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The Dream Factory
- GenresThriller
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2026
About the author
Pete Kramer
3 books13 followersPete Kramer is an author known for his genre mashups. His latest novel 'The Dream Factory,' has been described as a dark blend of Willy Wonka and Disney World.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 3, 2026
ARC REVIEW
When this family decides to go on a “funcation “to Bixby Park they have no clue what was in store for them. Jaxson and Becky find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation. Will their parents get to them in time? I liked this fast-paced, well-written book. This book is full of suspense. I think amusement parks make a great setting for horror stories.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
When this family decides to go on a “funcation “to Bixby Park they have no clue what was in store for them. Jaxson and Becky find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation. Will their parents get to them in time? I liked this fast-paced, well-written book. This book is full of suspense. I think amusement parks make a great setting for horror stories.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
May 28, 2026
LECTURA ARC
El libro es una mezcla de parque temático Disney , con Willy wonka y muchas otras cosas más .
Es bastante tétrico lo que pasa en la fábrica de sueños lo que hace que sea entretenido .
El final se sintió como un final abierto lo cual me dejará pensado mucho en que paso .
Si te gustan la historia de suspenso, y estar pensando en que está pasando te lo recomiendo .
Gracias a Book Sirens por enviarme una copia anticipada para leer y reseñar .
ARC READ
The book is a mix of Disney theme park, Willy Wonka, and lots of other things too.
What happens in the Dream Factory is pretty eerie, which is what makes it entertaining.
The ending felt open-ended, so it’s going to leave me thinking a lot about what actually happened.
If you like suspense stories and trying to figure out what’s going on, I’d recommend it.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
El libro es una mezcla de parque temático Disney , con Willy wonka y muchas otras cosas más .
Es bastante tétrico lo que pasa en la fábrica de sueños lo que hace que sea entretenido .
El final se sintió como un final abierto lo cual me dejará pensado mucho en que paso .
Si te gustan la historia de suspenso, y estar pensando en que está pasando te lo recomiendo .
Gracias a Book Sirens por enviarme una copia anticipada para leer y reseñar .
ARC READ
The book is a mix of Disney theme park, Willy Wonka, and lots of other things too.
What happens in the Dream Factory is pretty eerie, which is what makes it entertaining.
The ending felt open-ended, so it’s going to leave me thinking a lot about what actually happened.
If you like suspense stories and trying to figure out what’s going on, I’d recommend it.
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
April 15, 2026
The Dream Factory started off so strong and I was hooked by the premise and flew through the first half. The atmosphere and mystery really pulled me in. I was having a hard time putting it down.
But somewhere around the halfway point, it just lost momentum for me. The pacing slowed down and the story didn’t feel as engaging or focused as it did at the start. The story got to be a little too “out there” for me.
Still a decent read overall, but I wish it had maintained that early energy all the way through.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
But somewhere around the halfway point, it just lost momentum for me. The pacing slowed down and the story didn’t feel as engaging or focused as it did at the start. The story got to be a little too “out there” for me.
Still a decent read overall, but I wish it had maintained that early energy all the way through.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
Disney meets willywonka but a grotesque thriller. Following several contestants of "winners of tickets" except nothing is as it seems. There are multiple POVs adding more to the storyline. The one main character is a 9 Year old boy whose POV adds some humor to the book. It was a fun read and I couldn't wait to see how they made it out.
This book was given to me by book sirens. All opinions are my own and im leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was given to me by book sirens. All opinions are my own and im leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2026
Disneyworld meets Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory in this dream turned nightmare of a story.
Two lucky winners are given access to the Dream Factory of the deceased Max Bixby, a mysterious attraction within his beloved theme park. What awaits them is all of their dreams coming true... Or is it?
The Dream Factory divides our time between three POVs; Jax, an 8 year old excited to be there, Don, a basketball player-turned-teacher, and Charlie, the assistant to the park's owner Lucille. This allows us to view the story through the idealistic eyes of a child, the cynical stance of an adult, and from an insider with more knowledge.
The park is built up perfectly, and the excitement is palpable as guests scramble for the lucky tickets. The Dream Factory segment begins exactly halfway through the book, and almost all of it is spoilers! Needless to say it's fantastic, leaving you constantly guessing at how things will play out.
My only criticism of this was that I'd have liked to spend more time in the Factory before it went South. I feel there was untapped potential there, but what we got was still a treat. A perfect length for leisurely reading, I'd definitely recommend The Dream Factory to others.
Two lucky winners are given access to the Dream Factory of the deceased Max Bixby, a mysterious attraction within his beloved theme park. What awaits them is all of their dreams coming true... Or is it?
The Dream Factory divides our time between three POVs; Jax, an 8 year old excited to be there, Don, a basketball player-turned-teacher, and Charlie, the assistant to the park's owner Lucille. This allows us to view the story through the idealistic eyes of a child, the cynical stance of an adult, and from an insider with more knowledge.
The park is built up perfectly, and the excitement is palpable as guests scramble for the lucky tickets. The Dream Factory segment begins exactly halfway through the book, and almost all of it is spoilers! Needless to say it's fantastic, leaving you constantly guessing at how things will play out.
My only criticism of this was that I'd have liked to spend more time in the Factory before it went South. I feel there was untapped potential there, but what we got was still a treat. A perfect length for leisurely reading, I'd definitely recommend The Dream Factory to others.
May 29, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Dream Factory by Pete Kramer reminded me of a Disney trip more than a decade ago. Not to the extent of um, all that, but the family dynamics and sense of claustrophobia. Mix it with Willy Wonka’s way of choosing factory tours with a dash of Pinocchio, and you’ve got an entertaining read.
It’s a multiple POV story that’s plot based. The story follows a family of four, a jock’s friend, and a staff member that progress the plot around a dream factory. After the founder of Bixby Park passes away, the Park is given to his children, who open the Dream factory. There are two tickets to the factory tour, where at the end of a ‘successful’ tour, the attendees win a million dollars. Naturally, it’s never as easy as that. The winners embark on a tour to the island where the Dream Factory is built.
Things don’t go well.
The reason I chose the book was the cover. The contrast of colour against odd story works so much in retrospect. It also fits with one of the POVs being Jaxton, the youngest kid of the family. His POV is entertaining and so innocent in comparison to the others. The diverse POVs creates strong voice, so that characters don’t fall flat, thankfully. Everyone has a thing. The tension builds naturally and had me turn pages quickly.
The writing style is succinct but does at times suffer from unrelated exposition and dialogue. For example, I found his earlier POV sections to be slower as he and his friend are talking a lot about picking up women. Granted, the next section could pick up as it felt like the earlier POVs of Jaxton and Charlie were much more confident. Overall, great allure and hooks.
The unfortunate part of the narrative is that there’s blatant anti-furry mentality. If you’re a reader who participates in furry culture, then you may need to be mindful of that. It does also bring up the interesting notion of contrast, and what promiscuity needs to succeed.
Overall, I’d rate The Dream Factory a 4/5. The premise plays on capitalism horror, which makes it effective from the get-go, yet the child, Jaxton, adds an uncomfortable innocence to adults’ nonsense. It’s a fast read, so I’d recommend this to those who don’t mind if the story isn’t steeped in 100% realism.
Kramer’s narrative is something I wouldn’t mind revisiting.
The Dream Factory by Pete Kramer reminded me of a Disney trip more than a decade ago. Not to the extent of um, all that, but the family dynamics and sense of claustrophobia. Mix it with Willy Wonka’s way of choosing factory tours with a dash of Pinocchio, and you’ve got an entertaining read.
It’s a multiple POV story that’s plot based. The story follows a family of four, a jock’s friend, and a staff member that progress the plot around a dream factory. After the founder of Bixby Park passes away, the Park is given to his children, who open the Dream factory. There are two tickets to the factory tour, where at the end of a ‘successful’ tour, the attendees win a million dollars. Naturally, it’s never as easy as that. The winners embark on a tour to the island where the Dream Factory is built.
Things don’t go well.
The reason I chose the book was the cover. The contrast of colour against odd story works so much in retrospect. It also fits with one of the POVs being Jaxton, the youngest kid of the family. His POV is entertaining and so innocent in comparison to the others. The diverse POVs creates strong voice, so that characters don’t fall flat, thankfully. Everyone has a thing. The tension builds naturally and had me turn pages quickly.
The writing style is succinct but does at times suffer from unrelated exposition and dialogue. For example, I found his earlier POV sections to be slower as he and his friend are talking a lot about picking up women. Granted, the next section could pick up as it felt like the earlier POVs of Jaxton and Charlie were much more confident. Overall, great allure and hooks.
The unfortunate part of the narrative is that there’s blatant anti-furry mentality. If you’re a reader who participates in furry culture, then you may need to be mindful of that. It does also bring up the interesting notion of contrast, and what promiscuity needs to succeed.
Overall, I’d rate The Dream Factory a 4/5. The premise plays on capitalism horror, which makes it effective from the get-go, yet the child, Jaxton, adds an uncomfortable innocence to adults’ nonsense. It’s a fast read, so I’d recommend this to those who don’t mind if the story isn’t steeped in 100% realism.
Kramer’s narrative is something I wouldn’t mind revisiting.
Review of advance copy
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, as I felt the cutesy cover was giving me misleading vibes & ohhhhh was I right! but in that delicious 'shivers down the spin' way.
You have several main characters who for different reasons are visiting Bixby Park whilst they have a 'once in a lifetime' promotion going on where people can win the chance to visit the secretive Bixby Island in the middle of the amusement park, all they have to do is find one of the scratch-cards in the park that give two lucky people this amazing opportunity.
The story has great character development as you follow the multiple back stories of the different groups of people as they come together to start their magical tour. The multi-POV's really lean well to a fast paced storyline, & gives a great reading experience with all the twists, turns & weirdness that comes to light as the plot line develops. The world building is vibrant & very immersive, giving the complete escapism experience to the reader.
Overall, Mr Bixby gave me flavours of the weirdness of Willy Wonka, but more unhinged mixed with an overall vibe of Disneyland if it was darker! So, if you like books that build tension & suspense all the way through & leaves you with goosebumps, or makes you talk to the pages telling characters 'don't go there!' then I would recommend you grab a copy of this book when it is released.
** Thank you to Booksirens for providing an advance e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
You have several main characters who for different reasons are visiting Bixby Park whilst they have a 'once in a lifetime' promotion going on where people can win the chance to visit the secretive Bixby Island in the middle of the amusement park, all they have to do is find one of the scratch-cards in the park that give two lucky people this amazing opportunity.
The story has great character development as you follow the multiple back stories of the different groups of people as they come together to start their magical tour. The multi-POV's really lean well to a fast paced storyline, & gives a great reading experience with all the twists, turns & weirdness that comes to light as the plot line develops. The world building is vibrant & very immersive, giving the complete escapism experience to the reader.
Overall, Mr Bixby gave me flavours of the weirdness of Willy Wonka, but more unhinged mixed with an overall vibe of Disneyland if it was darker! So, if you like books that build tension & suspense all the way through & leaves you with goosebumps, or makes you talk to the pages telling characters 'don't go there!' then I would recommend you grab a copy of this book when it is released.
** Thank you to Booksirens for providing an advance e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily **
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW!!
I really enjoyed The Dream Factory because it felt so much deeper than just a typical horror story. At first, the book gives you this warm and almost nostalgic feeling. After losing his grandfather, nine-year-old Jaxon Kinney travels with his family to Bixby Park, a famous theme park based on Max Bixby’s animated movies. The park is described in such a vivid and magical way that it genuinely feels like a place you would want to visit yourself. Everything seems colorful, comforting, and full of wonder, which makes the darker parts of the story even more shocking.
One of the things I liked most was how the book slowly builds tension. It does not immediately throw horror at the reader. Instead, there is this constant feeling that something is wrong beneath the surface. The smiling characters, cheerful music, and fantasy attractions start to feel unsettling the longer the story goes on. The mystery surrounding the Dream Factory was especially interesting to me because it explores the dangerous side of human desire and imagination. The idea that your greatest fantasies can become reality sounds beautiful at first, but the book shows how quickly that dream can turn into something terrifying.
The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. The park itself feels alive, almost like it is hiding secrets in every corner. I also liked how the story mixed emotional themes about grief and healing with suspense and psychological horror. Overall, I thought The Dream Factory was creative, creepy, emotional, and genuinely hard to put down.
I really enjoyed The Dream Factory because it felt so much deeper than just a typical horror story. At first, the book gives you this warm and almost nostalgic feeling. After losing his grandfather, nine-year-old Jaxon Kinney travels with his family to Bixby Park, a famous theme park based on Max Bixby’s animated movies. The park is described in such a vivid and magical way that it genuinely feels like a place you would want to visit yourself. Everything seems colorful, comforting, and full of wonder, which makes the darker parts of the story even more shocking.
