I have been waiting for Madinia’s story since the moment she helped Prisca in the KoL series. She is a total badass and Kalrissian is her perfect enemy to lover. This story was amazing and I can’t wait for book 2.
The narrators were amazing, Tim Paige is one of the best narrators out there and they brought the story to life.

Thank you @staciastarkauthor and @netgalley @dreamscape_media for the ALC! I read this while listening to the audiobook and... where do I even begin?!
You know how Stacia's tagline is "Romantasy that rips you apart and puts you back together"? Yeah... well consider me emotionally shredded..
Stacia, I'm gonna need you to start the "putting me back together" part ASAP because I am NOT okay!

This book is set in the Kingdom of Lies world, but don't worry.. you can dive into this one without needing to read the previous series!

* Dual POVs
* Forced proximity
* Only one horse and one bed!
* Who did this to you?
* A strong heroine and a hot, dark MC!

The characters? Obsessed The pacing? Perfect
I was hooked from start to finish. No slow moments, just constant tension, action, and the best chemistry between the MCs

Madinia's guarding a powerful grimoire. Calysian's after it.
They don't trust each other, but fate throws them together!

The narrators brought the characters to life in the most amazing way, capturing each voice so beautifully.

I'm one of those readers who loves to catch little details and try to predict where the story's going... well, I was WAY off.
I did not see that ending coming, but I loved every twisty second of it!

I seriously can't wait for This Ancient Feud!

3.75 🌟 🌟 🌟 💫
Rounded up to 4

This is a spin off following Madinia and Calysian from the Kingdom of Lies series. I highly recommend reading that series first as it will help you understand the characters better in this one.

This new spinoff series follows Madinia and Calysian 3 years after Madinia is captured and escapes. They must “work together” to find the grimoires. In reality they both want them for themselves for different reasons but are forced to help each other.

You will like this book if you enjoy:

✨ Forced proximity
✨ Reluctant allies
✨ One bed/horse
✨ Spicy scenes
✨ Adventure
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Twists and turns
✨ Dual POV chapters

Overall it was a good start to this next series! It ends on a cliff hanger and has lots of twists and turns! Something was missing in it for me to really make it a full 4 star book but I can’t quite place my finger on what it is. It just didn’t grab me into the story as much as I had hoped, but I think a lot of people are going to love it!

I did listen to the audiobook version and both narrators were very good! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio arc. All opinions are my own.

Woah. Woah. Woahhh! This Vicious Dream was SO MUCh more than I expected!! I loved & enjoyed Stacia Stark's KOL (Kingdom of Lies) series & This Vicious Dream is set in the same world. Just Holy COW ! the twists & fill-ins at the ending of this book was amazing!! I was blessed with an ARC from the author + an ALC from Dreamscape Media. I was so excited to be able to enjoy BOTH for early reviews. I enjoyed the ALC, both FMC & MMC narrator were great. However, I feel like the narrations being a dual & not duet (meaning the voices read their POV chapters, not the characters) really takes away at how incredibly awesome this story is! Both narrators were great, it just did not do the story justice with the character voices changing. & the story... Y'ALLLL 👏🏻 I loved this so freaking much!! i can't believe I have to wait for the next book in this duology!! but I'm super satisfied with the cut off of the story until book #2. the ending & twists still have me spinning in the best way possible! I have such high hopes for the FMC & MMC.. & all the other characters coming back into the story. Just WOW on all those awesome twists & exposures! I was gasping & yelling "What?!?!"/"No way!" in the end! I love a full freaking circle with multiple characters in a world like this! Freaking WELL DONE, Stacia Stark ! WELL Freakin' DONE!.

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As someone who hates smut especially when theres so much of it that it starts to take over the actual plot, i highly dislike this book. I mean, it is totally my fault. It’s advertised to be in the same world as kingdom of lies which was full of smut and one can assume that this will be full of smut as well.

This was my first Stacia Stark book.
When I signed up for the audio ARC, I had no idea that this was a companion series to a previous series. So, I’m reading this one without having any knowledge of the previous series.
It is definitely possible to read this book as a standalone series.
There are a few inner thoughts and dialog that you feel as if you don’t know the full story, but because the writing is so good it doesn’t leave massive glaring plot holes, or such big questions that you can’t figure out what’s going on.
Just the feeling that you’re missing Easter eggs. No big deal.

The world building is so immersive that I can only imagine what it would be like to read the previous series and then move to this series. The same with the character interactions, and motivations, each character is so uniquely themselves, the personalities are so clear. Stacia is certainly a master and character development.
The way the relationships develop within the book. You almost feel the way the characters feel. Especially our FMC, when she is so torn, you feel ripped apart with her. When she feels comfort, joy and relief you feel it too.
When it comes to the MMC, it’s almost unsettling. His temperament, his mood swings, his goals, and the revenge he so desperately wants, feel dark in comparison.

This book was so interesting and has really created a thirst to read the previous series. I’m so glad that I got to read this one.

I LOVED this (audio)book. I ate up the Kingdom of Lies series and This Vicious Dream did not disappoint! (Technically you don’t have to read Kingdom of Lies first, but you definitely should. I don’t think you’ll enjoy this book as much if you don’t.)

It has so many things I love:
-Dual POV
-2 narrators (same as Kingdom of Lies and they’re great)
-Complex characters
-Only one bed
-Only one horse
-“Who did this to you?”
-“Touch her and die.”
-Rivals to lovers
-A fantastic MMC
-A not annoying FMC
-Quests and side quests
-Animal sidekicks

I really love Madinia. To me she’s similar to Nesta but so much better. She has the trauma and the issues that make her an interesting character but she still has such a good heart. And she doesn’t make stupid decisions or annoy me like a lot of FMCs, which is so refreshing.

Calysian is just *chef’s kiss.* I loved getting more of him and learning more about him and his back story.

The story gave me ALL the feels. I laughed, I cried, I was excited, and I was on the edge of my seat. It’s such a good, interesting story and a fun, easy listen.

I can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC. 🖤

3.75 ⭐️

Thank you so much Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ALC!

My first book from this author. This was a lot of fun and has all the romantasy aspects one could want: adventure, magic, and romance. I didn’t realize this was a spin-off of the Kingdom of Lies series, and I don’t think it hindered my reading experience at all.

I really liked the main characters. Madinia is sassy, strong, and with all the feminine rage. Calysian is so charming, which made for some entertaining banter between them. Although I wasn’t truly convinced of them as a couple until towards the end. I loved Eamon and would love to see more of him. The plot with the grimoires was engrossing and I wasn’t sure where it was headed or the paths the characters would take, but I did not see the twists coming!

This didn’t exactly sweep me off my feet but it was enjoyable. I liked the narrators, and it took some time to get used to their theatric tones, but overall very enjoyable with various voices for multiple characters.

Read if you like…
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ reluctant allies
✨ found family
✨ who hurt you?
✨ one bed
✨ one horse

Stacia Stark is one of those remarkable authors who captures your attention and holds it with a vice-like grip, and This Vicious Dream unequivocally surpassed my expectations.

This masterpiece brims with intrigue, slow-burn romance, exhilarating action, spirited and multi-faceted characters, and an exquisitely imagined fantasy world. Truly, This Vicious Dream is a must-read.

The story dives straight into the action, introducing an FMC who possesses a blend of unyielding morals, emotional nuance, and a cheeky, combative streak that makes her undeniably compelling.

The romance unfolds gradually yet intensely, with the spice feeling organic and perfectly placed, never forced or out of step.

The male lead is wonderfully flawed—like every character in this book—which imbues the narrative with exceptional depth. His fierce protectiveness is heart-melting, and he’s bound to become your next book boyfriend.

The plot twists and surprises are utterly captivating, and I adore how small breadcrumbs are carefully scattered throughout, teasing revelations without prematurely spoiling the story.

It does culminate in a tantalising cliffhanger, leaving me absolutely yearning for the second instalment—even though this one hasn’t been released yet!

In summary, this is a sensational romantasy you simply cannot miss. Be warned, though, you'll devour it in a single sitting because putting it down simply isn’t an option.

