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The Nightmare Novellas
Six novellas. Two hunters. One realm on the brink of war.
Ruhysvet is a world built on ruins. Spirits slink through the five kingdoms, pursued by the Order of Nightmares—hunters with a divine mission to purge the realm of malevolent phantoms.
Ren, a roving Nightmare, has no place to call home and has made peace with his loneliness. When he falls for a librarian whose home he was hired to cleanse, Ren sees something other than a solitary future—but as his past haunts him and a danger to the Order looms, Ren must decide if the happiness he’s found is worth what he’ll have to sacrifice to keep it.
Sanne Esclarmonde could have been queen, but surrendered her birthright to become a Nightmare hunter. She envisioned a life dedicated to the gods and the Order—but her hunt took her home, where she’s spent the last three years serving her cousin, the king of Jasniostvo. When she discovers an ancient evil lurking beneath the palace, one that endangers everything Sanne holds dear, she must choose what to her family, the Order, her gods, or herself.
Ruhysvet is a world built on ruins. Spirits slink through the five kingdoms, pursued by the Order of Nightmares—hunters with a divine mission to purge the realm of malevolent phantoms.
Ren, a roving Nightmare, has no place to call home and has made peace with his loneliness. When he falls for a librarian whose home he was hired to cleanse, Ren sees something other than a solitary future—but as his past haunts him and a danger to the Order looms, Ren must decide if the happiness he’s found is worth what he’ll have to sacrifice to keep it.
Sanne Esclarmonde could have been queen, but surrendered her birthright to become a Nightmare hunter. She envisioned a life dedicated to the gods and the Order—but her hunt took her home, where she’s spent the last three years serving her cousin, the king of Jasniostvo. When she discovers an ancient evil lurking beneath the palace, one that endangers everything Sanne holds dear, she must choose what to her family, the Order, her gods, or herself.
- GenresFantasy
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2024
24 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Kindig
3 books22 followersJ.N. Kindig has been writing since childhood, when she made construction paper books about the care and keeping of dragons and bound them with yarn. Her writing craft has matured since then, thankfully, but her love for fantastical stories has remained. She writes fantasy and speculative fiction that draws on elements of Gothic literature and horror, but that always has enough light to counteract the dark. Her work explores themes of belonging, power, and how devotion shapes who we are.
She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in English. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their dog, Luna.
She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in English. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and their dog, Luna.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 4, 2025
I would rate this book 3.5 stars. There were multiple things I really liked about it. First, I love the recommended and alternate reading order. I thought the framework for the book was very interesting and made the reader feel like an investigator. Sanne and Ren are both likeable, with their fair amount of flaws, which makes it easy to root for them and want to see them happy. The magic system is rooted in faith which gives it a unique spin you don't often see in fantasy. There's plenty of rich world building and explanation of the politics that divide the world, which I very much appreciate.
My biggest problem with this book, and why it's not rated higher, is the order in which *I* read it in. I understand it's a prequel, but I think this book would SHINE if read after the first or second book in the overall series. It makes me excited for the series, because I want to see what happens next for our characters, but reading it with no background context made it really hard to get into and care about the characters at first. I think if read later in the series, after knowing the characters more, it would be very interesting to see Ren and Sanne's beginnings, how Ren met Morgaine, and Sanne's relationship with Cassander and the Black Sun.
Overall, the Nightmare Novellas was a good read, I just think it would be much more riveting and shine brighter if read later on in the series instead of first. This does lend itself to different reading orders and interpretations of the series, depending on when you read the prequel, so I am excited to read the rest of the series and decide where I personally think The Nightmare Novellas fits best.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is 100% my own opinion
My biggest problem with this book, and why it's not rated higher, is the order in which *I* read it in. I understand it's a prequel, but I think this book would SHINE if read after the first or second book in the overall series. It makes me excited for the series, because I want to see what happens next for our characters, but reading it with no background context made it really hard to get into and care about the characters at first. I think if read later in the series, after knowing the characters more, it would be very interesting to see Ren and Sanne's beginnings, how Ren met Morgaine, and Sanne's relationship with Cassander and the Black Sun.
Overall, the Nightmare Novellas was a good read, I just think it would be much more riveting and shine brighter if read later on in the series instead of first. This does lend itself to different reading orders and interpretations of the series, depending on when you read the prequel, so I am excited to read the rest of the series and decide where I personally think The Nightmare Novellas fits best.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is 100% my own opinion
January 11, 2025
I don’t usually write book reviews but I’m making an exception! I really loved this book. The world-building is thorough without being overwhelming because the author put so much thought into the details (especially the outfits which were all amazing). The magic and religious systems are really interesting and the concept of the Nightmares is so unique. The structure of six novellas that can be read a few different ways is so cool and makes it even more exciting and appealing to re-read. Can’t wait to follow these characters into the next stage of their adventures!!!
January 9, 2025
This book was literally so good!! It kept me hooked the entire time. I am obsessed with Ren and Sanne...I wish I could meet them in real life. #aspiringnightmarehunter
Also, 100% recommend listening to the Spotify playlist while reading along it made the experience top tier!!!
Great Job J.N Kindig... Can't wait for the next book
Also, 100% recommend listening to the Spotify playlist while reading along it made the experience top tier!!!
Great Job J.N Kindig... Can't wait for the next book
November 18, 2024
This was an engaging read, offering two different reading orders: one suggested by the scribe and another by a fellow scholar. I opted for the scribe's order, starting with Ren’s story and then moving to Sanne’s. This allowed me to follow Ren and Morgaine’s relationship as it developed without interruption, which I really enjoyed. Both characters were strong and easy to connect with; Ren’s surprisingly soft heart and Morgaine’s fierce, stubborn spirit made their bond feel authentic. I enjoyed the first two novellas featuring Ren, but the third one felt a bit slower. In contrast, Sanne’s novellas brought more action and intensity, which I appreciated, especially as I connected with her internal struggle over her connection to Zdesna, the goddess of fear. However, the increased action in Sanne’s story did highlight the imbalance between the two plotlines; I would have enjoyed a more even distribution between the two characters. For example, a deeper dive into Ren’s experience in the Stained Palace would have helped, as his perspective there was only briefly touched on. Overall, I really enjoyed this D&D-inspired series and would love more background on the world and to see what happens next, especially since Sanne’s story seems to have more to explore. I could read a series of book dedicated to her story alone, to be honest!
November 24, 2024
*Thank you to J.N. Kindig for the e-arc!!!*
1. This author has one of the most creative minds I’ve read in long time. I found myself in AWE of their creativity, attention to detail, and captivating writing style. So, J.N. Kindig, 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 much applause for you, thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination with us!
2. I think this book will be fantastic to read later on in the series since it is six novellas. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series to see how these novellas fit in!!! (Reminds me of The Assassin’s Blade in Throne of Glass series)
3. I am in love with Ren and Sanne. That is all to say for now, I cannot wait to read more of them in the future!
4. This would be very enjoyable for fans of The Witcher! Lots of monster hunting and politics.
I am such a huge fan of this author and I cannot WAAAITTTT to see what they write in the future!
1. This author has one of the most creative minds I’ve read in long time. I found myself in AWE of their creativity, attention to detail, and captivating writing style. So, J.N. Kindig, 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 much applause for you, thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination with us!
2. I think this book will be fantastic to read later on in the series since it is six novellas. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series to see how these novellas fit in!!! (Reminds me of The Assassin’s Blade in Throne of Glass series)
3. I am in love with Ren and Sanne. That is all to say for now, I cannot wait to read more of them in the future!
4. This would be very enjoyable for fans of The Witcher! Lots of monster hunting and politics.
I am such a huge fan of this author and I cannot WAAAITTTT to see what they write in the future!
November 30, 2024
As a fantasy reader, I enjoy origin stories with detailed world-building, family lineage, legends, action, romance, and good character development. The Nightmare Novellas has all of that. I loved Ren when I first read “The Nightmare and the Knowing” in Out of the Cauldron, so I knew I would love having more of his story here. I didn’t know if I would love Sanne, but I fell in love with her story. She is such a well-written character and I can’t wait to read more of her story in the future. One thing I thought was very unique to this story was the religion-based magic, and I really thought this was a fascinating element of the world building, character development, and plot development. Overall, I thought TNN was very well written and I look forward to reading more in the future. I highly recommend JN Kindig’s writing to fantasy readers.
December 9, 2024
I received a e-arc copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My first thought after finishing it was where is the first book. This being the prequel was absolutely perfect for enticing me into the world and I want more of it! It was spooky but with heart and the end of the book was filled with political intrigue. Every choice that a character made in this book was well crafted to tell me more about who that character was and what they stand for. I thought it was masterfully written and I want more of it!
“I have a name, too, you know. You don’t have to call me ‘love.’” “I call everyone ‘love.’” He tilted his head in mock pity. “Why? Do you want to be the only one?”
This book follows two main characters Ren and Sanne as they choose two different paths after becoming full fledged ghost and monster hunters known as Nightmares. There is romance, political intrigue, betrayal, depictions of injuries, a complex religion based system, elves, and so much more!
My first thought after finishing it was where is the first book. This being the prequel was absolutely perfect for enticing me into the world and I want more of it! It was spooky but with heart and the end of the book was filled with political intrigue. Every choice that a character made in this book was well crafted to tell me more about who that character was and what they stand for. I thought it was masterfully written and I want more of it!
“I have a name, too, you know. You don’t have to call me ‘love.’” “I call everyone ‘love.’” He tilted his head in mock pity. “Why? Do you want to be the only one?”
This book follows two main characters Ren and Sanne as they choose two different paths after becoming full fledged ghost and monster hunters known as Nightmares. There is romance, political intrigue, betrayal, depictions of injuries, a complex religion based system, elves, and so much more!
November 21, 2024
Between masterfully written characters, weaving storylines, and genre bending themes (jumping between cozy fantasy romance and dark political action) the Nightmare Novellas is a fantastic read! The religion based magic system also works in tandem with great world building for a very immersive story. Six short stories split into varying POVs constantly subverts expectations in the most satisfying ways. This is a high recommendation for fans of Novik or Sapkowski, or fans looking for their next great fantasy escape! Especially those who love strong female leads and forced proximity romance!
November 27, 2024
The Nightmare Novellas intrigued me right from the start and had me hooked through to the very end. This is a refreshing original concept in dark fantasy storytelling. The set of six Novellas can be read in either of two orders, chronological or as written. I chose the latter, following Ren's story first, followed by Sanne's. I plan on reading it again in the chronological order just to see the different perspectives. I loved this concept! It's like you get two books in one!
The character development is so well crafted. I was fascinated by Ren, Sanne and Morgaine and adored the Umbrals, Reia and Kyr. The relationships between characters, the ways of monster hunting, the political intrigue and magic all combine to draw you in, wanting to know more. I was just so fascinated with this world and invested in the characters. I can't wait to see where the story takes us through the rest of The Ruhysvet Saga!
The character development is so well crafted. I was fascinated by Ren, Sanne and Morgaine and adored the Umbrals, Reia and Kyr. The relationships between characters, the ways of monster hunting, the political intrigue and magic all combine to draw you in, wanting to know more. I was just so fascinated with this world and invested in the characters. I can't wait to see where the story takes us through the rest of The Ruhysvet Saga!
November 27, 2024
THE BETRAYAL!! Did not see that coming! I love Ren and Tanglewood so much! The ORDER 110% gives Witcher vibes and I am here for it. Sanne is a BA lady and I love it. I read Ren's accounts then Sanne's in "in the book" order, versus the chronological. I think the chronological might have been more enjoyable, solely to keep Ren around a little more in the storyline (clearly, I just love him). I cannot wait to see what comes next!
November 21, 2024
J.N. Kindig delivers a masterpiece in The Nightmare Novellas. Each story is hauntingly unique yet intricately tied to the overarching plot, creating a dark and captivating world that's impossible to put down. The characters are richly developed, and the stakes are high as the hunters navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
The vivid descriptions and complex moral dilemmas make this a standout in dark fantasy. Whether you're drawn to atmospheric world-building or suspenseful, character-driven tales, this collection has something for everyone. A must-read for fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with grit and depth! ❤️
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is 100% my own opinion
The vivid descriptions and complex moral dilemmas make this a standout in dark fantasy. Whether you're drawn to atmospheric world-building or suspenseful, character-driven tales, this collection has something for everyone. A must-read for fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with grit and depth! ❤️
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is 100% my own opinion
November 9, 2024
The Nightmare Novellas is compiled of six stories about Nightmare Hunters, Ren and Sanne. There are two different ways to read it. 1) in chronological order or 2) Rens POV first and then Sannes. I read the second way and I enjoyed it. However I do plan to reread it the first way.
