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.

I have to admit that YA was not a route I saw Cipri taking, but my god does this hit hard. You've got a girl dealing with having to be the parent to her younger sister and also deal with the adults around her who all have opinions about her mother being addicted, a girl dealing with a controlling mother who smothers her and tries to shape her together in the way she wants, and oh also did I mention that that last part may be a bit literal, and that also there's a witch deep in the woods and there may or may not be trees feeding off of human bodies (one of my favorite images). We also get a lovely queer relationship where both are working to find themselves after abuse, and the realities of loving someone who is an addict, and an overall message of hope around recovery. Yeah. Pick this up this fall and enjoy, particularly in parallel with Margaret Killjoy's newest.

This was my first read of Nino Cipri’s and it will not be my last! This book was creepy but in such a beautiful way if that’s possible. This book included a lot of planet horror and haunted forests which are a favorite of mine.
Like stated this is a YA horror novel but, its such a sad story of family, love, and abuse…especially parental abuse. Also, there is alcoholism, so be warned if that’s a touchy subject for you. This book though was atmospheric and was paced wonderfully

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc!!

“Stories are maps our children can follow: Here are the safe paths and the unsafe ones; here are the wonders they might lead you to, and the horrible dangers as well.”

I received an eARC of Dead Girls Don’t Dream by Nino Cipri in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts.

🌳 Riley has lived near the Voynich Woods for long enough to know not to venture in to them, since those who do rarely find their way out. Madelyn has grown up within the woods, isolated from society and subject to her mother’s strict rules. When Riley ventures into the Voynich Woods to find her sister, disaster strikes and Madelyn breaks her mother’s rules to save Riley - at least for now. Will Riley and Madelyn be able to work together to find out what is haunting the woods before Riley’s borrowed time is up? 🌳

Y’all, I regret to inform you that this book was a miss for me. The cover, the description, the author, and the representation all drew me in but Dead Girls Don’t Dream just failed to deliver.

The wording and writing choices for this whole book were odd - on more than one occasion I found myself rereading a sentence multiple times and even then couldn’t figure out what was intended. Whenever this happened I was completely taken out of the story, and sometimes was so frustrated I’d set the book aside for a while.

On top of that, the lore of the woods seemed incomplete and inconsistent. Many times the old folks that hung out around town were joked about being keepers of that knowledge, but like…what knowledge? There was a whole roadside museum of curiosities where Riley spent a lot of her time, but I felt like the only thing actually mentioned being there was pictures of the original stewards/owners of the woods. I found this so frustrating, because the idea of the small family run attraction was so cool - but it wasn’t really utilized.

All of that could’ve been ignored if the characters had at least been developed, but they weren’t. Riley and Madelyn felt like shells more than people, and that made it really hard to give a damn about what was happening to them. Which, that shit was rough - I wanted to care, but I just didn’t.

Dead Girls Don’t Dream comes out on November 12th, but my recommendation is to skip it and read Finna by the same author instead.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and most especially Nino Cipri for this eARC of the wonderful Dead Girls Don't Dream.
Nino Cipri crafts an excellent YA horror novel that walks the line between real-world and super natural horror in ways I've not seen since Dan Wells' "I am Not a Serial Killer" (which you should REALLY check out) and the realities of child abuse that evokes sensations not unlike when I felt when reading "A Child Called It" in 4th grade.
The story is engrossing, captivating, and gruesome/heart wrenching... so do be aware reader, of what you're in for.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. Cipri really does a great job with the creepy, local horror story vibes in this. As well as, depicting that not all things that look monstrous are monsters. If you like books that start really fast and slow down towards the end to give the reader a chance to catch up this is the book for you. Not to say it doesn't finish strong, but rather, the beginning of a horror movie where everything is fast paced and then slows down to give the audience a breath then picks up again.

4.5 stars - Disturbing, gruesome, and wonderfully creepy, DEAD GIRLS DON'T DREAM is perfect for those who love a good haunted forest tale. Riley Walcott and her sister have grown up hearing all about the dangers of the Voynich Woods, the voices and lights that lead people astray, and the list of the missing, those unlucky enough to never re-emerge from the woods. Yet when Sam takes off into the forest in search of the the infamous Wishing Tree, Riley ignores all of their uncle's rules and follows her off the trail and into the trees... where something is waiting.

Alongside the spooky and the scary this novel also does a beautiful job of exploriing the complex and sometimes heartbreaking aspects of family - specifically regarding relationships between sisters and between mothers and daughters. This was one of those books where the YA designation felt appropriate, with main characters that came across as young but not childish, who were struggling with issues realistic to their age, and who react to situations as teens would. In short, Cipri nailed it. Perfectly paced, exciting, and so well written, I tore through this in just a few hours and can't help but hope that Cipri has more horror books in their future.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.