Dream of Death City by PJ Nwosu is a dark mystery set in a fascinating fantasy world.

The way Nwosu describes the world and setting is in such a masterful way. I could picture everythig so vividly in my head.
The world building is described beautifully and finding out more about what's going on in this dark fantasy world definitely has me wanting more of this series.
PJ Nwosu developed a backdrop that felt so realistic even though it's fiction...
She has created a
The author has created a hair-raising, dark fantasy world that I became so engrossed in.
The characters were brought to life in a way that captivated me and hooked me.
This is series is fun and I can't wait to read book two.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Small Heart Press
Thank You for your generosity and gifting tme a copy of this amazing eARC!

5 out of 5 stars.

<i>"Death had crept nearby but missed them in the waves."</i>

Special thanks to Victory Editing, NetGalley and, of course, the author, PJ Nwosu, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book pre-release, in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who was always considered an avid reader as a child (and an overachiever in the department to boot), I feel that my adult life has been spent constantly chasing that feeling I was so used to back then. When a book could capture my imagination from the very first line; when nothing and no-one could pull me away from a story, no matter the time of day or the appointments already arranged. It's not often that I find such a tale now. This is one of those.

I devoured this book in one sitting, something I don't believe I've done for a few years, and even after finishing it, I am not satiated. I'm hungry and impatient for the next book in the Red Kingdom series, which I already know will become a favourite of mine.

If you're looking for an easy, simple read, this is not the story for you. If you're looking for a dark fantasy world filled with morally grey characters, monsters that also come in the form of humans, and a world built from the ground up with the undeniable talent of the author - you're going to want to pre-order this one immediately. (Not to mention, a touch of romance).

The plot itself contains elements that have been seen before, but somehow brings them together in a cohesive and entirely original manner. Think Six of Crows meets The Handmaid's Tale meets 1984 meets The Alienist. The author does an incredible job of worldbuilding - which is an imperatively important skill to have when it comes to fantasy, in my opinion - and the reader is able to visualise it all, and be swept away in it. Further, the added addition of illustrations and a map (!!!) are a beautiful bonus.

Nwosu is able to describe things and people in a way that is poetic but realistic. You fear what the characters fear, and you understand what they feel; what they see. A truly fantastic debut into dark fantasy that makes me excited for Nwosu's future, and for us, as readers, knowing that there will be at least one more tale of the Red Kingdom to explore.

Read. This. Book. That's all.

<i>"If he loved her less, it wouldn't have mattered quite so much."</i>

Posted to Goodreads here (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5034611786). Will also be reviewing/promoted on instagram @lazysundaysbookclub and tiktok @lauraelizabeth_xo