I unfortunately did not have a chance to finish this title before it was published despite having an interest in it. Rated 5stars, did not finish.

This is one of the most weirdest entertaining fantasy book I’ve read in a long time. It’s has chaos, dark humor, Gotham, and gloominess. Hell’s Bells, it’s got everything to keep you in your toes!

Basically, we have a coward young adult who cannot defend herself since the tragedy where her sister tuned into a spider who ended up being killed. The main character is about to lose her apartment where she felt the safest. She was literally forced out to the point where she had to to get on the ship where it blew up, not realizing it was meant to kill her. During that time she meets a boy turned vampire and barely escape with their lives on an island. This is where I leave off so you readers can pick up this wacky novel and find out for your self! I’ll be reading the second book in this series when it comes out. It’ll be interesting when protagonist Ness will be like. Will Ness be become stronger and wiser.?. we shall see!
Three and half stars
Thank you Netgalley and Clarion Books for this inanely interesting novel!😊

Where do I start?

This book promised morally ambiguous, darkness, and it did not deliver. This was nowhere within the realm of any of the promised things.

Schaeffer attempts to write social commentary on the normalization of abuse, of the usage of alcohol, and it is done extremely poorly.

The writing is boring and repetitive and the dialogue is so ridiculously unbelievable that it mad my brain hurt.

I read an interview with the author somewhere that said the idea for this book came from the world of Gotham (aka where Batman patrols), but what happens to the normal people who have to deal with the fallout of the monsters and murders and corruption. And that could not be more accurate for this story. In a world where people wake up forever as their nightmares if they don't take medication, gangs run wild, nightmares attack on the regular, and a "helpful" organization (totally a cult) helps people in need, cowardly Ness completely against her will ends up in the middle of a giant conspiracy where lots of people want her dead.

This was such a crazy ride, I was instantly engaged and did not want to put the book down. Keep in mind the story is filled with all kinds of horrors, death, destruction, murder, body parts... and all the gory details to bring it all to life- so if you are squeamish beware (and maybe only give to older teens and adults). I read the author's previous series and really enjoyed it so I could not have been more stoked to jump into this new world.

I love this book so much! The story wrapped up super well and all my questions were answered, but I am ever so happy that there is going to be a second book set in this super messed up, interesting world with such a likeable, completely normal anti-hero coward.

"City of Nightmares" is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that takes place in a dark and gritty version of Los Angeles. The story follows a young woman named Bea, who possesses a unique ability to enter people's dreams and influence them. When she discovers that a powerful and dangerous figure known as the Governor is hunting down people with her gift, she teams up with a group of unlikely allies to stop him.

The novel is filled with twists and turns, as well as plenty of action and suspense. Schaeffer's writing is engaging and vivid, bringing the world of the novel to life in a way that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and secrets.

Overall, "City of Nightmares" is an excellent read for fans of urban fantasy and action-packed thrillers. It's a fast-paced, exciting story that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of city of nightmares by rebecca schaeffer. i was really looking forward to this one but unfourtunatly i couldnt read it. when netgalley crashed a few weeks ago it wiped all my downloads that were on the app but i will be getting myself copies of this for my shop anyway

This was an interesting concept, but ended up being a so-so reading experience. I liked the exploration of manifested nightmares, Ness's character arc about finding her courage, and the overall plot arc of uncovering major corruption in the city. But I didn't really get along with the writing style, and I felt like Ness's relationship development with Cy actually moved a bit too fast given how utterly crippling her fear and distrust has been throughout the entire novel. The story was fast paced and action-packed enough to keep me engaged, but I haven't really thought about it much since finishing it.
I've seen from other reviewers that the marketing comparison to the show Gotham is very apt- so if you're a fan of that show, this might be a good fit for you (I haven't seen the show, so I can't personally speak to that comparison).

That was a ride! Honestly, the majority of the book had me at a 3 star read, but from Chapter 31 and on- I was hooked and it brought it up for me.

Usually the main thing I love in a book is a strong, female lead. Going into this book, with how terrified of everything Ness is, it became quickly apparent that I wasn't going to have that. I almost dropped the book about 25% of the way in because of it. Everyone handles trauma differently though and I know that's not fair to be annoyed with her.

Honestly, her narrative is what kept me going and the idea of the nightmares. One of the lines that had me actually laugh out loud was, "As the saints say, shake it, shake it, shake it off, Oh no, wait, that's a pop song." Just small moments like that added to the atmosphere for me and made it enjoyable.

By about the half way point, it was actually kind of nice to have a main character not just be great at everything already or be suddenly given a dream life. It was a nice switch from most fantasy. I also thought I knew how it was going to end, but I was far from it.

Overall, the story is a light read and it's easy to get through. There is nothing overly complicated or though-provoking, it's just nice. I'm excited for the next book!

Cheesy, camp, hilarious and so dark at times. Gritty urban vibes of repo, the genetic opera, and v for vendentta this was an exciting read. the grief that ness feels and processes throughtout the story is honest and real. She misses the safety she once had and suddenly looses. She has to trust a vampire which is a way is a real life honest nightmare. Cy who is our nightmare vampire and i pretty sure a love interest as well is a complex character that deals with issues steaming from farhter. This a complex world and i can’t wait to see wherre we go with the next book.

when i tell you i’m OBSESSED—

city of nightmares is a delightfully chaotic YA fantasy about a cowardly girl in a hilariously corrupt city where dreaming leads to waking up as your worst nightmare and sometimes you have to join a cult for the free rent.

i can see why this one is polarizing, but everything about it worked for me.

one of my main complaints in YA fantasy is the handling of the “chosen one” trope, so i loved ness. she isn’t a hero, she’s an often-incompetent coward who happens to get caught up in the plot along with cy, a rather endearing vampire boy.

i found the conversations about the romanticization of vampires in media interesting and reminiscent of reluctant immortals, if a little too meta at times, and (to my surprise) i actually enjoyed this particular human x vampire romance. ness and cy are adorable.

if you like your SFF chaotic and weird, with low-key 1920s vibes and villains practically tripping over each other’s evil plots, i would absolutely recommend city of nightmares.

I liked it. I do appreciate a good monster (in fiction!), and this has a few. I think teens will like it if they give it a chance.

I truly loved the idea of nightmares come to life, but the heavy handed use of issues in literature was off putting and felt like an attack on those who truly enjoy those aspects.

That aside, it was fairly light as far as story versus the heavy use of dialogue. I wanted more depth, but it just felt thrown together.

It's an interesting premise, people becoming their own nightmares. Some go on to live "normal" lives, while others attack and need to be taken down. Then you have a protagonist who is scared of almost everything, but most especially nightmares. Surprisingly, it doesn't become an annoyance throughout the story, as she's forced to deal with her fears. There's a good amount of intrigue with a mystery that keeps you reading to find out just what's going on.

The ideas of nightmares coming to life has been done but not quite like this! This book had me turning the pages while anxiously waiting to see what would happen next

I found this read to be a fast-paced, thrilling read that constantly had me on the edge of my seat. I love the creative idea of nightmares coming to life, and what that means for the MC. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal or urban fantasy with some darkness.

I really enjoyed the nightmare lore/theory and how we got to learn about them throughout the book. It initially felt chaotic but as we learned more through Ness it was a well thought out system. I found it very fascinating to read.

It felt refreshing to have Ness being this YA fantasy lead who is scared of nightmares and running away. I’m bored with these young people running into danger and being skilled fights. I’m ready to be impressed by her running and hiding skills.

The assassination mystery plot was okay. There was honestly just so much going on and so many people involved it felt a bit underbaked compared to the rest of the storylines.

I also appreciated how this felt very self contained and satisfying but I’m already excited for the next book and where it will go!ended.

Unique and creative! This story takes place in a world where people are literally transformed into their worst nightmares. It's both dark and surprisingly light, with touches of humor. Unexpected twists and interesting characters. I'll be looking for the next in the series.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

I thought this was such a creative premise! I’m surprised that the tone of the book was more uplifting and about how important it is to not let fear control your life, only because the plot and setting was so dark and seemed it would be more serious. But I was delightfully surprised with the murder mystery elements! I’d call it a more plot driven story as opposed to character driven and it was a strong plot with some nice twists at the end!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, Clarion Books for an eARC of City of Nightmares!


This book was an adventure to read. Definitely for the younger side of YA. I did like that it tackled themes like loss of a family member and grief. The main character, Ness, reminded me of me, wanting to help but being a total wimp, which made me giggle A LOT. I almost wish this book came out when dystopia was top dog of genres (Hunger Games era). This book was dark, quirky, and I definitely can't wait to finish it and see how the duology ends.

The city buzzes with life in City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer. Citizens piss on the grimy walls. Pterodactyls fly above tall buildings. Speakeasies hide beneath the city’s secrets while Nightmare hunters fly in from the sky to slay dragons. Casinos shaped like golden dragon eggs encase villains and their sharp smirks. Advertisements promise Newham’s fearful citizens a life of immortality. The world is refreshing, funny, and dark.

In City of Nightmares, people transform into their worst fears after just one irreversible, slimy nightmare. Every day Ness lives her childhood fear, one bringing back memories of her sister, including the people that died. Ness Crane is just a simple kid trying to stay off the streets. Friends of the Restless Soul is a cult providing door-to-door therapy for families dealing with post-Nightmare trauma. Ness and her best friend hand out nonsense pamphlets to these families in the hope that no one turns into an eldritch horror. Priya is a warrior girl with a gentle, vulnerable side prepared to rip the world apart to protect her friends. Combat boots. Ombre hair. Excited about killing. Priya’s only there until someone turns into a Nightmare, and she can add it to her demon hunter resume. When that day rears its horrifying head, the director of the organization kicks Ness out for repeated mistakes, leaving her with no place to stay. Ness has PTSD and tends to panic first, think later. Surprising absolutely no one, this causes total destruction and chaos wherever she goes.

Every time this happens, I know it’s going to have consequences. But in those moments, I don’t care. It’s like my mind goes blank, and there’s only the fear.

Ness is a respectable teen, a bonafide scam artist. After a lot of wrangling, the director gives her a job in exchange for a room and a meal. Cy, a kind boy with eyeliner, helps her with a big mail bag. Events lead them onto a boat deck, where Ness very comically threatens Cy with a sample of pepper spray when she believes he’s a blood-sucking vampire about to eat his next victim. In an awkward disaster, Cy helps Ness to shore after a traumatic life-threatening situation. Due to being severely afraid of all Nightmares, Ness expects him to murder her after arriving on shore. He mostly just wants to sleep in the cottage, much to her confusion. That’s the entertaining thing about this book. Every reader wishes they could be the hero but deep down knows they are the disaster coward just trying to make it home for a full eight hours of sleep.

Being the only suspects puts them into a bloody, threatening dilemma. Every reporter is after their story, leaving them trying to solve a mystery in a city swarming with police corruption, conspiracy theories, and cults.

It’s a cruel, dreadful world for teens. They flee their abusive families and parents trying to sell them to harvesters, child-eating Nightmares, and child traffickers. Around them are predators and dangers, every choice on the edge of a knife. Adults create their world, but it’s the kids that are forced into heartbreaking decisions within this monstrous world. Ness and Cy both deal with trauma. Jaded, gay, and passionate about the horrifying way the media portrays content and romance, Cy and Ness dispel that desire is monstrous, that magical creatures are absolved of abuse as so many authors assume in their worldbuilding. Ness, for one, refuses to be any monster’s victim.

Drowning in parties and vice, Cy is the type of character suffering from loneliness after a particularly harrowing childhood. Everyone runs away after discovering he’s a vampire. Those stereotypical images of teeth and blood-sucking get to them over any sense that he might be an individual in control of his actions. He wants, hopes, to be Ness’s friend. One of the highlights of City of Nightmares is seeing how their friendship develops. It’s the classical reason readers still eat up SFF. The threat of gargantuan monsters in a city is without a doubt a plus, but it’s the friendships that make readers stay.

The story in City of Nightmares is about trust, a kind honest human connection between friends. Amongst all the eldritch horror references, readers will love the bond between Cy and Ness, who pack a quick jab for every response. There’s a similar understanding of trauma between them, one that allows for bonding over their experiences into something more about love over the horror of their past. Society doesn’t value friendship nearly enough. This is the type of friendship that makes a reader grab for the tissues more than a blood-drenched death.

It’s also worth a shout-out that Schaffer is deliberate in all her decisions. It is not an untrue statement to say that fantasy authors often forget that skin color means describing everyone. Black, brown, and white characters are described with the understanding that they exist in this world. Schaeffer points out a character’s skin color over the myth of colorblindness which has historically consumed the fantasy genre. Her world feels fuller, more like the real world, due to this choice.

City of Nightmares is a gleeful mixture of dark fantasy, sharp waistcoats, and humor. The characters go through hell, and they are worth every word. If you’re a fan of Gotham-inspired worlds, The Locked Tomb, or monsters wreaking havoc, City of Nightmares should be on your shopping cart. Any Grimdark parents looking to get their teens into dark fantasy would be remiss to miss this gem.