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The Nightmare Keeper
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Expected 26 May 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
2 days and 11:54:25
100 copies available
U.S. only
In a world where the unknown is feared and persecuted, a gifted dream wielder fights against a terrifying conspiracy in an enthralling novel about nightmares gone wild.
Azalee Saunders is a dream wielder whose wellness magic calms a troubled night’s sleep. Her enemy since childhood, Gabriel Ford, is the grandson of the High Witch, Salem’s honored protector, and was raised to distrust all who share Azalee’s powers. But when Azalee saves Gabriel’s life, the life debt makes him a dream wielder too—a secret that could cost him succession to his grandfather’s reign.
For Azalee, fighting the dangerous myth that dream wielders stalk, unchecked, through strangers’ dreamscapes is vital. Especially as the public’s fears and bigotry escalate amid a string of murders in Salem. Azalee knows this is the work of Nightmares, whose mutated magic frightens people to death in their sleep. To prove it, she needs the help of an adversary. After all, Gabriel owes her big-time.
As the death toll rises, Azalee’s sacred gift and future are at stake, and she and Gabriel must work together. But for both of them, uncovering the truth and vanquishing the real evil in Salem will be a nightmare.
Azalee Saunders is a dream wielder whose wellness magic calms a troubled night’s sleep. Her enemy since childhood, Gabriel Ford, is the grandson of the High Witch, Salem’s honored protector, and was raised to distrust all who share Azalee’s powers. But when Azalee saves Gabriel’s life, the life debt makes him a dream wielder too—a secret that could cost him succession to his grandfather’s reign.
For Azalee, fighting the dangerous myth that dream wielders stalk, unchecked, through strangers’ dreamscapes is vital. Especially as the public’s fears and bigotry escalate amid a string of murders in Salem. Azalee knows this is the work of Nightmares, whose mutated magic frightens people to death in their sleep. To prove it, she needs the help of an adversary. After all, Gabriel owes her big-time.
As the death toll rises, Azalee’s sacred gift and future are at stake, and she and Gabriel must work together. But for both of them, uncovering the truth and vanquishing the real evil in Salem will be a nightmare.
- GenresRomance
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, I want to thank Vienna James and Montlake for an ARC through Netgalley. Thank you for a new author to keep on my radar!
I rate this a 4.5, but rounding up because while I genuinely loved most of the book, the ending felt a bit rushed. That said, the journey getting there was so engaging that it’s hard not to rate it highly.
One of the standout elements for me was the magic system. The concept of dream wielders and how their abilities are tied to trauma and personal experiences was written really well, and I found myself drawn into the world. There was a lot of emotional depth to the story, which made the characters’ struggles feel more grounded and meaningful. The world itself was immersive, and I found it refreshing as it didn’t feel like a copy of anything I’ve read before.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was another highlight. It actually felt earned, rather than forced, with believable tension and some genuinely cute moments. It’s a true take on the trope, without the knives and murder (kinda?), which is rare to find done this well. For readers expecting heavy romance or spice, this is more of a fade-to-black story... but honestly, that worked in its favor given how plot-driven it is.
Speaking of plot, this book really shines there. The political aspects, especially the ban on dream wielders, gave it a true witch-hunt-like atmosphere that I found incredibly compelling. There are strong themes around morality, ethics, and personal gain, and the characters are complex and flawed in ways that make you root for them anyway. The villain was also done perfectly: someone you truly love to hate.
If you enjoyed Book of Night by Holly Black, I think this would be a perfect next read. It has a similar eerie, layered feel while still standing on its own.
My main criticism comes in the final stretch. The last 100 pages felt rushed, leaving me with lingering questions due to missing context. I would have loved a few slower, more in-depth moments to balance the pacing (and answer those questions!). Honestly, the book could have been a bit longer without hurting its overall impact... if anything, it would have enhanced it (clearly, I am hoping for more of this world).
Despite that, the story does provide a satisfying end, and I finished it feeling excited for more from Vienna James. Overall, it’s a thrilling, emotional, and engaging read that’s (very) hard to put down.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy with strong political themes, morally complex characters, and a well-developed magic system with witches (especially fans of enemies-to-lovers done right!).
I rate this a 4.5, but rounding up because while I genuinely loved most of the book, the ending felt a bit rushed. That said, the journey getting there was so engaging that it’s hard not to rate it highly.
One of the standout elements for me was the magic system. The concept of dream wielders and how their abilities are tied to trauma and personal experiences was written really well, and I found myself drawn into the world. There was a lot of emotional depth to the story, which made the characters’ struggles feel more grounded and meaningful. The world itself was immersive, and I found it refreshing as it didn’t feel like a copy of anything I’ve read before.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic was another highlight. It actually felt earned, rather than forced, with believable tension and some genuinely cute moments. It’s a true take on the trope, without the knives and murder (kinda?), which is rare to find done this well. For readers expecting heavy romance or spice, this is more of a fade-to-black story... but honestly, that worked in its favor given how plot-driven it is.
Speaking of plot, this book really shines there. The political aspects, especially the ban on dream wielders, gave it a true witch-hunt-like atmosphere that I found incredibly compelling. There are strong themes around morality, ethics, and personal gain, and the characters are complex and flawed in ways that make you root for them anyway. The villain was also done perfectly: someone you truly love to hate.
If you enjoyed Book of Night by Holly Black, I think this would be a perfect next read. It has a similar eerie, layered feel while still standing on its own.
My main criticism comes in the final stretch. The last 100 pages felt rushed, leaving me with lingering questions due to missing context. I would have loved a few slower, more in-depth moments to balance the pacing (and answer those questions!). Honestly, the book could have been a bit longer without hurting its overall impact... if anything, it would have enhanced it (clearly, I am hoping for more of this world).
Despite that, the story does provide a satisfying end, and I finished it feeling excited for more from Vienna James. Overall, it’s a thrilling, emotional, and engaging read that’s (very) hard to put down.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy with strong political themes, morally complex characters, and a well-developed magic system with witches (especially fans of enemies-to-lovers done right!).
May 22, 2026
⭐ Vibe Rating: 3.5/5 | ✍️ Writing: 3/5
🚪 Closed Door Romantasy
Thank you to Vienna James, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Montlake Publishing for the ARC.
Modern day Salem, witches among us — and I am here for it.
Potions, tarot, mediums, and spells set the scene for a rivals-to-lovers story between Azalee and Gabriel, who are forced to put aside their differences to solve a string of murders and a surge in Nightmares.
Can they unite the witches and end the discrimination against Dream Wielders? Can they solve the murders and save their friends in time? And can rivals overcome their prejudice to become something more?
I immersive-read this series, and thank goodness for Sean Masters — his narration is the standout of the novel and truly saves it from Dominique Salvacion's more monotonous turn as Azalee.
An interesting story with fun magic and a character-driven plot.
🚪 Closed Door Romantasy
Thank you to Vienna James, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Montlake Publishing for the ARC.
Modern day Salem, witches among us — and I am here for it.
Potions, tarot, mediums, and spells set the scene for a rivals-to-lovers story between Azalee and Gabriel, who are forced to put aside their differences to solve a string of murders and a surge in Nightmares.
Can they unite the witches and end the discrimination against Dream Wielders? Can they solve the murders and save their friends in time? And can rivals overcome their prejudice to become something more?
I immersive-read this series, and thank goodness for Sean Masters — his narration is the standout of the novel and truly saves it from Dominique Salvacion's more monotonous turn as Azalee.
An interesting story with fun magic and a character-driven plot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 rounded up!
I was absolutely sucked in with this one from the first page. With so many fantasy/romantasy books coming out, the magic/fantasy elements can seem like copy and paste, but this one was really 'fresh' for me and not like any I've read before. Based on dreams, nightmares, and some mentions of other witch specialties, I was obsessed with the worldbuilding. Since the FMC (Azalee) is a dream wielder, the story mainly focuses on the details of what that means (especially since they're an 'outsider' group), which I loved, but I also really enjoyed getting mentions of others (like Seers). There's interesting workings of the magic of dream wielding, from what it does to the wielder to what it means in the dreamscape.
I really enjoyed how the story is a true 'witch hunt;' more than that, it's a fight against the witch hunt, and truly a story about resistance. The resistance is mingled with the murder mystery type of foundation for the story, which I found really compelling! I definitely found myself rooting for Azalee and Gabriel, and even though I could predict what the truth was, I was still invested. I wanted justice and change just as much as the main characters.
There's tension, danger, and (again) just a really cool magic system/world. I appreciated the moments of levity in some humorous moments, and getting some glimpses into the dream wielding itself was always fun!
Azalee as an FMC was easy to like. She's bold and stubborn out of love. She has so much compassion and care for the people she loves, no matter what. She would go to the ends of the earth for them, and she wouldn't let anyone stand in her way. She'd die before she stopped fighting for what is right. And you know what? Fuck yeah to that. The political schemes and power hungry leaders in here deserve her rage and more. Azalee is a badass who takes risks, but I didn't mind her bull-headedness. Whatever she does, she does it to save others, to fight against the prejudice against the "dangerous" dream wielders, and to bring change. She has her own compelling background that I was always eager to learn about when we got details about it.
Gabriel had some good complexity, too, and I found myself caring and sympathizing with him from the start. Constantly under watch and forced to follow a path he didn't choose for himself, he still tries to fight from the inside. He has to project the facade 'allowed' by his controlling, cruel, High Witch grandfather, but underneath it he has heart and compassion. All he wants is to keep his family together (particularly his relationship with his brother), yet he still does anything he can to fight against his grandfather's unjust policies and changes. He's so afraid of losing the only love he has (his family), so his inner turmoil is justified and made me want to hug him. I liked following his character development as he pushed against the injustice more and more despite knowing he was putting himself at risk of personal loss.
The politics underlying the story, again, offered a compelling foundation for the plot. A witch hunt in the literal and figurative sense, I was able to get emotionally invested in the story and characters, including having some I loved to hate, which is always fun for me (as a reader). As the ending came, the writing became a tad more 'tell' vs show in terms of themes, but I didn't mind too much. I thought it wrapped up beautifully and I would read a sequel if there ever was one! It hits on meaningful ideas and thoughts to contemplate about the future and hope; it's very of-the-time with how our current world is.
While I did enjoy following Azalee and Gabriel work together, and I was really gripped by the 'life debt' concept introduced at the very start, I will say that I didn't fully buy into the romance element between them. I wanted more depth to that; it felt a bit unbalanced and slightly one-sided to me. I felt like we more so see how Azalee comes to love the hidden parts of Gabriel, but I wanted some more clarity and expression on why Gabriel comes to love Azalee/how he falls for her outside of her looks. That said, I appreciated that the romance didn't overtake the story or become a big focal point until the very end, and even then I'd still say the story is fantasy/plot-forward.
Aside from the romance, I only had two other 'okay' elements. I thought the pacing was steady for most of the story until we got towards the last quarter or so, where the ending felt a tad rushed. I also was a bit confused at some points regarding the magic and dream wielding, so I wanted some more clarity at times.
Overall, I'd 100% recommend this, especially for fantasy readers who feel like all the magic is the same across books! This one is definitely different in the best way, it has a compelling world, cast of characters, mystery, theme, and journey of resistance. The end is gripping and gives the perfect closure!
Audio notes: The dual narration truly brings the characters to life, and I thought the narrators fit the characters well! I appreciated how they brought the emotion and tension through. It also made it easier to follow and remember each character's storylines and feelings.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Montlake for the early copy to read, listen to, and review. All opinions are my own.
I was absolutely sucked in with this one from the first page. With so many fantasy/romantasy books coming out, the magic/fantasy elements can seem like copy and paste, but this one was really 'fresh' for me and not like any I've read before. Based on dreams, nightmares, and some mentions of other witch specialties, I was obsessed with the worldbuilding. Since the FMC (Azalee) is a dream wielder, the story mainly focuses on the details of what that means (especially since they're an 'outsider' group), which I loved, but I also really enjoyed getting mentions of others (like Seers). There's interesting workings of the magic of dream wielding, from what it does to the wielder to what it means in the dreamscape.
I really enjoyed how the story is a true 'witch hunt;' more than that, it's a fight against the witch hunt, and truly a story about resistance. The resistance is mingled with the murder mystery type of foundation for the story, which I found really compelling! I definitely found myself rooting for Azalee and Gabriel, and even though I could predict what the truth was, I was still invested. I wanted justice and change just as much as the main characters.
There's tension, danger, and (again) just a really cool magic system/world. I appreciated the moments of levity in some humorous moments, and getting some glimpses into the dream wielding itself was always fun!
Azalee as an FMC was easy to like. She's bold and stubborn out of love. She has so much compassion and care for the people she loves, no matter what. She would go to the ends of the earth for them, and she wouldn't let anyone stand in her way. She'd die before she stopped fighting for what is right. And you know what? Fuck yeah to that. The political schemes and power hungry leaders in here deserve her rage and more. Azalee is a badass who takes risks, but I didn't mind her bull-headedness. Whatever she does, she does it to save others, to fight against the prejudice against the "dangerous" dream wielders, and to bring change. She has her own compelling background that I was always eager to learn about when we got details about it.
Gabriel had some good complexity, too, and I found myself caring and sympathizing with him from the start. Constantly under watch and forced to follow a path he didn't choose for himself, he still tries to fight from the inside. He has to project the facade 'allowed' by his controlling, cruel, High Witch grandfather, but underneath it he has heart and compassion. All he wants is to keep his family together (particularly his relationship with his brother), yet he still does anything he can to fight against his grandfather's unjust policies and changes. He's so afraid of losing the only love he has (his family), so his inner turmoil is justified and made me want to hug him. I liked following his character development as he pushed against the injustice more and more despite knowing he was putting himself at risk of personal loss.
The politics underlying the story, again, offered a compelling foundation for the plot. A witch hunt in the literal and figurative sense, I was able to get emotionally invested in the story and characters, including having some I loved to hate, which is always fun for me (as a reader). As the ending came, the writing became a tad more 'tell' vs show in terms of themes, but I didn't mind too much. I thought it wrapped up beautifully and I would read a sequel if there ever was one! It hits on meaningful ideas and thoughts to contemplate about the future and hope; it's very of-the-time with how our current world is.
While I did enjoy following Azalee and Gabriel work together, and I was really gripped by the 'life debt' concept introduced at the very start, I will say that I didn't fully buy into the romance element between them. I wanted more depth to that; it felt a bit unbalanced and slightly one-sided to me. I felt like we more so see how Azalee comes to love the hidden parts of Gabriel, but I wanted some more clarity and expression on why Gabriel comes to love Azalee/how he falls for her outside of her looks. That said, I appreciated that the romance didn't overtake the story or become a big focal point until the very end, and even then I'd still say the story is fantasy/plot-forward.
Aside from the romance, I only had two other 'okay' elements. I thought the pacing was steady for most of the story until we got towards the last quarter or so, where the ending felt a tad rushed. I also was a bit confused at some points regarding the magic and dream wielding, so I wanted some more clarity at times.
Overall, I'd 100% recommend this, especially for fantasy readers who feel like all the magic is the same across books! This one is definitely different in the best way, it has a compelling world, cast of characters, mystery, theme, and journey of resistance. The end is gripping and gives the perfect closure!
Audio notes: The dual narration truly brings the characters to life, and I thought the narrators fit the characters well! I appreciated how they brought the emotion and tension through. It also made it easier to follow and remember each character's storylines and feelings.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Montlake for the early copy to read, listen to, and review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a pleasant surprise!
Fantasy can start to feel like the same soup in a different bowl after a while: another chosen one, another kingdom, another magic system that requires a spreadsheet and world map that even Magellen would struggle to navigate. BUT this one actually made me sit up and want to pay attention.
The concept felt genuinely fresh. Dream wielders, nightmare magic, fear, persecution, and a Salem setting with a darker conspiracy running underneath it all? Yes, please. The public premise follows Azalee Saunders, a dream wielder whose magic can calm troubled sleep, and Gabriel Ford, her childhood enemy who is pulled into her world after she saves his life. From there, the story leans into dangerous magic, public fear, rising murders, and the terrifying idea of Nightmares killing people in their sleep.
>> What I loved most is that the world felt different without trying too hard to be confusing.<<
What worked for me:
- The dream-wielding concept felt fresh, creative, and immediately interesting.
- The nightmare magic added a darker, creepier edge without making the book feel too heavy.
- Azalee was easy to root for, especially because her magic felt tied to both power and vulnerability.
- The Salem setting made the whole thing feel atmospheric, witchy, and just a little dangerous.
What did not work as much for me:
- I would have happily taken even more time inside the dreamscapes because that concept was so strong.
Some moments moved quickly, and I wanted to sit in the tension a little longer.
- Gabriel occasionally had me side-eyeing him, but honestly, that may have been the point.
- I wanted more of everything by the end, which is both a complaint and a compliment.
Tropes and vibes:
Enemies to allies
Forced proximity
Witchy fantasy
Dream magic
Nightmare magic
Slow-burn tension
Who should read it:
Read this if you like fantasy romance with a concept that actually feels different, witchy atmosphere, darker magic, and characters who have to team up even though they would very much prefer to be dramatic about it. It is especially perfect if you are burnt out on fantasy books that all feel like they were assembled from the same starter kit. The Nightmare Keeper gave me originality, tension, atmosphere, and a magic system I genuinely wanted more of. Five stars for making fantasy feel exciting again.
Fantasy can start to feel like the same soup in a different bowl after a while: another chosen one, another kingdom, another magic system that requires a spreadsheet and world map that even Magellen would struggle to navigate. BUT this one actually made me sit up and want to pay attention.
The concept felt genuinely fresh. Dream wielders, nightmare magic, fear, persecution, and a Salem setting with a darker conspiracy running underneath it all? Yes, please. The public premise follows Azalee Saunders, a dream wielder whose magic can calm troubled sleep, and Gabriel Ford, her childhood enemy who is pulled into her world after she saves his life. From there, the story leans into dangerous magic, public fear, rising murders, and the terrifying idea of Nightmares killing people in their sleep.
>> What I loved most is that the world felt different without trying too hard to be confusing.<<
What worked for me:
- The dream-wielding concept felt fresh, creative, and immediately interesting.
- The nightmare magic added a darker, creepier edge without making the book feel too heavy.
- Azalee was easy to root for, especially because her magic felt tied to both power and vulnerability.
- The Salem setting made the whole thing feel atmospheric, witchy, and just a little dangerous.
What did not work as much for me:
- I would have happily taken even more time inside the dreamscapes because that concept was so strong.
Some moments moved quickly, and I wanted to sit in the tension a little longer.
- Gabriel occasionally had me side-eyeing him, but honestly, that may have been the point.
- I wanted more of everything by the end, which is both a complaint and a compliment.
Tropes and vibes:
Enemies to allies
Forced proximity
Witchy fantasy
Dream magic
Nightmare magic
Slow-burn tension
Who should read it:
Read this if you like fantasy romance with a concept that actually feels different, witchy atmosphere, darker magic, and characters who have to team up even though they would very much prefer to be dramatic about it. It is especially perfect if you are burnt out on fantasy books that all feel like they were assembled from the same starter kit. The Nightmare Keeper gave me originality, tension, atmosphere, and a magic system I genuinely wanted more of. Five stars for making fantasy feel exciting again.
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 promises an immersive, dark, and dangerous fantasy romance following a dream wielder in Salem. The mysterious synopsis reeled me in, and I was hoping for a haunting adventure conveyed through poetic prose.
The concept of dream wielding is intriguing, and I really like what Vienna was aiming for. The overarching story arc has such great potential, but I personally struggled with the execution.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. The writing felt unpolished from the first page, wasting character's breath with dialogue lacking meaning and plot advancement. I found it to be clunky with an awkward blend of simple sentences adjacent to an attempt at atmospheric prose. The first person perspective relies too heavily on being in the character's head, and the character's voices aren't distinct from one another or the author's voice. Despite the urban setting, the modern dialogue read incongruously with the fantasy elements, and I think this could have been more subtly penned for a more seamless reading experience. The world building is also lazy and severely underdeveloped - the potion name "Wipe Away" is used to clean a wound. The characters are missing depth, and I'm not sure I'm convinced of their attraction.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 struggles to distinguish itself amidst an oversaturated market of enemies to lovers romantasy and is very formulaic with bland writing. While this didn't work for me, I can see devoted romantasy readers, especially those who enjoy vibes over the more technical elements of stories, falling in love with Azalee and Gabriel!
Thank you Vienna James for the advance reading copy!
The concept of dream wielding is intriguing, and I really like what Vienna was aiming for. The overarching story arc has such great potential, but I personally struggled with the execution.
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. The writing felt unpolished from the first page, wasting character's breath with dialogue lacking meaning and plot advancement. I found it to be clunky with an awkward blend of simple sentences adjacent to an attempt at atmospheric prose. The first person perspective relies too heavily on being in the character's head, and the character's voices aren't distinct from one another or the author's voice. Despite the urban setting, the modern dialogue read incongruously with the fantasy elements, and I think this could have been more subtly penned for a more seamless reading experience. The world building is also lazy and severely underdeveloped - the potion name "Wipe Away" is used to clean a wound. The characters are missing depth, and I'm not sure I'm convinced of their attraction.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 struggles to distinguish itself amidst an oversaturated market of enemies to lovers romantasy and is very formulaic with bland writing. While this didn't work for me, I can see devoted romantasy readers, especially those who enjoy vibes over the more technical elements of stories, falling in love with Azalee and Gabriel!
Thank you Vienna James for the advance reading copy!
April 6, 2026
Magical, full of suspense; not to mention scenes that made me want to throw my Kindle across the room! 🪢🔮
Very spooky and horror-esque vibe, enough to make your skin crawl but not enough to become overblown. Leaning heavily on the darker elements of human nature.
As the title suggests, this isn’t a story to go into lightly, there are seriously complex themes of , with the added benefit of having magical worldbuilding that gives the characters the opportunity to deal with the aforementioned in a way that we, nowadays, would be remis to say we wouldn’t want for ourselves.
The magical system is not something new yet it is so refreshing, as it brings together the practicality of magic and the use of such in everyday life. With the use of immersive imagery, we the reader are able to fully imagine the nuances of having said ability.
I would be lying if I said that the romance wasn’t up-to-par…. Azalee and Gabriel are just big sigh … wow! enemies-to-lovers, but not in an IN-YOUR-FACE type of way. The relationship blooms as the need for one another grows; dedication and self-sacrifice don’t even begin to describe the foundation of their bond, and it was beautiful to witness first-hand.
I will say, from the overall heavy mood of the story, the ending was a nice touch, as if allowing the reader to finally let out that breath that we had collectively been holding for the duration of the last half of the book ☺️
Many thanks to Vienna James & NetGalley for an ARC copy. All above opinions are uniquely my own.
Very spooky and horror-esque vibe, enough to make your skin crawl but not enough to become overblown. Leaning heavily on the darker elements of human nature.
As the title suggests, this isn’t a story to go into lightly, there are seriously complex themes of , with the added benefit of having magical worldbuilding that gives the characters the opportunity to deal with the aforementioned in a way that we, nowadays, would be remis to say we wouldn’t want for ourselves.
The magical system is not something new yet it is so refreshing, as it brings together the practicality of magic and the use of such in everyday life. With the use of immersive imagery, we the reader are able to fully imagine the nuances of having said ability.
I would be lying if I said that the romance wasn’t up-to-par…. Azalee and Gabriel are just big sigh … wow! enemies-to-lovers, but not in an IN-YOUR-FACE type of way. The relationship blooms as the need for one another grows; dedication and self-sacrifice don’t even begin to describe the foundation of their bond, and it was beautiful to witness first-hand.
I will say, from the overall heavy mood of the story, the ending was a nice touch, as if allowing the reader to finally let out that breath that we had collectively been holding for the duration of the last half of the book ☺️
Many thanks to Vienna James & NetGalley for an ARC copy. All above opinions are uniquely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐️
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!
Releases - May 26, 2026
-Witches
-Dream Wielding Magic
-Dual POV
-Rivals to Lovers
-Fated Mates
-Mystery
Dream walking is one of my favorite magical abilities, so a story built around dream wielding magic had me hooked from the start!
Set in modern day Salem, we follow Azalee, a dream wielder who has to keep her power secret. Dream wielders are feared, and if the wrong person finds out what she can do, she will be hunted down. When a string of murders begins and dream wielders are blamed, Azalee is forced into an uneasy partnership with her childhood enemy, Gabriel, who also happens to be the High Witch’s grandson.
As the body count rises and the nightmarescape becomes more dangerous, Azalee and Gabriel have to set their history aside to uncover what is really happening and protect the people being pulled into the darkness.
I loved the concept and the way this book blends fantasy with an underlying mystery. The magical realism made it easy to sink into the world quickly and understand. The pacing was a bit slow for me until around the 80% mark, and there were a few moments where I wanted clearer explanations to fully connect the dots, but overall I enjoyed the plot! If you like modern witchy settings, rivals to lovers tension, and magic that leans eerie and atmospheric, this is one to check out!
Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC!
Releases - May 26, 2026
-Witches
-Dream Wielding Magic
-Dual POV
-Rivals to Lovers
-Fated Mates
-Mystery
Dream walking is one of my favorite magical abilities, so a story built around dream wielding magic had me hooked from the start!
Set in modern day Salem, we follow Azalee, a dream wielder who has to keep her power secret. Dream wielders are feared, and if the wrong person finds out what she can do, she will be hunted down. When a string of murders begins and dream wielders are blamed, Azalee is forced into an uneasy partnership with her childhood enemy, Gabriel, who also happens to be the High Witch’s grandson.
As the body count rises and the nightmarescape becomes more dangerous, Azalee and Gabriel have to set their history aside to uncover what is really happening and protect the people being pulled into the darkness.
I loved the concept and the way this book blends fantasy with an underlying mystery. The magical realism made it easy to sink into the world quickly and understand. The pacing was a bit slow for me until around the 80% mark, and there were a few moments where I wanted clearer explanations to fully connect the dots, but overall I enjoyed the plot! If you like modern witchy settings, rivals to lovers tension, and magic that leans eerie and atmospheric, this is one to check out!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: The Nightmare Keeper by Vienna James
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I saw a witchy book based in Salem I had to have it!
If you think you know Salem stories, think again. This isn't your standard "history repeating itself" witch hunt. It’s a clever, modern reimagining, a different exploration of magic in the 21st century.
What I Loved:
I always enjoy a Dual Perspective, this one did not disappoint! Seeing the world through both Azalee and Gabriels lenses added a layer of depth that kept me hooked. My favourite thing about the book was the Fresh Twist on Salem: Salem is one of my favorite places, and the author nailed the atmosphere without leaning on the normal "burning at the stake" tropes. It felt authentic to the location while carving out its own unique lore.
The way witchcraft is integrated into a modern setting felt seamless and inventive. It’s less about old-fashioned hexes and more about the psychological and "nightmare" elements.
I gave this 4 stars because it’s a compelling, atmospheric read that respects its setting while daring to do something different with it. If you’re looking for a witchy read that feels contemporary and keeps you guessing, this belongs on your TBR.
Special thanks to the Vienna James and Montlake publishing for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When I saw a witchy book based in Salem I had to have it!
If you think you know Salem stories, think again. This isn't your standard "history repeating itself" witch hunt. It’s a clever, modern reimagining, a different exploration of magic in the 21st century.
What I Loved:
I always enjoy a Dual Perspective, this one did not disappoint! Seeing the world through both Azalee and Gabriels lenses added a layer of depth that kept me hooked. My favourite thing about the book was the Fresh Twist on Salem: Salem is one of my favorite places, and the author nailed the atmosphere without leaning on the normal "burning at the stake" tropes. It felt authentic to the location while carving out its own unique lore.
The way witchcraft is integrated into a modern setting felt seamless and inventive. It’s less about old-fashioned hexes and more about the psychological and "nightmare" elements.
I gave this 4 stars because it’s a compelling, atmospheric read that respects its setting while daring to do something different with it. If you’re looking for a witchy read that feels contemporary and keeps you guessing, this belongs on your TBR.
Special thanks to the Vienna James and Montlake publishing for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy of The Nightmare Keeper through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book gets points right away for originality. It’s not your typical fantasy full of dragons and sword fights. Instead, it leans into a darker, more unsettling world that feels strange, eerie, and a little haunting.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part. There’s a dreamlike quality to the story that creates a sense of mystery and keeps you wondering what is really going on. I was intrigued from the start and wanted to see how all the pieces would come together.
Unfortunately, the story took a while to fully grab me. Even a quarter of the way in, I still felt like I was working harder than I wanted to in order to stay engaged. Azalee is a powerful main character, but some of her decisions had me wanting to ask if common sense had taken an extended vacation. I kept hoping she would become more strategic as the story progressed.
While the concept is creative and the setting is memorable, the pacing felt inconsistent and I never became as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
Final verdict: three stars. A unique and atmospheric fantasy with a lot of potential, but it didn’t completely come together for me. Readers who enjoy darker, more abstract fantasy may connect with this one more than I did.
This book gets points right away for originality. It’s not your typical fantasy full of dragons and sword fights. Instead, it leans into a darker, more unsettling world that feels strange, eerie, and a little haunting.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part. There’s a dreamlike quality to the story that creates a sense of mystery and keeps you wondering what is really going on. I was intrigued from the start and wanted to see how all the pieces would come together.
Unfortunately, the story took a while to fully grab me. Even a quarter of the way in, I still felt like I was working harder than I wanted to in order to stay engaged. Azalee is a powerful main character, but some of her decisions had me wanting to ask if common sense had taken an extended vacation. I kept hoping she would become more strategic as the story progressed.
While the concept is creative and the setting is memorable, the pacing felt inconsistent and I never became as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.
Final verdict: three stars. A unique and atmospheric fantasy with a lot of potential, but it didn’t completely come together for me. Readers who enjoy darker, more abstract fantasy may connect with this one more than I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting and atmospheric read that had a lot of potential, especially with its darker tone and unique concept.
The premise immediately stood out to me, and I loved the eerie, almost haunting vibe woven throughout the story. It created a strong sense of intrigue, and I was definitely curious to see how everything would unfold. There are moments where the story really shines, particularly when it leans into that unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere.
That said, I found myself struggling at times to stay fully connected to the story. The pacing felt uneven, and I wanted a bit more clarity and depth when it came to both the plot and character development. Because of that, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I had hoped.
The writing itself is solid and fits the tone of the story well, and I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy darker, more abstract fantasy. It just didn’t completely click for me.
Overall, *The Nightmare Keeper* is a creative and moody read with a compelling concept, even if it didn’t fully deliver on execution for my personal taste.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
The premise immediately stood out to me, and I loved the eerie, almost haunting vibe woven throughout the story. It created a strong sense of intrigue, and I was definitely curious to see how everything would unfold. There are moments where the story really shines, particularly when it leans into that unsettling, dreamlike atmosphere.
That said, I found myself struggling at times to stay fully connected to the story. The pacing felt uneven, and I wanted a bit more clarity and depth when it came to both the plot and character development. Because of that, I didn’t feel as emotionally invested as I had hoped.
The writing itself is solid and fits the tone of the story well, and I can absolutely see this working for readers who enjoy darker, more abstract fantasy. It just didn’t completely click for me.
Overall, *The Nightmare Keeper* is a creative and moody read with a compelling concept, even if it didn’t fully deliver on execution for my personal taste.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
April 24, 2026
“A mind left to reflect can be a dangerous thing—intrusive thoughts have a way of working deep and festering.”
🌟forbidden romance
🌟witches
🌟nightmares
🌟forced proximity
🌟enemies to lovers
This was such a unique and genuinely fun concept. The whole idea surrounding nightmares and dream magic added such an interesting layer to the story. It was eerie, creative, and honestly just really cool to read about.
Azalee is exactly the kind of FMC I gravitate toward. She’s strong-willed, kind-hearted, and so incredibly brave even when things are stacked against her. I loved being in her head and watching how she handled everything thrown at her.
Gabriel was the perfect counterpart to her. He’s cool, calm, and collected in a way that balances Azalee so well. Their dynamic just works. I especially loved how he helps steady her without overshadowing her strength—it never felt forced, just natural and really well done.
The plot itself was fantastic. It kept me engaged the whole way through, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a win for me. Nothing felt predictable, and I was constantly curious about where things were going next.
🌟forbidden romance
🌟witches
🌟nightmares
🌟forced proximity
🌟enemies to lovers
This was such a unique and genuinely fun concept. The whole idea surrounding nightmares and dream magic added such an interesting layer to the story. It was eerie, creative, and honestly just really cool to read about.
Azalee is exactly the kind of FMC I gravitate toward. She’s strong-willed, kind-hearted, and so incredibly brave even when things are stacked against her. I loved being in her head and watching how she handled everything thrown at her.
Gabriel was the perfect counterpart to her. He’s cool, calm, and collected in a way that balances Azalee so well. Their dynamic just works. I especially loved how he helps steady her without overshadowing her strength—it never felt forced, just natural and really well done.
The plot itself was fantastic. It kept me engaged the whole way through, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard, which is always a win for me. Nothing felt predictable, and I was constantly curious about where things were going next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75⭐️
What a read, in a good way though. This book for would be a good introduction to anyone looking into branching into fantasy.
I think the world was quite interesting, it did well in not over complicating the magic and was pretty easy to follow. Which trust me is something that I do not take for granted. The author does not over promise and under deliver, the pacing is good and I did I not feel like we were sat in scenes longer than needed.
The drawbacks I had was that I felt that other than the obvious attraction that these two had I don’t fully understand why the two main characters were together. Outside of Azalee mentioning how she thought Gabri balanced her out that one time. Their soulmate bond being the reasoning behind this I would have accepted, but I feel like it (the soulmate bond) was not fully a developed storyline. Which is a shame because I would have enjoyed learning more about his that works in the modern world.
My favourite character was Iniko, and really wish we got to spend more time with him (or potentially in his head) hint hint wink wink.
What a read, in a good way though. This book for would be a good introduction to anyone looking into branching into fantasy.
I think the world was quite interesting, it did well in not over complicating the magic and was pretty easy to follow. Which trust me is something that I do not take for granted. The author does not over promise and under deliver, the pacing is good and I did I not feel like we were sat in scenes longer than needed.
The drawbacks I had was that I felt that other than the obvious attraction that these two had I don’t fully understand why the two main characters were together. Outside of Azalee mentioning how she thought Gabri balanced her out that one time. Their soulmate bond being the reasoning behind this I would have accepted, but I feel like it (the soulmate bond) was not fully a developed storyline. Which is a shame because I would have enjoyed learning more about his that works in the modern world.
My favourite character was Iniko, and really wish we got to spend more time with him (or potentially in his head) hint hint wink wink.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌙✨ The Nightmare Keeper is an absolutely enchanting adventure into a world where dreams and nightmares collide in the most thrilling ways! 💫🖤 Azalee Saunders, a gifted dream wielder, is a heroine you can’t help but root for, her magic to soothe troubled sleep is both beautiful and powerful. 💖🌟
The chemistry between Azalee and Gabriel is simply electric ⚡️🔥, especially given their complicated past and the secrets they’re hiding. Gabriel’s internal conflict and the danger lurking in Salem make this story impossible to put down! 😱💘
The dark, mysterious atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat, with nightmares turning into real threats and the city’s fears escalating. The blend of magic, mystery, and a touch of romance is just perfect for anyone who loves a captivating fantasy with a feminine, charming touch! 🌹✨
If you adore stories about brave women fighting against the odds and unraveling terrifying conspiracies, The Nightmare Keeper is an absolute must-read! 📚💖 Get ready for sleepless nights filled with wonder and a little bit of nightmare magic! 🌙👻
The chemistry between Azalee and Gabriel is simply electric ⚡️🔥, especially given their complicated past and the secrets they’re hiding. Gabriel’s internal conflict and the danger lurking in Salem make this story impossible to put down! 😱💘
The dark, mysterious atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat, with nightmares turning into real threats and the city’s fears escalating. The blend of magic, mystery, and a touch of romance is just perfect for anyone who loves a captivating fantasy with a feminine, charming touch! 🌹✨
If you adore stories about brave women fighting against the odds and unraveling terrifying conspiracies, The Nightmare Keeper is an absolute must-read! 📚💖 Get ready for sleepless nights filled with wonder and a little bit of nightmare magic! 🌙👻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 Stars
The Nightmare Keeper is a unique urban fantasy in a world where witches live openly and have political power in the wider world. Crystals and gemstones are used as a conduit for magic, which I haven’t seen done before, and it is done well. The POC and LGBTQ+ representation is woven effortlessly into the story and does justice to those of us who are used to being ignored in the larger narrative.
However, the story does get off to a slow start until it picks up at around 20% and actually feels immersive. Characters and concepts are introduced in a way that feels more like we’re just told about them instead of shown what they’re like, and there’s quite a lot of info dumping to get through.
The banter between the main characters feels natural, they both have realistic character development, the plot flows well, and there is a good amount of depth for a standalone.
Though, I do think the story would’ve worked better as a series so we could get a more in depth look into the world and the aftermath of the ending, which felt rushed and wrapped up too neatly.
The Nightmare Keeper is a unique urban fantasy in a world where witches live openly and have political power in the wider world. Crystals and gemstones are used as a conduit for magic, which I haven’t seen done before, and it is done well. The POC and LGBTQ+ representation is woven effortlessly into the story and does justice to those of us who are used to being ignored in the larger narrative.
However, the story does get off to a slow start until it picks up at around 20% and actually feels immersive. Characters and concepts are introduced in a way that feels more like we’re just told about them instead of shown what they’re like, and there’s quite a lot of info dumping to get through.
The banter between the main characters feels natural, they both have realistic character development, the plot flows well, and there is a good amount of depth for a standalone.
Though, I do think the story would’ve worked better as a series so we could get a more in depth look into the world and the aftermath of the ending, which felt rushed and wrapped up too neatly.
May 20, 2026
I enjoyed this one. It quickly drew me in and kept my attention with the dark vibes and how it just jumped right into things from the start. I found the dream wielders magic and the whole situation with the nightmares interesting. The suspense, twists and betrayals I didn’t always see coming kept me on edge wondering what was going to happen next. I love how strong and determined Azalee was. She was the complete opposite of Gabriel with her lack of patience and act now think later way of going about things but, it made the tension, chemistry and the whole enemies to lovers situation even better. I hope there’s going to be another book. I’d love to know more about the other characters and their magic.
The dual narration performed by Dominique Salvacion and Sean Masters was great. Their voices fit the characters well and they did an amazing job bringing them and the story to life.
Story 4 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 1 🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
The dual narration performed by Dominique Salvacion and Sean Masters was great. Their voices fit the characters well and they did an amazing job bringing them and the story to life.
Story 4 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 1 🌶️
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a unique refreshing read! This standalone fantasy is set in modern day Salem, where Dream Wielders (those that can manipulate dreams), face persecution. When multiple people end up dead, Azalee and the other Dream wielders are blindly accused by the High Witch. Azalee knows dreams cannot kill… so who is?
I really enjoyed this book! It had good pacing I would say until the end. I felt like it concluded pretty quickly, but I did like the outcome, so I think it works out! There is an aspect of romance, but the chemistry isn’t really there for me. The romance doesn’t play a big part of the story really anyways. The world building is fairly minimal but I think it works for this book! The magic system was so unique and fun to read about!
Thank you SO MUCH to Vienna James for the gifted ARC of The Nightmare Keeper!!! I so enjoyed it and will be on the lookout for any of her other books!!!
I really enjoyed this book! It had good pacing I would say until the end. I felt like it concluded pretty quickly, but I did like the outcome, so I think it works out! There is an aspect of romance, but the chemistry isn’t really there for me. The romance doesn’t play a big part of the story really anyways. The world building is fairly minimal but I think it works for this book! The magic system was so unique and fun to read about!
Thank you SO MUCH to Vienna James for the gifted ARC of The Nightmare Keeper!!! I so enjoyed it and will be on the lookout for any of her other books!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the advance audiobook copy. You meant to tell me this brilliant book is the author's debut novel?? This book was everything that I ever wanted and not to mention the romance subplot was executed perfectly with the necessary tension and yearning 😩
"We arent lovers."
My lips twitched.
"Im sure we can arrange that."
SIR 😩😩😩
I usually prioritise the plot more than the romance aspect and this DIDNT DISAPPOINT. I honestly just love the plot, world-building, magic system and i knew i was going to love the modern day Salem. The last few chapters was so intense and I couldnt predict any of it which just goes to show that this book is unpredictable (in a good way).
Words cant describe how pleasantly surprise I was and I did research on the author after this. LOGAN'S BOOK IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT BOOK?! IM SAT AND READY 😩
"We arent lovers."
My lips twitched.
"Im sure we can arrange that."
SIR 😩😩😩
I usually prioritise the plot more than the romance aspect and this DIDNT DISAPPOINT. I honestly just love the plot, world-building, magic system and i knew i was going to love the modern day Salem. The last few chapters was so intense and I couldnt predict any of it which just goes to show that this book is unpredictable (in a good way).
Words cant describe how pleasantly surprise I was and I did research on the author after this. LOGAN'S BOOK IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT BOOK?! IM SAT AND READY 😩
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
I received an ARC of The Nightmare Keeper through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ✨
This was such a unique and atmospheric fantasy 🌙 The darker, dreamlike tone immediately stood out to me and created an eerie sense of mystery throughout the story. I really enjoyed the concept of dream wielding and the unsettling world Vienna James created, it felt refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy releases lately 🖤
The magic system also slightly reminded me of Fantastic Beasts and Obscuruses, with the idea of what can happen when magic goes untapped or isn’t properly controlled ✨
That said, it took quite a while to fully pull me in emotionally. While I liked Azalee overall, some of her choices frustrated me at times and made it harder to stay fully invested.
Overall, I’d give this 3.5 ⭐️ A creative, haunting fantasy with a really original atmosphere.
I received an ARC of The Nightmare Keeper through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ✨
This was such a unique and atmospheric fantasy 🌙 The darker, dreamlike tone immediately stood out to me and created an eerie sense of mystery throughout the story. I really enjoyed the concept of dream wielding and the unsettling world Vienna James created, it felt refreshing compared to a lot of fantasy releases lately 🖤
The magic system also slightly reminded me of Fantastic Beasts and Obscuruses, with the idea of what can happen when magic goes untapped or isn’t properly controlled ✨
That said, it took quite a while to fully pull me in emotionally. While I liked Azalee overall, some of her choices frustrated me at times and made it harder to stay fully invested.
Overall, I’d give this 3.5 ⭐️ A creative, haunting fantasy with a really original atmosphere.
April 26, 2026
A fast-paced fantasy about becoming brave to save the ones you love. The magic system and how it blended into the modern world was unique! How nightmares and dreams correlated with each other was explored in a way that made me jump at times. However, the pacing of the book felt off. The first 20% was a slower introduction. The rest of the book felt as if someone grabbed my hand, sprinted, without letting go until the end. There would be an attempt of moments filled with romance. But it was always sudden and out of place, as if it were checking a box of a list of tropes. Overall an interesting modern fantasy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book keeps you wanting to read to the end to discover what happens to the characters. There is mystery and intrigue as you read through to find out what happens to dream wielders when the high with tries to carry out a personal vendetta agains them. The book takes place in historical Salem Massachusetts where witches thrive in the community. Witches in the community have different powers and walk among the other citizens of Salem. Because of a past event in his families history, the high witch wants to eradicate any witch with dream wielding powers. After all, any dream can become a nightmare and a nightmare can be very dangerous.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This so soooooo good! The magic system was so different, the world building and character development amazing. I feel like I didn’t take a breath for the last 100 pages!
Azalee is a Dream Wielder and Gabriel is the High Witches grandson. They both have had traumatic childhoods, and neither trust easily. Azalee saves Gabriels life, bonding them through a life debt.
I wont go into too much detail as don’t want to ruin it for you.
So much happens in this book, Azalee and Gabriel are both strong, and stubborn MCs who need each other to uncover the truth.
Really recommend.
Azalee is a Dream Wielder and Gabriel is the High Witches grandson. They both have had traumatic childhoods, and neither trust easily. Azalee saves Gabriels life, bonding them through a life debt.
I wont go into too much detail as don’t want to ruin it for you.
So much happens in this book, Azalee and Gabriel are both strong, and stubborn MCs who need each other to uncover the truth.
Really recommend.
May 22, 2026
A fresh twist on witches that will leave you wanting more!
Azalee wields unique powers that make her both a healer and a target. When she uses her powers to save Gabriel, her rival, she binds his life to hers. The bond forces them to an unexpected alliance filled with tension and hope.
Gabriel is destined to follow his grandfathers footsteps as High Witch. But when his life is saved by Azalee, his fate changes. Aligning forces with Azalee, they must work together to unravel a series of murders, all while confronting deeply rooted prejudices against dream wielders. Allowing him to empathize with Azalee and question his own beliefs.
The author does a great job weaving themes of redemption, social injustice and the fight against fear driven bigotry. The tension between the leads slowly shifts as the story progresses, giving us a slow burn worth waiting for! Absolutely recommend this moody gothy book!
Azalee wields unique powers that make her both a healer and a target. When she uses her powers to save Gabriel, her rival, she binds his life to hers. The bond forces them to an unexpected alliance filled with tension and hope.
Gabriel is destined to follow his grandfathers footsteps as High Witch. But when his life is saved by Azalee, his fate changes. Aligning forces with Azalee, they must work together to unravel a series of murders, all while confronting deeply rooted prejudices against dream wielders. Allowing him to empathize with Azalee and question his own beliefs.
The author does a great job weaving themes of redemption, social injustice and the fight against fear driven bigotry. The tension between the leads slowly shifts as the story progresses, giving us a slow burn worth waiting for! Absolutely recommend this moody gothy book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had a really strong dark fantasy atmosphere that pulled me in right away. I like that it is set in modern times in Salem. The dream-like world and haunting tension kept me turning pages, even when the pacing felt a bit uneven at times. I enjoyed the plot and the overall concept, and the enemies to lovers dynamic added an extra layer of tension that made it even more engaging. I did want a little more depth from the characters, but the unique idea and unsettling vibe made this an enjoyable read overall. Perfect for readers who love dark, mysterious fantasy with a creepy edge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
HEA
Tropes/TW:
Dark paranormal romantasy
Strong, dream wielding FMC x rival & successor MMC
Enemies to lovers
Adversaries to reluctant allies
Soul bonds
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Medium burn
Thank you Vienna James and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
HEA
Tropes/TW:
Dark paranormal romantasy
Strong, dream wielding FMC x rival & successor MMC
Enemies to lovers
Adversaries to reluctant allies
Soul bonds
Forbidden love
Forced proximity
Medium burn
Thank you Vienna James and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Solid read. Good pacing. Interesting idea/premise. The author did a good job describing the dream/nightmare sequences and I could easily picture it. I felt like some of dream/nightmare sequences could be shorter. The ending felt a little too rushed and important aspects happened off page. Overall solid story and good writing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Nightmare Keeper by Vienna James 5/5⭐️
Immaculate vibes! A refreshing concept, compelling plot, immersive world building and a clever twist on the history of Salem 🔮
After reading the blurb I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint!
☆ Dream magic
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Forbidden romance
☆ Modern day Salem
☆ Witches
☆ Dual pov
The world building/scenery is atmospheric and I found it so easy to lose myself between the pages.
I found the whole idea of dream weilding and the nightmares fascinating and terrifying!
I loved both of the main characters from very early on, the complex nature of their relationship and their traumatic pasts lead to a beautiful emotional depth that made the romance between the two feel believable. They balance each other perfectly: Azalee is a reckless, strong, brave and loyal FMC who fights for her people's rights. Gabriel is a measured and controlled MMC who is torn between loyalty to his family and doing the right thing.
The plot twists were twisting! I did guess one of them but that betrayal had my jaw on the floor!
Themes of judgment, injustice, prejudice, morality, grief, abuse of power and trauma were well written. I felt the political aspect of the story also added an extra layer to the plot and gave insight into the motivations of certain characters.
I really enjoyed this book and have already added it to my Halloween re-read list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Vienna for providing me this ARC, all opinions are my own.
Immaculate vibes! A refreshing concept, compelling plot, immersive world building and a clever twist on the history of Salem 🔮
After reading the blurb I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint!
☆ Dream magic
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Forbidden romance
☆ Modern day Salem
☆ Witches
☆ Dual pov
The world building/scenery is atmospheric and I found it so easy to lose myself between the pages.
I found the whole idea of dream weilding and the nightmares fascinating and terrifying!
I loved both of the main characters from very early on, the complex nature of their relationship and their traumatic pasts lead to a beautiful emotional depth that made the romance between the two feel believable. They balance each other perfectly: Azalee is a reckless, strong, brave and loyal FMC who fights for her people's rights. Gabriel is a measured and controlled MMC who is torn between loyalty to his family and doing the right thing.
The plot twists were twisting! I did guess one of them but that betrayal had my jaw on the floor!
Themes of judgment, injustice, prejudice, morality, grief, abuse of power and trauma were well written. I felt the political aspect of the story also added an extra layer to the plot and gave insight into the motivations of certain characters.
I really enjoyed this book and have already added it to my Halloween re-read list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Vienna for providing me this ARC, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨Audiobook✨
The narrators do an excellent job!
This story starts whit a bang, and it keeps on giving,
Magic is now for all humans and Salem is the hub.
But not everything is what is should.
It’s a well written story whit banter, love and a lot of drama and spells.
The narrators do an excellent job!
This story starts whit a bang, and it keeps on giving,
Magic is now for all humans and Salem is the hub.
But not everything is what is should.
It’s a well written story whit banter, love and a lot of drama and spells.
April 3, 2026
Reading the summary of this book it seemed really intriguing and something different to what I’ve read before.
However I found it a struggle to get through the story. Some parts felt like they were too slow and other parts felt rushed, mainly towards the end.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for giving me this ARC
However I found it a struggle to get through the story. Some parts felt like they were too slow and other parts felt rushed, mainly towards the end.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for giving me this ARC
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews