In the Shadow of a Dream

Fareview Fairytale #3

by Maci Aurora

With the promise of finally learning her mother’s secrets, Brinna and her family gather together. Only somewhere between the truth and lies, Brinna wakes to find she’s trapped in a space in between the world awake and the nightmares of her family. All of them are asleep. Learning she has the ability to move from dream to dream, Brinna tries to find a way out of the dream world, but she’s stuck, unable to fix what’s ailing her family. But then an unexpected thing happens, Lucian Uraiahs, god of day and light, walks into her dream.

While Lucian decided a long time ago that Brinna Fareview was a blight on his peace, he can’t seem to avoid her. She pops up at every turn, all because his brother, Nixus, is god-yoked to her sister. All Lucian wants is to disappear into the oblivion of the cosmos amidst his shame and guilt of betraying his brother, only Nixus won’t allow it, and neither will his father. When Lucian refuses to bend to his father’s will, he’s stripped of his powers, imprisoning him with only his guilt to keep him company. Except when he falls asleep, he dreams of Brinna Fareview and somehow becomes the only link to saving her, her family, and his brother from a spell that could destroy them all.

Brinna and Lucian must work together to uncover the secrets they need to break the sleeping spell, only the longer they share their dreams, the more they realize they need one another. But time is against them.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Retellings

382 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Maci Aurora also writes as CL Walters, the author of several published books for YA readers. She’s been writing stories since she was a child. At eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. Then in high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and those stories cemented her writing journey to telling stories about love. Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies. This is her 8th novel.

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe we're technically getting two books from this series in one year, it feels like a dream. Hah, see what I did there? But yeah, there I was, finishing this book and resigning myself to another year of not so patient waiting for the next instalment of the Fareview series, when I saw that the novella collection would be coming out soon. EEEEEP!!!

We're still getting the final book next year, but the novella collection is supposed to help bridge the gap between this book and the last book. Now, why is there a gap you may ask? BECAUSE MACI AURORA LEFT US WITH A HUGE CLIFFHANGER, THAT'S WHY!!

I was sooooo not prepared for that, because in the past two books the main storyline for each couple was wrapped up, while the background storyline (the ribbons, their mother's secrets) kept unravelling more and more. In the Shadow of a Dream FINALLY gives us some of the answers we've been looking for, and not in a typical way, but in a very creative way.

Since Brinna is the "dreamy" sister, a lot of this book focuses on dreams. I'm a sucker for fated mates who can communicate through dreams so this book automatically catapulted itself over Tarley's as my second favourite in the series. Or maybe my first fav, though Auri and Nix are hard to beat.

But I just loved Brinna and Luc, he was so mischievous and funny and his banter with Brinna was the highlight of my day. I was actually hoping Luc would get a story because he seemed like such a cool character and I was proven right, ladies and gents.

What I wish we got even more of was them together. In comparison with Auri & Tarley, Brinna got much less page time with her love. Some of that was due to the plot, but still.

This book is shorter than the ones before, and I'm not exactly sure why? Because of the novellas or?? Either way I flew through it just as fast. This author knows how to write engaging stories that keep you wanting moremoremore until you've binged the whole book.

I can't wait to see what will happen next ahhhhhh. Also, PLEASE go back and read this from the beginning. Books one and two can (sort of) be read as standalones, but book three is where it gets messy. I don't want anyone to miss out on an amazing story so please listen to me when I tell you don't start with this, start with In the Shadow of a Wish!!!!! You'll love it, trust me.

*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of this fantastic series sees us following Brinna and her coupling with the mysterious Lucian. I love the fated mates trope and that moment when the realisation hits the both of them that they're it for each other - wow! Please make sure you start this series from book one. The characters and their backstories are often referred to in this novel and to follow through, it is wise to know everyone's story. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next in the series.

[Megan B · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the Shadow of a Dream" is a captivating and beautifully written book that had me hooked from the start. Despite the slight disappointment with the ending, I thoroughly enjoyed following Lucian and Brinna's journey. I eagerly anticipate the novella that will tie up the loose ends and provide a more satisfying conclusion to their story.
Thank you NetGally for this ARC!

