My expectations were pretty high going into this book but it still blew me away. The tension and banter between the main characters was phenomenal. Anyone who advertises their book as “enemies to lovers” needs to read this and take notes, the shift was gradual and felt very natural while keeping the core of the characters intact. The characters were so relatable to my beauty and the beast loving, gothic gloom and doom girl heart.
I loved the descriptions of the scenery, the dream world reminded me of The Phantom Tollbooth, which was one of my favorite movies as a child. It was hard to follow what was happening at some points but that just gave it more of a dreamy feeling.
Plans went wrong left and right, which made the story feel even more realistic and the amount of times the characters were knocked on their bottoms made me laugh.
The overarching gothic vibe was stunning, the grief was described in such a beautiful way that it had my chest aching for the characters, and it wasn’t just forgotten halfway through the book. It was sprinkled throughout the story, even after it was no longer the biggest issue the main character faced.
I loved this book and had such a great time reading it!

I was just really confused by this book. I did like the way it explored toxic family dynamics. The romance just didn’t click for me, and I didn’t understand the dream world. It seemed all over the place.

This book is a genuinely strong entry in the romantasy genre. I went in expecting something formulaic and instead found a richly atmospheric story that hit much harder than I anticipated. Dream by the Shadows blends Beauty and the Beast with the haunting surrealism of Labyrinth, and crucially, it isn’t afraid to lean into the gothic.

Esmer is a compelling protagonist, she's reckless, sharp, and hungry for more than the small life she's been handed. The Shadow Bringer is a classic tragic prince figure, with just the right amount of menace and melancholy to make the romance feel earned. Their relationship is intense, emotionally layered, and full of the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages.

The only reason this is a four-star and not a five-star review is that I occasionally found the world building a little muddy. The dream logic, the mechanics of Corruption, and the history of Noctis all felt like they needed just a bit more clarity to fully land. That said, I understand this is the first in a duology, and I’m hopeful the second book will flesh things out more fully.

Still, this is an addictive, immersive read with lush prose, real stakes, and a romance that doesn’t hold back. I’ll absolutely be picking up the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

This dark, dream-filled fantasy pulled me in with its lyrical writing and haunting atmosphere. Logan Karlie introduces a world where dreams carry real danger and shadows hold unexpected power - and the concept is really intriguing.

I enjoyed following Esmer’s story as she unraveled secrets and faced the pull between light and dark. The slow-burn romance added just the right amount of tension, and the vivid world-building made it easy to get lost in the pages.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this one and I think this is a promising start to the duology. I’m curious to see where the story goes next - especially after that ending!

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this and immediately started reading it as soon as I downloaded it. I’d been seeing it everywhere on social media and even though YA isn’t my typical read, the premise sounded so good that I couldn’t resist.

The FMC lives in a land where dreaming is forbidden and the people drink a vial of elixir every night to keep them from dreaming.

While I feel like the premise of this book is good, I had a lot of trouble understanding what was going on at times. There was A LOT of world building, but it seemed like just too much trying to happen?

The romance was ok, nothing special and for the most part, I think the two characters lacked a certain chemistry.

I’m still really trying to piece the book together even after finishing it.

I will say, however, that I still think the premise of the story is so interesting and I just wish it was fleshed out a bit more. I enjoyed the concept and overall, the story, but there is a lot that needs to be explored in editing to make it flow better and make sense.

MAKE THIS YOUR NEXT READ

Dream by the Shadows is like if the vibes of One Dark Window and ACOTAR had their own unique and beautiful love child.
The dark gothic atmosphere was gripping from the very beginning of this book, I can't get over how rich this story is.
Esmer, our broken and grieving protagonist, showed me that it's okay to have darkness within as it's what you do with it that matters.
And Erebus, oh my god, this man could get it any day he is so FINE!!
If you want a story of two broken souls finding each other, healing together, and coming out on the other side stronger, this is the book for you!

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 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.