Thank you Inkyard Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
.
✨So…I started off reading this book extremely excited as it had almost everything I like to see in a fantasy. It was gothic, there’s royalty, romance, diversity, etc. and one of the biggest selling points for me was it went into antisemitism and I was really interested to see how that idea worked into the story and I was even MORE excited when the main character was Jewish. So to say I was excited for the plot and this characters journey was an understatement…but I DNF-ed 50% in.

Here’s why.

I love a good YA but this was just written in a way that was juvenile. The dialogue between the characters always felt unserious and not extremely thought out. I also felt as though there was a lot of info dumping towards the beginning, especially about Seraphina and her past, that made for a few confusing chapters I had to muddle through. The plot was definitely there…but then vampires were brought it and it got a bit to cliché and unoriginal.

I plan in the future to give it a re-read but at this time, it was pretty tough for me to get into the story and im disappointed that I didn’t love it as much as I wanted to.

I love the recent uptick in retellings or reimaginings lately, they're so much fun! This is a YA Gothic fantasy in the vein of THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH by Poe. I love the source material and really enjoyed this - a great blend of spooky, ethereal fantasy and horror!

Sum of my review: This book did not spend enough time on any single part of the book, so all of it ended up being a letdown.

A Multitude of Dreams could have had it all. A mysterious deadly plague, a fake princess, and a forbidden romance are solid tropes to build a great fantasy novel with. But was this really a fantasy novel? It tried to be a combination of historical, fantasy, and supernatural, which did not work out.

The novel started off pretty solid. We get to know Princess Imogen, or Seraphina, a Jew stolen from her home to take the place of the real princess who had died from the plague. Not willing to break the King's already fragile state of mind, Seraphina plays her roles for years, held captive in the castle with hundreds of other nobles to avoid the plague. But as food starts to run out, and the King becomes even more determined to keep them all in the castle, Seraphina devises a plan to escape. We also follow Nico, an immune, who lost his position of comfort when his family was killed off by the plague. He now works for a Lord, who Nico has come to see as a father figure. When an immaculate (untouched by the plague) woman goes missing from the manor under odd circumstances, Nico questions his employer. Sent on a mission to discover more immaculates, Nico and Seraphine met under a web of lies they've spun, endangering those closest to them.

When Jews were introduced, I rechecked the blurb. While it is sadly true that the Jewish community has been unfairly blamed for plagues in the past, it is wildly out of place here. Outside of the one Jewish community mentioned, nothing resembled the modern world. Everything was still fantastical. The countries had no resemblance to our own geography, and the plague did not resemble any set part of history. Upon reading the acknowledgments, I found out the author is Jewish, so it makes sense that she would want to include this part of her history in her writing; this was not the book to do it.

Another thing that was out of left field was the (view spoiler)

As a STEM girlie, the use of inoculation hurt. Inoculation is a sterile process. It does not work by cutting open your palms and giving each other high fives! This is also a super cool way to give yourself infections and all kinds of wonderful bacteria. This is the third thing in this novel that the author included that was not given the proper attention or care it deserves. I understand that in medieval times science was not like it is today, but in that case, inoculation should have just not been introduced in the first place.

While these are my three main gripes with A Multitude of Dreams, the whole book just did not click for me. The characters were underdeveloped, the romance happened within three days, and I couldn't bring myself to be invested in one thing taking place.

I really don't know who this book would work for. I wish I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story inspired by the Red Death. The author builds a world of extravagance in the face of shortages and privilege during a time of plague. Folded in amid a story line of anti-semitism that is tragically realistic. A young girl taken from her home for the purpose of a cover up. She is despised for doing the work they require of her. Moral dilemmas abound and scary monsters lurk. A great read!

Plagues, vampires, secret identities, romance, Jewish rep, cats. What more could you want? This gothic fantasy retelling of "The Masque of the Red Death" was so good and I loved everything about it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: 29 Aug 2023)

I was drawn to this book immediately when I read on the author’s Goodreads’s page that “A Multitude of Dreams” was a reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” – which happens to be one of my favorite short stories from Poe!

“Her entire life was one never-ending masquerade.”

The story follows Princess Imogen and Nico Mott in the aftermath that followed the plague that took so many lives in their kingdom. The princess had been locked up with her family and servants in their castle for nearly four years and was forbidden to mention the plague. Nico lost everything when the plague took the lives of his entire family and left him to be employed as a grave digger.

This book did not disappoint! I was invested from the beginning with Princess Imogen’s deadly secret, Nico’s alarming discoveries, and how they work together to peel back the layers of secrets and lies that surround them both.

I don’t want to give away spoilers, but there were so many shocking moments during this book that I never saw coming! Rutherford is a master at weaving together just enough to hook you, and then she turns everything upside down, inside out, and leaves you reeling!

I highly recommend this book to teens, young adults, and adults who love a great mystery twisted into a dark fairytale.

This book was amazing. Very original and surprising.
I only didn't understand the title but that's fine.

thank you netgalley for the arc !

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 3/5 stars ✩࿐

read if you like:
♡ dual pov
♡ lies upon lies upon lies
♡ jewish rep
♡ edgar allen poe

⁀➷ dear reader,
you’re cordially invited to a bloody and gothic masquerade, seething with intrigue, skin-crawling discoveries and leering, shadowy twists and turns.
location: a multitude of dreams.
length: 384 pages

princess imogen of goslind kingdom has been dancing in one endless masquerade ball since coming to eldridge hall. for should the dance end and her mask fall, her doom will be writ in stone. the real princess imogen died four years ago of the same mori roja, the same plague which ravaged and pillage the kingdom. only a privileged few in her midst know that beneath the mask is jewish commoner seraphina blum. but within the tenebrous walls of the palace she is by no means the only dancer in this game of pretend. with a mad king who has enacted a veritable self-imposed siege on himself and those attendant at the eldridge hall under the pretence that it is for their own safety, everyone there has been bullied into two-stepping around this ballroom of charade. not only that, but they all must go on pretending the plague has never taken place and on no account dare to mention it in the presence of their king. now that the food supplies petering out, it’s looking like the masquerading is about to forcefully come to a long-overdue end. meanwhile, elsewhere in goslind, plague survivor nicodemus mott resides in crane manor thanks to the benevolence of lord crane who granted tenancy to nico and other immunes. with the plague ostensibly having burned itself out, nico’s been tasked by the same man who saved him to get the lay of the land, as well as scour for survivors. ending up at eldridge hall and determined to put those within on alert of the dangers he’s learned along the way, nico and seraphina’s paths and their manifold lies weave together.

⁀➷ as a retelling of edgar allan poe’s the masque of the red death, a multitude of dreams already has a weighty mantle to bear. its no easy feat to honour such eerily lush material and yet, with the conceit of a masquerade, unsettling imagery dripping with blood and gothic notes ringing in the mysterious passages of eldridge hall - mara rutherford has exceptionally paid her due to the original over and over. thumbing through each page you’ll feel the horrors within breathing down your neck and continuing down the shadowy path of the story to see where it leads to will seem almost involuntary.

⁀➷ unfortunately, here comes the universally dreaded caveat of but… in determining to embrace an element of historical fiction by virtue of having jews represented and in turn scapegoated by the people of goslind for the plague outbreak, the story takes on an even heavier load. before anyone attacks me for this - i’m jewish myself… by itself this was not an unwise authorial choice and very well could have even enriched what is otherwise a story more concerned with thrill than perhaps some sort of moral discourse. it’s only when you juxtapose it with the more gauche, over the top supernatural ingredients going into the mixing bowl that you’re then left with everything feeling a bit cheapened all around. the load carried on this plot’s shoulders is far too cumbersome and in effect, the masterful execution of the gothic genre is rendered a little ungainly.

⁀➷ i found nico as a character to be a little one-note although sweet in his bashfulness. his chivalric tendencies were endearing if not a bit trite at times. seraphina i wanted desperately to like what with her eschewing her opulent room in favour of a drafty abandoned tower - i mean, the girl has principles!! but it was not to be for us. the humbleness swiftly turned into a bit of a martyred routine and her insistence on being not like other girls was pretty on the nose. that said, in the company of one another i did find them both to be far more enjoyable as the youthfulness of their romance warmed the cockles of my heart.

⁀➷ conclusion :
as a gothic fairytale, a multitude of dreams will seize your attention and hold it captive till the end with its shadowy vaults of secrecy. disregarding my sentiments towards the jewish subplot, the twisting, foreboding sentences and pages cobwebbed with lies will leave you breathless until the final act.

Boy falls in love with girl, saves her, and happily ever after. You've read this story before but there is a few new elements to add to what you already know. The plague was a huge plot point for me but unfortunately got overshadowed by the romance in the forefront. I can see this as a great book for some people but it wasn't for me unfortunately.

A Multitude of Dreams is a dark, gothic story about plagues, masquerade balls, deception, and survival. I liked the claustrophobic feeling of the world inside the boarded up castle and the comparisons to the world outside. It's dark without being too dark (I honestly felt like it could've been even darker) and I liked how the characters managed to have hope and develop relationships despite their circumstances.
I also really liked how Mara Rutherford included her Jewish heritage in the story and based some of the elements on reality. I wanted even more about Imogen's faith and family, but liked what was included.
The ending lost me a little in that I thought it was a little convenient and wrapped everything up a little too nicely, but I did like that it was hopeful (and a semi-science based solution).

Atmospheric and haunting. I loved the idea for this reimagining of Poe's The Mask of the Red Death. It stumbled a few times, but It was engaging and a fun read overall.

Absolutely loved this book! When I felt like I knew what was going on, I was genuinely surprised. If you’re looking for a new read that will keep you on your toes, this is it. It really helped pull me out of my reading slump too. Can’t wait to buy at release!

A Multitude of Dreams was such an amazing read. There’s no doubt that Mara Rutherford’s writing is absolutely amazing and beautiful. A Multitude of Dreams is a gothic fantasy retelling based on Edgar Allen Poe's Mask of Red Death. This is a YA story involving plagues, corruption, madness, and vampires. I enjoyed the setting which involves a gothic castle. I also liked the fact that it takes place in the aftermath of a plague that killed many civilians. I adored the characters and the romance. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed reading their backstories. I will definitely recommend this amazing book to my students. I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy because the cover is absolutely stunning. Thank you NetGalley for giving me this amazing opportunity.

A quick thank you to Netgalley, Mara Rutherford and Inkyard press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Multitude of Dreams" is a retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," centering around a princess and fellow nobility locked away to avoid a deadly plague, but everything is not what it seems.

The Mori Roja has ravaged the land, leaving nothing but devastation in it's wake. When three princesses discover their sister, Imogen, has succumbed to the plague, they find themselves searching for a stand in among even the most persecuted of people. Seraphina Blum, a young Jewish girl, unexpectedly finds herself plucked from her own life to masquerade as the Kings favorite daughter. Their deception was easy enough, and the royal family and other nobility lock themselves away while their people suffer.

The ruse is the least of their worries when they discover they are running out of food, their servants are abandoning them, and there are much worse monsters lurking just outside their walls. Do not fret, salvation arrives in the form of a young man named Nico, whom, with the help of Seraphina, just may save them all.

Admittedly, this one took some time to get into, but the premise was just enough to keep me reading. There's a few things I couldn't get past while and after reading. The first being how the King corresponded with the Prince of Pilmand, and why he would actually come. I understand that the plague had not only failed to reach other kingdoms, but was also dying off, but I can't wrap my head around why would a prince from another kingdom subject himself to the quarantined people in Eldridge Hall, let alone the dangers of traveling there. Next, the ending felt slightly rushed. A bit more action and drama with Lord Crane would have brought this to the next level for me. Lastly, the romance, though not rushed, felt it. This is likely a personal preference, but I feel like I would have enjoyed the story a bit more had there been more build up to the romance.

All in all, this was still an fantastic re-imagining of a gothic, creepy classic.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

I really wanted to like this novel, it has all the elements of characters, story and vibes that I enjoy. Yet this book left me feeling very underwhelmed. This might just not be the book for me.

Despite the plague being gone, the life of Princess Imogen didn‘t change. The King‘s madness keeps her trapped in the castle. She lives day by day with a secret that could end her life. She desperately looks for a way out that would end her misery.

Plague took everything from Nico. His family, comfortable life, and hope for a good future. If not for the help of a neighbor Lord Crane, Nico wouldn‘t survive the plague himself. He dedicates his life to repay him for his kindness. When Lord Crane sends him to the castle to look for survivors, he collides with Princess Imogen. Together they uncover the web of lies hidden in the shadows outside the castle walls.

A beautifully written book with a fresh story and a very original plot. An absolute page-turner. Very often if the book has multiple POVs there‘s still one that I prefer over the other. However, in this book, I enjoyed both of them especially because I could slowly discover new clues in both storylines and learn more about the kingdom and the plague.

Mara did an amazing job bringing these characters to life and putting them in challenging scenarios where they could show their depth and personality traits that could be easily hidden.

🩸book in few words🩸
• plague
• vampires
• secrets
• mystery
• lies

An interesting premise and stunning cover that just doesn’t deliver. With characters that are flat and unbelievable, a plot line that doesn’t make much sense, and a story world that just was too much for me to believe, I had a really hard time even getting to the ending of this book. The main plot of the story doesn’t even begin until around 35%, making for a slow beginning and an unbelievable ending.

I was so happy to receive an ARC of Mara Rutherford’s newest book. I’ve read 4 of her 5 novels now and given all of them nothing lower than a 4 star rating. Her books are well written, the plots are exciting, and the characters are interesting.

This book was no different. I was gripped by it almost instantly, reading the bulk of it in a single day.

This book follows Seraphina and Nico. Seraphina is impersonating Princess Imogen (who has died of the plague but the King isn’t well and would have a breakdown if he knew that his daughter is dead) and Nico is a gravedigger. Both characters are adjusting to life after a deadly plague which has swept through the land. When Nico finds a possible threat to the royal family, who are sequestered away in the castle to wait out the plague, his path crosses with Seraphina’s.

This is a retelling of the Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” and the book did an excellent job capturing the tense atmosphere that characterizes that short story.

I liked all the characters. Not just Nico and Seraphina, but also the secondary characters like Jocelyn and Colin. They were interesting and dynamic.

The story went in a direction I wasn’t expecting, and I enjoyed piecing everything together.

I’m so glad I found this author and I can’t wait to see what she will come out with next.

📚 Book Review: "A Multitude of Dreams" by Mara Rutherford 🌙✨

🌹 Mara Rutherford's "A Multitude of Dreams" is a captivating gothic fantasy novel that takes inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death." Set in a world recovering from a deadly plague, the story follows Princess Imogen and Nico as they navigate a web of secrets and survival within the walls of Eldridge Hall.

📖 The writing in this book is impeccable, creating a dark and atmospheric setting that immerses the reader in its gothic charm. Rutherford's descriptions bring the world of Goslind to life, and the vivid settings add to the overall allure of the story. The dual point of view allows readers to experience the aftermath of the plague through the perspectives of both Princess Imogen and Nico, providing a well-rounded exploration of the post-apocalyptic landscape.

💭 One of the standout elements of this book is the well-developed cast of characters. Seraphina and Nico are relatable protagonists, each with their own compelling backstories and motivations. Seraphina’s development throughout the story is particularly notable, showcasing her strength and resilience in the face of everthing that has taken from her. The supporting characters, such as Colin, Jocelyn, and Lord Greymont, add depth and intrigue to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

🔮 The plot itself is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge. The pacing is well-maintained, especially in the second half of the book, where the stakes rise and the suspense heightens. The romance in the story is a slow burn and skillfully woven into the narrative, adding depth to the characters' relationships, providing the opportunity to see love blossoming in the midst of a world where hope and the future are seen as something unattainable..

🦇 So if you are ready to navigate through a story full of mystery, a mad king, a plague and vampires, I would definitely recommend it! Just… be careful not to fall for the delusion that haunts the residents of Eldridge Hall... because within these pages lies something that nothing is as it appears…

📆 Release Date: August 29. Thank you so much to Mara, Inkyard Press and NetGalley for sending me this incredible book! 🙏❤️

Mara Rutherford’s “A Multitude of Dreams” was one I was really looking forward to! As a huge geek for vampires and gothic novels, I was all in. But, this one did not quite hit home for me. The author states that she wrote this book as a reimagining of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death,” but I cannot speak on this as I have never read it.

Let’s start with what I DID like about this book:

I like how relatively clean Rutherford writes. This is truly a YA reading level, so it has some violence, language, and sexual tension, but it is age appropriate. The reader is not left in the dark about difficult and/or mature life experiences, but is protected from too graphic scenes for a teen (in my opinion).

I also enjoyed the Jewish representation! I am not Jewish, but I think it’s important to hear from other cultures/religions and gain understanding on issues we do not all experience. I kind of wish the author went into a little more detail about this. Really the only thing that was said, if I remember correctly, is that she was Jewish and that she experienced antisemitism. I definitely felt like more of the culture could have been expanded on.

I liked the beginning of the book the most. It was well paced and I felt some of the suspense building. I liked the two points of view alternating between Nico and Imogen and enjoyed when those two perspectives became intertwined.

What I did not really like:

This story added nothing notable to the vampire world. I did not feel like it was original, other than of course how people became vampires in the first place. Not that there's anything wrong with this classic look at vampires, but it just overall did not wow me.

I wanted more from Nico and Imogen’s relationship. If this book were longer, or maybe was the first in a series, I think their love story could really be developed more fully. I needed some more context besides Nico’s constant blushing (adorable) to understand the depth of their attraction to each other.

Overall, it was a quick but unfortunately average read. I really enjoyed Rutherford’s “Poison Season,” so I know she can write a solid story!

3 stars.