Daydreamer by Rob Cameron

Release: August 6th, 2024

Format: Ebook
Publisher: ‎ Labyrinth Road
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

An eleven-year-old boy copes with the challenges of his city life by weaving his reality into a magical realm of dragons, foxes, and trolls—until he must use the power of his creativity to save both of his worlds from destructive forces. This stunning debut is a profound exploration of imagination, community, and how the stories we tell both comfort us and challenge us to grow.

Charles’ life hangs between two worlds. While one is real and other fantasy. In the real world, he is a lonely, bullied kid who can’t keep up with school when the letters refuse to stay still on the page, and is constantly in trouble for getting distracted. He lives with his mom in an apartment building, where Glory, the grumpy old superintendent, fills his head with stories about the Dream Folk.

In his fantasy world, the Sanctuary, Charles adventures with faeries and sprites and his two imaginary best friends. There, Charles’s bullies become ogres, and Glory opens his arms wide to transform into a dragon. But when trolls move into Charles’ apartment building and bring with them a terrible secret, the stories he has been told and the ones he brings to life grow more complicated. To protect everyone he cares about, Charles must harness his imagination in ways he never dreamed, in this unique story of the spaces and narratives we create for ourselves, and the ways in which fantasy and reality collide and blur.

About the Author:

Cameron Roberson, who writes under the pen name Rob Cameron. He is a teacher, linguist, and writer. Also, he has poetry, stories, and essays, in Star*Line, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Foreign Policy Magazine, Tor.com, New Modality, Solarpunk Magazine, Clockwork Phoenix Five, and others.

Daydreamer is his debut middle grade novel. Rob is also lead organizer for the Brooklyn Speculative Fiction Writers and executive producer of Kaleidocast.nyc.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Daydreamer Review:

In “Daydreamer” by Rob Cameron, the captivating tale revolves around Charles, a character whose unique blend of artistic skills and emotional depth immediately captivates the reader. The author’s vivid descriptions of Charles’ abilities make it feel as if you can see the world through his eyes, adding a unique perspective to the story.

The relationship between Charles and Will (Junior) is beautifully crafted, with Charles looking up to him in a way that feels authentic and heartwarming. Another standout bond is between Charles and the dragon / Mr. Miles. Their interactions are rich with detail and emotion, showcasing the author’s talent for creating complex, memorable characters.

Moreover, the author’s imagination shines brightly through the book’s various characters, from trolls and jabberwocks to the hilarious Ruby and the nervous Fig. Each imaginary character adds a unique flavor to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and entertained. Kimara and Ms. Hwang are also noteworthy, adding depth and diversity to the story.

Again, Charles’ relationship with his mother is another strong point of the book, highlighting the importance of family bonds amid the fantastical elements. Miles, in particular, is a complex character, making him one of the most intriguing parts of the story.

However, “Daydreamer” is not without its flaws. The detailed descriptions and the story-within-a-story approach make it more suitable for a young adult audience than middle-grade. Sometimes, the narrative becomes too detailed, which might overwhelm younger readers.

Despite these points, “Daydreamer” is a beautifully imaginative story that adults will likely appreciate more while hoping that younger readers can also find joy in its rich, creative world.