3,75 ⭐️

The Sleepless surprised me, in the best way. From the start, I was pulled into the story and found it so easy to picture the world Jen Williams created. The writing has the right balance of detail and clarity, which made the whole experience feel vivid without being overwhelming.

I listened to the audiobook as an ALC, and it was fantastic. The narrators gave each character such distinct voices that it felt like the world came alive in my ears. I usually find fantasy audiobooks a little tricky, but this one was effortless to follow and so enjoyable.

The characters are what made this book stand out for me. Artair and Lucien, sharing one body, added such a unique and fascinating dynamic. On top of that, Elver’s relationships with them developed in their own meaningful ways, which gave the story even more emotional depth.

This book has a fresh plot, great characters, and an ending that left me with question and hints at much more to come. I’ll definitely be picking up whatever comes next in this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance ALC.

Let me start out by saying, from my perspective I think The Sleepless is more of a set-up for the second book. I am not sure if I was meant to be this confused, but I am. Jen Williams is a new-to-me author, and book 1 is not putting me off of book 2, but I am not sure if this one was for me. And that’s OK. I know plenty of people who loved it.

I think my opinion of this book may change after the second book, but somewhere in the middle I got lost as a reader. And maybe that was supposed to happen. I didn’t hate The Sleepless but I didn’t love it either. I think a bit more background on some areas would have helped, but I have a feeling that will be revealed in book 2. Things felt a bit rushed at times, but the premise is good. Artair and Elver have a lot of potential, so I am hoping we can see more of their development in book 2. I do plan to read more Jen Williams, and I am not giving up hope yet! Maybe a re-read/listen are in order!

Overall the audio was fantastic, I was able to parse out which character was doing what. I absolutely love when dual POV is also dual narrated, and Esme Lonsdale and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith did a fantastic job bringing this story to life.

I found this book to be both compelling and thought provoking in ways I did not fully anticipate. What resonated with me the most was the exploration of moral complexity. The characters are never easily labeled as good or evil, and watching them make difficult choices that have lasting consequences kept me deeply engaged. There is a constant tension between what they want, what they fear, and what they feel obligated to do, and that made their decisions feel real and emotionally impactful. I often found myself questioning what I would do in their place and reflecting on how morality is shaped by circumstance and desire.

The world itself is rich and immersive, filled with a sense of danger and wonder that lingers long after the page is turned. The magical elements feel natural to the story, and the environments are described in a way that makes the world feel alive. I especially enjoyed the moments when the setting interacts with the characters, reinforcing their challenges and highlighting their growth. Even scenes that could have felt quiet or slow were infused with a sense of significance, making the world feel layered and textured rather than superficial.

I will admit that the pacing was uneven at times. There were stretches where the story slowed and I had to push myself to remain engaged. Some relationships could have been explored in greater depth, as certain dynamics hinted at more emotional complexity than was fully realized. Despite this, the book rarely lost momentum for long, and the tension and stakes kept me invested throughout.

What I appreciated most by the end was the emotional resonance of the story. The characters feel lived in and multidimensional, and the moral questions they face made me reflect on the nature of choice, responsibility, and personal growth. The narrative leaves a lingering impression, inviting contemplation beyond the confines of the book. While it is not without imperfections, the depth of character, the immersive world building, and the thematic weight make it a memorable and rewarding read that I will continue to think about long after finishing.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of The Sleepless by Jen Williams. All opinions are my own.

I decided to read this book because the magic system sounded really interesting. I thought it would have a unique plot, and I’m a big fan of young adult fantasy books that also include romance.

Unfortunately, I decided to stop reading at the 52% mark. The story wasn’t keeping my attention at all. It didn’t feel like very much was happening with the plot, and the characters didn’t really stand out to me.

I also was listening to the audiobook for this story and had a hard time enjoying it because of the male narrator’s voice. He just didn’t seem to fit his character well.

Overall, this story just wasn’t for me, but I do think other readers will enjoy it.

The Sleepless is a must-read if you like fantasy with an unorthodox romantic twist. The story follows Elver, a forest guardian with a dangerous touch, and Artair, a young man who shares his body with an ancient spirit named Lucian.

What makes this book interesting is the moral ambiguity. It's not a simple good versus evil story. All the characters have their own agendas. Elver is trying to protect her world, Artair is on a quest for his god, and Lucian has his own motives that often conflict with Artair's. You're constantly trying to figure out who to trust.

The world-building is solid, and the writing is easy to follow. The relationships between Elver, Artair, and Lucian are complex and tense. The ending leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger, setting things up perfectly for the next book. If you're looking for a fantasy with a unique magic system and complex characters, pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. My reviews will be posted to my socials on September 20, 2025, (Fable and Goodreads).

First, I want to thank Jen Williams and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley for this ALC (Advanced Listener Copy).

“Sleepless” by Jen Williams is the first book in a new Young Adult Fantasy duology. Elver and Artair both live in a world that has both gods and monsters regularly roaming the earth. While the monsters are meant to stay inside their forest, sometimes they venture out and cause some chaos. There is also an “evil spirit” named Lucian who inhabits Artair’s body whenever he is asleep. When unfortunate circumstances cause Elver to team up with Artair, fragile alliances are formed so that they can stop the mage behind all of the chaos.

I want to go ahead and mention the audiobook narration. It was a dual narration with Esme Lonsdale voicing Elver and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith voicing both Altair and Lucian. They both did a wonderful job, my only complaint was the pacing was slower than I prefer. However, I typically listen at 1.2x speed as this is common with most audiobooks. Compared to other audiobook narrators, they did a wonderful job!

I really wanted to love this book. It was not a bad book, I’m giving it 3.5 stars. However, I feel like it did not quite hit the goal. It felt like it was meant to be an epic fantasy, going on a big quest that had minor quests along the way to get what they needed. I think I struggled with this because there is a sense of urgency laid out at the beginning, yet the actual timeline almost comes off as if there is all the time in the world. We never really flesh out some of the really interesting side plots along the way.

It also feels like it’s trying to be an epic romance. However, Williams needed to add just a bit more connection between the characters to really sell the romance fully. The love triangle did not feel world breaking, and the way it’s set up, I believe it’s supposed to. It could have been really powerful and heart wrenching had we gotten a bit more deep connection between the characters.

Now, the worldbuilding was phenomenal! The monster forest sounded so intriguing, along with all the monsters. The gods actually interacting with their worshippers was something really unique as a lot of times fantasy books have them gone or just in the background. I also feel like she has so much to expand on as well which is something that allows an author to create more in a world instead of it falling flat. I would love to see more exploration of this world!

Overall, “Sleepless” by Jen Williams was a good listen. The genre is definitely Young Adult Fantasy Romance with a bit of Epic Fantasy thrown in. I do not recall cursing, if it was there it was very minor. Romance is very minimal, maybe one kiss the entire book. This is one that would be very safe for younger teens and up. If you enjoy a bit of a mish mash of genres with some interesting side quests thrown in, then I would recommend giving this book a chance!

The Sleepless” is a darkly imaginative fantasy that stands out for its complex characters, immersive world-building, and excellent narration. The story follows Elver, a guardian cursed with poisonous skin, and Artair, a member of the cursed Sleepless, whose body houses both himself and the manipulative Lucian. What unfolds is a high-stakes journey through a monster-infested world, threaded with dangerous magic and unexpected emotional depth. The dynamic between Elver, Artair, and Lucian creates a unique and compelling interest/love triangle that kept me engaged throughout—I even found myself rooting for Lucian who was my favourite character. While the book leaves room for a sequel, its conclusion is satisfying enough to function as a standalone, making it accessible for readers who prefer self-contained stories. Overall, The Sleepless is a fresh and engaging read that blends fantasy, romance, and psychological tension with impressive skill. The audiobook was narrated by two different people which I find really improves the listening enjoyment.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Sleepless was such a cute read! I really enjoyed the story and the way the characters’ connection grew! It had a cozy, heartwarming vibe that kept me hooked. It wasn’t perfect, but overall it left me smiling, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something sweet and cozy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC!

Wow just wow I am just left with the feeling of OMFG. I loved this audiobook so much that I need everyone to listen to it when it's released. I highly recommend this audiobook to the whole world. Please please read it please

This is a young adult romantic fantasy with minimal spice (light kissing, no sex). The main characters are both magical creatures and, due to their magical properties, they live apart from society. This book moves quickly and grabbed my attention quickly. This is the first book of a duology, however, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. The narrators did a very good job separating the different voices and deepening the characters.

I will be re-listening to this with my 11-year old granddaughter as I would like to listen again and I think she would enjoy it!

I received an advanced listeners copy of this book for my honest feedback of this audiobook.
I liked the story for this book, and the male voice actor was fine, but I did not like the female voice actor. Her voice was not pleasing to my ears and sounded more like a young Tom Felton.

3.5! This was a really fun and unique YA fantasy with a dark, myth-inspired vibe that totally pulled me in. I loved the magic system, the gods playing their twisted games, and all the mysterious creatures, plus the slow-burn romance was super sweet. Elver is such a great protagonist, grumpy but endearing, and I was hooked by Lucian’s mystery and Artair’s contrast. The story kept me engaged, though I wish there had been more backstory for Elver and a bit more action and worldbuilding. Overall, it’s a solid, atmospheric read that leaves me excited for the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC

*Updated for the ALC*

After being lucky enough to get the ALC for this, and listening to the amazing narration by Esme Lonsdale and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, I have to change my rating to 4 ⭐️. They made this book and world come to life, it was haunting and made the book that much more enjoyable.

This was beautifully written, with an interesting magic system, and intriguing characters. It took me awhile to get into the book, but I think that had more to do with me not being in the right mood for this book than the book itself. I feel like right now, I can say I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it. I plan to read it again when I’m in the right mood, because I think if I’m in the right frame of mind this would be at least a 4-4.5 star for me..

✨ A Fresh Twist on Magic and Curses

This book offers a captivating and original take on magic, weaving together curses, romance, and self-discovery in a way that feels both fresh and emotionally charged. The two main characters are uniquely afflicted—one with a poisonous touch, the other with a soul that turns dark and dangerous at night. Their intertwined fates lead to a compelling love triangle that’s as heartbreaking as it is beautiful.

The emotional tension and magical stakes kept me hooked from beginning to end. It’s not just a story of love, but of transformation, resilience, and the haunting consequences of power. I was completely swept up in their journey and the world the author created.

I absolutely cannot wait to dive into book two and see where this spellbinding story goes next!

3.75⭐️

The world building in this book lost me a little bit in the beginning but it did pick back up for me and kept me engaged for the most part. The narration was excellent and I felt like the narrators really helped keep me entertained through some parts of the story that lagged a little bit for me.
I really enjoyed the love triangle more than I expected to because they usually just irritate me. The magic system was really intriguing and I feel like it's a fresh concept compared to a lot of books I have read lately.

There were a few times where I found myself struggling to stay focused on the story and engaged but I think that this book really set things up for the second book to be great! I enjoyed the banter and the side characters so much! I hope we see more of those aspects in the second book as well! Overall I will definitely be picking up the second book as this was very enjoyable!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listeners copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars for The Sleepless by Jen Williams

This was such a beautifully written tale about being the outsider—the one cast aside and left to forge a different path. Elver, thrown into a lake as a sacrifice to the serpent queen, instead finds herself transformed into the guardian of a mystical wilderness. Her mission: to rescue a kidnapped cub.

Artair, one of the Sleepless, lives under the curse of a dark presence that takes control whenever he rests. When his monastery is attacked, he sets out on a desperate journey to retrieve the same cub and protect his fellow Sleepless. Then there’s Lucian—the very evil spirit bound to Artair—finally free from the monastery’s confines. But who is this strange girl traveling with him, and what role does she truly play?

The layers of mystery in this story unfurl gradually, with every reveal pulling me deeper into this haunting and imaginative world. The characters’ intersecting fates kept me invested, and the themes of sacrifice, identity, and resilience resonated strongly.

A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. The dual narration was fantastic, bringing out the tension, atmosphere, and emotion of the story. It was an addictive listen, and I’m already eager to see what Jen Williams writes next.

Elver is such an interesting character. The story starts with her as a child being sacrificed to the Queen of Serpents, who choice to save her and make her the guardian of a forest with dangerous creatures.

Artair is one of the sleepless. He is in a temple that has strict rules for the sleepless. They are locked up at night to prevent their evil side (Lucien) from harming others. He is tasked with get a monster cub from Elver's forest.

This leads them to meeting when Elver goes to get the cub back. Once Elver realizes why Artair stole the cub, she agrees to help him and so the adventure begins. Along the way she meets Lucien when Artair falls asleep and she begins to grow fond of him. You learn how Lucien came to be Artair's other side and it was interesting. There are sneaky gods and mages who are out for their own purposes. I will be interested to see what happens next since it seems as though there will be more to this story.

I enjoyed Esme Lonsdale and Kona Holdbrook-Smith's narration of the story. You could tell the difference between the characters because their voices would change. It made the book more enjoyable. Now to just wait for the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this early! All of my opinions are my own.

The Sleepless is a rich YA romantasy that pulled me in with its high-stakes plot and unique love triangle between a monster girl, a possessed boy, and the spirit inside him.

Jen Williams delivers vivid worldbuilding and emotionally layered characters that make the story feel both intimate and epic. Elver, the guarded monster girl with a poisonous touch, stood out as my favorite, and her connection with Artair and Lucian is filled with conflict, tension, and slow-burn romance.

With banter, emotional depth, and even a mischievous Keltraxia cub, this is a swoony, addictive read I’d highly recommend.

I had a hard time getting into this book at first, for me it was okay that magic system was interesting.

A great ya fantasy. This genre isn’t usually my cup of tea but I found myself enjoying the story line. It’s a great pallet cleanser and I found the narrators to be enjoyable.