I have really been looking forward to this book, and I was really taken by how the premise is presented. However, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story is really fascinating and the world building is extensive, but almost at the expense of the storyline. There were often times where I wasn't quite sure what was happening, and the magic system is very complicated, and I still feel confused by it - my hope is that is becomes clearer in later installments. The romance is a *very* slow burn which I really like, but that might not suit all readers. Over all, I felt like the descriptions and the world building were really immersive, and I hope the next book moves the story forward a bit more, and draws things together better.

DREAM BY THE SHADOWS is sooo dreamy and so lush and I devoured it. I'm so excited for the second book!

Review of Dreams By the Shadows
Dreams By the Shadows is a darkly romantic, gothic fantasy that pulls you in from the first page. Set in a cursed kingdom where dreams can kill, the story follows Esmer Havenfall as she dives into the eerie Dream Realm to save her sister, clear her family’s name, and face the mysterious Shadow Bringer—a prince of darkness with secrets that could change everything.

Lush prose, haunting atmosphere, and a slow-burn romance make this a must-read. Esmer’s journey is emotional and gripping, and the Dream Realm is vividly imagined, equal parts eerie and beautiful. Perfect for fans of cursed kingdoms, shadowy magic, and love that walks the line between danger and devotion.

The Deluxe Limited Edition only adds to the magic—an absolute gem.

I am so fortunate to have been able to have this opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book! This was my first ever ARC read. I devoured this book! The world and the characters within are so unique and Logan Karlie has brought them to life with her writing. I could not put this book down, I can’t wait to add it to my trophy bookshelf collection when it officially releases September 15th, 2023.

I am so excited to read the second book and learn more about this beautifully crafted world of dreams. What was revealed about Esmer and Erebus on the last page had me kicking my feet in the air!! Also, who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers trope?

5/5 stars and I look forward to see what comes next of this world by Logan Karlie.

I am one of the lucky readers who has read both versions of this: and I have to say I'm so impressed with the way that Logan Karlie was able to edit this from the indie version to the trad version. She really took the book up a notch and showed her chops as a writer. This book is dark and dreamy with atmosphere and vibes for days. I can't wait to see what she does next!

I really enjoyed this book, the world building was easy to understand, very interesting with all the realms and the weavers, and it had some of my favorite tropes: dream walking, shadow magic, slow burn / enemies to lovers and a cliffhanger. Can't wait for the sequel!

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I found the characters and the setting to be very beautiful and intricate, especially the dream realm. It felt like a mix of “One Dark Window” and “Beauty and the Beast”. However, the plot was very slow and that alone made it incredibly difficult to get through. I saw the vision with where the story was going, but getting there was like moving through molasses in time. I’m excited to read the second novel that comes out as gothic stories are my favorite, but I do hope that it’s a little more fast paced than this one.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

“Dream by the Shadows” by Logan Karlie is a beautifully written story that has amazing world-building. The gothic ambiance is captivating, offering an atmospheric depth that draws you into its darker themes. This was on the darker side than what I typically read. While the beginning felt a bit confusing and slow, I’m glad I stuck with it because the ending was worth it. Fans of gothic fantasy must add this to their TBR. I expect to see this all over Bookstagram come summer.
Thank you to NetGallery and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

‘Dream of Shadows’ by Logan Karlie is a masterclass in dark fantasy, seamlessly weaving hauntingly beautiful prose, morally complex characters, and a richly layered world that lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. It’s the kind of story that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go, pulling you deeper into its shadows with every twist and revelation. Simply put, this is an immediate 5 star read.

At the heart of the narrative is Aria, a deeply human protagonist whose raw vulnerability and fierce determination make her unforgettable. Haunted by her enigmatic connection to the dream realm, Aria’s journey is one of self-discovery, filled with difficult choices and moments that blur the line between right and wrong. Karlie has created a heroine who is both relatable and extraordinary, someone you root for even when her decisions make you ache.

The dream realm itself is a triumph of worldbuilding. It’s a place where reality bends, shadows whisper, and every step is fraught with danger and consequence. Karlie’s descriptions are so vivid and cinematic that you can almost feel the chill of the dream world’s air and hear the echo of its eerie silence. It’s both terrifying and mesmerizing, a perfect metaphor for the blurred line between dreams and nightmares that the book explores so masterfully.

But the true magic lies in the relationships. The tension between Aria and Malric, the enigmatic dreamwalker, is electric. Their dynamic is layered with mistrust, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction between them a gripping push-and-pull. Add to this the complicated ties Aria shares with her allies and enemies, and you have a story brimming with emotional depth and high stakes.

What truly sets Dream of Shadows apart is Karlie’s impeccable pacing and storytelling. Every chapter unfurls with precision, peeling back layers of mystery and delivering twists that feel both shocking and earned. Themes of sacrifice, identity, and the unseen power of shadows are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth without ever slowing the story down.