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.

A Multitude of Dreams follows the lives of two characters in a post-plague world, Nico and Princess Imogen. Nico was immune to the plague, left starving when the rest of his family had died, and was taken in by Lord Crane, who fed and clothed the boy in exchange for his service. Princess Imogen has not been exposed to the plague; rather, she's been holed up in the castle for the past four years with her family and the court, waiting out the plague.
One day, a visitor comes to Crane Manor, a young girl named Elizabeth, with news the plague is over. She has come from overseas in hopes of being reunited with her family. Never having been exposed to the plague, Elizabeth is what is called an immaculate. News of her ability to travel without contracting the bloody three or mori roja, the disease that has wiped out the country, brings hope to Nico. But that's where things go awry. Nico's neighbor begins to act strange, as well as his benefactor, making Nico question everything.
Meanwhile, Imogen is in the castle sitting on a secret that she's been wrestling since her arrival. Desperately worried about dwindling morale and food supplies, Imogen wants out of the castle, even if that means aligning herself with some nobleman. One evening she spies a mysterious clock, caught off guard by the trickle of light that comes through its cracks. Little does she know, this clock is the beginning of a much larger unveiling.
Worlds collide eventually in this eerie fantasy book, and I was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events. It definitely had a creepy factor which made me love it all the more. Without giving too much away, I liked the way Rutherford portrayed this disease and the effects it had on the population. I think the world and plague were really well thought out and made for quite an interesting take on a fantasy book. Nico and Imogen were extremely likable characters, especially Nico. He's an unassuming nice guy, and I love the journey his character went through. I feel like a nice guy usually doesn't gain the role of the main character, and it was really enjoyable to read about. The book has the right amount of eeriness. I know some books get too dark with speaking of plague and death. I still felt that the author had a great balance of lighthearted moments to counteract the dark.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend.

Quick summary: "A Multitude of Dreams" is a fantasy novel centered around a false princess trying to escape a quarantined castle and a young lord exploring the aftermath of a pandemic—and his master's dark secrets. I'm rating it 3/5 stars for the story's creativity and inclusion of Jewish culture.

Full review: Mara Rutherford's writing style is easy to read. I enjoyed the descriptions of Eldridge Hall, and I thought the wooded countryside was easy to visualize. This novel is also well-edited; I didn't find any grammar or punctuation errors. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with any of the other writing elements. 
Personally, I found the dialogue to be somewhat stilted. The conversations between Seraphina/Imogen and Nico seemed flat, and I didn't understand why there was any chemistry between them. It didn't seem believable that Seraphina/Imogen and Nico fell in love with the first person they met outside of their sheltered lives, and I couldn't figure out what they had in common that drew them to each other. Without spoiling too much, there's also a scene where they share a bed and make awkwardly possessive statements about each other. I was cringing for that entire exchange. 

I don't want it to seem as though I dislike this story or author. I've read every book Mara Rutherford has ever written, and her "Crown of Coral and Pearl" duology are two of my favorite fantasy books. I also adored her first standalone story, "Luminous". Part of the reason why I love these other books is because of their relatable characters, swoon-worthy romances, strong sibling bonds, and intricate world-building. Unfortunately, "A Multitude of Dreams" fell flat in several of these areas.

I think the biggest reason I feel ambivalent about this story is because I failed to connect with the main character. Seraphine/Imogen made several dumb decisions that I didn't agree with, and it's hard for me to love a story if I'm constantly rolling my eyes at the protagonist. That said, I do understand how her upbringing could contribute to her naivety. I also found it a little unbelievable that Nico didn't discover the truth about Crane sooner, but I see why it was necessary for the sake of the plot.

The vampires were an intriguing concept, and I wish I got to hear about them sooner! The nursery rhyme was a clever connection to the plague, and I like how it subtly set the scene for the creation of blood drinkers. I also appreciate the amount of thought and planning that went into it the climax. There were a lot of loose threads to follow during the final battle, and I thought everything wrapped up well.

Concluding thoughts: "A Multitude of Dreams" contains an original idea and easy-to-read prose. While I didn't connect with the main characters or the stilted dialogue, I did enjoy the vampiric and fantasy elements. I definitely think there is potential here, the story just wasn't a great fit for me. As it is, I'm rating it 3/5 stars and recommending it to readers who enjoy fantasy, vampires, and stories with romantic subplots.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mara Rutherford, and Inkyard Press for this advanced reader’s copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I heard that this was a reimagining of one of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories. Everything of this book was great. I loved the mystery, gothic, and dark atmosphere. Everyone shout give this book a try!

It was a solid read! There were some things that just didn't work for me, but otherwise a pretty solid YA with slight gothic vibes!

"If you want to stay alive, there are three ways to survive..."

Four years ago, Seraphina Blum was forcibly taken from her Jewish neighborhood to impersonate a Princess who had passed from the plague, the mori roja. Locked in a castle with a mad king, five hundred other nobles, and a dwindling food supply, Seraphina begins plotting her escape, believing the plague to have mostly passed. But there may be more beyond the castle walls than what meets the eye...

Described as a Gothic YA re-imaging of Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, A MULTITUDE OF DREAMS is a fantasy book beyond one's wildest expectations, where twists and turns await every new chapter.

Yet for everything I found to love, there was a thing that could have been made better.

✓ Representation of Jewish religion, history, and culture
With many fantasy books I've read, I've discovered that authors tend to stray toward either Christianity (or something markedly similar to Christianity) in their books or remove religion as a plot aspect entirely. This book not only has a Jewish main character but pulls in a lot of Jewish culture and history. It was thoroughly pleasurable to read and tied into the plot perfectly; Mara Rutherford does a splendid job of tying in Judaism with a fantasy world.

✘ Strong beginning, messy finish
Aside from the central plot, there was a plethora of side plots that were as equally captivating as the dual perspectives of Seraphina/Imogen and Nico. However, about three-quarters of the way through the novel, the plot(s) start to branch off in so many different directions that it felt messy with no clean finish. To put it simply for the sake of remaining spoiler free, there were too many things to keep track of to properly enjoy the ending.

✓ Impressive Characterizations
Whether playing a big or small role, each respective character was propelled forward with compelling motives and three-dimensional qualities. I thought Seraphina, Nico, and Henry Greymont to be the most well-rounded, as the three quite literally jumped off the page. The author did a splendid job of exploring their identities, personalities, and what drives them forward as a character.

✘ Is it really gothic?
I was most compelled to pick this book up because of its description as being gothic, but it lacked the mysterious, morbid atmosphere that's present in just about every other gothic novel (YA or adult) that I've read recently. Although the source material is considered gothic and there are aspects that are undoubtedly gothic, it nonetheless lacks certain gothic qualities. The way the characters speak/present themselves doesn't seem aligned with the time or the genre, there's a passage out of the castle that's discovered almost immediately, and there's not much mystery or suspense because of the cut-and-dry nature of the nursery rhyme.

Final Thoughts
Overall though, this was a deeply enjoyable read and I would encourage any inclined reader to pick this up when it goes on sale in September. My deepest thanks to Netgalley, Mara Rutherford, and Inkyard Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I’ve had experience with Mara Rutherford’s book, Crown of coral and pearl, and to date it’s one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to getting to Barnes and noble to purchase the second book whenever I get the chance.

Seraphina Blum has a secret; she’s posing as the deceased princess Imogen, who died from the Mori Roja plague. She was taken from her family to play the dead princess to appease the mad king Stuart. But what she doesn’t know is that there are survivors out there, and that the plague may be over, but a new horror awaits.

Nicodemus (Nico) Mott used to be of noble status until the plague hit and his family all died. He was on his own until Lord Crane found him and took him in. He’d worked for the man since that day and looked up to him, but when a young woman named Elizabeth Talbot visits and is taken home by Crane, there was blood on his shirt and Elizabeth’s dress was underneath his desk.

All of the characters were so well developed. Seraphina’s feelings about being taken from her family were clear, and you could feel her pain oozing through her words. Not knowing if her family and friends were dead or alive was eating her up, and being stuck within the castle walls with the nobles was something she couldn’t handle. There were so many layers to her character.

A multitude of dreams is an epic story about how a plague nearly wiped all of Goslind out, except for those who dwelled within the castle walls, those with blood immunity, and those who are classified as the ‘reborns’. Reborns are in some way like vampires, blood sucking, dead, and pale creatures. They aren’t able to enter without an invite. I personally believe that the ‘vampire parody’ is a great addition to this story. It adds an unexpected twist and somewhat of an additional fantasy element to the already thrilling story.

The setting was so well described that I felt like I was actually in the story at times. I felt how being locked inside for four years was suffocating the royal family, the servants, and the nobles. I felt the breezes of the forest as the men from Crane manor trudged forth to the castle. I felt it all, and for this, Mara Rutherford, you are officially one of my favorite authors.

All in all, this book is absolutely spectacular. And I’m extremely happy about the main character being Jewish. It really gives a reflection on our world today and how those impacted by racism and discrimination are impacted. Seraphina’s people were stuck in Esmoor, and they were supposedly attacked since they weren’t getting sick as the same rate. Neighboring people said that they were poisoning the wells. Today’s world is no better.

This is as five star as books get. When this releases, read it!

3.5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ✨ I really liked this book! I enjoyed the characters a lot and just devoured this. It is a fun concept, though I will admit that I struggled with the mix of adding Judaism into the fantasy world was hard for me to connect with. If it had taken place in the real world I think it would have fit just fine and worked, but it just really was strange and hard to stay in the mythical mindset.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for my advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Oh boy. Where do I start? The antisemitism being explicitly included in a fantasy universe? The boring presentation of vampires? The hilariously childish language? The messy narrative? I do not even know. I had some high hopes for this one because the premise sounded so interesting but the author of "House of Salt and Sorrow" being used in the promotional material should have been a red flag for me. I hated that book and the writing so I should have known that this book would follow in a similar vein. The whole execution of this novel just wasn't fantastical or fun or romantic. I genuinely feel surprised that so many people enjoyed this because the whole time I was reading, I found myself rolling my eyes at the dialogue, the descriptions, and just the weird inclusion of the persecution of Jewish people. I know that it's supposed to take place in some alternate, fantasy universe but it is such a lazy and poor choice to include antisemitism in this. It just reeks of wanting to appear woke and caring but in this context, it shows more of a lack of creativity and talent. And then the vampire bit? I love vampires but, I mean, come the heck on. It was so lackluster and so not bloodthirsty.

I know that this is categorized as Young Adult, but it really felt like I was reading something meant for someone who doesn't read a lot if anything. I don't mean to sound so crappy and nitpicky, but this book kind of confirms some things for me about the publishing industry.

Anyways, I wouldn't recommend this if you want a novel with substance but if you're okay just turning your brain off and really suspending your belief or if you're like thirteen years old, you'll probably enjoy this.