The Dream Haunters

⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like metaphysics and spiritual awakenings you will enjoy this book. It feels like it should be NA or YA due to the content and the story about the FMC's magical awakening.

The main character, Hannah is likeable and the story flows continuously between the waking world and the dream world.

The story paints a detailed picture of Maple Hollow. She travels there, hoping to uncover more information about the disappearance of her Aunt Jewelia.

I would have liked more interaction between her and the Dream Haunters as their interactions felt too brief.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My review will be posted in the following location on the 25th June.

https://www.instagram.com/hf.payne/

"She was deep in the shadows, trying to find her way back up. Carefully choosing which mask to wear, which person she’d try to be. Anyone but herself."

Hannah is sure of only a few things: that she is down on her luck, and that she feels a powerful, unexplained draw to Maples Hollow... where her estranged Aunt Jewelia had just disappeared.
She does not know of her metaphysical heritage and the powers she possesses or that they are her Aunt's only hope of rescue. Can she figure it out in time?

This is the debut book of a new series, The Witches of Maple Hollow.

Tropes:
discovering a fated destiny
good v evil
powerful heroine
reunited family/found family
magick/metaphysical ability

content warnings:
previous death of family members is mentioned (but occurs off page)
a handful of on-page fight scenes (no excessive gore or violence)

what I liked:
when I tell you that I LOVE this prose....

"Raindrops sprawled like the roots of a fast-growing weed, then descended like the long legs of deep red wine cascading down an oversized cabernet glass."

The story is painted with vivid words that perfectly encapsulate the feeling of autumn; the sense of Halloween and pre-winter  possibilities and the awe that comes only alongside beauty that you know is fleeting.
This book made me feel like I was nestled in a forest of changing leaves with a comforting cup of coffee in my hands.

On occasion, I see an artist put a piece of their soul into one of their works that resonates so well in my own that it almost feels familiar. This book was one of those times.

"She had always felt like her lifeblood had been slowed, darkened. It didn’t run as quick, light, and fast as everyone else."

"As she stared at the waning gibbous moon, she realized that the moon was teaching her all the time. Sometimes we stand in our brightness, sometimes we sit in our darkness, but at all times we must balance both sides of ourselves."

what I didn't like:
I'd love to see more of the dream haunters, but I suspect we will get more of them in upcoming books.
This book has a few errors common in self published works. Some sections are edited more thoroughly than others. Some sections flow extremely well while others are more abrupt. We encounter occasional issues like passive voice and head hopping (though not terribly frequent). I might normally take off stars for that, but I dont think I will this time, given that there are entire sections of this book that I want to print, frame, and hang on my walls to reread regularly. This is such a rare occurrence for me that I'm leaving my rating for this book at 5 stars.


Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. I feel like there was a little bit of everything and would definitely be worth a read especially during spooky season

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

I recently finished a quick and easy read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I'm excited to see how the next books in the series unfold because this author might just become one of my new go to authors!

The story is painted with such vivid and evocative words that you can almost feel the crisp autumn air, the sense of Halloween magic, and the fleeting beauty of the season. It's like stepping into a beautifully illustrated fall-themed dream. The main character, Hannah, is incredibly likeable, and the narrative seamlessly transitions between the waking world and the dream world, making it a delight to follow.

Maple Hollow, the setting, is so richly detailed that it feels like a character itself. Hannah's journey there, driven by the mystery of her Aunt Jewelia's disappearance, is both captivating and atmospheric. I found myself wishing for more interaction with the Dream Haunters—those moments were tantalizingly brief—but I’m hopeful we'll see more of them in future books. And you can bet I'll be ready to dive in when they arrive.

This book does have some of the typical quirks you might find in self-published works. There are areas where the editing feels more polished than others. Some parts of the story flow smoothly, while others come across a bit more choppy. From time to time, you might spot issues like passive voice and head-hopping, though these aren't overly common.