This book is a breath of fresh air for my fellow fantasy readers. The magic system is faith-based which is very interesting in itself (I can’t wait to learn more about it). The romance, magic, adventure and world building was fantastic. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading, itching to see what was going to happen next. This is an easy book to dive into and enjoy. 🖤
*thank you J.N Kindig for the opportunity to ARC read, this review is 100% my honest opinion*
This book is a breath of fresh air for my fellow fantasy readers. The magic system is faith-based which is very interesting in itself (I can’t wait to learn more about it). The romance, magic, adventure and world building was fantastic. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading, itching to see what was going to happen next. This is an easy book to dive into and enjoy. 🖤
*thank you J.N Kindig for the opportunity to ARC read, this review is 100% my honest opinion*
November 6, 2024
The Nightmare Novellas consists of six novellas divided between two character’s points of view (Ren and Sanne). There are two reading orders, which I think is such a fun way to bring diversity to how your readers enjoy the book, I chose the chronological order which alternates between the two character’s points of view.
I really really loved this book! The magic system, Nightmare order, and world building is all done so well. I really enjoyed how differently Ren and Sanne experienced the events of the story due to their own upbringing and different worldviews. I’m really excited to see where J. N. Kindig takes the story in any future work, I think she has the ability to write some amazing books!
And thank you for the opportunity to read my first ever arc! All thoughts and opinions on this book are mine and mine alone.
I really really loved this book! The magic system, Nightmare order, and world building is all done so well. I really enjoyed how differently Ren and Sanne experienced the events of the story due to their own upbringing and different worldviews. I’m really excited to see where J. N. Kindig takes the story in any future work, I think she has the ability to write some amazing books!
And thank you for the opportunity to read my first ever arc! All thoughts and opinions on this book are mine and mine alone.
July 9, 2025
If you like...
◦ origin stories
◦ fantasy (ghost hunting edition)
◦ deity-based magic system
◦ set in the fall & yuletide season
◦ spooky elements
◦ romance sub-plot
◦ characters working through genuine relationship conflict (love & loss)
◦ multiple POV
then this book is for you
Okay now locking in for the review. Kindig's debut novel is a collection of six interconnected short stories told from the perspectives of Nightmare hunters Ren and Sanne. The stories can be read in print order or chronologically. For this first read I chose print order, but I would encourage future readers to try chronological.
Ren's stories build on the complexity of relationships. Throughout his stories we witness this depth of learning to love vs. dealing with loss. In this short time with him, we see growth from the 'too big for his britches' attitude to 'I protect what is mine.' His stories are cozy love stories with spooky hunting elements.
Sanne's stories are dark (in the best spooky way). These three stories are action packed and are sprinkled with the harrowing side of Nightmare hunting (dealing head-on with the undead). She is alone yet bold. Bad ass but scared. Loyal but standoffish. How does she handle the unexpected? With her head held high!
These characters are real, they have flaws, and work through limitations and conflict. I love them for it! This prequel beautifully sets up a series that will be much anticipated (by me at the very least). I cannot wait to see how Ren & Morgaine's relationship weathers through this oncoming war. Or how Sanne ruminates on her involvement. So many complex things for me to uncover as a reader and I am HERE FOR IT! Bring on the mystery!!!
aslfhjkadsgl brain dump closing thoughts ! This is my formal request - can I be Sanne when I grow up? Also Ren + Morgaine is everything.
♡ Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! ♡
◦ origin stories
◦ fantasy (ghost hunting edition)
◦ deity-based magic system
◦ set in the fall & yuletide season
◦ spooky elements
◦ romance sub-plot
◦ characters working through genuine relationship conflict (love & loss)
◦ multiple POV
then this book is for you
Okay now locking in for the review. Kindig's debut novel is a collection of six interconnected short stories told from the perspectives of Nightmare hunters Ren and Sanne. The stories can be read in print order or chronologically. For this first read I chose print order, but I would encourage future readers to try chronological.
Ren's stories build on the complexity of relationships. Throughout his stories we witness this depth of learning to love vs. dealing with loss. In this short time with him, we see growth from the 'too big for his britches' attitude to 'I protect what is mine.' His stories are cozy love stories with spooky hunting elements.
Sanne's stories are dark (in the best spooky way). These three stories are action packed and are sprinkled with the harrowing side of Nightmare hunting (dealing head-on with the undead). She is alone yet bold. Bad ass but scared. Loyal but standoffish. How does she handle the unexpected? With her head held high!
These characters are real, they have flaws, and work through limitations and conflict. I love them for it! This prequel beautifully sets up a series that will be much anticipated (by me at the very least). I cannot wait to see how Ren & Morgaine's relationship weathers through this oncoming war. Or how Sanne ruminates on her involvement. So many complex things for me to uncover as a reader and I am HERE FOR IT! Bring on the mystery!!!
aslfhjkadsgl brain dump closing thoughts ! This is my formal request - can I be Sanne when I grow up? Also Ren + Morgaine is everything.
♡ Thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review! ♡
July 23, 2025
"𝕾𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖍𝖎𝖒 𝖆𝖘 𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖘, 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖕 𝖊𝖉𝖌𝖊𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖆𝖑𝖑, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖕 𝖊𝖉𝖌𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖎𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖉𝖔 𝖘𝖔 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖈𝖆𝖒𝖊."
“𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖒𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖇𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖎𝖙’𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕴 𝖉𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖜𝖆𝖎𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖓𝖞 𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗,”
The Nightmare Novellas has given me that high fantasy fix I've been missing since I read Priory of the Orange Tree. The world building was amazing, + the magic system is something I can't wait to read more about. This book was intense, and I found myself not being able to read fast enough to figure out what was happening. I had a few theories as to where everything was going, and most were wrong lol so it definitely kept on my my toes. There were definitely some nail-biting moments, some moments that made me cry, and moments that made me swoon.
Ren and Sanne are two incredible characters, and I can't wait to see what's next for them and the people they love.
Huge thank you to for the arc opportunity! I had such a fun time reading your book! All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone 🖤✨️
“𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖒𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙 𝖎𝖘 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖇𝖊𝖈𝖆𝖚𝖘𝖊 𝖎𝖙’𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚, 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕴 𝖉𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖙 𝖙𝖔 𝖜𝖆𝖎𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖆𝖓𝖞 𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗,”
The Nightmare Novellas has given me that high fantasy fix I've been missing since I read Priory of the Orange Tree. The world building was amazing, + the magic system is something I can't wait to read more about. This book was intense, and I found myself not being able to read fast enough to figure out what was happening. I had a few theories as to where everything was going, and most were wrong lol so it definitely kept on my my toes. There were definitely some nail-biting moments, some moments that made me cry, and moments that made me swoon.
Ren and Sanne are two incredible characters, and I can't wait to see what's next for them and the people they love.
Huge thank you to for the arc opportunity! I had such a fun time reading your book! All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone 🖤✨️
November 14, 2024
Rating: 3.50
An interesting read with unexpected mysteries and strong feelings.
Key words: fantasy - no spice - Supernatural vibes - hunters - found family - dark - adventurous - magic - monstrosities - mystery - slow & medium paced - third person dual PoV - emotional - death - gods and its religions.
This book is split up in 2 parts, each containing 3 short novellas, with the possibility of reading it in 2 ways. I read it in the order the author suggested.
First of all, the cover is so gorgeous! It contains such detailed elements of the story, love that!
Now about the content itself;
The total plot idea is very good and interesting. I really love the mystery and darkness, which has been integrated very well, It's very intriguing. I would say (for my brain) it has rather a complicated world-building. I had to read some parts multiple times to be able to follow. The difficult (but cool) names didn't help either :D. It does have many interesting elements and many loveable characters but also 1 character I feel heavy hatred for (I don't wanna give spoilers so I'll just give a hint: someone important in Sanne's story) but it is a great character for the story!
I have to say I had a hard time finishing it for 60% of the book. The first part was not really doing it for me. I had difficulties connecting with the story and the characters. I, for example, did not like Morgaine at all. The plot itself was plain at first. It only really caught (and kept) my interest following Sanne's pov, after Ren left.
Which means part 2 I REALLY enjoyed A LOT and there I had a hard time putting it down haha! :D The ending definitely has my attention and makes me crave for the next part of Sanne's story and her world. I would love to read the sequel.
It was very well written but the style is not fully up my alley, which ofcourse is a personal preference which has nothing to do with being a bad book. It's a GOOD book, especially Sanne's story I will not forget.
A bit of an insight in seperate ratings (gives a total of 3,63):
The town: 3
The Castle: 2.75
The Keep: 2.5
The Lady Nightmare: 3.75
The Eidolon: 5
The Shining Heretic: 4,75
Thankyou J.N. Kindig, for the opportunity you haven given me to read this as an advanced reader copy!
An interesting read with unexpected mysteries and strong feelings.
Key words: fantasy - no spice - Supernatural vibes - hunters - found family - dark - adventurous - magic - monstrosities - mystery - slow & medium paced - third person dual PoV - emotional - death - gods and its religions.
This book is split up in 2 parts, each containing 3 short novellas, with the possibility of reading it in 2 ways. I read it in the order the author suggested.
First of all, the cover is so gorgeous! It contains such detailed elements of the story, love that!
Now about the content itself;
The total plot idea is very good and interesting. I really love the mystery and darkness, which has been integrated very well, It's very intriguing. I would say (for my brain) it has rather a complicated world-building. I had to read some parts multiple times to be able to follow. The difficult (but cool) names didn't help either :D. It does have many interesting elements and many loveable characters but also 1 character I feel heavy hatred for (I don't wanna give spoilers so I'll just give a hint: someone important in Sanne's story) but it is a great character for the story!
I have to say I had a hard time finishing it for 60% of the book. The first part was not really doing it for me. I had difficulties connecting with the story and the characters. I, for example, did not like Morgaine at all. The plot itself was plain at first. It only really caught (and kept) my interest following Sanne's pov, after Ren left.
Which means part 2 I REALLY enjoyed A LOT and there I had a hard time putting it down haha! :D The ending definitely has my attention and makes me crave for the next part of Sanne's story and her world. I would love to read the sequel.
It was very well written but the style is not fully up my alley, which ofcourse is a personal preference which has nothing to do with being a bad book. It's a GOOD book, especially Sanne's story I will not forget.
A bit of an insight in seperate ratings (gives a total of 3,63):
The town: 3
The Castle: 2.75
The Keep: 2.5
The Lady Nightmare: 3.75
The Eidolon: 5
The Shining Heretic: 4,75
Thankyou J.N. Kindig, for the opportunity you haven given me to read this as an advanced reader copy!
December 1, 2024
It was an interesting and engaging read that had me looking forward to the rest of the series!
The Nightmare Novellas are a collection of 6 stories that follow Ren and Sanne, both Nightmare Hunters. The two reading orders (one that follows Ren and Sanne individually, and the other alternative reader order that followed them chronologically) was quite clever as well. For the simplicity of it, I chose to go with the order the stories were presented rather than reading in the chronological order (yes, I'm lazy). On top of that, the magic system and world building also felt very novel to me, which is really what kept me hooked.
The sole reason I didn't put in 5-stars was because, the very second that you start reading, you're quite literally thrust into the story (which isn't particularly a flaw). In a way, you're essentially going into the book as if you were a character in the story yourself, which I found to be quite refreshing: no blah-blahs or extensive paragraphs introducing the world. Nope! Anyway, this also gave me a bit of a "you're leaving the house in the middle of winter and a gust of wind slaps you in the face"-type of whiplash. I felt like I was missing a bit of information going in (again, not necessarily a bad thing!). This is, regardless, a wonderful way of setting the groundwork for the rest of the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
The Nightmare Novellas are a collection of 6 stories that follow Ren and Sanne, both Nightmare Hunters. The two reading orders (one that follows Ren and Sanne individually, and the other alternative reader order that followed them chronologically) was quite clever as well. For the simplicity of it, I chose to go with the order the stories were presented rather than reading in the chronological order (yes, I'm lazy). On top of that, the magic system and world building also felt very novel to me, which is really what kept me hooked.
