Rebecca Ross

From Rebecca Ross, acclaimed author of The Queen’s Rising duology, comes a story about magic, vengeance, and the captivating power of dreams. A must-read for fans of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus. The realm of Azenor has spent years plagued by a curse. Every new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians—who serve as territory wardens—stand between people and their worst dreams. Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians arrive to challenge her, she is unknowingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets—as well as romance—begins to rise. To fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn, Clementine must unite with her rival. But will their efforts be enough to save Azenor from the nightmares that lurk around every corner?

Dreams Lie Beneath

Elena M.

But sometimes things must break before they can be made whole again, so that they can be forged into something stronger.

I missed those old days. I wanted to return to them until I finally acknowledged that such a thing would be impossible. My life had changed seasons; I could never go back to how things had been.

But even the deepest of ice eventually gives way to fire

You know, it’s not a bad thing to be fearful every now and then. The fear reminds you of limits, of what lines you should not cross. Of the doors you shouldn’t open.

One does not realize how powerful a dream is, in the sleeping world as well as the waking one, until it has been stolen from them.

“I missed those old days. I wanted to return to them until I finally acknowledged that such a thing would be impossible. My life had changed seasons; I could never go back to how things had been.”

From Rebecca Ross, acclaimed author of The Queen's Rising duology, comes a story about magic, vengeance, and the captivating power of dreams. A must-read for fans of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus. The realm of Azenor has spent years plagued by a curse. Every new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians--who serve as territory wardens--stand between people and their worst dreams. Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians arrive to challenge her, she is unknowingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets--as well as romance--begins to rise. To fight the realm's curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn, Clementine must unite with her rival. But will their efforts be enough to save Azenor from the nightmares that lurk around every corner?

Liz Griffin

“One does not realize how powerful a dream is, in the sleeping world as well as the waking one, until it has been stolen from them.”

A well-written YA fantasy featuring cold, calculating characters plotting revenge, lying, and deceiving their way to the bitter end where an epic quest to break a mythological curse awaits. So, all good fun, really.

Although I really did enjoy the plot and the world the story is set in, there were also quite a few plot holes and unexplained details about the magic system and about the motives of the characters. I found myself asking “But why?!” a few times, so a bit more care to the details of this world could have carried it to a 5-star rating.

But as it is, it was still a very gripping story that pulled me into its pages and I did like the characters (especially the betrayal court reminiscent of a tarot deck).

“One does not realize how powerful a dream is, in the sleeping world as well as the waking one, until it has been stolen from them.”

---------------------------------

A well-written YA fantasy featuring cold, calculating characters plotting revenge, lying, and deceiving their way to the bitter end where an epic quest to break a mythological curse awaits. So, all good fun, really.

Although I really did enjoy the plot and the world the story is set in, there were also quite a few plot holes and unexplained details about the magic system and about the motives of the characters. I found myself asking “But why?!” a few times, so a bit more care to the details of this world could have carried it to a 5-star rating.
But as it is, it was still a very gripping story that pulled me into its pages and I did like the characters (especially the betrayal court reminiscent of a tarot deck).

Mae Erceg

For a YA Fantasy book I wasn’t expecting to get that into, this has become one of my favorite books I’ve read this year so far. The creativity of the plot and the beautiful world building, let alone the plot twist of ALL plot twists! Bravo. I will definitely give the full 5/5 stars for such a great story, characters and their developments, and the interesting storyline. Ross’ creativity really is a shining light in the bleak YA Fantasy world. There’s typical YA Fantasy then there’s Dreams Lie Beneath. My only qualm is there’s not more I can read about Clem and Phelan 🥲 Would definitely recommend !

Started off very promising and half-way completely fell through 

Iris Adi

This is my 5th book by Rebecca Ross and it did not disappoint! Her ability to create such unique worlds is amazing and I have loved each one. I love the concept of magicians who are the guardians of towns, protecting them from their nightmares that come to life every new moon. This is a tale of enemies to lovers, spun amidst a web of secrets and deception. 

There were definitely a few things I felt were left unfinished or unanswered at the end of this story for me. Nothing that dramatically altered my understanding but things I just wish I had answers to that I think I might never get. I also wish we had gotten more of a chance to learn about the different types of magic, but sadly they were only really briefly mentioned at random times through the story. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the general story arc. Definitely worth a read! 

Tace

This is my 5th book by Rebecca Ross and it did not disappoint! Her ability to create such unique worlds is amazing and I have loved each one. I love the concept of magicians who are the guardians of towns, protecting them from their nightmares that come to life every new moon. This is a tale of enemies to lovers, spun amidst a web of secrets and deception. 

There were definitely a few things I felt were left unfinished or unanswered at the end of this story for me. Nothing that dramatically altered my understanding but things I just wish I had answers to that I think I might never get. I also wish we had gotten more of a chance to learn about the different types of magic, but sadly they were only really briefly mentioned at random times through the story. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the general story arc. Definitely worth a read! 

Beatrice

This book was a wonderful surprise. I have to say, I wasn't really sure what I'd be getting into when I started... it's pitched as being perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus and, while I really enjoyed the latter, I didn't have the best time with the former. Luckily, I really enjoyed Dreams Lie Beneath! 

I was captured by this book right from the first page and, even though it took a fair bit before I felt like I understood what was going on, I appreciated how the author managed to throw us in right in the middle of the action. I personally find it a slightly dangerous tactic that doesn't always work out well, but it did in this case. I loved the introduction of dreams and nightmares and slowly unravelling the mystery surrounding the curse that plagues the realm. 

The characters were definitely my favourite thing about this book. Clem, the protagonist, in particular is beautifully complex. I loved seeing her grow and mature throughout the book, becoming more confident as the book progresses while at the same time facing her own prejudices and contradictions. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Clem's journey of self-discovery was such a central part of the book, as were her relationships with the other characters. Family and friendship were central topics too, and I really loved to see how they were developed. There's romance, there's betrayal, there's revenge and there are lots of hidden truths, and all of these elements are woven together in a masterful way to deliver a complex and well-rounded tale. 

The magic and the curse were fascinating, and I loved the dream elements. There were a few things in the magic system I wasn't entirely sure I understood and confused me slightly at times, but I still felt like I got most of it in the end so I wasn't too fussed about the small details. The worldbuilding was also great, even though there too there were a few minor points I didn't really get fully. 

Despite that, I flew through this and thoroughly enjoyed every page, to the point that I didn't even notice some of the issues until I sat down to write this review. This was definitely one of my favourite reads this year so far and one of the best YA fantasy books I have read in a while! I'm really looking forward to reading more by this author. 

For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

Rebecca J. Ross

"The realm of Azenor has spent years plagued by a curse. Every new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain...Only magicians who serve as territory wardens stand between people and their worst dreams. Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians arrive to challenge her, she is unknowingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets as well as romance begins to rise"--Provided by publisher.

Gillian Rose

4.25 stars

This was an interesting Night Circus-esque fantasy tale. The world and plot were so intricate and I adored following Clem on her journey. She and Phelan's relationship from enemies to sort of lovers was fun. I'm not let down by the ending, but it wasn't as strong as the rest of the book in my opinion. I still really enjoyed disappearing into this world every night though.

My first Rebecca Ross and I LOVED IT 🌚🍃

A cozy, lush, magical, and dreamy tale, this story felt SO unique! I loved the magic system and underlying mystery. The layered story segmented into 3 parts. For a standalone, this story had so much depth and I could've kept going with it in a second book! And endings that make you think are the best. I can't wait to read more of Ross's work.

I also pictured most of the setting like a mash-up between The Gilded Age and Khazad-dum in its prime during The Rings of Power with maybe a little wear and tear and some neglect. It was great!

Leah | @LeahsLittlePleasures

My first Rebecca Ross and I LOVED IT 🌚🍃

A cozy, lush, magical, and dreamy tale, this story felt SO unique! I loved the magic system and underlying mystery. The layered story segmented into 3 parts. For a standalone, this story had so much depth and I could've kept going with it in a second book! And endings that make you think are the best. I can't wait to read more of Ross's work.

YOU CAN ALSO EXPECT:
— rivals to lovers
— magicians
— dreams x nightmares
— a cursed kingdom
— lies x deceit
— hidden identities x agendas
— centuries-old conflict
— a broken court

I also pictured most of the setting like a mash-up between The Gilded Age and Khazad-dum in its prime during The Rings of Power with maybe a little wear and tear and some neglect. It was great!

Beautiful, lush, and so immersive. If you liked 

Holly

Beautiful, lush, and so immersive. If you liked Sorcery of Thorns and Caraval, you'll like this!

I bought this before seeing a few bad reviews and I was kind of disappointed with them. The book is actually pretty good, it was a pleasant read. The pacing is a little bit slower than in other YA books, but the story is still rather interesting and compelling. I liked the main character, the use of magic, and the twists/turns the adventure goes on.

Rinn Ward

I bought this before seeing a few bad reviews and I was kind of disappointed with them. The book is actually pretty good, it was a pleasant read. The pacing is a little bit slower than in other YA books, but the story is still rather interesting and compelling. I liked the main character, the use of magic, and the twists/turns the adventure goes on.



Savannah Winchell

2.5 ⭐️
Skimmed the last 30% bc the character motivations were so lame that the stakes weren’t making sense

cheyenne 

2 stars seams mean … so imma say 2.9 LOL ??? the concept was cool and i liked the nightmares ???? but i just didn’t care abt any of the characters … there wasn’t enough depth between the dynamics or in the characters themselves so idk it just fell flat to me /-: i can see how other ppl would like it tho but just idk not character emotion for me . the writing just wasn’t it for me

Livia

Clem is girlboss gaslight gatekeep all in one, we stan a vengeful queen who would do anything to get what she wants while still being caring and reflective, meanwhile Phelan is mansplain manipulate malewife and in that specific order. If that didn't sway you enough to read it, then do it for the romance, or the plot, or the amazing magic, whatever it is just READ IT.

I appreciate ya novels for the ability to show such raw characters, characters I spend 3/4 not sure if I like or hate them and then still grow attached to. 

There is a lot of set up in the first half and then the story takes over in the second half but as I was nearing the end I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 

Megan BV

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. 

I appreciate ya novels for the ability to show such raw characters, characters I spend 3/4 not sure if I like or hate them and then still grow attached to. 

There is a lot of set up in the first half and then the story takes over in the second half but as I was nearing the end I really wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 

Quick and fun  fantasy adventure. 

Jasmine Davis

I loved the aesthetic and moody atmosphere of this book. I initially rated it 5 stars but changed to 4 because I wish there was a little more world building early on so I could get a sense of the world and the characters. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did an amazing job of conveying the tone without me being distracted by overacting. I would read again.

Heather Harrington

This isn’t a bad book, I just didn’t care one bit about what was happening. 

Rosie Qua

Narah Quinn

I loved this -full disclosure, Rebecca Ross is an auto-buy author for me - but with good reason because she never lets me down! 

Dreams Lie Beneath twists and turns, and loops and weaves, and the whole time you are reading it there is a niggle, a feeling that you've read something, heard something, that will help you figure it all out - but much like Clem, it's not quite there until its right there! 

As you may know - I don't do spoilers, and I don't like to give much away about a story, but if you like magic and enemies to lovers, a healthy sprinkling of family drama and a handful of intrigue then pick this up, you will not be disappointed!

Beautiful vocabulary and voice. I loved the light steampunk/Bettlejuice vibe of the worldbuilding, and the slow-burn enemies to lovers was delicious. One nitpicking critique on the dialogue is that the characters seemed to say each other’s names in almost every sentence, but I might not have noticed if I hadn’t listened to the audiobook.

Story Eater

Nothing quite hits the fantasy spot for me like Rebecca Ross’ books lately. Having previously read her three other books, I went into this novel with high expectations, as I loved every one of her others. Dreams Lie Beneath did not disappoint. It was the perfect mix of enemies to lovers (with some nuances), intrigue, revenge plots, secret identities, curses, magic, dark forest vibes, and more plot devices to keep a reader’s attention than a Sharper Image store has gadgets (I may have dated myself with that analogy).

First and foremost, the best thing about all of Ross’ books (so far) are that they are categorized as YA and are actually YA appropriate. This book did not have any sexual situations, adult language or content, and it had themes in it that provoke thought about the nature of vengeance and its destructiveness on those who seek it as well as those from whom it is sought. 

At the mention of vengeance, it bears highlighting, though it may not be necessary, that this book is an enemies-to-lovers romance after a fashion. The trope is one of my favorites (and one of my most widely read for leisure), and Ross does it right in this one. The turmoil our MC feels as the attraction grows for her self-appointed sworn enemy drums up nostalgia for the great works of romance like Pride and Prejudice without feeling campy or just reproduced. 

The side characters here are definitely a boon to the main story and romance. Each of them are well interconnected with the other characters and don’t simply float out in the narrative nether, making appearances for the sake of convenience and ticking boxes for the sake of opinion. They all fit well like threads in a tapestry and give the book quite a bit of enhancement that moves the story along and helps provide support in the most clever ways, all while in danger of stealing the show but never really doing so. 

My only complaint to file is that Dreams Lie Beneath is a standalone. Such a rich world with a wonderfully complex magical system and characters that leave me wanting to know more about them should have a series. I was sorry to leave this world. I hope one day I will be able to go back there again in a new story.

I will be purchasing every edition of this book that comes out. Several book boxes are doing special editions of it, and Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA is offering signed copies for presale through their site until 31 October 2021. These purchases also qualify for preorder incentives until 31 October (book box purchases qualify up to a later date). Ross is one of only a handful of authors who are generous enough to acknowledge book box purchases in preorder incentives, which places her in even higher regard with me as well. Ross' social media and websites have more information.

My most heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for the ARC, for which I give my own opinion.

danielle bush

Even with this story being recorded using the synthetic voice,(it wasn't a bad listening experience, it just lacks the emotion of a real person) I really enjoyed it. The story and the characters really drew me in, Especially in part 2 when the action really picks up. 
I loved Clementine and Phelan. They are enemies, turned friends, who are slowly falling in love with each other.. Even with all the lies and secrets between them.. 
Everything about this story was so unique.. I love the way they use their magic to fight other peoples nightmares, I love the backstory of the cursed kingdom.. This story is full of twists turns and I loved every minute of it. and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

Paola C

another amazing book and couple to ship

*Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book was marvelous! I don't think I've read a book that had such a unique premise in a while and boy I was hooked. I mean, our main protagonist, Clementine, fights off nightmares with her dad. If you don't think that's cool then I don't know what cool is anymore. Also, in this household we love a good dad and child kicking ass duo. 

While reading this, I felt like I was reading a fairytale, the writing is amazing and the worldbuilding in this book is everything. I especially enjoyed that Clem is such a strong female character who knew what she wanted and what she had to do, and she went and took matters into her own hands. She wasn't going to sit and wait around while her life crumbled down and she sure as hell wasn't going to be dragged down with it.

This is definitely a must-read book with so many amazing tropes. I cannot wait until it comes out so that I can purchase a physical copy of this.

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this early audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Dreams Lie Beneath

Author: Rebecca Ross

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: N/A DNFed

Publication Date: November 2, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: N/A DNFed

Explanation of CWs: N/A DNFed

Publisher: Quill Tree Books

Pages: 496

Synopsis: A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams.

Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians challenge her, she is unwittingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she secretly gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets begin to rise. Clementine must unite with her rival to fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn.

Review: DNFed at 20%. I have to be in the mood for this type of book and after trying and trying for a couple of months I’m momentarily giving up on this book. However, I do want to try it again in paperback form and not audiobook.

Verdict: DNFed but coming back later!

Dreams Lie Beneath

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