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DREAM's Nightmare #1
Where DREAM Fades to Nightmare
Graham Garnett, an insecure Factotum in a newly-formed support squad, is shaken to his core as bloodthirsty, modified monsters begin to terrorize his near-utopian home of DREAM. He and his squadmates, Trevor, Paxton, and Erica, are hand-picked by Vice President Randy McGregor to investigate where these horrid and deadly creatures are coming from. As the squad looks to rid DREAM of its new demons, Graham is fighting his own. Self-doubt and guilt from his past consume him, leaving him and his squadmates in a near-constant state of peril. As the four come closer to finding the answers they seek, more cities are attacked, more questions arise, and more of DREAM’s dirty little secrets come to light. Armed with the abilities granted to them by the magic-like substance known as conjierum, it is up to Graham and his squad to save DREAM before it completely fades to nightmare.
318 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 20, 2026
Where Dream Fades to Nightmare by Adam Fincke was an absolute thrill ride from beginning to end. Every chapter was packed with action, making it nearly impossible to put down. Just when I thought I had a chance to catch my breath, Fincke threw another unique monster, twist, or danger into the mix.
What truly made this story shine was Graham Garnett. He isn’t your typical overpowered, confident hero. He’s an ordinary guy with a complicated relationship with his job, limited abilities, and very little confidence in himself. More than anything, Graham just wants to survive and keep his friends alive. That vulnerability made him incredibly relatable .
The side characters were from a variety of backgrounds who each brought something fresh and memorable to the story. Fincke also introduces an entirely new race and weaves them into the world so naturally that you begin to wonder if they’ve been living among us all along. The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the breadcrumbs of lore scattered throughout the novel have me incredibly excited to see where this series goes next.
If you love fast-paced fantasy, unique creatures, relatable characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime, this book is for you. I cannot wait to jump straight into Book 2!
What truly made this story shine was Graham Garnett. He isn’t your typical overpowered, confident hero. He’s an ordinary guy with a complicated relationship with his job, limited abilities, and very little confidence in himself. More than anything, Graham just wants to survive and keep his friends alive. That vulnerability made him incredibly relatable .
The side characters were from a variety of backgrounds who each brought something fresh and memorable to the story. Fincke also introduces an entirely new race and weaves them into the world so naturally that you begin to wonder if they’ve been living among us all along. The worldbuilding is rich without being overwhelming, and the breadcrumbs of lore scattered throughout the novel have me incredibly excited to see where this series goes next.
If you love fast-paced fantasy, unique creatures, relatable characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime, this book is for you. I cannot wait to jump straight into Book 2!
May 7, 2026
A fantasy mystery that quickly reveals itself to be far more ambitious than it first appears. What begins as a tightly focused investigation expands into a layered political thriller, where shifting alliances and a developing coup gradually take centre stage.
The characters feel grounded and emotionally real, making it easy to invest in their journey. Even secondary losses carry weight, not just for impact but for how naturally they feed into the wider story.
The worldbuilding is subtle but confident, blending familiarity with just enough strangeness to keep you slightly off balance. The standout element is the magic system, which leans into a biological interpretation of “advanced enough to seem like magic,” giving it a fresh and unsettling edge.
Pacing is well handled, balancing an immediate early mystery with a slower political build that pays off in the second half. It’s tightly written, cohesive, and never feels like it loses control of its own direction.
By the end, it’s the kind of book that doesn’t just resolve - it compels you straight into the next installment.
The characters feel grounded and emotionally real, making it easy to invest in their journey. Even secondary losses carry weight, not just for impact but for how naturally they feed into the wider story.
The worldbuilding is subtle but confident, blending familiarity with just enough strangeness to keep you slightly off balance. The standout element is the magic system, which leans into a biological interpretation of “advanced enough to seem like magic,” giving it a fresh and unsettling edge.
Pacing is well handled, balancing an immediate early mystery with a slower political build that pays off in the second half. It’s tightly written, cohesive, and never feels like it loses control of its own direction.
By the end, it’s the kind of book that doesn’t just resolve - it compels you straight into the next installment.
June 16, 2026
High-Stakes, Action-Packed, Fast-Moving Scifi
In an effort to up my review game, I googled what the star ratings mean. I learned 5 stars basically means it's a book I wouldn't give away from my shelf. I always want to give the best ones away!
I believe good stories are meant to be shared! That said-- I would totally share this book if I had a physical copy. I don't know how to give it 4 and a half stars (just shy of that possessive and coveted 5th star slot) because this story absolutely would leave my shelf and find its way into the hands of someone who would appreciate it. So I give it 5. Because it deserves it. Why start following rules I find unjust, now?
Or a junior high aged kid. You know, one that doesn't believe they might like a book, if only to see how excitedly they talk about it after!
It's written in first person from the perspective of Graham, our overwhelmed, anxious, loveable, funny, brave main character.
Graham's world is where the science of magic still lives and breathes, and the importance of getting the whole story lingers.
We travel with him and his crew through many trials that really showcase how bravery is facing things we fear.
As the team works together to discover the source of mysterious and dangerous creatures, we discover the world of DREAM, its various factions, and valuable friendships.
In an effort to up my review game, I googled what the star ratings mean. I learned 5 stars basically means it's a book I wouldn't give away from my shelf. I always want to give the best ones away!
I believe good stories are meant to be shared! That said-- I would totally share this book if I had a physical copy. I don't know how to give it 4 and a half stars (just shy of that possessive and coveted 5th star slot) because this story absolutely would leave my shelf and find its way into the hands of someone who would appreciate it. So I give it 5. Because it deserves it. Why start following rules I find unjust, now?
Or a junior high aged kid. You know, one that doesn't believe they might like a book, if only to see how excitedly they talk about it after!
It's written in first person from the perspective of Graham, our overwhelmed, anxious, loveable, funny, brave main character.
Graham's world is where the science of magic still lives and breathes, and the importance of getting the whole story lingers.
We travel with him and his crew through many trials that really showcase how bravery is facing things we fear.
As the team works together to discover the source of mysterious and dangerous creatures, we discover the world of DREAM, its various factions, and valuable friendships.
December 12, 2021
This is my kind of story. A story that takes a look into our world of tomorrow. I love the dystopian feel. Then seeing how the world reacted to such a valuable resource such as gaining magical ability. Who has magic? How is it used? How did they get it? Who is left out and who was harmed in the process?
I enjoyed having it told through the eyes of a young protector of the races, inexperienced and just out of training. You can’t help but feel for him as his confidence goes from bad to worse as his squad deals with the crisis.
I like the complexity as many of the likeable characters wrestle with their own demons. It takes a lot to find who is unleashing monsters upon our future world. With a host of other characters easy to despise during some cruel encounters and surprises twisting the story until the very end, I find the book enjoyable to read. It only leaves me wanting more.
I enjoyed having it told through the eyes of a young protector of the races, inexperienced and just out of training. You can’t help but feel for him as his confidence goes from bad to worse as his squad deals with the crisis.
I like the complexity as many of the likeable characters wrestle with their own demons. It takes a lot to find who is unleashing monsters upon our future world. With a host of other characters easy to despise during some cruel encounters and surprises twisting the story until the very end, I find the book enjoyable to read. It only leaves me wanting more.
April 26, 2026
THIS BOOK IS AN ORIGINAL MASTERPIECE THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY LOVER OF URBAN FANTASY'S TBR. IF YOU LOVE THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS SERIES THIS BOOK AND HIS SECOND BOOK NEED TO BE ON YOUR RADAR ASAP. ADAM FINCKE WROTE A DELECTABLE AMAZING NOVEL LIKE NOTHING I HAVE EVER READ BEFORE IT IS EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN THE PACING IS AMAZING AND THIS IS THE KIND OF BOOK WHERE YOU LOSE TRACK OF WHAT PAGE YOU ARE ON BECAUSE YOU JUST CANT STOP READING AND IT IS SOOO GOOD YOU KEEP ON READING THAT BY THE TIME YOU HIT THE END OF THE BOOK YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO HAVE THE SECOND BOOK RIGHT NEXT TO YOU BECAUSE OF THE ENDING OH MY GOD THE ENDING IS SOO AMAZING IM SO GLAD THE SECOND BOOK IS SITTING ON MY SHELF READY FOR ME TO DEVOUR IT. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR BUY THIS BOOK AND THE SECOND BOOK ITS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TREAT YOURSELF TO A WHOLE NEW WONDERFULLY WRITTEN WORLD OF URBAN FANTASY.
June 22, 2026
I went into this book expecting a fun read, but what I got was a story that completely consumed my attention. The pacing never lets up, and every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, something new would emerge to shake things up.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is its ability to keep readers guessing. Whether it was a new threat, an unexpected revelation, or a creature unlike anything I’d encountered before, there was always something waiting around the corner.
