Dreams of Dust

by Isabella Stofka

The final book in the Curses of Lavender Duology.

Unknown Binding

About the author

Isabella Stofka is the author of Curses of Lavender and the Ice Queen and the Keeper of Death. She moved around a lot growing up until finally settling in Virginia Beach with her husband and three cats. Ever since she was little, Isabella has woven epic stories in her mind and rambled about them to anyone who would listen. Eventually, she discovered the fine art of writing them down and has never turned back.

When she is not writing, she is either binge-watching her favorite TV show for the 20th time or devouring a good book—all while getting kitty cuddles, of course.

You can find her on Instagram at @isabellastofka_author, or on her website at isabellastofkaauthor.com

Reviews

[Benevbooks]

I was once again lucky enough to work alongside Isabella on her indie published debut series, Curses of Lavender, and of course, this is the second book in the duology. I was a Beta Reader for this book and I will also receive an ARC, but this has in no way affected how I have reviewed this story. It is my OWN opinion.

Besides my appreciation for the opportunity that Isabella has granted me, I'd also love to thank her for believing in herself and publishing these wonderful books!

I've thoroughly enjoyed following the journey of Thicket, Bern, Lotta, Marcellus and Elian (and of course, Lavender and many others!). I said in my review of the first book that I truly believe that if this series had been released when I was younger, I would've made this my whole personality. I still stand by that. Thicket's struggles with self-doubt and anxiety are universal: you don't have to be trapped between a dream and real world to not believe in yourself, and have to battle to overcome this.

Isabella's characterisation and world-building is fantastic. The story is very loosely based on the Sleeping Beauty fairytale, but she has hugely expanded upon it with her own magic systems, new landscapes, political discussions and armies, training montages (haha!), and so much more. It isn't a straight play-by-play retelling and really does take a more unique spin. The departure from the classic story is what really makes this story sing.

I would highly recommend this book for somebody who wants to meet some new favourite characters. For somebody who wants a cosy (and also intense!) YA fantasy, with interesting magic systems, political story beats and a story at its core about overcoming self-doubt.

Thank you once again Isabella for allowing me to join the Street Team in the beginning two years ago for Curses of Lavender, and once again for Dreams of Dust.

[Nicole J]

How lucky am I that I could read the early beta version of book 2?! Thank you Bella for the opportunity to do so!

Let me just say, you all are going to love it!

I will post a fully review after I read the edited ARC but man I can’t wait to jump back into this book another time and have my heart soar!

[Eleanor]

A huge Thank you to the author for the eArc!!!
Thicket must save her people and kingdom before her sister decides to destroy it all...
This book... eeek!!
This is the last book in the duology series by Isabella Stofka and omg it was an amazing ride.
a cursed kingdom and a princess battling a past self she can’t remember, a betrothed that she needs to decide if she still wants to be with after all that time apart, oh and yeah, her evil sister who wants to end Thicket and her friends.
this book is a must for lovers of YA Fantasy!!!

[Ivana Loustalot]

Dreams of Dust was an amazing sequel. This duology is so enchanting and unique. Thanks Bella for this ARC 💐 4.5/5 ⭐
I loved the fact that Thicket saved herself from the Curse, even when she was having a lot of second thoughts and low self-esteem. Obviously, she had a lot of help from her friends, but at the end of the day, it was HER job to stop Lavender and bring peace to her Kingdom.
There was this "almost" love triangle with the former Prince Elian and Marcellus the Knight. It was so interesting because it wasn't framed as a fight between them over Thicket, but more like a side development, with complicated feelings and so many struggles. I honestly wasn't sure who would end up with Thicket, if anyone at all.
I also adored that Marcellus was a weak wielder and her personal guard. He wasn't a mighty commander; on the contrary, he had the lowest of powers. It was a refreshing choice. Though he was really grumpy and brooded A LOT, most of the time he kept to himself and didn't want to bother the Princess. Their growing relationship was really slow-paced and felt so real. It felt just right.
I'm hoping Isabella is planning to write about Bern, Lotta, and Elian's stories. They were amazing side characters and I would love to know more about them and their futures 👀

These are the tropes:

- Sleeping Beauty Retelling
- Magic & Curses
- Memory Loss
- Arranged Marriage
- Found Family
- Imminent War
- Court Affairs
- Slow-Burn Romance
- Animal Companions
- Reluctant Hero & Royalty
- Mental Health Rep

[Kat]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 0 🌶️

“He had always been there, by her side, supporting her-uplifting her. She had seen him once upon a dream. He hadn't saved her, but had given her exactly what she needed to save herself.”

I immediately fell in love with Thicket’s character when reading the first book in this duology (Curses of Lavender), but this book has really shown me how alike she and I are (and honestly, Elian too). It really means a lot to me when I find characters like her, like me. She’s one of my favorite FMCs for sure. But, beyond Thicket, I just fell in love with this story in general. The writing is so vivid and creative, and the book just draws you in. I’ve been in such a slump the past couple of months but I could NOT put this book down!!

“A smile from Marcellus was like a shooting star, rare and quick, but bright enough to light up any amount of darkness and allow her to hope.” I’m team Marcellus all the way. Elian is such a sweetheart, but the chemistry between Marcellus and Thicket is just perfect.

This duology is definitely one of my favorites. Isabella, your writing is just amazing. Every book of yours that I’ve read has been 5 stars, and I can’t wait to get to see even more of your writing in the Ice Queen series! (I’m not so patiently waiting for Labyrinth of Mayhem!)

“Love wasn't something to rush into to ease the ache of loneliness. It was something she should choose. Should want. Should crave.” (There’s so many good quotes in this book, it was impossible to pick which ones to share)

[Allie Green]

I’m so sad this duology is over. Dreams of Dust by Isabella Stofka was such a beautiful conclusion, but I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to Thicket and her worlds.

The worldbuilding and character development were done so well. Each world felt vivid and distinct, and I felt as though I was right there with Thicket throughout her journey. Watching the characters grow made me all the more attached to them, and the found family was my favorite part, as usual.

I loved how the story ended, including where the romance landed. It’s a bittersweet feeling to be so happy with an ending and still wish you had more time with everyone. This was such a beautiful retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

Thank you so much to Isabella Stofka for the ARC. 🖤

[Emma]

Review based on an ARC provided by the author!

Y’all, I LOVED this book. I think Isabella Stofka has really found her groove and writing style. While I’m proud to say that I’ve read all of her published books so far, this one has to be my favorite.

Thicket becomes an incredibly compelling MC in this one. She finds her footing, fights her demons, and saves herself. She learns what love is and what kind of love she truly wants. She finds a way to be a good ruler without becoming a bad person. I love her journey and I’m so happy with her ending.

This isn’t a romance, not really, but the romance it does have is so yummy. No spoilers, but it’s a good one.

Overall, I think this book does exactly what it set out to do. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.

[Christine]

This was such a fun read!
Bittersweet because while it was so enjoyable, it's also wraps up the duology.
I didn't think it was possible to become more obsessed with Marcel, but I'm so glad that Bella proved me wrong.
The female friendships are top tier, and I love how each of their journeys turned out.

[cheyanne jae]

Book 2 in the Curses of Lavender duology. The world building in this series was absolutely stunning and felt so immersive. The story was so intense and kept me completely sucked in. How Thicket powers through and learns her own strength while trying to figure out who she is is so beautiful and she is such a relatable character. The ending was so perfect.

[LovelybeautycReads]

Sleeping Beauty retelling with a twist. Who needs a Prince when you can save yourself.
Love the characters that all come together in this story. This misfits of chosen family of sorts. Building each other up. All helping each other find their place in the world.