Actual rating 3.5-4.0 stars.

Dead Girls Don't Dream is Nino Cipri's YA debut novel, a dark, gritty fantasy set in the forested northeastern USA. Inspiration for this book stems from Cipri's own experiences with an alcoholic parent and the early 2000s opioid crisis in Vermont, as well as extensive New England folklore and cryptid tales.

High schooler Riley Walcott has led a tough life. Raised by a single mom addicted to drugs, Riley does her best to care for her sister, Sam, younger by seven years, until their kind uncle Toby gains custody of them. Toby runs the local history/folklore museum in their tiny town. When Sam goes missing in the creepy Voynich Woods, Riley of course goes after her and is drawn into a plot way bigger than anything she bargained for. It is up to her and Madelyn, a mysterious girl in the woods, to stop the villain and undo decades of damage that has poisoned the forest and caused a spate of strange disappearances from the nearby town.

Cipri pulls no punches with this book; it is not for the faint of heart, but nor would I consider it gratuitous. If there is such a thing as grimdark cottagecore, this would be it. Told from alternating perspectives, this is a novel that explores human desires and the lengths one will go to sate them, no matter the danger and the lack of systemic support. This book also comments on the failing of the lack of drug rehab support in small-town USA, where gossip runs rampant and vicious cycles seem unbreakable. Cipri's point about unhealthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal relationships is clear, as is the one about "killing with kindness." Violence and destruction is no the answer, and one's mentality is a significant part of the solution.

Cipri's interest in and commentary on folklore is also evident in the book, from obnoxious podcasters to Uncle Toby's passion project of a museum. Monsters are a way of understanding the world, but so, too, are they an identity that can be taken on, whether or not one is also a 'final girl.' I enjoyed Cipri's twist on horror tropes, as well as Cipri's take on fae-like monsters, from lampmouths to ghosts to forest nasties. Their references to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley are also a keystone for the characters and worldbuilding, as well as a nod to the classics. While the romance is very much a subplot, the building blocks are scattered effectively throughout the novel, so it did not feel unexpected. Initially, I did feel that the murder in chapter one was a bit too abrupt, but more context is provided later, which smooths things over somewhat. It would have been nice to see Sam and Toby play a bigger role in the novel, but perhaps that is part of the point. For now, I'll just be adding all of Cipri's bibliography to my TBR.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like Holly Black's Modern Faerie Tales, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Don't Let the Forest In by CG Drews, and Mary Downing Hahn's ghost story novels. Comics of interest include: Muted by Miranda Mundt and Stagtown by Punko.

They always say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest—we’ve all done it. And sometimes, your gut just knows. That’s exactly how I felt picking this one up, and I’m happy to report: my instincts were spot on.

This story follows Riley, a teenage girl living with her younger sister, Sam, and their lore-obsessed uncle. Together, they help run his oddball unsolved mysteries museum out of a barn (yes, you read that right), which focuses on the creepy local Voynich Woods. The woods have swallowed up countless people over the decades—including, Riley suspects, their missing mother. But this isn’t just about Riley. Enter Madelyn, a girl living under the iron fist of her literal witch of a mother. Their dynamic gave me *huge* *Carrie* vibes—tense, twisted, and full of simmering rebellion.

When Sam, frustrated by a tourist’s remarks, runs into the infamous woods, Riley follows her... and doesn’t make it out. At least, not alive. Meanwhile, Madelyn begins to sense that something is deeply wrong at home and feels drawn to the woods—and Riley—in ways she can’t explain.

What I loved most was how seamlessly this felt like a retelling while still being entirely its own creation. The author balances side quests alongside the main storyline, which keeps things fresh and layered. The characters, too, are beautifully complex—no one is wholly good or wholly evil. Even the “villains” are written with nuance, and the moral grayness of it all felt real and relatable.

If you’re into Gothic YA, this is a must-read. The gloomy woods, the slow-building tension, and the unique deep, dark, and earthy romance reminded me of Together We Rot (which I adored). Dark, mysterious, and just the right amount of magical—I couldn’t put this one down.

Folks who get lost in the Voynich Woods don't tend to come back out again. But Riley does. Madelyn has always been told to stay inside and not go into the woods alone. But when a chance to break free of her chains is presented in the form of Riley, she finds the courage to try.

Now these two are working together to determine what has been happening in the woods, and to stop the darkness that has taken root. With luck they'll also find a way to save each other.

An engaging tale of grief and trauma, using supernatural elements as allegory

This one took me a while to get through, partially because it was so good that I didn't want it to end and partially because Madelyn's storyline hit a bit too close to home. The body horror was phenomenal and added to the gruesome folklore vibe. Really, I was already sold by spooky magic lesbians in the woods and this still exceeded my expectations.

Fairytale meets folk tale meets Frankenstein's monster: Main character Riley is an entirely relatable character, complex, and flawed but thoughtful and strikingly canny as a teenage outsider in her New England community. Melding the unforgiving local lore with realities of the current opioid epidemic and finding catharsis and compassion along the way, even when it's unbearably painful. The supporting cast is multi-faceted and fully conceived, and I did not want to put it down. It has an exciting and urgent feeling pace.

Such a great book and experience listening to this one. It’s super intense. Super creepy. It has such very heavy topics so go in with knowing that. Check your triggers.

After getting stabbed by the fabled Wishing Tree, Riley is brought back to life by a girl named Madelyn--a timid, strange girl who is covered with scars and whose best friend is a ghost. While initially angered by Madelyn, the strange hole that has opened up in Riley's chest isn't exactly something she wants her family or the Department of Children and Family Services agents to know about. Meanwhile, Madelyn is excited that she finally has someone her age to speak to, but the knowledge of a world outside her sheltered upbringing reveals more than she might be comfortable with.

Nino Cipri is an expert at visceral language. The body horror, especially the hole within Riley's chest, is delightfully sensory. This whole book feels musty and cobwebbed, which I mean in the best way possible. Even more horrific than carapace-crusted chest cavities and tobacco-spitting game wardens is Madelyn's relationship with her mother, which could ring all too familiar for someone with a controlling mother. Though the trope is hardly a new one, it doesn't stop being effective when used well, which 'Dead Girls Don't Dream' does with aplomb. Riley's missing mother, Anne, is also a drug user suffering from addiction and relapsing over and over again. Riley is understandably frustrated with her actions, but her addiction is treated sensitively and she isn't villainized, which is good.

With that said, the plot of the book feels disconnected. The chapters switch between Riley and Madelyn's point of view, which is great for establishing them as characters, but less great for establishing their relationships with one another--especially when they don't actually spend much of the book in each other's presence. They do have a nice, tender scene together (involving a staple gun... it makes sense in context), but I can't help but feel like opportunities for them to see each other's families (not that Riley would need to meet Madelyn's mother to believe how terrible she was, but Madelyn barely had any time with Toby or Sam who would certainly make a mark on each other) or just expand Madelyn's pop culture knowledge together would help to make their relationship more realized.

'Dead Girls Don't Dream' isn't a groundbreaking novel, but it's a decent YA horror novel for someone who wants to dip their toes into the genre. It also fits pretty well with the more recent YA trend of rehabilitating Appalachia, which I find noble but perhaps not entirely successful in this case (I think it lands more on 'being stuck in a small town can be a curse but at least some good people are there' rather than a more reassuring look like 'Take All of Us' by Natalie Leif, which I reviewed earlier this year). I'm excited to read more of Cipri's horror in the future, since their biggest strength in this book is how tangible and gross (again, I mean this as a compliment) they can make simple words on a page feel.

I couldn’t resist requesting this book—just look at that stunning cover! Once you finish it, you'll discover its deeper meaning.

The story explores grief and the bonds of friendship. Madelyn and Riley connect through their shared experiences of abuse. Through these experiences, they learn resilience and discover their own strength.

What I enjoyed: terrific imagery of the haunted magical forest, urban legend of the forest, witch folklore, and narration added to the eerieness of the story

Where I struggled: long chapters, slow start, wanted more of a sapphic romance

Overall, this solid YA horror book leans more towards being creepy than outright scary. It features an intense, character-driven story focused on family and friendships. While the themes of parental abuse and alcoholism can be difficult to read at times, the emotional impact is quite realistic.

Dead Girls Don't Dream by Nino Cipri was a fun and engaging YA horror story.
I loved this. So intriguing and kept me hooked.
I really enjoyed this read, it was so fun and eerie! I really liked the formatting and writing style this author has.
A slow burn story with just the right amount creepiness,

I wanted to love this, but I just found this book to be okay. I was really interested by the idea of the book, and this magical forest was such a cool setting, but outside of that I just didn't like it much. There was a lot to keep track of, and with all of the characters feeling so similar, it could be hard at times. I will say that the tone and atmosphere of this book is really well done, and the imagery is off the charts.

Update: November 12 release-day review. The 2nd TikTok link is the review.
My previous reading notes post is below.