Graham Garnett was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. He’s far from perfect, and that’s exactly what made him so compelling. He’s uncertain, flawed, and constantly trying to figure things out as he goes. Instead of relying on overwhelming strength, he relies on perseverance, which made his journey feel much more authentic.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is its ability to keep readers guessing. Whether it was a new threat, an unexpected revelation, or a creature unlike anything I’d encountered before, there was always something waiting around the corner.
Graham Garnett was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. He’s far from perfect, and that’s exactly what made him so compelling. He’s uncertain, flawed, and constantly trying to figure things out as he goes. Instead of relying on overwhelming strength, he relies on perseverance, which made his journey feel much more authentic.
July 24, 2026
CANT STOP THINKING ABOUT IT!!!
Adam Fincke has delivered an addictive, smart, action packed and fun book!!!
Graham is just trying to live life and protect those around him with his new squad, while dealing with the self doubt and guilt from his past. When bloodthirsty modified monsters start attacking everyone he is thrust into a leadership role and must overcome his personal demons to try and get to the bottom of what is happening!!
Will he be able to save his squad and the people around him? Can he even trust his own team and leadership?
This book had my GRIPPED!!!! I was messaging the author with so many questions and theories and honestly it was such a great time!!! I am RUNNING to get book two!!
This is a must read!!!
Adam Fincke has delivered an addictive, smart, action packed and fun book!!!
Graham is just trying to live life and protect those around him with his new squad, while dealing with the self doubt and guilt from his past. When bloodthirsty modified monsters start attacking everyone he is thrust into a leadership role and must overcome his personal demons to try and get to the bottom of what is happening!!
Will he be able to save his squad and the people around him? Can he even trust his own team and leadership?
This book had my GRIPPED!!!! I was messaging the author with so many questions and theories and honestly it was such a great time!!! I am RUNNING to get book two!!
This is a must read!!!
July 19, 2026
Purchased this and Part II at the same time (and thank goodness I did!). I read *BOTH* in less than a day. I honestly didn't want to put them down. I liked all the characters, even the more "rough around the edges" ones. It's definitely sci-fi, definitely has a "divergent series" feel to it, and has a core cast you definitely want to get behind.
He does a great job building the world our heroes find themselves in as well as the politics that went into the situation they're inadvertently working for (and then against).
There will be a Part III, and I, for one, can't wait to get on the pre-sale list. Give this one a go, you won't be disappointed. It's a fun read!
He does a great job building the world our heroes find themselves in as well as the politics that went into the situation they're inadvertently working for (and then against).
There will be a Part III, and I, for one, can't wait to get on the pre-sale list. Give this one a go, you won't be disappointed. It's a fun read!
December 20, 2021
I was a voracious reader as a kid/young teen—particularly in the sci-fi and fantasy genre, but as an adult, I’ve slowly drifted away from reading fiction. I picked up this book in hopes I could reignite that love of reading and boy am I glad I did!
Fincke’s dystopian world sucked me in from the start. The writing is fresh and punctuated with great little hits of humor while still keeping the action going at a nice pace.
Graham is a classic flawed protaganist and I have the feeling his hero’s journey has just begun.
Looking forward to more from this author!
Fincke’s dystopian world sucked me in from the start. The writing is fresh and punctuated with great little hits of humor while still keeping the action going at a nice pace.
Graham is a classic flawed protaganist and I have the feeling his hero’s journey has just begun.
Looking forward to more from this author!
January 11, 2022
Where DREAM Fades to Nightmare captivated me from the first chapter to the last and has left me eagerly waiting for the sequel to be published! This book takes you on a journey like none other with action packed suspense weaved all throughout the pages. The imagery and creativity of the author draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of the squad battling it out alongside Trevor, Graham, Paxton, and Erica. Just when you think Trevor’s squad has the upper hand an exciting twist takes things to another level. Where DREAM Fades to Nightmare was a very interesting and enjoyable read!
July 26, 2026
What a ride! This book has everything! Do you like dragons? Flying apes? How about conspiracy theories? A group or soldiers with jetpacks who can manifest weapons just by thinking about them, are tasked with saving what's left of the world in this sci-fi dystopian masterpiece. Enemies come at them from all sides.
The pacing keeps you engaged and the characters are well-defined. The plot is solid and scenes are laid out well.
October 12, 2021
I was hooked as soon as I started reading. At times it was hard for me to put the book down. It's full of action and always keeping you on the edge of your seat. I love the creativity of all the different creatures and the difference in personalities of the characters. I'm pretty excited for the second book.
December 19, 2021
As someone who has exclusively read nonfiction my entire adult life, I’m SO glad that I branched out and picked up this book! It had a very good balance of showing me a whole new world that is unlike the one I live in, while touching on very real issues that we face as a society. I really enjoyed the pace of this book and the variety of places it went. Now I’m ready for the second book!
October 9, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but was happily drawn into the story from the very beginning. The author's creativity with the different aspects of the story was engaging and entertaining throughout. I'm already looking forward to book #2 in this series!
March 29, 2026
What?!
I loved this book! It reminds me of Blade runner meets Avatar meets Detective Pikachu. It's got corruption, romance, betrayal, action, magic, and mutant creatures! I have to know what happens next! Glad there is a book 2!
I loved this book! It reminds me of Blade runner meets Avatar meets Detective Pikachu. It's got corruption, romance, betrayal, action, magic, and mutant creatures! I have to know what happens next! Glad there is a book 2!
June 25, 2026
An amazing urban fantasy.
Adam created a fun world and a lovable squad of misfits.
Loved the form of creation magic, and the mystery of other strains of their abilities.
Adam managed to create a web of lies, plots and betrayal.
Graham was a great main character, he wasn't someone that could just do things. He wasn't the chosen one, he felt real, full of doubt and in the need of backup.
Adam managed to tell a story that was routed in reality but still had all the fantastical elements that make an urban fantasy so much fun.
Adam created a fun world and a lovable squad of misfits.
Loved the form of creation magic, and the mystery of other strains of their abilities.
Adam managed to create a web of lies, plots and betrayal.
Graham was a great main character, he wasn't someone that could just do things. He wasn't the chosen one, he felt real, full of doubt and in the need of backup.
Adam managed to tell a story that was routed in reality but still had all the fantastical elements that make an urban fantasy so much fun.
December 11, 2025
Action packed and captivating!
“Where DREAM Fades to Nightmare” is an exciting and imaginative blend of dystopian sci-fi, horror, and action. The story is action-packed from the very first page: you’re thrown straight into chaos as if dropped into the middle of a video game or a virtual-reality simulation gone wrong. The world of DREAM, once a polished utopia, quickly unravels as terrifying, genetically modified monsters begin destroying everything in their path.
The protagonist, Graham Garnett, is relatable in a refreshing way: insecure, imperfect, and far from a typical hero. Watching him navigate both external threats and his own internal battles forms the emotional spine of the story. His squad, Trevor, Paxton, Erica, and their overseer Randy McGregor, adds depth and tension, creating a team dynamic that feels inspired by classic dystopian works while still maintaining its own voice. As the characters search for the source of the monsters and uncover the hidden corruption behind DREAM, the narrative steadily escalates in intensity.
Overall, this is a well-crafted debut with strong pacing, vivid action, and a world that hints at deeper secrets yet to be revealed. Readers who enjoy fast-paced dystopian sci-fi, monster-driven danger, and stories that mix action with moral uncertainty will find this a highly entertaining start to what promises to be a larger series.
“Where DREAM Fades to Nightmare” is an exciting and imaginative blend of dystopian sci-fi, horror, and action. The story is action-packed from the very first page: you’re thrown straight into chaos as if dropped into the middle of a video game or a virtual-reality simulation gone wrong. The world of DREAM, once a polished utopia, quickly unravels as terrifying, genetically modified monsters begin destroying everything in their path.
The protagonist, Graham Garnett, is relatable in a refreshing way: insecure, imperfect, and far from a typical hero. Watching him navigate both external threats and his own internal battles forms the emotional spine of the story. His squad, Trevor, Paxton, Erica, and their overseer Randy McGregor, adds depth and tension, creating a team dynamic that feels inspired by classic dystopian works while still maintaining its own voice. As the characters search for the source of the monsters and uncover the hidden corruption behind DREAM, the narrative steadily escalates in intensity.
Overall, this is a well-crafted debut with strong pacing, vivid action, and a world that hints at deeper secrets yet to be revealed. Readers who enjoy fast-paced dystopian sci-fi, monster-driven danger, and stories that mix action with moral uncertainty will find this a highly entertaining start to what promises to be a larger series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews