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A Better Nightmare
If the entire world believes in a lie, does that make it the truth?
A dark and absorbing allegory for the power that young people possess in their bones to change things that feel far bigger than them, A Better Nightmare is a whirlwind adventure -- a story of friendship, romance, and a radical crusade for one group of teens to fight for their right to feel.
Emily Emerson is nearly sixteen, finally a senior at the Wildsmoor Facility. But so is Meera, isn’t she? Meera, who is nineteen and has been a senior for as long as Emily can remember? Here, the students live each day as shadows, one day blurring into the next, hardly aware of life passing them by while the symptoms of the Grimm Cross Syndrome that afflicts them all is trained out of them. Rules. Order. Repetition. Medication.
Emily was eight when she started showing signs of the disease. Odd dreams, hallucinations – impossible things that happened around her. Unconscious thoughts that could be set free into the world—flowers that covered the house, thick like a forest and sowed with nothing more than her unconscious thoughts. It was beautiful until it turned evil, when Emily did her first bad thing and found herself here. Now, she’ll do anything to get better and get back to her life. She’ll be more quiet and obedient than everyone else.
Until she meets Emir.
Emir isn’t like the other kids at Wildsmoor. He’s quicker and livelier. He says things that he shouldn’t – dangerous things. Emir is electric, magnetic in more ways than Emily can know.
When Emir introduces her to The Cure, a secret society for kids who believe that The Grimm isn’t a disease at all, but a gift, Emily starts to wake up, and so do her strange abilities. The outcome is a dream come true. But sometimes the best dreams and the worst nightmares have the same people in them.
A dark and absorbing allegory for the power that young people possess in their bones to change things that feel far bigger than them, A Better Nightmare is a whirlwind adventure -- a story of friendship, romance, and a radical crusade for one group of teens to fight for their right to feel.
Emily Emerson is nearly sixteen, finally a senior at the Wildsmoor Facility. But so is Meera, isn’t she? Meera, who is nineteen and has been a senior for as long as Emily can remember? Here, the students live each day as shadows, one day blurring into the next, hardly aware of life passing them by while the symptoms of the Grimm Cross Syndrome that afflicts them all is trained out of them. Rules. Order. Repetition. Medication.
Emily was eight when she started showing signs of the disease. Odd dreams, hallucinations – impossible things that happened around her. Unconscious thoughts that could be set free into the world—flowers that covered the house, thick like a forest and sowed with nothing more than her unconscious thoughts. It was beautiful until it turned evil, when Emily did her first bad thing and found herself here. Now, she’ll do anything to get better and get back to her life. She’ll be more quiet and obedient than everyone else.
Until she meets Emir.
Emir isn’t like the other kids at Wildsmoor. He’s quicker and livelier. He says things that he shouldn’t – dangerous things. Emir is electric, magnetic in more ways than Emily can know.
When Emir introduces her to The Cure, a secret society for kids who believe that The Grimm isn’t a disease at all, but a gift, Emily starts to wake up, and so do her strange abilities. The outcome is a dream come true. But sometimes the best dreams and the worst nightmares have the same people in them.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 13, 2025
A Better Nightmare
by Megan Freeman
YA Fantasy Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Feb 4, 2025
Scholastic
Ages: 14+
The Wildsmoor Facility isn't your typical school. The students there are dangerous; carriers of the Grimm Cross Syndrome, and to keep its dangerous symptoms under control, the children are drugged into a zombie-like state, live behind locked doors and under the strict guidance and rules of Matron, their abusive caretaker, and the guardians, who carry tasers and guns.
Now sixteen, Emily was taken to the facility when she was eight because her nightmare came to life. But when a boy had an episode, Emily fell and her medication scattered across the floor only to be picked up by another boy. Afraid to tell what had happened, fearing punishment, she went through withdrawals, but when she was given her next dose, she didn't take them.
This one started off slow, which did suit the MC's drugged state, and it did pick up a little as the story progressed, but it was still a little too slow for me, which gave it a monotone feeling. Sure they were drugged, but the story, characters, etc, all felt flat.
And while the kids labeled their gifts as magic, even referring to the banned books they found hidden in a locked room, I didn't see witches/wizards/magicians, I saw mutants because each kid had their own special gift.
Not a bad story, but similar to others where the characters have gifts, and the romance part was the typical enemies-to-lovers type situation, but at least there wasn't any 'adult content', but a little bit more than kissing does happen, though what isn't exactly mentioned. There is violence, not really descriptive or gory, but it involves kids, beatings, isolation, drugs, tasers, guns, blood, and adults bullying kids, so it's suitable for non-sensitive readers fourteen and older.
Yes, I get why it was a slower read, but if there had been something more colorful in the story/writing it could have earned it one more star.
2 Stars
by Megan Freeman
YA Fantasy Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Feb 4, 2025
Scholastic
Ages: 14+
The Wildsmoor Facility isn't your typical school. The students there are dangerous; carriers of the Grimm Cross Syndrome, and to keep its dangerous symptoms under control, the children are drugged into a zombie-like state, live behind locked doors and under the strict guidance and rules of Matron, their abusive caretaker, and the guardians, who carry tasers and guns.