Ideal for fans of The Kingdom of Lies, Once Upon a Broken Heart, and Kingdom of the Wicked, this book offers:

- He falls first, and harder
- Found family dynamics
- Unravelling secrets
- Trust issues galore
- Thrilling adventures and quests
- Characters with distinct, personal motivations

🎧 narrators were fantastic, probably would have a really hard time reading this if it wasn't for the audiobook

This was my first Stacia Stark book, when I requested it, I wasn't aware how connected of a spinoff it was. While it's not necessary to read the original series, I think it might give greater context and help understand what happened. I don't think this is the best introduction to the world, but knowing it isn't necessary to understand what's happening.

The first bit is kinda clunky, the story doesn't flow as well as the last 1/3. There are a lot of interesting/fun plot points, but it just felt disconnected. Amnesia, especially double amnesia, is not my favorite troupe, especially when it lasts a large portion of the book.

I'm going to go back and read the original story this comes from (It's on hold with my library) and I'm going to see if it helps connect them together. My guess is that this is mostly a transition book, the author was having trouble getting from the ending of the last series to the crux of this one. This probably would have been stronger as a single-POV with all of the plot points and troupes involved. Once I've read it, I'll go back and give it a rating on Goodreads and modify the text of the review if necessary.

2.5 stars

This Vicious Dream was a fast-paced story set in the same world as the Kingdom of Lies series by the same author. While it can be read as a standalone, I don't know if I'd recommend it without first reading the other series. I was able to follow the story, but it was tough to really get into it without all of the missing context surrounding the world and characters.

It felt pretty shallow as a standalone, just another basic fantasy story for me. There was a lot of convenient single-use plot devices that had no explanation, and side characters who came out of nowhere and disappeared almost instantly. Maybe they were characters from the previous series?

The narrators of the audiobook did a great job though! They both used a lot of emotion in their voice that helped bring many scenes to life.

4.5
I LOVED this!
Start to finish. From the world building to the characters from the secrets to the twists.

This Vicious Dream gave me strong The Witcher and low-key rapunzel vibes (If Rapunzel was the bad-ass witch that is)
It comes with some of my favourite tropes and arcs while still being new and exciting and unpredictable.

The magic system is so well thought out and the mythology works so well!
On top of that, I don't always love a book that follows quests like this one does since they can quickly feel drawn out or even forced. But in This Vicious Dream, I enjoyed every second of it.

To start a book with not one but two main characters that are lacking memories? That's as brave as it was genius in this case.
I loved the dynamics between the FMC and MMC, loved the balance of plot driven and character driven developments and the way my own perception of the characters kept changing.

I read Stacia Stark's Kingdom of Lies series, which I loved, but I think this will be a new favourite! The writing had moments that felt slightly over-explained, but apart from that, I very much enjoyed it. It matched the world and vibe and the narrators did an amazing job at bringing it to life.

And that ending? I'll just say, I am NOT happy about now having to wait for book 2 when this one isn't even out yet! :D

This Vicious Dream is utter devastation. Beautiful and heart wrenching. It's so full of yearning, for life, for belonging and love. It's like a dagger to the heart and I'm utterly obsessed.

The banter in this book is incredible. The sarcastic I hate you while still calling her beautiful woman with soft eyes is KILLING ME. The sharp looks and smirks make me swoon. Their personalities work SO well together. I love that Madinia stays a strong, fiesty fmc with slivers of vulnerability shining through. I'm obsessed with Stacia's ability to write relatable, raw characters that make you want to rip out your heart for their suffering.

I'm so in love with Calysian. His battle with his lost memories, the call of his power and his love for Madinia is truly a stunning, moving story arc. He loves her so deeply and it's beautiful even when he is blinded by the call of the grimoire. Stacia knows how to write a love meant for legends.

This Vicious Dream is a 6 star read from me and will be taking over my entire personality for the foreseeable future. I absolutely devoured this book in less than 24hours and I wish I could wipe my memory so I could read it again for the first time.

This Vicious Dream by Stacia Stark was phenomenal! An action-packed romantasy with just the right amount of spice and an exquisite slow burn—I couldn’t get enough. I adored Madinia—she’s the perfect sassy, strong heroine, and I loved every moment of her journey. The pacing, the tension, the emotion—it was all so well done. I flew through this book in less than 24 hours, and the audiobook was absolutely exceptional. I truly can’t rave about it enough.

I have to confess that I’m a huge Stacia Stark fan, no one gets me kicking my feet and giggling like she does and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest offering.
Funny, engaging, slow burn, angst, world building, yes yes yes and I can’t wait for more!

I’m a huge fan of A Court This Cruel and Lovely—so it’s no surprise I devoured the first installment of Madinia’s spin-off story, This Vicious Dream (seriously, what a killer title).

It’s packed with all the best romantasy tropes: powerful magic, slow-burn tension, simmering secrets, one bed, and the grumpiest female lead with a heart of gold. Madinia is sharp-tongued, stubborn, and completely unforgettable.

This feels like the start of something epic, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.

If you loved the Kingdom of Lies series, this one’s a no-brainer. Trust me—you’re going to be obsessed.

4 ⭐️ 3🌶️ 3🎧

This is everything you want from a far romantasy series.
Our FMC Madinia has been imprisoned for 3 years and has lost her memories of what her mission was before her imprisonment. Calysian a powerful God who has lost his way on the continent searching for a missing piece of himself, is drawn to the tower she has been trapped in, right as she is enacting an escape plan and about to get revenge on her captor.
They join together to go on a search for both of their memories and what they are being pulled toward.
The story feels a bit like a mystery as you read and slowly uncover what is happening with the characters and their pasts, and how entwined they really are. I enjoy unraveling plots like this and waiting for the shoe to drop.
I think it could have been a bit more intense and got boring at times, but I did enjoy the character development and strong relationships that are built. I will definitely continue the series.

Audio notes- it was overall an average audio as far as narration goes but I think I may have enjoyed it more if I did read the actual book. At times the male narrator felt a bit cringe and it took me out of the story.

It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. I listened to the whole thing and while I enjoyed the story, it felt overly formulaic. Usually that isn’t a huge issue for me, but I felt like nothing truly unique happened until the last 10%. Stacia’s story telling is fine- but I wanted more character building and world building to make everything feel less flat. I don’t like that this is marketed as a new story set in the world of the Kingdom of Lies, implying one not read the previous series to understand what’s going on. While I didn’t need to read the previous series (nor have I), I believe I would appreciate the entire story and world more if I had.

Now to the audiobook portion:
Ew. The narrators are popular seasoned narrators but holy moly neither can voice the opposite gender well. This is a duet- why can’t they each voice their respective gender throughout the entire thing? In addition I found their attempts (well, not attempts because they did sound sultry) almost too much. The female narrator’s male voices were over the top. If I hadn’t received this as an ALC I would have either moved to a physical copy or just DNF’d.

So… overall it was okay. I have no idea if I’ll read the next book. If it’s like the typical romantasy formula I won’t enjoy the second book as much as the first.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

YESSS. This was SOO GOOD. Everything I ever wanted wrapped up into one beautifully read audio book. Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige read this better than I would have in my head. Listening to them had me hooked, and I think they were perfect for Calysian and Madinia. I think the plot was addictive, and really kept me engaged.

The cliff hanger is rough, so thats neat. Thank you for that.

Thank you Netgalley, Stacia Stark, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to the audio early!

Dual POV
Touch her and die
Rivals to lovers
Forced proximity
Vengeful Gods
Hidden identities
Secrets
Spice

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

Let me just say—I went in completely blind and have zero regrets. I saw *Stacia Stark* and immediately hit request. No reading the blurb. No second thoughts. Just vibes. And WOW did this audiobook deliver.

*This Vicious Dream* pulled me in from the first line and refused to let go. The moment I realized this was *Madinia’s* book, I full-on gasped. The *screams I SCRUMPT* were loud, and I have no shame.

Stacia’s writing is once again absolutely magical—dark, lush, and addictive. If you’ve read *Kingdom of Lies*, you’ll definitely catch some extra layers in the worldbuilding and character depth, but this absolutely holds its own as a standalone. Think Rapunzel meets Beauty and the Beast, but with sharper edges, a touch of amnesia, higher stakes, and delicious slow-burn danger.

Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige *nailed* the narration. Their performance brought every ounce of tension, chemistry, and emotional weight to life.

I’m obsessed. Utterly hooked. And already desperate for more.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC!