ARC from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and publisher.
Publish Date: Feb 25 2025

Rating: 2/5

I understood what the author was trying to convey with this book. Unfortunately, I couldn't get past certain aspects in order to enjoy it. I found this was a cross between a children's book and adult novel about what the character was trying to process.

Plot:
This novel follows Cullen who finds herself in between her waking and dream worlds. While awake she enjoys the love of her husband, baby and a close friend. While she sleeps there is a fantasy world, Rondua, where she meets a little boy. Along with some friends, the boy guides her to find mystical bones. However these worlds do sometimes crossover effecting her waking life.

Praise:
- Writing style
- Able to picture the environment through good descriptions
- Fantasy world had some unique features

Critiques:
- Seemed childish while in the fantasy world
- Narrator tone and pitch made it seem more like a children's book even during the normal world
- Emotions not triggered at times where they should have been

Fav Quote:
“But logic and rationality only go so far. Then you know what happens? Ha! Then your heart adds its two cents and everything reasonable goes right-out-the-window.”

Would I recommend it to a friend?
Very unlikely. This was close to a DNF for me.

Another trippy novel from the talented Jonathan Carroll that I am just now discovering thanks to @BrillianceAudio producing many of his earlier work as audiobooks with excellent narration.
In this tale, a woman seems to work out some of her issues in her dreams. Yet, she returns again and again to a magical world where the fantasies in her dream progress and are coherent from one sleep to the next. Then there seems to be some crossover, but can she control it?
Ultimately, this is a story about love, friendship, and the importance of connecting with others. Beautifully drawn, complex characters.
My thanks to the author, Brilliance Audio, and #NetGalley for producing these audiobooks and for providing me with access for review purposes.