Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dreamteller

Rate this book
An heiress with everything to lose. A prophecy she never asked for.
A glimpse of the past with the power to change the future.
Lady Shannyn was raised to rule.

But when a vision of the past uproots a buried betrayal, her secured future unravels.

Spies whisper in the halls, assassins lurk in the shadows, and secrets fester behind silk-draped smiles, but rebellion isn’t the only danger in Megara.

A masked archer, a man cloaked in mystery, might be the only one who can help Shannyn uncover the truth—if she dares trust him.

Every step closer to the truth brings new enemies and every choice demands a sacrifice. Shannyn finds herself stepping into a prophecy that could save her kingdom—or destroy it.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

82 people are currently reading
519 people want to read

About the author

K.D. Shade

1 book41 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
247 (67%)
4 stars
97 (26%)
3 stars
18 (4%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
Profile Image for Chloe ˚୨୧⋆。 🦢.
66 reviews38 followers
December 27, 2024
this is what I need in a book, it was absolutely perfect! the prologue had me hooked from the beginning.

I love how this took place in the medieval century as you see a complete different insight and the drama between Quinn & Shannyn just kept me even more intrigued and I found myself unable to stop myself turning the pages because the storyline never seemed to falter, everything kept you on the edge of your seat and this is the exact definition of an amazing YA Medieval Fantasy❤️

I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this book once it’s released and have it beautifully propped up on my book shelf, 100% recommend this YA Fantasy to any new Fantasy readers or Fantasy readers that want to delve into an medieval era fantasy!
Profile Image for Danae Cherry.
14 reviews
September 10, 2024
AHHH this book😭where do I start?!

I think you can tell a book is good if you’re willing to lose sleep to read it late night, and that was this book for me. So well-written and the pacing was *chef’s kiss*

Okay, let’s start with the vibes:

it’s giving ✨Robin Hood✨

it’s giving ✨The Princess Bride✨

it’s giving ✨Tangled✨(?? but darker)


I loved that this book was spice-free enough to truly be YA (so rare and refreshing nowadays), but also was juuust dark and gritty enough (violence/peril-wise) to not be too fluffy or unrealistic. A perfect balance!

Two more things I loved:

-the character development! (to avoid spoilers…RAFO!)

-the romance (I’m really not a big romance fan, but this one got me!) so much fantasy romance is really shallow and unrealistic these days, but this one was just so good!!

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A fantastic debut novel!
Profile Image for Tyrean.
Author 65 books96 followers
August 20, 2024
Danger, court intrigue, assassins, a princess, a rebellion, and a lost heir - the perfect combination for an exciting fantasy read with a princess. From the first chapter, I knew I would love this book. The prose is beautiful, the character development is excellent, and the story has some great twists and turns.
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,199 reviews17 followers
August 19, 2024
Rich story telling at it's best!

I started this book one mid-afternoon with the intent to read it slowly over the next couple of days. Instead I stayed up late devouring the entire 340 pages in one day! The story is captivating from the first page an is filled with action and twists in the plot. Characters are well developed and interesting and are relatable.

Princess Shannyn's life is scripted and controlled by her Aunt Athaliah - the Queen by default. However, her carefully guarded life is anything but perfect and the world she knows is about to take a turn when she decides she must reach out to someone about the dreams that keep her up at night, that are causing her to wonder about the world around her. A trip outside the castle walls is all it takes for the lies to begin to crumble as Shannyn sees first hand the brutality of her aunt's rule.

Athaliah has a plan. Kill the king, kill the heir and kill the heir and kill her other brother. Simple. She wants control. And the assassin she hires to fullfill the deadly duties and keep her hands clean has one price - the hand of Lady Shannyn when she comes of age for marriage. Simple. Eliminate all her opposers, take control and rule with an iron fist. However, the dreamteller has a message for the newly appointed queen who's left a bloodbath in her wake - his fate is tied to hers, the person who kills him will likewise kill her. Her kingdom will fall. So she determines to send him into a sort of exile, protected from all people - she must keep him alive at all costs.

The assassin has done his job well and now he's come to collect payment. The hand of Lady Shannyn is to be his. He poses as a Lord, and is liked by all the ladies of the court, but Shannyn feels the evil that he exudes and her heart doesn't trust him even though her training says he is good.

The Archer - a masked man with startling eyes and a gentle heart. Assigned to put the rightful heir on the the throne. He's deadly with his bow and arrow, never missing a mark. But who is the man behind the mask? Where is he from and what secrets does he hide.

This book has it all. It is a must read for fantasy lovers and perfect for highschool age to young adults. An absolute delight to read.

I received an copy in exchange for an honest review.
1 review
August 28, 2024
Wow! I cannot believe this is a debut novel - it is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend. Shannyn lives the life of luxury in the palace with her aunt after being orphaned when her father was killed. A mystery unravels - who should she trust or love. And who can she share her dreamtelling gifts with. I love this story and was fully engaged from the first moment and absolutely love this story.
63 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2024
I loved the twist and turns in this story. The drama between Quinn and Shannyn kept me on the edge of my seat. The hard realities that Shannyn had to face pulled and your heart, especially rally with the difficulties she faced growing up loosing her father and only having a cold aunt guardian made her I to the woman she becomes.
Profile Image for Kashena Dykeman.
94 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this YA fantasy. It had some light romance, betrayal, lost heir, visions, and action. It wrapped up nicely, in my opinion. Honestly, it's just a great read. Do it!

Also, this is K. D. Shade's first book! I am so happy that I stumbled upon it and can't wait to see what she may write next!
84 reviews
August 31, 2024
This was a highly engaging and inventive book. Mrs. Shade struck a wonderful balance between character development and action. It was well written overall and I would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Alena Walker.
198 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2024
Dreamteller by K.D. Shade is a must read! You will be hooked from the beginning. I’m 29 years old. I haven’t read a YA novel in a few years and this one had me hooked in the first chapter. You can feel the deceit by chapter 2. You know something’s off but not sure what. By chapter 5 you begin to see the truth in small bits (it’s perfectly drawn out). By chapter 14 IT IS INTENSE! Your jaw will be dropping. The TWIST! Oh my goodness. Around chapter 20 you will want to scream for Shannyn to just speak up and tell people what she’s withholding. Then chapter 28 comes along and it’s intense. I can feel the worry and tension, my hearts pounding. I have to continue. The last two chapters will blow your mind! The twist of events, THE ENDING! I can say this is one of my favorite reads this year. I will recommend this to anyone who loves a good fantasy story. I loved this book and pray K.D. Shade writes another story for these wonderful characters. I’m in love! Without spoilers, you will fall in love with so many characters and come to deapise some more. The character growth is perfect. The plot has so many twist and turns you’ll always be guessing. It is a must read in my opinion. I give it all the stars!
1 review
August 27, 2024
Dreamteller is an excellent young adult fantasy novel with a setting that is recognizable and easy to understand while being just different enough to not feel stale. The plot is also a very well done version of more or less what you'd expect from a YA fantasy novel while still leaving questions you want answered and playing very well on the emotional beats of the story. But where this novel really shines is in it's characters, every character feels real and three dimensional even if we don't see enough of many of them to know what other dimensions they have I never doubted that there was more. This is most obvious in the main cast and especially Shannyn where despite her being far from a faultless decision maker it always felt like her decisions made sense with who she was and what she had experienced and never fell into the all to common trap of characters making bad decisions to progress the plot.
Profile Image for India (ChaptersAfterDark).
191 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2024
A Spellbinding Tale Full of Twists, Turns, and Endless Intrigue

What a book! Dreamteller is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions, packed with twists, turns, and a cast of characters that will keep you thoroughly entertained. This story has it all: a determined princess, a fake Monarch, rebellious forces, and a long-lost heir—honestly, what more could you ask for?

From the moment you dive into the first chapter, you're completely sucked into the rich world K.D Shade has crafted. The plot is layered with intrigue, and just when you think you’ve got things figured out, a new twist throws you off balance, pulling you even deeper into the story. It’s one of those books that keeps you hooked from start to finish, with each chapter building up suspense and unraveling new mysteries.

The characters are truly the heart of this story. They’re well-developed, and so full of life that you can’t help but root for them through every challenge they face. The emotional depth of their journeys—particularly the sacrifices they make—adds a powerful layer to the story that resonates long after you’ve turned the last page.



I would highly recommend Dreamteller to anyone looking for a beautifully crafted story full of emotion, excitement, and unforgettable characters. It’s perfect for young adults and anyone who loves a good mix of fantasy, adventure, and romance.

Tropes featured:
- Hidden Identity
- Royal Intrigue
- Rebellion
- Long-Lost Heir
- Sacrifice for the Greater Good
- Found Family
- Slow Burn Romance

Whether you're a fan of epic fantasy or simply love a story that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read.

Get ready to be swept away by a tale of bravery, love, and the power of staying true to oneself.
Profile Image for Angela.
39 reviews
August 20, 2024
I love a good Princess Saves the Day story and this did not disappoint. The pace was fast, there was always something happening with little nuggets of truth coming out at the exact right time to keep me hooked.
Our hero, Shannyn, has the gift of hindsight, she can literally access the past. One problem- she can’t control it. She can’t control when the visions come or how long they will last. One thing is certain- things aren’t as they appear at Court.
When present day starts to conflict with the visions of the past, Shannyn realizes that she must decide who she can trust: The Queen (her Aunt who has raised her since childhood) or the so-called-rebels who just tried to assassinate her.
Shannyn doesn’t sit back and watch the events unfold like a good princess should- she becomes a player in the game and seeks out the truth, even if that leads her to her own demise.
I love how this story shows the terrible things people do for power, and the mighty things that the powerless are capable of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah | Retro Girl Reads.
1,616 reviews92 followers
September 10, 2024
Lady Shannyn is the queen’s only surviving family member as well as the named heir to the kingdom of Megara. When she is given an unexpected gift, her eyes are opened to the truth of what is going on in her aunt’s court, which causes her to make choices she never thought she’d have to make in order to survive.

“Dreamteller” was an absolutely exquisite debut novel written by author K. D. Shade, full of lush world building and an epic storyline that had me hooked from start to finish. I thought Shade’s writing style was powerful and gripping, and I loved every second of this read.

This book was a truly well-written piece of young adult fantasy. It had moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cry, and even moments that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall (I didn’t, but I was tempted to!)

Shannyn was an intelligent, capable heroine who had a lot of fantastic character development. Despite the fact that she was sheltered from the worst of her aunt’s politics for the longest time, she started rebelling, calculating, and making truly noble decisions as soon as she realized the truth, and for that, I really respected her.

There were a lot of other characters in this novel as well, but it didn’t feel like too much. In fact, every character was important in their own way, even if I didn’t necessarily like them. The plot twists were shocking, the court politics were intense, and the romance was sweet. “Dreamteller” is a must for any young adult fantasy fan!
Profile Image for Megan Barnes.
131 reviews
August 29, 2024
This book had me up late because I couldn’t put it down. It is so full of twists, turns, danger and deception. It ripped my heart out. I cried and almost couldn’t see to keep reading through my tears. I didn’t know what to expect going into this read. (I’ve gotten to where if it has “tropes” or content I like and is clean, I’ll jump in blind.) I was NOT disappointed doing this either. Get your late night snack, comfy blanket, cup of coffee and tissues because you will need them.

Characters: Let me tell you. I love the change and growth in our FMC in the short period of time we are with her. Seeing her wake up to the lies she’s been told for the last 10 years, seeing the destruction of her people, being betrayed, and being strong enough and brave enough to do what was right and needed despite the struggle, pain, and dismal chances of her future turning out better. Every character flies off the page burning real in my mind as I watch the book play out in my head as I read. The relationships between the characters are so good especially with the twists as the story progresses. 👏

Plot: 🤯😱 I really don’t know what I can say that wouldn’t be a spoiler. I was on my toes and biting my nails the whole time. So good and so well done. But seriously, have tissues handy. 👀🤧

Content triggers/warnings:
No spice👏 but swoon
No cursing
Violence including torture, fighting, burning, and death
Profile Image for Tiffany Dickson.
9 reviews
September 2, 2024
Firstly, I want to note that I got this as a free ARC review copy to read from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily ☺️

This book is just WOW! Had me on the edge of my seat, tears, anger, shock, and all! I was feeling ALLLLL the feels. (I loved it so much that I bought the KU copy and will be ordering a physical copy!)

“A wise man once told me, the same Creator who gave us Dreamers and Dreamtellers to reveal the future and the past, writes our story even now. We each have a role to play, with losses and victories, but all is a part of the larger plan.”

Wooooo!!! That line hit! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

This story is one of a girl named Shannyn, who has the ability to see the past from Dreams. With that ability comes GREAT burden and sacrifice. She uncovers a deadly truth and has to make careful decisions, yet not without twists, turns, and a cost; but at what cost is she willing to go for the sake of the truth?

Facing assassins, arranged marriage to someone who is NOT who they seem- and set in medieval timing, warriors and all.

This book is surely a great read for anyone getting into fantasy or just wanting to add another to this much loved genre!
It will leave you as it did me- rereading it just to soak it in! You'll find yourself facing so many emotions- as well as wanting to devour this book from the very first page!


This is definitely a story I will read over and over.
10 reviews
August 25, 2024
A Riveting Arthurian Political Thriller with a Masterful Plot (No Spice)

When I say I devoured this book, I mean it. I read page one with the intention of reading a little before bed but soon found that I could not stop until my eyes were closing of their own volition.

K.D. Shade's debut novel is full of political intrigue, mystery, and suspense that had me hooked from page one. The author’s skillful storytelling weaves a compelling narrative filled with well-timed revelations and rich main character development.

The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of tension and clarity, delivering just enough information at the right moments to keep the reader eagerly turning pages. The character names are not only beautiful but thoughtfully chosen, adding a layer of elegance to the narrative.

Shannyn, the protagonist, stands out as a refreshing and strong lead who refuses to rely on ignorance as a shield. Her journey is both engaging and thought-provoking, making her a character that readers will remember long after finishing the book.

In this standalone novel, the story concludes in a satisfying manner, wrapping up all loose ends while leaving a lasting impression.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of political chaos and unraveling mysteries. K.D. Shade has delivered a gripping tale that combines intricate plotting with a respectable main heroine.
17 reviews
September 30, 2024
Bring on the world building and character development!

I didn’t really have any expectations going into this book because I didn’t even read the synopsis. I saw fantasy romance with tones of Merlin and Robin Hood in a Facebook description and I was in. (It reminds me very slightly of another story also but I just can’t quite put my finger on it. I’ll come back and edit if I can pinpoint it.) It took me a few chapters to really get invested but I appreciated the slow intro because it really built the world and helped to give you a sense of what Shannyn’s life looked like.

K. D. Shade took me on a fun little ride in her debut novel. Quinn, Shannyn’s annoying ex-best friend was a hoot and I was ready to ship Octavia off even encounter she had with Shannyn. Don’t even get me started on Adrian (I’m not going to spoil it for you, that’s just a ride you’ll have to take for yourself to figure out what I mean)! The banter between the supporting characters was fun and clean, the romance was clean and zero spice, and the violent scenes were very well depicted. Anytime there was violence, it wasn’t just like the blink of an eye and it was over. The author really settled in to give you a glimpse into what these characters were going through.

One thing I noticed myself saying over and over while reading this book was that the author REALLY knows how to describe exactly what she wants the readers to see and experience. Many times while reading other novels, my brain feels the need to fill in the gaps of the details. But Shade did a spectacular job of thoroughly detailing the beautiful things, like the castle areas, chapel, countryside, mountain area, etc, and even the emotions depicted. A beautiful movie was playing in my mind every moment I was reading. I can’t wait to get this on audio and would absolutely love if the author decided to expand this into a series.

I highly recommend Dreamteller and will definitely read anything produced by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Krislyn Lyon.
Author 7 books3 followers
August 29, 2024
The Dreamteller is a wonderful book! Obviously we'll plotted out from beginning to end. The author put a lot of thought into their writing. She feeds you plot secrets at just the right moments, giving surprise and delight right when you need it.

She writes her dark scenes well. They're engrossing and thought provoking. Her romance is light and believable. Her villain is a good villain.

There are also fun evil creatures known as Lith. They seem highly killable, like you're wandering around drugged velociraptors. I like the Lith a lot.

Knowledge of warfare and political posturing is sound. Also understanding of faith. Great stuff. And she doesn't hold back on who gets hurt and dies. War is hell, and she understands that.

