Dreams so Wicked

by E.J. Rekab

When dreams become weapons, everyone becomes a target...

Hi, my name is Meryn “Rynn” Uttland and I am wholly unremarkable. A decade ago, half the population was wiped out by a nasty plague and the other half turned into some form of supernatural creature: vampire, faerie, or witch. But not me. Nope, I'm among the unlucky five percent who received no benefits from surviving the plague. Not even the ability to conjure a measly flower.

Or so I thought.

When I visit the infamous Dreamweaver Café hoping to find the inspiration it promises, I share a dream with an enigmatic stranger who connects with my mind in a way no one else ever has. And, shockingly, I discover powers within myself that I never knew existed.

Maybe I'm not so unremarkable, after all.

But with great power comes great nuisances, because I soon find myself targeted by two opposing groups. The dreamweavers, a subset of witches known for their ability to manipulate dreams, loathe vampires and have a distinct interest in my powers to further their own agenda. And then there's a rowdy gang of vampires led by the mysterious, affluent Dever Kraven, whose distrust of weavers runs deep and who, frankly, seems a little obsessed with me since we shared that dream. But I don't care how insanely good-looking he might be. He's a Kraven, and the Kravens are known for being nothing more than a bunch of slimy, swindling billionaires who don't care who they hurt in their quest for more money. Surely, he's a terrible person.

But are the weavers any more trustworthy? Because they seem a little too cult-y for my liking. And in a post-plague world populated by bloodsuckers, shifters, and mind invaders, one wrong move could lead to devastating consequences... and spark an entire war.

No pressure, am I right?

DREAMS SO WICKED is a dark, fated mates fantasy romance set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with magic, supernatural politics, dangerous love, and deadly secrets.

Genres: Fantasy

Unknown Binding

About the author

E.J. Rekab also publishes as Elizabeth J. Rekab.

Elizabeth "E.J." Rekab is an author of YA & NA paranormal, fantasy romance, and science fiction, including the dark fairytale retelling series THE SYTHEA CHRONICLES, and the YA supernatural thriller series THE REAPER TRILOGY, which international best-selling author E.E. Holmes calls, "A truly unique paranormal thrill ride."

When she's not writing, she's either searching for her next travel destination or hanging out with her Yorkipoo, cats, and Senegal parrot at her home in Florida.

You can visit Elizabeth online at http://www.elizabethjrekab.com

Reviews

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. We meet Rynn and her sister Callie post the turning. Rynn has no supernatural abilities but her sister became an energy vampire. Ryan works in a coffee shop and uses a pseudonym name to write for thr paper and she goes to weaver cafes to help with inspiration. Then one time she is in a dream and a very handsome man is in it but thr man doesn't know how she got in his dream then poof she wakes up before schedule. We then meet vampire Dever, who has found his fated mate in the dreamworld. This beautiful woman showed up in his dream and then he's awake and chasing her down the street. Rynn doesn't know what to make of it. The receptionist from the weaver xafe comes to her door to tell her that she's a weaver and a strong one as there is no way for her to come out of thr dreamscape all on her own. Dever supports the vampires by finding food sources for them as the weavers have it out for them. He does his best to help after his father did nothing but bring people down and abuse power. Rynn is blindfolded and taken to the weaver compound so she can meet Eve, the head weaver. They test her abilities and find out she is very strong and Eve wants to use it to her advantage. Meanwhile Dever and Rynn spend time together and he explains what it means to be mates and that they need to complete the bond. Rynn helps the weavers but realizes she wants no part of their evil plan and label her a traitor. Dever will do anything to keep Rynn and her sister safe when there is a war brewing. Will they be able to defeat the weavers or will they become the next victims in their plan?

[zoereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams so Wicked is a fresh twist on fantasy romance, diving into a world with several different species and political/societal happenings. Tropes include fated mates, power awakening, secrets, and forbidden romance.

The world building in this book is extremely unique, which is very refreshing from typical fantasy romance settings. I really enjoyed getting to explore all of the nuances of both the world and the characters, including the societal and political conflicts the book focuses on.

The banter between the main characters was also a highlight, and I found myself looking forward to their interactions.

Highly recommend!

NOTE: I received book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kreela · Rating 3 out of 5]

fter a plague called the Dark Turning, humans either turned into another paranormal or died. Lucy survived thinking she was human, poor, and orphaned with a sister to care for.

Lucy was the journalist pseudonym for Meryn. As the older sister, she felt obligated to find odd jobs while Callie, only 14, was remarkably self-supporting as an energy vampire.

When Meryn tried to gain some inspiration through a shared dream experience, she discovered a newfound ability to control dreams. The vampire who accused her of tinkering, Dever, didn’t care, but the witches sure did.

And this is where things got interesting. The dream witches lived in a commune, growing purple flowers and practically braiding each other’s hair. They wanted her power enough to threaten her and bribe her. Unfortunately, these same witches were the same ones attempting to eradicate vampires. And the vampires were being starved.

Meryn only had her power because she and Dever were fated mates, so their powers amplified with the bond. Her bond with Dever conflicted with the Witch’s blackmail and tricks forcing her to influence lawmakers against the vampires. What to do?

The Romance:

This is a mildly amusing urban fantasy rather than a fated mate romance. It’s not my favorite of Rekab’s stories, mostly because Meryn drives me crazy. She questions everything and refuses to listen to reason. It makes her seem childish. For example, “There you go answering questions with more questions.” I like her sister better.

In addition, I did not like the dual POV. I know most readers do, so keep that in mind. The romance was sweet and uncomplicated.

I had to think about this for a while, wondering why I was having trouble finishing. Both characters had family and friends and external factors beyond the relationship, which is wonderful. Dever, however, just felt flat to me, as a character. Thus, I fell for the plot more than the romance.

If you don’t mind that, for a fan of enemies-to-lovers, it may be a nice weekend read.

He calls her “Little Bird.”

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, thrilling, and extremely unique!

After a plague wiped out half civilization and the survivors gained supernatural abilities, this book looks at a post-apocalyptic world of vampires, shifters, fae, witches and dreamweavers just trying to survive. With new governing politics and laws all revolving around a post-apocalyptic scenario where people either gained supernatural abilities and their loved ones possibly didn't survive, it's on the brink of war and at the center of the madness are two people who meet within a dream. Two individuals who might be the answer to this unique world and the salvation of this chaotic world. 

Dever Kraven and Rynn Uttland have never met until they both enter a dream together. The entire world that has made this possible or why people even share dreams is fascinating, but I won't spoil why Dever and Rynn finally do meet. I'll just say that Rynn hasn't displayed any unique capabilities since the plague so she believes she's a normie up to this point. Whereas, Dever is a vampire, but he's also part fae, which is rare, but hybrids are known to occur. Once these two do meet, the book is off and running and it's non-stop action from then on. I loved the wit and banter between them, especially Rynn's sarcasm...she's got grit, especially after everything she's been through.

While this book mainly focuses on vampires and dreamweavers, who fall under the witch realm, there are more paranormals that are mentioned, but only briefly for the sake of world building. I loved the character nuances between the different factions. The vampires have different types, such as daywalkers who feed off of energy or strictly those bound to the night which are your typical vamps. Dreamweavers gave off an almost culty vibe, which led to quite a bit of humor, but also to some of the most terrifying moments too. This world was elaborate and full of so many layers, for a fantasy world, it was very well built. 

[Moonburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since a plague wiped out most of humanity and turned the survivers into vampires, fae, and witches, Rynn has been taking care of her little sister all on her own. One day she shares a dream at the local dreamweaver cafe, where she encounters a mysterious vampire, Dever, who insists they are fated mates. Disturbed, Rynn breaks free of the dream, which reveals her latent dreamweaving abilities, and brings her to the attention of a local dreamweaver coven. The coven starts to encourage her to do riskier and illegal things to help bring about their own private agenda to starve out vampires. Meanwhile, Dever keeps popping up around her, trying to encourage her to accept him as her mate. Can Rynn figure out who she should trust before it's too late?

Rynn is a likable character. Being forced to raise her sister without receiving parental support herself has forced her to grow up faster, yet she still is somewhat naive. She knows she can be taken advantage of, and she tries to minimize her risk as much as she can. Despite her precautions, she still makes some rather unfortunate decisions, which is rather humanizing. On the other hand, Dever is also an engaging protagonist. He's plagued by guilt from some of his previous actions, as well as having to contend with his ruthless father's legacy. All in all, Dever just wants to support the vampire community, which is under risk of starvation due to more and more oppressive laws being passed. His determination for helping his fellow vampire is rather inspiring.

Overall Dreams So Wicked was an enjoyable urban fantasy that didn't quite become a fully dark fantasy. Some of the dream actions got a bit cartoonish, which undercut the seriousness of what was at stake and interfered with the book's overall tone. That being said, it was still a very enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been ten years since a plague killed half of the world's population, and the majority of the survivors were turned into supernatural beings. Except Meryn "Rynn" Uttland is among the five percent of the survivors who remained entirely human, unlike her younger sister who became an energy vampire. Barely able to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, Rynn goes to the Dreamweaver Cafe hoping to find a bit of inspiration but gets a lot more than she bargained for when it becomes apparent that she, herself, is a dream weaver witch. Dever Kraven was looking for a brief escape from the stress of running a billion-dollar empire, among other things. Only what should have been a relaxing experience turns into something much more meaningful when he realizes that the young woman who invaded his dream is his mate, and that she is also a dream weaver witch. Unfortunately, Dever is a vampire who needs blood to survive, and the leader of the Dreamweaver coven is determined to eliminate the vampire population.

Wow, I thought this was a wonderful book with well-developed characters and a fascinating new world where the paranormal were created by a virus that turned humans into the creatures they became after surviving the infection. Fascinating character that were all well thought out and with personalities that kept me engaged in their stories. Action, magic, paranormal creatures, and some unexpected twists in the plot. I think this is a must-read book and hope to read more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Book Sirens.

[neus.dreamybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't just a paranormal romance, this is like a dystopian paranormal story.

In this story we find a world were a pandemic brought some changes. And that changes are that some people died, some remained the same and some transformed to being paranormal people.

There are two types of vampires because among your normal vamp you find the ones that feed on energy and aren't killed by sunlight.

Also there are two types of Fae, the shifters and the winged who can conceal their wings.

And don't forget the witches, being the conjurers (can manipulate elemental matter) or the dreamweaver (can manipulate minds though dreams).

Dever is the leader of the blood vampires but he is also a winged fae hybrid, and he wants peace with all the species but there are political conspiracies that are making it difficult because they want to eradicate them.

Rynn thinks she is a normie and lives with her little sister who is an energy vamp. Thanks to going to a dreamweaver shop, she meets Dever who believes she is his mate and he will keep trying to gain her trust and make her accept their bond.

Rynn has trust issues and finding she is a weaver and they trying to win her for their own gain and the vampire's loss is making her mind blow up.

I really enjoyed this story with love, political conspirations and some plot twists I didn't see coming. And Dever is just a green flag wanting to be loved but masked like a bad and controlling vampire.

-ARC read-

[Lumie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and E.J. Rekab for the ARC.

Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5

Ending 4/5
Interest 4.5/5

Overall 4.25/5

-I actually found this book very entertaining. I really enjoyed the magic system and the kind of post-apocalyptic vibes it had with the plague and the powers arriving to each human. The distinction between weavers and vampires was also interesting with the sort of rivalry each group has with one another. The only issue is that I wish the other witches were more developed as well. The plot itself was fun to read but it sometimes felt like it was lacking a bit. As in the plot kind of took a step back to leave room for romance which I wish it didn’t do as much as it did.

-The characters were great individually. Although, I don’t really like the fated mates trope because I always feel like the potential for a really good slow burn is ruined by it and the characters needing to sleep together halfway through a book. This book could have kept a slower burn with Ryan refusing the mating bond at first and I felt like she gave in too fast.

-The ending had a very good plot twist which t be honest, I hadn’t expected. But at the same time, it din’t really surprise me. I would love to read the sequel to this book but I’m not really sure which direction the author could take, especially relationship wise for the characters.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the House of Dreams and Blood series about vampires and dream magic. Tropes and themes include fated mates, post-apocalyptic world, political intrigue, secrets, forbidden love, power awakening, and found. There are a number of spicy scenes =and some darker themes so please check the content warnings.

The Lovely: I loved the unique world of this story, from the post-apocalyptic setting to the dream magic. I’ve never read anything quite like it. In this world there are vampires, witches, Faeries and humans. The vampires and witches are in conflict with each other. It’s a captivating environment that left me wanting to solve the mysteries and puzzles.

Also Lovely: I also came to love the characters, including some of the side characters. There’s a fair amount of sass between the main characters and as the FMC tries to avoid the MMC, there are some truly funny quips. And hysterical “accidents” that had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an early copy and my thoughts are my own. The last bit of this book is wild with a big reveal about the characters. Like, oh, WOW. BANG. I loved how the conflict was resolved, making for a satisfying end, especially for the main couple.

[Leslie L. Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this excited at getting into something with a new twist on vampires, fae and witches and it *was* new. I enjoyed the plotline quite a bit. My problem lay with connecting with the characters. I liked them but I just couldn't love them. I wasn't getting that feeling of 'I can't wait to get back to my book and see what's happening to Rynn and Dever now'. The story was well laid out, the plot had a new twist, there were surprises in the storyline, it was well edited, but was it just missing that something that excited me about it. I gave it three stars because it was a solid effort and others may not share my ho-hum opinion about it. I read a *lot* so it really has to bring something extra special to the table to excite me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sonia Dille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the House of Dreams and Blood series about vampires and dream magic. A plague has been set upon the world and not only did it take out half the human population but also a good majority of animal life as well. Survirors became a mutated version falling into categories of Vampires and Fae, leaving only a small five percent of "normies" or non magical humans.

Tropes and themes include post-apocalyptic world, fated mates, secrets, forbidden love, power awakening, and political measures.

While the story took me in and I found the book hard to put down, I wish there were more play with the side characters BUT maybe that will come in the following stories in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this interesting take on vampires and witches. It tells of a time where a plague hit and people became vampires and fae and witches. But instead of all things rosy and trying to live after the catastrophe, there is drama, and hatred leading up to mayhem. So of course Rynn who thinks she is one of the fraction of normals finds out she is not, has a fated mate, and drawn into all the drama. I loved Rynn's character and her pessimism of everyone as she becomes the star of it all. I have to say everyone she meets as the story plays out are all nuts in different ways and loved watching it all. A few surprises, twits and fun around every chapter. Had to see ho wit would all play out and was not disappointed.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Dreams So Wicked. I loved the world that the author built for the book. I enjoyed their take on vampires and the other supernatural species and the premise of a plague that caused it all. I thought the Dream magic was especially well done and such a fascinating idea. Rynn and Dever are interesting characters. They have solid chemistry together, and both are well-developed individually. The storyline is engaging, and everything comes together to make this a deeply engrossing book. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, and I highly recommend this book for fans of darker paranormal fantasy romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting slant on the apocalypse. I loved the story about dreamweavers and vampires.

A plague has arrived and people either die of the plague or turn into dreamweavers, vampires or occassionally stay normal (a normie) and not have any supernatural powers.

Meryn “Rynn” Uttland believes she is one of the latter. She has never displayed any supernatural powers even though her sister has become a vampire. However, she is wrong.

This story got me in and I found the book hard to put down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bronte Alfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, I’ve never read fantasy like this before (dreamers/weavers) really interesting take. The world building was easy wrap my head around. I did find it hard to remember the amendments in the beginning of the book but it did not deter me from eating up this story ! my heart rate was probably through the roof with all the constant twists and turns and the plot twisted alright. The author, Elizabeth, sure knows how to create a villain or villains that make you utterly detest their name appearing on the page. My heart was elated and sore and I went through an emotional rollercoaster with our main characters. Cannot wait for the next instalment!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read for me, the story was interesting with twists and turns that kept it surprising and the characters had depth. We got to witness the relationship between the two main characters grow and deepen. They both made mistakes and had issues they needed to work through which just added to the depth of the book.

The only issue I had with this book is that it sometimes got bogged down in the details, it made for some slow reading sections. This was minor though, overall the book was quite good and I recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Charli Parvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I enjoyed this book - it’s a twist on the usual romantasy genre, with mentions of mates, different classes of supernatural beings and a cheeky little twist that I didn’t see coming.
There were a couple of spelling mistakes (this was an early copy so I imagine the final version will have that sorted) but it was a very pleasant read and I look forward to more of this author’s work in the future!

*I was gifted a copy of this book as an ARC in return for providing an honest review on it*

[MRS G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest book from the phenomenal author Elizabeth J Rekab.

