The Jar of Dreams Reviews

Matt Mannall 2026.06.16

     

An Unforgettable Journey Through the Lands of Vaniya I absolutely loved The Jar of Dreams. From the very first chapter, I was swept away on Tarun’s incredible adventure through the mystical Lands of Vaniya. The world Alan Riva has created is rich, imaginative and immersive, filled with fascinating creatures, unforgettable characters and breathtaking landscapes that made me feel like I was travelling alongside Tarun every step of the way. What I enjoyed most was the perfect balance of adventure, mystery and heart. Every new encounter brought something unexpected, and the journey was packed with moments of wonder, courage and discovery. The creatures and cultures of Vaniya are wonderfully original, and the world-building is so vivid that it's easy to lose yourself in the story. Alan Riva has crafted far more than a fantasy adventure. Beneath the epic quest are powerful themes about dreams, fear, purpose and personal growth that stay with you long after you've turned the final page. If you enjoy epic fantasy with memorable characters, imaginative creatures and a story that inspires as much as it entertains, The Jar of Dreams is a must-read. I can't wait to return to the Lands of Vaniya and see where the journey goes next.
Date of experience: 16 June, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.06.17

Thank you, Matt, for your incredible review! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the rich world-building and themes of 'The Jar of Dreams.' Knowing that the story resonated with you means so much. Thank you!

Arielle Perkett 2026.06.12

     

A journey through one's life and the world This book was an absolute joy to read! The world-building was so vivid and immersive that I found myself completely lost in its pages, wishing I could step into the story. Truly captivating from start to finish. I can only hope for a movie adaptation one day—it would be incredible to see this magical journey on screen!
Date of experience: 12 June, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.06.17

Thank you, Arielle! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the immersive world-building and found the story so captivating. A movie adaptation would be so exciting, I am adding it to the dream list!! Your enthusiasm and kind words mean a lot, thank you!

Louise Cole 2026.06.08

     

Captivating! A truly captivating debut, The Jar of Dreams is an epic YA fantasy filled with rich world-building, unforgettable characters, and a story that keeps you turning the pages. From the moment I entered the Lands of Vaniya and joined Tarun on his extraordinary journey, I was completely immersed. The imagination, heart, and sense of adventure woven throughout the novel make it a standout read. Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fan or simply looking for an exciting new world to escape into, The Jar of Dreams is a book I highly recommend.
Date of experience: 08 June, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.06.08

Thank you, Louise, for your wonderful review! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the world-building and adventure in The Jar of Dreams. It’s fantastic to hear the story resonated with you. Your recommendation means a lot.

Sissy 2026.05.29

     

The Jar of Dreams I’ve never read anything like The Jar of Dreams, nor will I again! What imagination. The detail was incredible. Such a beautiful book… I more than loved it and will so miss Tarun. I can’t wait for the next book!!
Date of experience: 29 May, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.05.30

Thank you, Sissy, for sharing your wonderful thoughts on the Jar of Dreams! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the world-building and connected with Tarun's journey. I can't wait to share book 2 of The Dream Chronicles with you when it is ready.

Peta Cooper 2026.05.20

     

Best fantasy novel I have read in years! Best fantasy novel I have read in years Loved The Jar of Dreams. From the first page to the last I couldn’t put it down. The world-building is epic, and I was so drawn into Tarun’s quest that I didn’t want it to end. If you liked the Inheritance Cycle or classic fantasy like Narnia, you will love The Jar of Dreams.
Date of experience: 01 May, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.05.20

Thank you for your wonderful words, Peta! I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the world-building and Tarun’s epic quest in our debut fantasy novel. Your comparison to classic fantasy is an honor, and I truly appreciate your support.

Madhu Diamond 2026.04.27

     

A breathtaking and vivid journey The story was absolutely mesmerizing! Every chapter kept me engrossed, and the vivid imagery brought the narrative to life in a way that felt so real. It's a beautifully crafted journey that is both emotional and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a rich and captivating read.
Date of experience: 27 March, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.05.20

Thank you, Madhu, for your kind review! I'm thrilled that you found the narrative so captivating. Your kind words about the imagery and emotional depth mean so much to me. I appreciate your recommendation!

Rakhee Dodhia 2026.04.20

     

The Jar of Dreams Absolutely loved it! Such a gripping read. Chapush! :)
Date of experience: 20 April, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.21

Thank you, Rakhee! I'm thrilled you enjoyed The Jar of Dreams and that you are now fluent in Xhadurian. Chapush!

Flinders Stokes 2026.04.20

     

Thrilled just thrilled. The story honestly gets better as you get into it. My wife and I read the book to each other and we were just blown away. It’s seriously a good read. It’s such a good book it’s kind of like archetypal but feels like an open ended world where the story threads through. We just want to know more. Great read can’t wait for the series.
Date of experience: 20 April, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.20

Hi Flinders, I'm thrilled to hear you and your wife enjoyed The Jar of Dreams. Looking forward to sharing book two in The Dream Chronicles with you when it is ready.

Kai 2026.04.16

     

Swept into another world Gripping and imaginative, I found myself completely absorbed in The Jar of Dreams. It is an immersive epic fantasy driven by a compelling plot, filled with mystery, danger, and moments of real emotional growth. The story moves at a steady pace, always pulling you forward as the stakes rise as Tarun adventures across the Lands of Vaniya. The world-building is beautifully imagined and creates a setting that feels vast yet cohesive, with unique cultures, landscapes, and spiritual elements that drew me in. If you enjoy epic fantasy with rich characters, impressive worlds and a thoughtful narrative, this is a journey well worth taking. Highly recommended.
Date of experience: 01 April, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you so much, Kai, for such a kind review and for sharing how much you enjoyed the world-building and Tarun's quest. It means a lot - thank you!

Daniel Preiss 2026.04.14

     

The Jar of Dreams is a must read experience Easy to Get Lost In. The Perfect Holiday Read I read The Jar of Dreams on holiday and it was the perfect read. It is gripping and imaginative, and I found myself completely absorbed in Tarun’s adventure and quest to get his stolen dreams back. It is the kind of book that you can’t wait to get back into every time you have to put it down. I am actually looking forward to reading it again as the world building was so epic and so real that I am keen to return to The Lands of Vaniya, especially the Tan-Kun mountains. If you love fantasy, put The Jar of Dreams at the top of your TBR list.    
Date of experience: 14 April, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Daniel, for your wonderful feedback! I am thrilled that you enjoyed 'The Jar of Dreams' and found it so 'absorbing'. Your kind words about the world-building and story are really appreciated after all the years of writing.

Sarah 2026.04.09

     

Couldn't put it down! Epic and thought-provoking, I really enjoyed this debut novel by Alan Riva. The Jar of Dreams is an immersive epic fantasy with expansive world-building that feels alive.  Once I stepped into the Lands of Vaniya, I didn’t want to leave, and I loved the characters, from the warriors of light - the Pathika, to Malazhiim - the dream-devouring djinn. If you like epic fantasy, The Jar of Dreams delivers, and its life messages and philosophies are a refreshing addition to many modern fantasy novels. Highly recommended. 
Date of experience: 09 April, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Sarah! I am thrilled you enjoyed The Jar of Dreams. Your thoughtful words mean so much, and I hope you enjoy exploring Book 2 in The Dream Chronicles when it is out.

Gone Bush Adventures 2026.02.13

     

A Magical Journey That Stays With You This book gripped me from the very first page. I felt instantly connected to the protagonist and completely immersed in the world the story so vividly brings to life. With every new character, setting and twist, the narrative deepened in richness, drawing me further into its magic. As the adventure unfolded, it only grew more compelling - and along the way, meaningful lessons began to surface. The way the story comes full circle is genuinely moving, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page. I devoured the entire book in just a few days and have already found myself revisiting it, enjoying it just as much the second time around. It’s a classic coming-of-age tale - one that expands your perspective alongside the characters and lingers in your imagination. I sincerely hope this is brought to the screen one day. Everything about this story feels cinematic, meaningful and unforgettable.
Date of experience: 13 February, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you so much Jonno for your thoughtful review. I'm delighted you found the world-building and narrative compelling and immersive. Your appreciation of the story truly means a lot, and I’m thrilled it resonated with you. I hope that you are enjoying your second read of the Jar of Dreams and that one day you can see it at the cinema or on Netflix :)

Oscar González 2026.01.21

     

Engaging, thought provoking and beautiful It is an amazing story that takes you through an engaging journey. Wonderful places, and deep connections to situations we face. All from the lens of fantasy and adventure.
Date of experience: 15 May, 2025

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Oscar. I'm glad you enjoyed the story, the world-building and the messages!

Steve 2026.01.19

     

Couldn't stop reading! Such a captivating read, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.
Date of experience: 18 January, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Steve! It means so much to hear you couldn't put The Jar Dreams down!

Susan Sennett 2026.01.18

     

Intriguing Straight away it piqued my interest. Very inventive and loved the names of people and geography
Date of experience: 17 January, 2026

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you so much Susan!

Linda Riva 2025.12.18

     

An Inspiring and Powerful Novel The best book I have read in years. I was transported by Tarun's dreams, through the inner world and the journey he takes to rid his fear. It is a well written, descriptive, story with powerful messages. A book which I found hard to put down once I started it. May everyone who reads it be inspired to follow their dreams. Linda Riva.
Date of experience: 18 December, 2025

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Linda! I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed the journey and found inspiration within the story. Your words mean a lot.

Rosemerie Alvarado 2025.12.15

     

Epic modern fantasy One of the greats of modern epic fantasy. I adored every minute!
Date of experience: 09 December, 2025

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Rosemerie! It blows me away after all these years to read your kind words. I have always loved epic fantasy, so it means a lot to know you really enjoyed The Jar of Dreams.

Nayeli Brancaccio 2025.12.15

     

Inspiring and Epic Fantasy An inspiring mix of wisdom, magic and fantasy worlds. An evocative read that feeds the adventurer’s spirit and brings a smile to the inner child.
Date of experience: 15 December, 2025

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Reply from The Jar of Dreams 2026.04.17

Thank you, Nayeli, for sharing such inspiring feedback! I'm thrilled that the mix of wisdom, magic, and world-building resonated with you and brought joy to your inner adventurer.

Mark Ian Hodgson 2018.04.26

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Timothy Bid 2018.03.16

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I was lucky enough to read the first six chapters of Alan’s ‘The Jar of Dreams’. Each sentence transported me far, far away to distant places and realms, evoking childhood memories, as I became part of Ashoo’s adventure. Ashoo has just “stepped out into the dark night”, I will follow.

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