A fun read! Satisfying and recommended for a rainy day :).
Profile Image for Nicole Day.
52 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2024
I'm very stingy with stars when I rate books and I don't give out 5 very often. I do not have the right words to adequately describe how much I loved Dreamteller by K.D. Shade. This book is "chef's kiss" amazing and I can't believe it is a debut book! The world and character building is fantastic. You love the characters you're supposed to love and really really hate the characters you're supposed to hate. The twists and turns keep you on your toes and, if you're able to put the book down (I couldn't once I started) you will come back as soon as possible and get lost in the world of Megara. I hope, hope, hope that this will not be the last book we see these characters in, I don't want to leave this world yet. But if I only get to return to Megara through rereads, I will happily do so and I will read everything KD Shade releases from here on out. Absolutely amazing!!
Profile Image for KyLee Zelfer.
50 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2024
I do not even know where to start with this book! From the prologue to the ending, I was absolutely hooked. I flew through the pages in less than 24 hours. This book follows Shannyn's tragic loss of her father, her life in court, and the events afterward. I was in absolute tears more than once reading this. These characters will absolutely get under your skin just to turn around and make you love them (well, most of them anyway). I really couldn't have asked for a better read. Absolutely beautifully written!
9 reviews
August 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this well written standalone!

It was so easy to be in the world K D Shade created, and to care for the characters. There's lies and secrets, risk and loss, and hope. The momentum keeps building throughout the book and I raced to the end. I was very happy to find hardly any typos. Just a note that there is quite a bit of death, one particular scene I found harrowing, and some torture. The only change I'd make is to add an epilogue, just because I love a glimpse into the future.
Profile Image for Amela El-Hadidi.
21 reviews
September 1, 2024
From the very first page, this book had me hooked and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The suspense was expertly crafted, creating a gripping narrative that made it impossible to put down. While I generally prefer romance to be a more prominent feature in the books I read, I found this story’s approach refreshingly effective.

The romance, though not the central focus, was subtly woven into the plot and developed beautifully towards the end. It was a charming addition that enhanced the overall experience without overshadowing the suspenseful elements.
Profile Image for Karen Davis.
12 reviews
August 25, 2024
I just finished reading and I want more 😍😍 I was holding my breath while looking at the page count to see if everything would be resolved. I would love to see a sequel. At first I was a little confused by all of the different names and the timeline but everything came together. I love medieval stories and seeing a protagonist work through their issues. There were a lot of twists.

It was an easy read and did not leave me depressed after I finished it. I hope to read more from this author. It was also awesome that she is local to me.

I received an ARC copy for my review.
Profile Image for Allison Neumann.
14 reviews
August 28, 2024
So good! I loved the story line! The plot kept me guessing and I was pleasantly surprised at the reveal! Great, easy read with twists and turns! It was exciting, and I was truly impressed with the character development!
Profile Image for David C. Lazarus.
96 reviews
August 28, 2024
I really enjoyed the book.
It was very well written, which is something I haven't said about too many books, and die to the fact it was well written, I didn't hate any characters. Too many authors fail in that criteria and purposely make the characters you aren't supposed to like awful, but K.D. Shade did something many authors don't do and wrote the characters perfectly.
I do think there could have been a bit more, but that doesn't affect the book in any way. I loved it.
I don't know if the book needs a second book, but I would really enjoy a side book about what happens next.
Profile Image for April Lehmann.
22 reviews7 followers
September 10, 2024
From the start, you are hooked. The story line goes along at a very smooth, steady pace to keep you wanting more. The characters are all well developed, making you feel exactly what you should for each one. Her descriptions hit the sweet spot-not lacking and not over the top, while the setting and the language are on point. If you’re looking for a clean, easy read with a mix of action, a little romance, betrayal, greed, and fantasy, look no further than The Dreamteller.
Profile Image for Patricia Rideout .
1 review
August 26, 2024
This book had me hooked from the very begining. An easy to read, fast paced, with a storyline that just flowed together nicely had me keen to pick it up and see what happened next every chance I had. The interactions between Shannyn and Quinn kept and hooked and seeing their relationship change over time. Shannyn grows as a person to become the hero the land needed and all without any battle training. Light on romance and packed with action, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Taylor Smith.
1 review
August 28, 2024
I can always tell it is a good book when I am still thinking about the characters and the plot when I have to put the book down to get things done that have to get done. I found myself running back to the book every chance I got! It definitely left me wanting more in the best way. I am craving another book. If it was a series I would definitely get on board! It was also inspiring and left me wondering if I too could create such a riveting story.
23 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2024
I have not stayed up all night for a book in a long time. This was so well paced, had me holding my breath repeatedly and was definitely well worth a night of no sleep. I love that for a book that wasn't that long, it didn't feel rushed and the main character had a good amount of growth

It's free on Kindle currently so guys please run to go get your hands on this wonderful standalone. You can thank me later!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.