed for with dreamwork now manifesting in the most invasive way. It’s a commentary on the modern obsession with virality but also a deeply personal story about losing control over how you’re perceived. Reading these scenes made me think about my own online presence and how quickly private becomes public.
October 5, 2025
Reading Nightborn felt like stepping into a half-lit room not fully dark but dim enough that you keep squinting trying to make sense of what you’re seeing. The author captures that uneasy space between reality and imagination beautifully. Alice’s experiences don’t feel supernatural in the fantasy sense they feel psychological like something a person could actually go through when their mind refuses to rest.
What I appreciated most is the author’s understanding of confusion not as a flaw but as a genuine human condition. The narrative doesn’t chase clarity it allows disorientation to become part of the story. Even the dialogue mirrors that stilted, hesitant, sometimes breaking mid-thought. It reminded me of how real conversations sound when no one is sure what’s true anymore.
What I appreciated most is the author’s understanding of confusion not as a flaw but as a genuine human condition. The narrative doesn’t chase clarity it allows disorientation to become part of the story. Even the dialogue mirrors that stilted, hesitant, sometimes breaking mid-thought. It reminded me of how real conversations sound when no one is sure what’s true anymore.
October 21, 2025
So I read Nightborn over 4 nights and every time i went to bed after reading it I had the strangest dreams ever. I’m not joking. I don’t know if it’s the writing or just coincidence but it messed with my sleep in a good way. The story’s not straight, like sometimes I had to go back and read a few pages to make sense but I actually liked that. It felt like i was part of Alice’s confusion. She’s not written to be some hero or anything. She’s just… lost. and I get that. I’ve been there. The loneliness, the feeling that you’re slipping and no one’s noticing yeah that part hurt. I liked how the book didn’t try too hard to be smart. It’s quiet but it hits you if you let it. Not a happy story though more like something that pokes at all the parts you try not to think about.
October 21, 2025
I read this book mostly at night with my phone light turned low and headphones on and honestly it felt like the book was reading me instead of the other way around. I don’t know how else to explain it. I’ve been dealing with insomnia for months and it was strange how some lines felt like they were describing my own nights. I kept thinking about how the brain can turn against you how you can get stuck inside your own thoughts and not find the door out.
There were nights I dreamed about the story like my mind kept it running after I’d stopped reading. I finished the book and couldn’t sleep properly for two days not because i was scared but because my head wouldn’t stop replaying parts of it. I don’t think I’ve had a reading experience like that in years.
There were nights I dreamed about the story like my mind kept it running after I’d stopped reading. I finished the book and couldn’t sleep properly for two days not because i was scared but because my head wouldn’t stop replaying parts of it. I don’t think I’ve had a reading experience like that in years.
October 25, 2025
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours, Palamedes PR and the author for this ARC!
I LOVE the premise of a book built around Jungian dream interpretations. Studying Jung is something I've always enjoyed, and it's clear that the author knows what they're talking about in this respect. The main plot point of the character featuring in other people's dreams was so exciting, and I thought it was a fantastic, unique concept for a debut novel.
If the book had ended a little sooner it would have been a perfect five stars, but there were a few things that happened at the end that just didn't work for me. That being said, if you're interested in dream theories, the collective unconscious, or casual psychology, this is definitely one to try.
I LOVE the premise of a book built around Jungian dream interpretations. Studying Jung is something I've always enjoyed, and it's clear that the author knows what they're talking about in this respect. The main plot point of the character featuring in other people's dreams was so exciting, and I thought it was a fantastic, unique concept for a debut novel.
If the book had ended a little sooner it would have been a perfect five stars, but there were a few things that happened at the end that just didn't work for me. That being said, if you're interested in dream theories, the collective unconscious, or casual psychology, this is definitely one to try.
September 29, 2025
For me this book wasn’t just about dreams. It was about losing control over your own story. Alice spends the entire book trying to cling to frameworks that make sense her research, her theories, her daily routines but each time those structures fail. By the end she doesn’t own her identity anymore.
Everyone else has claimed a piece of it her students, strangers on the internet, even archetypes themselves. That hit hard because in our world it only takes one viral moment to make you a stranger to yourself. The book’s horror wasn’t in monsters but in watching a woman’s selfhood be dismantled piece by piece.
Everyone else has claimed a piece of it her students, strangers on the internet, even archetypes themselves. That hit hard because in our world it only takes one viral moment to make you a stranger to yourself. The book’s horror wasn’t in monsters but in watching a woman’s selfhood be dismantled piece by piece.
September 29, 2025
The ending is what sealed this book for me.
I won’t spoil details but I will say it doesn’t go for a neat resolution. Instead it leaves you questioning what was real, what was symbolic, and how much of Alice’s journey was her own versus something archetypal pulling the strings. At first I wanted more answers, but the more I thought about it the more I realized a clean ending would have ruined the dreamlike nature of the story. Dreams don’t end with explanations they end with you waking up confused, unsettled, and trying to make sense of fragments. That’s exactly how this book ended for me and it felt right.
I won’t spoil details but I will say it doesn’t go for a neat resolution. Instead it leaves you questioning what was real, what was symbolic, and how much of Alice’s journey was her own versus something archetypal pulling the strings. At first I wanted more answers, but the more I thought about it the more I realized a clean ending would have ruined the dreamlike nature of the story. Dreams don’t end with explanations they end with you waking up confused, unsettled, and trying to make sense of fragments. That’s exactly how this book ended for me and it felt right.
October 2, 2025
The interactions between Alice and her colleagues especially Amira and Greta were handled beautifully. They felt real supportive, curious, sometimes exasperated but never cartoonish.
The faculty dynamic added a layer of authenticity to Alice’s life and contrasted sharply with the surreal dream events. I loved how conversations about Jung, synchronicity, and dream symbolism weren’t just filler they enriched the story while highlighting Alice’s expertise and obsession.
The book made me appreciate how professional relationships, mentorship and shared intellectual passion can anchor someone in reality even as their world seems to unravel.
The faculty dynamic added a layer of authenticity to Alice’s life and contrasted sharply with the surreal dream events. I loved how conversations about Jung, synchronicity, and dream symbolism weren’t just filler they enriched the story while highlighting Alice’s expertise and obsession.
The book made me appreciate how professional relationships, mentorship and shared intellectual passion can anchor someone in reality even as their world seems to unravel.
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