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Dreamslinger: Slinger Series Book 1
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  • Published: 29 April 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776953431
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.00

Dreamslinger: Slinger Series Book 1

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
29 Apr 2025
EBook
29 Apr 2025
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Dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul, meals magically appear based on your mood and dreams literally come to life . . . Nevermoor meets Pokémon in New Zealand author Graci Kim's thrilling new middle-grade fantasy series!

Enter a world of secrets and spells, dragons and phoenixes; a place where your wildest dreams — or your darkest nightmares — come to life . . .

A Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book 2025
A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book 2025

'Surprises abound that will have readers guessing to the very end and begging for a sequel.' -SLJ
Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge is a Dreamslinger, born with a genetic mutation that transports her to a magical realm while she sleeps. In much of the world slingers are seen as dangerous, especially after the Great Outburst, caused by the Royal League of Dreamslingers, killed thousands — including Aria’s mother.

Since then, Aria’s dad has become a leading expert on Dreamslinger Welfare, which means Aria knows better than most what it takes to keep society safe from her, and others like her: separation, identification, and most importantly, power suppression.

So when the Royal League opens their Trials to Dreamslinger teenagers from around the world, Aria signs up to take them down from the inside.

In the enchanted city-state of Royal Hanguk, she's introduced to a world of wondrous magic and friendship, and, in spite of herself, finally feels like she belongs. As Aria unearths dark secrets from her past, she becomes even more determined to discover the full truth of her identity.

But first, she has to survive the Trials.

Korean New Zealander Graci Kim is the New York Times bestselling author of The Gifted Clans series.

Look out for Slinger Series Book 2: Royalslinger - coming 2026!

Read all Graci Kim's books!
Gifted Clans Series
The Last Fallen Star
The Last Fallen Moon
The Last Fallen Realm
  • Published: 29 April 2025
  • ISBN: 9781776953431
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $24.00
Categories:

About the author

Graci Kim

Graci Kim is the New York Times best-selling author of The Last Fallen Star, The Last Fallen Moon, and The Last Fallen Realm, otherwise known as the Gifted Clans trilogy. A Korean Kiwi diplomat turned author, Graci writes about the magic she wants to see in the world. In a previous life she used to be a cooking-show host, and she once ran a business that turned children’s drawings into cuddly toys. When she’s not lost in her imagination, you’ll find Graci drinking flat whites, eating ramyeon, and most likely hugging a dog (or ideally, many). She lives in New Zealand with her husband and daughter. Follow her on Instagram @GraciKimWrites and find her at GraciKim.com.
portrait photo of Graci Kim

Also by Graci Kim

Rick Riordan Presents: The Last Fallen Moon-A Gifted Clans Novel
Rick Riordan Presents: The Last Fallen Star-A Gifted Clans Novel
The Last Fallen Realm-A Gifted Clans Novel
Rick Riordan Presents: The Last Fallen Realm-A Gifted Clans Novel
Royalslinger: Slinger Series Book 2
See all

Praise for Dreamslinger: Slinger Series Book 1

A mindblowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!

Rick Riordan

A definite must-read for anyone who loves stories of found family, clever magic, and learning to embrace your true self. Also: I want a bloom dragon!

Shannon Messenger, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series

Strong world building, an inventive magic system, and rich Korean cultural elements conjure a truly wondrous world of high-stakes competition and fierce friendship . . . final twists will have readers dreaming of the sequel to this fantastic first instalment.

Emily Graham, Booklist (starred review)

A beautifully crafted and believable world which brings together elements of her Korean and Kiwi cultures, interwoven with a multi-faceted fantasy storyline...A highly recommended fresh, original read for those aged 8-14, particularly those with a keen eye for detail and a love of fantasy and magic.

Kirsty Jamieson-Gough, English Teacher, Wakatipu High School, Read NZ School Library Journal

Kim's vivid worldbuilding transports readers to an incredible place of wondrous magic and mystery. With strong themes of friendship, belonging and identity, this is a refreshing and original read for middle-grade readers.

Judges' report, NZ Booklovers Award

Awards & recognition

NZ Booklovers Award

Shortlisted  •  2026  •  Junior Fiction

Storylines Notable Book Award

Awarded  •  2025  •  A Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book

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