A scary new world where only a minority are normal humans. Almost everyone else has either died a horrible death, or turned into vampires and faerie folk!

As if this isn't bad enough, there is underlying resentment and hatred brewing between the various factions.

This book was pure pleasure to read. The main characters are witty and interesting. Plenty of juicy meat on the bones to get your teeth into.

What's not to love.

🌟DON'T MISS OUT! 🌟

[Mica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to start with this being a good 3.5 almost four. Took me a bit to get into the storyline. And that's at no fault to the author it's just me. However once I got further along and the story blossomed more it was so interesting. I'm really hoping in all honesty that there's a second book I just feel like there should be. I really like the characters. I liked how this wasn't your stereotypical supernatural paranormal kind of story. I would recommend this.

Note: I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. In some ways it was similar to others in the paranormal genre but in others quite different (or perhaps I need to read more). I liked the Vampires versus the Weavers aspect. Parallels could be drawn with modern day life whether it is racism, misogyny, or political or good versus evil.

I really liked the concept here and found the characters to be entertaining. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy paranormal books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires, dreamweaver, fae…. Like there’s more but do I need to keep going. Can I be Little Bird please? Can you come find me please? What I need to express is i couldn’t stop reading this book from the moment i started it. The story is captivating and luring. This book is possibly one of my favorite for 2024. Definitely wanna dive in the world and tell the Author to take me away!!!!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tracy Booktalk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is a new author I have never read and I am so glad Book Siren’s sent me this book to ARC read. It held me in its clutches with the many highes and lows I experienced as it reached my core and brought so many feelings to the forefront. The love for her sister was ingrained into the book so perfectly it was profound how I just knew no one and nothing ( not magic, nor magical creatures,

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in the series and what a terrific read this was. If you are into stories with supernatural beings, this is the one. It has everything you could possibly want. Very different and involved tale taking place after a plague changes the world. First I have read of this author's and I am really looking forward to book 2.
I received this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Dreams so Wicked,” by E. J. Rekab

The story plot and characters were good, but I wouldn’t really say this book was very post-apocalyptic, it just didn’t give me a lot of those vibes. It was interesting if you want a forbidden romance and some family drama. I liked the whole cult part of the plot. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Fated Mates
-Post-apocalyptic
-Magic
-Vampires, Fae

Thank you for the ARC, Booksirens.

[Veilofpain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a free arc copy in return for a review this is my review

Really good read , exciting storyline few twists that I never saw coming that’s always a delight. Pulled me in had me on the hook from the first few pages . Little bit of repetition on describing items was. Little annoying but could be looked over. The characters were very interesting and dynamic. Would I read this again , yes would I recommend anyone to have this on their tbr yes absolutely well earned 4**** from moi.

[Kerin Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so so good! It’s like dystopian meets urban fantasy. Fated mates!!!! I love how different it is from anything I’ve ever read before! Vampires, fae, humans but none were born this way. The government system is completely interesting! Billionaire powerful MMC- good heart with a touch of morally gray. Touch her a die vibes. FMC strong but struggling taking care of her sister. So so so good! What would you do if everything you knew was not what you thought it was? -Kerin

[Ashleigh Morley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dreams so wicked by E. J. Rekab

I really liked the characters and the world that they lived in but I really struggled with this book.
I struggled to want to pick it up, despite liking the characters and feeling invested in their journeys.
I know that this is a me problem and not the authors fault, I just struggled to connect with the story.

I received a copy of this book as an ARC in return for my honest opinion.

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might just be my new favorite book by Rekab, and I've loved everything of hers that I've read. Rynn and Dever were both such fantastic characters. The post-apocalyptic/urban fantasy world created here was really complex and well done, and I'm both super excited to see what else she has in store for the world, and worried for what horrible things she's going to put her characters through before the end of the series.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly i have to say that i Loved it! The main characters are well put together and came across as someone you'd pass on the street- real. Rynn had some ' give your self a shake girl' moments where I was telling her no no no don't be doing that! The supporting characters were all really good too and the book finished up neatly but also left you wondering if there would be more.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

So half the world dies and most of the rest turn into special people. But being a normie raising a kid sister and just trying to pay the bills, is also pretty special. Loved the story and really looking forward to reading any other books that come!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily