Amazing!! This book felt like opening the pages of your favorite fairytale. There is a taste of familiarity, of nostalgia, and you just know you will be coming back to this story again even after you have turned the last page.

In one night, Clementine Madigan's life suffers an upheaval due to two brothers who galavant into her father's house and challenge him to a duel. And so, Clem thinks she has the right to revenge her family's honor and home. Little does she know how her quest will pale in comparison to the tales of treachery, vengeance, and greed she will uncover.

This is my first book by Rebecca Ross and it will not be the last! I felt like I was getting to know her as an author through this story. The worldbuilding, the characters' development, and even how each part set came together beautifully. Clementine is a heroine you can't help but cheer for. She's fierce and passionate, not really measuring consequences. And the story develops, you see that her big heart is what drives her, intensifying the wrestle between stone and flesh within her.

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 this complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I actually really enjoyed this story, it was like a mix between Beauty and the Beast and the Night Circus with the detailing I love from Cruel Prince. I am going to do my best to avoid spoilers with this review, but I still want it to be a bit detailed, so proceed with caution!
In the beginning there is a little bit of info dumping in the guise of stories. I didn’t hate it because it helps with world-building—which was wonderful—but it is there. Immediately we are introduced to three magic systems: Avertona, Medimara, and Devia (these could be misspelt because I read through audible). Avertona is a magic used for spars and duels and specialising in defensive measures and is commonly used amongst wardens. Medimara is the ability to transform and influence objects, such as their size. And Devia is the combination of skills to create magic items. Magicians can become wardens over towns or sections of cities to battle nightmares on the new moon, and they can be dismissed if another magician decides they want to become warden of the town.
The descriptions of places and people are vivid and detailed, using unique comparisons to add to the imagery.
“And she extended her fist, knuckles like hills, veins like rivers beneath her papery skin, and fingers full of coins.”
“The clouds were streaked like ribs across the sky, exposing the burning heart of sun”
The foreshadowing in this book is also incredible. I read this through twice. The first time I didn’t realise what the hints were but the second time through I really appreciated the thought that went into them.
Clementine (17 y/o) was an interesting character. She’s brash, childish, and power hungry. She wants to prove herself a capable magician that can work alongside her father as an equal. She’s smart and witty, and I really enjoyed her personality.
Felin (? y/o) on the other hand was quite bland. He is smart, likes cleanliness and formality, but the only time he really shows emotion is when he’s throwing a hissy fit (slamming his hands on tables and throwing things). Although I suppose his quiet disposition is a good match for Clementine, I just didn’t much care for him as a character.
That all being said, there are parts I disliked. I felt that the relationship between Clem and Felin transformed too quickly, especially considering the circumstances that Clem was under which were not convincing. It should have been a lot harder for the transformation to occur (this is so hard to talk about without spoiling anything lmao) and the circumstances Clem was under should have been broken sooner considering that a smile from a child weakened her. Because of this, the romance felt hollow. However, I did enjoy the sharing-one-bed trope, so that was nice.
Overall, this was a great read and I would recommend it to my friends and library patrons.

The book itself is probably a 3.5 and only rounding down on this review due to the narrator (aka a automated voice). The book itself 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.

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!

I was drawn to this book because it stated it was perfect for readers who loved The Night Circus. But I do not see the similarities. However, it is still a great story! I loved the concept of nightmares coming to life. I do wish there were more instances in the story so we could see how powerful the magic system was.

The romance was a slow burn which I didn’t mind since it was not the main plot. I liked that the mystery was not overpowering and easy to follow. Overall, it was a good YA fantasy!