500 year old, silver-haired, shadow daddy finally loses his v-card.

Okay, let’s start off with the positive. Number 1) the audiobook is fantastic. The voice actors did a great job making creepy little demon noises and spoke very clearly. If you’re going to read this book, audiobook all the way.

2) The world that Karlie has crafted is creepy, atmospheric, and really something to behold. She knew the vibe she wanted to go for, and by golly she did it. The dream sequences, the demons, the set up to the conflict, it was all done really well.

However, this is where we dive into the not so good. For as cool as the world building was, it kind of took from the plot. If we’re being honest, I’m not quite sure what happened in the middle of this book. Don’t get me wrong, whatever happened was cool BUT I’m just not sure on the characters motivations or why certain things were happening. I know we say “show, don’t tell” when it comes to writing, but dare I say sometimes we need a little bit of tell. Just a tad.

I think this is a fine first book. It’s not perfect but I think the author has some real potential. I’ll probably pick up the next one when the audiobook becomes available. Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook.

I came across this book while scrolling on TikTok a while ago. I found the author’s account and the different videos that described the book as a gothic romance, and this is the kind of book that I find pleasant without being complicated but I was mistaken. I first read the indie version because I owned it and I wanted to compare it with the new version.

Comparing the two versions I will say that in a way the writing style evolve, I could tell that some editing was done ! I really struggle in my reading of the indie copy . The writing in the original copy wanted to be 'neat' or prosaic but it didn't worked. The author uses turns of phrase that are at the edge of comprehension as well as full of improbable vocabulary to say a very simple thing. There was a moment in the book when the author no longer describes the noises she writes them so if it had been well introduced why not but having in the middle of a sentence 'Crash.' Bang . Crack" without any explanation behind. As a non-native English reading those things are what makes a book less enjoyable either or not the storyline is great.
The book is divided into two parts with two different plots, they follow each other logically but it’s awkward. New elements of fantasy are added without any explanation, our character discovers her abilities without it being written and she is directly capable of controlling them.
The first part was rather introductory so no worries but the second one is too deep in the idea of the dream, the events no longer made sense and were linked together non-stop. I read the first 150 pages normally but as I moved forward, there was less sense and the writing had changed.
The FMC is unbearable, she doesn’t even try to understand what surrounds her, she has fixed ideas about what she considers true but does not seek to confirm them. She thinks that all the misfortune of a world is on her and she must find a scapegoat.
The character of the Shadow Weaver is interesting but without more. The search for his memories is the only interesting part of the second part of the book. But that part fell flat due to the lack of improvement in this plot...
I don’t think I will get the suite when it is eventually released but who knows 🤷‍♀️ it’s a duology.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

I’m between 3.5-4 stars! I read this in two days, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a YA Fantasy, but there is a scene that feels a little spicy for being YA. This book was slow to start, but does so intentionally for the story, which pays off when it starts to pick up.

It does end of a cliff hanger, and I will be getting the next book when it comes out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Dream by the Shadows is a sweeping, addictive YA dark fantasy with a captivating world and tender romance.

Gosh, I loved this one. The characters were well-developed and vivid, and Esmer was a compelling main character. The Shadow Bringer was a fantastic love interest, and I adored the romance, filled with irresistible tension and banter, between him and Esmer. The world was lush, dreamy, and delightfully eerie, and the magic system was intriguing and creative. The story’s haunting atmosphere was wonderfully reminiscent of Beauty & the Beast. Logan Karlie’s prose was beautiful and immersive, presenting a fast-paced, adventurous, and romantic story. Although I sometimes longed for a bit more plot development, I devoured this story and cannot wait for book two!

Mia Hutchinson Shaw and Jared Zeus narrated this story brilliantly. The duet narration was immersive and captivating. Mia captured Esmer perfectly, and Jared’s voice fit the magical beings splendidly. I highly recommend this incredible audiobook!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

What a fun twisted fairy tale. I feel like the time loop/butterfly effect/memories was an effective way to draw out the story in an interesting way. The characters had chemistry and it kind of had Scarlett St Clair vibes which I loved. The characters were raw and emotional and their story was compelling. It is a great read/listen.
The narrators did a great job. The characters felt real and perfectly cast.