Well. That was delightful.
This book was exactly what I like to read. This is a deeply romantic fantasy, with a lush world and buried secrets and the best kind of love interest— quiet and reserved and solicitous. I love this story. 100 zillion stars.

Rebecca Ross is quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy authors - her ability to take stories whose bones you've read a hundred times in other forms and somehow make them feel fresh and new. "Dreams Lie Beneath" is gorgeous, inventive and features a great slow burn love story at its center.

Enchanting, simply enchanting. This novel gives me the same vibes as the first time I watched Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (1991). The aesthetic is very much "Beauty and the Beast" meets "Sleeping Beauty," with such a beautifully lush fantasy world just as breathtaking as anything else Rebecca Ross has created thus far.

This book has become one of my absolute favorite stand alone’s. One of the concepts that drew me to this book was the focus on dreams. It’s so creative and unique and I was definitely not disappointed.

The characters really fueled my interest. Clem was a strong character that I think was perfect for everything that was thrown at her. And Phelan was the perfect counter-part.

The atmosphere was perfect for a dark, moody, dreamy read. I was a bit wary of the amount of traveling done but I think the author wrote it very well,

The writing was to the point and clearly told the story. It did seem to get a bit tangenty and off topic but we were drawn back to the main point.

Loved the plot, it was unique eland had me invested from the beginning.

The intrigue captivated me but felt like it lacked a bit of something. I wish we had more information throughout the book rather than a lot of it coming to light at the end.

Logically everything worked except I have one question about a line Lennox says about beating Clem once but I may have missed something personally.

10000/10 for enjoyment! I loved this book and couldn’t put it down!

Magic, oh I love magic. What I don't like are stories that just don't make sense with many (to me obvious) issues i.e. there are remedies so why doesn't everyone take it?? or as we find out later you can just hide in a house and the nightmare will pass) so what is the real point of having wardens anyway? Is this just a me thing?? I had so much hope for this story from the synopsis but alas I guess it just wasn't for me. I do have to say though that the cover art is STUNNING and what drew me to the book in the first place.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.

Dreams Lie Beneath was an imaginative book filled with magic and dreams. I thought this book was quite unique and I loved the idea of dream wardens recording nightmares and helping citizens by facing these nightmares physically on a New Moon and giving them tonics to help stop dreaming altogether. I really loved the main character and her determination, she was such a cool character! The world building was pretty epic and the storyline kept me on my feet. I loved the old time fantasy feel that this book held as well.

This book started incredibly strong! The plot and unique use of magic is really great.

I finished this book a week ago and I'm struggling to remember the plot and name of the characters, which is a flag that it is not a 5 star book. From what I can remember, the book starts about a girl and her father, who help the town by collecting nightmares and then fighting them with magic. Two brothers show up, that the father seems to be wary of for mysterious reasons. The girl and her father lose the battle against them when they are challenged to a duel of the nightmares.
They then feel that they have to leave, which later makes sense, but at the time it didn't. There wasn't enough hinting towards why it was so important that they leave right away. As usual, there is just a lack of communication. The father doesn't trust his only daughter with some vital information that would have changed a lot of things.
There were plenty of opportunities in the rest of the story for the characters to really grow, but the main character (Clem) remained relatively immature. The romance part was really thin throughout as well. I don't understand how the feelings barely seemed to be there, but at the end all of a sudden they are madly in love. There was nothing that really led to that quick love. Lastly, the name choice for these characters just weren't the best.
In a predicting plot twist, both of their families are actually the reason for this curse on everyone. For some reason, that is never told, they left and chose not to break the curse. I still don't know why they waited over a hundred years to break this curse.
This is when the book really nose dived to a three star. It was really confusing. I'm an adult and I still had difficulty understanding the ending. The brother that was stuck all those years was really corny too.And all of a sudden all the rules are different.
There was an incredible amount of promise, if it weren't for the really confusing bit once they got to the top of the mountain.
I wouldn't read it again, but I did enjoy reading it.

I've only ever read one of Ross's other books. Her debut novel, The Queen's Rising, was one that I felt was impeccably average. Dreams Lie Beneath is Ross's fourth novel, and there's lots of room for improvement between the two... and I saw it. I truly adored reading this book, and was almost sad to see it end. 5 stars.

