3.5
The sleepless is a YA Fantasy following three characters, Elver a resurrected young woman with a poison touch, Altair a young monk, and Lucien a mysterious individual stuck in Altair’s body that takes control of it while he sleeps. When the evil mother mora takes over the monastery that houses the sleepless, individuals like Altair who house another spirit in their body, he finds himself sent to steal a monster where he runs into elver who wants the young monster returned because it belongs to her god. She eventually reluctantly agrees to help Altair save his friends and the two set off on a quest.

This was an interesting one, I enjoyed the world building and the concept of warring gods. I wish we had gotten a bit more time with Elver building her relationship with Altair and Lucian. Overall a really solid book.

2.75⭐️ Rounded up to 3.

In a fantasy world made up of monsters and humans, The Sleepless had all of the elements to be an incredible story. The beginning started off so strong with a young orphan girl named Elver who is intended to be used as a sacrifice but is saved by the Queen Of Serpents. She swaps her blood with poison turning her from a human orphan to something entirely different. Elver goes on to become a guardian of the monster forest. Artair’s character was also another super cool concept, human by day Sleeper by night.

The world building, magical system, gods and character descriptions were very interesting, I thought the actual writing was good as well. The beginning pace started off fast and strong but I really started to lost my interest towards the middle. I also wish the characters personalities were more three-dimensional. Towards the end of the book I lost interest and was ready to close the book and be done.

I decided to round up my rating because even though I might not be the targeted audience for this book I think that a younger audience will probably enjoy this.

As far as the audio production goes I really enjoyed the soothing voices of the narrators. The audio definitely helped me to move along in the story. I highly recommend the audio.

Ok , so I would said that when i started i was a bit confused of what the books was about as i went in blind. But as it progressed i got more interested. Definitely enjoyed immensely. I love the magical world and how there is humans and gi (monsters) .
The two main characters or I might said 3 to be more real. Are amazing. The dual pov was great and easy to follow. I really enjoyed the whole journey of the book and the ending I need more . Definitely exited for the next book i cant wait.
Now on the audio as this was also an audio arc aside of the digital. Which helped greatly I could switch between both when i need it and well amazing. The narrators did an amazing job and it was so easy to follow . Definitely marvelous. Loved how you can tell Lucian easily for Artair. Overall enjoyed the audio as much as the book as a whole. Will be recommending for sure

I recently listened to The Sleepless by Jen Williams on audiobook and was immediately drawn into the story. The narration was excellent—both narrators did a great job—but I especially enjoyed the richness and depth of the male narrator's baritone voice, which added a powerful atmosphere to the storytelling.

One of the things I really appreciated about this book was how it didn’t start with heavy world-building. Instead, it threw me right into the plot, letting the details of the world unfold naturally through the characters and their experiences. This immersive approach made it feel like I was discovering the world alongside them, which kept me fully engaged from the start.

The characters—Elver, Artair, and Lucien—are all compelling in different ways, and I’m excited to follow their stories further. There’s clearly so much more to learn, especially about the intriguing and mysterious Twelve Gods that shape the world they live in. I can't wait for the next installment to dive deeper into their journeys and the mythology behind this unique world.

Thank you to Jen Williams, Macmillian Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this! Great combination of cozy vibes with a high-stakes plot. This is the second book I've read by Jen Williams. The writing just flows so well and it's very easy to settle into. The audiobook narrators, Esme Lonsdale and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, were both phenomenal. They added so much more personality to these characters and the various other characters they voiced. Animal companions will always be the way to my heart, but the companion in this is so full of personality that I fell in love instantly. I thought the magic system was unique, interesting, and explained really well. I was particularly interested in the Sleepless and Altair's relationship with Lucian. Speaking of characters... Elver is such a great character and compliments Altaire's personality so well. I'm really interested to see how both characters (and a few others) grow and progress in the next book.

The Sleepless is an entertaining fantasy adventure set in a vivid world.

This story follows Elver, Artair and Lucian. Elver has been sent by her god, the Queen of Serpents to retrieve a stolen monster cub. Artair intends on using the monster cub to trade for the lives of his kidnapped friends. Lucian, trapped in Artair's body wants freedom from his imprisonment.

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It left me wanting more, from the interactions of the 12 gods to the histories of the sleepless. I would gladly read three more books set in this world.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book started off so strong and interesting, but along the way it lost its spark. It wasn't bad, but didn't peak my interest enough to continue with the series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced listening copy.

I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book; I listened to it every chance I got. I loved the characters, adored the creatures, and was mesmerized by the extremely immersive world-building. The found family aspect was amazing and so lovely. I liked the exploration of what truly does or does not make a monster. I'd highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a wonderfully written YA story.

The narration was excellent, and I thought each narrator did a great job with the characters.

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this advanced copy! You can pick up The Sleepless on September 30, 2025.

This story sucked me in right away, with an explosive prologue that laid out essential characters and tenets of this magical world. Twelve ruling gods, unruly sea serpents, wild creatures of a forest in need of a guardian, an unknowing monk who has an evil alter ego by night -- The Sleepless has all that and more.

Our FMC, Elver, is saved from sacrifice by the Queen of the Serpents and is charged with protecting a magical forest. Altair, our monk and one of the Sleepless, spends his days alone in a monastery while locking himself up at night to keep his alter ego from hurting anyone. Said alter ego, Lucian, has an agenda of his own and a mysterious connection to Elver.

The love triangle was deliciously well done, and the magic was epic throughout the story. I loved the twists and turns (even if a few were predictable), and the ending was insane. I can't wait for the next one!

Unfortunately, the writing style in this book was not for me. I, by no means, am indicating the book is not well written, nor is it bad, it just wasn't something I wanted to spend time on finishing. I DNF'd about 10% in (both audio and e-arc). Due to the fact that I did not finish however, I think it is only fair that I provide a rating of 3 as, again, I do not that my lack of interest in writing style is a true reflection of the quality of the writing or the book.

Regarding the audio narration though, I can provide some feedback. The narrator had great pacing and clear and concise intonation. The narration could be slowed down or sped up without distortion due to the pacing of the audio reader. The narration wasn't distracting from the book at all. I would definitely listen to an audiobook by this narrator in the future without question. The narration is 4 stars for sure.

This audiobook was a lot of fun! Both narrators did an excellent job and I really felt immersed in the world and was excited to see what would happen next. (I do wish we’d gotten to see more of Lucian’s chaotic characteristics though hehe.)

Review is also on my Goodreads

This was an adventure- It was very YA TKATM I feel. There were quests, betrayals, love, gods & monsters!! Totally different stories, but the vibes were similar- Although, yearning & the banter wasn’t as on par. *I don’t wanna say it’s ’cause it’s YA, which is probably why, but some YA do it really well!! This was still good nonetheless though.

Our MCs Elver, Artair, & Lucian were still very fun though. The chemistry was cooking a bit, but I feel like Book 2 is where the buffet is lmfao ‘cause the ending? OK MOTHER 💅🏽 So curious to see where this story goes. The way Elver was talking to The Queen of Serpents towards the end had me ☠️

“I can handle myself.”
“Child… You are ____ again.” 🤣🤣🤣

Oh, and I love the cub!! I forgot the name as soon as they said it lmfaoo, but super adorbs 😭😭😭😭

Overall, I feel like there’s potential here & after that ending- Yeah, I’m tuned in bb. Esme Lonsdale & Kobna Holdbrook-Smith did amazing!!
Such a cute duo 🫶🏽

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook arc. While the book has wonderful world building I just could not get into the book. I and believe that fans of Powerless would love this book. I unfortunately DNF at 30 percent and I will try to read it again, since I don’t believe that I was in the right mindset to start this book currently

Elver is a monster girl who has a poisonous touch. She spends her time protecting the other monsters and creatures in the forest. The cub was one of my favorite creatures. He was so silly and made funny remarks during their journey.


The twist on the Love Triangle was definitely an interesting concept. Artair, a sleepless, has an evil spirit inside of him named Lucian. The plot felt a bit slow at times and didn't fully captivate me. Artair steals the cub to try and save his people, but Elver is supposed to protect the creatures of the forest. They come to an agreement to find an illusion spell and set out on a journey together. I understand Artair's internal conflict with Lucian and felt bad for him at times. The ending was definitely surprising! Thank you to Netgalley, McMillan Audio, and Jen William for an ARC of this audiobook. This review is my own opinion.