Overall, this book is a perfect autumn treat despite the fact that I’m reading it during the summer. You’ll probably catch me reading it again when fall time rolls around. It blends mystery, fantasy, and a touch of the supernatural in a way that's both engaging and enchanting. The author's talent for creating a vivid atmosphere and an intriguing plot has definitely piqued my interest for the rest of the series. If you enjoy stories with a mix of reality and fantasy, and characters that feel genuine and relatable, this book is a must-read. I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, I really loved this book! The Dream Haunters hooked me right from the start. The story follows Hannah Skye, a young woman searching for meaning, who gets a mysterious letter from her missing and quirky Aunt Jewelia. This kicks off a wild adventure with dreams, guiding Hannah along on her journey of discovery. She is led to the mysterious island of Maple Hollow and Skye Manor which uncovers her family's mystical history.

The plot is full of twists and turns, with Hannah encountering shapeshifters trying to trap people in nightmares. She teams up with wise villagers and some feline friends (including a talking cat dream guide!) to solve a riddle, unlock her powers, and dive into the dream world to save her aunt before Halloween, when the veil between worlds is thinnest.

One thing I really loved about this book was how it wove spiritual growth messages into the story. These insights really spoke to me and gave me several lightbulb moments as I read. It was like getting little nuggets of wisdom while enjoying a great story.

The characters are so well-written and endearing. Aunt Jewelia, in particular, stood out with her eccentric and mysterious personality. I found myself wanting to know more about her story and hoping there will be more books to explore her character. The descriptions of Aunt Jewelia's house were so vivid that I could actually see it in my mind's eye.

As I got towards the end, I had this funny feeling—I didn't want to finish the book because I was enjoying it so much, but I also couldn't wait to see what happened next. It's rare to find a book that makes you feel that way!

I can't wait for this book to be out in print. I'll definitely be buying a few copies for myself and my online store. If you love a mix of mystery, magic, and spiritual wisdom, you need to read The Dream Haunters. It's an enchanting escape into a world of ancient traditions, dreamscapes, and hidden secrets. Highly recommend!

This is one of the most original stories I’ve ever read. I loved this world and the characters that inhabited it. The writing was atmospheric and pulled me into the story with every word. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

Dream Haunters is a metaphysical fantasy debut novel by author Megan Mary. Inspired by a vivid dream, this is a story set in the town of Maple Hollow. A place with a deep magical history that ties into FMC Hannah’s story.

Around the time Hannah loses her job, she receives a cryptic message from her Aunt Jewelia who is missing. This leads her to embark on a spiritual journey to the town of Maple Hollow. With the help of some familiars, she uncovers a magical family history and an evil order of shapeshifters called the “dream haunters”. It’s up to Hannah to stop them and save Maple Hollow before mercury retrograde is over. This novel explores many mystical themes such as spirit guides, portals, and the hidden meaning of dreams.

I enjoyed the setting of the story,
and how descriptive the author. This novel felt heavy on the fall vibes which I did enjoy, perfect for this time of the year. I did enjoy certain concepts, like the importance of felines and pumpkins. I did like Hannah as a character and enjoyed the progression of her spiritual journey. I look forward to knowing more about her family history, with the novel only being 177 pages I would have loved a heavier emphasis on Hannah’s discovery of her gifts/family history. The end wraps up a little too quickly for my taste. This was a 3 star read for me.

I am, already, looking forward to the rest of this series! Suffice to say, I really enjoyed this book. Megan Mary uses her knowledge as a dream interpreter in this “metaphysical mystery of magick” to good purpose. I found Hannah Skye to be a very likable main female character, who had suffered tragedy in her life. The arrival of the mysterious letter from her aunt Jewelia, who had gone missing, along with a plane ticket, awakened something within Hannah and, she was drawn to Maple Hollow, knowing it was where she was supposed to be. The plot moves along, swiftly, as Hannah embraced her dormant ‘magickal’ powers, realising that the areas of her personality which had held her apart from others, were, now, important if she is to find Jewelia and commence her destined role in life. Dream interpretation; pumpkin portals; Mercury in retrograde; cat familiars and cat spirit familiars, as well as the shape shifting Dream Haunters - I loved it all!

A particularly very good book, I really liked the theme handled and the way in which the author develops it; totally entertaining.

I loved it because the chapters are short, which makes it super easy to read. Throughout the story, I felt that I was witnessing that place, that I was observing it, not just reading it. I was impressed with the description of the landscapes and places they narrated of Maple Hollow.

My favorite character was undoubtedly Hanna, who is discovering more about herself and her ancestors; how she develops in the story and how she acquires new knowledge in order to help find her aunt. Totally impressive.
I liked it a lot and I enjoyed it completely; besides this book is perfect for this season.
I'll be waiting for the rest of the books.

The most important message for me is that all knowledge and wisdom is in ourselves, we just have to know how to find it. Look for the source and let ourselves be guided. Because only each one of us knows what is best for us and that guides us to our best destiny.

This book could not be more perfect for getting into the cozy, Halloween season.

When Hannah Skye, a curious young woman in search of meaning, receives a mysterious letter from her long-lost, quirky Aunt Jewelia, things take a wild turn! Plagued by a recurring dream about a pumpkin patch, Hannah's journey catapults her into Maple Hollow, a mystical island where it's always autumn and the secrets are as thick as the fog. There, she stumbles upon the enchanting Skye Manor and uncovers a family legacy dripping with magic. But it's not all cozy pumpkin spice vibes what with shapeshifters on the loose, trapping people in their worst nightmares.

This is a mythical world with spells, music, and dreams - and yet it was charming and easy to read with short chapters and fun characters!

@beckafreewrites

The Dream Hunters by Megan Mary

This book offers a unique and beautifully crafted magical universe that I simply couldn’t get enough of. We follow Hannah Skye, a relatable and compelling protagonist who is struggling to find her place in the world. After losing her job and feeling disconnected from everything around her, her life takes a mysterious turn when her estranged aunt Jewelia vanishes the same night Hannah receives a cryptic letter and plane tickets to the enigmatic Maple Hollow.

Let me just say—CAN I PLEASE LIVE IN MAPLE HOLLOW? 🍁✨ The island is the epitome of cozy, with its pumpkins, crunchy leaves, and adorable little cats scurrying about. It's the perfect setting to kick off spooky season, giving off all the autumn vibes. But don’t let the cozy atmosphere fool you—this book packs in a gripping mystery that had me hooked from the very beginning. I could not put it down!

The story seamlessly weaves together magic, lost family, secret legacies, dream deciphering, and a terrifying antagonist—the Dream Hunters. These sinister beings use our dreams against us, gaining control over lives and trapping people in their worst nightmares. The blend of rich history, magical lore, inner work, and an intriguing mystery makes this book an incredible read that will keep you captivated until the very last page.

Other an a few small mistakes with spelling here and there I have no complaints. I would rate this a 4.5 put of 5 stars✨️

"The universe guides us at all times. my dear. All we need to do is listen."

Rating:4.5/5

I want to start by congratulating Megan on her debut novel, The Dream Haunters. This is a fun, metaphysical, witchy book, and I truly adored the story. It is definitely a perfect book to read during the fall when the leaves are changing and the Halloween season is approaching.

This book follows Hannah. Dealing with darkness in her past and the trials she is dealing with in her life, she feels stuck. When everything seemed to hit a low, she received a one-way ticket to Maple Hollow. Maple Hollow is not an ordinary town.The reader will watch Hannah discover who she is and learn to balance the light and dark within her. She starts to follow her dreams and learns how there are shapeshifters who want to lock people in their nightmares, and this includes the citizens of Maple Hollow. Will Hannah be able to fully discover who she is? Will she be able to save the citizens of Maple Hollow?

Overall, this book was very enjoyable to read. It truly shows the reader that it is so important to truly discover yourself. Self-discovery is something that so many of us struggle with, and I love the message Megan Mary is giving. Her knowledge in dream interpretation added authenticity to the story.  I really loved the mix of dream interpretation and magic. I love stories of finding who you are, and this book truly encompasses it. The balance between the lightness and darkness within oneself was such a beautiful concept. The only reason that I rated it a 4.5 instead of a 5 is that it is a slow build-up until about halfway through the book. The second half of the book had me drawn in, and I could not put it down. Thank you for allowing me to have the opportunity to read this, and I am excited to read the next one!

Review of The Dream Haunters by Megan Mary

With September comes my urge to read books with fall vibes. I had the opportunity to read an ARC of The Dream Haunters at the beginning of the month and kick off spooky season with a bang!

The Dream Haunters is a spooky mystery following Hannah Skye as she loses her job and seeks meaning in her life. This time of change occurs in October at the same time her Aunt Jewelia disappears. Aunt Jewelia was the last surviving member of Hannah's family of origin, but had never met Hannah, which didn't stop Jewelia from sending a cryptic letter right before her disappearance, urging Hannah to follow her to Maple Hollow. Maple Hollow is a seemingly enchanted island with perpetual Halloween vibes, overflowing with pumpkins, crystals, and spiritual vortexes. As Hannah takes up residence at the family manor, she begins to uncover mysteries about not only her missing aunt, but the island, it's inhabitants, and her lineage as well. This was such an interesting read and outside of my normal genre, but kept me hooked from the beginning to the cliffhanger end!

Keep in mind that this book has common errors you'll find in self-publishing, but it was easy for me to move past these. The writing style is unique and may not fit everyone's tastes, but the story and plot are wonderful and perfect for jumping into the autumn season!

⭐⭐⭐

A heartfelt thank you to Megan Mary for providing me with an ARC of "The Dream Haunters." This novel is a compelling blend of metaphysics and spiritual awakening that will surely captivate readers who are drawn to the mystical side of life.

The atmospheric setting of Maple Hollow is one of the book’s standout features. Hannah’s journey to this enigmatic town is both enchanting and richly immersive. The vivid descriptions make Maple Hollow feel like a place you’d want to live, with its charm and mystery pulling you in from the very first page.

Megan Mary has crafted a story that dives deep into the realm of the metaphysical. If you're fascinated by the world of dreams and spiritual quests, this book is a must-read. While the narrative effectively explores these themes, I couldn’t help but wish for more interactions with the Dream Haunters themselves. Their presence is intriguing, and a deeper exploration of their role would have been a thrilling addition.

Overall, "The Dream Haunters" is a beautifully written novel that leaves you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a journey well worth taking, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to experience it.

This is such a cosy read. Perfect for the halloween month with a good amount of mystery. We follow Hannah as she navigates going to Maple Hollow and trying to figure out the mystery behind her aunt’s disappearance. A lot of times through this book I felt like I was reading about myself with how similar I am to Hannah with her thoughts and views etc, and I loved how she didn’t fit in with anybody until she found the place she belonged. Also loved the talking cats 🐈‍⬛
Definitely read if you’re wanting a light hearted, easy but entertaining read this halloween

Book Review: The Dream Haunters by Megan Mary

I recently dove into The Dream Haunters, and I was completely enchanted by its blend of mystery, magic, and metaphysical elements. From the moment I met Hannah Skye, I was pulled into her quest for meaning, set against the backdrop of a whimsical, yet haunting world.

Hannah’s journey begins with a mysterious letter from her eccentric Aunt Jewelia, which immediately intrigued me. The recurring dreams of a pumpkin patch set the stage for a spiritual exploration that transcends the ordinary. The concept of Maple Hollow—a mystical island where it’s perpetually autumn—was vividly imagined, and I felt as though I was wandering through its enchanting landscapes alongside Hannah.

One of my favorite aspects of the story was the rich cast of characters, especially the wise villagers and the talking cat who serves as Hannah’s dream guide. Their presence added layers of warmth and humor, balancing the more intense elements of the plot involving shapeshifters and nightmares. I found myself rooting for Hannah as she navigated her family’s legacy and the challenges of unlocking her powers before Halloween.

Megan Mary’s writing is both lyrical and immersive, painting a vibrant picture of a world filled with secret societies, spells, and dreamscapes. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, as I eagerly followed Hannah’s quest to save her aunt while uncovering the deeper meanings of her own identity.

The metaphysical elements were well-executed, blending seamlessly with the mystery and adventure. I particularly enjoyed how the dream dimension served as a gateway to explore not just Hannah’s challenges but also themes of family, legacy, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

Overall, The Dream Haunters is a captivating start to the Witches of Maple Hollow series. It’s perfect for readers who love a mix of fantasy and mystery, with a dash of humor and heart. I can’t wait to see

Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book. I had some trouble starting this book but after the second chapter I did find it hard to put down. This was a nice paranormal mystery. I will look forward to read more from this series and from Megan Mary.

I found this to be an unusual read.
It focuses on those called Dream Haunters who prey on people's nightmares and fears to trap them so they only exist within these.
Hannah's Aunt Jewellia disappears and she has to try and din her before Halloween.
She has the help of Morgan and a cast of cats including Midnight and Wixby.
The book has a dreamlike quality as you read it and it is an intriguing idea. There was a lot of description and you did feel you were there.
I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

This book way fantastic. I fount it to be an easy read. Wonderful characters. I will continue to recommend.

Superbly well written book!
This book surprised me in the loveliest of ways.
The story is beautifully told with wonderful descriptions, creating atmosphere and context, which transport you into the heart and soul of the adventure.
Everything I love has been interwoven into this tale of magic and mystery.
From dream analysis to the history of Halloween, this book is jam-packed full of intriguing, insightful and magical moments.
I highly recommend this book and await the sequel with eager anticipation.

It was really interesting, merging the mystical aspect of dreaming and Celtic heritage around Halloween. There was a lot of clair talents and real versions of witchy things along with talking cats.

In this book the FMC has to come to terms with her heritage and her mystical abilities while trying to save her aunt from being trapped in a dream world. I’ve never read anything like this and while I struggled some with the pace of history mixed in I find that it still was one of the most interesting stories I’ve read in a while.

Imagine this, it's a rainy fall day, you have the entire afternoon to wile away at your leisure with a warm drink, a cozy blanket, and a cuddly cat and you need the perfect book to fit the mood. This is the one for you. Megan Mary's way of writing will transport you directly to the small island of Maple Hollow where you will join Hannah and Old Man Adams in their search for the missing Aunt Jewelia. Megan Mary's style of writing is unlike anything I've read and is a masterful blend of fact and fiction to create a beautiful atmosphere in which the story grows.

Hannah, the FMC, is a sweet lost soul looking for answers and a place to belong. The story follows her journey to not only connect with distant family but also to find in herself what she has always suspected was missing. Unsatisfied with her current life, when a mysterious letter and one-way ticket to Maple Hollow arrive by post, she does not hesitate to make travel arrangements. Once in Maple Hollow not all is as it seems and Hannah soon learns to trust her instincts and dreams. Through the course of the book, she meets a wide array of characters who help her on the journey. Some of this plane and some of the next. She learns to listen to her dreams and about a whole side of the universe, she didn't know existed. And by doing so, she learns a lesson we can all benefit from, and that is to trust in yourself.

I have always been a fan of dreams; especially as someone who has suffered from my share of nightmares and terrors and have a small fascination with their meanings. This book called to me from the first time I read the blurb. A whole book full of magic and dreams; count me in. The underlying message of the book is one we should all take to heart, presented in a beautiful story. A story that is enjoyable to read (or listen to) and transports you away from your own world for a while. If you do have a chance to listen to the audiobook, the narrator, Pearl Hewitt, is the absolute perfect pick for this story. Her voice is almost spell like and she truly brings the words to life.

I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys magic, dreams and their interpretations, Samhain, and a magical mystery that needs solving before time runs out. And no Halloweenish book is complete without cats, and this has some adorable little familiars to help along the way!

(I received a copy for an honest review)

This book is the perfect companion for an autumn day—imagine the crisp fall air, golden leaves drifting from the trees, and you curled up with a warm apple cider and a soft blanket. Its charm feels like bundling up in your favorite sweater while pumpkin-scented candles flicker nearby, wrapping you in that cozy, comforting feeling only autumn can bring.

I truly enjoyed this book as a lighthearted escape, offering a refreshing breather between the heavier novels that have been occupying my shelves. From the very beginning, the story pulls you in with the main character caught in the middle of a personal upheaval. Before she can even begin to sort through the chaos in her life, she learns that her estranged aunt has gone missing. Following her instincts, she sets off to her family’s ancestral home, hoping to find her aunt—and, in doing so, uncover a part of herself she didn’t realize was missing.

As the story unfolds, she encounters a delightful cast of characters who not only help her understand her aunt but also reveal new layers of her own strength and resilience. Watching her grow into her own feels like being wrapped in the warmth of a cozy autumn evening—a gentle, feel-good story that reminds you of the beauty in personal growth and discovery.

If you’re searching for an adorable autumn read that feels as comforting as a peaceful walk through crunchy leaves, this one is sure to hit the spot.

Oh my gosh...I just devoured this book and loved every second of it. I know the second book is coming in Spring 2025 and I'm already really excited for it.

This story starts with Hannah, losing her job, and generally feeling down about herself and life is playing out. But then she receives a letter from her Aunt Jewelia, inviting her back to Maple Hollow. Hannah has never known Jewelia for most of her life, but she knows she needs to get to Maple Hollow.

But when she arrives, the caretaker, Old Man Adams, tells her that Jewelia has gone missing. In fact, she went missing the night she was trying to mail the letter.

This story follows Hannah through her journey of discovering what happened to Jewelia, but also unlocking her family's history, and the power that lies within her.

One of the things I appreciated most of this story is that it's truly focused on Hannah and other women in the town. As you can tell, this is the Witches of Maple Hollow series, and so the focus on the women in town is central to the story. I don't mind romance in stories, but it was refreshing to have a story where that wasn't a side plot.

This story does have a full resolution, even though it is a series. Essentially, there is the overarching theme of needing to stop the Dream Haunters, who enter into people's dreams and imprison them. So the series follows the women on that mission, but the smaller mystery of the story is fully resolved and there are no cliffhangers.

Another aspect of this book that I loved was that the author really brings Maple Hollow to life. It's this magickal island, where it's fall all the time. There are cats, pumpkins, cool fall nights, and so many other aspects of fall that I love. The author creates a beautiful visual and the atmosphere just jumped off the page.

If you love strong female characters, magic, and fall, you'll definitely love this series!

In short:
There is a small town, cozy element.
Halloween vibes.
Mystery.
Self-discovery.
Magic.

This novel is for anyone who is absolutely obsessed with fall, dreams, witchy things, horoscopes, adorable cats, and cozy mysteries. We follow Hannah, our protagonist, who has never quite fit in. She lost her parents at a young age and has recently lost her job in what seems to be a never-ending series of bad breaks when she's contacted via a mysterious letter from her Aunt Jewelia. She travels to stay at her aunt’s manor, which happens to be a castle of sorts located on a mist-shrouded, very Halloweeny island while she tries to unravel the mystery of what happened to her aunt, while slowly unveiling her own power.

I resonated with the initially more (in my opinion, almost) melancholy side of Hannah in the first few chapters and her feelings of isolation, especially after losing her job. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of that explored to help me connect with Hanna on an even deeper level.

I liked the cozy aspects of this book. While there are some dark themes, it is not what I would call a ‘heavy’ read at all. I especially loved every moment with a cat and the way the author described them (so adorable I can't even!).

Megan Mary is a heavily descriptive writer immersing you in the metaphysical world of Maple Hollow, which may not be for everyone, but for those who love knowing all the nitty-gritty details, this book is definitely for you! I started reading in October and it was nice to read a book that was very fitting with the season.