I enjoyed this!
I really liked the plot of the book! It was interesting and the mild cliffhanger at the end has me excited for the next book.
I also liked the two MCs, Madinia and Calysian and their relationship development.
When I had first requested the ALC, I made sure (or at least I thought I did) that it wasn’t connected to any current/previous series but then as I started to listen, I actually came across a review where the reader mentioned that reading Kingdom of Lies was recommended because this book was the start of a spinoff series set in the same world.
Thank goodness I saw that and decided to stop and listen to the whole Kingdom of Lies series before following through These Vicious Dreams because then I knew and understood way more of the backstory and world building. I think if I had listened to These Vicious Dreams without going through Kingdom of Lies first, I probably would have been a bit confused and find the world building a bit lacking. I also think having the character background also made all the character development for Madinia more impactful.
While I still wish that the different POVs were split up by chapters HOWEVER it didn’t bug me as much because there was only two POVs instead of multiple like in Kingdom of Lies.
Overall, I enjoyed this and look forward to book 2 in this Duology!
Audiobook Specific:
The narrators for These Vicious Lies are the same narrators from Kingdom of Lies. Just like in that series, I think they did a great job narrating this story! I actually felt like Meg Slyman’s voice was more fitting for Madinia which was a plus!

Release Date: May 13th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with this ALC in exchange for a review. A thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes I loved:
“You never should have let me taste you. Now I’ll stop at nothing to make you mine.”

“If you run, I will find you.”

“I’m not sorry that you care, Madinia. Because when someone like you takes an interest…worlds change.”

POV, Tropes & Highlights:
“Who did this to you?”
One bed, rivals to lovers, forced proximity
Fighting, magic, fast-paced and engaging plot
Strong, well-developed characters and expanded world-building
Spicy scenes paired with complex emotions (trigger warnings: past torture, imprisonment)
Note: This is a spinoff—it's recommended to read the Kingdom of Lies series first for better understanding and enjoyment.
Plot & Review:
Set over three years after the events of A Queen This Fierce and Deadly, Madinia and Calysian’s paths cross again. Madinia is now trying to protect a dangerous grimmoire she previously hid, while Calysian is on the hunt for it. Both are focused on retrieving the artifact first, though they’re secretly planning to betray each other — all while being hunted by the Queen’s soldiers and her top witch. The story kicks off strongly and keeps a quick pace throughout, making it hard to put down.
Madinia remains a layered, fierce character, but she’s also scarred by her past and seeking connection after years of isolation. Calysian’s backstory unfolds well, adding depth to his character. Their chemistry is a slow-burn, with undeniable attraction, though Madinia is cautious and resisting—that tension adds to the story’s tension. The book teases romance but keeps the focus mostly on action and character growth.
The narration by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige is excellent, bringing the story to life and heightening the suspense. The ending introduces a major twist and leaves a mild cliffhanger, making me eager to dive into the next installment.
Overall, if you loved the original Kingdom of Lies series and enjoy stories about magic, strong characters, and layered relationships, this book is a must-read. It expands the universe nicely without feeling repetitive, and it leaves plenty of room for future adventures.

When I first started the Kingdom of Lies series with A Court This Cruel & Lovely, I was instantly a Madinia fan. If you have read the Throne of Glass series, Madinia reminds me so much of Lysandra who was also my favorite in that series as well. Both women are smart, conniving, caring, sassy, and will fight to the death and sacrifice themselves for their people. I was really hoping we would eventually get Madinia’s story and Stacia more than delivered.

As much as I adored the Kingdom of Lies series, I think this is her best book yet. The story was fast paced and kept you on your toes the whole time. It had so many favorite tropes like enemies to lovers, one horse/one room at the inn, and “who did this to you?” I loved the fire and banter between the main characters and just kept wanting more. I also loved the addition of different magical beings, mythology around ancient gods, and a new continent in this book as well. I am so excited to see more of all of that in the next book in this duology.

From the very beginning of the story, Stacia grabs your attention and makes it so that you never want to put this book down. I loved every minute of it and will be dying for the next book (which will also be the conclusion to this duology). Also, just a tip but if you haven’t yet read Kingdom of Lies and think you would like to, I would highly recommend it. You can read This Vicious Dream without reading the Kingdom of Lies books, but I definitely think knowing the characters and their backgrounds made the details of the story more impactful.

Also, I want to note that the audiobook was so well done by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige! They really bring the story to life and Meg especially transforms her voice perfectly for all of the different characters.

This book was everything I was hoping it would be! Madinia, our favorite red headed spitfire, is back but without her memories. And Calysian is on a mission to discover his past. Basically a double amnesia trope but to different degrees, and done in a way that really works. They both feel a connection between them but are both fighting it which leads to delicious tension. Overall, I adored this book!!

Also the narrators were incredible. They truly brought the story and characters to life!

After a start that throws your right in, I was sucked in and couldn’t put it down. While some things were expected, there were also at least a few good twists that had me ready for more. I will definitely be looking up more of Stacia's books.

-Dual POV
-Fierce FMC
-Reluctant Allies
-Forced Proximity
-Rich World Building

My Favorite:
-"Who did this to you?"

I was really anticipating the release of this book— I absolutely ate up the Kingdom of Lies series, and loved the little taste of Madinia and Calysian we got in that.

Thing is 😅 it felt like the start of this duology really just threw me in headfirst. It’s been a while since I read the last Kingdom of Lies book, and I was a bit confused with where we were starting off. Because of this confusion and the quick pace, the beginning felt rushed and fell a bit flat for me. Once I adjusted to the pace, figured out who was who and what was going on (around 20ish-30%?), I started really getting into the story. I found the chemistry between Madinia and Calysian enthralling, and I enjoyed watching the two of them clash then fall deeper.

The whole thing really was very fast paced, so I was easily sucked in and couldn’t put it down. While some things were expected, there were also at least a few good twists that had me a bit gagged. Be warned, friends— this ends on a cliffhanger 🤭

Audiobook narration was very engaging. Both actors gave great performances— especially Meg Syvan. She really seemed to pour her all into the character. And Tim Paige has such a wonderfully clear and solid voice that always makes me swoon.

I didn't realize this was tied to another series and while it can be read as a standalone, I think the extra backstory would have helped.

Stacia does it again. Stacia’s writing is so enjoyable and creates such an easy read with great plot, good pace and fantastic characters.

This is set in the same world as Kingdom of Lies but can be read separately. I would highly recommend you read Kingdom of Lies though as it is a fantastic series and will help you to learn the journey of our charachters.

Madinia is a great FMC with a fierceness I love to see in female characters. Calysian is an intriguing MMC with his own complex back story which we go along with his journey to unfold this. The book has a good plot that stands well on its own if we took out the romance. The romance is well built and believable, we enjoy some of our favourite tropes. Stacia writes both characters well within the relationship, they can match each other’s energy without either feeling arrogant. The spice scenes are sprinkled in the latter half of the book, I felt they didn’t take over the story and were organically placed.

Now I’m just a sucker for a magic system that involves grimoires so It was inevitable I’d enjoy it. These grimoire’s work in mysterious ways, I enjoyed the exploration of these and the effects they had.

The audiobook narration was very well executed, this is dual narration, not duet so expect the actors to each do their own male/female voices. The narrators greatly convey the emotions through the book, build anticipation and tension,

The ending plot twist was great, leading us very well into a second book.

I was fortunate to receive an eArc and an ALC, all opinions are my own and honest.

Absolutely obsessed!! This book had everything I love: dual POVs, reluctant allies, one bed, “who did this to you?”, forced proximity, and just the right amount of feminine rage. I was hooked from the first page, the pacing, the tension, the banter, and the stakes were chef’s kiss. Madinia is a fierce, layered FMC I’ll be thinking about forever. The worldbuilding was rich, the side characters were incredible (the horses!!), and that ending?? I need book two immediately. You can read this without the Kingdom of Lies series, but reading that first definitely adds depth.

4.5 ⭐️ I already knew I’d be obsessed with this story after meeting Madinia and Calysian in Kingdom of Lies—that crackling tension between them was impossible to forget. (You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other series first to fully appreciate their dynamic and backstory.)

Madinia is fiery, stubborn, and full of inner strength—yet there’s a hidden vulnerability beneath her armor that Calysian sees in a way no one else does. He is the perfect combination of grumpy, protective, and otherworldly (lol). Their banter? Sharp, flirty, and full of that delicious tension that makes a true slow burn so satisfying.

The pacing is quick without sacrificing emotion or depth. I felt so connected to both characters and completely immersed in their journey. The plot stands out in the romantasy space—original, high-stakes, and full of twists I didn’t see coming. That cliffhanger left me absolutely gutted, and now I’m counting the days until book two.

I didn’t totally connect with the audiobook narration for this one, but the story itself more than made up for it.

Everything I expected and more. I love this world Stacia created and everyone in it.

I received an ALC via NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

This Vicious Dream takes place after the battle in Stacia's other series, Kingdom Of Lies, with dual POV (and narration for the audiobook) following FMC Medinia and Calysian. It is not necessary to read that series, however, I do highly suggest it not only because it's very good, but also it will help to know some characters mentioned in this book and make more sense, but also understand what the FMC went through prior to this story.


Medinia was given an important task. Keep the grimoire safe and out of the enemy's hands. It is filled with powerful magic, and if the enemy gets it, the kingdom will suffer. She hid it, and the power to it called to her, and she was given access to some of its power while imprisoned. Two things she wants to do. Keep it safe, and seek revenge on the man who has kept her prisoner and tortured her for the last 3 years, trying to get her to reveal its location. No matter what he did, she refused. Little did he know that she had access to power, and his next "visit" to her prison, he held her, she would be ready and would fight back and escape.


The last person Calysian expected to see while seeking the magic that was stolen from him was the dangerous and powerful, yet stunningly beautiful, fiery redhead Medinia, when he was called to the area where she was being held. He found that she knew the location of what he was seeking and insisted on her taking him to it. It was his, and he would stop at nothing to get it.

Medinia tries to trick Calysian and get away from him because she doesn't trust him. She doesn't trust most people due to the pain many have caused her over the years, and she refuses to let someone hurt her like those people did. However, as time progresses, both find that it is hard to resist each other and protect one another from mutual enemies. Medinia had put a steel shell over her heart and believes she doesn't want or need anyone. Still, the charismatic and undeniably handsome, strong, and powerful Calysian makes it very hard to resist.

"You never should have let me taste you. Now I'll stop at nothing to make you mine."

This book has powerful magic, stubborn main characters, a prophecy, slow-burn romance, a grand adventure, spice, and more. It all makes for a fantastic fantasy story.

Summary

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5

Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5

I’ll preface this by saying I didn’t know this was a spin off of another series and had I read the other series first a lot of my critiques may not have been a problem. I don’t think this book works as a stand alone there’s a lot of references to the previous events which will leave you confused if you’ve not read it. Because of this I think there’s a particular lack of world building.

It’s pretty fast paced which is good but again without that background knowledge you feel like you’re fighting to catch up all the time. I did like the characters individually but I didn’t really buy their chemistry together and the side characters could’ve done with a bit more development.

I wasn’t keen on the male narrator sadly and equally whilst I liked the female narrator I didn’t love her ‘male’ voice which was a bit cheesy and really took me out of the story.

I think this middle 3rd of the book was probably my fave but then it lost me again for the last third. There were occasional bits of cringey dialogue and the plot just dwindled a bit. I’m sad, I really wanted to enjoy this and it’s likely entirely my fault for not knowing it’s an interconnected series.

I absolutely loved returning to the author’s world. This is Madinia’s story, and oh my heart! I love how she’s a fierce and strong FMC. Quickly, we discover that Calysian is in the story and I just love this broody man. I laughed so many times at their fragile alliance. The distrust between is palpable and hilarious all at the same time. This is a page turner, and will leave you wanting more! The hatred and rage that Madinia has for her captor can be felt. Oh, and the rescue. I lost it, I was cracking up! The hunt for the dark grimoire is an adventure. I already wish book 2 was out! Meg Sylvan, and Tim Paige are the narrators and their performance is outstanding! I felt like they both portrayed Medinia and Calysian very well. AHHH, it was just perfection!!

Madinia you fiesty, spicy, flame haired queen of a woman! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of her personality in the first installment of Kingdom of Death. The banter, the sarcasm, the steamy scenes, again THE STEAMY SCENES! This Vicious Dream is a must read! Stacia is one of my top 5 Romantasy authors. She has written Madinia to a truly independent, take no prisoners FMC. Even through all that Madinia suffers she refuses to be broken and her determination is inspiring to say the least. If you like dual POV, morally grey MMC, powerful independent FMC, and loveable side characters- this us a book for you!
Netgalley was kind enough to grant me an arc of the audiobook, I swear I could listen to Tim Paige read the dictionary, he captures Calysian perfectly. Run dont walk to get this book!!

Okay I might get hate for this but I didn’t love Madinia in the Kingdom of Lies series, yes she helped save the kingdom but like she didn’t need to be that mean about it lol. However this book explains more into Madinias character and I now LOVE her. Yes she is still her closed off gruff self, but we understand why and still love her. Madinia is sneaky and smart and the mutual pining in this book was amazing. 
Now Calysian, he was possessive, matched Madinias energy which I loved, and the twists made me love this book even more. 
If you’re wanting action packed, secrets and twists, sassy horses, a STRONG FMC, another book bf, and a jaw dropping ending. You will adoreee this book. 
This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year, and yes I listened to the audio and read the ebook and highly suggest both! 
Thank you SO much Dreamscape media and Stacia Stark for the arc, I’m foaming at the mouth for book 2 🥰

Stacia Stark is the queen of cliffhangers and I’m not even mad at it. This was such a fun listen and a great extension of the world created in the Kingdom of Lies series. You don’t have to read it first but it might help with the back stories of some of the side characters.

I love when side characters get their own series. Madinia is such a bada$$ and has been through so much it makes sense that she has a “I don’t need your help” attitude. But bless our dreamy, complicated MMC Cal because he’s here to convince her she’s wrong.

The banter and chemistry between these two was great and the narrators made it a really easy listen. I never felt like I was lost in the story.

I need to learn more about Eamon. There is definitely a story to be told there too.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Stacia Stark for an early listening copy. These are my honest thoughts.

I applauded the narrators. Meg Sylvan and Tim Page. On their flawless and spectacular narration of this amazing book.
After their beautiful narration of the kingdom of Lies series. They picked up with these characters and brought them to life in a spectacular way. Both these narrators in-body and voice these characters with such flawless grace, easily transporting you into this fantastical universe.

This is a action packed, fast paced rollercoaster ride from the outset. Fully engaging, this storyline is beautifully complex and imagined with a delicate hand, eliciting spectacular visuals as we traverse through wondrous lands. A riveting narrative from the very first page right to the last... I am left only wanting more of this fantastic storyline, these beautifully constructed characters.

I cannot wait for the next audiobook.

Firstly, A HUGE thank you to Stacia and her team for the opportunity to read this early, and to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC! The audio was perfect! I love both narrators and the quality is excellent!

My Ratings:
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️ 5🎧

“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙 𝚊𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎.”

This was an ADVENTURE from page one and I throughly enjoyed myself the entire time! It gives fun banter, intriguing side characters, twist & turns, secrets, angst and longing, one bed, saving each other 🫶🏻, always finding each other vibes!

Madinia is a fiery, strong-willed, “I need no man” kind of FMC. And Calysian is ALL ABOUT HER! Protecting her, saving her, WORSHIPPING HER. The two have to navigate accomplishing their own goals while warring with their feelings for each other, wanting and NEEDING to be together (as much as they try - Madinia tries - not to be)

I also REALLY feel like you *should* read Kingdom of Lies series prior to digging into this one! Having that backstory on Madinia really helps you already have that connection to her! I don’t think I would have felt as much reading this without that context ❤️

I am SO ready for book 2! I can tell it’s going to be SOOO AMAZING! But I will say, this was a nice soft cliffhanger, which I can appreciate! 🤣

I’ll leave you with this one liner:
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎.” 🥵

Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige are two of my favorites narrators and they did such a great job as Madina and Calysian. I was able to feel completely immersed in the story with their spot on characterizations and their intonation and pacing really kept me engaged.

In regards to the story itself, I knew as soon as I finished Kingdom of Lies that I needed to know more about The adventure Madina was embarking on. She was such an interesting character in that series and she deserved her own spotlight! Medina is not without her trauma in this book but her strong-willed fortitude shines through!

Medina was sent off on a journey to protect an ancient grimore filled with more power than any one person in their world should ever hold. But things go horribly wrong and our sassy, witty take no sh!t girl is put through more than anyone should have to endure!

When Madina and a certain dark smexy man that she may have had run ins with in Kingdom of Lies shows up the stakes are raised and the tension is tight.

Madina and Calysian have such amazing banter and chemistry. Their dynamic is perfect and gods their history is heartbreaking. These two are drawn to each other and you just can’t help but to keep reading to see where the story goes.

I am ravenous for the next book. This is an absolute must read. Trauma, adventure, lust, the makings of love, spice, a dark god that is so so yummy. It’s got it all!!!

5⭐️

This was such a fun and entrancing listen!

Were thrown into action right from the start. The story is told from two povs; Madinia and Calysian.
The story does a great job of explaining a bit of each character’s backgrounds to understand how they got here - and can I just say, the character building was *chef’s kiss*.
I will admit I haven’t read any of the previous books, but I didn’t feel left out at all - although probably would have helped!
There was so many twists and turns, a lot of action, romance and tension - once you pick this up you won’t be able to put it down!