There are several hugely positive things about this book, but I'm going to focus on only a handful. First of all, this is an example of intriguing world-building. While it's not as epic or expanded as other staples of fantasy, it's interesting. It features magicians with various skills and focuses, nightmares that become real, and a forbidden duchy lost in the mountains.

Furthermore, the novel is narrated by Clem, who is a well-rounded lead. She hungers for revenge, she loves deeply, she's a ball of pros and cons and I loved it. This was also a fairly decent, tension-filled enemies-to-lovers romance.

The only thing I didn't love about it was that I didn't fully like the pacing of the book. While reading, I couldn't help but think that this would make for a good duology, as it felt like too many important revelations were packed into the last hundred or so pages. As far as I've seen, this is considered a standalone novel with a complete ending... but I would have enjoyed to see more.

Dreams Lie Beneath is magical and captivating, the best kind of fairytale to become enraptured with. Rebecca Ross has crafted a promising debut with whimsical writing, an intricate storyline, and phenomenal world building, some so luscious and terrifying that it captures you from the moment you first set sight on the world of Azenor.

DNF @ 20%. Unfortunately, I've tried this book three separate times and I cannot press far enough in due to the immense amount of confusion I'm feeling over the plot, the characters, and the world building.

Dreams Lie Beneath was one of those dreamy YA fantasies that sucks you right in and doesn't let you go, even after you've finished reading it. While the publishers compared it to The Night Circus and The Hazel Wood, two of my very favorite books, I don't think it is similar to either of those, but is a gorgeous book that works really well on its own. I'd say it's closer to An Enchantment of Ravens than the other two books, but I'd also like to say I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it.

This book tells the story of Clem, a young apprentice working with her father to learn how to use magic to fight the nightmares of the people that live in her small village once a month. She records their nightmares and uses these records to train to fight the nightmares once they appear under the full moon, the result of a curse. She and her father are challenged to the rights to protect her town by a young set of brothers, and they lose. Clem isn't willing to give up her life and her home without a fight.

This book had it all--lush settings, beautiful worldbuilding, strong characters, a steady plot, and lots of twists and turns to keep me hooked. I know this is supposed to be a stand alone (I think) but I would happily read another book set in this world with these characters. We got a complete story, but I feel like there's so much more we can explore.

I was skeptical of the "nightmares on the streets" aspect of this book because if it wasn't done well, it could be really cheesy. But Rebecca Ross did such a wonderful job telling this story, and I really loved it. I'm always so thrilled to be able to recommend an inventive new fantasy. This was a great book!

I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Clementine Madigan is a young apprentice of her father, the town's warden of dreams. Clem learns how to protect the people from dangerous nightmares that conjure a physical form during the new moon and wreck havoc wherever they can. Clem is proud of her job and aims to become a great warden, mixing magics with her artistry. However, these plans come to a shuddering halt when two young men challenge her father, completely turning Clem's world upside down as her family is forced to leave the town she grew up in.

She vows revenge and takes drastic measures to do so, but will her plans come to fruition? Will she be able to win back her home?

I really enjoyed Rebecca Ross's writing style. She's very descriptive without presenting too much flowery prose. The magic system along with the worldbuilding where we discover the origins of the curse that plagues the kingdom was fascinating. Just that alone made me want to track down her other books, especially since this is a standalone novel.

Sometimes, the characters annoyed me. Clem did seem to be very brash in her idea that she would exact revenge and the way that she decided to accomplish this goal was dramatic. Phelan seemed bland or, at the very least, not filled out enough.

Yet, overall, the book and the characters were an enjoyable read. There were a couple plot twists that took me by surprise. And, the way the book ended was very satisfactory.

I'm not sure about the comparison to The Night Circus because I feel like it is driven more by the prose than Dreams Lie Beneath.

Overall, this was a fun read and I'd suggest it if you want a book with good legends and worldbuilding.

This is a brilliant stand alone fantasy that I highly recommend! I loved the characters, the romance was enjoyable, and my favorite part of the book was the world that Ross built!!! I enjoyed the concept of a curse bringing nightmares to life, and it didn't disappoint. I wish that it wasn't just a stand alone, because I would love to read more!

I will say, the beginning was rough for me. I didn't really understand what was happening, and more than that, I didn't really care, either. I likely would have DNFed, had I not loved the last book I read by the author. But I told myself to try a bit more, and I began to realize that I was actually kind of enjoying it, and sooner than later. I became quite fond of and engrossed with the characters. And while I still didn't totally get the magic, I could certainly infer how high the stakes were, and the general concept.

I think really for me, the characters were the reason I got so into it. Clem is such an amazing main character, and the people in her life are equally captivating. I loved how the focus was neither solely on revenge nor romance, but on family and friendships and Clem's relationship with her own self.

The world was so well developed too, I was intrigued and captivated by it, especially as the book went on. And even though I never fully understood how someone could fight in dreams, the idea was so unique and well done that I ended up kind of being into it! Overall, the story felt incredibly heartfelt and was full of characters I loved reading about (and cheering for)!

It took me a while to get into DREAMS LIE BENEATH, but once Clem got going with her plan I was hooked. What an enjoyable, escapist read. The whole premise is so creative and well executed. The way everything ties together at the end is nothing short of masterful. I love how Ross played with classic YA tropes but made them fresh. None of the female characters are two-dimensional or just exist as plot devices or ornamentation for male characters. The development in the relationship between Clem and Phelan is paced incredibly well. A great read to get you through the ongoing pandemic.

Dreams Lie Beneath follows Clem who is forced out of her home when her father is challenged by two brothers for the position of warden. Because her father is sick and unable to meet the challenge, Clem rises to it but loses in the end. Hell bent on revenge, she disguises herself to enact her revenge through partnering with one of the brothers.

This is a LONG YA book, almost 500 pages, and there are times I really felt the length. It starts off slow, but then gains momentum, only to lose steam at the end. Clem is a likable and relatable character, but the romance in the story (enemies to lovers) is excruciatingly slow-burn. More than that, this books suffers from way too many characters thrown in during the latter half. At one point, I just couldn't keep them straight. The world-building is solid, but aside from Clem, I think a lot of the characters suffer development at the expense of the story. I liked it, but didn't love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Ross always delivery epic fantasy novels. They're usually standalones that make you crave more. This is the case in Dreams Lie Beneath. A multilayered story that hinges on a mystery that drove "wraiths" to different corners of a mountainscape. Within the scope of the who dun it, there's also a lot of character development mixed in with a slow moving romance. Clem, our heroine, is an apprentice under her father as a dream warden. Their world has been cursed to experience nightmares after dark and they must defeat the nightmare and protect the people. This is all blown to bits when they're forced to leave their home. As the story progresses, we slowly peel back layers. No one is who they seem to be and the only person Clem can trust is her enemy, Phelan, our hero. I loved their scenes together and their slow growth from enemies to romance. More than that I really needed to know how the mystery was solved. Who killed the duke and who was in the alliance to murder him? It was twisted on twists and I wish we would have had more time in the castle in the sky. This is great for any fantasy lover that loves a good plot. I did this on both audio and kindle, I preferred the kindle but audio narrator was good too.

Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross is a young adult fantasy full of magic and intrigue. A story full of unique twists and turns that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is so evocative, lush, potent, and raw.  Dreams Lie Beneath is sure to leave you wanting more.

What I Enjoyed
I absolutely LOVED this fantasy story. The world-building in Dreams Lie Beneath is so immersive from page one that you don’t even realize it is a fantasy world. It feels just as real as the one we live in. I loved how evocative and sumptuous this world is with its fairytale quality and the nightmares walking among the inhabitants. The magic system is original and intriguing, with three different styles of magic. Metamara magic is a form of magic that studies the transformations and adaptations of nature and objects. Avertana magic is the logical and practical branch that emphasizes defense and Deviah, creating enchanted objects. Magic and magic wielders rose up in response to the need to protect the population from nightmares.

This unique story has shocking twists and turns that keep the pages turning faster and faster. I never expected any of them. I was so enchanted by the story as it unfolded that it never even occurred to me to try to guess the plot before it developed. And many of those twists are absolutely jaw-dropping, especially the one at the end. That ending took me on a roller coaster of emotions that I still haven’t recovered from.

I’m a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, and this one didn’t disappoint. The romance felt destined, like the pair couldn’t have fought it or changed it no matter what came to pass. The seeds of love were spread in every exchange so that, even though Clem didn’t realize what her heart was telling her, the reader could see the inevitability of what was to come.

The characters are all so intricately developed, with many hiding behind a magical facade. Usually, that would make character development challenging, but it feels effortless and divinely natural in this story. The theme of appearance versus reality plays out in delightful ways as the truth always has a way of coming out, keeping the suspense at a high pitch throughout the story

Characters
Clem is a delightfully willful, intelligent, and admirable main character. The story is told from her perspective, and I loved that. She is a character that I was happy to see the world through and wouldn’t have changed that for any other perspective. She is a relatable character at her core and a natural-born leader who carries the reader and influences those around her with ease and determination.

What I Wish
I love that this is a stand-alone fantasy, but at the same time, I would love to know how this world turns out after all the changes that take place in the story. I would happily follow Clem through the next stage of her life and cheer her on through whatever challenge is next. Life always has a way of presenting challenge after challenge, even when it looks like the characters have achieved their happily ever after.

To Read or Not to Read
If you are ready to be swept away to the most fantastic adventure you could ever imagine, then you must pick up this book and be thankful that you did. This is a stunning example of a fantasy story that you can lose yourself in willingly and thoroughly.

I want to thank NetGalley and to the publishers (HarperCollins Childrens Book/Quill Tree Books) for providing me an ARC copy of the novel. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


I have been debating between giving this book 4 or 5 stars and settled between 4.5 and just rounded it up. I must admit going into this book I honestly didn't know what to expect and what the story was truly about. The description of the book I feel does not do it justice but It captivates the reader just enough to want to pick this book up and say "Umm, well are you not a little gem waiting to be discovered." It worked on me and Im so happy to report that it was indeed a little hidden gem I uncovered. I think as a reader, going into this with knowing as little as possible is the best way to enjoy it. Although not a perfect book, it was pretty close to it in my eyes.

Let me start my talking about what I didn't like (since those are very few) or more like what I wanted more of. I needed a tad bit romance. Please do not misunderstand me, the romance was very present and it was beautifully written but my super romantic heart just wanted a tad bit more. On this I guess its just personal preference but do not let this deter you from reading this book!

Now on to what I absolutely love about this book.

The romance (yes, yes I know I was all I wished there was more and all). The romance was really great but like I mentioned before I wanted more instances between them because when they let their guard down and both were together, It made my heart flutter. At one point I was screaming at my kindle "JUST KISS ALREADY!!" LOL
If I had to describe their romance it would be an enemies to lovers slow burn. Every look, every touch, every action and words I felt their connection growing.

The story. THE STORY!!! It was so unique that I wanted to keep learning more about the world and what was happening. The system that was in placed and how it worked fascinated me. The dreams/nightmares used in this book as a focal point and the way it was used...I applaud the author for it. The intrigues, the lies, deceit, love, betrayal, heartbreak, loss, loneliness, pain and sorrow were all very present throughout this book and kept you wanting to keep reading to know. If a book can keep you on your toes guessing what will happen next, that is what I call a success. There were a few things here and there I felt I figured out and when the time came I was proven right at times but it was not easy as I question everything and everyone, including our main heroine Clementine and our main guy Phelan motives and actions. Some things did take me my complete surprised though. Specifically regarding the curse.

This book almost feels like I was reading a fairytale. The writing flowed wonderfully. The author knows how to write and use her words as a canvas to draw a picture in our minds. As I read I was transported to that realm and saw, heard, smelled and tasted what she painted with words. There was never a dull moment when as I read.

"The fear reminds you of limits, of what lines you should not cross. Of the doors you shouldn't open."
This quote summarizes everyone in the book I believe. One way or another, every character has some sort of fear but have no limits or wish not to have them and because of that act the way they act and open doors.

"Dreams often revealed one's greatest vulnerability; dreams were doors that led into hearts and minds and souls and secrets."
This pretty much sums up the story without giving away spoilers.

Would I recommend this book: Yes!!!!

The ending...THE ENDING! I hope Im not the only one NOT really satisfied with that ending!! I feel like this could potentially have a sequel. Although this book did conclude the story to leave us content, I myself want more!!! The last chapter took me by complete surprise and I demand to know more!!! LOL

Now I feel Im ranting, but seriously. This was fantastic. Characters, story and everything in between was executed well. Don't believe me then read this book and judge for yourselves.