[C.L. Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love this series. The sleeping beauty nod was a lot of fun but it wasn’t a helpless princess waiting in her knight, but a mortal—Brinna— battling with the confines of a spell and her god of day and light hero—Lucian—there to help her step by step.

Be sure to read this series in order, or this book might leave you feeling confused. There’s a lot of context and reference to other stories.

I loved the he-falls-first, fated-mates, and “mine” tropes.

[Ariana Weldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 3/5 because Maci really pulled it back together for the end of the book.

This was a weird one. I really enjoyed In the Shadow of a Wish and less so for In the Shadow of a Hoax but I thought 'Ok I don't dislike Brinna. She's a bit flat but maybe she'll warm up in her own book.' And she kind of did? A little but also not really... I think part of my issue came from the fact that her relationship with Lucian felt weird and not particularly natural compared to the other two books. Yeah, yeah I know it's a story about a god and magic and what's natural about that, but it still felt forced or rushed in some respects. Like the sentences

"He'd never been able to leave her knowing danger lurked."

"She rarely offered unfiltered truths to Lucian,"

They've been together like four times! How are we able to say 'never' and 'rarely' in this instance?

Then Brinna's whole character is just as this 'bridge' which is an interesting idea for what her role was in the book, but overall she just felt like a secondary character in her own story.

There were some points with the writing as well. I'm not going to mention the tiny typos because those in glass houses and all that. But I will mention the scene where Nix says they need to go to the meadow.

When they finally reached the meadow, Luc helped Nix over to a boulder, then sat down next to him, unwilling to let go of his brother for even a moment. He looked around recognizing the place — it looked like a meadow.

The meadow looked like a meadow? You don't say.
And things like 'First, Father, I am a grown ass man.' or Lucian suddenly referring to Brinna as 'woman' like four times in a page. Just moments in the writing that threw me off.

It didn't really help that I couldn't see a plot until Chapter 10. Things did start looking up from Chapter 10.I enjoyed seeing more of Lucian and the gods' world. The impact of this Sleeping Beauty retelling was particularly interesting to see with regards to Nix and Auri. I really enjoyed learning more about these red ribbons, the mystery of how their could be god-yokes between the characters and I think that's also where the gods' world really started growing into more depth. The bit that really got me is when we get the small chapters about The Wizard and into the Meanwhile bit. Yes that's the end of the book but it was gripping. I was going to read the next books because I'm already three into the series but now I'm more invested than I was when I started 'Brinna's' story.

[Joanna- LifeWithPrinceMan · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨

📝 Book 3 in the series picks up with sweet, good-natured Brinna, the third Fareview sister. Family secrets have plagued her family, and her mother swears to FINALLY come clean. But what was supposed to be a truce turns into a curse. With everyone asleep and stuck in their nightmares, Brinna must work with the one God who just happens to give her tingles whenever he enters the room. Lucian doesn't want to get involved with Brinna, but something about her always draws him in. Maybe their love is only meant to be in dreams.

What I 🤍:
📚 Book 3 in Fareview Series
💤 Spin on Sleeping Beauty
☀️ Guilty God
💕 Sweet, Kind-Hearted Heroine
🪄 Spells, Magic, Curse

This is my absolute FAVORITE romantasy series, and this book didn't disappoint! In fact, I enjoyed this one even more than Book 2! All Fareview sisters wear a bracelet, and told to never take it off. Now, as readers, we are FINALLY about to find out what happens, when a curse takes place. There's also The Wizard who is determined to hurt their family. The romance in this book is fabulous, but I love how there's so much more to the plot than just a love story. You are trying to figure out the mystery along with the sisters!

Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Passion: 🔥🔥🔥 (Open Door)
Read if ➡️: You've read Books 1-2, and love an old-world fantasy romance.
CW ⚠️: Entrapment, Sexism, Abuse, Death of Loved One (off-page)

Lucian and Brinna are impossible to stop watching! They are like magnets fighting to stay apart. You can just feel the tension steaming off the page when they argue. Their relationship has always been based on attraction, but watching them grow together was really rewarding. My only minor complaint is that we have to wait another year for Book 4. Luckily there are two novellas coming out to keep us satisfied until then! This series is THAT ADDICTING! You'll start Book 1 and want to keep going. I would recommend reading this series in order.

Huge thank you to Maci Aurora for a gifted ARC of this Book! I loved it so much, I preordered the physical copy of this book as well. 💕

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Shadow of a Dream by Maci Aurora

When I read the description of In the Shadow of a Dream I knew that I needed to IMMEDIATELY dive into this book. Dream sharing?! Fated-mates?! A sleeping spell?! This couldn't be more my cup of tea.
Now, did I see that this was book 3 in a series? Yes, yes I did. Does Maci claim that this book can be read as a standalone? No, she does not. But true to my impatient nature I couldn't wait to start reading. As a result I spent the first 30% of the book on a crash course to catch up with who these characters were, what the hell a god-yoke is, and trying to figure out if what was happening was a dream or real life. It was a confusing time, and was ENTIRELY my fault for not following the recommended reading order.

Once I settled in to Lucian and Brinna's story, I LOVED IT. Maci's writing was beautiful. The fairytale setting was so whimsical. The dream sharing, tension between the characters and the spice were all perfect. Also I thought that both Luc and Brinna were very likeable characters, which is so hard to find in fantasy romance books.

In the Shadow of a Dream was all set to be a 5 star, favourite read of the month for me. But unfortunately, it fell at the final hurdle. Towards the end of the book we suddenly switch to the POV of 'The Wizard' a random character we've never seen before. And I kept waiting for us to come back to Brinna and Lucian, because there were still so many loose threads and unanswered questions waiting to be tied up. But instead we spend the last 10% of this book cycling through POV's of random side characters with the sole purpose of setting up the next book in the series.

I was so disappointed, it felt like there was so much of Luc and Brinna's story still left to be told.

In the acknowledgements at the end, Maci does say that a bridging novella is in the works to tie up the loose ends left in this book. I just feel like Lucian and Brinna's story deserved a much stronger ending than the one we got here.

Thank you very much to Maci Aurora, Mixed Plate Press and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

Let's start with what I liked about the book. The dream walking was an interesting aspect, and I liked the use of it to show Luciens state of mind. It was nice to see Nix and Lucien work together and learn more about the god side of things.

Maci writes some really good spicy scenes, too. I do think that the choice to have less of them in this book was wise. It gave more time to focus on the romantic side of things. And lucien does romance very well.

Ahh, Lucien. The world of romantasy has many shadow daddies, so I was immensely looking forward to reading his book with him being the god of light. That being said, there wasn't all that much happening for him powerwise. I wanted to see him roast some bad guys for brinna.

Brinna was also there, i wish we had gotten her developed a bit more. I was really hoping we were finally going to get some answers after all the questions we ended up with in the first two books. Unfortunately, this book wound up feeling a little like filler. Even the reveal with the ribbons was predictable.

The romance is sweet but rushed, I don't know if that's because this book is about 150 pages shorter than the others. All the build up is done in the first 25% and then the plot kicks in. But it felt like we got the same scenes repeated. I really loved book 2 and I think with has probably effected the rating for this one.

That being said, I am very excited to read the novellas (Let's get those answers) and the final book. I love the premise of Jessamines book from the blurb. I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to edelweiss, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of a Dream is a captivating read that continues to deliver in the third installment of the series. This time, the focus shifts to Brinna, the third Fareview sister, who is burdened by the weight of her family’s long-held secrets. Her mother promises to finally reveal the truth, but, as expected, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. With her family trapped in their own nightmares, Brinna must join forces with Lucian, a god whose mere presence sends tingles through her. Though Lucian is determined to stay out of her turmoil, he can't seem to resist the pull toward her. Could their connection be confined to the realm of dreams, or is there something more?

What I loved about this book is how it combines familiar fantasy tropes with a fresh twist. While there's a clear nod to the Sleeping Beauty story, Brinna is no helpless princess waiting for a knight in shining armor. Instead, she’s a determined mortal fighting against the constraints of a powerful spell, with Lucian, the god of day and light, by her side, guiding her through each challenge. This book is not only a thrilling read, but it also deepens the enchanting world of the series. I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see where it goes next.

[Shandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the wedding out of the way, Scarlett is finally being forced to divulge her secrets. The Fairview family gathers in the cottage only for them all to find themselves victims to a sleeping spell. Brinna wakes only to discover she is in a place in between awake and sleeping. She also learns that she can jump into her family's dreams, and to her surprise the dreams of Lucian Uraiahs, the God of light and days and Nix’s twin. Lucian is still drowning in the guilt of the spell that trapped Nixus and when he refuses to bend to his fathers will, he is stripped of his powers. When he falls asleep he finds Brinna in his dreams and becomes her only link to the waking world. He had been trying to avoid Brinna and his growing feelings before the curse and now he may be one to break it and free the Fairviews.

Well Scarlett’s secret is out and I gotta say I didn't expect all that. There is still stuff I'm a bit confused about but hopefully the upcoming novellas solve that. I do feel a bit bad about it though because I was more interested in Scarlett's story than Brinna/Luc’s. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy their story, I did. Brinna is just as strong willed as her sisters. For Luc it was love at first sight, which was adorable. They make a great couple and I'm glad Brinna could help him towards processing his guilt. The ending left me so gutted for Auri though. I cannot wait for the novellas as well as the end of the series.

Rating 4 stars
*I received a review copy from NetGalley for my voluntary and honest review

[Celeste Wasche · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Shadow of Dreams was a story about Brinna Fareview. She is hte third daughter of the family this Fareview series is based on. it brings her and Lucian, God of Light, together in a mix-up of miscommunication. It is a slight enemy to lovers. Through dreams, they find who they are and their love for each other.

I loved this story. The discriptions were elegant and in a way you felt like you where there with the characters. Add the depth of the character development, you cared for them. Laughed with them. Cried with them.

I do wonder if this book would have been better if read after the first two in the trilogy. Since this brings in the two main female characters and their loves alot. And other parts of the story, where it seemed we should already know. Trust me... I'll be reading those.

Over all, I would encourage people to read this world of gods, magic, kings and queens. Thos world is amazing to read about. And, the Fareview family interesting and complex.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ thank you to the author for the review copy ~


•

Another difficult novel to review.

First things first, I just want to mention that I love the first book of this series, In the Shadow of a Wish, in I still do. I'm honestly planning to reread that one soon.

Now, for this book, I would say I didn't enjoy this one. I am definitely happy that Lucian has a book now but also saddened that the novel wasn't just for me.

My issues?

Brinna. I didn't like her character at all.

The romance. It was forced. Didn't like it.

The Chemistry. Wasn't felt, wasn't there.

Writing. I was pretty much bored 60%, BUT I kept going because I loved the previous characters, as well as the plot. But for this one, it was really tedious.


Initially, I wanted to give this a 2.5 ⭐️ but I'll give this a 3⭐️ instead since the plot was still there, Auri, Nix, Tarley, and Lachlan, and of course Lucian. Spice level 🌶🌶🌶.

Will definitely watch out for the 4th still.

[sheleidoscope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts a bit slow, but totally grips you about 30 pages in. I love Brinna & Lucian’s characters. Watching them both slowly realize their feelings for each other is so rewarding because it’s done through such beautiful imagery with the dreamscapes. The ending is a bit abrupt for me and left a little to be desired. Overall, would definitely recommend for anyone who loves a good “twisted fairytale”

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso books for this advanced copy.

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianna is a dream walker and after her mother betrayal she is stuck in hers and her family’s dreams. This story is her relationship Hea but includes all her sisters. Ari still hasn’t managed her Hea but their story continues to twine through this story. I enjoy that while the story is a continuation each book takes in a different place with a different vibe but doesn’t feel disjointed. Narration was great.

[Ashley {_xamountofbooks} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Edelweiss+)

Another good addition to the series that I read in one sitting lol. I liked the relationship between Lucian and Brinna and the world building was great. It was also nice to see returning characters again. Now to wait a hundred years for the next one lol.

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I struggled to get into this book initially, however once I had (about a quarter of the way in), I completely loved the story. I found the aspect of Brianna and Luc being able to be with each other in dreams, really interesting and I liked it a lot. The difficulties the characters faced, reseolced nicely and I did not expect the plot twist.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

# 3 is so far my favorite! Third sister unknowingly finds her love. In a love-hate relationship. So many obstacles get in the way. The question is will love prevail. If you haven't read the first two of Maci Aurora's Fareview Fairytale books pick them up before you read this one. It will make more sense. It leaves on a cliff hanger but promises much more. ❤️❤️❤️

[Maci Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. I the characters. I love the action and adventure of it. I love the fairytale (a twisted Sleeping Beauty). Of course, I'm the author. So I guess it isn't very surprising that I love it.

[Devan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to ARC read In the Shadow of a Dream by Maci Aurora. I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well-written and engaging, the world-building is fantastic. I did feel like there was more story to tell but overall it was well worth the read!

[Carol Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I love this series about the Fareview family. Every book gets deeper into the storyline and I can’t wait for the next one! I think these have become my absolute favorite books!

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 2 out of 5]

“In the Shadow of a Dream,” by Maci Aurora

This book was not for me. I did not love the writing style and I was bored through most of the book. 2 out of 5 stars.

[Erisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! The spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🤭

The previous two books all come to a head with this one! And a lot of things are explained, yet some mystery still remain that I need to know the answer to!!

The author is amazing. Each book is unique having different hero and heroin, but the stories all intertwine. Each book is filled with wonderful banter, enemies to lovers, close proximity, and each story is unique to the characters.

Hope you’ll give it a read☺️

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsurprisingly, book 3 in the Fareview Fairytales series is another winner!
Here's what I loved about In The Shadow Of A Dream:
- The fantasy elements of the story: the Dream Walking, the magic, the potions, the world of Gods, the red ribbons mistery... it all got me hooked to the page from the dedication to the cliffhanger.
- Brinna (the MFC): she is kind, a true romantic, a dreamer who always put other people's needs first.
- Lucian (the MMC): on the surface, he is the aloof, condescending, and arrogant god of light and day. The more we get to know him, the more we understand that he is just a man who doesn't believe he is worthy of power, trust, and love. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Maci Aurora/CL Walters is the queen of characters' growth, exploration, and redemption. I dare you to prove me wrong!
- The romance: Brinna and Lucian are complete opposites, but they couldn't be more perfect together. Once they get to really know each other, they finally find what they're both missing: someone to really see the person beyond the role they play.
- The spice: the emotional connection between Brinna and Lucian is soooo strong! Therefore, the spice does not disappoint! On the contrary, whether these two are bickering or making love, they are on fiiiire!
- Other characters cameos, especially Nix's. Nix cameos are both hilarious and sooooo sweet. He makes sure to always remind us that he is the star of the story! And I love him!

You know a book is a good one when its finale kills you and makes you wish the next installment will be published as soon as possible. And this is definitely the case.

I received an advavance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world filled with so many fantasy romance books (which is amazing please give me all the romantasy books...pleaseee 🙏🤣🤩) "In the Shadow of a Dream" is soooooo good!!!! It feels fresh, the main characters chemistry is on fire 🔥 and I just needed to keep reading until I finished it!!! Absolutely addicted and loved it ❤️ can't wait to read the next book from Maci Aurora!

[Sarah J Stebbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 (great to really great)

Like the previous books I enjoyed this, and the twist on another fairytale. Each book adds to the larger story being told and raises the stakes. More of the overall story has been integrated in each book as well, which is great. The ending of this makes me really want to keep reading, especially knowing I have the novellas book to read before the next full book.

Having said all that, I mulled on my rating a bit is because while I enjoyed how each book has integrated more of the overall story this one felt disjointed a little because of it. What I mean is that Brinna and Lucien’s love story was not as focused on and thus, while it did still work for me, it was not as fleshed out as the previous books.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

Maci Aurora, I love you, but a cliffhanger? I need to know. I need the next one.

This was another amazing addition to the series. Them being able to dream together was so fun and the spice...oof. I wish we got more of them. Unlike the other 2 books, this was much shorter and I feel like I'd have loved it even more if we got more of Brinna and Luc. Nonetheless, I loved Brinna and Luc's romance. I'm in love with this series and I'm excited for the next one.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.