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Reverie
Every night, Aisling dreams of a different life. One night, a dragon appears.
Aisling’s life has been a fight for survival – surviving her mother’s addictions, her negligent father, and a decade of homelessness, leaving her exhausted and hopeless. She relies heavily on a recurring dream of wildflowers and the sea to give her the peace and safety she lacks in her waking hours.
The peace is shattered when a dragon, injured and on the verge of death, falls from the sky and rewrites her fate.
Aisling neglects her reality and falls headfirst into the war-torn realm of her dream. There, she meets an elite group of bonded warriors and dragons designed to fight the Cruento, a faceless enemy intent on controlling women through fear and chaos. Aisling finally finds a sense of worth in the fight but teeters dangerously on the edge of insanity in her waking life.
What begins as an exciting nightly escape turns terrifyingly real when Aisling discovers she’s a plane stepper – a soul able to walk worlds in her sleep. With each night that passes, Aisling’s tether on her soul weakens, forcing her to fight against the empty void between worlds.
Aisling must choose where she belongs before her fracturing existence is irreparably destroyed, and time is not on her side.
The line between dreams and reality is going to shatter.
Aisling’s life has been a fight for survival – surviving her mother’s addictions, her negligent father, and a decade of homelessness, leaving her exhausted and hopeless. She relies heavily on a recurring dream of wildflowers and the sea to give her the peace and safety she lacks in her waking hours.
The peace is shattered when a dragon, injured and on the verge of death, falls from the sky and rewrites her fate.
Aisling neglects her reality and falls headfirst into the war-torn realm of her dream. There, she meets an elite group of bonded warriors and dragons designed to fight the Cruento, a faceless enemy intent on controlling women through fear and chaos. Aisling finally finds a sense of worth in the fight but teeters dangerously on the edge of insanity in her waking life.
What begins as an exciting nightly escape turns terrifyingly real when Aisling discovers she’s a plane stepper – a soul able to walk worlds in her sleep. With each night that passes, Aisling’s tether on her soul weakens, forcing her to fight against the empty void between worlds.
Aisling must choose where she belongs before her fracturing existence is irreparably destroyed, and time is not on her side.
The line between dreams and reality is going to shatter.
- GenresFantasy
367 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2025
9 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Bridgette Hooper
2 books18 followersBridgette enjoys warm bread, Diet Coke, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Find her on socials:
Instagram: @bhooperauthor
TikTok: @bridgettehooperauthor
Threads: @Bhooperauthor
Find her on socials:
Instagram: @bhooperauthor
TikTok: @bridgettehooperauthor
Threads: @Bhooperauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 22, 2025
I fear I’m going to be thinking about this one for a while. For a writing debut, Reverie came out with a bang 🐉
I also realized I read this at the start of Aries season which is so fitting for the story. How I wish we had dragons irl to fight the patriarchy, but I’ll live vicariously through these characters for that.
The pacing of this story was perfect, the world building was visceral and immersive, and the characters were immaculate and all deserve a smooch on the forehead, I love them so much. I’ve found a lot of books with found families aren’t believable, but Bridgette did a wonderful job making the characters and their relationships realistic and not cringey (and I’m a hater).
Everyone do me a favor and read this book so we can chat about it!! I’m going to be waiting on bated breath for the sequel.
I received an advanced readers copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also realized I read this at the start of Aries season which is so fitting for the story. How I wish we had dragons irl to fight the patriarchy, but I’ll live vicariously through these characters for that.
The pacing of this story was perfect, the world building was visceral and immersive, and the characters were immaculate and all deserve a smooch on the forehead, I love them so much. I’ve found a lot of books with found families aren’t believable, but Bridgette did a wonderful job making the characters and their relationships realistic and not cringey (and I’m a hater).
Everyone do me a favor and read this book so we can chat about it!! I’m going to be waiting on bated breath for the sequel.
I received an advanced readers copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2025
Amazing indie fantasy debut! 🤩
I really enjoyed the unusual pacing, we’re not thrown into the fantasy world from page one, instead we start in a contemporary setting and we discover the other realm bit by bit along Aisling.
The story has themes of found family and standing for yourself against adversity. It focuses on Aisling's choice of which of her two lives she will decide to leave behind.
The romance is slow burn and left me wanting to read the following books 🤭
Something I wish had been explored a bit more is the war and the enemy they were fighting. The reason for the conflict was a bit vague, I understood why they were fighting but I wish we had learned a bit more of the politics of this world.
Also the bad guys were BAD, but the good guys were a bit too bloodthirsty at times, and this clashed a bit with the coziness of the domestic scenes, which were really cute and enjoyable.
Overall I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised, definitely hoping to read more from this author in the future!
Thanks to author Bridgette Hooper for providing an eARC
I really enjoyed the unusual pacing, we’re not thrown into the fantasy world from page one, instead we start in a contemporary setting and we discover the other realm bit by bit along Aisling.
The story has themes of found family and standing for yourself against adversity. It focuses on Aisling's choice of which of her two lives she will decide to leave behind.
The romance is slow burn and left me wanting to read the following books 🤭
Something I wish had been explored a bit more is the war and the enemy they were fighting. The reason for the conflict was a bit vague, I understood why they were fighting but I wish we had learned a bit more of the politics of this world.
Also the bad guys were BAD, but the good guys were a bit too bloodthirsty at times, and this clashed a bit with the coziness of the domestic scenes, which were really cute and enjoyable.
Overall I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised, definitely hoping to read more from this author in the future!
Thanks to author Bridgette Hooper for providing an eARC
May 29, 2025
Wowweee I haven’t been this excited about a fantasy in a while! I’m inspired! I’m nervous! I’m flying!
I completely fell into the world the author created. I usually cast the main characters once I meet them with movie actors (Koen was Dylan O’Brien for example, *eyebrow wiggle*) however- I casted no one for Aisling because when reading I was so immersed it felt like I was her, as if I was part of the Ferox myself! I think that is a testament to the author’s ability to create rich characters who are flawed but valiant, relatable but unique. I fell in love with Morana and was so invested in the story I cried and gol’d (gasped out loud) at multiple parts. The ending was fantastic, consider me absolutely hooked. I can’t WAIT for the sequel! For now I look forward to falling asleep at night :)
I completely fell into the world the author created. I usually cast the main characters once I meet them with movie actors (Koen was Dylan O’Brien for example, *eyebrow wiggle*) however- I casted no one for Aisling because when reading I was so immersed it felt like I was her, as if I was part of the Ferox myself! I think that is a testament to the author’s ability to create rich characters who are flawed but valiant, relatable but unique. I fell in love with Morana and was so invested in the story I cried and gol’d (gasped out loud) at multiple parts. The ending was fantastic, consider me absolutely hooked. I can’t WAIT for the sequel! For now I look forward to falling asleep at night :)
May 30, 2025
I love a plane slipper story! Wish I could visit the Ferox while I sleep 🥲 Excellent world and character building, an entertaining writing style, and overall, a story that fully captivated me from its early pages. The ending has me impatiently waiting for the sequel.
Can’t wait to read more from this author! ✨
Can’t wait to read more from this author! ✨
April 24, 2025
REPOSTING: Today's is Reverie's release day! I highly recommend this fantasy book with a dash of romance. It had beautiful world building and great found family.
4.5 / 5 Stars
Oh my god, this book blew my mind. I am obsessed and cannot wait for the next book. Ok here is a quick, lay person friendly plot summary: Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling) is surviving. She works as a barista making just enough to pay rent and have a meal a day (popcorn on a good day). Her parents were abusive and horrible and she has experienced homelessness. The only light in her life is her best friend, Troy. But she gets to escape in her dreams. She dreams of a beautiful world with fields of flowers and a calming ocean. One day, in her dreams, a dragon comes crashing out of the sky. The dragon is hurt and Aisling helps take care of its wound and heal it back to health. She feels a tug, a deep connection to this dragon. In her non dream world, she is a walking shell of herself, wanting to get back to her dreams as much as possible.
In her dream, the dragon leads her back to a group of dragon riders who are fighting the Cruento, some red pill, incel, no good shitheads who think women are less than and will kill anyone to make sure they can be the ruling class. Aisling now too is a dragon rider, having formed a deep connection with her dragon. In this world, she is powerful and thriving. But it turns out, it is not a dream at all. It is a separate world and Aisling is a plane stepper -- she can travel between both worlds (her “dream” and “real” world), but it comes at a cost. When she gets stronger in one world, she gets weaker in another. Aisling has to choose which world she will live in and who she is connected to.
The book took a second to pick up for me but once we were in the action, I was addicted. I was putting off responsibilities. I was going into cafes and buying drinks I didn’t need just so that I could keep reading. It was that gripping. Bridgette does an amazing job of building a world that is rich and detailed without feeling overly complex and ungraspable. I didn’t feel intimidated or overwhelmed which is a major feat for me when it comes to fantasy. And there were a few really fun twists that made it a big page turner. And the non dream world was really interesting too. It is so impressive to create two compelling worlds.
I loved the found family and found dragon family. They were such a delightful cast of characters and I could read a book about each of them. There was also a very slow, slow burn romance which is a nice added touch but really the book was about Aisling coming into her power and thriving and living. There were moments where I was tearing up and moments that I was audibly rooting for Aisling. She earns everything and Bridgette does an amazing job of showing not telling in this book. It is so impressive that this is her debut novel and I am looking forward to reading all of her future books.
Thank you Bridgette Hooper for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
4.5 / 5 Stars
Oh my god, this book blew my mind. I am obsessed and cannot wait for the next book. Ok here is a quick, lay person friendly plot summary: Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling) is surviving. She works as a barista making just enough to pay rent and have a meal a day (popcorn on a good day). Her parents were abusive and horrible and she has experienced homelessness. The only light in her life is her best friend, Troy. But she gets to escape in her dreams. She dreams of a beautiful world with fields of flowers and a calming ocean. One day, in her dreams, a dragon comes crashing out of the sky. The dragon is hurt and Aisling helps take care of its wound and heal it back to health. She feels a tug, a deep connection to this dragon. In her non dream world, she is a walking shell of herself, wanting to get back to her dreams as much as possible.
In her dream, the dragon leads her back to a group of dragon riders who are fighting the Cruento, some red pill, incel, no good shitheads who think women are less than and will kill anyone to make sure they can be the ruling class. Aisling now too is a dragon rider, having formed a deep connection with her dragon. In this world, she is powerful and thriving. But it turns out, it is not a dream at all. It is a separate world and Aisling is a plane stepper -- she can travel between both worlds (her “dream” and “real” world), but it comes at a cost. When she gets stronger in one world, she gets weaker in another. Aisling has to choose which world she will live in and who she is connected to.
The book took a second to pick up for me but once we were in the action, I was addicted. I was putting off responsibilities. I was going into cafes and buying drinks I didn’t need just so that I could keep reading. It was that gripping. Bridgette does an amazing job of building a world that is rich and detailed without feeling overly complex and ungraspable. I didn’t feel intimidated or overwhelmed which is a major feat for me when it comes to fantasy. And there were a few really fun twists that made it a big page turner. And the non dream world was really interesting too. It is so impressive to create two compelling worlds.
I loved the found family and found dragon family. They were such a delightful cast of characters and I could read a book about each of them. There was also a very slow, slow burn romance which is a nice added touch but really the book was about Aisling coming into her power and thriving and living. There were moments where I was tearing up and moments that I was audibly rooting for Aisling. She earns everything and Bridgette does an amazing job of showing not telling in this book. It is so impressive that this is her debut novel and I am looking forward to reading all of her future books.
Thank you Bridgette Hooper for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2025
If I could give more than 5 stars, I'd give a million.
I have been on a huge dragon binge since Fourth Wing dropped, and I have been struggling to find a good dragon-involved story that wasn't full of smut and sex. I cannot even begin to describe how obsessed I am with this story. This is officially my favorite read of 2025, and possibly one of my most favorite stories EVER. The story flows so beautifully without any filler chapters, nothing felt rushed or left out. I was originally overwhelmed seeing the amount of chapters, but each chapter had an important piece in the overall story. The build up is there for the rest of the story and I absolutely cannot WAIT for the next one to come out!!!
Obsessed is an understatement.
I have been on a huge dragon binge since Fourth Wing dropped, and I have been struggling to find a good dragon-involved story that wasn't full of smut and sex. I cannot even begin to describe how obsessed I am with this story. This is officially my favorite read of 2025, and possibly one of my most favorite stories EVER. The story flows so beautifully without any filler chapters, nothing felt rushed or left out. I was originally overwhelmed seeing the amount of chapters, but each chapter had an important piece in the overall story. The build up is there for the rest of the story and I absolutely cannot WAIT for the next one to come out!!!
Obsessed is an understatement.
February 23, 2025
Reverie, a debut novel from Bridgette Hooper, is likely going to be one of my favorite books in 2025 and is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read in the last year.
The story follows a female main character named Aisling who is living between two worlds; one where she is awake and one where she is asleep. As she oscillates between worlds, she discovers that both are real and is faced with challenging, life altering decisions. The story that follows is full of adventure, heartbreak and suspense.
As someone who has dabbled in fantasy recently (Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, etc.) and grew up on Harry Potter, I’ll admit I was nervous to jump into *another* fantasy story, but this one exceeded my expectations. With a plotline unlike anything you’ve ever read and a world that fully immerses you, Reverie is a must read.
The story follows a female main character named Aisling who is living between two worlds; one where she is awake and one where she is asleep. As she oscillates between worlds, she discovers that both are real and is faced with challenging, life altering decisions. The story that follows is full of adventure, heartbreak and suspense.
As someone who has dabbled in fantasy recently (Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, etc.) and grew up on Harry Potter, I’ll admit I was nervous to jump into *another* fantasy story, but this one exceeded my expectations. With a plotline unlike anything you’ve ever read and a world that fully immerses you, Reverie is a must read.
June 23, 2025
“Angry men become reckless men. Reckless men make mistakes. So let’s make them livid.”
What an incredible debut novel! If you’ve been disappointed in all the “dragon” books lately that barely feature any actual dragons do i have a book for you! Chomping at the bit for the sequel that cliffhanger was brutal 😭 hope every single cruento bastard dies a slow painful death hehe :)
Also the only recurring dream that i have is a dream in which I have a test in a math class that i forgot about and haven’t been to all semester so aisling’s dream world seems way cooler :/
What an incredible debut novel! If you’ve been disappointed in all the “dragon” books lately that barely feature any actual dragons do i have a book for you! Chomping at the bit for the sequel that cliffhanger was brutal 😭 hope every single cruento bastard dies a slow painful death hehe :)
Also the only recurring dream that i have is a dream in which I have a test in a math class that i forgot about and haven’t been to all semester so aisling’s dream world seems way cooler :/
September 2, 2025
While I sometimes struggle mixing real life issues with romantasy reads, this had me gasping and on the edge during the entire read. I loved the concept and found this to be an excellent start to what sure looks like an awesome storyline - this is what a debut novel should look and FEEL like!
June 6, 2025
Wow wow wow! I don’t even know where to begin! This book was phenomenal, I’d say it’s my favorite book that I’ve read this year! Easy to get into and I adored every single bit of it. The characters were great, the pacing was great, I literally only have good things to say about this book.
Also… that ending?? Hello???!!! I look forward to more 🥰
Also… that ending?? Hello???!!! I look forward to more 🥰
April 20, 2025
Review to come!!!!
December 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
Wow! What a great debut by Bridgette Hooper. This is my first time reading a "portal" fantasy, and I wasn't sure what to expect but I was immediately sucked into this story. I love the banter and relationship the characters all have with each other, but also the dragons and how they care for one another. I especially appreciated that the author is taking things slow with the suspected love interest.
The reason this isn't a full five star is some inconsistencies/things that didn't quite make sense to me. For example, I get Medieval like vibes from one of the settings, and yet they have some modern items like pens, couches and a French press. They have a coffee maker but didn't know what a latte was lol. It made for a good scene but it threw me off a bit.
The ending was fantastic and I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
Wow! What a great debut by Bridgette Hooper. This is my first time reading a "portal" fantasy, and I wasn't sure what to expect but I was immediately sucked into this story. I love the banter and relationship the characters all have with each other, but also the dragons and how they care for one another. I especially appreciated that the author is taking things slow with the suspected love interest.
The reason this isn't a full five star is some inconsistencies/things that didn't quite make sense to me. For example, I get Medieval like vibes from one of the settings, and yet they have some modern items like pens, couches and a French press. They have a coffee maker but didn't know what a latte was lol. It made for a good scene but it threw me off a bit.
The ending was fantastic and I can't wait for book 2 to come out!
March 13, 2025
Reverie is a breathtaking fantasy adventure that swept me away from the very first page. With a fierce and complex female main character at its heart, this novel masterfully blends dreamlike landscapes, powerful dragons, and a slow burn romance - all the while unraveling the deep bonds of found family and unapologetically dismantling the patriarchy.
The world building is immersive, weaving between reality and dreamscape in a way that feels both ethereal and visceral. The character and relationship building embody the kind of raw emotions that lingers well beyond the final page.
But what truly sets this book apart is its heart. Every challenge the protagonist faces, every system she refuses to bow to, and every connection she forges feels real and hard won. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it empowers. If you love fantasy that is both beautifully written and fiercely defiant, this book is an absolute must read.
The world building is immersive, weaving between reality and dreamscape in a way that feels both ethereal and visceral. The character and relationship building embody the kind of raw emotions that lingers well beyond the final page.
But what truly sets this book apart is its heart. Every challenge the protagonist faces, every system she refuses to bow to, and every connection she forges feels real and hard won. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it empowers. If you love fantasy that is both beautifully written and fiercely defiant, this book is an absolute must read.
April 3, 2025
3.5 stars- What an interesting book. Dragons and dreamworlds, oh my! Aisling lives such a hard life and has a traumatic upbringing, so her dreams are the one thing she has to give her peace. She ends up having to make a choice which world she ultimately wants to belong to before her soul gets torn in two. I did enjoy the premise of this story a lot, and I thought it was well written. You develop a sense of emotional connection with Aisling due to her past and current struggles and trauma, however I would have liked to see some deeper dive into the backstory of the war. Overall though, I did really enjoy this book and can’t wait to see what book 2 brings! I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
November 15, 2025
Okay so this book was definitely a slow burn. I loved the concept so much and thought it was beautifully thought out. This is her first book so you can definitely tell because I have so many questions that weren’t answered but I’m hoping they will be answered in the next book. The last 50 pages I was stressed and so hooked I am hoping the next book is that the entire time!!! I did truly like this book so much though and now I fear I need the second one
April 27, 2025
I’m so thankful I got to read this book as an ARC! Aisling is such a unique main character, living in her dreams while asleep and in reality. As someone who has very vivid dreams, I absolutely loved this concept! It felt a little slow at some parts but it felt necessary to the plot and world building! This was such a fun read I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!!
February 23, 2025
This story is amazing! I couldn't put it down once I started. Structurally, the world building is beautiful and vivid. The characters are engaging. Emotionally, this masterpiece will have you laughing, ugly crying (my poor dog had to endure a couple of crying fits while I read), and falling in love. Torn between two dimensions, both elaborate in their details with characters you come to view as friends and confidantes and a source of strength and comfort, the author had me hooked early in the book. The writing style was descriptive and sincere and relatable.
Aisling, the MC, is faced with a choice many wish they could have, and her soul-crushing journey transforms her into a strong warrior that will leave you begging for this story to continue into a long series (seriously, I'm begging - PLEASE continue this story). From a tragic beginning, Aisling believes she is worthless and useless, but she refuses to be hopeless. And then, in an unexpected twist, she finds the hope she has long waited for in a place that hardly seems to be real. But what is real, really?
"Sometimes knowing you have someone fighting for you can make all the difference. It can keep the soul alive. Keep hope alive."
This fantasy adventure is perfect for those who love high fantasy, good vs. evil, magic, quests, dragons, slow-burn romance, damsels in distress, the chosen one, tragic backstory, training sequences, ultimate glow-ups, and touch her and die vibes.
Five star story! I thoroughly enjoyed my immersion into these worlds, these newly found friends, and the inner feelings that, I believe, make it one of the best books I've read in years. Bridgette Hooper knocked it out of the park with #Reverie.
I can't wait to dive deeper into the story with Kaida, Oryn, Elaila, Amerie, Cielle, Koen, (along with their dragons), Declan, Gareth, Morana (the best dragon you could ask for), Troy and Ryan.
Most stories I read on an eReader, reserving my small bookcase for book 'trophies', and will definitely place this book trophy in its' rightful place amongst the few others I have there.
Aisling, the MC, is faced with a choice many wish they could have, and her soul-crushing journey transforms her into a strong warrior that will leave you begging for this story to continue into a long series (seriously, I'm begging - PLEASE continue this story). From a tragic beginning, Aisling believes she is worthless and useless, but she refuses to be hopeless. And then, in an unexpected twist, she finds the hope she has long waited for in a place that hardly seems to be real. But what is real, really?
"Sometimes knowing you have someone fighting for you can make all the difference. It can keep the soul alive. Keep hope alive."
This fantasy adventure is perfect for those who love high fantasy, good vs. evil, magic, quests, dragons, slow-burn romance, damsels in distress, the chosen one, tragic backstory, training sequences, ultimate glow-ups, and touch her and die vibes.
Five star story! I thoroughly enjoyed my immersion into these worlds, these newly found friends, and the inner feelings that, I believe, make it one of the best books I've read in years. Bridgette Hooper knocked it out of the park with #Reverie.
I can't wait to dive deeper into the story with Kaida, Oryn, Elaila, Amerie, Cielle, Koen, (along with their dragons), Declan, Gareth, Morana (the best dragon you could ask for), Troy and Ryan.
Most stories I read on an eReader, reserving my small bookcase for book 'trophies', and will definitely place this book trophy in its' rightful place amongst the few others I have there.
March 27, 2025
Where to even begin with Reverie by Bridgette Hooper. Simply put, I am madly in love with Bridgette’s writing.
The unique characters, who are so well-developed.
The immersive world development and evolution of the story.
The seamless transitions from one world to a dream world that becomes the MC’s reality.
The grammatical integrity and sophisticated language.
The extraordinarily descriptive language making visualization so easy.
All in all I just want to go to sleep and wake up in her worlds.
The MC, Aisling, is so relatable. No matter if you’ve experienced a life similar to hers or not, her experiences are written so beautifully that it is easy to relate and/or sympathize with her. You feel as if you are right there with her.
The process of transitioning between her “life” and her dreams is seamlessly done. I found myself reading at the speed of light just to get to the next dream, while also wanting to know what is happening while she was awake. I was completely enthralled.
The dragons…..oh the DRAGONS….need I say more…..just that you will fall in love with them too.
Aisling’s found family is everything, so welcoming. The way they are developed creates a strong sense of warmth and belonging, making me wish I could join them for a chat over coffee and dessert.
Lastly, don’t even get me started on the slow burn romance. If I wasn’t wholly and completely in love with everything about this book I would certainly return just to see what becomes of this romance.
I am dying to read the second book and I cannot wait to see what more she creates!
The unique characters, who are so well-developed.
The immersive world development and evolution of the story.
The seamless transitions from one world to a dream world that becomes the MC’s reality.
The grammatical integrity and sophisticated language.
The extraordinarily descriptive language making visualization so easy.
All in all I just want to go to sleep and wake up in her worlds.
The MC, Aisling, is so relatable. No matter if you’ve experienced a life similar to hers or not, her experiences are written so beautifully that it is easy to relate and/or sympathize with her. You feel as if you are right there with her.
The process of transitioning between her “life” and her dreams is seamlessly done. I found myself reading at the speed of light just to get to the next dream, while also wanting to know what is happening while she was awake. I was completely enthralled.
The dragons…..oh the DRAGONS….need I say more…..just that you will fall in love with them too.
Aisling’s found family is everything, so welcoming. The way they are developed creates a strong sense of warmth and belonging, making me wish I could join them for a chat over coffee and dessert.
Lastly, don’t even get me started on the slow burn romance. If I wasn’t wholly and completely in love with everything about this book I would certainly return just to see what becomes of this romance.
I am dying to read the second book and I cannot wait to see what more she creates!
March 6, 2025
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. This was so good. Ugh, my heart breaks for Troy—I just hope he doesn’t blame himself for what happened.
I’ll admit, I was a bit lost for the first 25%, but I’m here for the vibes and once it picked up, I was completely hooked. Whether intentional or not, the way the book portrayed addiction/depression was absolutely heartbreaking. It beautifully captured how addiction/depression can lead someone to choose an alternate reality—one that feels safer, even if it means leaving behind the people who love them.
She chose her dream world over her best friend. No matter how much Troy told her he loved her, she was so addicted to her other life that she chose dragons and war over him. From his perspective, it felt like he was watching her succumb to her addiction/depression, unable to reach her. But what if that alternate reality was actually real? What if, while everyone else sees them as lost or crazy, they’re actually choosing a life where they no longer have to suffer?
I need the next book. I hope the slow burn is so painfully good, and I have so many theories—but I have to wait to find out. The only thing that took away from my enjoyment sometimes was the repetition of information. As a reader, I don’t need to be reminded of things I already picked up on the first time but I understand that it was to emphasize certain points about the character.
Overall, this was an emotional and thought-provoking read, and I can’t wait for more!
I’ll admit, I was a bit lost for the first 25%, but I’m here for the vibes and once it picked up, I was completely hooked. Whether intentional or not, the way the book portrayed addiction/depression was absolutely heartbreaking. It beautifully captured how addiction/depression can lead someone to choose an alternate reality—one that feels safer, even if it means leaving behind the people who love them.
She chose her dream world over her best friend. No matter how much Troy told her he loved her, she was so addicted to her other life that she chose dragons and war over him. From his perspective, it felt like he was watching her succumb to her addiction/depression, unable to reach her. But what if that alternate reality was actually real? What if, while everyone else sees them as lost or crazy, they’re actually choosing a life where they no longer have to suffer?
I need the next book. I hope the slow burn is so painfully good, and I have so many theories—but I have to wait to find out. The only thing that took away from my enjoyment sometimes was the repetition of information. As a reader, I don’t need to be reminded of things I already picked up on the first time but I understand that it was to emphasize certain points about the character.
Overall, this was an emotional and thought-provoking read, and I can’t wait for more!
April 16, 2025
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
It’s truly blew me away that this is a debut novel. The story was absolutely captivating. Pacing was perfect. The world building wasn’t overwhelming and you’re fed info as you need it. Naturally, it ended on a cliffhanger and let me tell you I’m dying for the next book.
When we meet our FMC Aisling she is working as a barista that is struggling to get by. Barely a crumb to eat, moldy apartment, and no one to count on except her fellow barista and friend Troy. Her only reprieve? The dream world she enters each night where she is healthier and happier. The sun is shining, the grass is bright green, and the ocean is sprawled out before her.
This nightly dream takes a turn when an injured dragon falls from the sky before her and she’s faced with the task of helping it or waking up. Aisling not only chooses to help this dragon, but forms a bond that has her coming back each night. She is taken to the dragon’s home, where she meets more dragons and their riders.
This is where everything takes a turn. Aisling discovers there’s more to this dream than she thought…because it’s not a dream at all. She’s a plane stepper. Her soul is divided between 2 worlds and she must choose the life she wants. Return to her depressing existence as a barista, but keep her best friend Troy or stay in this world where they are being attacked by a faceless enemy and stay with her dragon. As the author says, “The line between dreams and reality is going to shatter.”
It’s truly blew me away that this is a debut novel. The story was absolutely captivating. Pacing was perfect. The world building wasn’t overwhelming and you’re fed info as you need it. Naturally, it ended on a cliffhanger and let me tell you I’m dying for the next book.
When we meet our FMC Aisling she is working as a barista that is struggling to get by. Barely a crumb to eat, moldy apartment, and no one to count on except her fellow barista and friend Troy. Her only reprieve? The dream world she enters each night where she is healthier and happier. The sun is shining, the grass is bright green, and the ocean is sprawled out before her.
This nightly dream takes a turn when an injured dragon falls from the sky before her and she’s faced with the task of helping it or waking up. Aisling not only chooses to help this dragon, but forms a bond that has her coming back each night. She is taken to the dragon’s home, where she meets more dragons and their riders.
This is where everything takes a turn. Aisling discovers there’s more to this dream than she thought…because it’s not a dream at all. She’s a plane stepper. Her soul is divided between 2 worlds and she must choose the life she wants. Return to her depressing existence as a barista, but keep her best friend Troy or stay in this world where they are being attacked by a faceless enemy and stay with her dragon. As the author says, “The line between dreams and reality is going to shatter.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
Reverie is an immersive and beautifully told fantasy which builds slowly as the reader and the main character, Aisling, piece together the truth about her vivid dream world. It is not a dream, but her soul filling her deeper needs that were lacking as she barely scrapes by in her waking life. As she escapes further into her alternative reality, it becomes clear she must choose between the two worlds or face losing both.
I greatly appreciate the writing style and the author’s clear prose and sentence structure, especially given the uniquely layered world building. The author achieves a beautifully ephemeral and transitory quality to the initial dream world, which is a lovely touch.
While comparisons might be made to GoT, the dragons and this world feel much more of the recent past/alternative past than the medieval setting of GoT. The good versus bad narrative underpinnings are rooted in the evils of patriarchy and the alpha-bros/incels rot than GoT’s chess-playing monarchs, which I enjoyed.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to an epic fantasy franchise. The riveting and heartbreaking action primarily takes place in the waning pages of the book that set up what I hope are many more books within and about this fantasy world. I am greatly looking forward to the next installment in this series and hope the author is busy writing the sequel!
I am grateful to BookSirens for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.
I greatly appreciate the writing style and the author’s clear prose and sentence structure, especially given the uniquely layered world building. The author achieves a beautifully ephemeral and transitory quality to the initial dream world, which is a lovely touch.
While comparisons might be made to GoT, the dragons and this world feel much more of the recent past/alternative past than the medieval setting of GoT. The good versus bad narrative underpinnings are rooted in the evils of patriarchy and the alpha-bros/incels rot than GoT’s chess-playing monarchs, which I enjoyed.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to an epic fantasy franchise. The riveting and heartbreaking action primarily takes place in the waning pages of the book that set up what I hope are many more books within and about this fantasy world. I am greatly looking forward to the next installment in this series and hope the author is busy writing the sequel!
I am grateful to BookSirens for providing me with this free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.
February 21, 2025
Reverie (Reverie #1) by Bridgette Hooper is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows the story of Aisling, a struggling barista who finds solace and escape in a recurring dream. Her waking life is bleak and hopeless, as she barely scrapes by, but her dreamscape provides a much-needed respite of peace and safety.
However, Aisling's tranquil dream world is suddenly shattered when an injured dragon plummets from the sky, landing before her and forever altering the course of her destiny. From this pivotal moment, the reader is swept away on a captivating journey as Aisling's fate intertwines with the dragons.
Hooper masterfully crafts a richly detailed and immersive fantasy world, filled with vivid imagery and multifaceted characters who leap off the page with authentic emotions. As the story unfolds, we encounter an ensemble cast from devastating backgrounds, each grappling with their own hardships and challenges. Yet as this tight-knit group bonds together in the face of a common enemy, they begin to heal, grow, and flourish in heartwarming ways.
With its brilliant worldbuilding, emotional depth, and unputdownable pacing, Reverie is a standout fantasy that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in this fascinating tale.
However, Aisling's tranquil dream world is suddenly shattered when an injured dragon plummets from the sky, landing before her and forever altering the course of her destiny. From this pivotal moment, the reader is swept away on a captivating journey as Aisling's fate intertwines with the dragons.
Hooper masterfully crafts a richly detailed and immersive fantasy world, filled with vivid imagery and multifaceted characters who leap off the page with authentic emotions. As the story unfolds, we encounter an ensemble cast from devastating backgrounds, each grappling with their own hardships and challenges. Yet as this tight-knit group bonds together in the face of a common enemy, they begin to heal, grow, and flourish in heartwarming ways.
With its brilliant worldbuilding, emotional depth, and unputdownable pacing, Reverie is a standout fantasy that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in this fascinating tale.
March 8, 2025
reverie by bridgette hooper is her debut novel and my god, did she make a splash with this one. absolutely amazing. 5/5.
the story follows our female main character, aisling, who is living between two worlds, one where she is awake and one she believes is nothing more than a dream crafter from an overactive imagination, a want for more in her life. as she balances between worlds, she discovers both are real and is faced with challenging, life altering decisions. the story is filled with adventure, heartbreak, suspense and longing for more.
fantasy, dragons, second chances, found family, plane stepping — need i ask for more in a novel? the world building was immaculate and not too overwhelming, the build up and slow down from key points within the plot were perfectly paced. the characters are wonderfully engaging & you can’t help but love them right away.
this was a five star read for me and will likely find its place in my favorite reads for 2025. this book is perfect for lovers of fantasy, dragons and stories with quests within them.
i received an advance review copy and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
the story follows our female main character, aisling, who is living between two worlds, one where she is awake and one she believes is nothing more than a dream crafter from an overactive imagination, a want for more in her life. as she balances between worlds, she discovers both are real and is faced with challenging, life altering decisions. the story is filled with adventure, heartbreak, suspense and longing for more.
fantasy, dragons, second chances, found family, plane stepping — need i ask for more in a novel? the world building was immaculate and not too overwhelming, the build up and slow down from key points within the plot were perfectly paced. the characters are wonderfully engaging & you can’t help but love them right away.
this was a five star read for me and will likely find its place in my favorite reads for 2025. this book is perfect for lovers of fantasy, dragons and stories with quests within them.
i received an advance review copy and i am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 28, 2025
From the first page I knew I was in for a treat. This book is escapism at its finest.
Aisling is a struggling barista with a brutal past doing all she can to keep her head down and survive. Every night she has the same dream, returning to peaceful island where she can just exist without the stress and burdens that fill her waking life. The arrival of in injured dragon suddenly changes the courses of both her dream and waking lives and Aisling must decide which to follow.
The pacing is pulls the reader along with Aisling's obsessive dive into her dream wold. My heart ached for her, longed along with her, and found solace in her time with Morgana.
I do wish we got a little deeper backstory/character development on the secondary characters but there is always time for that as this was written as the first of a series.
Found Family, Dragons, addiction, escapism, and overcoming adversity (and the patriarchy!). Bridgette Hooper has created a solid fantasy novel debut in Reverie and I cannot wait for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Aisling is a struggling barista with a brutal past doing all she can to keep her head down and survive. Every night she has the same dream, returning to peaceful island where she can just exist without the stress and burdens that fill her waking life. The arrival of in injured dragon suddenly changes the courses of both her dream and waking lives and Aisling must decide which to follow.
The pacing is pulls the reader along with Aisling's obsessive dive into her dream wold. My heart ached for her, longed along with her, and found solace in her time with Morgana.
I do wish we got a little deeper backstory/character development on the secondary characters but there is always time for that as this was written as the first of a series.
Found Family, Dragons, addiction, escapism, and overcoming adversity (and the patriarchy!). Bridgette Hooper has created a solid fantasy novel debut in Reverie and I cannot wait for more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2025
uuuuuuuh I unexpectedly loved this!!!
think inception meets how to train your dragon vibes
never thought I’d pair those two movies together but here we are!!!
I love Aisling!! I was rooting for her every step of this book
her past is so tragic and life has been so unforgiving to her
She simply existed in real life and LIVED in her dreams
I love how she was written. I loved that she was a real human with weaknesses
But in this book she found her strength AND I LOVE THOSE KINDS OF STORIES
this book had a minor romantic subplot but I was plenty for me to EAT. UP.
it don’t take away from the main focus of the plot which I thought was pretty good!
I ADORED the family she found
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM
(Amerie is my favorite I LOVE HER)
I love their dynamic as a family, their loyalty, their banter, their humor, and their devotion to each other
Everything Aisling has been craving for since she was young
She deserves it so much and it made my heart so warm to see her get it
NOW THE ENDING!?
READING BOOK TWO NEOW!!!
think inception meets how to train your dragon vibes
never thought I’d pair those two movies together but here we are!!!
I love Aisling!! I was rooting for her every step of this book
her past is so tragic and life has been so unforgiving to her
She simply existed in real life and LIVED in her dreams
I love how she was written. I loved that she was a real human with weaknesses
But in this book she found her strength AND I LOVE THOSE KINDS OF STORIES
this book had a minor romantic subplot but I was plenty for me to EAT. UP.
it don’t take away from the main focus of the plot which I thought was pretty good!
I ADORED the family she found
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM
(Amerie is my favorite I LOVE HER)
I love their dynamic as a family, their loyalty, their banter, their humor, and their devotion to each other
Everything Aisling has been craving for since she was young
She deserves it so much and it made my heart so warm to see her get it
NOW THE ENDING!?
READING BOOK TWO NEOW!!!
September 5, 2025
From the very first pages, I was completely hooked. The characters are so well-developed that I found myself instantly invested in their lives and journeys. Then came the first dream, and with it, a glimpse of Bridgette Hooper’s incredible world-building, a realm so vivid and immersive that I longed to step inside, even if only in my sleep.
As the story unfolds and the shadow of war looms ever closer, Hooper weaves themes that feel both timeless and timely: the battle against the patriarchy and the deeply personal struggle to discover who we truly are. The balance of emotional stakes and steadily building tension is masterful, never once feeling forced or rushed.
And the ending? Absolutely breathtaking, it left me desperate for the next installment.
Reverie is a beautifully crafted blend of fantasy and real-life resonance, perfect for readers who crave stories that are both enchanting and empowering. I highly recommend it.
As the story unfolds and the shadow of war looms ever closer, Hooper weaves themes that feel both timeless and timely: the battle against the patriarchy and the deeply personal struggle to discover who we truly are. The balance of emotional stakes and steadily building tension is masterful, never once feeling forced or rushed.
And the ending? Absolutely breathtaking, it left me desperate for the next installment.
Reverie is a beautifully crafted blend of fantasy and real-life resonance, perfect for readers who crave stories that are both enchanting and empowering. I highly recommend it.
April 3, 2025
Wow! Just wow! This debut novel by Bridgette Hooper has instantly become one of my favorites this year. The depth and uniqueness of the characters she’s crafted are truly remarkable.
The story centers around Aisling, a young woman shaped by a difficult childhood, struggling to find hope in her life. Her dreams transport her to a breathtaking world filled with wildflowers and the soothing presence of the sea—a sanctuary that becomes her escape. But everything changes the night a dragon enters her life.
Packed with adventure and tinged with heartbreak, this story is a rollercoaster of emotions. The found family Aisling discovers is heartwarming and filled with love, offering moments of comfort amid the turbulence.
I am beyond excited for the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centers around Aisling, a young woman shaped by a difficult childhood, struggling to find hope in her life. Her dreams transport her to a breathtaking world filled with wildflowers and the soothing presence of the sea—a sanctuary that becomes her escape. But everything changes the night a dragon enters her life.
Packed with adventure and tinged with heartbreak, this story is a rollercoaster of emotions. The found family Aisling discovers is heartwarming and filled with love, offering moments of comfort amid the turbulence.
I am beyond excited for the next book in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2025
*ARC*
Wow, just wow. This book was amazing. I was blown away about how invested I was in both worlds. Aisling, in both worlds, had a strong sense of self. Even if she was slowly losing that in the one world. I feel like this book made you think because sometimes dreams can become more of a reality than the world you are living in and that can be dangerous.
But this book has dragons, dreams, friendships, battle, torment, sadness.
The found family in both worlds was just so heartwarming. It's one of my favorite book tropes and Reverie did it so well. I was literally sobbing at the letter. If you know, you know. It was heartbreaking.
And once she makes her choice, you could feel the pain but also the determination and I love that.
The ending is a massive cliffhanger!! Like, why???? It makes you want book 2 immediately.
Wow, just wow. This book was amazing. I was blown away about how invested I was in both worlds. Aisling, in both worlds, had a strong sense of self. Even if she was slowly losing that in the one world. I feel like this book made you think because sometimes dreams can become more of a reality than the world you are living in and that can be dangerous.
But this book has dragons, dreams, friendships, battle, torment, sadness.
The found family in both worlds was just so heartwarming. It's one of my favorite book tropes and Reverie did it so well. I was literally sobbing at the letter. If you know, you know. It was heartbreaking.
And once she makes her choice, you could feel the pain but also the determination and I love that.
The ending is a massive cliffhanger!! Like, why???? It makes you want book 2 immediately.
April 24, 2025
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. The magical world and mundane world are so starkly different at first, but that contrast is exactly what makes the story so strong. Aisling lives two different lives and struggles to find her place in each.
Dragons make every book better, and this one has them in spades! The magical adventure Aisling finds herself embarking on is incredible. Oddly, I also found myself very invested in her mundane life. It was relatable, and full of heart, and I really enjoyed watching her try to navigate both worlds equally.
The book is well-written and paints a vivid portrait of a beautiful magical world that the author expertly brings to life. I would definitely recommend this book to other fantasy readers who enjoy a bit of the “real” world being blended in.
I really enjoyed this story. The magical world and mundane world are so starkly different at first, but that contrast is exactly what makes the story so strong. Aisling lives two different lives and struggles to find her place in each.
Dragons make every book better, and this one has them in spades! The magical adventure Aisling finds herself embarking on is incredible. Oddly, I also found myself very invested in her mundane life. It was relatable, and full of heart, and I really enjoyed watching her try to navigate both worlds equally.
The book is well-written and paints a vivid portrait of a beautiful magical world that the author expertly brings to life. I would definitely recommend this book to other fantasy readers who enjoy a bit of the “real” world being blended in.
April 21, 2025
I found that it took me some time to get into the book and when I did, I fell in and out of it.
I found both worlds interesting. I did enjoy the back and forth but I do wish there was more Troy. I loved Aisling and Troy's friendship. The people of Ferox and how welcoming they were (well most were). The found family. The dragons.
Though I don't know why it was sometimes hard for me to find myself immersed in this world.
I did enjoy the story and hope the dragon riders kick ass in the next book and that Favilla gets the justice she deserves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you booksiren and Bridgette Hooper for allow me the chance to read this book.
I found both worlds interesting. I did enjoy the back and forth but I do wish there was more Troy. I loved Aisling and Troy's friendship. The people of Ferox and how welcoming they were (well most were). The found family. The dragons.
Though I don't know why it was sometimes hard for me to find myself immersed in this world.
I did enjoy the story and hope the dragon riders kick ass in the next book and that Favilla gets the justice she deserves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you booksiren and Bridgette Hooper for allow me the chance to read this book.
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