Unfortunately I decided to DNF at 40%. The premise was amazing but I found it quite hard to follow the story due to the formating on the version I received. I had to keep zooming in to read on my phone as the file wouldn't load on my kindle. Could only read a few pages at a time and it was difficult to get into the story. I will try again when the book is released later this year.

The synopsis had me so intrigued and excited. I love world building, its so important to set the tone and create that imagery, however I felt that the author was trying to explain so much in such short time. I felt like I was consistently missing something and I kept going back to reread parts that i thought I had missed or maybe skimmed over, but never actually figuring out what was missing...

The overall plot in theory is exciting, dreamscapes and subconscious villain and hidden identity type tropes with a decent slow burn but theres so much worldbuilding, the rest of the story doesnt get the chance to shine.

Its a decent read, I did enjoy it on the whole and I can appreciate the direction it was going, but I do wish there was more character development for Esmer. Perhaps this book is just laying a deep foundation for book 2.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I enjoyed the concept of this book, and I think with the next book it will have a chance to develop more! The world building is heavy and hard to follow at times (think When The Moon Hatched style), but I really enjoyed the world and the magic system.
There’s a bit of romance, but it is a sloooooooow burn! I can’t wait to see more of it in book 2!

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Dream by the Shadows
✒️ Logan Karlie
🗓 12th August 2025
💫💫.5

Thank you @netgalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

Okay, I saw that it was supposed to be; a Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth but what I got was underwhelming. I got so confused. It is as simple as that.

In the Kingdom of Noctis when you sleep and dream you are at the mercy of the Shadow Bringer as he steals your soul. So our FMC Esmer, falls asleep, has a dream when she usually doesn't dream, finds out that the Shadow Bringer is not who everyone thinks he is and about 90% in they finally give into their feelings and that's it.

I unfortunately did not feel connected to the characters, nor did I feel like they were connected to each other. It just fell flat for me and I just wanted so much more.

It is a duology, so maybe book two can fill in the plot holes...