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Of Gods and Monsters #1
One Little Nightmare
A paranoid schizophrenic with a dark passenger lurking in the shadows.
A broken Siren who would give anything to end her curse.
A mystery girl with the traumas of her past written on her body.
Pandora's Box has been opened, and to reclaim their identities they will have to determine what is real, what is fantasy, and face the darkness within.
**This is a dark romantic fantasy intended for mature audiences. If you like the ruthless side of the Greek Gods, this series is for you. Please cheack the author's website for CW's.
A broken Siren who would give anything to end her curse.
A mystery girl with the traumas of her past written on her body.
Pandora's Box has been opened, and to reclaim their identities they will have to determine what is real, what is fantasy, and face the darkness within.
**This is a dark romantic fantasy intended for mature audiences. If you like the ruthless side of the Greek Gods, this series is for you. Please cheack the author's website for CW's.
282 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2024
506 people are currently reading
5030 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 27, 2024
One CHAOTIC Little Nightmare.
I liked this, I just had a little trouble following it and often had to go back and re-read sections to understand what, who and how it was happening.
This book examines mental health in very interesting and visceral way, and as
1. A medical professional &
2. Someone with mental health issues,
I applaud the author's research on the subject and realism surrounding how they are handled.
The premise (I think, even now I'm doubting some of what I think happened) is:
Brooks is a paranoid schizophrenic, we meet him as he is being institutionalized in an asylum.
Xia is a Siren, she is held captive by the Lord of Nightmares and has a rather unpleasant experience daily in which he uses her Siren song to lure and kill others.
Brooks can speak to Xia, she is one of the voices in his head, but in her reality she is real, and she is terrorized and abused daily.....and that is where the story gets interesting....
So go read it 😉
What I should also mention is this thing is also loaded up with Greek myth and Greek Gods, and they play a big part in the story, but I went in blind and it was a little fun not knowing. Part one of the Gods & Monsters series, book two is out, although I may need a little break of sunshine after that one.
I liked this, I just had a little trouble following it and often had to go back and re-read sections to understand what, who and how it was happening.
This book examines mental health in very interesting and visceral way, and as
1. A medical professional &
2. Someone with mental health issues,
I applaud the author's research on the subject and realism surrounding how they are handled.
The premise (I think, even now I'm doubting some of what I think happened) is:
Brooks is a paranoid schizophrenic, we meet him as he is being institutionalized in an asylum.
Xia is a Siren, she is held captive by the Lord of Nightmares and has a rather unpleasant experience daily in which he uses her Siren song to lure and kill others.
Brooks can speak to Xia, she is one of the voices in his head, but in her reality she is real, and she is terrorized and abused daily.....and that is where the story gets interesting....
So go read it 😉
What I should also mention is this thing is also loaded up with Greek myth and Greek Gods, and they play a big part in the story, but I went in blind and it was a little fun not knowing. Part one of the Gods & Monsters series, book two is out, although I may need a little break of sunshine after that one.
December 3, 2023
Calling All 🖤DARK ROMANCE🖤Lovers!
🥀This dark, lush, gritty PNR debut came out of nowhere, and stole every last scrap of my black heart. If you like American Horror Story, & Greek mythology, you will devour every word of this unique, refreshing literary gem.
It features:
• A Pandora's Box reimagining
• Insane asylum setting
• Corrupt gods
• Dreamscape romance
• Psychological thriller vibes
• Shadow Daddy & Siren
• Smart-ass MMC with a Dark Passenger
• Morally grey FMC
• Sexy Banter
• Touch her and 💀
• CWs for days
🌶️Slow burn, building to some spice.
🥀Brooks wakes in an asylum, with no memory of his life before. His only solace is a voice in his head~ a nameless siren, whom he's convinced is a figment of his imagination.
🥀Xia is a powerful siren, held hostage on her island, tOrmented by the Lord of nightmares. She hears Brooks in her mind during her darkest hour. fLytta is a mysterious girl who shows up at the asylum, and turns Brooks' world upside down. He realizes that everything is not as it seems.
🥀There are a Multiple POVs, but it's told mostly through the eyes of Brooks, who is an unreliable narrator. So the reader is kept in the dark right along with him, and joins him on his journey as he slowly put the pieces together, and watches the secrets finally unravel.
🖤This book truly took me by surprise, and left me awestruck. I was moved by the thoughtful, intuitive, effortless, lyrical writing. I was thoroughly entertained by the witty humor, and clever riddles.
And the romance between our two bent, but not broken, MCs... it was absolutely everything.
🖤I was drawn in by the banter between Brooks and Xia. I stayed for the beautiful writing, hard-hitting quotes, and all of the emotions that this book invoked. I laughed, my heart palpitated, and I shed a damn a tear at the end, which is not normal for me.
You might want to get in on the ground floor with this one. Sky is the limit for this author.
🥀This dark, lush, gritty PNR debut came out of nowhere, and stole every last scrap of my black heart. If you like American Horror Story, & Greek mythology, you will devour every word of this unique, refreshing literary gem.
