Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 01/13/2025 Dreamslingers-carriers of a genetic mutation that allows them to manifest magical abilities from dreams-have become increasingly oppressed following the Great Outburst, an event 10 years ago that resulted in thousands of fatalities. In fictional Almiro, Tex., 14-year-old dreamslinger Aria Loveridge attends Resthaven, a dreamslinger school where her activist father teaches students to "restrain, contain, maintain" their emotions to safely exist in society as slingers. After a PR disaster jeopardizes Resthaven, Aria enters the Royal Slinger Trials to spy on the secluded kingdom of Royal Hanguk, the only country where dreamslingers develop and train their abilities rather than hide them. There, Aria is drawn to the hitherto hidden joys of dreamslinging and befriends fellow Trial competitors Tui and Lion. But as she uncovers Royal Hanguk secrets, Aria must decide where her allegiances lie. Exploration of heavy themes surrounding political indoctrination and radicalization occasionally clash with the novel’s lighthearted tone. Nevertheless, Kim (The Last Fallen Moon) capably deploys Aria’s sassy third-person narration to present an imaginative series opener that infuses Korean culture and folklore with whimsical dream technology. Aria is half Korean and half white. Ages 10-14. Agent: Jodi Reamer, Writers House. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 5 Up—Kim's new novel offers a whimsical fantasy for readers. Ten years ago, 14-year-old, Aria Loveridge's mother died in the Great Outburst. Raised by her father, she now lives at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers. Cursed with the Dreamslinger gene, her father is an expert on Dreamslinger Welfare. When the Royal Hanguk's Dreamslinger League announces the opening of trials for teenage slingers, Aria knows she must go, not only to learn about her powers but to also spy for her father. Things, however, at the trial aren't quite going as planned. Her dreampanion Rio is born missing part of its tail and struggles with flying, and the two have trouble seeing eye to eye. As she uncovers dark secrets from her mother's past. Aria starts to question everything she's known. Who was her mother really? The plot is engaging, well written, and full of adventure, while the characters are entertaining and multifaceted. The worldbuilding is imaginative and draws readers into the novel. Although they are a key part of the story's subplot, heavy themes of government oppression of Dreamslinger powers and radical rebellion often overshadow the main plot, leading to bouts of exposition that render the pacing uneven. Aria is half-Korean, half-white. VERDICT Readers who like Rick Riordan titles, Korean culture, fantasy, and adventure will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.—Kira Moody - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2025 *Starred Review* Ever since her genetic mutation revealed itself on her thirteenth birthday, Aria Loveridge has abided by Resthaven Home’s motto: restrain, contain, maintain. If she doesn’t manage her dream-induced powers, they may cause a deadly magical outburst like the one that killed her mother 10 years ago. Society mistrusts the powerful Dreamslingers, but one royal kingdom, situated within in Seoul, promotes the harnessing of those powers rather than their suppression. Aria holds that kingdom’s ambassadors responsible for her mother’s death, so when a rare training invitation is extended, Aria finds herself headed to Korea to infiltrate their ranks and find a way to dismantle the murderous league. But the deeper she delves into the Dreamslinger world, the more Aria suspects that she might not have the whole story, and what she uncovers will change her own fate—and that of the world’s—forever. This thrilling series opener takes familiar components (a magical school, untapped powers, found family) and blends them into something both fresh and unforgettable. Strong world building, an inventive magic system, and rich Korean cultural elements conjure a truly wondrous world of high-stakes competition and fierce friendship. The delightfully diverse cast, including Korean American Aria and Maori teenager Tui, is a treasure, and overarching themes of prejudice and power are thoughtfully presented. Startling but satisfying final twists will have readers dreaming of the sequel to this fantastic first installment. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.