What do you think?
Rate this book
The Somnia:
Something dark and twisted is stalking Harper in her sleep. Her nightmares are her only clue as to the whereabouts of the home and family she lost over a decade ago, but venturing into the dreamscape means drawing the attention of the hunter. It puts not only Harper at risk, but her sister and everyone else who knows the secret of her witchcraft.
While the predator pursues Harper in her dreams, something is kidnapping people in the wakening. When an eyeless corpse is found in the cathedral’s supposedly impenetrable secret archives, Harper’s magic is once again the key to finding the supernatural killer. But searching for them leads her back into the dreamscape and into the waiting embrace of her deadly past.
While the predator pursues Harper in her dreams, something is kidnapping people in the wakening. When an eyeless corpse is found in the cathedral’s supposedly impenetrable secret archives, Harper’s magic is once again the key to finding the supernatural killer. But searching for them leads her back into the dreamscape and into the waiting embrace of her deadly past.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
About the author
Alethea Lyons
14 books37 followersAlethea (she/ze) is the author of the supernatural dark fantasy Seer of York series, published by Brigids Gate Press.
Ze writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. Ze enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants to write great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Zir short stories can be found in a variety of publications.
Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.
Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website: https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories
To buy books, short stories, or follow on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/alethearlyons
Ze writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. Ze enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants to write great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Zir short stories can be found in a variety of publications.
Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.
Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website: https://alethealyons.wixsite.com/stories
To buy books, short stories, or follow on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/alethearlyons
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 13, 2025
I'd like to share my gratitude to NetGalley, Brigids Gate Press, LLC and Alethea Lyons for an Advanced Reader Copy of The Somnia. In exchange I will leave my honest review.
The Somnia follows immediately after the first book, The Hiding. I would suggest for readers to pick up the first book, as well. I found myself enthralled in the story. It was such a treat to read the two books back to back and really elevated my experience. The continuation of the world building was fantastic and I felt like I was side by side with the main character, Harper. I personally have never been to the U.K. but reading this made me feel like I was there. I could feel the environment around me and smell the smells within the world.
I will say, however, that the pacing was a little too fast-paced for my liking. I am such a stickler when it comes to the pacing of a book, as I believe that every single detail matters and is important to the protagonist's journey. But, the writing is so well done, I can look past it. The layers within each chapter and how the story progresses is executed wonderfully, I couldn't put the book down. I would even suggest that the second book was written better than the first. It kept me on my toes for the majority of it.
There were some instances where a situation is left open and I hope that will be explained in later installments, which I will definitely be waiting for.
All in all, I enjoyed The Somnia and will keep my eyes open for the 3rd book.
The Somnia follows immediately after the first book, The Hiding. I would suggest for readers to pick up the first book, as well. I found myself enthralled in the story. It was such a treat to read the two books back to back and really elevated my experience. The continuation of the world building was fantastic and I felt like I was side by side with the main character, Harper. I personally have never been to the U.K. but reading this made me feel like I was there. I could feel the environment around me and smell the smells within the world.
I will say, however, that the pacing was a little too fast-paced for my liking. I am such a stickler when it comes to the pacing of a book, as I believe that every single detail matters and is important to the protagonist's journey. But, the writing is so well done, I can look past it. The layers within each chapter and how the story progresses is executed wonderfully, I couldn't put the book down. I would even suggest that the second book was written better than the first. It kept me on my toes for the majority of it.
There were some instances where a situation is left open and I hope that will be explained in later installments, which I will definitely be waiting for.
All in all, I enjoyed The Somnia and will keep my eyes open for the 3rd book.
Did Not Finish
February 12, 2025Ok! 50% in and I realised that this book wasn’t for me. I don’t know what it was, but it just wasn’t grabbing me. It wasn’t enthralling me.
Which is a shame coz I wanted to like this book. No, that’s wrong! I wanted to love this book, but it just wasn’t pulling me in.
Was it the books fault?
Not at all! Alethea Lyons is a great writer, and you a tell that she puts her heart and soul into the story.
I have read the first book and know that the characters are great and they were equally as good this time from the amount that I read.
Maybe it was the wrong time! Sometimes this happens with me. My heart wasn’t in the book and that made it difficult to read at this time, and there are many times when I go back to a book at a later date that I end up loving the book, and I think that the Somnia may be one of those books
Which is a shame coz I wanted to like this book. No, that’s wrong! I wanted to love this book, but it just wasn’t pulling me in.
Was it the books fault?
Not at all! Alethea Lyons is a great writer, and you a tell that she puts her heart and soul into the story.
I have read the first book and know that the characters are great and they were equally as good this time from the amount that I read.
Maybe it was the wrong time! Sometimes this happens with me. My heart wasn’t in the book and that made it difficult to read at this time, and there are many times when I go back to a book at a later date that I end up loving the book, and I think that the Somnia may be one of those books
January 3, 2025
The Somnia, is the 2nd book in the magnificent, magical, energy-charged series.
Harper Ashbury takes centre stage in the new book, it’s story unfolding in waves, of secrets, magical and mysterious events occur when, the Seer of York, family and friends are all in dangerous peril, as they must battle new foes, to save their home, their city, and each other from devastating consequences that are inevitable, as new murders happen at every turning, who will be next?
Events are fast happening in this epic adventure, with more twists, turns that a rollercoaster, as the past and present collide with each event and become more frantically targeted as an unpredictable and chaotic cycle of events occur.
This time who, will live or die, will be determined, what the masters, and the protector does, as things start getting worse as magic becomes warped, with bloody side effects.
However, who might survive the battle of memories and new friends, step forward to help in a battleground with the price being the lives of three families who are deeply loved by Harper, who may herself not survive when everything is turned against her, and new bargains must be made to save all.
Althea Lyon’s, outstanding second book is everything that The Hidings was an more, its poetic tale of folklore, philosophy, theology that has never before been written or told in this way, never before seen before it pierced into everything that I knew of fantasy and fiction, combined into this exquisitely beautiful and magnificent world of her own creation. The Seer of York universe is one that when found could never be forgotten or unloved, by unlocking soul’s true meaning of what a miracle that magic truly is, given the chance to critique book two, will always be a great gift, and a memorable moment to start the New Year.
After starting this story, you’ll never be able to stop reading or adding every book to your collection, as it’s more magical than anything else you can imagine and so much more than even your wishes could bring to life.
Thank you Althea for this gift, I’ll never forget it.
Harper Ashbury takes centre stage in the new book, it’s story unfolding in waves, of secrets, magical and mysterious events occur when, the Seer of York, family and friends are all in dangerous peril, as they must battle new foes, to save their home, their city, and each other from devastating consequences that are inevitable, as new murders happen at every turning, who will be next?
Events are fast happening in this epic adventure, with more twists, turns that a rollercoaster, as the past and present collide with each event and become more frantically targeted as an unpredictable and chaotic cycle of events occur.
This time who, will live or die, will be determined, what the masters, and the protector does, as things start getting worse as magic becomes warped, with bloody side effects.
However, who might survive the battle of memories and new friends, step forward to help in a battleground with the price being the lives of three families who are deeply loved by Harper, who may herself not survive when everything is turned against her, and new bargains must be made to save all.
Althea Lyon’s, outstanding second book is everything that The Hidings was an more, its poetic tale of folklore, philosophy, theology that has never before been written or told in this way, never before seen before it pierced into everything that I knew of fantasy and fiction, combined into this exquisitely beautiful and magnificent world of her own creation. The Seer of York universe is one that when found could never be forgotten or unloved, by unlocking soul’s true meaning of what a miracle that magic truly is, given the chance to critique book two, will always be a great gift, and a memorable moment to start the New Year.
After starting this story, you’ll never be able to stop reading or adding every book to your collection, as it’s more magical than anything else you can imagine and so much more than even your wishes could bring to life.
Thank you Althea for this gift, I’ll never forget it.
March 3, 2025
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Somnia, the second installment in Alethea Lyons' Seer of York series, picks up immediately after the first book, The Hiding -- picks up and how! At the end of The Hiding, we left Harper, our Seer, her demonhunter foster sister, Grace, the accidentally summoned illusion demon, Heresy, a man wanting to solve supernatural murders with the power of his science, Saqib, and the technowitch, A.J., in the wake of their vanquishing the one responsible for The Hiding spell which was supposed to protect the supernatural creatures and powers of England from normal people. The breaking of the spell has lots of weird consequences regarding the world which we partly start to see here: supernaturals seem to be getting stronger and more present in York, and the whole country. And the murders don't stop either. Is someone starting a new Hiding? Is it revenge against Harper? And how does the whole case connect to the young woman's mysterious, forgotten past?
