I'd like to share my gratitude to NetGalley, Brigids Gate Press, LLC and Alethea Lyons for an Advanced Reader Copy of The Somnia. In exchange I will leave my honest review.

The Somnia follows immediately after the first book, The Hiding. I would suggest for readers to pick up the first book, as well. I found myself enthralled in the story. It was such a treat to read the two books back to back and really elevated my experience. The continuation of the world building was fantastic and I felt like I was side by side with the main character, Harper. I personally have never been to the U.K. but reading this made me feel like I was there. I could feel the environment around me and smell the smells within the world.

I will say, however, that the pacing was a little too fast-paced for my liking. I am such a stickler when it comes to the pacing of a book, as I believe that every single detail matters and is important to the protagonist's journey. But, the writing is so well done, I can look past it. The layers within each chapter and how the story progresses is executed wonderfully, I couldn't put the book down. I would even suggest that the second book was written better than the first. It kept me on my toes for the majority of it.

There were some instances where a situation is left open and I hope that will be explained in later installments, which I will definitely be waiting for.

All in all, I enjoyed The Somnia and will keep my eyes open for the 3rd book.

"The forest fell away and the world fluttered open like a storybook."
That was just one of the many beautiful quotes from this book that also happens to perfectly encapsulate the vibe I was looking for! A lot of times the second book in a series can feel like the plot from the first installment has been regurgitated, and this was not that at all. The author continues to use gorgeous prose and take us deeper into the complexities between the realms.

I love the different ideas Harper pulls from folklore of different cultures in her search to reveal who is hunting her, because I loved hearing about- "'Oneiroi, the Greek personification of dreams, brothers of Sleep. ‘Somnia, their not-quite-equivalent in the Roman world, who were Sleep’s sons...Baku, who eat nightmares, and yume no seirei, who cause them...mares and nocnitsa who sit upon the chest of sleepers and cause or consume nightmares.." I also enjoyed the addition of Zero, who I totally wasn't expecting to play as big of a role as he does.

There are a couple of details that left me wondering if something was missing or overlooked, or if things were intentionally left open-ended to leave room for a clarification or twist later in the series - for example, everyone seems so wary of Zero and Heresy, but I'm not sure if I fully trust AJ, and something was definitely up with Saquib in this whole book. I still think the archbishop is shady. It infuriates me that he sets Harper with unthinkable tasks, but never goes with her or does a ton to help, and I can't help but wonder if we're going to get an explanation why. I am convinced Alfred from the archives is going to have a bigger role and knows more than we realize.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press for giving me this ARC and helping me discover Alethea! I really like this series and I am excited for the next installment.

I have to say I became a bit obsessed with The Seer of York series, despite technically being a Derbyshire girl I have always loved Yorkshire and this series is perfect. Not only has Lyons created a wonderfully magical world that weaves into the ‘normal’. It’s easy to get transported right into it. The characters are absolutely fantastic and I am not just talking about the cats! Harper and co are a brilliant team that are wonderfully crafted and created in such a way they are believable and relatable. The story is paced fantastically and keeps you guessing and on your toes wondering what will happen next.

If you are fan of urban fantasy and alternate history this will be right up your street. I am literally obsessed with the series and will continue to recommend to anyone who will listen. It hits all the boxes, great story, fantastic characters and wonderful supernatural elements.


As always thank you to Alethea Lyons and Brigid’s Gate Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This was a strong sequel in this series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of story. The concept was everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the element of this book. The characters felt like they belonged in this world and had that same feel from the first book. Alethea Lyons wrote this well and was glad I read this.

The Somnia by Alethea Lyons is such a good book. Lovely story. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is impecable. So so good.