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The Netherweird Chronicles #5
The Dream Thief
“There’s a corpse on my doorstep, a were-cat on my sofa and I’m being stalked by the assassins division of the local Women’s Institute. I’m going to need a lot more coffee.”
Lilith O’Reilly might be queen of the netherworld, but she’s determined to live a normal (after)life. All she has to do is figure out which of her admirers wants to kill her, whether it’s possible to date a mortal without injuring them, and what’s really going on in Chester.
Being human is difficult when you’re a danger to everyone—including yourself.
Book five in the bestselling Netherweird Chronicles series, THE DREAM THIEF is a fast and funny urban fantasy about loyalty, friendship and the desire to cling on to humanity—against all the odds.
***
Praise for The Netherweird
“Not a single dull character among them…even the cat is cool.”
“The main character is believable and well rounded, the writing is brilliant and the world building genuinely believable […] the best urban fantasy book I have read in years”
“Great world-building, engaging characters and a fast, twisty plot”
“Does for Liverpool what Ben Aaronovitch does for London.”
“Phenomenal…the author captures and evokes the weight of historical zeitgeist and as we scousers would say... blends it.”
Lilith O’Reilly might be queen of the netherworld, but she’s determined to live a normal (after)life. All she has to do is figure out which of her admirers wants to kill her, whether it’s possible to date a mortal without injuring them, and what’s really going on in Chester.
Being human is difficult when you’re a danger to everyone—including yourself.
Book five in the bestselling Netherweird Chronicles series, THE DREAM THIEF is a fast and funny urban fantasy about loyalty, friendship and the desire to cling on to humanity—against all the odds.
***
Praise for The Netherweird
“Not a single dull character among them…even the cat is cool.”
“The main character is believable and well rounded, the writing is brilliant and the world building genuinely believable […] the best urban fantasy book I have read in years”
“Great world-building, engaging characters and a fast, twisty plot”
“Does for Liverpool what Ben Aaronovitch does for London.”
“Phenomenal…the author captures and evokes the weight of historical zeitgeist and as we scousers would say... blends it.”
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2024
109 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 15, 2025
Outstanding, Lilith is amazing.
July 9, 2024
I'm addicted to this series and these characters. I now want to visit Liverpool some day.
Impatiently awaiting the next book release.
Impatiently awaiting the next book release.
June 3, 2024
This series continues to be fun, and I've almost worked out who everybody is by now. A book to read if you want cheering up along with your urban fantasy fix. Sound.
June 6, 2024
The chaos continues! 💖
From the get go the first chapter had me chuckling and that carried on all through the story. Also, sometimes recaps in books have me skipping over them to get to the current story. Not so with Voilet’s books. The way Lilith describes all that’s gone before and the other characters, woven in throughout the plot, is priceless and I wouldn’t want to miss one word! She’s definitely my kinda gal 😁 And I wish my history teacher at school had been as wonderful and interesting with words and descriptions as Ms Fenn and not the ancient, dull, give you the slipper for talking in class when you’re asking a question about the lesson type that mine was 🤪 I’d have been way more interested in the subject if so.
Anyways, the chaos of Lilith’s (un)life continues with something ‘off’ with Chester, but no one seems to be able to tell her what, tho they want her to do something about it 🤷🏼♀️ So begins the fun - she might argue that! - and intrigue of her finding out and eventually sorting it out. Along the way she meets some more famous dead but still here people. I love the take that Violet spins on these peoples personalities and carry ons, so thought provoking and funny at times. I had an idea who the dream thief was, even tho Lilith thought it was someone else to start with (trying not to do any spoilers here!) - and I was right! For once 😆 Love the way she bumbles along without having much of a clue as to what she’s doing or how she’s going to rectify things, but still staying true to herself and her morals. Adore Bella too btw 😁 Another great addition to this fab series and a lovely hook for the next book. Very much looking forward to seeing how all that potential drama pans out! ♥️
Ahh, I’d say you can’t make this stuff up, but obvs you can, because it is and Violet Fenn does so with brilliant imagination and absolutely fabulous style 👌🏼
P.s. love this series - in case you hadn’t gathered! - and am hoping there may be a cheeky special edition print of all the books when the series *sniff 😭* ends . . . 🤓 If not I’ll be buying physical copies anyways, but, just sayin’ . . . 🙃😁
From the get go the first chapter had me chuckling and that carried on all through the story. Also, sometimes recaps in books have me skipping over them to get to the current story. Not so with Voilet’s books. The way Lilith describes all that’s gone before and the other characters, woven in throughout the plot, is priceless and I wouldn’t want to miss one word! She’s definitely my kinda gal 😁 And I wish my history teacher at school had been as wonderful and interesting with words and descriptions as Ms Fenn and not the ancient, dull, give you the slipper for talking in class when you’re asking a question about the lesson type that mine was 🤪 I’d have been way more interested in the subject if so.
Anyways, the chaos of Lilith’s (un)life continues with something ‘off’ with Chester, but no one seems to be able to tell her what, tho they want her to do something about it 🤷🏼♀️ So begins the fun - she might argue that! - and intrigue of her finding out and eventually sorting it out. Along the way she meets some more famous dead but still here people. I love the take that Violet spins on these peoples personalities and carry ons, so thought provoking and funny at times. I had an idea who the dream thief was, even tho Lilith thought it was someone else to start with (trying not to do any spoilers here!) - and I was right! For once 😆 Love the way she bumbles along without having much of a clue as to what she’s doing or how she’s going to rectify things, but still staying true to herself and her morals. Adore Bella too btw 😁 Another great addition to this fab series and a lovely hook for the next book. Very much looking forward to seeing how all that potential drama pans out! ♥️
Ahh, I’d say you can’t make this stuff up, but obvs you can, because it is and Violet Fenn does so with brilliant imagination and absolutely fabulous style 👌🏼
P.s. love this series - in case you hadn’t gathered! - and am hoping there may be a cheeky special edition print of all the books when the series *sniff 😭* ends . . . 🤓 If not I’ll be buying physical copies anyways, but, just sayin’ . . . 🙃😁
June 13, 2024
this series gets better with each book
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Although I’m obviously not part of the neverweird world I feel a bit of kinship with Lilith. She’s fiery and passionate but she makes plenty of mistakes and then owns those mistakes. Other than being on the undead side of life she’s just an ordinary 30 something girl who doubts herself constantly but will do everything she can to help and protect those she cares about the most.
It’s going to be agony waiting for book 6 to be released…
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Although I’m obviously not part of the neverweird world I feel a bit of kinship with Lilith. She’s fiery and passionate but she makes plenty of mistakes and then owns those mistakes. Other than being on the undead side of life she’s just an ordinary 30 something girl who doubts herself constantly but will do everything she can to help and protect those she cares about the most.
It’s going to be agony waiting for book 6 to be released…
June 7, 2024
Aw Vi you keep on doing it to us - another fantastic episode in Lil's new existence. My only complaint is I want more and don't think I can wait until October for the next book.
Even more special for me this time as I went to Uni in Chester, spent time at Telford's Warehouse and walked every inch of the areas you mentioned.
I am intrigued to see if we ever meet some Scottish revenants, did I mention I'm up in Aberdeenshire...?
Even more special for me this time as I went to Uni in Chester, spent time at Telford's Warehouse and walked every inch of the areas you mentioned.
I am intrigued to see if we ever meet some Scottish revenants, did I mention I'm up in Aberdeenshire...?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
I've loved the whole five books so far and this doesn't disappoint at all. I love it.
In this one Lilith has to contend with Ivo and William scheming against her and a ghost of the City Chester having tantrums, but with her help, being reunited with her mother. While she also has to grow and mature in to her role and deal with other people coming on to the scene as well. It's all good fun and easy to read and enjoy.
In this one Lilith has to contend with Ivo and William scheming against her and a ghost of the City Chester having tantrums, but with her help, being reunited with her mother. While she also has to grow and mature in to her role and deal with other people coming on to the scene as well. It's all good fun and easy to read and enjoy.
January 11, 2025
The Dream Thief
Book 5 keeps up the insanely cracking pace Violet Fenn has set for herself and her characters. It can honestly be said that the reader has no idea of just how and where Lilith’s story will take her next. Filled with an ever expanding cast of remarkable characters The Netherweird Chronicles are also packed with clever and subtle references from STP to Basil Fawlty than the reader will delight in successfully recognising.
Book 5 keeps up the insanely cracking pace Violet Fenn has set for herself and her characters. It can honestly be said that the reader has no idea of just how and where Lilith’s story will take her next. Filled with an ever expanding cast of remarkable characters The Netherweird Chronicles are also packed with clever and subtle references from STP to Basil Fawlty than the reader will delight in successfully recognising.
May 8, 2025
After the first book, I am hooked!!!
Ah, the Netherweird just keeps getting weirder?!
It seems that Chester is unsettled and our favourite dead Queen needs to pull her finger out and figure how to calm it's knickers!
But also, it seems that the coffee shop has it's own poltergeist 👻 that's liking throwing things about 😮
Each and every character in these books are wonderfully rounded out and, well, alive.
Off to the book 😁😁😁
Ah, the Netherweird just keeps getting weirder?!
It seems that Chester is unsettled and our favourite dead Queen needs to pull her finger out and figure how to calm it's knickers!
But also, it seems that the coffee shop has it's own poltergeist 👻 that's liking throwing things about 😮
Each and every character in these books are wonderfully rounded out and, well, alive.
Off to the book 😁😁😁
September 17, 2025
I'm deeply enjoying that the 'big showdown' in these books turns up a few chapters before the end. It means Violet can describe the aftermath of our heroine's actions, and there is lots of aftermath, is described rather than a quick finish off the story and the next book picks up 3 months later. We get to see how she and her friends manage to come to terms with the inevitable damage her actions cause.
Also, last chapter in this one, AT LAST! I knew it was coming but so happy it's now 'on'.
Also, last chapter in this one, AT LAST! I knew it was coming but so happy it's now 'on'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Another excellent installment of The Netherweird Chronicles. Lilith is starting to be more open to the idea that the crown belongs to her, but is still resistant to taking on the paperwork. There's trouble in Chester and Bella takes flight. As is usual when I read a Netherweird book, I cantered through it laughing and gasping at story, and delighting at the historical nuggets and Pratchett references. And will shortly settle down and reread it at a gentler pace.
June 8, 2024
Brilliantly addictive
Through all the books in this series we see Lilith finally become comfortable in her own skin and being "Queen".
Chester goes weird (well, weirder than usual) Bella kicks ass, Flora's is busy and are those OAP ninjas?!?
A must read for fun, laughs and a good punch up! Can't wait for the next book!!
Highly recommend!
Through all the books in this series we see Lilith finally become comfortable in her own skin and being "Queen".
Chester goes weird (well, weirder than usual) Bella kicks ass, Flora's is busy and are those OAP ninjas?!?
A must read for fun, laughs and a good punch up! Can't wait for the next book!!
Highly recommend!
August 1, 2024
I love this series!! Lil's character development jumped leaps and bounds with this installment which was lovely to read. Otherwise, however, not much happened. Introduction of a few new characters, most of which didn't seem to serve any purpose to the story. Wonderful twist at the end with Grimm that has me very much looking forward to the next book but this was my least favorite thus far.
October 28, 2024
Fantastic urban story
Love this series SO much.
Great characters, Story, plot and fantastic use of history.
This series has had me laughing out loud so many times.
A fantastic read, can't recommend it enough!
Can't wait for 6, which is not showing on Amazon as of yet - panic! Trusting it will appear soon 😧
Love this series SO much.
Great characters, Story, plot and fantastic use of history.
This series has had me laughing out loud so many times.
A fantastic read, can't recommend it enough!
Can't wait for 6, which is not showing on Amazon as of yet - panic! Trusting it will appear soon 😧
June 9, 2024
Perfect
You would expect by the 5th book that the stories would become predicable and a bit flat. Hell no, gripping as always, I learnt more about historical figures and local sites. Best surprise is at the end. Thank you Violet.
You would expect by the 5th book that the stories would become predicable and a bit flat. Hell no, gripping as always, I learnt more about historical figures and local sites. Best surprise is at the end. Thank you Violet.
June 15, 2025
my review 2 stars. ok
The only thing i liked about The Dream TheIf at the end of the book, red was able to hear/communicate with grimm. What i didnt like about the Series is that she can talk to the city in her head or they talk to her. i found it very cringey.
The only thing i liked about The Dream TheIf at the end of the book, red was able to hear/communicate with grimm. What i didnt like about the Series is that she can talk to the city in her head or they talk to her. i found it very cringey.
January 14, 2025
Can't wait for book 7
March 16, 2025
Love this series
Brilliantly written, well thought out characters especially the lead one juggling everything her afterlife deals her. Difficult to put down once started.
Brilliantly written, well thought out characters especially the lead one juggling everything her afterlife deals her. Difficult to put down once started.
June 10, 2024
I have loved all five of these books, they are an easy but very entertaining read and with a bit of history thrown into the mix. I rarely look forward to the next book in a series however I preordered this book for both myself and my youngest daughter. When is the next one due please?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews