this is a good book for fantasy lovers! the art is interesting and done well, i think this is a book for tweens.

This was cute, but clunky. There were a lot of places, especially early on, where the story just didn't make a lot of sense. There were odd omissions in the text that left things confusing. Some of that was probably intentional, as a way of showing Ned's memory loss, but that doesn't really become clear until the end.

It's also miscategorized. While billed as a middle-grade graphic novel, the story centers on Ned, a grandfather. There are repeated mentions of medical terms and old-people ailments (tachycardia, prostate, arthritis, etc). A younger audience would gloss right past those without understanding. Also, I don't think Ned's memory loss, which becomes an important plot point, would come across to middle grade readers. It's a moving story with relatable themes and a good message -- but for adults. None of it would make sense to or really impact the average middle-grade reader.

I like the art style but didn't really connect with the characters.

*Thanks to Top Shelf Productions for providing an early copy for review.

This book took me in a direction I wasn't expecting and I loved it. A good read for fantasy lovers who've often wished they could enter their stories but an equally good read for insight into an old mind who's memory isn't what it was.

This is a fascinating graphic novel about a grandfather that is reading a book to his two grandchildren when he ends up trapped in the mythical world he created for them and is the main character given a quest. There were parts of this that I absolutely loved - the pages were parts were splattered and we were unable to see them, representing the memories he was forgetting or refusing to face. The illustrations were good and the plot was unique and interesting.
I was left satisfied but also with some questions, the main one being I'm not too sure who this book is targeted at. Adults may not appreciate the very 'young' characters and storylines, while younger audiences may not understand the more serious storyline around loss, grief and aging. I did enjoy it but not sure who I would recommend it to.

I loved the artwork within this book and thought the story was good in terms of showing the darkness within the book and fear while also showing so much love. I found myself smiling, laughing at at times sad while reading this and really enjoyed the story.

I do think some of the words are a little big for children to understand but it was a fun time

This graphic novel adventure sends an aging grandfather into his own bedtime stories. Ned is a cranky character who's only joy in life is his visiting grandchildren. He has a vivid imagination but since they fall asleep every night before he finishes his bed time story, he needs to start over. But his memory is failing and he doesn't remember the details. When Ned finds himself transported into his own tale and he is the knight in armor he must set out on a quest delayed by monsters. The senior protagonist dealing with depression, anxiety and failing memory is portrayed in a way relatable to children. The art was fantastic, capturing both the real world and the fantasy land. Ned's failing memory means that he can't recall his late wife's face, and the fragmented memories shown during his disorientation look like photos covered in spilled ink. The technique is disconcerting but adds to the affect hat the author is aiming for. I did have to question as to why a man with memory issues was taking care of his grandkids. In his fantasy, Ned can only defeat the monster once he learns to believe in his own power and also learns to accept their problems and ask for help from his friends. Kids can learn from both of these lessons.

The art is amazing, so rich, and there is a sweetness and nostalgia that flows through it.
I didn't expect to enjoy this much having an elderly main character but it worked and the amazing part I think is that this graphic novel is not only for kids, it really appealed to me.
The story was emotional and fun in the same time.

It was okay. The art was well done, but I did not care about the grumpy old man protagonist. He learned a typical lesson about moving on, accepting loss, and continuing to live life.

Adventure upon adventure! After Ned notices he can no longer remember the details of the bedtime stories he tells his grandchildren, he finds himself waking up in a strange place. Convinced he's having a dream set in the land of those stories, Ned blithely sets out for adventure only to discover that this fantasy world is real and not controlled by him.

I absolutely loved the artwork because it is brightly cartoonish. The message of The Land of Unfinished Dreams makes the graphic novel relevant to young adult and older readers but even middle grade readers will enjoy the fantasy adventure!

The land of unfinished dreams is a graphic novel packed full of childhood joy, from the colour palette, to the crazy creatures and magical solutions, this novel is one to be remembered and enjoyed by readers of all ages.

I absolutely adored this story, it had a heartfelt message about family, the grandpa had a beautiful amount of depth for a children’s book, he was flawed and loveable, and that was what made him amazing to read about.

The illustrations perfectly encapsulated the childhood joy which clouds all the memories of your own childhood, from the vibrant pastels of the colour schemes, to its beautifully detailed illustrations.

The story had its flaws as most do, it had predictable tropes that sometimes did result in unpredicted outcomes, I found that the children when illustrated looked a little bit like adults, however my minor criticisms didn’t come close to taking away the magic of this tale.

Overall this was a wonderfully written standalone graphic novel, which I look forward to adding to my own collection

While the art in this graphic novel is great, the storytelling is hampered by some odd stylistic choices. The first chapter is heavy with narration, leading to a slow start that unfortunately sets the pace for the rest of the book.

However, the book's most significant problem is a disconnect with its intended Middle Grade audience. The protagonist is a grandfather, and the story is filled with adult medical terminology (prostate, astigmatism, tachycardia, etc) that will likely make the character and his concerns difficult for young readers to relate to.

This thematic dissonance continues with the book's overarching message: that you're never too old to take control of your life. While a wonderful and important theme for adults, it doesn't really resonate with the typical 8-12 year old.

Ultimately, despite its lovely art, the book feels completely miscategorized. It’s a thoughtful story for an older audience, especially if you're dealing with grief. But as a Middle Grade offering, it misses the mark.

Thank you IDW Publishing, Top Shelf Productions, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this emotionally tender story about dreams, remorse, resolution, hope, and family with an unlikely protagonist — Grandpa. Geared for a middle grade reader and beautifully illustrated, this story has a universal appeal for any adventure lover with fast moving plot, well-written characters, adventure, and a satisfying ending. Highly recommend!

this was a pleasantly surprising adventure story I enjoyed. Ned is a grouchy old grandpa that tells his dream adventure story to his grandkids before bed. he suddenly awakens stuck inside his own story but cannot remember the end. old age? fear of the unknown? scared of losing that which you love? great middle grade graphic novel. Hopefully there is more to come

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Not sure which age group it is aimed at, but it certainly appealed to me, and would probably appeal to anyone over the age of 10 who likes graphic novels.
Ned, an elderly grandfather, tells his grandchildren a fantasy story every night as they go to bed. Unfortunately, they fall asleep before he gets to the end – and he has to start again. He can no longer remember all the little pieces of his tale, but his grandchildren soon remind him, perplexed that he can’t remember his own stories.
Then one night he goes to the attic – and steps into his own story, complete with talking fruit, planes, and animals – including his squire, a bear called Brownie, and Zelda (a fox, who is definitely NOT a dog!). There are monsters to overcome: a silver dragon; an owl huntress; a giant squid in a cave; poisoned water; … And worst of all, the dread lord of the Grim Tower. Ned has to get to the Grim Tower to rescue Princess Rose – but he is no longer quite sure why.
“Who are you Rose? I chase you … I chase you because I cannot remember your face anymore.
His quest is less to save a princess, than to save his failing memory. Flash backs to his earlier life are scattered with black blotches of forgetfulness. Eventually, Ned comes to realise that he can successfully complete his quest if he
1) Believes in himself
2) Trusts in and accepts help from his friends
The lessons he learns in his fantasy world, he then has to apply in the real world with his family, and looking forward to the future.
The illustrations are great – not overly intricate, but they suit the story perfectly. I particularly liked the use of black blotches and erased features to portray forgetfulness.
At the end are some black and white drawings to colour in.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those whose memories are fading – or who are dealing with relatives or friends, whose thoughts occasionally drift. Or those who just love a graphic fantasy novel.

This was beautifully illustrated and very well-written. I liked how he was sucked into the story he was telling his grandchildren and how he had a lesson to learn from it. It was really well done.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book has great drawings and tells about a grandpa who has been lost in books as the years pass by and end up missing the big and little things in life. Grandpa dreams of his book characters and realizes as the dream goes on what he must do. He has to start living again and realizes what he us missing when he wakes up.

A captivating story for all ages beautifully illustrated. An entertaining and exciting tale about dreams, remorse and resolution but foremost hope. As FDR put it ‘the only thing we have to fear is fear itself’.
Whimsical, surprising and emotional with a strong message. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t appreciate it.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This was lovely. The illustrations were beautiful, the world was creative, and the message was poignant. I think this is one of those stories that's applicable at just about any age--whether you're just starting your life or nearing its end. The messages about grief, fear, and community were applicable to all of them, and, in a world of age-segregation, I'm excited about the possibility this story has to bridge some of those divides and bring people together.

The only real detractor for me was a prostate comment one of the characters made at one point. It didn't seem necessary, and I think needlessly aged up the target demographic of a book that I otherwise would have recommended to elementary-aged children. I still think it's otherwise appropriate for younger children, but parents might need to "edit" that line or be prepared for the conversations that will follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I’ve never read a book like this before, but honestly, it was pretty good!! I loved the pictures and message that was through out the book. Brownie was so cute, I loved him! Ned was grouchy and wasn’t very nice most of the time, but I loved his turn around at the end. There was some language and a character who wasn’t dressed appropriately, also some phrases that were used too much in my opinion. The only other thing is it didn’t always read smoothly, like some of the scenes jerked around in a way. But all in all, I liked it and enjoyed reading it.

A heartwarming tale for children and adults alike.

Ned is a curmudgeonly Grandpa who goes through life griping and groaning. That is unless he's telling an epic bedtime adventure story to his two grandchildren. When Ned somehow gets sucked into the story, he must grapple with both fictional and real enemies to save those he loves the most.

The Land of Unfinished Dreams is a poignant and heartfelt graphic novel that has the reader along for the adventurous ride, while also reflecting on parts of their own life. The dreamlike colourization and illustrations will draw readers into a tale that will make you smile and tear up all at the same time.

A truly masterful work of a graphic novel, this book will also be helpful as a tool for children dealing with aging grandparents while also helping adults to embrace that magic of life.

Thank you to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.