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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
In Where Dreams Wander by C.A. Waddingham, readers are introduced to nineteen-year-old Cal Fletcher. He struggles with vivid dreams and a growing sense that reality is shifting around him. He is living in the quiet, weathered town of Vada City after a global catastrophe known as the Event. Cal tries to ignore this strange pull in his chest until a mysterious figure confronts him, forcing Cal to face the dormant power he never knew he had. When danger comes too close to home, Cal makes the difficult choice to leave everything behind and search for answers about his father’s secrets, the true nature of their world, and his own emerging abilities. This marks the beginning of Cal’s awakening and a larger journey that stretches far beyond the borders of his small town.
Where Dreams Wander is beautifully written. It's a slow-building fantasy that blends rich world-building with an intimate coming-of-age story. C.A. Waddingham captures the resilience of a small town and its quiet wonder with vivid and immersive descriptions. There are relatable characters, especially Cal’s determined mother and his precocious little sister. The story's strength lies in its emotional authenticity—the weight of family loyalty, grief, and self-discovery is all genuine and deeply felt. Readers will appreciate the slow-burn tension and the haunting atmosphere that gradually shifts into something much larger and more dangerous. With its heartfelt moments and an undercurrent of mystery, Where Dreams Wander is a promising start to The Custodes Iridis Saga and will resonate with fans of thoughtful, character-driven fantasy.
