I’m trying to clean up my backlog and realized that while I had listened to this, I never typed up an official review or provided feedback.

Dreams Lie Beneath was such a whimsical book. It’s beautiful, atmospheric and has a unique magic-system that I really enjoyed. I loved the characters - especially Clem - and enjoyed the slow-burn enemies to lovers romance between her and Phelan.
Since the audio I listened to was the synthetic voice I definitely need to pick up the official audiobook because revisiting my notes from 2021 is making me want to do a re-read!

Perfectly fine story, but this was my first (and only) time trying to read an audiobook with the digitally rendered audiobook narration and it was painful. Truly painful. Which is funny that NetGalley would then ask if I liked the narrator, because there wasn't one?

Rebecca Ross is an auto guy for me now! She has a beautiful way of telling stories! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read!

This was the perfect book to pick up at the start of fall. I scare easily, so I don’t like my books to be extremely scary, and this had just the right about of spookiness and dreaminess to match the fall vibes.

Look into this one if you like:
✨ unique worldbuilding
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ fantasy with romance that’s not the main focus of the book
✨ fairytale and dreamlike qualities to your fantasy

🎧 Chloe Dolandis did a fantastic job narrating the book - I’m glad I waited for this audio version! I tend to have some difficulty following fantasy audiobooks if I don’t read at least some of it with my eyes, and there were a couple of times that I was a bit confused. I might have spaced out and missed something, or it may just be how the book is formatted that a few scene changes were a bit confusing when done via audio without the visual of a larger break in the text.

I won't say this is my favorite book by this author, but since I'm a huge fan, I may be too critical. It really is a great idea. The kind of idea that comes to you when you are sleeping.
Our heroine and her father are in charge of stopping the bad dreams that plague their town with the full moon. But they are challenged by a rival group. This leads to action, adventure and the uncovering of age-old secrets.
#NetGalley #DreamsLieBeneath

Although I enjoyed the plot of the story, it was difficult to get a feel for the characters with the robotic narration. I will definitely be listening to the published audiobook to compare with a real narrator.

A great "spooky" story full of magic, twists, and turns. Both the physical book and the audio book are amazing. It's a great story! I reccomend it to anyone who loves witches and magic.

Dreams Lie Beneath has one of the most original and unique magic systems I've ever read. I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story managed to surprise me, and how invested I became in the relationship between Clem and Phelan. This was such a rich and satisfying standalone fantasy - highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Azenor, a world plagued by magic that brings nightmares to life every New Moon. Clementine and her father are the wardens of a small town, those trained to battle the nightmares. But when two magicians take that away from them, Clem vows to take the town back, whatever the cost.

This was such a unique premise and it delivered! Filled with lore surrounding the curse, intriguing characters, as well as an enemies to lovers plot, this novel will keep you invested. There were multiple twists I wasn't expecting! There were also many heartbreaking moments that I just had to pause the story and wallow.

I will admit that this was a little sow in the beginning, but I forgave that as it was mainly to set up Clem's revenge. But once the action started it did not stop. I am so glad this wasn't a duology. Rebecca Ross created a succinct story that I feel like adding any more to it would have taken away from the story.

I do want to own a physical copy of this because I know I want to reread it and see all the foreshadowing I may have missed!

Rebecca Ross has a heck of a fantasy in Dreams Lie Beneath that kept me listening hour after hour. Even with the computer narrator, the story told itself and left me wanting more.

The idea of magicians out there battling our nightmares is the best premise of a story I’ve ever heard. But, knowing that there is a great and powerful reason that the people need protection left me feeling so much anticipation to learn why.

Clementine/Anna’s journey from innocent to Phelan’s supposed plaything and watching her grow through it was remarkable. I adored watching the love form even though Phelan was her worst enemy. When Clem learns the real story of the castle in the mountains, her fight for truth outweighed all the infighting she did with Phelan.

The ending of Dreams Lie Beneath is outstanding and left me wanting a sequel. I truly want to know more about this world and how Clem and Phelan make it through the adventure to come.

I award Dreams Lie Beneath a full 5 out of 5 stars. Anyone with a love of high fantasy and magic will adore this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. It was placed in such a unique world of fantasy and magic. I was so glad to have had a chance to read this. The banter, the twists, I was here for it. (I was approved for the audiobook and the ebook and I enjoyed both)

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It blended a unique magic system with interesting folklore - that might be more than a story. The charcters were fleshed out and I loved the romance. I look forward to picking up a finished copy of this book.

Title: Dreams Lie Beneath
Author: Rebecca Ross
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
Page Count: 492
Start Date: January 20th, 2022
Finish Date: January 26th, 2022

Review:
Story: The first time I read this book, it didn't catch my attention at all. I was reading words, but nothing was sinking in. I decided to set it aside and come back to it to give it a fair chance. I personally didn't think it was the book itself. When I started to read it again, I was having the same issue. I stuck with it this time. I'm glad I did. This is a very interesting story. It just has a bit of a slow start. There's nothing wrong with slow burns. If you're in a reading rutt though, it can throw you off entirely. I'd suggest pushing through it if it seems slow at first. It's very worth it.
Characters: Clementine was a pretty stiff character to start with. As the story goes on, she seems to become more comfortable in her own skin. I'm going to be honest, I really don't have much memory of the other characters. I didn't hate them. I also didn't love them.
Critiques: None
Narration: The narrator had a pretty soothing voice. I once had to replay a full part because I fell asleep listening to them read.
Final Thoughts: I'm very happy that I was given the wonderful opportunity to read it. I'll probably go back and reread it one day. It may have a slow start, but it punches a pack after reading it for a while. It's amazing.

Rebecca Ross never disappoints, let's be honest. For a YA fantasy stand alone which isn't my usual go to, this really hooked me. I loved the magic system which I think I would happily have read a lot more about since there were a few different types to learn, I loved the characters and plot twists not knowing who the true bad guy was until the end.
Full review on YouTube.

Interesting magic system and a fun read. Fits well in a collection with the night circus or the Camelot rising series.

I absolutely love love loved this book! 5/5 stars on the audiobook and the story was just phenomenal! I think it’s a great standalone.

The magic system was unique and you can tell Ross is a talented world builder. Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys an epic ya fantasy!

Dreams Lie Beneath is fantastical, dark, full of depth and action, and will definitely find its home with YA fantasy readers.

Summary:
The realm of Azenor has spent years plagued by a curse. Every new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians—who serve as territory wardens—stand between people and their worst dreams.

Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians arrive to challenge her, she is unknowingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets—as well as romance—begins to rise.

To fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn, Clementine must unite with her rival. But will their efforts be enough to save Azenor from the nightmares that lurk around every corner?

Overall, I relly enjoyed this book and can't wait until my copies come in for my classroom library!

I was lucky enough to be sent a galley box with an ARC of this book by the author. Thank you so much to Rebecca Ross! Here is this blurb I sent for the author's use:

As its title promises, Dreams Lie Beneath unfurls in sweeping visions of love, adventure, power, and revenge. The indomitable Clementine and the richly-rendered world of Azenor are bound to enchant readers in this dark and dazzling fantasy!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eAudiobook ARC.

Clementine Madigan wants to follow in her fathers foot steps and be the magician to her small town. She knows how to tame a nightmare and keep her people safe. But when 2 mysterious men challenge her and her father, she realizes there is far more at stake. Dreams Lie Beneath explores the horrors we grapple with when we lay our heads down at night and what it takes to break those fears. The magical world building done by Ross immerses the reader into the dark world of dreams. The story is expansive and is a little rushed due to the ground t must cover. I wonder if this could have been fleshed out a little more, characters and plot, if it had been divided into multiple books.

This book really exceeded my expectations! With stupendous yet subtle worldbuilding and a unique magic system, Rebecca Ross transported me into her world and I didn't want to leave! The romance had me absolutely hooked and I was rooting for Clem the entire time. I still can't believe it's a standalone- I want more!