The Somnia, for me, was a much more personal and intimate story to Harper than The Hiding. The lovely, moody, spooky writing style is the same, and the author's strength, the immersive descriptions of dreams, visions, haunting settings and emotions, is back again, but we delve much more deeply into Harper's own tragic past than before. For a long time in the book, we only get scattered pieces of the secrets which aren't revealed to her or to us right until the end. We get a few brutal murders, dreams and nightmares with someone or something walking Harper's sleeping hours and looking for her, and there's also a new, enigmatic character: a white cat who knows more than even he thinks he does. Plus, through the other members of our little group, we see police investigations, witch rituals, and the like -- the world is as vibrant, alive, and complex as before. I love the modern, supernatural world of this series so much. And even though everything only gets revealed at the end, I have to say the answers are very satisfying, and of course, some questions remain open, which made me immediately want to reach for the next book.
Since every piece of the story connects to Harper so tightly, the aforementioned little group sometimes does not get as much space in the novel as I wanted them to. I was especially looking forward to see more of A.J. and his powers and circumstances, and of course, Saqib's interactions with everyone are always so enjoyable, I just love him. Grace was also more in the background, usually the grumpy, sober, protective voice of the group, but I still enjoy her bond with Harper. But I hope we'll get more of these in the future! There's of course a new character who I've been very much looking forward to meet, and he becomes a very interesting and mysterious factor in the story. Getting to know him was probably what shifted the balance in the characters, and due to his complicated past with Harper, their newfound-old relationship goes through a couple of bumps I wasn't sure where would lead. However, Harper is still a very loveable and interesting main character, and all that we learn of her and her past is sooo intriguing.
I especially loved the role of music in the story, and of course all the different dream and vision manipulations. I also loved the scenes which played out around the tree depicted on the cover as well! The magic, the ideas, and the creatures are all amazing in this book.
The Somnia was a more complex and wilder ride than The Hiding for me, with a looser structure which nevertheless kept my interest the whole way through. It was so great so see my beloved characters again (less great to see them suffer!) You gotta pay attention, but the worldbuilding and the characters prove themselves again, and I can only say I'll be here for whatever comes next.
The Somnia, the second installment in Alethea Lyons' Seer of York series, picks up immediately after the first book, The Hiding -- picks up and how! At the end of The Hiding, we left Harper, our Seer, her demonhunter foster sister, Grace, the accidentally summoned illusion demon, Heresy, a man wanting to solve supernatural murders with the power of his science, Saqib, and the technowitch, A.J., in the wake of their vanquishing the one responsible for The Hiding spell which was supposed to protect the supernatural creatures and powers of England from normal people. The breaking of the spell has lots of weird consequences regarding the world which we partly start to see here: supernaturals seem to be getting stronger and more present in York, and the whole country. And the murders don't stop either. Is someone starting a new Hiding? Is it revenge against Harper? And how does the whole case connect to the young woman's mysterious, forgotten past?
The Somnia, for me, was a much more personal and intimate story to Harper than The Hiding. The lovely, moody, spooky writing style is the same, and the author's strength, the immersive descriptions of dreams, visions, haunting settings and emotions, is back again, but we delve much more deeply into Harper's own tragic past than before. For a long time in the book, we only get scattered pieces of the secrets which aren't revealed to her or to us right until the end. We get a few brutal murders, dreams and nightmares with someone or something walking Harper's sleeping hours and looking for her, and there's also a new, enigmatic character: a white cat who knows more than even he thinks he does. Plus, through the other members of our little group, we see police investigations, witch rituals, and the like -- the world is as vibrant, alive, and complex as before. I love the modern, supernatural world of this series so much. And even though everything only gets revealed at the end, I have to say the answers are very satisfying, and of course, some questions remain open, which made me immediately want to reach for the next book.
Since every piece of the story connects to Harper so tightly, the aforementioned little group sometimes does not get as much space in the novel as I wanted them to. I was especially looking forward to see more of A.J. and his powers and circumstances, and of course, Saqib's interactions with everyone are always so enjoyable, I just love him. Grace was also more in the background, usually the grumpy, sober, protective voice of the group, but I still enjoy her bond with Harper. But I hope we'll get more of these in the future! There's of course a new character who I've been very much looking forward to meet, and he becomes a very interesting and mysterious factor in the story. Getting to know him was probably what shifted the balance in the characters, and due to his complicated past with Harper, their newfound-old relationship goes through a couple of bumps I wasn't sure where would lead. However, Harper is still a very loveable and interesting main character, and all that we learn of her and her past is sooo intriguing.
I especially loved the role of music in the story, and of course all the different dream and vision manipulations. I also loved the scenes which played out around the tree depicted on the cover as well! The magic, the ideas, and the creatures are all amazing in this book.
The Somnia was a more complex and wilder ride than The Hiding for me, with a looser structure which nevertheless kept my interest the whole way through. It was so great so see my beloved characters again (less great to see them suffer!) You gotta pay attention, but the worldbuilding and the characters prove themselves again, and I can only say I'll be here for whatever comes next.
February 26, 2025
The Somnia is a sequel to Alethea Lyons’ ‘The Hiding’, and once again follows Harper and her found-family team of demon hunters and inter-faith investigators as they track down what appears to be a supernatural serial killer.
Sequels can be hard to get right sometimes – a lot of authors will rehash in an attempt to hold onto nostalgia, while others will lose what made the original so special – and Lyons neatly avoids both those traps. The Hiding and The Somnia together is true serial fiction, and the first thing that struck me reading this installment was how smoothly it kicks off from the last outing. Although you could well read The Somnia without having read The Hiding, this new story wastes little time treading old ground. We meet Harper exactly where we left her, and right as dust of the previous book is settling, a new chilling adventure emerges. The cohesion is a joy to read, and it makes Harper’s world feel lived in – like she and the other characters continue on, even when we’re not reading, rather than sitting in stasis for the next ‘episode’.
This is a spoiler free review but the mystery of Harper’s lost family is both unraveled and made deeper in The Somnia, and it sets itself up nicely for a dramatic third installment. I was disappointed when it ended, in a good way, because Lyons takes Harper right to the cusp of life-altering new decision points, with the story behind her nonetheless wrapped in in a satisfying way. It left me looking forward to the next one (there’s a next one, right????) but also feeling like I’d read something very complete.
The Somnia retains The Hiding’s blend of horror and fun – a sort of Charmed, Buffy, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Gothic-fun – and the prose here is particularly good at swinging between moods. It’s action packed when it needs to be, horrifying (and sometimes gross) when it needs to frighten (that tree on the front cover will haunt me for a while), and most importantly, it’s tender when it digs into the emotional core of Harper and where she fits into the world. Heresy is back (yay) and there are a few other fun characters whom I won’t spoil. We also get to explore a wider boundary of Northern England, which is a fresh change for books set in the UK (which invariably means London). The moors in particular are brought to life in such a way that leaves not doubt as to whether Lyons knows what she’s talking about. This is a world created by an author who lives and breathes it, and you can tell when you read.
All up, The Somnia is the fun, spooky, and surprisingly moving ride The Hiding was, only extra. More ghoulish, a stronger emotional punch, and higher stakes. It’s a somewhat retro style of sequel – it races along with just enough information for anyone who didn’t read the first one, and I love that. Do yourself a favour and read them both – turn off the lights, throw a blanket over your head, and get ready for a fun ride!
Sequels can be hard to get right sometimes – a lot of authors will rehash in an attempt to hold onto nostalgia, while others will lose what made the original so special – and Lyons neatly avoids both those traps. The Hiding and The Somnia together is true serial fiction, and the first thing that struck me reading this installment was how smoothly it kicks off from the last outing. Although you could well read The Somnia without having read The Hiding, this new story wastes little time treading old ground. We meet Harper exactly where we left her, and right as dust of the previous book is settling, a new chilling adventure emerges. The cohesion is a joy to read, and it makes Harper’s world feel lived in – like she and the other characters continue on, even when we’re not reading, rather than sitting in stasis for the next ‘episode’.
This is a spoiler free review but the mystery of Harper’s lost family is both unraveled and made deeper in The Somnia, and it sets itself up nicely for a dramatic third installment. I was disappointed when it ended, in a good way, because Lyons takes Harper right to the cusp of life-altering new decision points, with the story behind her nonetheless wrapped in in a satisfying way. It left me looking forward to the next one (there’s a next one, right????) but also feeling like I’d read something very complete.
The Somnia retains The Hiding’s blend of horror and fun – a sort of Charmed, Buffy, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Gothic-fun – and the prose here is particularly good at swinging between moods. It’s action packed when it needs to be, horrifying (and sometimes gross) when it needs to frighten (that tree on the front cover will haunt me for a while), and most importantly, it’s tender when it digs into the emotional core of Harper and where she fits into the world. Heresy is back (yay) and there are a few other fun characters whom I won’t spoil. We also get to explore a wider boundary of Northern England, which is a fresh change for books set in the UK (which invariably means London). The moors in particular are brought to life in such a way that leaves not doubt as to whether Lyons knows what she’s talking about. This is a world created by an author who lives and breathes it, and you can tell when you read.
All up, The Somnia is the fun, spooky, and surprisingly moving ride The Hiding was, only extra. More ghoulish, a stronger emotional punch, and higher stakes. It’s a somewhat retro style of sequel – it races along with just enough information for anyone who didn’t read the first one, and I love that. Do yourself a favour and read them both – turn off the lights, throw a blanket over your head, and get ready for a fun ride!
March 11, 2025
"The forest fell away and the world fluttered open like a storybook."
That was just one of the many beautiful quotes from this book that also happens to perfectly encapsulate the vibe I was looking for! A lot of times the second book in a series can feel like the plot from the first installment has been regurgitated, and this was not that at all. The author continues to use gorgeous prose and take us deeper into the complexities between the realms.
I love the different ideas Harper pulls from folklore of different cultures in her search to reveal who is hunting her, because I loved hearing about- "'Oneiroi, the Greek personification of dreams, brothers of Sleep. ‘Somnia, their not-quite-equivalent in the Roman world, who were Sleep’s sons...Baku, who eat nightmares, and yume no seirei, who cause them...mares and nocnitsa who sit upon the chest of sleepers and cause or consume nightmares.." I also enjoyed the addition of Zero, who I totally wasn't expecting to play as big of a role as he does.
There are a couple of details that left me wondering if something was missing or overlooked, or if things were intentionally left open-ended to leave room for a clarification or twist later in the series - for example, everyone seems so wary of Zero and Heresy, but I'm not sure if I fully trust AJ, and something was definitely up with Saquib in this whole book. I still think the archbishop is shady. It infuriates me that he sets Harper with unthinkable tasks, but never goes with her or does a ton to help, and I can't help but wonder if we're going to get an explanation why. I am convinced Alfred from the archives is going to have a bigger role and knows more than we realize.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press for giving me this ARC and helping me discover Alethea! I really like this series and I am excited for the next installment.
That was just one of the many beautiful quotes from this book that also happens to perfectly encapsulate the vibe I was looking for! A lot of times the second book in a series can feel like the plot from the first installment has been regurgitated, and this was not that at all. The author continues to use gorgeous prose and take us deeper into the complexities between the realms.
I love the different ideas Harper pulls from folklore of different cultures in her search to reveal who is hunting her, because I loved hearing about- "'Oneiroi, the Greek personification of dreams, brothers of Sleep. ‘Somnia, their not-quite-equivalent in the Roman world, who were Sleep’s sons...Baku, who eat nightmares, and yume no seirei, who cause them...mares and nocnitsa who sit upon the chest of sleepers and cause or consume nightmares.." I also enjoyed the addition of Zero, who I totally wasn't expecting to play as big of a role as he does.
There are a couple of details that left me wondering if something was missing or overlooked, or if things were intentionally left open-ended to leave room for a clarification or twist later in the series - for example, everyone seems so wary of Zero and Heresy, but I'm not sure if I fully trust AJ, and something was definitely up with Saquib in this whole book. I still think the archbishop is shady. It infuriates me that he sets Harper with unthinkable tasks, but never goes with her or does a ton to help, and I can't help but wonder if we're going to get an explanation why. I am convinced Alfred from the archives is going to have a bigger role and knows more than we realize.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press for giving me this ARC and helping me discover Alethea! I really like this series and I am excited for the next installment.
