YOU DARE TAKE FROM ME! Stacia Stark 😉
Madinia, Calysian are my new favorite people! I love the Kingdom of Lies series so when I heard Madinia was getting her own story I was ecstatic! She was such a strong supporting character to Prisca I loved her right away.

The banter between Madinia and Calysian is chefs kiss. It is definitely a grumpy/grumpier enemies to lovers trope.

Poor Cal trying to tell Madinia what to do had me laughing each and every time. The part when it says she does the opposite of what he tells her and he says she speaks the truth had me dying!! 🤣 Also the spice is a slow luring kind of burn. I absolutely loved the hotness of it all.

This was a fantastic story line and the plot twist and “how dare you end the story like this” ending has me wishing book two would be coming out soon!! I need to know how it ends!

No spoilers but the info we get about Prisca and Lorian is priceless!! I would not be mad at all if an extra book was added to the Kingdom of Lies series! JUST SAYING! (Hint Hint 😉)

Also the narrators were top notch! The did a brilliant job bringing the characters to life as in the first series.

I highly recommend that you need to read the Kingdom of Lies series first since this is a spinoff and touches on a lot of what happened to Madinia in that series. Well done Stacia Stark! Well done indeed! 👏🏽

This Vicious Dream is the first half of a romantasy duology which I learned after starting was a spin-off from The Kingdom of Lies Series. I enjoyed it despite not having read that series yet, though I am sure it would have been better to go in with an understanding of the world and the characters. Regardless, I didn't feel lost and appreciated the character growth in this book alone. If you like a plot that is fast-paced plus a romance that is slow-burn, you'll probably enjoy this too.

This one ended on a cliffhanger, so I am grateful I can read Kingdom of Lies while waiting for book 2!

The audiobook was duet narration, and the narrators were both perfect for this. Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Absolutely freaking phenomenal.

This is a book I would rate 10 stars if I could solely because I felt there wasn’t a single flaw in it. The narrators did an absolute phenomenal job yet again of bringing the characters from kingdom of lies back to life!

After finishing the kingdom of lies series I was gutted and left feeling empty as it was such a phenomenal series but then I discovered that there was a spin off and it was centred around Madinia. Madinia was a character I didn’t really feel anything about in that series, I liked her wit but there were a lot of other characters that I loved a lot however in this book it is definitely her time to shine and I loved her so much which rarely happens to me in spin offs (cough silver flames by Sjm where I was not a fan).

The tension and the chemistry and just the I should/shouldn’t plot between Calysian and Madinia was superb. I read this on audio and I freaking loved hearing the voices act it all out because damn there is so much sexual tension it’s unreal. But also the amount of twisty things in this book - some of them are easy to guess but it kind of makes sense as you have this perception and knowledge that the main characters don’t.

My issue at the end which isn’t an issue it’s more like how dare Madinia do what she did at the end. I mean damn Calysian is fine af. I’d be wanting him no matter what happens 🥵🤣

Thank you NetGalley for the audio for this!
Look I knew I was going to bloody LOVE this book ok!! But did I have high hopes that this wouldn’t destroy my soul yes. Was my jaw on the ground multiple times YES.
Was the audio sexy asf YES!
Am I now in a massive reading slump?! Say it with me now… yes.

Stacia has a way with words for world building and plots with twists and turns and I swear to the goddess ( not that one 👀 ) that I need book two YESTERDAY!

This book had me swooning, crying, goosebumpy and banging my fists! Yall have to read it ok! No regrets all love!
I shall have to re read so I can actually annotate!! Because there are some memorable lines in this book that I will remember FOREVER ! Madina Farrow is the best badass FMC like theeee best, she is witty, strong and bloody HOT!

A wicked hot god?! YES
smirky grin YES
CUTE HORSE ! Yes
The best sidekick yes!
Will he choose her or the world ?! yall I can’t with the ending I CANT!!

This is such a beautifully written and well paced romantasy but I don’t expect anything less tbh! 10 starts yo

Stacia Stark’s This Vicious Dream grabbed me like a nightmare I didn’t want to wake from. We meet our heroine locked in a living cage of thorns, nursing the one secret that can topple kingdoms: the whereabouts of a reality-bending grimoire. Enter the stranger—equal parts silk and steel—whose wicked grin promises freedom and betrayal in the same breath. Sparks? Try wildfire.

Why I’m obsessed

White-knuckle pacing. From prison break to dream-warped catacombs, every chapter feels like sprinting downhill—breathless, a little reckless, utterly thrilling.

Chemistry that crackles. She’s fierce and feral; he’s all lethal charm. Their forced alliance is a master class in slow-burn tension: dagger-to-throat banter, reluctant trust, and those charged almost-touches that leave you feral for the next page.

A world with bite. Living thorns that taste your fears, nightmare beasts stitched from shadow, legends whispering in forgotten tongues—Stark’s magic system feels fresh yet satisfyingly dark.

Twists on twists. Just when you think you’ve mapped the maze, a trapdoor opens. Betrayals hit hard, revelations hit harder, and the final turn left me howling for book two.

Tropes & treats you’ll devour:
🔪 Enemies-to-reluctant-allies
🖤 Morally gray hero who weaponizes charm
🌹 Cage of thorns & nightmare magic
📜 Heist for a world-breaking grimoire
🔥 Tension so thick you could cut it with a rune-etched blade

Clear your weekend, charge your Kindle, and prepare to lose sleep—This Vicious Dream is a deliciously dark ride that leaves thorn marks and demands a sequel. I’m already sharpening my anticipation.

Thank you NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media! Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige, thank you for taking this to the next level with your interpretation and narration!!! It really brought the story to life.

A classic ‘girl escapes imprisonment with lost memories’ mets ‘guy who happens to be dark god on a quest to find his grimoires’. Kingdom of Lies is on my top list of romantasy, so my expectations heading in were high. Boy, did Stacia deliver! The banter is bantering, the snark is snarking, and the plot is plotting. This story is the perfect plot to spice ratio. Can’t wait to continue the series!!

Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC!

So going into this I did not read the original series Kingdom of Lies so it did take me time to get aquatinted with the world and characters. That is the only reason I did not give this book more than four stars. That being said I really did enjoy this book and I am looking forward to going back to read the original series before book 2 of this spin off is out.

I want to preface this by saying I did not read the Kingdom of Lies series before jumping into this book... this book can technically stand on its own but I can see where having read the first series beforehand would enhance some of the existing world building and some of the other characters. I still really enjoyed the book though. The banter and tension was GREAT. It's very action packed and a fast paced read. I can't wait for the second book!!

The audiobook is dual narration, and at first it was hard for me to get behind the narrators for the book bc I couldn't get a read on the characters' personalities (since this is a spin off series/I didn't know the characters beforehand since I did not read the first series). The actual book content was addicting, but it took me a little bit longer to connect to the narrators' voices for the characters.

I had received an advance audiobook copy, courtesy of Dreamscape Media on NetGalley, so thank you for the ALC!

great googly moogly this book.

I have been counting down the days until I got my hands on this beauty and was able to start it.
and it did not disappoint at all!!

I was introduced to Stacia with her Kingdom of Lies series. and absolutely adored the characters and world from that series. and when I heard Madinia was getting her own book, I may have freaked out just a touch haha.

Madinia is one of those characters though that I think you instantly relate to. she's fierce and spicy. Brave and stubborn. But there is more to her too. And even just the growth we saw through the KOL series was enough to hook me in for more.

And this book was everything and nothing like I expected haha.

The story was so unique. And do to reasons... We got to see a different side to especially Madinia.

The pacing was excellent in this book too.
as someone that flipped between the hard copy and the audio. I will say you cannot go wrong with either option.
typically I prefer fantasy books like this on audio.... the world building is always a bit easier that way, and gets me through the longer parts of it. And maybe it just because I was sorta familiar to it in this one (though believe me, this world had a lot of new caveats to ot too). But I enjoyed the actual hard copy of the book too. I never hit a part that's lowed me down or drug out too much. and I think that says a lot about Stacia's ability to create a world like that and give it to the reader in a way that doesn't just feel liks exposition.

The story itself is just so good too. There were parts that drive me absolutely crazy, and others that made me absolutely swoon haha. But it is one of those books you will just not want to put down too. I lost many hours of sleep while reading this beauty haha.

I mentioned Madinia earlier. And while it's usually known I'm not a big fan of FMC's in books. Madinia was an exception (I feel like I've had a lot of these recently. And I'm here for the good FMC revolution haha). but I honestly just love the spark of her personality. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and is so fierce and loyal once it is earned. she can be a bit rough around the edges. but especially knowing her from as far back as I do. she has grown and flourished in so many ways too. and seeing this new and powerful side to her was such a fun experience.

I should probably mention Calysian here now too haha. I'm not gonna lie. it took me a good minute to really get a better feel for him. yes he wasn't someone totally new to this universe. But he was completely different for me in this book. In a good way though. He still has the serious no BS attitude I enjoyed before. But seeing this new light to him was also a great change of pace. And evoked more emotions then I would have expected.

I will also say for all the KOL lovers out there. I think this book did a great job of letting us get a taste for all the characters we've come to love. without taking or adding anything that would have "ruined" that story. and made a great waybfor anyone new to the series to be able to start here with this book and not fele like they're missing too much or the pressure to read KOL first. Though I highly recommend doing so.

My biggest complaint from the whole book?? I will never get enough Daharak haha.

I really truly enjoyed this read though. And I cannot wait to see how things will go in the 2nd book of the duology.

I give THIS VICIOUS DREAM
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book....these characters....this story 🤌🏻

Stacia has done it again. Within the first chapter I found myself entirely captivated by the action on the page right away. I found myself not knowing exactly what was going on but desperate to read on and piece it all together.

Madina is the ragey, fiery, stabby FMC we all love and deserve ✨ I'm obsessed with her. the romance and banter we get with her and Calysian is TOP TIER

10/10 would absolutely recommend to a friend, I can't wait to get the next book in this duology.

5⭐

Thank you so much to @staciastarkauthor for the #ARC and @netgalley for the #ALC ! Let me tell you, I am OBSESSED!

We're thrown into the intricate life of Madina, a character who first captivated us in the Kingdom of Lies series. Now, she's stepping into her own story, one woven with political intrigue, dangerous alliances, and a simmering tension that had me absolutely glued to the pages. We are quickly thrown right into the action when Madina finds herself unexpectedly bound to the compelling and enigmatic Calysian. Their reluctant partnership ignites a spark that's as thrilling as the high-stakes plot unfolding around them.

Stacia perfectly blends deep character development with a plot that keeps you guessing at every turn. The banter? 🤌 And the action sequences? They leap off the page! The pacing was masterful; I was completely rapt, flipping through the chapters, desperate to know what would happen next.

I was so fortunate to experience this story through both an ALC and an ARC, making it a truly immersive journey. The narration was top-tier, bringing Madina's world and her internal struggles to vibrant life.

Having followed these characters since the Kingdom of Lies series, getting Madina's own book felt like a dream come true, and it absolutely delivered. While this is a standalone duet, I honestly believe that having the context from the previous series enhances the experience, giving you a richer understanding of Madina's journey and the weight of her past. Trust me on this one!

If you're looking for a book with complex characters, a gripping plot, delicious tension, witty banter, and heart-pounding action, then look no further.

Troupes: enemies to reluctant allies to lovers, forgotten identity, morally grey mmc, revenge, forced proximity

Spice 2.5/5
Plot 5/5
Pace 5/5
Character Personality 5/5
Character Growth 5/5
Writing Style 5/5
World Building 5/5

4.5⭐️
we are following madinia, and I would encourage you to read kingdom of lies series first as you get the worldbuilding, plus she already appears there👀👀

this was so good and I need book 2 asap😭😭😭🤧💕💕 all I want to say have spoilers but the past thing??? ghoshhhhh I didn't see that coming and I was eating that up👀👀
that finally??? excuse me???? when are we getting book 2?👀👀👀

I got the arc and the alc and that audiobook is phenomenal!!! the narratores are the same ones from kingdom of lies 👀👀

quotes:
"-Don't fret, i'll see to all your needs."
My thighs clench. "-I thought you were furious with me."
"-I am. And I'm pleased to be the one to introduce you to angry sex."👀👀
••
"-I promised you I would make them pay for every second of life they stole from you. This is just the first. What I will do to that witch will be spoken about for centuries."
••
"-You won't rush me."
"-You're not in charge here."
"-Bigger than you, sweetheart. Stronger than you too. Youll take what I give you."
••
"-I will find you." --(please doooo!!!!!)
••

Tropes:
☆🍁rivals to lovers
☆🍁feminine rage
☆🍁found family
☆🍁forced proximity
☆🍁she saves herself
☆🍁one horse
☆🍁reluctant allies
☆🍁who hurt you?

3.5⭐️’s rounded ⬆️ to 4⭐️’s
This Vicious Dream is a spin off duology from Kingdom of Lies - if you haven’t read that series yet I highly suggest you check it out before this duo - it provides much needed context on many characters/plot points found in this book. And if you’re ready? You can expect:

🔥 Dual POV
🔥 Rivals to Lovers
🔥 Feminine Rage
🔥 Touch her and die
🔥 Memory loss

Let’s start with Madinia!!! My strong willed, inward ice queen (said with love). Hearing her voice brought me straight back to this world 🖤🖤 Taking place right after the events in KOL, Madinia has been locked away for 3 years, captured by Kyldare who’s trying to get information on where the grimoires were hidden. Aemon is a favorite side character of mine in this story and I was happy to see other favorites pop in from KOL.

And thank you, Stacia, for giving us this perfect piece of quotable material:
- He’s weak. Not physically, but inside where it counts. Weak men always believe they can hide their weakness by accumulating power. They can’t help themselves.
BOOM 💥 MIC DROP 🎤

Here’s what stopped me from a 5⭐️ rating:
The sudden alliance between conflicting characters threw me. The names Calysian, Kyldare & Calfarus (spell check) fully confused me on audio 🙈 The last 15% felt too rushed to make complete sense to me while listening. I wish the revelations and prophecies would have been paced a little better, maybe starting around the 75% mark? HOWEVER, Stacia does deliver epic cliffhangers that suck me into wanting the next installment every time! I’m so thankful I got this ALC and will definitely listen to the conclusion of this duology.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & Stacia Stark for the ALC of This Vicious Dream in exchange for my honest review.

this was so different and easy to pickup and listen to!! i really enjoyed it, and was very happy that i got the opportunity to listen to it early!!

The romantasy I've come to expect from this author. She leads the reader on a dangerous adventure along with the fmc, without skipping the romance. Don't miss this one.

I loved Stacia Stark’s series Kingdom of Lies series which this book is a spin off of. You can start with this book but you will understand more and see characters and events from the first series referenced.

There is a lot of action, adventure and romance in this book so you will never be bord and will be swept off your feet and into the story from the very beginning. I really enjoyed some of the history and story that unfolded as they went about their quest. I love Madinina, she is snarky and can take care of herself which leads me to if you love slow burn you will enjoy their romance as it just simmers along through the book keeping you on edge waiting for them to just accept it. I need the next book yesterday as the story is just that book as is that ending, it makes me want to go back and reread the first series again.

Tropes:
Two pov
Rivals to lovers
Forced proximity
Romantasy

Audio:
The narrators did a great job with the pacing, and did a great job embodying the characters.

Following the Kingdom of Lies series, we dive into a spinoff series featuring an incredibly complex character, Madinia. This Vicious Dream takes place 3 years later, where we are re-introduced to Calysian who is looking for the grimoire Madinia hid after fleeing. Madinia and Calysian meet once again, as she is also trying to get back the grimoire before the Queen of an enemy nation finds it. Madinia and Calysian agree to work together (of course with plans to cross one another) to find the grimoire.

Madinia has such great character development not only in the Kingdom of Lies series, but this book as well and I really enjoy how complex she is as a character. This story is one bed, rivals to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn and absolutely action packed.

I highly recommend this book, and do recommend reading the Kingdom of Lies series before this one. Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Stasia Stark for early access to This Vicious Dream on audio, available now!

This is the first book in the Kingdom of Death duology, a spin-off of the author’s Kingdom of Lies series. However, reading that series first is not required. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my ARC and ALC.

Tropes and themes include:

✨Fae, human, hybrids and Gods

✨Feminine rage

✨She saves herself

✨One horse

✨One bed

✨Reluctant allies

✨Who did this to you?

✨Back scars

✨She wears his shirt

✨They wash each other

✨Forced proximity

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames

The Lovely: I don’t think I’ve spent so much of a book cackling and giggling at a romantasy book. Madinia and Calysian are everything together. I loved Madinia and her sass in the Kingdom of Lies series so seeing her back for more was so much fun.

Also Lovely: The starting plot - protect a grimoire - seems so simple. But this became so much more with feuding gods and goddesses, a power mad leader and a relationship neither of the main characters think they want. It was delicious and beautiful, but tragic, all at the same time.

Recommendation: I’m sorry, what was that ending?!? I was gasping and tearful the last 10%. Not sure I can wait for the next book! If you liked Madinia in Kingdom of Lies, you must read this book. If you like a sassy, stabby and stubborn FMC with wicked banter and an “only her” MMC, I think you’d like this book.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for sending me an E-Audiobook of This Vicious Dream in exchange for review.

~4 Stars~

I stepped into this book not having read any of Stacia Stark’s previous work, which from other things I’ve read it seems as though the characters in this book have had previous appearances. That being said… this was incredibly easy to digest and enjoy without having literally any background knowledge.

It’s been a bit since I’ve read anything with spice so this felt quite heated IMO which after a decent break from the subject, was a fun welcome back even if it surprised me at certain points. It gave the yearning and slow-burn that we want from Romantasy (why is insta-love popular??????) we need build up, we need tension! This Vicious Dream does deliver on that.

One downside for me is that I’m not a huge fan of amnesia situations, which we experience straight off with our FMC. Although the author utilized this in a way that made sense and made for a lot of fun and interesting twists. It just feels overdone in this genre. This could be my own doing though, as I haven’t read the Kingdom of Lies series. I plan to read those and come back to this again afterwards.

Thank you so much for the Audiobook! The narrators were fantastic, I felt engaged through the whole book. 😊

It took me about 20% to get back into this world but after this point I flew through this book, I couldn’t put it down. I need book two now.



Madinia was one of my much loved favourites from the kingdom of lies series and I was so excited to see she was getting her own book. I absolutely ate up the chemistry between our two main characters and I love their dynamic, Calysian is very much ‘I will save you’ and Madinia is ‘I will save myself’ and I love them both for this.



There isn’t much to say other than I loved this book, these characters and this world and as always Stacia did not disappoint, I am so intrigued to see where this story goes and what will happen to Madinia and Calysian after ‘that’ ending.



I do think it would benefit the reader to have read the kingdom of lies series first (5* series), even though this book can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Stacia and her time for gifting me an early copy of this book.