Dream Guardian

by Christina Francine

The Great Creator has spoken: Earth is failing, and the shadows are hungry.

As Earth spirals toward psychological and catastrophic ruin, a desperate divine decree echoes from the stars. Asima, a lethal, six-winged vanguard of an alien Special Forces unit, is among a mere handful charged by the Great Creator to intervene. Her mission is grueling and absolute: weaponize the light to shield humanity from soul-stealing nightmares—vicious, parasitic entities that thrive and feed on a dying world's deepest despairs.

But Asima carries a private, haunting mission of her own. Haunted by the scars of her past, she is searching the fading world for a myth she isn't sure exists: true, selfless love.

When she is assigned to shield a traumatized young girl from a wave of encroaching dream demons, she encounters the girl's father—a man of quiet strength and deep mystery who stands defiant against the overwhelming darkness. As the shadows close in and the brutal war for Earth's survival intensifies, the line between soldier and savior begins to blur.

To save two worlds from total annihilation, Asima must survive a high-octane, visceral battle against a relentless nightmare realm and decide if the man she was sent to protect is the salvation she's been searching for—or the ultimate heartbreak in a universe already on the brink.


Emotionally resonant and high-octane, blending the gritty duty of a thriller with the tender, redemptive heart of a contemporary drama.

Gutsy, Heartfelt, Urgent, Resilient. Tender. Aspirational.

282 pages, ebook

Published August 1, 2026

About the author

Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author for all ages.

Her dark fantasy novella, The Woman in Green from Cromarty: A Legend, Oct. 2024
-Available on Amazon

A Scream in the Night II horror anthology published her short story, Friday Nights Are Not a Good Time to Get Groceries, Sept. 2022.
-Available on Amazon

Her picture book, Special Memory, Fall 2019.
-Available on Amazon

The first of her Leveled Reader # 3 Mr. Inker series released Spring 2020 and the second released Summer 2020.
-Available on Amazon

Journal of Literary Innovation published her analysis on students’ writing across the nation Spring 2016.
-https://journalofliteracyinnovation.w...

Book analysis number over 200.

She believes individual learning style may solve world problems.

Christina is a member of Jericho Writers, of Hamburg Writer’s Group and of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators (BNCWI).

Reviews

[Michelle Horinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my honest review of the ARC I received.

Dream Guardian was an enjoyable read that touched on real world problems, like child abuse, substance abuse in schools, and school violence. Asima suffered a hard childhood and grew into a woman who wanted to do nothing more than help others, so she became a Dream Guardian to fight off nightmares to protect children's souls. There was a romantic background that was full of yearning. This is a story that, while fun and filled with otherwordly creatures, will make you think on some issues that we have in our world, provoking thought. I am very grateful that I got a chance to read this. I'm excited to see what else Christina Francine does in the future and if she will turn this into a series or move onto others, either way I will be looking for her books in the future.

[Douglas Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little story with loveable characters. It gives a good commentary on the state of society and the directing we are headed. I would like to be able to give it a better rating but can't and actually feel it's more of a 2.5 than 3 stars. While the general story is enjoyable the writing is a bit weak and disjointed at times. There are parts that are well written but inconsistencies pop up, and places where things just seem off. A lot of the scenes relating to the school just ring false, and how much trust is given to a novice to study something so serious falls flat. The book reads like a first draft, and I think with the help of a good editor it could be really good. I did enjoy it though, and think the Author shows great potential, and will keep an eye out for future books.

[Boleslav Sykora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Author created a world which is trying to help our troubled world, through the battles of an endearing fairy. She fights the nightmares that invade our children's dreams, together a few demons of her own. A plethora of interesting, colorful and mystical characters are aiding in her quest. You discover just how intertwined their lives are, in her search for THE answer. My greatest thrill was her ability to become part of a dream and share in its experiences, real life-like. It would so amazing to be able to experience that in our dreams (the nice ones).

I was given an advanced chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I loved this book so much! Probably one of my favorite reads of the year! It was beautifully written!

[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping children and adults with nightmares and a better life is a part of this wonderful book. So many things to contemplate and learn. A truly enjoyable book.

[Jasmine Mountwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story idea, and I can really see a compelling story developing. I think this would appeal more to a teen or young adult audience than an adult one. It needs a little polishing in places, but with some refinement it has the potential to be a great read. Very grateful to have read it. The character development of asima background with her father was very good. It helped us understand her motivations.

Reviewed as a ARC from author