July 23, 2025
The Somnia by Alethea Lyons is an exquisite gothic nightmare, spun with silk threads of shadow magic and deep-rooted grief. From the very first page, I was caught in FMC Harper’s haunted web—half memory, half prophecy—where sleep offers no rest and every step into the dreamscape might be her last. Lyons crafts a darkly lyrical tale where dreams bleed into waking, and the line between predator and protector is as slippery as a whispered curse. The pacing is pitch-perfect: taut with tension, laced with yearning, and flecked with creeping horror.
Harper herself is a mesmerising protagonist—fractured, formidable, and fiercely loyal. Her magic is not the glittering kind, but something older, more dangerous, and deeply tied to her lost past. As secrets unfold and the body count rises, the twists feel inevitable and devastating. The atmosphere is rich and ritualistic—cathedrals, blood spells, secret societies, and that eerie, evocative dream-realm that feels as vivid as the waking world. Every character has depth, but it’s the bond between Harper and her sister that grounds the narrative and raises the stakes beautifully.
Although this can be read as a standalone, to get the fully immersive experience, I recommend reading The Seer of York first. Readers of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House or Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows will find themselves right at home, though perhaps never able to sleep quite so soundly again.
Harper herself is a mesmerising protagonist—fractured, formidable, and fiercely loyal. Her magic is not the glittering kind, but something older, more dangerous, and deeply tied to her lost past. As secrets unfold and the body count rises, the twists feel inevitable and devastating. The atmosphere is rich and ritualistic—cathedrals, blood spells, secret societies, and that eerie, evocative dream-realm that feels as vivid as the waking world. Every character has depth, but it’s the bond between Harper and her sister that grounds the narrative and raises the stakes beautifully.
Although this can be read as a standalone, to get the fully immersive experience, I recommend reading The Seer of York first. Readers of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House or Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows will find themselves right at home, though perhaps never able to sleep quite so soundly again.
July 25, 2025
I absolutely adore this series ! We have a seer witch, her demonhunter foster-sister, a forensic scientist, a spirit Harper accidentally summoned, a techno-witch, and another character I love ( but can’t say who as it might be a spoiler 👀) who work together to solve supernatural crimes.
I had a great time reading these books and as a fan of the show Charmed I could really see the parallels.
I loved the gothic vibes, the misty haunted streets, and the whole atmosphere which made me think of autumn. It would be a perfect read for the spooky season, but also for anyone missing the season right now.
There are also dark academia elements which I always love in a book. I would give anything to see those archives and all the vaults 😭
The characters were very likeable. I of course loved the main character Harper, I could empathise with her, understood her choices, and her desire to find out more about where she came from.
Also Heresy the demon was just funny, loved when he was around 😄 But to be honest I loved the whole group of friends and found them interesting.
Another element that I liked was Saqib’s work in detecting magic via science.
Further, I think this is the first time I ever saw characters in a book introduce themselves and mention their pronouns, so this was a great sign🤩 Another great thing is the representation of multiple faiths and cultures in the story.
It’s quite difficult to go over everything I enjoyed because it would mean spoiling the series. But if you enjoy supernatural mysteries inspired by folklore with magic, gothic vibes, likeable characters, and the vibes of the show Charmed you will love these books!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Zooloosbooktours for the digital review copy!
I had a great time reading these books and as a fan of the show Charmed I could really see the parallels.
I loved the gothic vibes, the misty haunted streets, and the whole atmosphere which made me think of autumn. It would be a perfect read for the spooky season, but also for anyone missing the season right now.
There are also dark academia elements which I always love in a book. I would give anything to see those archives and all the vaults 😭
The characters were very likeable. I of course loved the main character Harper, I could empathise with her, understood her choices, and her desire to find out more about where she came from.
Also Heresy the demon was just funny, loved when he was around 😄 But to be honest I loved the whole group of friends and found them interesting.
Another element that I liked was Saqib’s work in detecting magic via science.
Further, I think this is the first time I ever saw characters in a book introduce themselves and mention their pronouns, so this was a great sign🤩 Another great thing is the representation of multiple faiths and cultures in the story.
It’s quite difficult to go over everything I enjoyed because it would mean spoiling the series. But if you enjoy supernatural mysteries inspired by folklore with magic, gothic vibes, likeable characters, and the vibes of the show Charmed you will love these books!
