Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Okay, I think I loved Drown Me with Dreams even BETTER than Sing Me to Sleep!!! I was hooked from the first line, and BLEW through it. I feel like the characters were better fleshed out, and the plot really started to come together better too. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

I really enjoyed reading Drown Me With Dreams by Gabi Burton, which is book 2 in a YA fantasy duology - the sequel to Sing Me To Sleep, which I also really enjoyed!

Synopsis: Saoirse Sorkova is on the run and even the newly crowned King Hayes can't protect her as her murderous siren identity is now compromised. The only way to save her life is to send her on a dangerous mission beyond the magical barrier that surrounds the kingdom - but the crack in the barrier currently only opens one way. Forced to travel with Carrick - once her best friend, now her greatest betrayer - she begins to unravel multiple plots that threaten the safety of her family, the entire kingdom and her future with Hayes. And the more time she spends with Carrick, the harder it is to keep hating him. Saoirse finds herself forced to question if Hayes is the right ruler for the kingdom after all and if she is willing to betray both her king and her heart..

"You are my favourite part of every day"

Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sequel and really appreciated both Saoirse and Carrick's character growth and their complicated and twisting relationship. I particularly loved how Saoirse learned to face her fears and to use the power of the water rather than allowing it control her which was a marked difference from the first book.

I enjoyed the writing and there were lots of twists and turns to the plot - I liked how the army they were worried about across the border turned out to be not quite what they expected. There was more political intrigue which I loved and also more planning as opposed to Saoirse jumping in head first like she so often did in the first book. However, whilst she did learn to harness the power of the water instead of falling under it's spell, she still tried to do everything mostly by herself for a good portion of the novel and I would have loved her to be a little more open with both Hayes and Carrick - indeed, lack of clear communication with Hayes was once again an issue in their relationship, although I did really love their dream interactions. Hayes and Jeune were also great characters once again, although in the hurry to wrap up everything neatly at the end, Jeune's fate was unclear which I felt was a real shame. More of Jeune as well as J'Sirri would have been a great addition to the ending of the story. I really appreciated how Hayes story came to a close however and found the ending satisfying, if a little rushed.

In all this is a solid great 4 star read that I would definitely recommend to everyone who has read and enjoyed Sing Me To Sleep and I will definitely read whatever Gabi Burton brings out next!

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for access to this e arc for review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I LOVED getting to read more of Gabi Burton's beautiful writing and finding out the conclusion to this compelling story! Sing Me To Sleep was one of my absolute favourite reads of 2023, so it was very exciting to get to read the sequel a couple of months early. I was both eager to find out how Saoirse's adventure would end and sad to have to leave this world behind!

After the events of the first book, siren Saoirse is a wanted criminal and the newly-crowned King Hayes is forced to send her to the other side of the magical barrier surrounding their kingdom... both to keep her safe, and to look into what is really happening over there. Saoirse is flanked by her once-best-friend, now-betrayer Carrick, who is doing all he can to get back on her good side and proves fundamental to her mission. What she finds leads to a lot of confusion and doubts over what to do, what is right for her Kingdom and even whether Hayes is the right person to lead it. How can Saoirse help her kingdom and keep her beloved sister safe, without breaking her own heart?

The plot was engaging for the entirety of the book and kept me guessing about characters' intentions and ideas. There were lots of unexpected plot twists that kept things interesting and tense, all the way until the final resolution. I wish more time was spent on the actualisation of the final plan, which was much anticipated and then... somewhat already over? But otherwise I loved the way it was all wrapped up, which was creative and definitely not what I expected! Drown Me With Dreams was less heavy on the action than Sing Me To Sleep, as it focused more on planning, political intrigue, subterfuge and development of relationships. I enjoyed the intricacies this brought to the plot, especially when it came to the government that Saorise gets to encounter on the other side of the barrier!

The main characters were explored in even more depth, with new layers being uncovered. I feel like I got a deeper understanding of Saoirse and Carrick throughout the book, and partially of Hayes too, although he was less central. The romance was a smaller subplot compared to everything else happening, but gosh did I love the scenes between Saoirse and Hayes! The (platonic!) relationship between Saoirse and Carrick was a great one to read about, too - their shared history, the difficult-to-overcome resentment and their unbreakable bond despite everything bringing a delightful warmth to a rather dark story. While the side characters weren't particularly developed, they served their purpose well and supported the story where needed (I definitely would have loved to know more about J'siiri, though!).

Sooo, I'd definitely recommend this duology to lovers of dark YA fantasy! I was absolutely enraptured by both books and could barely put this sequel down. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this early in exchange for an honest review!

This is such an AMAZING sequel. The book brings you right back to the world and drama from book you. Shows you a whole new world, with new stakes and new characters. The emotional rollercoaster I felt while reading this! I am sooo sad this series has ended but the book was everything I wanted and more!

Sing Me To Sleep was one of the best books I read last year and definitely the most memorable debut I've ever read. I was thrilled to get the eARC of its sequel!

The worldbuilding, the writing style and characters' depth are as good - if nog better - as in the first book. Saoirse is such a great FMC: strong-willed, loyal and unshaken in her convictions and love for her family. The romance between her and Hayes was an absolute highlight. Some of the best lines in the book were Hayes' and I just melted on several scenes.

I sobbed at the end. But everything wrapped up a bit too quickly and neatly, I wanted more tension - hence one star off. Overall though it was a fantastic sequel. Gabi Burton joins the ranks of my fav authors and I can't wait to read her next series!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Gabi Burton for giving me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I love, love, love the world building and magic system in this book. The concepts of dreamweaving and using magical conduits such as keil beads are so fascinating and make the story so much richer. I love learning about the different species that exist in this world and how there affinities work.

Saoirse’s journey in this book is so uplifting. We see her battling for control over her power and finding an equilibrium where she can be powerful and in control. I really respect Saoirse’s love for her sister and how she does everything she does with Rain in mind. I also really appreciate Gabi Burton for making her incredibly smart and sly.

Her relationships with various side characters are also very complex and well constructed. Her relationship with Hayes is beautiful and a lovely continuation of what was established in the first book. Their interactions feel so natural, and their small, cute moments don’t feel forced at all. The romance was a great slow burn and made it so that the eventual climax was amazing.

A wonderful read!

4.5 ⭐️ but rounding up for NetGalley

I’ve been counting down the days since finishing SMTS in October for its sequel, and it didn’t disappoint! This story is vastly different from the first one, but was equally as compelling. I love stories where the main character travels/goes on a quest and this story covers a lot of ground, figuratively and literally. Each juncture in the story is purposeful and kept my interest. Just like the first book, it has twists and turns you don’t expect while staying on track with the end goal. Hayes and Saoirse’s relationship is expanded upon and I loved seeing it all unfold, even during the bad times they encountered. There is impending war in this story and with war comes sacrifice, and I appreciate that Burton takes risks with her characters. She knows how to build each of her characters up and fulfill their purpose. Overall I’m extremely satisfied with the conclusion of this story and will be recommending this duology to everyone I know!

Thank you, Netgalley, Gabi Burton, and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Gabi Burton for this advanced copy of Drown Me with Dreams.
This book was a great follow up to the first book. The characters were complicated and deep. But I’m also sad it’s done. I feel like there was more in the world that wasn't addressed.
I will say this ARC was horribly formatted though. It was almost impossible to read at some points. I’m sure the finished product will be better, and I will definitely get a matching copy for my Fairyloot edition.

Y’all have no idea of how much of an honor it is to be able to read this book early. I absolutely loved “Sing Me To Sleep” so much that it for sure ended up being one of my top 10 reads of the year. I loved the enchanting and dangerous world Gabi has created. I just finished my reread of SMTS not that long ago in preparation for this book and I loved it just as much as I did the first time I read it, maybe even more.
This sequel did everyone a good sequel was supposed to do. Take everything from the previous book and up it by 100%.
Following Saoirse on her journey to create a safe place for her family while finding love and searching for more sirens like her was an absolute delight. I really fell in love with this morally grey character who had a tendency of being stabby.
Her love for her sister was one of the central aspects of the story that I absolutely loved. Family was at the forefront of her mind and she would have given her life to protect them.
Also watching her romance finally fully blossom had my heart so happy and screaming, finally!
Overall I loved this book. If you love:
•Morally Grey Main Characters
•Forbidden Romance
•Twists and Turns
You will love this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gabi herself for an ARC of this book. I can’t put into words how much of a honor it was 💕

Thank you Gabi Burton, Bloomsbury, and Netgalley for this eARC! I’ve been lucky enough to be on the street team for this book and let me tell you it is fantastic! Now that all of Keirdre know that Saoirse is a siren she’s not safe. With all the enforcers calling for blood things couldn’t get worse. Except when they do. Accused of yet another crime, she and Hayes have no choice but to send her beyond the barrier. She doesn’t want to leave her family or Hayes, especially as something is off between them since her found out who she is. Also what’s waiting beyond the barrier? Joined be an unlikely ally she crosses the barrier to find out. Things are different on the other side, she gets to see so many creatures that King Larster had culled in Keirdre. But are things really as nice as they feel? Who can she trust? And can she discover what the late King sent Reyshka there to do? Meanwhile Hayes has problems of his own, with mutiny and an uprising. Can he trust Saoirse to do what she was sent to do? Exciting, thrilling, and unputdownable!! I loved the tense and electric relationship between Saoirse and Hayes! Made all the more wrenching but their constant secret keeping, half truths, and straight up lies! It was also find to get to read about more creatures! Heartbreaking, heartwarming, with plenty of badass moments from Saoirse! She’s strong willed, cunning, loyal, and determined! There’s also a character in there that you’ll mistrust but also can’t help but like! A fast paced fantasy read, featuring an all black cast, that will have you turning the pages!! Highly recommend!

This book was an amazing read, that took you places you didn't know you were going to go. I was fully absorbed in this book right off the bat and flew through it in one day. The author did an amazing job with the plot and making the characters unique but relatable. I will be recommending this book to all of my patrons, family, and friends. Great read!

Drown Me with Dreams (Sing Me to Sleep #2)-4.75 ⭐️

Thanks to @netgalley for the eARC of this book! When I first read Sing Me to Sleep around this time last year, I was enthralled and so excited for the second book! Mermaids/sirens and other mythical creatures have always enchanted me so this was right up my alley!

This sequel did not disappoint! I absolutely love Saoirse’s character as well as the elements of found family that are cemented in the first book. I honestly just love Gabi Burton’s writing style as well. It just feels so fluid and interesting. The mystery element of the story as well as the romance was really well done in my opinion. All the character arcs were really well defined and fun to read about. My only complaint is that this is only a duology lol I would’ve loved to see the events after the end of this book and the exploration of other parts of the story. Overall, this is a very interesting and well written YA duology that should be read. Not to mention the second book is just as good as the first which I feel rarely happens!! Now I just have to wait until (hopefully) @fairyloot does a special edition of this book because I’ll be all over it!! And this cover?! Shut up, it’s gorgeous! 😍
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Anyways, go read it when it comes out August 20th! 🧜🏾‍♀️🩵
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If you’ve read the first book, what did you think of it? Let me know! 👇🏻
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@queryqueen339 #bookreview #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #arcreview #kindle #netgalley #couldntputitdown #booksbooksbooks #singmetosleep #duology

Thank you for giving me the chance to read early!

It has been a tough reading year for me. It has taken me a minimum of 2 weeks to finish any book and yet I finished Drown Me with Dreams in two DAYS. Gabi's debut Sing Me to Sleep was my favorite YA read of 2023. So I cannot formally string together the right words of how excited I was to read an early copy of the sequel.

The kingdom of Keirdre is in chaos in the aftermath of King Larster's death. Prince Hayes, well now, King Hayes, does not have the support of his Enforcers, the influential fae, or his mother, Queen Ikenna, as he ascends the throne. As Hayes navigates his new role, he intends to keep the promises he made for a better Keirdre even with the opposition. Saoirse is a wanted fugitive, twice over - one for allegedly killing King Larster, and second for being a siren. She lives in hiding at the Palace with Hayes' watchful protection, but when curiosity gets the better of Saoirse, she leaves the palace grounds. It is a set up and now Saoirse is behind bars for her crimes. In light of this, Hayes and Saoirse's plan to go through the barrier is expedited. It's time for Hayes to be cunning, because the only way for Saoirse to escape is with the help of her ex-best friend, Carrik (aka Spektryl). They reluctantly travel together to cross the barrier, because at they end of the day, the both want the same thing - a better world where they don't have to hide their true selves. When they arrive in the other Kingdom, Alkara, all is not what they were told. Saoirse and Carrik will discover unwanted truths of the Resistance and of each other. While Saoirse will also come to terms if Hayes is the answer for a better future for the kingdoms or not.

Yet again, Gabi has created a story that is captivating, addictive, immersive, and thrilling. The sophomore slump is a known phenomenon for new authors, but there was no hint of that here. The story picks right back up and doesn't slow down. Saoirse remains a badass, morally grey female MC. We see her internal struggles of being a siren with the need to kill, but with determination and training with Carrik, she becomes more than her struggles and embraces her internal calling. Hayes remains the beautiful boy, who is in love with a siren and will burn the world down for her. Again, I loved every single moment of them on the page together. Carrik overcomes his wrongdoings and earns the love and respect of Saoirse back. Honestly, I loved his character redemption arc the most. Rain, and oh Rain. I will forever adore the intensity of hers and Saoirse's relationship.

The duology ends here and I am quite sad about it, because I loved these books. I cried at the end of DMWD. Truly, I haven't been enamored with a series like this in sooo long. It's fast paced with great world building, amazing character arcs, and a plot line that makes you think you know what is happening, then... TWIST. I'm excited to see what comes next from Gabi, she has gained an avid reader/fan from me!