Now sixteen, Emily was taken to the facility when she was eight because her nightmare came to life. But when a boy had an episode, Emily fell and her medication scattered across the floor only to be picked up by another boy. Afraid to tell what had happened, fearing punishment, she went through withdrawals, but when she was given her next dose, she didn't take them.
This one started off slow, which did suit the MC's drugged state, and it did pick up a little as the story progressed, but it was still a little too slow for me, which gave it a monotone feeling. Sure they were drugged, but the story, characters, etc, all felt flat.
And while the kids labeled their gifts as magic, even referring to the banned books they found hidden in a locked room, I didn't see witches/wizards/magicians, I saw mutants because each kid had their own special gift.
Not a bad story, but similar to others where the characters have gifts, and the romance part was the typical enemies-to-lovers type situation, but at least there wasn't any 'adult content', but a little bit more than kissing does happen, though what isn't exactly mentioned. There is violence, not really descriptive or gory, but it involves kids, beatings, isolation, drugs, tasers, guns, blood, and adults bullying kids, so it's suitable for non-sensitive readers fourteen and older.
Yes, I get why it was a slower read, but if there had been something more colorful in the story/writing it could have earned it one more star.
2 Stars
July 16, 2025
Not like anything else I've read!
I really liked the concept of the Grimm and how it manifests differently in every individual 'inflicted' with it. Emily was an interesting character, and going along on her journey was so fun - I was rooting for her to figure it out and find a way to be who she is.
I also liked how this was a story about the opressed finding a way to believe in themselves and to stand up against the people and the wider society telling them that they were unnatural and wrong - especially because there were real and serious consequences that these kids faced along the way, which made it feel more believable.
Emir and Emily's situationship was a bumpy ride too, but I loved their dream walking scenes and how they are with each other at the end of the book was really cute.
I'm hopeful that there's going to be a second book because it does feel like this is only the beginning and that there's potentially a lot more to come. I need to know what's going to happen to all of the kids who have the Grimm, and I need to know what's going to happen with Emily and Emir!
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HRCYED2: Spooky Creatures
I really liked the concept of the Grimm and how it manifests differently in every individual 'inflicted' with it. Emily was an interesting character, and going along on her journey was so fun - I was rooting for her to figure it out and find a way to be who she is.
I also liked how this was a story about the opressed finding a way to believe in themselves and to stand up against the people and the wider society telling them that they were unnatural and wrong - especially because there were real and serious consequences that these kids faced along the way, which made it feel more believable.
Emir and Emily's situationship was a bumpy ride too, but I loved their dream walking scenes and how they are with each other at the end of the book was really cute.
I'm hopeful that there's going to be a second book because it does feel like this is only the beginning and that there's potentially a lot more to come. I need to know what's going to happen to all of the kids who have the Grimm, and I need to know what's going to happen with Emily and Emir!
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HRCYED2: Spooky Creatures
January 26, 2025
3.5/5 ⭐️
If I had a nickel for every book I’ve read so far in 2025 where I love the first half but really don’t like the second, I would have 2 nickels. It’s not a lot, but it’s strange it happened twice in one month.
This book started off so strong. I loved it. I was gobbling it up so fast. It was very easy to read. And I loved how it was written so you felt like you yourself were drugged, the prose coming across as slow & short. Then as she is off the drugs, things & the reading pace picks up too. I loved the atmosphere and characters and what was happening in the first half. Second half felt like it was written by a different author and they Frankenstein the two halves together. If the first part was slow, the second was a speed racer. It was more like an outline of what the author wanted to happen but hadn’t gone back to flesh things out.
But thinking about it, it hit me why this story really didn’t work. Emily shouldn’t have been the main character. The major issue with her is her lack of believable motivation. Everything that happens felt forced, like a kid playing with toy Barbies. Margie, a secondary character on the Cure club, should’ve been the main character. Her “normal” twin sister provides excellent natural motivation. The story could’ve started with her twin seeing again after X number of years. Because at a certain age they have a class where they interact with students from the neighboring school to help them re-assimilate into society. Maybe Margie always felt something was off, but because of the drugs didn’t know what until she sees her sister. Her sister could each visit voice that she’s trying to get her out, her struggle to get people to believe her, and begging Margie to stop taking the drugs. Finally Margie remembers and does or is brave enough to do it and meets others who aren’t taking the drugs in a way similar to how Emily did. But with the love between twins and an outsider and having the club they start discussing what to do to change things. Not that Emily was justified in wanting that too, but she lacked the believable motivation to make her a main character.
I also personally hated the whole the romance thing. Saw it from a mile away and rolled my eyes so hard. Like of course she’d go for broody guy that doesn’t want her in the club. And once again I got the sensation of the author playing with them like Barbies and not real people. They like that type but didn’t see that they don’t work. Two paranoid people? No way. Plus there was no chemistry. Not like there was with Gabriel whose lively, carelessness would’ve balanced her paranoia.
Overall, probably would recommend to others. It was fine. But it was disappointing for me. I loved the first half. But because Emily was not the right main character, lacking believable motivations and growth, the wheels easily fell off at the midpoint, causing the second half to be almost painful to get through. It’s just extra sad and annoying cause there was so much potential and skill, it just didn’t stick the landing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
If I had a nickel for every book I’ve read so far in 2025 where I love the first half but really don’t like the second, I would have 2 nickels. It’s not a lot, but it’s strange it happened twice in one month.