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and Zooloosbooktours for the digital review copy!
February 27, 2025
I have to say I became a bit obsessed with The Seer of York series, despite technically being a Derbyshire girl I have always loved Yorkshire and this series is perfect. Not only has Lyons created a wonderfully magical world that weaves into the ‘normal’. It’s easy to get transported right into it. The characters are absolutely fantastic and I am not just talking about the cats! Harper and co are a brilliant team that are wonderfully crafted and created in such a way they are believable and relatable. The story is paced fantastically and keeps you guessing and on your toes wondering what will happen next.
If you are fan of urban fantasy and alternate history this will be right up your street. I am literally obsessed with the series and will continue to recommend to anyone who will listen. It hits all the boxes, great story, fantastic characters and wonderful supernatural elements.
As always thank you to Alethea Lyons and Brigid’s Gate Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.
If you are fan of urban fantasy and alternate history this will be right up your street. I am literally obsessed with the series and will continue to recommend to anyone who will listen. It hits all the boxes, great story, fantastic characters and wonderful supernatural elements.
As always thank you to Alethea Lyons and Brigid’s Gate Press for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.
October 15, 2025
Alethea Lyons' Somnia continues the deeply atmospheric world of the alternative York that began in the first book in the series, The Hiding. There's a poetic flow of narrative through the exploration of this world. I was drawn in. The book is a real page turner with a wide variety of characters in the lead character's team of sleuths who seek to unravel the mystery of multiple murders seemingly linked to The Hiding and its main character Harper. I thoroughly recommend this book and its series. It is a completely original approach, blending as it does magic, mystery/crime, and personal exploration. I know that some would place it in Horror, but that restriction would be to do it a disservice. Alethea does not dwell on the gruesome, on much the same way that Shelley's Frankenstein used the genre to enter a debate of what makes each of us connect. This is a novel that all but the very young or very sensitive could read and savour. It goes deep, but it is also a cracking story.
August 2, 2025
I'm back with the second book in The Seer Of York series.
Having read book 1 - The Hiding - back in March and also then reading The Awakening short story collection set in the same world - I was just a little bit overexcited to see this second book coming out way.
Coming back into this world was wonderfully dark but I loved being back with Harper and the gang.
In this book we see Harper still seeking out information about her home and her family, but as she delves into her nightmares more, the line between sleeping and waking becomes more and more blurred as time goes on.
Something in her dreams is stalking her - whilst in the wakening, people are going missing.
I love the diversity and contrast in the characters which whilst making this feel gothic, dark and foreboding, also infuses some humour too, to lighten the darkest moments.
The magic system and powers used by the group compliment each other perfectly and the storyline flows well to make this feel authentic.
The writing style creates such a great atmosphere and I've said before that I love the setting being in the streets of York.
Another great read in this series and I can't wait to see more from this author.
Having read book 1 - The Hiding - back in March and also then reading The Awakening short story collection set in the same world - I was just a little bit overexcited to see this second book coming out way.
Coming back into this world was wonderfully dark but I loved being back with Harper and the gang.
In this book we see Harper still seeking out information about her home and her family, but as she delves into her nightmares more, the line between sleeping and waking becomes more and more blurred as time goes on.
Something in her dreams is stalking her - whilst in the wakening, people are going missing.
I love the diversity and contrast in the characters which whilst making this feel gothic, dark and foreboding, also infuses some humour too, to lighten the darkest moments.
The magic system and powers used by the group compliment each other perfectly and the storyline flows well to make this feel authentic.
The writing style creates such a great atmosphere and I've said before that I love the setting being in the streets of York.
Another great read in this series and I can't wait to see more from this author.
March 1, 2025
THE SOMNIA ensnares you right from the beginning— from Lyons’ ability to craft lyrical and descriptive prose to a horror-filled adventure starting off with a bang. Lyons’ use of science, magic and religion creates a fantastical, intriguing, and unputdownable book. The setting of a magical York and Harper’s job of working at the cathedral add an extra eerie and haunting layer to the story that leaves readers captivated and helps completely transport them into the world Lyons’ has created. The characters in THE SOMNIA stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page and keep you wanting more.
- Caroline J. Trussell, literary agent and author of upcoming ENHANCED series
- Caroline J. Trussell, literary agent and author of upcoming ENHANCED series
March 3, 2025
This was presented so much better than the first book in the series which made the reading experience way more enjoyable.
This so-called "Protector" was more of a succubus, feeding off the magic of Harper's family. Now Harper needs to find a replacement for the river spirit she vanquished. If she can't, she will have to take its place. Her memories restored, she also needs to search out her brother. I have a feeling he's not so far from her. I look forward to the next book in the series to see if I am right.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Somnia through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
This so-called "Protector" was more of a succubus, feeding off the magic of Harper's family. Now Harper needs to find a replacement for the river spirit she vanquished. If she can't, she will have to take its place. Her memories restored, she also needs to search out her brother. I have a feeling he's not so far from her. I look forward to the next book in the series to see if I am right.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of The Somnia through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
February 19, 2026
I did not read the first book but this book gave a short synopsis of the first book. I loved this book. It had everything a reader would want in a book. Its beautifully written with some misspellings but that made the book special.. Not sure how but it did. I really wished I read the first one because this book is great. Hopefully one day I will be able to. Great book, must read.
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review.
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review.
January 15, 2025
A contemporary story loaded with magic and creativity. The characters are rambunctious. The Somnia, Book 2, will envelop readers with constant action. Although I sometimes found the pace difficult to keep up with, I liked the main character, Harper Ashbury, and worried about her. Delightful and energetic.
March 5, 2025
This was a spectacular follow up to The Hiding. I would say it even outshines its prequel. Alethea creates such a rich and real alternate York, and characters that you love to return to over and over again as they tackle new and harder challenges. The story is both horrific and cozy at the same time, in all the best ways. I cannot wait until book 3 is out!!
April 9, 2025
This book builds brilliantly on the first - there's all the elements you know and love with fun expansions. Each member of the group gets time to shine, and there's a purrfect new addition to their ranks. The plot contains the same elements of mystery and magic, but this time ties to much more personal stakes.
May 17, 2025
Dnf at 40%- I really wanted to like this book and whilst I did enjoy the concept of the story as well as the various character developments, the body horror aspect involving eyes (or lack thereof) in corpses wasn't up my alley and completely took me out of the story as a whole.
I appreciate the opportunity to delve into this book from both Netgalley as well as Brigid's Gate Press.
I appreciate the opportunity to delve into this book from both Netgalley as well as Brigid's Gate Press.
August 20, 2025
I was not disappointed with this second installment of the Seer of York series. It really took the plot forward and the reader finds out a few things only hinted about in book one or in the short stories. It was fast paced and besides the gripping/scary parts it had some light moments of comic relief. Loved it; can't wait till the next one is published.
May 5, 2025
If you love books like The Discovery of Witches, Ninth House or Verge, then this is for you. It has found family, forbidden magic and folkloric horror, set in an alternate York, where the veil between magic and earth is thin.
A series of copycat murders lead Harper back to her roots and memories to her past are slowly unlocked. We get more of a glimpse of the shadowy characters obscured by the Veil (the magic that protects humans from the arcane). Some of the LGBTQ themes Alethea explores in her writing are starting to emerge with a shadowy non-binary character who is linked to Harper somehow through a cat called Zero.
I love Alethea’s writing and characters, and it was great to go back to Harper & her group of misfits, as they fight the supernatural, while trying to keep Harper’s own powers secret. I particularly loved the new POV - no spoilers but it’s purrfect! - who is fast becoming one of my favourite characters alongside Heresy.
If you haven't started this series yet - I recommend going back to The Hiding first, and with more books planned – this series is fast becoming a firm favourite!
A series of copycat murders lead Harper back to her roots and memories to her past are slowly unlocked. We get more of a glimpse of the shadowy characters obscured by the Veil (the magic that protects humans from the arcane). Some of the LGBTQ themes Alethea explores in her writing are starting to emerge with a shadowy non-binary character who is linked to Harper somehow through a cat called Zero.
I love Alethea’s writing and characters, and it was great to go back to Harper & her group of misfits, as they fight the supernatural, while trying to keep Harper’s own powers secret. I particularly loved the new POV - no spoilers but it’s purrfect! - who is fast becoming one of my favourite characters alongside Heresy.
If you haven't started this series yet - I recommend going back to The Hiding first, and with more books planned – this series is fast becoming a firm favourite!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews