Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

From immensely talented debut author Robert L. Anderson comes a stunning, complex, and imaginative story about the fine line between dreams and reality that will appeal to fans of Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle.
Odea Donahue has been able to travel through people’s dreams since she was six years old. Her mother taught her the three rules of walking: Never interfere. Never be seen. Never walk the same person’s dream more than once. Dea has never broken the rules.
Then a mysterious new boy, Connor, comes to town. For the first time in her life, Dea feels normal. But both Dea and Connor have secrets, and as she is increasingly drawn to Connor’s dreams—and nightmares—the boundary between worlds begins to deteriorate, putting everyone she loves in danger.

Why Did I Listen To Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson?

Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson has an official summary that basically compares the book to The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, so OF COURSE, I had to give it a listen. I also do not listen to or read enough books that have dreams and dreaming as a main theme – despite really enjoying the trope. So, it was on a whim that I decided to give Dreamland a shot and download the audiobook via Hoopla.

What’s The Story Here?

Robert L. Anderson’s Dreamland is about a girl named Odea Donahue who moves around a lot with her mother. Odea has a special ability – she can walk around dreams. Only, she’s got one main rule that she follows – only walk someone’s dream once, or else these bad guys, Monsters will get her. Odea moves to a new city and meets a boy – Connor. Suddenly, those rules go right out the window and she finds herself walking his dreams a whole lot. Alas, Connor does not have the best reputation in town.

You see, everything thinks that Connor killed his mother. Only, Odea hasn’t heard these rumors. Not that she would really care given she is not part of the popular, cool crowd. However, Odea’s mother disappears and that’s when things start to really unravel. Odea learns a bit more about her mother’s frequent moves — things that shake her faith in her mom. However, Odea ultimately recognizes that the danger is real and it is coming.

What Did I Think Of Dreamland?

First of all, I liked that Dreamland is a standalone book. I liked that everything wraps up in one book and isn’t drawn out over several books. Also, I thought this made for a tightly written story. I also thought the world building was interesting. Like I said before, I like when books center around things like dreaming. The rules for dreamwalking were fascinating. The romance between Odea and Connor was decently written. It felt pretty realistic and sort of slow. When I say slow, I mean that in a good way, not oh slow boring. In all, Dreamland was a read that almost flew totally under my radar and that I almost missed. However, I did end up enjoying it – but not quite loving it.

How’s The Narration?

Dreamland is narrated by Khristine Hvam. I guess she’s narrated a lot of young adult audiobooks. However, this is the first time I’ve actually listened to a book narrated by Hvam, I think. I could be wrong on that. Anyways, Hvam does a superb job with the pacing and with making the story and characters interesting – vocally. I think this is a good book for listening to the audiobook.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

Well, except that Odea breaks the rules and walks with this guy SEVERAL TIMES upon a dream.

Other reviews of Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson:

• My Friends Are Fiction – “slight disconnect to the storyline“
• Winter Haven Books – “just plain ridic“
• The Bookish Book Keeper – “the plot was steady and really intriguing“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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