This book started off so strong. I loved it. I was gobbling it up so fast. It was very easy to read. And I loved how it was written so you felt like you yourself were drugged, the prose coming across as slow & short. Then as she is off the drugs, things & the reading pace picks up too. I loved the atmosphere and characters and what was happening in the first half. Second half felt like it was written by a different author and they Frankenstein the two halves together. If the first part was slow, the second was a speed racer. It was more like an outline of what the author wanted to happen but hadn’t gone back to flesh things out.
But thinking about it, it hit me why this story really didn’t work. Emily shouldn’t have been the main character. The major issue with her is her lack of believable motivation. Everything that happens felt forced, like a kid playing with toy Barbies. Margie, a secondary character on the Cure club, should’ve been the main character. Her “normal” twin sister provides excellent natural motivation. The story could’ve started with her twin seeing again after X number of years. Because at a certain age they have a class where they interact with students from the neighboring school to help them re-assimilate into society. Maybe Margie always felt something was off, but because of the drugs didn’t know what until she sees her sister. Her sister could each visit voice that she’s trying to get her out, her struggle to get people to believe her, and begging Margie to stop taking the drugs. Finally Margie remembers and does or is brave enough to do it and meets others who aren’t taking the drugs in a way similar to how Emily did. But with the love between twins and an outsider and having the club they start discussing what to do to change things. Not that Emily was justified in wanting that too, but she lacked the believable motivation to make her a main character.
I also personally hated the whole the romance thing. Saw it from a mile away and rolled my eyes so hard. Like of course she’d go for broody guy that doesn’t want her in the club. And once again I got the sensation of the author playing with them like Barbies and not real people. They like that type but didn’t see that they don’t work. Two paranoid people? No way. Plus there was no chemistry. Not like there was with Gabriel whose lively, carelessness would’ve balanced her paranoia.
Overall, probably would recommend to others. It was fine. But it was disappointing for me. I loved the first half. But because Emily was not the right main character, lacking believable motivations and growth, the wheels easily fell off at the midpoint, causing the second half to be almost painful to get through. It’s just extra sad and annoying cause there was so much potential and skill, it just didn’t stick the landing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
January 20, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
A YA fantasy novel (seems to be a start to a series) that borders on a similar plot line as X-Men. Some kids are born with what is known as the “Grimm” which is at first described as a disease that requires treatment. The ones who have it are sent to facilities where they are drugged regularly and go through treatment until they are deemed cured by their 18th birthday. During an incident, Emily looses her pills she was suppose to take and, as her head clears from the drugs, she realizes not everything she’s been told is true.
The story started slow, as we are following Emily, who is drugged and is just slow at processing everything due to the drugs. The author did a great job portraying the shift in Emily’s personality as she detoxed from the drugs she had been on. I felt like that whole process made sense and I felt the stress of trying to control something you didn’t understand. The different powers that each kid had were all very interesting and well thought out as far as how they would work. I also really enjoyed the connection between the “Grimm” school and the neighboring “regular” school. I appreciated the author not taking the obvious mean girl route with those characters.
There were two things that bothered me: the author played it safe with side characters and plot lines, and the MC was unbelievably self aware,
It’s pretty obvious that this is intended to be the start of a series, so maybe their are plans to do this as it continues, but she really could have started some villain plot lines that she didn’t do and the couple she did were actually kind of lame. In fact, one in particular wasn’t really even villainous, she just saw things differently (and it could be argued that she was a better person than even the main character). Also, the whole book was extremely rated G and then she throws in a strange scene that suddenly jumps the book to PG-13. It didn’t feel uniform. And the few deaths that occurred were all of side, minor characters that I never got invested in therefore had no real impact. I felt nothing for them. Either develop your side characters better or kill off someone “important.”
The MC is also unrealistically self aware. This girl has been in an institution and drugged since she was 7. You’re telling me a 16 year old, in a matter of days of being off medication and learning her powers understands how deep her trauma goes and how she’s projecting her father into her nightmare creations? And knows how to fix it? Nope, not buying it.
Bottom line, this was a decent premise that just seemed poorly planned. There really needed to be more editing done, more thoughts on what kind of story this author was looking to write, how to create deep, complex, relatable characters that the reader cares about. As it stands, I don’t feel connected to the characters or story enough to care what happens in the next book (if there is another one).
***Thank you NetGalley, Megan Freeman, and Chicken House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
A YA fantasy novel (seems to be a start to a series) that borders on a similar plot line as X-Men. Some kids are born with what is known as the “Grimm” which is at first described as a disease that requires treatment. The ones who have it are sent to facilities where they are drugged regularly and go through treatment until they are deemed cured by their 18th birthday. During an incident, Emily looses her pills she was suppose to take and, as her head clears from the drugs, she realizes not everything she’s been told is true.
The story started slow, as we are following Emily, who is drugged and is just slow at processing everything due to the drugs. The author did a great job portraying the shift in Emily’s personality as she detoxed from the drugs she had been on. I felt like that whole process made sense and I felt the stress of trying to control something you didn’t understand. The different powers that each kid had were all very interesting and well thought out as far as how they would work. I also really enjoyed the connection between the “Grimm” school and the neighboring “regular” school. I appreciated the author not taking the obvious mean girl route with those characters.
There were two things that bothered me: the author played it safe with side characters and plot lines, and the MC was unbelievably self aware,
It’s pretty obvious that this is intended to be the start of a series, so maybe their are plans to do this as it continues, but she really could have started some villain plot lines that she didn’t do and the couple she did were actually kind of lame. In fact, one in particular wasn’t really even villainous, she just saw things differently (and it could be argued that she was a better person than even the main character). Also, the whole book was extremely rated G and then she throws in a strange scene that suddenly jumps the book to PG-13. It didn’t feel uniform. And the few deaths that occurred were all of side, minor characters that I never got invested in therefore had no real impact. I felt nothing for them. Either develop your side characters better or kill off someone “important.”
The MC is also unrealistically self aware. This girl has been in an institution and drugged since she was 7. You’re telling me a 16 year old, in a matter of days of being off medication and learning her powers understands how deep her trauma goes and how she’s projecting her father into her nightmare creations? And knows how to fix it? Nope, not buying it.
Bottom line, this was a decent premise that just seemed poorly planned. There really needed to be more editing done, more thoughts on what kind of story this author was looking to write, how to create deep, complex, relatable characters that the reader cares about. As it stands, I don’t feel connected to the characters or story enough to care what happens in the next book (if there is another one).
***Thank you NetGalley, Megan Freeman, and Chicken House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
March 18, 2025
Shatter Me meets X-Men in this immersively atmospheric, YA Fantasy about identity, self discovery and resistance, that I really enjoyed!
Diagnosed with Grimm-Cross Syndrome (a condition which manifests as super power like abilities) aged eight and taken into custody to be “cured”, Emily (now sixteen) barely remembers life before Wildsmoor. Her abilities—to turn her dreams and nightmares into reality—are dampened by the drugs each student is forced to take.
Until an incident causes Emily to lose her daily allotment of pills, freeing her from the drug’s sluggish effects. And leads her to a run in with a secret resistance group within the facility, who are trying to find a way to free them all.
The tense, constricting (almost claustrophobic) tone and vivid descriptions set the scene really well, and showcased just how isolated and eerie the Wildsmoor facility was. (Which I really liked.)
The start was a bit slow, but gets pacier as Emily takes less of her medication (and her senses become less hazy.) A rather clever narrative choice which made reading feel even more immersive.
I loved our MC, Emily and enjoyed exploring her gradual transformation from the numb, biddable girl into a rule breaking activist, aware of her powers and assisting the resistance.
Her journey is full of struggles but Megan Freeman captures them all soo well, especially when it came to Emily’s more introspective moments. Like the internal struggle with her powers, and the choice she must make to suppress or embrace them. It definitely added a compelling, relatable sense of depth to her story that I couldn’t help but find endearing.
Though I do wish Emir, Gabriel and Co. were just as nuanced, as I think exploring their pasts and unique motivations a bit more would’ve made them feel soo much more engaging.
I will say though, that I was impressed by Freeman’s allegorical approach to examining their struggles. With Wildsmoor and its students reflecting real world issues (such as the pathologization of mental health/neurodivergence, and the stigmatisation of marginalised communities who don’t conform to societal expectations) which rarely get as much attention as they should.
Overall, a satisfyingly thought-provoking read (that I’m really hoping gets a sequel) that’s perfect for anyone who loves YA dystopian fantasy.
Also, thanks to Lorraine Keating PR & Chicken House Books for the finished copy.
Diagnosed with Grimm-Cross Syndrome (a condition which manifests as super power like abilities) aged eight and taken into custody to be “cured”, Emily (now sixteen) barely remembers life before Wildsmoor. Her abilities—to turn her dreams and nightmares into reality—are dampened by the drugs each student is forced to take.
Until an incident causes Emily to lose her daily allotment of pills, freeing her from the drug’s sluggish effects. And leads her to a run in with a secret resistance group within the facility, who are trying to find a way to free them all.
The tense, constricting (almost claustrophobic) tone and vivid descriptions set the scene really well, and showcased just how isolated and eerie the Wildsmoor facility was. (Which I really liked.)
The start was a bit slow, but gets pacier as Emily takes less of her medication (and her senses become less hazy.) A rather clever narrative choice which made reading feel even more immersive.
I loved our MC, Emily and enjoyed exploring her gradual transformation from the numb, biddable girl into a rule breaking activist, aware of her powers and assisting the resistance.
Her journey is full of struggles but Megan Freeman captures them all soo well, especially when it came to Emily’s more introspective moments. Like the internal struggle with her powers, and the choice she must make to suppress or embrace them. It definitely added a compelling, relatable sense of depth to her story that I couldn’t help but find endearing.
Though I do wish Emir, Gabriel and Co. were just as nuanced, as I think exploring their pasts and unique motivations a bit more would’ve made them feel soo much more engaging.
I will say though, that I was impressed by Freeman’s allegorical approach to examining their struggles. With Wildsmoor and its students reflecting real world issues (such as the pathologization of mental health/neurodivergence, and the stigmatisation of marginalised communities who don’t conform to societal expectations) which rarely get as much attention as they should.
Overall, a satisfyingly thought-provoking read (that I’m really hoping gets a sequel) that’s perfect for anyone who loves YA dystopian fantasy.