The sole reason I didn't put in 5-stars was because, the very second that you start reading, you're quite literally thrust into the story (which isn't particularly a flaw). In a way, you're essentially going into the book as if you were a character in the story yourself, which I found to be quite refreshing: no blah-blahs or extensive paragraphs introducing the world. Nope! Anyway, this also gave me a bit of a "you're leaving the house in the middle of winter and a gust of wind slaps you in the face"-type of whiplash. I felt like I was missing a bit of information going in (again, not necessarily a bad thing!). This is, regardless, a wonderful way of setting the groundwork for the rest of the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
November 6, 2024
The nightmare novellas is a set of six novellas split between two nightmare hunters point of view, with two different suggested reading orders by the Author. I decided to read the novellas in chronological order, which alternates between the two POVs rather than in the order the book is laid out in which would cover Ren's story first and then Sanne's.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Between the fundamentals of how nightmare hunting works, the nightmare hunters magic, and the world building around it all I was hooked. When switching back and forth I found that there was something in Sanne's story and background that was particularly riveting and had me wishing if only this author had already published a full novel about Sanne to expand upon.
As I reflect I really hope that the author ties up a few mysteries when they get to writing the next book - there are a couple items that I felt I picked up clues on and have formed theories about and I would love to see how it all plays out in the end.
I want to thank J.N. Kindig for providing me this ARC.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Between the fundamentals of how nightmare hunting works, the nightmare hunters magic, and the world building around it all I was hooked. When switching back and forth I found that there was something in Sanne's story and background that was particularly riveting and had me wishing if only this author had already published a full novel about Sanne to expand upon.
As I reflect I really hope that the author ties up a few mysteries when they get to writing the next book - there are a couple items that I felt I picked up clues on and have formed theories about and I would love to see how it all plays out in the end.
I want to thank J.N. Kindig for providing me this ARC.
November 22, 2024
Thank you to the author for allowing me an ARC to read!
I rated this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
As a few other people have mentioned, I personally think this is best consumed in the chronological order, but it's definitely enjoyable either way.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
I rated this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5.
As a few other people have mentioned, I personally think this is best consumed in the chronological order, but it's definitely enjoyable either way.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
November 4, 2024
I enjoyed the world building I thought both characters were very interesting and had emotional depth this novella was a edge of your seat type of read. I thought it was engaging and never left you bored while reading it i love trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
Read
November 27, 2024DNF (though more like did not finish right now, I may come back to this later)
November 30, 2024
An incredible book!!! I love the characters!!!
October 3, 2025
3.5⭐️Found this one at a local book fair and it was perfect for fall! I did feel like there were some pieces to these stories that were missing but overall I really enjoyed it!
January 12, 2025
i’m so grateful to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
this book gave The Witcher from start to finish and the foreword was incredibly interesting. i’ve never read a book like this one and i feel like for being a prequel to a series, it’s an incredible debut.
the letters? how soft Ren is? Sannes strength? love, love and love.
it was a bit predictable for me and i do feel like i would’ve enjoyed it better reading it at a different point in the series (instead of it being book .5 maybe it being book 2.5 or something) just because it felt more historical or a recounting of events rather than something that has you on the edge of your seat. that’s not to say it’s a bad thing but rather that it’s something i’d read after a book or two in the series and feel more connected to the characters/gods.
the world building was incredible! i wish the action was a bit more intense but my favorite part by far was Ren’s story. ughh, so cute. there were a lot of developments in Sanne’s story that didn’t really surprise me, though, but i’m very very curious to see where this series will lead. i definitely will continue reading!
all in all, this has the potential for a really good series and i recommend fantasy readers to give it a try!
this book gave The Witcher from start to finish and the foreword was incredibly interesting. i’ve never read a book like this one and i feel like for being a prequel to a series, it’s an incredible debut.
the letters? how soft Ren is? Sannes strength? love, love and love.
it was a bit predictable for me and i do feel like i would’ve enjoyed it better reading it at a different point in the series (instead of it being book .5 maybe it being book 2.5 or something) just because it felt more historical or a recounting of events rather than something that has you on the edge of your seat. that’s not to say it’s a bad thing but rather that it’s something i’d read after a book or two in the series and feel more connected to the characters/gods.
the world building was incredible! i wish the action was a bit more intense but my favorite part by far was Ren’s story. ughh, so cute. there were a lot of developments in Sanne’s story that didn’t really surprise me, though, but i’m very very curious to see where this series will lead. i definitely will continue reading!
all in all, this has the potential for a really good series and i recommend fantasy readers to give it a try!
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