It features:
• A Pandora's Box reimagining
• Insane asylum setting
• Corrupt gods
• Dreamscape romance
• Psychological thriller vibes
• Shadow Daddy & Siren
• Smart-ass MMC with a Dark Passenger
• Morally grey FMC
• Sexy Banter
• Touch her and 💀
• CWs for days
🌶️Slow burn, building to some spice.
🥀Brooks wakes in an asylum, with no memory of his life before. His only solace is a voice in his head~ a nameless siren, whom he's convinced is a figment of his imagination.
🥀Xia is a powerful siren, held hostage on her island, tOrmented by the Lord of nightmares. She hears Brooks in her mind during her darkest hour. fLytta is a mysterious girl who shows up at the asylum, and turns Brooks' world upside down. He realizes that everything is not as it seems.
🥀There are a Multiple POVs, but it's told mostly through the eyes of Brooks, who is an unreliable narrator. So the reader is kept in the dark right along with him, and joins him on his journey as he slowly put the pieces together, and watches the secrets finally unravel.
🖤This book truly took me by surprise, and left me awestruck. I was moved by the thoughtful, intuitive, effortless, lyrical writing. I was thoroughly entertained by the witty humor, and clever riddles.
And the romance between our two bent, but not broken, MCs... it was absolutely everything.
🖤I was drawn in by the banter between Brooks and Xia. I stayed for the beautiful writing, hard-hitting quotes, and all of the emotions that this book invoked. I laughed, my heart palpitated, and I shed a damn a tear at the end, which is not normal for me.
You might want to get in on the ground floor with this one. Sky is the limit for this author.
September 4, 2023
This book is full of twists and turns where you don't know left from right. I can not tell you how many loops the author throws you through to the point where I messaged her and asked if this was intentional.
It is. Just FYI.
But the way everything is ironed out in the end is just 🤌. Shadow Daddy is worth the wait.
Trust. The. Process.
It is. Just FYI.
But the way everything is ironed out in the end is just 🤌. Shadow Daddy is worth the wait.
Trust. The. Process.
July 24, 2023
What an amazing book! This story certainly started off with a bang and I was quickly swept away into this world that combined Greek mythology and an insane asylum.
One Little Nightmare follows Brooks as he is a patient in an insane asylum diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia with no memories of his life before. He has two voices in his head, one who he calls Passenger and the other he calls Siren. Not all is as it seems as Brooks struggles to keep the voices at bay and a strange new patient shows up, telling Brooks the voices in his head are real. Meanwhile, Siren (Xia) is being held captive by the Lord of Nightmares, where she is forced to use her siren song to kill and seduce, and her mind is constantly tormented by nightmares.
My mind was spinning trying to figure out how everything came together and I could not put this book down for the last 100 pages. Everything was spun together so masterfully, with a slow steady build that contained mystery, second guessing, sadness, love, friendship, and revenge. And the ending!!! ARGHHH! It all built up so wonderfully and I did not see so many of these twists coming.
The relationship between Siren (Xia) and Brooks was so sweet. I loved their banter back and forth, and their chemistry was palpable when they were in the same room together. They are both tormented souls and when one of them was at their lowest, the other was there to bring them back from the brink. I can't wait to see more of this relationship in book two. And Lytta...my heart broke for her. To be tortured and used so much, and to be powerless to fight back. I really loved her character and I wish I could have learned more about her, although I know why I couldn't.
This truly was an amazing book and now I can't wait for 2024 for book two! I also wanted to say that after reading that opening scene, Zeus is an @$$h*le.
(I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
One Little Nightmare follows Brooks as he is a patient in an insane asylum diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia with no memories of his life before. He has two voices in his head, one who he calls Passenger and the other he calls Siren. Not all is as it seems as Brooks struggles to keep the voices at bay and a strange new patient shows up, telling Brooks the voices in his head are real. Meanwhile, Siren (Xia) is being held captive by the Lord of Nightmares, where she is forced to use her siren song to kill and seduce, and her mind is constantly tormented by nightmares.
My mind was spinning trying to figure out how everything came together and I could not put this book down for the last 100 pages. Everything was spun together so masterfully, with a slow steady build that contained mystery, second guessing, sadness, love, friendship, and revenge. And the ending!!! ARGHHH! It all built up so wonderfully and I did not see so many of these twists coming.
The relationship between Siren (Xia) and Brooks was so sweet. I loved their banter back and forth, and their chemistry was palpable when they were in the same room together. They are both tormented souls and when one of them was at their lowest, the other was there to bring them back from the brink. I can't wait to see more of this relationship in book two. And Lytta...my heart broke for her. To be tortured and used so much, and to be powerless to fight back. I really loved her character and I wish I could have learned more about her, although I know why I couldn't.
This truly was an amazing book and now I can't wait for 2024 for book two! I also wanted to say that after reading that opening scene, Zeus is an @$$h*le.
(I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
July 10, 2023
Review to come! Thoughts are marinating but it was freaking fantastic!
*UPDATE*
This will be short and sweet because it’s very difficult to describe this book without spoiling anything. This book had plenty of moments that kept me on the edge of my seat (pretty much devoured it in a day)! It’s dark and twisty with all the goodness! This book lays the groundwork for the series and though a dark fantasy romance, the angst and spice is low in Book 1 but with a very delicious encounter! There is witty, sarcastic banter that had me cracking up and then emotional moments to tug at the heartstrings! There is a lot to take in, but it’s not overwhelming. I was throwing out theories left and right while tying it all together and there were plenty of times I was left with my jaw open and having me second guessing everything I thought I knew lol.
The main characters are Brooks, a patient in an insane asylum, and Xia, a Siren who is trapped in her own he!!. Together they try to make heads or tails of how they have a connection and to be there for each other through the madness and chaos! There’s not a huge cliffhanger, but the ending is open and prepped for Book 2. Phenomenal and I can’t wait for more!
Please check author’s website for CW/TW before reading!
*UPDATE*
This will be short and sweet because it’s very difficult to describe this book without spoiling anything. This book had plenty of moments that kept me on the edge of my seat (pretty much devoured it in a day)! It’s dark and twisty with all the goodness! This book lays the groundwork for the series and though a dark fantasy romance, the angst and spice is low in Book 1 but with a very delicious encounter! There is witty, sarcastic banter that had me cracking up and then emotional moments to tug at the heartstrings! There is a lot to take in, but it’s not overwhelming. I was throwing out theories left and right while tying it all together and there were plenty of times I was left with my jaw open and having me second guessing everything I thought I knew lol.
The main characters are Brooks, a patient in an insane asylum, and Xia, a Siren who is trapped in her own he!!. Together they try to make heads or tails of how they have a connection and to be there for each other through the madness and chaos! There’s not a huge cliffhanger, but the ending is open and prepped for Book 2. Phenomenal and I can’t wait for more!
Please check author’s website for CW/TW before reading!
July 21, 2023
The first thing I want to mention right off the bat is the art, and holy shit, it is gorgeous! I sat there and marveled at it for a long time. I even kept taking breaks to go back and look at it some more.
As far as the story itself? I have so many thoughts and feelings, and I'm not sure how to convey it all... I will try to be brief and spoiler-free.
Now, typically, I don't read Greek Mythology books, no matter if they have a secondary genre. I find some of it to be drab, if I'm to be honest. However, reading the books description drew me in. Not to mention Dawn's ability to strand mere words into a story and make a whole world and characters that I can vividly envision, is (to me) astounding. If you are a fan of romance, but make it dark and add Greek mythology to it, then pick this up when it comes out!
Please read TW/CWs on the authors website.
Rating: 4.4/5
As far as the story itself? I have so many thoughts and feelings, and I'm not sure how to convey it all... I will try to be brief and spoiler-free.
Now, typically, I don't read Greek Mythology books, no matter if they have a secondary genre. I find some of it to be drab, if I'm to be honest. However, reading the books description drew me in. Not to mention Dawn's ability to strand mere words into a story and make a whole world and characters that I can vividly envision, is (to me) astounding. If you are a fan of romance, but make it dark and add Greek mythology to it, then pick this up when it comes out!
Please read TW/CWs on the authors website.
Rating: 4.4/5
November 2, 2024
"Don't mistake my kindness for goodness, Siren. I am not the hero. Heroes walk a just path and sacrifice their wants for the needs of others. I would raze the universe to have you and would never look back. I'm the villain, Xia."
Why why why did I not read this sooner? I absolutely don't know, but what I do know is that I am absolutely mesmerized, by this book, the story, the characters, the storytelling, the world-building, the darkness... absolutely everything.
This book shocked me with darkness in the very first chapter already, but the intricate storyline, the not knowing what is real and what is imagination, the insanity, the fear, the twistedness (is that even a word? lol), all of that shocked me even more and in the best way possible.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, it kept me thinking and wondering and guessing and it kept me glued to the spot, because with every passing chapter the story become more twisted and I just needed to know what would happen next and next and next.
Admittedly, it took me a minute to fully immerse myself in the story, because in the beginning of this book not much made sense to me. And before you think this was bad story-telling, NOPE, let me stop you right there, because it was actually BRILLIANT story-telling. Because as little things made sense to me, as little they made sense to Brooks as well, because this poor man has absolutely no idea was is going on with him or what even is his life, because he has no memory except being a patient in an asylum. But boyyyy will he have to put the puzzle pieces together thoughout the story and let me tell you that finished puzzle will be GORGEOUS!! 👀🖤✨
Another point I absolutely loved in this book and that made it totally whimsical was how reality, dream and lore were woven together. The way myths and legends and stories of long forgotten gods were woven into this dreamlike reality of Brooks was faszinating in all the best ways. I won't tell you much about that, because you will need to read and experience that yourself. And let me tell you this book is an ✨experience✨!!!
All in all: Perfection!🖤✨
Why why why did I not read this sooner? I absolutely don't know, but what I do know is that I am absolutely mesmerized, by this book, the story, the characters, the storytelling, the world-building, the darkness... absolutely everything.
This book shocked me with darkness in the very first chapter already, but the intricate storyline, the not knowing what is real and what is imagination, the insanity, the fear, the twistedness (is that even a word? lol), all of that shocked me even more and in the best way possible.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, it kept me thinking and wondering and guessing and it kept me glued to the spot, because with every passing chapter the story become more twisted and I just needed to know what would happen next and next and next.
Admittedly, it took me a minute to fully immerse myself in the story, because in the beginning of this book not much made sense to me. And before you think this was bad story-telling, NOPE, let me stop you right there, because it was actually BRILLIANT story-telling. Because as little things made sense to me, as little they made sense to Brooks as well, because this poor man has absolutely no idea was is going on with him or what even is his life, because he has no memory except being a patient in an asylum. But boyyyy will he have to put the puzzle pieces together thoughout the story and let me tell you that finished puzzle will be GORGEOUS!! 👀🖤✨
Another point I absolutely loved in this book and that made it totally whimsical was how reality, dream and lore were woven together. The way myths and legends and stories of long forgotten gods were woven into this dreamlike reality of Brooks was faszinating in all the best ways. I won't tell you much about that, because you will need to read and experience that yourself. And let me tell you this book is an ✨experience✨!!!
All in all: Perfection!🖤✨
July 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s hard to talk about what One Little Nightmare is about without spoiling it. What I can say about it is that it’s dark fantasy romance with a bit of paranormal romance based in an asylum setting. The story also is Greek mythology based.
MMC Brooks is a patient at an insane asylum for schizophrenia. He hears voice of a siren named Xia, whom he connects with romantically.
Is she real or she another passenger in his mind. Speaking of passenger Brooks has a dark passenger that rides in the back of his psyche.
FMC Xia is a prisoner in Club Hel used and tortured for her siren powers with no escape in sight until one night when a voice enters her mind at one of her lowest points. His name is Brooks. Or is it? Is she real is he real? What is real what is imagination.
In my opinion One Little Nightmare is a psychological romance. I was questioning things till the very end. The whole time I was reading I was creating theories and none of them were right.
There are some TW so be sure to read up on them. There is a graphic scene towards the end that shocked me.
Overall I really enjoyed One Little Nightmare. If you like psychological books that have you questioning things constantly; mixed with romance, dark romance, and Greek mythology based characters then I would recommend reading One Little Nightmare.
It’s hard to talk about what One Little Nightmare is about without spoiling it. What I can say about it is that it’s dark fantasy romance with a bit of paranormal romance based in an asylum setting. The story also is Greek mythology based.
MMC Brooks is a patient at an insane asylum for schizophrenia. He hears voice of a siren named Xia, whom he connects with romantically.
Is she real or she another passenger in his mind. Speaking of passenger Brooks has a dark passenger that rides in the back of his psyche.
FMC Xia is a prisoner in Club Hel used and tortured for her siren powers with no escape in sight until one night when a voice enters her mind at one of her lowest points. His name is Brooks. Or is it? Is she real is he real? What is real what is imagination.
In my opinion One Little Nightmare is a psychological romance. I was questioning things till the very end. The whole time I was reading I was creating theories and none of them were right.
There are some TW so be sure to read up on them. There is a graphic scene towards the end that shocked me.
Overall I really enjoyed One Little Nightmare. If you like psychological books that have you questioning things constantly; mixed with romance, dark romance, and Greek mythology based characters then I would recommend reading One Little Nightmare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
the premise of the book was real cute but holy shit, that took an insane amount of focus to get through. the constant switching between pov’s while leaving the reader to pick up bits and pieces of the story along the way was torturous. i had no clue what the hell was going on until the last 2 chapters. and i’m still very much confused on how this world works, what was real, what was a dream, what was a flashback, and where the crazy doctor and rue went once the mmc finally “leveled up”.
i would only recommend this book to the mentally sane and prepared because *i* felt like i was losing my mind trying to connect the pieces.
the overall pacing of the book is turbulent because one hand, you’re waiting for things to fall into place and make sense. and on the other hand, everything happens all at once and there’s too much to wrap your head around.
i wish this book was edited maybe just a tad bit more, so the info and storyline was a little easier to chew.
the concept was fresh though, and bonus points (i guess) because i could not tell which direction this was going to go in.
3/5 because while it was intriguing, i, mayhaps, am not smart enough to comprehend most of the concepts alluded within the confines of the chapters in this book.
i would only recommend this book to the mentally sane and prepared because *i* felt like i was losing my mind trying to connect the pieces.
the overall pacing of the book is turbulent because one hand, you’re waiting for things to fall into place and make sense. and on the other hand, everything happens all at once and there’s too much to wrap your head around.
i wish this book was edited maybe just a tad bit more, so the info and storyline was a little easier to chew.
the concept was fresh though, and bonus points (i guess) because i could not tell which direction this was going to go in.
3/5 because while it was intriguing, i, mayhaps, am not smart enough to comprehend most of the concepts alluded within the confines of the chapters in this book.
August 18, 2023
✨insert dark romance lovers HERE✨
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. The concept of real vs not real is amazingly written. It had me guessing until the end and I was shocked in the last quarter of the book when everything started clicking into place.
This book talks about pandora. I love the Greek mythology based books but having pandora involved is a first for me and Dawn Darling did it exquisitely!
The prequel and situation building at the beginning of the book is also PERFECT. It gave me the perfect amount of info to understand what was going on as I got into the book.
The only thing that struck me kind of off was how long it took my brain to grasp what exactly was going on with brooks in the first couple of chapters, but I think that’s exactly what it was meant to be because he was confused, drugged, and out of his own mind. From that point of view I was able to click everything together.
Once you get in, grasp the book, everything comes together and WOW its amazing.
Take a chance, read the book, BUY THE BEAUTIFUL special addition, and send this author the praises she deserves!
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. The concept of real vs not real is amazingly written. It had me guessing until the end and I was shocked in the last quarter of the book when everything started clicking into place.
This book talks about pandora. I love the Greek mythology based books but having pandora involved is a first for me and Dawn Darling did it exquisitely!
The prequel and situation building at the beginning of the book is also PERFECT. It gave me the perfect amount of info to understand what was going on as I got into the book.
The only thing that struck me kind of off was how long it took my brain to grasp what exactly was going on with brooks in the first couple of chapters, but I think that’s exactly what it was meant to be because he was confused, drugged, and out of his own mind. From that point of view I was able to click everything together.
Once you get in, grasp the book, everything comes together and WOW its amazing.
Take a chance, read the book, BUY THE BEAUTIFUL special addition, and send this author the praises she deserves!
August 23, 2023
ARC Copy Review of One Little Nightmare by Dawn Darling
- Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Type: Dark Psychological Romance, Greek Mythology, Pandora’s Box Reimagining, Slow Burn
It took me some time thinking about this book to really understand how beautifully put together it was. As someone who does not know enough about Greek Mythology, I struggled a little piecing things together as it played out. The concept and overall writing in this book are incredible. Once I sat and thought about what went on in this book, put the pieces together as to who was who and watched the end play out in my head, I gasped that it had ended when i needed more! I don’t want to give up too many spoilers, you truly have to read it to understand why!! I cannot wait to read the next book! This one comes out on my FAVORITE holiday, Halloween! 🎃
- Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Type: Dark Psychological Romance, Greek Mythology, Pandora’s Box Reimagining, Slow Burn
It took me some time thinking about this book to really understand how beautifully put together it was. As someone who does not know enough about Greek Mythology, I struggled a little piecing things together as it played out. The concept and overall writing in this book are incredible. Once I sat and thought about what went on in this book, put the pieces together as to who was who and watched the end play out in my head, I gasped that it had ended when i needed more! I don’t want to give up too many spoilers, you truly have to read it to understand why!! I cannot wait to read the next book! This one comes out on my FAVORITE holiday, Halloween! 🎃
January 14, 2024
I almost DNF’d this book SO many times. I really wanted to love it so I forced myself to keep going and finish it. This story has SO much potential but it’s incredibly slow and did not grab me the way I wanted it to. The premise is amazing but it just took too long to get there. This feels like a book that needs better editing. The back-and-forth in the asylum, while easy to follow, was just boring. 🥱 I felt like a lot of that could’ve been cut out or cleaned up in an effort to still provide insight, but also, to move the story along faster. I thought the author did a great job creating atmosphere and developing the characters. This is a really unique take and I’m intrigued to see where this goes. Hoping book 2 has better movement and really pulls the reader in. Overall, I’d give this 2.5 stars.
August 21, 2023
A well written creative mess of passion, pain, loneliness, longing, and desperation. The characters are relatable and real. Even though it’s fantasy, the emotion is all very real life and I felt every bit of it. It’s written in such a way that you instantly connect. It’s weird and twisted and dark and I can’t get enough!
*Once this book officially releases, I’ll add a more in depth review. For now, take my word for it and preorder this book immediately!
*Once this book officially releases, I’ll add a more in depth review. For now, take my word for it and preorder this book immediately!
July 23, 2023
4.5 stars
Finally a book that shows exactly how cruel the gods can be. In the past few years I've loved all of the myth romances/smut....but this kind of story telling is the kind I live for. My heart broke for both Brooks, Lytta and Xia. All pawns in others games. Secrets abound. Cliffhanger ending. And to top it off...beautiful artwork. I eagerly await the next book.
Finally a book that shows exactly how cruel the gods can be. In the past few years I've loved all of the myth romances/smut....but this kind of story telling is the kind I live for. My heart broke for both Brooks, Lytta and Xia. All pawns in others games. Secrets abound. Cliffhanger ending. And to top it off...beautiful artwork. I eagerly await the next book.
December 16, 2023
I was confused until the last few chapters, and then everything started to click into place for me, lol. Overall, it was a fun book to read and fairly quick because it was under 300 pages! I would probably continue the series because I really want to see Brook reak havoc on the guy abusing Xia!
January 25, 2025
I spent the majority of this going, "What the hell am I reading...?" I feel like somewhere in this book there was a good idea for a plot, but it never materialized beyond depression and insanity.
November 14, 2023
I’m actually speechless, this was absolutely amazing! First of all, most definitely judge this book by its cover. I can genuinely say this is the most stunning book I own! I was so lucky to receive a special edition copy with sprayed edges and gold foiling, and I honestly stare at it on the daily. I show anyone and everyone who comes to my house because its just THAT gorgeous.
I was hooked the second I picked this book up and there wasn't a moment I was bored while reading it. I love an insane asylum setting, something about it is just so intriguing to me and sets such an eerie undertone to the story. Our MMC, Brooks, is living in the asylum with no recollection of his life before he was admitted, and is led to believe he's a schizophrenic. Because he's hearing voices and isn't sure what's real and what's in his head, he's inherently an unreliable narrator when we're in his POV because he doesn't even know what's going on. This aspect was especially intriguing because I found myself constantly questioning what was going on. I love the gods, goddesses and references to mythology in this story, another aspect I always find so interesting. So mixing together an insane asylum with the mythology was such a double whammy for me - and also something I've never seen done before.
I also adore the two FMCs we have in this story, I love a morally grey FMC - and I also loveeee feminine rage as a driving factor in a book. Both of our FMCs, Lytta and Xia, have been scorned, manipulated and abused by powerful gods and they are ready to take their revenge, and I've been enjoying every second of seeing that unfold.
The entire book I was at the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was going on. There are so many intricate details woven into this story that when they started to come together, I was mind blown. There are still many questions left unanswered, and villains left unscathed, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I have a feeling things are about to get even more intense, the romance even steamier (did I mention the TENSION and the spice in this were top tier!! the mouth on Brooks had me🫠 - we love a "use me" king) and I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book!
I was hooked the second I picked this book up and there wasn't a moment I was bored while reading it. I love an insane asylum setting, something about it is just so intriguing to me and sets such an eerie undertone to the story. Our MMC, Brooks, is living in the asylum with no recollection of his life before he was admitted, and is led to believe he's a schizophrenic. Because he's hearing voices and isn't sure what's real and what's in his head, he's inherently an unreliable narrator when we're in his POV because he doesn't even know what's going on. This aspect was especially intriguing because I found myself constantly questioning what was going on. I love the gods, goddesses and references to mythology in this story, another aspect I always find so interesting. So mixing together an insane asylum with the mythology was such a double whammy for me - and also something I've never seen done before.
I also adore the two FMCs we have in this story, I love a morally grey FMC - and I also loveeee feminine rage as a driving factor in a book. Both of our FMCs, Lytta and Xia, have been scorned, manipulated and abused by powerful gods and they are ready to take their revenge, and I've been enjoying every second of seeing that unfold.
The entire book I was at the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was going on. There are so many intricate details woven into this story that when they started to come together, I was mind blown. There are still many questions left unanswered, and villains left unscathed, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I have a feeling things are about to get even more intense, the romance even steamier (did I mention the TENSION and the spice in this were top tier!! the mouth on Brooks had me🫠 - we love a "use me" king) and I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book!
July 17, 2023
This book has a bit of everything
I will say that the jumps were pretty confusing in the beginning making it hard to get into, but I would not DNF it.
MMC- Brooks- paranoid schizophrenic stuck in an asylum with voices in his head,
FMC- Xia- a Siren trapped in glass, hating herself and the curse of a life that she endures
God's of Olympus
Pandora's Box
This is not a story of the Greek Gods we all love, but a story to feed the darker side of those tales.
"I couldn't deny you anything, Siren. Ask for the world and I would sacrifice my flesh to lay it at your feet."
MAKE SURE TO READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!
The beginning of the story does have a pretty rough scene.
It took a little bit for me to get into this book but I definitely like where it's leading for the next in this series.
I will say that the jumps were pretty confusing in the beginning making it hard to get into, but I would not DNF it.
MMC- Brooks- paranoid schizophrenic stuck in an asylum with voices in his head,
FMC- Xia- a Siren trapped in glass, hating herself and the curse of a life that she endures
God's of Olympus
Pandora's Box
This is not a story of the Greek Gods we all love, but a story to feed the darker side of those tales.
"I couldn't deny you anything, Siren. Ask for the world and I would sacrifice my flesh to lay it at your feet."
MAKE SURE TO READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!
The beginning of the story does have a pretty rough scene.
It took a little bit for me to get into this book but I definitely like where it's leading for the next in this series.
December 14, 2023
The book is beautiful but I feel that many pages were only used for aesthetic purposes, when they could have been used to develop the story.
It started out great. I was intrigued with the first chapter. It went downhill from there for me. I can’t help but feel like I read someone’s short story from a creative writing class, instead of a published novel. In my opinion, there’s a greater story to be told. There’s still so much to develop.
It started out great. I was intrigued with the first chapter. It went downhill from there for me. I can’t help but feel like I read someone’s short story from a creative writing class, instead of a published novel. In my opinion, there’s a greater story to be told. There’s still so much to develop.
November 18, 2023
I gave it 52% on my kindle and I just can’t keep track. There is just so much going on. I enjoy the conversation’s between Brookes and the siren (xia) but that’s about it. Most of the time I am wondering who is who and wtf is happening. It’s all just a little chaotic. So much potential but I just can’t spend the next half day wondering what is happening.
July 15, 2023
I found it fun.. It was a good read.. Brooks is awesome…
Read
September 23, 2024DNF 50%
May 12, 2024
I am so confused.
May 14, 2024
3.75 I wish I would’ve paid a bit more attention while reading this book, I do get what happened thru out the book but man this book is evil and wild lmao so if I would’ve put 100% attention to it, it would’ve been better. I will definitely be reading the second book because the storyline is definitely very interesting. But damn do all the Gods have to be pure evil?! 😂😂
October 30, 2024
It is not easy to create a world so in-depth and detailed that the reader gets sucked in so fast. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book. I didn’t expect those twists and turns! I think my fiancé heard me audibly gasp while reading this book more than any book I’ve read this year!
September 12, 2023
as a person who is fairly new to the fantasy world, holy shit. i have so many thoughts & i’m still trying to grasp all my feelings after finishing this book. i’ve dabble a little in greek mythology (just the basics) but nothing could prepare me for this read. I really enjoyed it & was able to dive deeper thanks to this book (who knew there was a lord/goddess of nightmare)! I was transported into a whole nother world with dawn’s story telling. overall the aspect of the book, the plot/characters can get a little confusing. tbh, i was a bit lost & ended up reaching out to the author to clarify but all I can say now without spoiling is… embrace the chaoticness of this book because it was all on purpose & most of the questions you have will be answered as the story unravels. as you get lost in the mmc’s POV, Brooks’ hears & talks to the voices inside his head, all the while stuck in an insane asylum trying to navigate the truth to his backstory - you’ll start second-guessing whats truly real or imaginary as you follow along his story. there’s also two badass FC’s, a siren whose being held captive but comes to find comfort in Brooks during her worst nightmares and Lytta whose desperate to guide Brooks out of his nightmares. I had so many theories while reading just for it to twist with a surprising turn of events. The ending left me in shambles & wanting more!! if you love greek mythology, dark fantasy romance, pandora’s box reimagining, and a little madness in your reads - one little nightmare is the perfect one. there are TW/CWS as it’s a dark fantasy, so heed them before diving in. thank you dawn for the early arc access; i cannot wait for book 2 to be release!!
September 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The story was well told with detailed descriptions that helped immerse you into the story. The Greek mythology and retelling of Pandora’s box is so good that I can already say I’m excited for the rest of this series.
As you're reading, you do see multiple pov’s but it’s mostly in Brooks' pov. As he's telling you his pov you’re going through the mystery of everything with him since he doesn’t remember anything before arriving at the asylum. To him his just a paranoid schizophrenic who has his darkness and siren.
You see him trying to push away from his darkness but openly responding to his siren. And confiding in her even when he's trying to convince himself she's not real. The banter between these two is so good.
One day while at the Asylum he meets Lytta who turns his world upside down. However they have an unexpected friendship and she's trying to help him realize who he really is and wake him the lies that he believes.
Once everything is said and done and he realizes the chaos and who he really is. The next part of his journey begins as he realizes his siren is real and needs his help.
I can't wait for the next books and am excited to see where the story goes.
The story was well told with detailed descriptions that helped immerse you into the story. The Greek mythology and retelling of Pandora’s box is so good that I can already say I’m excited for the rest of this series.
As you're reading, you do see multiple pov’s but it’s mostly in Brooks' pov. As he's telling you his pov you’re going through the mystery of everything with him since he doesn’t remember anything before arriving at the asylum. To him his just a paranoid schizophrenic who has his darkness and siren.
You see him trying to push away from his darkness but openly responding to his siren. And confiding in her even when he's trying to convince himself she's not real. The banter between these two is so good.
One day while at the Asylum he meets Lytta who turns his world upside down. However they have an unexpected friendship and she's trying to help him realize who he really is and wake him the lies that he believes.
Once everything is said and done and he realizes the chaos and who he really is. The next part of his journey begins as he realizes his siren is real and needs his help.
I can't wait for the next books and am excited to see where the story goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
unfinished-dnf
November 26, 2024DNF @ 72%
I….I don’t even know. The opening was beautiful, and a retelling of Pandora seemed like a promising sell. But wtf was this? It was a fever dream filled with typos, and the sole purpose was setting up the next book.
I’ve had so many bad recent reads that I don’t know if my taste is broken or if my book picker is broken, but this dialogue was NOT it. I honestly should have DNF’ed this at 30% and that’s my mistake.
”Oh, there is no way the great charmer is thrown off his game. It’s impossible. Who are you and what have you done with Brooks?” Her light teases warmed his chest.
“You’re so funny, Siren.” He tried to sound put out, but it was hard with her.
“What could possibly have made the great flirt fall from his throne?”
“You think you’re so fucking funny don’t you?” He quipped.
—
“How about this? Rather than tell you a nightmare, why don’t I tell you a story?”
“A story huh? Does it end in a happily-ever-after? Please tell me it’s dirty. Is there sex involved?”
Her attempt to talk through laughs pulled a smile from his lips and he swore he could listen to it for the rest of his life.
I….I don’t even know. The opening was beautiful, and a retelling of Pandora seemed like a promising sell. But wtf was this? It was a fever dream filled with typos, and the sole purpose was setting up the next book.
I’ve had so many bad recent reads that I don’t know if my taste is broken or if my book picker is broken, but this dialogue was NOT it. I honestly should have DNF’ed this at 30% and that’s my mistake.
”Oh, there is no way the great charmer is thrown off his game. It’s impossible. Who are you and what have you done with Brooks?” Her light teases warmed his chest.
“You’re so funny, Siren.” He tried to sound put out, but it was hard with her.
“What could possibly have made the great flirt fall from his throne?”
“You think you’re so fucking funny don’t you?” He quipped.
—
“How about this? Rather than tell you a nightmare, why don’t I tell you a story?”
“A story huh? Does it end in a happily-ever-after? Please tell me it’s dirty. Is there sex involved?”
Her attempt to talk through laughs pulled a smile from his lips and he swore he could listen to it for the rest of his life.
April 9, 2024
Audio Book Review Narrated by JF Harding & Stella Hunter - Narrators have really become the everything inky black that needs to be voiced in this dark romantic suspense book.
I knew this was gonna be extraordinary.After seeing art dedicated to this series..that.got me intrigued and excited.
Then I read the spiel for book 1 and knowing book 2 is out in a couple of days.... Im In.
and..yes it... delivered!!! prepare to be mindfvked! cause everything is poisonous in this one part Parapsychothriller and one part the emerging reality of this dark PNR world revealed,exposed & reviled.
Ruthless side of Greek Mythology - What exceeded my expectations was the mental astuteness and imaginative ways the characters vent their frustrations and yet unite.The dialogue is clever to form self conversation but retracts perfectly when he thinks its a sick part of his brain - so I like it when Brooks talks to himself in a selfdeprecating way creating the credibility of his unsureness. he's in an mental asylum right!?.
Dark passenger elements are balanced to be part of what is an awesome show of strength later( I wont reveal). Argh but I will say the sacrifice made by Lytta - dont tell me that FMC aint a strongmuthfvker to come into her own when the time is right for us.
When Havoc,Mayhem &Chaos jump headfirst inked into your psyche. Im hooked to see this through as I want these characters to take their power back and be the villains.
Jasmin E Reads
I knew this was gonna be extraordinary.After seeing art dedicated to this series..that.got me intrigued and excited.
Then I read the spiel for book 1 and knowing book 2 is out in a couple of days.... Im In.
and..yes it... delivered!!! prepare to be mindfvked! cause everything is poisonous in this one part Parapsychothriller and one part the emerging reality of this dark PNR world revealed,exposed & reviled.
Ruthless side of Greek Mythology - What exceeded my expectations was the mental astuteness and imaginative ways the characters vent their frustrations and yet unite.The dialogue is clever to form self conversation but retracts perfectly when he thinks its a sick part of his brain - so I like it when Brooks talks to himself in a selfdeprecating way creating the credibility of his unsureness. he's in an mental asylum right!?.
Dark passenger elements are balanced to be part of what is an awesome show of strength later( I wont reveal). Argh but I will say the sacrifice made by Lytta - dont tell me that FMC aint a strongmuthfvker to come into her own when the time is right for us.
When Havoc,Mayhem &Chaos jump headfirst inked into your psyche. Im hooked to see this through as I want these characters to take their power back and be the villains.
Jasmin E Reads
September 12, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Dawn Darling at Villains and Vixens 2025 and she was a gem! I was already interested in reading this book and holy moly, when I actually read it (and listened to it), I was blown away! The writing is BEAUTIFUL! The author really captures the torment that Brooks is enduring and leaves the reader wondering what's real and what's not. If you were ever looking for a book with the same vibes as Bunny, this is the one!
I had a few minor concerns that the average reader wouldn't pick up on, but I picked up on these because I am a clinical psychologist trained in assessments. There were mentions of the Rorschach test and cards that were inconsistent from how the test is actually given. I also generally dislike language where the person assumes the identity of a mental health diagnosis (e.g., "I am a paranoid schizophrenic" versus "I am an individual with paranoid schizophrenia."
Overall, I had a GREAT time reading this book and highly recommend!! I will be reading book 2 in the series soon!!!
I had a few minor concerns that the average reader wouldn't pick up on, but I picked up on these because I am a clinical psychologist trained in assessments. There were mentions of the Rorschach test and cards that were inconsistent from how the test is actually given. I also generally dislike language where the person assumes the identity of a mental health diagnosis (e.g., "I am a paranoid schizophrenic" versus "I am an individual with paranoid schizophrenia."
Overall, I had a GREAT time reading this book and highly recommend!! I will be reading book 2 in the series soon!!!
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