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Island of Ghosts and Dreams: A Novel
A woman from a small Greek village finds herself swept up in the long and storied history of her island—and its far-reaching impact—in this unforgettable story of love, passion, and resistance.
Chania, Crete; 1941.
When mainland Greece falls to the Germans after incredible and heroic resistance, the Greek government flees south to an ancient island of Gods and Kings, and Myths and Minotaurs.
Maria is a villager whose husband has been away fighting with the Greek army, and after she finds a British soldier that washes up on a secluded beach near her home, and helps nurse him back to health, the Germans then turn south and invade Crete, too.
Occupation, tragedy, and betrayal follow. The lives of Maria and her family change in an instant and she finds herself in a role she never thought she'd have to play—and one that generations of Cretans have had to assume before her.
Steeped in history and filled with unforgettable characters, Island of Ghosts and Dreams is a profoundly moving and decades-spanning tale of passion, honor, and family. With echoes of the works of Victoria Hislop, Cosmos explores the sacrifices all generations must make for freedom, and the sacred obligation to follow the strength and power of our hearts, no matter where it might lead us.
Chania, Crete; 1941.
When mainland Greece falls to the Germans after incredible and heroic resistance, the Greek government flees south to an ancient island of Gods and Kings, and Myths and Minotaurs.
Maria is a villager whose husband has been away fighting with the Greek army, and after she finds a British soldier that washes up on a secluded beach near her home, and helps nurse him back to health, the Germans then turn south and invade Crete, too.
Occupation, tragedy, and betrayal follow. The lives of Maria and her family change in an instant and she finds herself in a role she never thought she'd have to play—and one that generations of Cretans have had to assume before her.
Steeped in history and filled with unforgettable characters, Island of Ghosts and Dreams is a profoundly moving and decades-spanning tale of passion, honor, and family. With echoes of the works of Victoria Hislop, Cosmos explores the sacrifices all generations must make for freedom, and the sacred obligation to follow the strength and power of our hearts, no matter where it might lead us.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2026
14 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cosmos
5 books118 followersHello! I'm a screenwriter and bestselling author from the Midwest who grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and attended the University of Michigan.
My newest novel, "Island of Ghosts and Dreams," is now available and ready to be added to your shelves!
For more news and updates please also follow along on Instagram @christophercosmos.
My newest novel, "Island of Ghosts and Dreams," is now available and ready to be added to your shelves!
For more news and updates please also follow along on Instagram @christophercosmos.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 2, 2026
Wow! What a fascinating yet heartbreaking story about the German invasion of Greece (Crete).
The story revolves around Maria, whose husband is in the armed forces and away while her town undergoes the beginning of the German takeover.
But, before all of this happens, she finds a young man washed up on the shore, and believes he’s dead. Until… his chest rises. She immediately calls for help and takes it upon herself to nurse this man back to health, as best she can. He is British, and is no threat to her community. And they form a kind of bond… although only as friends, as she makes it plain that she’s waiting for her husband to return.
And we go on from here….
Her husband, Demetrius, does return…
We go through all the horrors of life at that time. And, if you have triggers re: how the Germans acted… you might want to skip this one, as it is pretty graphic at times… but not worse than many others I’ve read.
But, if you do enjoy Historical Fiction of this era, you should not pass this one up. I’m always interested in reading how different countries fared during these times… and this is a new perspective for me, and the countryside is painted as a beautiful portrait with olive trees, beaches, strong bonds, and even stronger family AND community ties!
It will at once lighten your spirit, and drag you down to the dregs of the earth…
It is heartbreaking. It is emotional. It is a rollercoaster of a book.
And, it has some fierce, strong, capable women as main characters, which I love! 💗
4 solid, strong, beautiful, heart-wrenching stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#IslandOfGhostsAndDreams by @ChristopherCosmos and narrated stunningly by @AnthoulaKatsimatides.
This one has already been released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
The story revolves around Maria, whose husband is in the armed forces and away while her town undergoes the beginning of the German takeover.
But, before all of this happens, she finds a young man washed up on the shore, and believes he’s dead. Until… his chest rises. She immediately calls for help and takes it upon herself to nurse this man back to health, as best she can. He is British, and is no threat to her community. And they form a kind of bond… although only as friends, as she makes it plain that she’s waiting for her husband to return.
And we go on from here….
Her husband, Demetrius, does return…
We go through all the horrors of life at that time. And, if you have triggers re: how the Germans acted… you might want to skip this one, as it is pretty graphic at times… but not worse than many others I’ve read.
But, if you do enjoy Historical Fiction of this era, you should not pass this one up. I’m always interested in reading how different countries fared during these times… and this is a new perspective for me, and the countryside is painted as a beautiful portrait with olive trees, beaches, strong bonds, and even stronger family AND community ties!
It will at once lighten your spirit, and drag you down to the dregs of the earth…
It is heartbreaking. It is emotional. It is a rollercoaster of a book.
And, it has some fierce, strong, capable women as main characters, which I love! 💗
4 solid, strong, beautiful, heart-wrenching stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#IslandOfGhostsAndDreams by @ChristopherCosmos and narrated stunningly by @AnthoulaKatsimatides.
This one has already been released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
March 28, 2026
4,75 o así.
hostia puta yo quería hacer una reseña decente pero como que el libro me ha dejado seca y estoy viviendo el mental así que si eso la hago otro día.
hostia puta yo quería hacer una reseña decente pero como que el libro me ha dejado seca y estoy viviendo el mental así que si eso la hago otro día.
March 12, 2026
I have read a lot of historical fiction set during World War II, so I was really intrigued when I saw that the setting of this book was the island of Crete and highlighted the WWII experience for Greeks living on the island. I always enjoy reading about lesser known perspectives of the war, and this one felt especially unique.
I also love a WWII story that highlights heroic women, and this book absolutely did that. The women in this story were strong, brave, and deeply devoted to protecting the people and places they loved.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how many notable historical figures were woven into the story. It added an extra layer of interest and made the events feel even more immersive. I also have to mention the food descriptions throughout the book. There were so many moments where the meals and traditional dishes were described so vividly that it made me hungry while listening.
At its core, this book has so much heart. It explores the love we have for our homes, our families, and the people in our communities. The story definitely made me cry and broke my heart at times, but it was also a beautiful love story set during incredibly tragic circumstances.
If you enjoy World War II historical fiction and want to be immersed in the setting of a Greek island while seeing the war through a different perspective, I definitely suggest picking this book up. The audiobook was also very well done and really brought the story to life.
I also love a WWII story that highlights heroic women, and this book absolutely did that. The women in this story were strong, brave, and deeply devoted to protecting the people and places they loved.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how many notable historical figures were woven into the story. It added an extra layer of interest and made the events feel even more immersive. I also have to mention the food descriptions throughout the book. There were so many moments where the meals and traditional dishes were described so vividly that it made me hungry while listening.
At its core, this book has so much heart. It explores the love we have for our homes, our families, and the people in our communities. The story definitely made me cry and broke my heart at times, but it was also a beautiful love story set during incredibly tragic circumstances.
If you enjoy World War II historical fiction and want to be immersed in the setting of a Greek island while seeing the war through a different perspective, I definitely suggest picking this book up. The audiobook was also very well done and really brought the story to life.
February 14, 2026
A beautiful story but legit broke my heart 💔
March 2, 2026
A beautiful but heartbreaking story of a woman’s survival, and immense loss, during WWll.
Our FMC, Maria, is keeping a constant vigil for her husband, who is away fighting in the war-even though the war has reached their island. She also becomes an invisible hero in the war by finding a soldier washed up on the beach, and bringing him to the local doctor-saving his life. But as the war goes on, Maria learns the terrible price that must be paid in a battle you didn’t ask to be apart of.
Cosmos crafts Maria’s arc from loving wife to a woman hell bent on revenge for those she loves. She becomes hardened, and determined to right the wrongs her home has had to bear. Along the way, she leans on those who are willing to fight the necessary fight with her, and help her gain justice. But does it truly fill the hole marred by hate and bitterness?
The author also shows Maria’s softer side by allowing her to love again, even if she knows it won’t last. She also gets an unexpected reminder of that love, and it becomes more precious to her than all the gold in the world. But despite that precious gift, she must make the ultimate sacrifice in the face of pain and suffering. It is a sacrifice that is painful to think about, but ultimately leads to hope and redemption.
This historical fiction story is steeped in emotion and tragedy, but doesn’t leave us there. Cosmos does a great job of bringing the past alive-the good, bad, and ugly-and informing us of the heavy cost of war. 4.5 stars.
A big thank you to the author for my arc. My opinion is my own.
Our FMC, Maria, is keeping a constant vigil for her husband, who is away fighting in the war-even though the war has reached their island. She also becomes an invisible hero in the war by finding a soldier washed up on the beach, and bringing him to the local doctor-saving his life. But as the war goes on, Maria learns the terrible price that must be paid in a battle you didn’t ask to be apart of.
Cosmos crafts Maria’s arc from loving wife to a woman hell bent on revenge for those she loves. She becomes hardened, and determined to right the wrongs her home has had to bear. Along the way, she leans on those who are willing to fight the necessary fight with her, and help her gain justice. But does it truly fill the hole marred by hate and bitterness?
The author also shows Maria’s softer side by allowing her to love again, even if she knows it won’t last. She also gets an unexpected reminder of that love, and it becomes more precious to her than all the gold in the world. But despite that precious gift, she must make the ultimate sacrifice in the face of pain and suffering. It is a sacrifice that is painful to think about, but ultimately leads to hope and redemption.
This historical fiction story is steeped in emotion and tragedy, but doesn’t leave us there. Cosmos does a great job of bringing the past alive-the good, bad, and ugly-and informing us of the heavy cost of war. 4.5 stars.
A big thank you to the author for my arc. My opinion is my own.
April 16, 2026
Island of Ghosts and Dreams surprised me in the best way. By the end of chapter three, I was fully invested — the kind of invested where you look up and realize you’ve been reading for hours without meaning to.
What struck me immediately is how often World War II is framed through the same familiar geographies: Northern Europe, Russia, Japan. Cosmos reminds us that the war was far wider, far more complex, and that its shadows reached places we rarely see in fiction. By centering the German invasion of Crete, he gives readers a vivid, lived‑in sense of a front that history books often reduce to a footnote.
This is not a novel about generals or sweeping military strategy. It’s a story about the quiet war, the domestic war, where the battles are fought in kitchens, in fields, in whispered conversations, and in the choices ordinary people make when the world fractures around them.
Maria’s husband, Demetrius, is away fighting, leaving her to navigate the uneasy calm before the occupation tightens its grip. When she discovers a British soldier washed ashore, their connection grows into a complicated friendship. She remains faithful to her husband, but the emotional space between them becomes its own kind of battlefield : one defined by longing, loyalty, and the impossible choices war forces upon people.
Cosmos excels at showing the price of resistance and the courage required to endure tyranny. The horrors depicted here aren’t the blood‑and‑battlefield kind; they’re the intimate, domestic horrors of occupation; deprivation, fear, betrayal, and the constant negotiation of survival. And yet, woven through the darkness is a deep affirmation of what humans will do for one another when everything is at stake.
This is not a story about men with weapons. It’s a story about women using whatever power they have to protect their families, their communities, and their dignity. It’s about the emotional and moral terrain of war, the kind that rarely makes it into history books but shapes lives just as profoundly.
Cosmos wrote this to transport the reader into Maria’s world, and he succeeded. I felt the weight of her choices, the tension of her days, and the fragile hope that threads through even the bleakest moments.
Early in the book, Gianni talks to William about the power of remembering — why it matters, and why it must endure “even here, high in the hills, where they can’t see and don’t have to look if they don’t want to.”
He asks William to promise that the war fought in small towns, by ordinary people resisting oppression, won’t be forgotten. Gianni reflects on how time, distance, and fear can make history fuzzy — how the realities of war can blur or soften as people try to move forward.
But he insists that memory is a duty, even when it’s painful. That people need to remember them — their choices, their sacrifices, their courage. And he distills it into one line that stayed with me:
“Our time here is very short. Honor, courage, family, and what we do for others — those are the things that last.”
It’s a moment that captures the emotional core of the novel and lingers long after the final page.
What struck me immediately is how often World War II is framed through the same familiar geographies: Northern Europe, Russia, Japan. Cosmos reminds us that the war was far wider, far more complex, and that its shadows reached places we rarely see in fiction. By centering the German invasion of Crete, he gives readers a vivid, lived‑in sense of a front that history books often reduce to a footnote.
This is not a novel about generals or sweeping military strategy. It’s a story about the quiet war, the domestic war, where the battles are fought in kitchens, in fields, in whispered conversations, and in the choices ordinary people make when the world fractures around them.
Maria’s husband, Demetrius, is away fighting, leaving her to navigate the uneasy calm before the occupation tightens its grip. When she discovers a British soldier washed ashore, their connection grows into a complicated friendship. She remains faithful to her husband, but the emotional space between them becomes its own kind of battlefield : one defined by longing, loyalty, and the impossible choices war forces upon people.
Cosmos excels at showing the price of resistance and the courage required to endure tyranny. The horrors depicted here aren’t the blood‑and‑battlefield kind; they’re the intimate, domestic horrors of occupation; deprivation, fear, betrayal, and the constant negotiation of survival. And yet, woven through the darkness is a deep affirmation of what humans will do for one another when everything is at stake.
This is not a story about men with weapons. It’s a story about women using whatever power they have to protect their families, their communities, and their dignity. It’s about the emotional and moral terrain of war, the kind that rarely makes it into history books but shapes lives just as profoundly.
Cosmos wrote this to transport the reader into Maria’s world, and he succeeded. I felt the weight of her choices, the tension of her days, and the fragile hope that threads through even the bleakest moments.
Early in the book, Gianni talks to William about the power of remembering — why it matters, and why it must endure “even here, high in the hills, where they can’t see and don’t have to look if they don’t want to.”
He asks William to promise that the war fought in small towns, by ordinary people resisting oppression, won’t be forgotten. Gianni reflects on how time, distance, and fear can make history fuzzy — how the realities of war can blur or soften as people try to move forward.
But he insists that memory is a duty, even when it’s painful. That people need to remember them — their choices, their sacrifices, their courage. And he distills it into one line that stayed with me:
“Our time here is very short. Honor, courage, family, and what we do for others — those are the things that last.”
It’s a moment that captures the emotional core of the novel and lingers long after the final page.
April 21, 2026
Island of Ghosts and Dreams is a minute by minute, day by day accounting of the German invasion and occupation of Crete during World War II. The author's careful research and understanding of the culture is apparent on every page. It did take me awhile to become accustomed to the present tense narrative, but the first-person point of view of the protagonist carried the pain of her experiences right into my heart. Maria is a multi-dimensional character who is focused on vengeance, at times to her own peril, yet she is capable of deep love and loyalty. She is a perfect example of the extraordinary character of the Cretan people.
The war in Greece has rarely been depicted in film and novels, and general knowledge about those terrible years seems to be quite slim. Island of Ghosts and Dreams will add valuable information to the understanding of the times as well as provide riveting entertainment.
The war in Greece has rarely been depicted in film and novels, and general knowledge about those terrible years seems to be quite slim. Island of Ghosts and Dreams will add valuable information to the understanding of the times as well as provide riveting entertainment.
March 5, 2026
During WW2 the Island of Crete was invaded and held for years by the German army. Atrocities became a part of daily life as the resistance hid and fought from the mountains. This is a novel of war, family, depravation, hope, tragedy and even romance.
The writing was descriptive and detailed. The pace felt slow at times, almost deliberate. The characters were well fleshed out, even the minor ones. The ending was satisfying.
I listened to it as an audiobook. The narrator’s voice was clear and easy to understand.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this advance listening copy. The publication date is March 3, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
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The writing was descriptive and detailed. The pace felt slow at times, almost deliberate. The characters were well fleshed out, even the minor ones. The ending was satisfying.
I listened to it as an audiobook. The narrator’s voice was clear and easy to understand.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this advance listening copy. The publication date is March 3, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
Find me on Fable
https://fable.co/bookishgramma-177585...
March 16, 2026
A WWII historical fiction novel that takes place on the Greek island of Crete after that Nazis have invaded. A tragic story of love, loss, grief, family and revenge. This story was based on history that happened during WWII to the Greek people and was something I was unfamiliar with as most stories focus on the horrific atrocities the Nazis did the Jewish people. The story was a bit slow moving and the characters never really resonated with me. An interesting story that lacked execution and character development.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 22, 2026
Islands of Ghosts and Dreams is a lovely historical fiction from an area that we don't hear about in the plethora of WW2 books. The story follows Maria as she, her family, community and country experience war. Layered with rich history of the generations that have experienced war before, we find ourselves on the complete journey of grief with love, loss, shock, vengeance and a hopeful endurance of spirit.
The author does a fantastic job of developing all the characters, giving the story a very lived in feel. The narrator does a great job.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for this advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.
The author does a fantastic job of developing all the characters, giving the story a very lived in feel. The narrator does a great job.
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for this advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book there was a good bit of drama and action with a beautiful love story that involved forbidden love. the overall writing was really well done everything detailed beautifully and was well wrote out the audiobook was enjoyable to listen to and the narrator was easy to understand and follow along with
March 22, 2026
This was a new author to me and I really enjoyed the storytelling. I have not read too many books set in Greece and I enjoyed some of the historical aspects as well as the relationships between characters.
March 9, 2026
Their villages were destroyed, their people murdered, not once or twice but in successive generations.
And it happened again in WWII when the Germans were the enemy.
The story does not take place in Poland or Czechoslovakia, the victims are not Jews - this is an amazing story about the Greeks on the Isle of Crete.
And it happened again in WWII when the Germans were the enemy.
The story does not take place in Poland or Czechoslovakia, the victims are not Jews - this is an amazing story about the Greeks on the Isle of Crete.
April 22, 2026
More like 3.5. It took forever to catch my interest and I was really close to putting it down. Second half was much better. Unique story with a female protagonist in occupied Crete during WWII.
April 28, 2026
Normally, I steer away from “yet another WWII historical fiction,” but this love story is set on the island of Crete, which played an important role in the war that often gets overlooked in history books. Don’t overlook Crete or Island of Ghosts and Dreams.
“This is an island, a cursed and blessed island of both ghosts and dreams, but the stories? They’re eternal, they can never be killed or conquered, like so many have thought we could be, and they’re ours.”
At its heart, this is a love story. Yes, romantic love, but also love of family, community, and home. It’s about the people, places, and traditions you will fight to protect at any cost.
I’ve never been to Crete, but the author’s writing completely transports readers to the island’s magical landscapes. Let’s just say I added a few new stops to my travel bucket list.
There are moments that shock you or get your adrenaline pumping, but the real core of the novel is its message about hope, kindness, and resilience. These qualities can change the world and leave it better than we found it.
And the cameos! I had no idea this many people were on Crete at the same time. Who knew?! Well… the author did. Don’t worry if you miss them; the author’s note at the end is incredibly helpful and informative.
I had such a great conversation with Christopher, and there’s no way I can capture the entire heartfelt discussion in an Instagram caption. So, I’ll simply say this: this novel is absolutely worth reading and recommending to your book club.
“This is an island, a cursed and blessed island of both ghosts and dreams, but the stories? They’re eternal, they can never be killed or conquered, like so many have thought we could be, and they’re ours.”
At its heart, this is a love story. Yes, romantic love, but also love of family, community, and home. It’s about the people, places, and traditions you will fight to protect at any cost.
I’ve never been to Crete, but the author’s writing completely transports readers to the island’s magical landscapes. Let’s just say I added a few new stops to my travel bucket list.
There are moments that shock you or get your adrenaline pumping, but the real core of the novel is its message about hope, kindness, and resilience. These qualities can change the world and leave it better than we found it.
And the cameos! I had no idea this many people were on Crete at the same time. Who knew?! Well… the author did. Don’t worry if you miss them; the author’s note at the end is incredibly helpful and informative.
I had such a great conversation with Christopher, and there’s no way I can capture the entire heartfelt discussion in an Instagram caption. So, I’ll simply say this: this novel is absolutely worth reading and recommending to your book club.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews