I absolutely loved this book. I was on the fence when I requested it but Rebecca Ross did not disappoint. The story was fast paced and did not get stagnant. Highly recommended to anyone in a reading slump or just unsure of their next read.

What a delightful story. The first thing that stood out to me was the magnificently mysterious cover and then of course the title. Just based on those two I decided to read it and I was very much rewarded.
Every turn of the page I was guessing what will happen next. I delighted in the characters and the world. Honestly, I want to experience more of this world. A world where nightmares come to life on every new moon. Despite this darker element, Ross manages to keep the story light and ever-changing.

I'm going to pick up basically any book that is pitched to me as something readers of The Cruel Prince will enjoy, but since that sets the bar pretty high, it's got to really impress me from the get-go to keep my attention. Dreams Lie Beneath did that and more. I absolutely love courtly politics and deception, so the third section in particular was such a page-turner, I couldn't put it down. The magic system, history, and curse are so much fun without being overwhelming--although at times I did find myself wishing we could delve deeper into the different types of magic and learn more about how they work, their limits, etc. It's not something I would recommend to fantasy readers who enjoy really intense world-building, but it's a world that's easy to slip into for those of us who are more character- or plot-driven, which I appreciate.

Clem is such a delightful MC. She's unapologetic and devious, and I loved watching her get wrapped into her deception while simultaneously attempting to protect her heart. It's rare that the main character is my favorite, but Clem had my heart from the very first chapter.

There is romance--a dagger-to-the-throat, betrayal-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance, which I adore--but it isn't the main plot by a long shot, so don't go into it expecting romance at the forefront. It is very much Clementine's story as her quest for vengeance leads her into a centuries-old political conflict.

Overall--uncovering the drama and mystery surrounding the curse under which Clem has lived her entire life is thrilling, the romance is a nice slowburn that added to Clem's character development and the plot as a whole rather than taking over the focus, and while the magic system and world as a whole lacked a bit of development, it made for an easy, fast-paced read without losing the fun of a fantasy setting.

I reviewed both the audiobook and print copies of this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for gifting me an ARC of these items in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams. Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians challenge her, she is unwittingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she secretly gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets begin to rise. Clementine must unite with her rival to fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn.

My Review: I don't give a lot of 5-star ratings - but this book was everything I hoped it would be. It's going into my top 5 books read in 2021 list, and is one I will likely pick up in print when it's available. It's a book that I wish I had in my library as a teenager because it is full of so many great characters and moments that stick with the reader far into the future (which I feel is the mark of a great read). So yes, 5/5 stars for this one!

First off, the world the author has created is one I want to step into. The idea that dreams can come to life and haunt the streets and inhabitants, kept only at bay by the diligence of the town wardens was a perfect introduction into the magical world the characters inhabit. Ross creates a beautifully seamless marriage of a story that feels both contemporary and like a retelling (in a very good way) of a fairy tale you've heard before. The back story of why nightmares come to life on the night of the new moon, and the integration of things like the Wraiths card game into the story drew me in and kept me immersed in this lushly told story.

Clementine Madigan is a girl I'd like to be. Smart, a little bit hasty sometimes, strong-willed and tenacious, she's got all the things in a heroine you want to cheer for. I loved that she wasn't either so perfect that she became unbelievable nor so broken that it was hard to find a redeeming quality to her. She is, in fact, a well-rounded person, complete with flaws and questionable decisions, but who ultimately follows her heart (and that is not as easy as it sounds since there's a plot twist involving sacrifice and giving away part of her heart she must find again). The supporting characters in the book are all strongly developed individuals, perhaps with the exception of her mother, although this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. There is a YA-level romance with an enemies to friends with a bit more, and it was fun to watch this one develop.

The world of magic Ross has created fits seamlessly into this story, along with some excellent sword-play and adventure. The integration of little details of magic into Clementine's world and how she channels her own magical skills were some of my favorite passages in the book. Beautifully written prose, exciting suspensful moments when the nightmares come to life, a backstory that would make a fantastic read by itself, and relatable characters all made this one a fantastic read. Although this is a standalone, I'd happily revisit this world that Ross has created (and plan to pick up her other books based on the quality of the writing in this one).

(As a side note, MAJOR points for the Annie Stegg artwork on the cover. She's one of my favorite artists and this beautiful piece really captures the feel of the story.)

LOVED IT!!

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 Stars

Do you enjoy a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance? How about a hint of mystery and intrigue? A story told within a story? Lush and beautiful world building with a unique use of magic? Were you a fan of Sorcery of Thorns or The Cruel Prince? Are you tired of me asking questions that I already know the answer to? Then just read this book and I’ll shut up, I promise.

When I tell you that I sunk right into this world, I really mean it. I felt utterly transported from page one. In a lot of fantasy books, the beginning feels a lot like playing catch up while you try to grasp the magic system, the world and the history. Dreams Lie Beneath didn’t feel that way to me at all. It felt more like I was dropped into a world and Clementine showed up and grabbed my hand to lead me on a journey.

I genuinely can’t think of a fault to find with this standalone – which is such a rare occurrence to me. Usually a standalone book feels rushed to me, or I end the book feeling unfulfilled. This book was a rare exception, although I should’ve seen it coming considering how much I’ve loved Rebecca Ross’s other books. I think this one cemented her as an autobuy author for me. (That being said, I would read five more books in this world – I definitely want more, despite the fact that Clementine’s story wrapped up well)

The book itself is probably a 3.5 and I rounded down on the audio book review due to the narrator (aka a automated voice). However, I will round up to a solid 4 for the ebook copy. The book has an interesting premise that I’ve never seen done before, however it felt a little confusing at times. There were almost too many characters to keep up with, and they all got a little confusing (especially while listening via audiobook).

Clem was a very cool protagonist, and I loved that she was able to stand up for herself and wasn’t just a damsel in distress-type character. Phelan was a relatively okay character, but I never really felt too much for him or his relationship with Clem. I’m more of a friends to lovers enthusiast, so if enemies to lovers is more your jam, you’ll like this slower burn.

The main plot point sort of felt rushed towards the end, maybe if it had started a little sooner in the book it wouldn’t have felt QUITE so rushed. But overall, I rather enjoyed it!

#BookTok is going to go WILD for this book. Actually, scratch that, everyone is going to go wild for this book.

Clementine Madigan and her father are tasked with the dangerous responsibility of collecting nightmares. Once a month they must don their weapons and confront one of these nightmares, brought to life from a century old curse. The course of their lives are changed forever when two strange magicians enter into their quiet town one new moon night and upend everything that Clem has ever known.

Whew.

This book resuscitated me from my reading slump like smelling salts. The magic system itself is nothing like I have ever read before, so I was hooked from the get go. I won’t lie when I say that I was clinging to the possibility of enemies-to-lovers trope here, and boy I was not disappointed. Clem’s character – chef’s kiss – I loved her. She is going on my list of “Favorite Heroines of All Time” for sure.

Friends, if the thought of embarking on a quest to confront a century-old curse with a band of morally grey magicians (each with their own pack of secrets and powers) enthralls you, then this is the book for YOU.

**Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release November 2, 2021.**

This is a gorgeously written fantasy that will easily sweep you away to the realm of dreams—and the realm plagued by them.

I don't think it will surprise anyone that one of the major reasons I originally added this book—and then requested it, once I realized I was eligible—is that beautiful cover. It absolutely, perfectly conveys the sense of enchantment that the story carries, the lushness and dangerous beauty of magic that it contains. I think it's fitting, too, in that art turns out to play a fairly large role over the course of the story.