Also, thanks to Lorraine Keating PR & Chicken House Books for the finished copy.
June 19, 2025
A better nightmare is a compelling YA fantasy/ sci-fi novel that enables the readers to stand witness to the allegory of power. With the elements of surprises, adventure, romance and suspense, buckle up for a whirlwind rollercoaster reading experience.
The story follows Emily, a sixteen year old who has been inflicted with the Grimm Cross Syndrome. Those with the aforementioned syndrome are treated at special facility called The Windsmoor Facility where they received a rather peculiar treatment and learn manners through strictly restricted routine.
The Matron rules this facility and under her surveillance, everything is followed accordingly to the rules. When a boy makes a ruckus and accidentally knocks Emily's medicines to the floor things begin to shift. Missing her dose would surely affect her but the fear of punishment is far too concerning than to admit her truth so she decides to brave through it. But something happens during the whole ordeal that leads to Emily not take the next day medicines.
As the truth begins to burn itself through the layers of manipulation and concocted lies, Emily stands at a crossroad where the lines of sanity and acceptance blurs into a nightmare that will take more than what it bargain for.
I read this book in a single sitting and it was totally worth it. It's been a while since I read an engaging YA where are evil high ups who have vile agendas mapped out for groups of gifted people to satisfy their purpose of power and authority. Although you may feel this trope has been well attrited however this book will surprise you. Honestly it's quite difficult to talk about the storyline without giving away spoilers. Megan Freeman's writing style and plot execution is immensely masterful. The character arcs and the plot twists are tied together to give readers a chance to explore the best of both worlds.
Perfect for fans of X-Men and a plotline that banks on a convoluted web of power manipulation, revelations, anticipation and rebellion.
The story follows Emily, a sixteen year old who has been inflicted with the Grimm Cross Syndrome. Those with the aforementioned syndrome are treated at special facility called The Windsmoor Facility where they received a rather peculiar treatment and learn manners through strictly restricted routine.
The Matron rules this facility and under her surveillance, everything is followed accordingly to the rules. When a boy makes a ruckus and accidentally knocks Emily's medicines to the floor things begin to shift. Missing her dose would surely affect her but the fear of punishment is far too concerning than to admit her truth so she decides to brave through it. But something happens during the whole ordeal that leads to Emily not take the next day medicines.
As the truth begins to burn itself through the layers of manipulation and concocted lies, Emily stands at a crossroad where the lines of sanity and acceptance blurs into a nightmare that will take more than what it bargain for.
I read this book in a single sitting and it was totally worth it. It's been a while since I read an engaging YA where are evil high ups who have vile agendas mapped out for groups of gifted people to satisfy their purpose of power and authority. Although you may feel this trope has been well attrited however this book will surprise you. Honestly it's quite difficult to talk about the storyline without giving away spoilers. Megan Freeman's writing style and plot execution is immensely masterful. The character arcs and the plot twists are tied together to give readers a chance to explore the best of both worlds.
Perfect for fans of X-Men and a plotline that banks on a convoluted web of power manipulation, revelations, anticipation and rebellion.
April 15, 2025
The moment I saw that A BETTER NIGHTMARE was X-Men meets Beautiful Creatures, I was on it!! I have grown up watching X-Men and Beautiful Creatures, which is frankly such an underrated series.
AD PR PRODUCT Thank you chickenhousebooks for sending me a copy of this book
The vibes are so on point!!
💊A disease that no one wants, and institution they are locked up in, with pills that promise to cure them.
❤️An unlikely group of friends with a touch of romance.
🗡A rebellion, an uprising!
I very much enjoyed the gothic vibes, the nightmares and dreams in particular, but also the hidden Rogue-like vibes (she's quite literally my fave X-Men) but i do have to add that there is a character called Miss Rabbit and honestly the eeriness is temporaily replaced by Peppa Pig 😂😂😂
Great read, highly recommended, and it's already out!
AD PR PRODUCT Thank you chickenhousebooks for sending me a copy of this book
The vibes are so on point!!
💊A disease that no one wants, and institution they are locked up in, with pills that promise to cure them.
❤️An unlikely group of friends with a touch of romance.
🗡A rebellion, an uprising!
I very much enjoyed the gothic vibes, the nightmares and dreams in particular, but also the hidden Rogue-like vibes (she's quite literally my fave X-Men) but i do have to add that there is a character called Miss Rabbit and honestly the eeriness is temporaily replaced by Peppa Pig 😂😂😂
Great read, highly recommended, and it's already out!
March 9, 2025
Similar to: The Dandelion riots.
January 11, 2025
Title: A Better Nightmare
Author: Megan Freeman
Genre: YA
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This wasn’t a bad book, but Emily didn’t really do anything: she just let everything happen to her. Emir was a jerk, and so were several of the other main members of the Cure. His sudden change of heart wasn’t very believable, and I feel like so much that could have added depth to this story was just glossed over, leaving me feeling like I was reading a summary and not an actual story. This is a miss for me, unfortunately, as the premise is great and I was interested to read it. The execution just didn’t live up to it, though.
(Galley courtesy of Scholastic/Chicken House in exchange for an honest review.)
