“Dream by the Shadows” by Logan Karlie is a beautifully written story that has amazing world-building. The gothic ambiance is captivating, offering an atmospheric depth that draws you into its darker themes. This was on the darker side than what I typically read. While the beginning felt a bit confusing and slow, I’m glad I stuck with it because the ending was worth it. Fans of gothic fantasy must add this to their TBR. I expect to see this all over Bookstagram come summer.
Thank you to NetGallery and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

‘Dream of Shadows’ by Logan Karlie is a masterclass in dark fantasy, seamlessly weaving hauntingly beautiful prose, morally complex characters, and a richly layered world that lingers in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. It’s the kind of story that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go, pulling you deeper into its shadows with every twist and revelation. Simply put, this is an immediate 5 star read.

At the heart of the narrative is Aria, a deeply human protagonist whose raw vulnerability and fierce determination make her unforgettable. Haunted by her enigmatic connection to the dream realm, Aria’s journey is one of self-discovery, filled with difficult choices and moments that blur the line between right and wrong. Karlie has created a heroine who is both relatable and extraordinary, someone you root for even when her decisions make you ache.

The dream realm itself is a triumph of worldbuilding. It’s a place where reality bends, shadows whisper, and every step is fraught with danger and consequence. Karlie’s descriptions are so vivid and cinematic that you can almost feel the chill of the dream world’s air and hear the echo of its eerie silence. It’s both terrifying and mesmerizing, a perfect metaphor for the blurred line between dreams and nightmares that the book explores so masterfully.

But the true magic lies in the relationships. The tension between Aria and Malric, the enigmatic dreamwalker, is electric. Their dynamic is layered with mistrust, tenderness, and undeniable chemistry, making every interaction between them a gripping push-and-pull. Add to this the complicated ties Aria shares with her allies and enemies, and you have a story brimming with emotional depth and high stakes.

What truly sets Dream of Shadows apart is Karlie’s impeccable pacing and storytelling. Every chapter unfurls with precision, peeling back layers of mystery and delivering twists that feel both shocking and earned. Themes of sacrifice, identity, and the unseen power of shadows are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth without ever slowing the story down.