One of the things I liked most was how the book slowly builds tension. It does not immediately throw horror at the reader. Instead, there is this constant feeling that something is wrong beneath the surface. The smiling characters, cheerful music, and fantasy attractions start to feel unsettling the longer the story goes on. The mystery surrounding the Dream Factory was especially interesting to me because it explores the dangerous side of human desire and imagination. The idea that your greatest fantasies can become reality sounds beautiful at first, but the book shows how quickly that dream can turn into something terrifying.
The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. The park itself feels alive, almost like it is hiding secrets in every corner. I also liked how the story mixed emotional themes about grief and healing with suspense and psychological horror. Overall, I thought The Dream Factory was creative, creepy, emotional, and genuinely hard to put down.
Read
March 14, 2026ARC REVIEW
What starts as a magical family getaway quickly turns into something far darker…
After the death of Jaxon’s grandfather, his family visits the legendary Bixby Park - a theme park inspired by Max Bixby’s beloved animated films. With colourful characters, whimsical rides, and the promise of healing, it feels like the perfect escape.
But behind the cheerful music and smiling princesses, something sinister is hiding.
Deep within the park lies Bixby’s Dream Factory - an attraction so secret even employees aren’t allowed inside. Rumored to house Max Bixby’s most ambitious creation, it’s a place where fantasies can become reality… but where the price of a happily ever after may be more than anyone is willing to pay.
It taps into the unsettling idea that the places designed to bring us joy can also hide the darkest secrets. The story explores the danger of perfect illusions, the fragility of memory, and what happens when imagination slips beyond human control.
If you enjoy creepy theme-park settings, unsettling mysteries, and stories that blur the line between fantasy and nightmare, this one is definitely worth the ride.
🎢 Perfect for fans of:
• Dark fantasy
• Psychological horror
• Twisted theme-park settings
• Nostalgic stories with a sinister edge
✨ A haunting reminder that sometimes the most magical places hide the darkest dreams.
Thanks @booksirens and @kramerpete for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
What starts as a magical family getaway quickly turns into something far darker…
After the death of Jaxon’s grandfather, his family visits the legendary Bixby Park - a theme park inspired by Max Bixby’s beloved animated films. With colourful characters, whimsical rides, and the promise of healing, it feels like the perfect escape.
But behind the cheerful music and smiling princesses, something sinister is hiding.
Deep within the park lies Bixby’s Dream Factory - an attraction so secret even employees aren’t allowed inside. Rumored to house Max Bixby’s most ambitious creation, it’s a place where fantasies can become reality… but where the price of a happily ever after may be more than anyone is willing to pay.
It taps into the unsettling idea that the places designed to bring us joy can also hide the darkest secrets. The story explores the danger of perfect illusions, the fragility of memory, and what happens when imagination slips beyond human control.
If you enjoy creepy theme-park settings, unsettling mysteries, and stories that blur the line between fantasy and nightmare, this one is definitely worth the ride.
🎢 Perfect for fans of:
• Dark fantasy
• Psychological horror
• Twisted theme-park settings
• Nostalgic stories with a sinister edge
✨ A haunting reminder that sometimes the most magical places hide the darkest dreams.
Thanks @booksirens and @kramerpete for the opportunity to be an advanced reader.
Review of advance copy
*Received this as an ARC from BookSirens for an honest review and I am leaving this review voluntarily*
What if the magic behind the smoke and mirrors of your favorite amusement park entertainment empire was really just the ghost of a madman, promising to make all of your wishes come true….but for a price you don’t know you’ll have to pay until it may be too late?
A dream comes to life with the promise of a life-changing sum of money and all you have to do is tour a secret factory no one has ever really been inside for some lucky park-goers who are convinced they are randomly selected. Part Willy Wonka, part nightmare, part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, this book was a fun page turner told from multiple points of view. The ending left just enough ambiguity to keep me wondering if everyone was who they said they were.
The writing style was fun and engaging. The setting was so well-described it felt like a movie. The icing on the cake was all the Houston-area references, leaving me thinking a bit about AstroWorld. My only real complaint is that I wanted to know more about the how behind the factory operations.
Overall a very enjoyable read and I would for sure pick up another book by this author.
What if the magic behind the smoke and mirrors of your favorite amusement park entertainment empire was really just the ghost of a madman, promising to make all of your wishes come true….but for a price you don’t know you’ll have to pay until it may be too late?
A dream comes to life with the promise of a life-changing sum of money and all you have to do is tour a secret factory no one has ever really been inside for some lucky park-goers who are convinced they are randomly selected. Part Willy Wonka, part nightmare, part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, this book was a fun page turner told from multiple points of view. The ending left just enough ambiguity to keep me wondering if everyone was who they said they were.
The writing style was fun and engaging. The setting was so well-described it felt like a movie. The icing on the cake was all the Houston-area references, leaving me thinking a bit about AstroWorld. My only real complaint is that I wanted to know more about the how behind the factory operations.
Overall a very enjoyable read and I would for sure pick up another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!
So this was definitely interesting more of a build up for sure. This wasent full on horror with gore and blood everywhere. So if thats what you want this isent the book for you. I actually really enjoyed this. It was a nice ride all the way through until we rrach our destination The Dream Factory. There is where everything takes a turn for the worse. Things are not at all what they seem.
The characters are definitely unique and different from one another. I absolutely fell in love with the children. This book definitely made me think of what it be like if I was going on a trip to Disney World with my family. I just love how even though there's not a lot of horror there is still a hint here and there. The build up is very nice.
Reading this I definitely think I should poke my toes a bit more into fantasy horror. Its definitely fun and interesting.
So this was definitely interesting more of a build up for sure. This wasent full on horror with gore and blood everywhere. So if thats what you want this isent the book for you. I actually really enjoyed this. It was a nice ride all the way through until we rrach our destination The Dream Factory. There is where everything takes a turn for the worse. Things are not at all what they seem.
The characters are definitely unique and different from one another. I absolutely fell in love with the children. This book definitely made me think of what it be like if I was going on a trip to Disney World with my family. I just love how even though there's not a lot of horror there is still a hint here and there. The build up is very nice.
Reading this I definitely think I should poke my toes a bit more into fantasy horror. Its definitely fun and interesting.
June 18, 2026
Thank you so much to Booksirens for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I'd like to say that I'm a big fan of the way the characters were introduced and how the tones were set. The way the story kept going back and forth in tense moments was very thought out and kept me on edge (and resulted in a few late nights) and I admire that. I did find the number of characters to be a bit big which I found to be confusing at the start but this could just be my own skill issue.
I did find the writing to be a bit slow and it took until almost halfway through the book for things to actually start happening - something I've found to be a bit too late personally.
I did like the twists and turns and I did find it hard to put the book down at times but I also found it to be a bit too slow for the majority of the book.
All in all, I did have an okay time reading this and I think a concept as creative as this deserves its credit, I just wish the execution was a bit different.
First of all, I'd like to say that I'm a big fan of the way the characters were introduced and how the tones were set. The way the story kept going back and forth in tense moments was very thought out and kept me on edge (and resulted in a few late nights) and I admire that. I did find the number of characters to be a bit big which I found to be confusing at the start but this could just be my own skill issue.
I did find the writing to be a bit slow and it took until almost halfway through the book for things to actually start happening - something I've found to be a bit too late personally.
I did like the twists and turns and I did find it hard to put the book down at times but I also found it to be a bit too slow for the majority of the book.
All in all, I did have an okay time reading this and I think a concept as creative as this deserves its credit, I just wish the execution was a bit different.
Review of advance copy
ARC Review.
First and foremost, the cover really pulled me in to read this book. Loved the colors and the overall picture screamed “what is going to happen in this book?”
The Dream Factory had multiple points of views. It mainly followed a boy named Jaxon and his family. They “won” a ticket to The Dream Factory at Bixby Cove, a theme park, where no one has ever been or seen. It follows theirs and several others through their journey through the dream factory and the many twists and turns it has.
It was a very fast-paced read with a unique take on a theme park suspense. I had no idea how it was going to end, which I loved.
It was a little confusing during some parts, due to the multiple point of views and the wrap around your head thinking but was overall a great read!
I would recommend this book!! 4/5 stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First and foremost, the cover really pulled me in to read this book. Loved the colors and the overall picture screamed “what is going to happen in this book?”
The Dream Factory had multiple points of views. It mainly followed a boy named Jaxon and his family. They “won” a ticket to The Dream Factory at Bixby Cove, a theme park, where no one has ever been or seen. It follows theirs and several others through their journey through the dream factory and the many twists and turns it has.
It was a very fast-paced read with a unique take on a theme park suspense. I had no idea how it was going to end, which I loved.
It was a little confusing during some parts, due to the multiple point of views and the wrap around your head thinking but was overall a great read!
I would recommend this book!! 4/5 stars!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
This honestly felt like a feverish blend of Disneyland, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Five Nights at Freddy’s, and I loved it. It was deeply unnerving, and that feeling never really went away.
I had no idea where the story was heading, but I had a strong sense that things were not going to end well for the main characters. That quiet tension ran through the entire book.
If you are into theme park horror, slashers and childhood characters coming to life, this just might be up your alley.
A horror novel wrapped in cotton candy.
The story is told through multiple POVs. I am not always a fan of that, but it really worked here. I am definitely keen to read more from this author.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This honestly felt like a feverish blend of Disneyland, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Five Nights at Freddy’s, and I loved it. It was deeply unnerving, and that feeling never really went away.
I had no idea where the story was heading, but I had a strong sense that things were not going to end well for the main characters. That quiet tension ran through the entire book.
If you are into theme park horror, slashers and childhood characters coming to life, this just might be up your alley.
A horror novel wrapped in cotton candy.
The story is told through multiple POVs. I am not always a fan of that, but it really worked here. I am definitely keen to read more from this author.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Read
May 12, 2026I was really excited about the premise of this book. I thought it had a lot of potential to be scary in a Bendy and the Ink Machine sort of way. I think I built it up a little bit too much in my head, because I was disappointed in how to climax of the story turned out. The explanation of a few different things weren’t satisfactory to me, and some of the characters did things that seemed really out of character for no good reason.
That being said, I still enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to people as a quick, fun read. I think the author did a really good job describing the scenes and the characters. I always had vivid images in my head of what was going on. I really enjoyed reading the writing, even if I didn’t love everything about the plot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That being said, I still enjoyed the book and I would recommend it to people as a quick, fun read. I think the author did a really good job describing the scenes and the characters. I always had vivid images in my head of what was going on. I really enjoyed reading the writing, even if I didn’t love everything about the plot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
3.75 ⭐️
Dream Factory was basically a dream come true turned into the ultimate nightmare 😭
This book gave such an eerie experience centered around this fictional childhood wonderland. It’s like if Walt Disney World had some dark underlying agenda hidden beneath “the happiest place on earth” vibes 👀
These characters went in chasing nostalgia and childhood memories, only to uncover brand new fears, trauma, and psychological baggage along the way. The atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the deeper the story went, the more uncomfortable everything became.
This is definitely one of those books you finish, sit there in silence for a second, and then go, “You know what? Yeah… that was MESSED UP” lol.
Overall, this was a solid psychological horror read that might just ruin theme parks for a few people 😂
Dream Factory was basically a dream come true turned into the ultimate nightmare 😭
This book gave such an eerie experience centered around this fictional childhood wonderland. It’s like if Walt Disney World had some dark underlying agenda hidden beneath “the happiest place on earth” vibes 👀
These characters went in chasing nostalgia and childhood memories, only to uncover brand new fears, trauma, and psychological baggage along the way. The atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the deeper the story went, the more uncomfortable everything became.
This is definitely one of those books you finish, sit there in silence for a second, and then go, “You know what? Yeah… that was MESSED UP” lol.
Overall, this was a solid psychological horror read that might just ruin theme parks for a few people 😂
Review of advance copy
This is a fast paced book with creepy details. It’s giving a spooky Willy Wonka vibe but if the Chocolate Factory was an extension of Disney.
The build up was really good and while the story was interesting, I think it somehow felt slower in the second half.
I liked the frequent change of POV but I really think clearly labeled first person POV chapters for each character could’ve gone a long way with this story. The scares and creepiness would have hit harder if I was in a characters head while these things were happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
The build up was really good and while the story was interesting, I think it somehow felt slower in the second half.
I liked the frequent change of POV but I really think clearly labeled first person POV chapters for each character could’ve gone a long way with this story. The scares and creepiness would have hit harder if I was in a characters head while these things were happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
May 23, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Dream Factory by Pete Kramer was a very fun read, but still held its own in the thriller category. The blurb from the author, “Willy Wonka meets Jurassic Park” set the expectation that this would be a Willy Wonka fever dream, and it met that expectation! I was not prepared for the story to be told partially from the perspective of adults, and partially the expectation of a child, but Kramer switched narration styles seamlessly. The book was not overtly scary, and one I would certainly classify more as thriller than horror. But it maintained a subtle sense of dread and eeriness that I love in a thriller! 3.5 stars rounded up
The Dream Factory by Pete Kramer was a very fun read, but still held its own in the thriller category. The blurb from the author, “Willy Wonka meets Jurassic Park” set the expectation that this would be a Willy Wonka fever dream, and it met that expectation! I was not prepared for the story to be told partially from the perspective of adults, and partially the expectation of a child, but Kramer switched narration styles seamlessly. The book was not overtly scary, and one I would certainly classify more as thriller than horror. But it maintained a subtle sense of dread and eeriness that I love in a thriller! 3.5 stars rounded up
May 11, 2026
This book blends horror with an unsettling atmosphere, while the dark humor makes it even more disturbing and impactful. The premise is strong, and the million-dollar bait adds another layer of intrigue. The story uses multiple POVs, which I personally found a little challenging to follow at times. Somewhere in the middle, I felt myself losing momentum. Still, the weirdness and suspense kept me guessing until the very end, especially since it was difficult to tell what was real and what was illusion.
Overall, this is a well-written, mind-bending read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy unsettling and twisty stories. Thank you to Booksirens for providing this ARC.
Overall, this is a well-written, mind-bending read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy unsettling and twisty stories. Thank you to Booksirens for providing this ARC.
Review of advance copy
Great premise, kinda messy execution. The idea of a secret island attraction hiding a decades old body snatching machine run by a captive AI is SO good, and honestly the slow reveal kept me hooked for a while. But it tries to juggle way too many POVs, the horror never fully punches you in the throat the way it should, and the writing itself is pretty plain.The ending especially felt weirdly quiet when it should’ve absolutely spiraled.Still, if you like slow burn, concept-heavy dark fiction with creepy sci-fi vibes, you might have a better time with it than I did. It just never fully clicked for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book through book sirens in exchange for my honest review.
I went into this book blind and I was very glad I did. I won't go into too much details about the storyline because I think it's best to just jump into the book and let it take you on the journey. I flew through it in only a few days as the storyline is so fast paced and well written. I loved all the different POV's. It really helped to build the story and give all the characters a full personality. It gave SpaceJam/Disneyworld vibes but with a dark, suspenseful twist. Highly recommend checking it out.
I went into this book blind and I was very glad I did. I won't go into too much details about the storyline because I think it's best to just jump into the book and let it take you on the journey. I flew through it in only a few days as the storyline is so fast paced and well written. I loved all the different POV's. It really helped to build the story and give all the characters a full personality. It gave SpaceJam/Disneyworld vibes but with a dark, suspenseful twist. Highly recommend checking it out.
July 4, 2026
I literally tore straight through this one. This kooky thriller was a mashup of the Walt Disney story, including Disneyland, with a healthy dash of Looney Tunes, along with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But the stakes are MUCH higher than in any of the inspirational content. Nefarious deeds are afoot! Entertaining read for me. There were times that I felt the novel borrowed TOO heavily from Disney, Looney Tunes, and Roald Dahl, despite making everything his own in a dark and twisted way. I also felt a bit too much was left unexplained in the denouement. Nevertheless, this was a fun read. The pacing was brisk, the characters genuine, and the prose was easy to engage. Had a great time!
May 15, 2026
After reading the description of this book i was so intrigued to read this one ... Disney meets willy Wonka meets thriller.... sign me up right ?!?
It started off strong and had my interest peaked ... it started to rev up and I kinda got lost then it slllloooowwwwed down and I got a little bored .... but I wanted to keep going to see how it ended ... interesting concept....ok read for me ... but if you are a fan of this kind of storyline .. read it !! Come back and tell me your thoughts !!! Ty to booksirens for allowing me the opportunity to read this one
It started off strong and had my interest peaked ... it started to rev up and I kinda got lost then it slllloooowwwwed down and I got a little bored .... but I wanted to keep going to see how it ended ... interesting concept....ok read for me ... but if you are a fan of this kind of storyline .. read it !! Come back and tell me your thoughts !!! Ty to booksirens for allowing me the opportunity to read this one
Review of advance copy
What an interesting ride this book was. As someone who was a kid in the 90s the nostalgia and references this book touched on were a fun walk down memory lane for myself.
I enjoyed my time in the dream factory. Although I must say that at times the pacing was a bit slow and dragged on situations that could have been cut shorter. It was a bit predictable but still held some whimsy which is nice to have in a thriller from time to time. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is just getting into the thriller/horror genre. It's a nice starting place.
I enjoyed my time in the dream factory. Although I must say that at times the pacing was a bit slow and dragged on situations that could have been cut shorter. It was a bit predictable but still held some whimsy which is nice to have in a thriller from time to time. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is just getting into the thriller/horror genre. It's a nice starting place.
May 29, 2026
I read this and it got a little getting used to as I wasn't sure what to expect, but soon it gave tense, creepy feels as you try to know what the dream factory is and there is some mystery when you realize that they is a plan for those you get the winning tickets, I wasn't sure what I expected but what happened was surprising and not where I thought it would go. I like it but it was slow and somewhat confusing which is why I rated it 4.75 rounded to a five stars .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2026
This was Willy Wonker cross Disney, turned weird as hell 👀😂 It’s brilliant! I was so entertained!
Part 1 had me laughing out loud so much! It perfectly captures the absolute stress and literal hell that theme parks cause, especially with kids. It’s especially funny when it’s not you dealing with them! 🤣 Loved the intro to these characters.
Part 2, in the factory… the entire thing was genuinely a graver dream. It got weird, some parts confusing but it was so entertaining with constant twists.
So impressed how much got covered in such a short book!
Part 1 had me laughing out loud so much! It perfectly captures the absolute stress and literal hell that theme parks cause, especially with kids. It’s especially funny when it’s not you dealing with them! 🤣 Loved the intro to these characters.
Part 2, in the factory… the entire thing was genuinely a graver dream. It got weird, some parts confusing but it was so entertaining with constant twists.
So impressed how much got covered in such a short book!
June 15, 2026
I loved it! but …
Okay, I absolutely loved this book all the way through. The only critique (and it’s still a 5 star book) is that with the ending I have ended up quite confused. What happened with Charlie? Who was Cael? Why was Jaxon “nearly a man”? I feel there was a fair few things just completely unanswered and extremely open ended. Other than that, it was brilliant and I couldn’t stop thinking about it whilst I was away from it.
Okay, I absolutely loved this book all the way through. The only critique (and it’s still a 5 star book) is that with the ending I have ended up quite confused. What happened with Charlie? Who was Cael? Why was Jaxon “nearly a man”? I feel there was a fair few things just completely unanswered and extremely open ended. Other than that, it was brilliant and I couldn’t stop thinking about it whilst I was away from it.
Review of advance copy
Received this book as an ARC from booksirens.
This was such a twisty turny book in all the best ways. I was constantly trying to guess why things were happening and was wrong every time!
Think a theme park is one of the best places for a psychological thriller and I felt the creepiness of it all through the writing.
Definitely going to read Pete Kramers other books now!!
This was such a twisty turny book in all the best ways. I was constantly trying to guess why things were happening and was wrong every time!
Think a theme park is one of the best places for a psychological thriller and I felt the creepiness of it all through the writing.
Definitely going to read Pete Kramers other books now!!
May 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW A handful of people win a tour of a secret factory in the middle of a theme park. It’s not what it seems.
I enjoyed this amusement park horror. It was an interesting twist on the theme. The characters were engaging and I liked their character arcs. The ending was satisfying enough as well. Good book!
I enjoyed this amusement park horror. It was an interesting twist on the theme. The characters were engaging and I liked their character arcs. The ending was satisfying enough as well. Good book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book started out pretty average but it took lots of twists and turns and it'll just plain throw you OFF the ride, but not in a bad way by any means! I read this book on less than 24 hours because I couldn't get ENOUGH! I highly recommend this and now i want read everything Pete Kramer has written and/or will write, especially if anything else written by him is this hood. Sign me up!
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