Author: Megan Freeman
Genre: YA
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This wasn’t a bad book, but Emily didn’t really do anything: she just let everything happen to her. Emir was a jerk, and so were several of the other main members of the Cure. His sudden change of heart wasn’t very believable, and I feel like so much that could have added depth to this story was just glossed over, leaving me feeling like I was reading a summary and not an actual story. This is a miss for me, unfortunately, as the premise is great and I was interested to read it. The execution just didn’t live up to it, though.
(Galley courtesy of Scholastic/Chicken House in exchange for an honest review.)
June 16, 2025
A Better Nightmare, a dark and vivid allegory that pulses with the raw power of youth pushing back against a system designed to mute them.
Megan Freeman crafts a story that’s as haunting as it is hopeful, blending friendship, rebellion, and a simmering romance into a whirlwind ride that will keep you hooked from first page to last.
Meet Emily Emerson, almost sixteen and trapped inside Wildsmoor Facility, a place where every day is a grey blur and emotions are policed like contraband.
Here, the students suffer from “Grimm Cross Syndrome,” a mysterious condition that makes them see the impossible and feel the extraordinary, but the authorities call it a disease that must be erased. Rules, meds, repetition: the cure is compliance.
Emily’s world turns upside down when she crosses paths with Emir—electric, rebellious, and dangerously alive. Emir believes the “Grimm” isn’t a curse but a gift, and his secret society, The Cure, opens a door to a different kind of power.
As Emily’s own abilities begin to bloom, so does a rebellion that questions everything she’s been told.
Why you need this book :
* A sharp, imaginative metaphor for how society tries to silence youth—and the fierce magic that happens when they refuse to be quiet.
* Complex, imperfect friendships and a slow-burning, meaningful romance that feels real and urgent.
* A beautifully strange world where dreams and nightmares blur, and what you think is a curse might just be your superpower.
* Themes of mental health, identity, and resistance woven seamlessly through a fantasy that never loses its emotional core.
A Better Nightmare is a bold, unforgettable story that dares to ask: If everyone believes in a lie, does that make it the truth?
Megan Freeman’s debut will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood, controlled, or ready to rewrite the rules and isn’t afraid to fight for a world where feeling deeply is not a curse, but a revolution.
Megan Freeman crafts a story that’s as haunting as it is hopeful, blending friendship, rebellion, and a simmering romance into a whirlwind ride that will keep you hooked from first page to last.
Meet Emily Emerson, almost sixteen and trapped inside Wildsmoor Facility, a place where every day is a grey blur and emotions are policed like contraband.
Here, the students suffer from “Grimm Cross Syndrome,” a mysterious condition that makes them see the impossible and feel the extraordinary, but the authorities call it a disease that must be erased. Rules, meds, repetition: the cure is compliance.
Emily’s world turns upside down when she crosses paths with Emir—electric, rebellious, and dangerously alive. Emir believes the “Grimm” isn’t a curse but a gift, and his secret society, The Cure, opens a door to a different kind of power.
As Emily’s own abilities begin to bloom, so does a rebellion that questions everything she’s been told.
Why you need this book :
* A sharp, imaginative metaphor for how society tries to silence youth—and the fierce magic that happens when they refuse to be quiet.
* Complex, imperfect friendships and a slow-burning, meaningful romance that feels real and urgent.
* A beautifully strange world where dreams and nightmares blur, and what you think is a curse might just be your superpower.
* Themes of mental health, identity, and resistance woven seamlessly through a fantasy that never loses its emotional core.
A Better Nightmare is a bold, unforgettable story that dares to ask: If everyone believes in a lie, does that make it the truth?
Megan Freeman’s debut will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood, controlled, or ready to rewrite the rules and isn’t afraid to fight for a world where feeling deeply is not a curse, but a revolution.
August 10, 2025
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera arrivata nelle nostre librerie e online.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmela scappare? Assolutamente no.
"Quando la cura diventa prigione, e il sogno si trasforma in incubo, l’unica via d’uscita è risvegliarsi davvero."
Con A Better Nightmare, Megan Freeman ci conduce in un mondo sospeso tra realtà e allucinazione, dove la verità è nascosta dietro pillole, regole e silenzi. Il romanzo è ambientato nel Wildsmoor, un istituto che accoglie adolescenti affetti dalla misteriosa “Grimm”, una condizione che li rende diversi, instabili… o forse semplicemente speciali.
Emily, la protagonista, è una ragazza di sedici anni che ha vissuto per anni sotto l’effetto di terapie che le spengono la mente e le emozioni. Ma quando salta una dose, qualcosa cambia: i colori tornano, i pensieri si accendono, e soprattutto incontra Emir — un ragazzo brillante, ribelle, che le mostra un mondo alternativo fatto di verità scomode e poteri sopiti.
Il romanzo è un viaggio di risveglio, di ribellione, di scoperta. Freeman costruisce una narrazione intensa, dove il confine tra sogno e incubo è labile, e dove la libertà non è mai concessa, ma conquistata. Emily non è solo una paziente: è una voce che si alza contro un sistema che ha paura della diversità. E la sua evoluzione è il cuore pulsante della storia.
A Better Nightmare è perfetto per chi ama i romanzi distopici con protagonisti giovani ma profondi, per chi cerca storie che parlano di identità, controllo e riscatto. Un incubo migliore, sì — perché da lì può nascere qualcosa di vero.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmela scappare? Assolutamente no.
"Quando la cura diventa prigione, e il sogno si trasforma in incubo, l’unica via d’uscita è risvegliarsi davvero."
Con A Better Nightmare, Megan Freeman ci conduce in un mondo sospeso tra realtà e allucinazione, dove la verità è nascosta dietro pillole, regole e silenzi. Il romanzo è ambientato nel Wildsmoor, un istituto che accoglie adolescenti affetti dalla misteriosa “Grimm”, una condizione che li rende diversi, instabili… o forse semplicemente speciali.
Emily, la protagonista, è una ragazza di sedici anni che ha vissuto per anni sotto l’effetto di terapie che le spengono la mente e le emozioni. Ma quando salta una dose, qualcosa cambia: i colori tornano, i pensieri si accendono, e soprattutto incontra Emir — un ragazzo brillante, ribelle, che le mostra un mondo alternativo fatto di verità scomode e poteri sopiti.
Il romanzo è un viaggio di risveglio, di ribellione, di scoperta. Freeman costruisce una narrazione intensa, dove il confine tra sogno e incubo è labile, e dove la libertà non è mai concessa, ma conquistata. Emily non è solo una paziente: è una voce che si alza contro un sistema che ha paura della diversità. E la sua evoluzione è il cuore pulsante della storia.
A Better Nightmare è perfetto per chi ama i romanzi distopici con protagonisti giovani ma profondi, per chi cerca storie che parlano di identità, controllo e riscatto. Un incubo migliore, sì — perché da lì può nascere qualcosa di vero.
July 1, 2025
Incredible! I can't wait to have my book discussion group read this one.
Science fiction, but with the tiniest fairytale twist, dystopian, found family, possible queer allegory? And fun on top of it! The reader follows Emily, a student at Wildsmoore Academy, an institution for children who develop what is called Grimm-Cross Syndrome. The syndrome is considered to be very serious disease which manifests as strange and powerful abilities in the afflicted. Every day Emily takes her meds, follows the rules, and walks through life in a haze. Each day blends into the next until she can't even tell how long she's been there. Until one day, during a disturbance caused by another student, her pills are knocked from her hand and swept away. As she's pushed beyond their sedative effect, she finds herself living in an inhumane world full of zombified kids who are tortured for stepping out of line. She still fears her own abilities, and while she knows that removing all light from the eyes of the students around her is wrong, she isn't sure that grimmers being out in the world is right either. But she isn't the only one trying to work through the brainwashing of their entire society, and soon she learns that being powerful doesn't always have to mean being dangerous, or that being dangerous doesn't always have to be bad.
This book was so good, so exciting, and I loved reading it! It was weird and fun and will be AWESOME to talk about in a book discussion. I would recommend it to readers who liked Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill and Pick the Lock by A.S. King.
Science fiction, but with the tiniest fairytale twist, dystopian, found family, possible queer allegory? And fun on top of it! The reader follows Emily, a student at Wildsmoore Academy, an institution for children who develop what is called Grimm-Cross Syndrome. The syndrome is considered to be very serious disease which manifests as strange and powerful abilities in the afflicted. Every day Emily takes her meds, follows the rules, and walks through life in a haze. Each day blends into the next until she can't even tell how long she's been there. Until one day, during a disturbance caused by another student, her pills are knocked from her hand and swept away. As she's pushed beyond their sedative effect, she finds herself living in an inhumane world full of zombified kids who are tortured for stepping out of line. She still fears her own abilities, and while she knows that removing all light from the eyes of the students around her is wrong, she isn't sure that grimmers being out in the world is right either. But she isn't the only one trying to work through the brainwashing of their entire society, and soon she learns that being powerful doesn't always have to mean being dangerous, or that being dangerous doesn't always have to be bad.
This book was so good, so exciting, and I loved reading it! It was weird and fun and will be AWESOME to talk about in a book discussion. I would recommend it to readers who liked Wolfpack by Amelia Brunskill and Pick the Lock by A.S. King.
April 14, 2025
This was a highly enjoyable read for me, both as a gripping story in its own right and an exploration of real-world issues. The fundamental premise of the book is that people with different abilities are diagnosed as having a condition that needs curing (the Grimm), and promptly hauled off to a facility where they're forced to take drugs that dampen their abilities. If that isn't a beautiful metaphor for the way we treat people with a vast range of physical, mental and neurological differences by trying to force them to conform to what we consider 'normal', I don't know what is!
The book itself is really well written, perfectly capturing the dreamlike and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Wildsmoor facility, as well as protagonist Emily's changing mental state as she is freed from the effects of the drugs. It's wonderful to see her come into her own and learn how to use/control her power rather than being forced to suppress it. I'm very much hoping there will be a second book.
The book itself is really well written, perfectly capturing the dreamlike and claustrophobic atmosphere of the Wildsmoor facility, as well as protagonist Emily's changing mental state as she is freed from the effects of the drugs. It's wonderful to see her come into her own and learn how to use/control her power rather than being forced to suppress it. I'm very much hoping there will be a second book.
June 24, 2025
A Better Nightmare is one if those unpdownable fantasy books, that gets better and better word by word. It appears Emily Emerson has the Grimm, a disease nobody wants. I’m shouting out loudly for A Better Nightmare novel, to be turned into a TV series. This is a fantastic written fantasy novel that will stay with me, forever, with locking kids up, being put in isolation and the treatment room. With the daily doses of pills that Emily Emerson is given, was they really necessary? Time is up, Emily is fed up taking all the tablets, she is about to fool the doctor. I was willing for Emily Emerson to escape the dreams that she having and to find out how exit from this situation in this horrible facility that she is imprisoned in.
July 26, 2025
Suona troppo di cosa già vista e rivista, la storia si basa sempre su giovani con poteri o abilità che sono ritenute pericolose e per questo sono rinchiusi, la protagonista per una serie di motivi si accorge che non vuole più vivere così e scatta la rivolta. Purtroppo non mi ha entusiasmato molto questa Emily, troppo banale e ripetitiva, le frasi che dice sono letteralmente sempre uguali e questo doveva saltare all'occhio a un editor, peccato. La love story è completamente campata in aria e si accende da una pagina all'altra senza motivo, questa più la violenza immotivata e la "malattia" mai indagata a fondo di cui sono affetti i ragazzi, non mi hanno convinta. È come leggere un Delirium, un The giver o un Darkest mind che non ce l'hanno fatta.
January 13, 2025
When I first started the book .. I thought the storyline was great. I was impressed with the writing and wanted to love the story.
I wanted more from Emily. I thought she had it in her. I also thought that the book portrayed her as weak-minded which was sad because I felt like there were bits and pieces of spunk and that I would love her.
The members of The Cure didn't help me love the book. I wanted to love this read but it fell short for me. I just wanted more excitement, more something, more umph. Page after page felt like I was reading the same thing.
Thank you Netgalley and Chicken House for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted more from Emily. I thought she had it in her. I also thought that the book portrayed her as weak-minded which was sad because I felt like there were bits and pieces of spunk and that I would love her.
The members of The Cure didn't help me love the book. I wanted to love this read but it fell short for me. I just wanted more excitement, more something, more umph. Page after page felt like I was reading the same thing.
Thank you Netgalley and Chicken House for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 12, 2025*DNF at 35%*
I really dislike DNF-ing books (especially ones I was so hyped about reading!) but unfortunately, A Better Nightmare wasn't the book for me. I loved Megan's writing, the creative flair behind the picturesque way the world and special abilities was written, but I just couldn't connect or gel with Emily as the main character. I thought that if I gave it a little more time then I'd break the wall (which can sometimes happen around the 30% mark when we get into the middle/action) but I just couldn't see that enticing moment in reach to progress, and felt I had to disconnect. Perhaps I'll try it again in the future.
I really dislike DNF-ing books (especially ones I was so hyped about reading!) but unfortunately, A Better Nightmare wasn't the book for me. I loved Megan's writing, the creative flair behind the picturesque way the world and special abilities was written, but I just couldn't connect or gel with Emily as the main character. I thought that if I gave it a little more time then I'd break the wall (which can sometimes happen around the 30% mark when we get into the middle/action) but I just couldn't see that enticing moment in reach to progress, and felt I had to disconnect. Perhaps I'll try it again in the future.
June 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. The concept is so different to what I have read before, and I loved the storyline. The characters were well written, and each chapter made me wonder what was going to happen next. I hope there is a second book as I would love to know what happens next and if there will be any answers as to why they have these 'abilities' when others don't.
August 25, 2025
This was a dramatic and well paced novel with an interesting premise: children with special/ magical powers locked up and drugged in order to keep them under control. It is well written and also interesting in terms of medical ethics, in an era when increasing numbers of teenagers are being medicated for various reasons. Suitable for age 11 upwards?
September 26, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. This book started off really strong for me, lost me a bit in the middle, and then ended strong. It was a really atmospheric story in a creepy, fun way. I don't know if there's going to be a sequel, but I'd at least seriously consider reading one if it comes out.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.
August 11, 2025
Avrebbe potuto essere un bel libro, ma si perde in banalità e si conclude con un finale davvero poco soddisfacente e sbrigativo
August 28, 2025
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September 26, 2025
Really underrated book.
April 7, 2025
If this isn't a series I will riot
February 16, 2025
If you liked the “Shatter Me” series you’ll love this.
In not so distant future, children are starting to change. They begin to manifest different abilities, a disease called the Grimm. By law these children must be sent to special faculties for rehabilitation. The strict rules of the school are oppressive but with the daily drugs given out no one notices. 16 year old Emily has been in the facility since she was 8, misses her medication one day and begins to wake up and realize she’s not the only one. She hopes to navigate and control her power and overcome her fears in hopes one day they all can be free.
I love a great dystopian novel and throw in super powers I’m defiantly all for it. I loved this story so much and I sincerely hope the author explores more of this work in future books.
In not so distant future, children are starting to change. They begin to manifest different abilities, a disease called the Grimm. By law these children must be sent to special faculties for rehabilitation. The strict rules of the school are oppressive but with the daily drugs given out no one notices. 16 year old Emily has been in the facility since she was 8, misses her medication one day and begins to wake up and realize she’s not the only one. She hopes to navigate and control her power and overcome her fears in hopes one day they all can be free.
I love a great dystopian novel and throw in super powers I’m defiantly all for it. I loved this story so much and I sincerely hope the author explores more of this work in future books.
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