While I was intrigued by the beginning, thanks to the mentions of a cursed mountain and walking nightmares that needed to be defeated thanks to that curse, towards the middle I began to wonder if I also had a stone heart like one of the characters—no spoilers here as to who that is. About at the point where Clementine begins to take steps to enact her revenge on the magicians who challenged her (and took away her home and father's wardenship in the process), I found myself wishing that it wasn't her main focus. I truly think that this is the first time in my life that I didn't want a female main character to go after revenge; I was just much more interested in the mechanics of this world and—what else?—the mountain and dream curse.

Of course, like all good stories, the author manages to tie these things together. It's done in a compelling way; I just wish the pacing had been a tad less languid. I also felt like Seren and everything surrounding it could have been developed more, and there were a few moments where I just felt a general confusion about why events were unfolding in a particular way. There a couple of interesting ideas I would have liked to have seen explored further (such as what happens when the dream tax can no longer be implemented because the curse no longer exists), and I do think that could have been done without drastically altering the atmosphere or plot.

The romances wasn't really a factor for me in this book—it's slow burn, it's fine, there's nothing I hate about it, but I don't particularly care about it either. I like that the love interest is respectful, I guess? I think that the way things work out for Clementine and the love interest in the end is pretty interesting—I've been really into those themes of rebuilding lately, and though there's only a hint of it since it occurs at the very end so it's therefore pretty light, I'll take it gladly.

Overall, this is a rich, deep fantasy with a fascinating setting and intriguing worldbuilding. If you're looking for a fresh-feeling YA this fall, you don't need to dream about finding one—it's right here.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

I have loved Rebecca's book "Sisters of Sword And Song" and was screaming crazy when I got this ebook. With an amazing heroine, a plot unlike any other and heartwarming relationships, I couldn't help falling in love with this gorgeous book! The intriguing plot had me devouring the pages and I was so eager for more of this beautiful world Rebecca has created. The well-developed and interesting characters totally caught my attention. This book kept on coming with the twists and turns and betrayals, it had me hooked! Even though I cried a lot, I'm going to miss this world. I'd recommend it to everyone! I'm, of course, desperate for more from Rebecca.

5 beautiful stars for this wonderful miracle of a book!💖

Sorcery of Thorns meets Game of Thrones meets Clue in this incredible adventure. It's intriguing, fun and easy to read, and bonus points for the romance! I couldn't put it down and recommend it to anyone and everyone. Check it out, and thank you to NetGalley and Rebecca Ross for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was it y'all!
I've been looking for a good fantasy novel and this was it!

Any book that moves you and is able to make you cry is more than worth it, and I cried-- I cried so much!

The characters are the right amount of unique. So is the magic and the world. Clementine, our MC, is filled with fire, impulse, and kindness. And for the amount of time in which everything takes place, it's nonstop tension, twists and turns. Is it like The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus? I don't think so. Dreams Lie Beneath is entirely it's own story, but I do believe fans of those books will love this book. If I had to compare it to another, I would say it's more like An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson.

Without giving any spoilers, all I can say is you won't want to put this book down! Pacing is everything and what starts off as a simple thread becomes an elaborate tapestry the more you follow. Magic, a curse, living nightmares? Gahhh! I live for this stuff!

Can't thank Netgalley and HarperCollins enough for the chance to read and review this advanced copy.

This book was utterly divine. So original, with its unique twits and turns, I had zero clue where the plot was going and I loved that feeling. YA books lately seem to have about two plot options and the reader's only hope is that at least the characters might be original. But this was a cut above. So evocative, so lush, so potent and raw. Ross is definitely becoming an autobuy author for me.

I cannot express how much I love this book! The slow burn romance, excellent pace, and magical world kept me engaged throughout the entirety of the book.

I fell in love with Clementine as she navigated a devastating lost and vengeance. I rooted for her to find her way and continue to explore who she is and what she wants.

There is not one thing I would change and I am so thankful to NetGalley and Harper Collins for allowing me to read this amazing book in return for my honest opinion! Would definitely recommend for those who loved The Hazel Wood and A Sorcery of Thorns.