My best advice is simply to read it. This is a book to experience for yourself. Pick it up and let it work its magic on you. Nino Cipri might be a alchemist. Delving into loss and visceral horror, and coming through it all with connection, tenderness and healing is a gift.

It’s intense and packs a wallop. I was heart-ripped. In the best horror, I find my own darkness–and, for a time, transform it. 

Dead Girls Don’t Dream gets off to a wonderful start with an engaging narrative voice. We have a knowing teen big sister and a younger sister alive to wonder in the woods and hope about their missing mother. They live with their gentle and quirky Uncle Toby, the unofficial woods historian who runs a roadside attraction. 

The book jumps instantly into conflict and action. The eeriness with flashes of humor hit just right. Throughout the novel, the suspense and creepiness build, keeping me bound to its pages.

Farther into it, I was choked up and teary-eyed. That doesn't happen often. Every part of this novel works. The pacing is on point, and the supernatural elements feel innate and authentic.I loved the main characters and related to their struggles. Plus, it was refreshing to see a non-stereotypical gay man.

The lore and relationship dynamics are fantastic. There’s a symphony of emotional notes here. Some of it is wrenching. All of it is true.

Dead Girls Don’t Dream ranks high in my top-ten 2024 releases. It's a 5-star read. If you read horror or LGBT+ fiction--and if you don't, today's a good day to start–take a look at this book. You’re going to want to keep reading.

Bravo and thank you, MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, for the eARC via NetGalley for consideration. These are solely my own opinions.


October 17, posted on TikTok:
Reading notes: Dead Girls Don't Dream by Nino Cipri
This novel pulled me in and won't let go. I was due for a book with a strong, fast start. I lost sense of time and only stopped when I had to go out.

People disappear in Voynich Woods. Things get scary fast.

I'm transfixed by the characters. The setting and lore are fantastic; the depth is astounding. This is the gut-slam horror and naked heart I crave.

I went into it knowing nothing about the author and the intense experience I was about to enter. Loving this, and I'm delighted to discover a new-to-me #LGBT #ownvoices author.

BTW, although this book is tagged YA, it transcends that label. The writing, the horror, the themes, and maturity hit the sweet spot for a magnificent read--even for some of us jaded older readers. Dead GIrls Don't Dream releases November 12. I'll post a full review closer to publishing day.

Thank you, Henry Holt Books and Macmillan Children's Group for the eARC via @NetGalley for consideration.

First off I would like to thank Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an early advanced readers copy of Dead Girls Don’t Dream by Nino Cipri.

This is my first Cipri book and I usually don’t read YA books, but I’m glad I gave this a go. I’m also not used to reading magical-realism books and it took my imagery to the next level.

The book started off slow and it took me a while to get into it but about half way I was invested and wanted to figure out what was going on.

Riley and Sam live with their uncle Toby behind Voynich Woods. One day Sam decides to break the rules and Riley goes looking for her and everything goes south from there. Most of the book centers on what happened to Riley when she went looking for Sam in the woods. Then the story intertwines with Riley and Sam’s mother Anna’s disappearance as well. Riley befriends Madelyn and together they try to uncover the truth about Voynich Woods.

Two things in particular that I disliked were the long chapters as it was difficult to find a stopping point. I also felt confused at times because of the writing style causing meto reread a lot of pages.

Overall, this book was enjoyable. I cried a little towards the end. I can definitely see the YA community loving this book.

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for a copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

The summary and cover really had me intrigued. I enjoyed the setting of a haunted/magical forest. But the rest felt very scatter brained. I felt like there were almost too many characters that were all so similar and I had a really hard time differentiating them throughout the book. I also struggled with this book wanting to be a YA or a thriller or a horror, I felt like it couldn’t figure itself out. I was bored mid way through and really wanted to DNF but pushed through…

I loved Nino Cipri’s Finna novellas, so when I saw Dead Girls Don’t Dream I was so excited to see what they’d do with a full length novel. This absolutely did not disappoint, and was such a great examination of surviving abuse, monstrosity, and the bonds of sisters. I loved so much about this book and the characters. I also loved the way it included excerpts from the book Toby is writing and flashbacks to the time the Voynich Woods became the Voynich Woods. Most of the reveals I was able to figure out based on the clues, but one element was a surprise, and built so much into the interconnectedness of everything in the forest. This is dark and atmospheric, and deals with a lot of heavy topics, but I found it hard to put down and look forward to more from Nino!

Both Riley and Madelyn (as well as their trauma and how that shaped them and bent them towards each other) were such wonderful, dimensional characters. However, I think the book suffers for not showing much of their time together. They are only actually in each other’s company (on the page) for very brief snatches - and instead their connection is kind of backfilled by Madelyn and her inevitable drag into Riley’s orbit.

I also think the excerpts from Toby’s book + the sections from Lillian’s perspective genuinely don’t add much. That real estate could have been used to give more Riley/Sam time or more Riley/Madelyn time.

Where this book absolutely siiiings is in the spooky imagery, the gritty forest full of charms and superstition, and the picture of opioid-crisis dead New England town. Riley’s trauma flashback scenes were visceral pictures of life in the orbit of an addict and it hit hard every time

I really liked this book! I struggled a bit with pacing, but I grew really attached to Riley and Madelyn. I liked the way the overlapping stories and point of views connected. And I especially liked the ending Riley and Madelyn got.

While some dark things happen, I found this book more atmospheric and creepy than scary (which is always a huge plus for me).

Overall if you’re looking for some creepy YA horror novel with lesbians, I recommend you check this out!

Dead Girls Don't Dream was a really solid YA horror. The plot explored dealing with grief, loss, addiction, and loneliness alongside the witches and monsters in the woods. Both the main characters, Madelyn and Riley are compelling and it is easy to feel for them as they're both young girls dealing with things that are way above what any teen should have to go through. The horror elements were well done and all in all it was a satisfying conclusion

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Dead Girls Don’t Dream” is a haunting, complex YA horror novel that examines abuse, survival, rage, and redemption. Set against a vividly creepy New England backdrop, Nino Cipri weaves a dark yet emotionally charged story that tackles difficult subjects while maintaining moments of light and love. Before going into this book, I do want to provide a content warning for abuse, specifically child abuse with the mothers of both of the main characters. If this kind of content is triggering for you, then I highly encourage you to skip reading this book; do note that even though abuse is depicted throughout the book, the overall message is about redemption and love.

At the heart of the story are two young women, Madelyn and Riley, both grappling with abusive mothers in their own devastating ways. Madelyn fights against her mother’s cruelty with a fierce determination, while Riley struggles to protect her sister Sam from their mother’s destructive influence. Their journeys toward reclaiming their power and freedom are central to the plot, and Cipri handles these emotionally fraught topics with care and sensitivity.

The book’s strength lies in its rich character development. Madelyn and Riley are complex, resilient, and relatable, making it easy to empathize with their struggles. The bond between Riley and Sam is a powerful and touching part of the story, highlighting the deep love and protective instincts that drive Riley to do whatever it takes to shield her sister from harm. Uncle Toby, who steps in as a caretaker for Riley and Sam, is another standout character, offering a glimmer of hope and stability amidst the chaos.

Cipri's depiction of the novel’s horror elements is both eerie and grounded. The forest setting adds to the unsettling atmosphere, and the novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of addiction, gaslighting, and victimization. Yet, the horror isn't just in the supernatural or external forces, but in the all-too-real trauma inflicted by abusive parents and the scars they leave on their children. Cipri expertly balances these heavy themes with moments of hope, love, and even rage-filled empowerment, making it a deeply cathartic read.

That said, the pacing of “Dead Girls Don’t Dream” is a bit uneven. The novel starts with a bang, pulling the reader into its fast-paced opening, but it slows down significantly towards the middle. The detailed, sometimes drawn-out descriptions of the setting and characters’ inner worlds can overshadow the storyline, occasionally causing the plot to feel disjointed. However, those who stick with the book are rewarded with a powerful, intense, and deeply emotional conclusion.

This is not just a traditional horror novel, but a story that explores the intersection of fury, trauma, and the reclamation of one’s autonomy. While there is little romantic interaction between Madelyn and Riley, those looking for a sapphic love story may be disappointed. The book focuses more on themes of survival and sisterhood than romance, making it a different kind of story than some might expect.

Overall, “Dead Girls Don’t Dream” is a deeply unsettling yet ultimately hopeful story. It delivers raw emotional punches alongside its eerie horror, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. Fans of intense, character-driven horror with strong social commentary will find a lot to appreciate in this bold and brutal story.

Unique and creative story about love, loss, and what finding oneself really means when you've been told over and over who and what you are and should be. The story jumped around a little, which confused me somewhat, but it came together clearly by the end.

This book was so dark and spooky, I almost forgot it was YA!
I loved how the lore surrounding the forest was built, and the characters themselves were also really creepy. This book had me bingeing every single chapter to figure out what was going on.

The mixing of perspectives and timelines did get a bit confusing because there was so page break or on page distinction between them, but I do think they worked well to give some background info.