The dream turned nightmare. The nightmare turned reality.
In enemy hands, Aisling learns the depths of their depravity and the horrifying future they have planned for her. To escape, she must cling to a small seed of hope and rely on her unfaltering strength of will against the impenetrable darkness attempting to swallow her whole.
Koen, Morana, and the rest of the Ferox hunt for Aisling while trying to keep Kairossen afloat. The Cruento, while damaged, have not stopped their assault, and will accept nothing but total dominance.
Things lost will be found again.
Friends will turn foe.
Boundaries will be shattered.
The final battle is here, and no one will emerge from the ashes the same.
4.5 / 5 Stars What a great wrap up to this series! In book 1, we meet Aisling (pronounced Ash-ling), who 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 and book 2 picks up as war rages with the Cruento.
You will probably like this book if you like: 🐉 Romantic fantasy books with dragons 🐉 Friends to lovers 🐉 True slow burn romance 🐉 Found family and found dragon family 🐉 Strong female characters 🐉 Saying “fuck you” to toxic masculinity 🐉 Female rage 🐉 Book 2 of duology
I had a really hard time putting the first book down and I felt the same way about the second book as well. I would blink and be a third of the way into the book. The themes in this one felt darker (which is saying something because the first book discussed poverty, homelessness, and abuse) but because we are in the middle of a war with the worst possible men, the darker themes were earned even though it was a tough read at times.
My sweet, sweet Aisling and Koen. If you want a real slow burn romance, this is the one for you. These two have big feelings for each other and circle each other cautiously for a while. Koen is an acts of service lover boy. Their romance was heartfelt and tender without being sappy. And the other love stories in the book were equally fun and swoony. This is also a lower spice book so if that is your jam, definitely check it out. The found family here is still one of my favorites in any book that I’ve read this year.
There were a few fun twists (one that prompted me to email Bridgette at 1am so bless her for putting up with me) and everything was wrapped up in a really satisfying way. I am sad that this series wrapped up but I am so excited for whatever Bridgette writes next.
Thank you Bridgette Hooper for the eARC! All opinions are my own. Publication Date: November 28, 2025 _______________________________ Pre-Read Thoughts: I told myself I would just read a few chapters last night and instead read 30% of the book.
I LOVED Rebirth, the first book in the duology. It was such a great fantasy book with a small romantic subplot, amazing world building, dragons, and so much great found family. I think this book will have much more romance (EEEEEEEEEEE), which is very exciting. I highly, highly recommend this series (I said even though I haven't finished this book yet but I can feel how good it will be in my bones).
This one took me way longer to finish than Reverie did, mostly because of the emotional turmoil that kept happening throughout the story. This was such a FANTASTIC sequel and immediately picked up where Reverie left off. I was constantly left... FLABBERGASTED and I cannot wait to absorb and process everything, so I can go back and give it another full read!
**I cannot thank Bridgette enough for providing me an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book. The book was read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.**
I thought Book 1, Reverie, was absolutely amazing but Ohmygod does Rebirth just blows it away. Just a stunning story of pain, desperation, sadness, determination, love, and endless devotion.
The first part of this story is dark. It's the pit of despair and I sobbed, just so much sadness. You could feel Aisling and Favilla's pain and suffering just through the writing. So emotional and soul crushing.
I really love how Rebirth just fleshes out the characters even more. Oryn is still my favorite side character, I can just picture him as a little broody, a little soft spoken, but just full of love for his family and friends. I'm really happy how his story developed in this book!
The star of this absolutely amazing story is Koen. Like Ohmygod the words this man says...he is absolutely book boyfriend material. I was blushing and giggling with his scenes with Koen and Aisling. And just the love and devotion he has for her had me swooning.
The plot twists were so crazy in this book! A few I didn't even see coming! I was shocked at like the last 100 pages, just insane! But such satisfying ends for the growing evil.
Definitely highly recommend!! And this is the second book to a duology and it has such a satisfying ending. Loved this story!!
"You do not shrink, Aisling. You do not bloom. You explode."
For me this is the perfect quote to describe not just the fmc but how the author comes in with her debut duologie. I can't even describe how much love I have for these books! Not only is the worldbuilding sublime her love for her characters is felt in the whole book. I mean she puts them through the physical and emotional wringer a couple of times so don't make the mistake not having tissues ready. The way the characters grow and evolve is amazing and flows naturally! When I read and reviewed the first book Reverie I predicted that if a book can topple it from my favorite this year it would be book two and damn was I right. So if you like me love sassy dragons, betrayal, found family, difficult relationships, real character growth, females going a little psycho(rightfully so) and all the yearning… go get your read on now!!!
Happy chirps all around! Did not disappoint. 10/10! I felt so many emotions, I wouldn’t even know where to begin! If you enjoyed Reverie, you will not regret picking this one up as well. While I’m sad this was only a duology, it was perfectly done and I cannot wait to see what’s next from Bridgette!
I had the chance to ARC read Reverie for Bridgette and truly did not think she could outdo herself. I was totally and utterly wrong. Rebirth was A LOT. It was traumatic for bare minimum the first 35%, but it was also full of strength, love, found family, and connections. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Favilla and Aisling came out swinging together.
A strong theme we see in both Reverie and Rebirth is one of misogyny that is put forth by the Cruento. Their behaviors and beliefs are still unfortunately something we commonly see in everyday real life. However, much like there are great humans in our lives there are immaculate supporting MMCs in Rebirth. The found family of the Ferox and their support of each other and their dragons is heartwarming. They fight for each other and their people; for a world where everyone is treated equally and with respect.
Cut to my favorite character Koen.
"He watched her fall asleep with the lights of the moon and fire dancing on her skin, and knew he would make the world bleed for her in the morning." - Bridgette Hooper. RebirthARC (Kindle Locations 2763-2764). Kindle Edition.
This man is a total grumpy cinnamon roll. Something I adore about him is his unending support of Aisling. He is there to love her and uplift her when she is breaking apart but also is willing to hold the match while she lights the world on fire. He never tells her she can't or to let him do something in her place. He's seen her strength mentally and physically; and honestly, he is in awe of it.
The conclusion of this story had me nearly in tears. It was beautiful beyond belief. Troy finding his way to his soulmate Aisling, traveling across worlds to get to her just hit my heart. We often perceive soulmates are significant others, which they can be, but to see this used in terms of the deepest friendship was perfect. Kaida/Aedan and Neera/Soran had the most touching moment to wrap up this book. I am not sure if there's more to come, but I hope there is, and I hope it includes baby dragons ready to protect the world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
From start to finish I was all in— invested, intoxicated, in love with this story.
I fell in love with Bridgette Hooper’s writing on page one of the first book of this duology, Reverie, and it has kept me entranced. This is a story of self discovery and growth, of finding hope where there should be none, and of strength and love that know no bounds.
As someone who has fought my way out of my own battles with darkness, this book genuinely moved me in ways that nothing else has. I both laughed out loud and had tears streaming down my face. I even groaned, “Oh my gosh; just make out already!”
Bridgette Hooper’s writing is spectacular in more ways than I can put into words. Every page, every interaction, every detail serves a purpose and works to move the story along while simultaneously drawing the reader in and keeping you engaged. There is truly not a dull moment. The love the characters have for each other is palpable, heart warming and at times, heart wrenching, and getting to know them on a deeper level was a joy.
The only thing I dislike about this book is knowing it is the end of this utterly enchanting story.
I am so grateful to have been given this book as an ARC. I wholeheartedly believe this series will take the book world by storm if only it gets the exposure it deserves.
Rebirth is the much awaited follow up to debut author Bridgette Hooper’s first novel, Reverie. While Reverie takes its time to develop the world and the main character, Aisling, Rebirth jumps right into the action where Reverie ended. I would not recommend reading Rebirth as a standalone. Both books are so delicious and engaging, the characters and their relationships so satisfying that these books really must be read as written.
I cannot rave enough about the storytelling the immersive nature of the world building. Anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy that feels almost real despite the dragons will love these books. If I had any criticism to offer, it is that it ended too soon. The conclusion was perfect, yet I want to be apart of more adventures featuring Aisling and the Ferox.
Rebirth is the fantastic and gratifying ending to an immersive and beautiful two book fantasy series. The story is well paced and kept me hooked. I devoured the over 400 pages in a matter of days only because I couldn’t putting other responsibilities on hold to keep reading. These books deserve a much wider audience and I look forward to the magic of Ms. Hooper’s future titles.
I am grateful to Ms. Hooper for providing me with a free advance review copy of this book; I have read and honestly reviewed this book voluntarily.
Bridgette first captured my heart with Reverie, but Rebirth has set a wildfire in my soul. From the very first page, it pulls you in and refuses to let go. The worldbuilding she began in Reverie only grows richer here, leaving me absolutely speechless. The bonds between these characters are powerful enough to shatter your heart and move you to tears, and the emotional weight of their journeys lingers long after the last page. Honestly, I don’t think Bridgette knows the magic she’s unleashed. If this duology doesn’t grow into a sprawling series of six, ten, or even twelve books, I’ll be devastated. I can’t recommend Rebirth (and Reverie, of course) highly enough.
This series literally has everything I was looking for. It has dragons, it has romance without taking over the plot, feminine rage, found family, trauma. SO much. If you loved Fourth Wing but didn't feel like it had enough dragon then you need to read Reverie/Rebirth. This series is two books both around 400 pages long.
Book one Reverie follows Aisling as she dreams of another world with dragons before realizing that world is real
Book two Rebirth follows Aisling in that world fighting for what is right with the found family she's made.
I cant fully put into words how much I love this series but I am so glad Instagram put Reverie into my algorithm back in May because this may be one of my favorite series of the year.
This series is the epitome of female rage and I’m here for it.
Rebirth was a fantastic sequel to Reverie and I am so in love with this world and these characters that Bridgette Hooper has created. Getting to follow along with Aisling’s journey has been so rewarding and hope filled.
In this book we also get Koen’s POV!!! The romance between him and Aisling was the sweetest and made a great addition to the book.
This series is such a unique fantasy series and I’m so happy I discovered it. Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I’ve got to say, this book did not disappoint. The relationships that blossom, the SURPRISES (literally a plot twist I never saw coming) and the story itself. I feel like there was just enough details for all of it without feeling like something was dragging on. I loved getting to know all of the ferox better and the character development in rebirth. Such a good book.
Back into the Ferox and I couldn’t have been happier to be reunited with Aisling and her badass found family! There’s drama, there’s longing, there’s undeniable rock bottom and… REBIRTH.
I love love love this author and this story. I’m devastated for the ending of a book series that truly felt like coming home from the beginning but I am so excited to read what Bridgette writes next!
What a beautiful end to this perfect duology! I found myself tearing up so many times at the heartfelt lines throughout the book. I love all the characters so much and want to continue exploring Kairossen.
Just amazing, 10/10, can't wait to see whats next for the author.
I'd call this whole series an "easy read," and book 2 was a well-done continuation of book 1! I would have loved to learn more about Aisling's plane-stepping abilities. This is a closed-door spice book, which was also refreshing. Aisling and Koen's developing relationship is sweet, and I love their HEA and the dragon romance going on, too! Love is in the air, people!
Plot 3/5 Between books 1 and 2, I almost felt like you didn't need to know anything about the plane stepping and could have completely forgone Aislings life in the mortal realm. All that to say, from where book 2 started to where it ended, it was paced well and had some decent female rage (human and dragon), some tender developing romances, and good winning over evil in the end.
Characters 4/5 A good group - while I'm happy we got Troy back, I didn't love that he too suddenly developed the "super rare gift" of plane stepping and found himself in the EXACT same world as Aisling. Still love the Ferox and the dragons.