What do you think?
Rate this book
The Nightmare Keeper
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.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The premise sounded amazing: modern Salem where magic is pretty open... unless you have the wrong kind, one that makes everyone worry. On top of everything we are able to manipulate dreams and they are pretty major part of the plot? Sign me up, please.
That saying... unfortunately it didn't really work out for me.
I'm not sure if it was the writing style that felt too simple at times (it didn't have that spark), rather straightforward, not leaving much to imagination or if it was the pacing, but I had hard time getting into the story.
There were moments I really enjoyed, mostly the whole "modern Salem" setting and the talk about the magic + dreams and nightmares. I just wish we gotten a bit more worldbuilding since despite finishing the book, I feel like we haven't really dived into it? It's like... the ground base has been set, but it's still waiting for all the details. We know the story takes place in Salem, but beside that? I wish we focused a bit more on how the place looks, maybe talked a bit about other parts of the world? I mean I'm sure a LOT must have happened in this alternate timeline that doesn't really match our own?
When it came to the writing style, I could just shrug my shoulders and be like: it could use some more details, but I don't hate it. The pacing on the other hand, was probably the main reason I struggled, now that I think about it. It simply felt chaotic and off most of the time. There were many moments when nothing was happening, just to suddenly pick up the pace. While it's not a bad thing and it's a common in a lot of books, especially combined with plot twists, the main problem I had here was the fact, that when things did start to happen, suddenly everything seemed to be happening all at once and nine out of ten times something completely new got introduced/mentioned. It became too repetative and tiring at some point in my eyes.
It's another book labeled as enemies to lovers where I feel like the trope ended almost as soon as it started. They were bickering, yes, weren't fond of each other, but were they enemies? I don't think so? At least not in my eyes. They seemed more like reluctant allies to lovers.
Overall, while I didn't love it, there were parts I liked and I'm honestly curious about the second book.
The premise sounded amazing: modern Salem where magic is pretty open... unless you have the wrong kind, one that makes everyone worry. On top of everything we are able to manipulate dreams and they are pretty major part of the plot? Sign me up, please.
That saying... unfortunately it didn't really work out for me.
I'm not sure if it was the writing style that felt too simple at times (it didn't have that spark), rather straightforward, not leaving much to imagination or if it was the pacing, but I had hard time getting into the story.
There were moments I really enjoyed, mostly the whole "modern Salem" setting and the talk about the magic + dreams and nightmares. I just wish we gotten a bit more worldbuilding since despite finishing the book, I feel like we haven't really dived into it? It's like... the ground base has been set, but it's still waiting for all the details. We know the story takes place in Salem, but beside that? I wish we focused a bit more on how the place looks, maybe talked a bit about other parts of the world? I mean I'm sure a LOT must have happened in this alternate timeline that doesn't really match our own?
When it came to the writing style, I could just shrug my shoulders and be like: it could use some more details, but I don't hate it. The pacing on the other hand, was probably the main reason I struggled, now that I think about it. It simply felt chaotic and off most of the time. There were many moments when nothing was happening, just to suddenly pick up the pace. While it's not a bad thing and it's a common in a lot of books, especially combined with plot twists, the main problem I had here was the fact, that when things did start to happen, suddenly everything seemed to be happening all at once and nine out of ten times something completely new got introduced/mentioned. It became too repetative and tiring at some point in my eyes.
It's another book labeled as enemies to lovers where I feel like the trope ended almost as soon as it started. They were bickering, yes, weren't fond of each other, but were they enemies? I don't think so? At least not in my eyes. They seemed more like reluctant allies to lovers.
Overall, while I didn't love it, there were parts I liked and I'm honestly curious about the second book.
June 20, 2026
The Nightmare Keeper is set in a modern-day Salem and follows a Dream Wielder whose magic can calm those who struggle to sleep. Unfortunately, some of them can turn into Nightmares and kill people in their sleep, and as a result, they are hunted and pressured by the High Witch, Salem’s honored protector, in the name of protecting Salem.
The premise certainly caught my curiosity and immediately captured my attention, making me eager to see how everything would unfold. Unfortunately, it took me a while to get into the story. If I hadn't been listening to the audiobook alongside the ebook, I'm not sure I would have connected with it as much as I eventually did or been able to finish the book. The beginning felt slow, and while the concept intrigued me from the start, the storytelling style wasn't always a perfect fit for my taste. One example is the way events were presented: there were too many abrupt scene transitions, especially in the first part of the book, and the overall narrative flow didn't fully work for me.
Once the plot gained momentum, however, I found myself much more invested. The second half is considerably stronger, with a faster pace, higher stakes, and several executed plot twists that kept me engaged until the end.
The highlight of the novel is undoubtedly the magic system. The Dream Wielders, their ability to enter and shape dreamscapes, and the terrifying transformation into Nightmares create a fascinating and atmospheric world that fits perfectly within a modern Salem setting. However, there were moments when I felt like something was missing in the worldbuilding, and I would have liked a bit more depth or explanation to fully understand certain aspects of the world.
Azalee (FMC) is a Dream Wielder whose personality I appreciated, especially the way she throws herself into danger for the people she cares about, and some of her moments really stood out to me. However, I sometimes felt that she wasn't as fully developed as she could have been. Gabriel (MMC), the grandson of the High Witch, was actually the character I found more compelling. He is trapped in a complex situation and, because of his background, is forced to bend to his grandfather's expectations and carry out actions behind the scenes. Between the two, Gabriel was definitely my favorite, and I think his character arc was stronger throughout the story.
The romance between Azalee and Gabriel was the part of the story I couldn’t fully see. What I personally perceived was a constant sense of lust from the very beginning of the story, which I unfortunately found heavy and not engaging. Despite the banter and the moments they shared, I felt like something was missing to make their relationship truly sparkle and leave a lasting impact. And personally, Gabriel’s journey and his struggle to overcome his prejudice toward Dream Wielders, as well as the way Azalee tries to help him see things differently, were more interesting to me.
Since I also listened to the audiobook (not the ALC), I want to mention how much I enjoyed the narrators’ performances and how their personality helped me stay immersed even during the slower sections. In fact, I think the audiobook made the story flow much better than the ebook version.
This was definitely a slow read despite the interesting magic system, atmospheric setting, and compelling mystery. While it didn't completely click with me and required some patience to get through the slower beginning, I'm glad I stuck with it. And despite my issues with pacing, character development, and the romance, I'm curious enough about this world that I'd happily pick up the sequel—especially if it's released in audiobook format.
Thanks to Montlake, NetGalley, and Vienna James for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise certainly caught my curiosity and immediately captured my attention, making me eager to see how everything would unfold. Unfortunately, it took me a while to get into the story. If I hadn't been listening to the audiobook alongside the ebook, I'm not sure I would have connected with it as much as I eventually did or been able to finish the book. The beginning felt slow, and while the concept intrigued me from the start, the storytelling style wasn't always a perfect fit for my taste. One example is the way events were presented: there were too many abrupt scene transitions, especially in the first part of the book, and the overall narrative flow didn't fully work for me.
Once the plot gained momentum, however, I found myself much more invested. The second half is considerably stronger, with a faster pace, higher stakes, and several executed plot twists that kept me engaged until the end.
The highlight of the novel is undoubtedly the magic system. The Dream Wielders, their ability to enter and shape dreamscapes, and the terrifying transformation into Nightmares create a fascinating and atmospheric world that fits perfectly within a modern Salem setting. However, there were moments when I felt like something was missing in the worldbuilding, and I would have liked a bit more depth or explanation to fully understand certain aspects of the world.
Azalee (FMC) is a Dream Wielder whose personality I appreciated, especially the way she throws herself into danger for the people she cares about, and some of her moments really stood out to me. However, I sometimes felt that she wasn't as fully developed as she could have been. Gabriel (MMC), the grandson of the High Witch, was actually the character I found more compelling. He is trapped in a complex situation and, because of his background, is forced to bend to his grandfather's expectations and carry out actions behind the scenes. Between the two, Gabriel was definitely my favorite, and I think his character arc was stronger throughout the story.
The romance between Azalee and Gabriel was the part of the story I couldn’t fully see. What I personally perceived was a constant sense of lust from the very beginning of the story, which I unfortunately found heavy and not engaging. Despite the banter and the moments they shared, I felt like something was missing to make their relationship truly sparkle and leave a lasting impact. And personally, Gabriel’s journey and his struggle to overcome his prejudice toward Dream Wielders, as well as the way Azalee tries to help him see things differently, were more interesting to me.
Since I also listened to the audiobook (not the ALC), I want to mention how much I enjoyed the narrators’ performances and how their personality helped me stay immersed even during the slower sections. In fact, I think the audiobook made the story flow much better than the ebook version.
This was definitely a slow read despite the interesting magic system, atmospheric setting, and compelling mystery. While it didn't completely click with me and required some patience to get through the slower beginning, I'm glad I stuck with it. And despite my issues with pacing, character development, and the romance, I'm curious enough about this world that I'd happily pick up the sequel—especially if it's released in audiobook format.
Thanks to Montlake, NetGalley, and Vienna James for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
June 1, 2026
This is perfect for you if you are a fan of Holly Black's Book of Night.
This had everything in it that normally would make it a standout to me, and it was a good book, but for some reason it just didn't ever fully click for me.
This takes place in our world, with the difference of magic. The Salem witch trials didn't happen and, instead, the witches in Salem saved everyone from a plague giving witches/magic wielders a special branch of government run by the high witch.
The current high witch, who has been in the role for a long time, is Gabriel Ford's grandfather. Since his wife died, allegedly from dream wielder magic, the high witch has had a vendetta against all dream wielders and takes all steps he can to persecute them in daily life. He has trained his grandsons to have the same opinions. At the time of the book, he is spearheading a campaign to pass a bill that will create a dream wielder registry, which is his "first step" that he is pushing for increasing community safety during a string of murders allegedly committed by dream wielders.
Dream wielder magic is unique because there is only one way to have it, and that is to go through something traumatic that triggers it. So, not only is the high witch stigmatizing an entire group of people, but it is a group of people who went through something terrible in order to end up a part of that group. Further, although dream wielder magic can be fun, unique, and a way to help individuals (whether the wielder or others) work through trauma, if a dream wielder is unable to cope with the trauma or other negatives occurring in their life, their magic can turn dark and suck them into being Nightmares.
Although there is a progression, the end run for completely turning into a nightmare is that the individual no longer lives in the real world and, mentally, is stuck in nightmares 24/7. Just touching a Nightmare's skin can drag you into the nightmare with them, and they also have the ability to kill with their magic where a healthy dream wielder would not.
The magic and this scale of dream wielders to nightmares was the best part of the book for me. It was well built and really well thought out. I think the part that made it harder for me to really connect with the book is, while this I guess makes it more realistic, almost everybody sucks here.
Before the events of the book, Gabriel goes through a trauma that gives him dream wielder magic. Despite this, he seems to maintain his opinion that dream wielders, overall, are evil for basically two years after that and, even still, he works with his grandfather to further push dream wielders to second class citizen status. However, since you cannot tell who is a dream wielder just by looking at them, Gabriel is literally helping his grandfather lead a witch hunt against people like him. There are other characters that are similarly involved in things that are, in general, against what would be their own interests but they feel themselves to be exempt for various reasons. And, while they all appear to be "redeemed" by the end, I really don't feel like they, including Gabriel honestly, ever really did enough to redeem themselves.
On top of that, I think it was really just too real for me and that made it not shocking at all. I could 100% see the high witch existing in real life. I could see the coven of dream wielders who are unwilling to take any actions to protect their people because the action would be "wrong." And I could see someone like Gabriel being treated as a hero when Azalee has been there the whole time working her butt off to try to protect dream wielders and save nightmares. In short, Azalee deserved better than Gabriel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Vienna James for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This had everything in it that normally would make it a standout to me, and it was a good book, but for some reason it just didn't ever fully click for me.
This takes place in our world, with the difference of magic. The Salem witch trials didn't happen and, instead, the witches in Salem saved everyone from a plague giving witches/magic wielders a special branch of government run by the high witch.
The current high witch, who has been in the role for a long time, is Gabriel Ford's grandfather. Since his wife died, allegedly from dream wielder magic, the high witch has had a vendetta against all dream wielders and takes all steps he can to persecute them in daily life. He has trained his grandsons to have the same opinions. At the time of the book, he is spearheading a campaign to pass a bill that will create a dream wielder registry, which is his "first step" that he is pushing for increasing community safety during a string of murders allegedly committed by dream wielders.
Dream wielder magic is unique because there is only one way to have it, and that is to go through something traumatic that triggers it. So, not only is the high witch stigmatizing an entire group of people, but it is a group of people who went through something terrible in order to end up a part of that group. Further, although dream wielder magic can be fun, unique, and a way to help individuals (whether the wielder or others) work through trauma, if a dream wielder is unable to cope with the trauma or other negatives occurring in their life, their magic can turn dark and suck them into being Nightmares.
Although there is a progression, the end run for completely turning into a nightmare is that the individual no longer lives in the real world and, mentally, is stuck in nightmares 24/7. Just touching a Nightmare's skin can drag you into the nightmare with them, and they also have the ability to kill with their magic where a healthy dream wielder would not.
The magic and this scale of dream wielders to nightmares was the best part of the book for me. It was well built and really well thought out. I think the part that made it harder for me to really connect with the book is, while this I guess makes it more realistic, almost everybody sucks here.
Before the events of the book, Gabriel goes through a trauma that gives him dream wielder magic. Despite this, he seems to maintain his opinion that dream wielders, overall, are evil for basically two years after that and, even still, he works with his grandfather to further push dream wielders to second class citizen status. However, since you cannot tell who is a dream wielder just by looking at them, Gabriel is literally helping his grandfather lead a witch hunt against people like him. There are other characters that are similarly involved in things that are, in general, against what would be their own interests but they feel themselves to be exempt for various reasons. And, while they all appear to be "redeemed" by the end, I really don't feel like they, including Gabriel honestly, ever really did enough to redeem themselves.
On top of that, I think it was really just too real for me and that made it not shocking at all. I could 100% see the high witch existing in real life. I could see the coven of dream wielders who are unwilling to take any actions to protect their people because the action would be "wrong." And I could see someone like Gabriel being treated as a hero when Azalee has been there the whole time working her butt off to try to protect dream wielders and save nightmares. In short, Azalee deserved better than Gabriel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Vienna James for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
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 26, 2026
This book had a really interesting premise and a pretty unique magic system.
The story takes place in a Salem where dream wielders are heavily feared and persecuted. Our FMC, Azalee, is a dream wielder whose magic helps calm and heal people through dreams, while our MMC, Gabriel was basically raised to hate everything she represents. Because of something that happened long time ago, his grandfather, that happens to be Salem’s High Witch, is the one trying to persecute the wielders more and more.
Things change very quickly after Azalee saves Gabriel’s life one night and accidentally binds him to her… turning him into a dream wielder too.
Surprise, surprise...
Now Gabriel is stuck between the beliefs he grew up with and the reality of what he has become, while also trying to hide his condition from his grandfather, who would absolutely disown him… or worse.
At the same time, murders begin happening around Salem, and naturally everyone immediately blames dream wielders.
Very suspicious coincidence indeed ...
The investigation into the murders slowly forces Azalee and Gabriel to work together more and more, and eventually the enemies-to-allies tension turns into attraction.
Overall, I thought the premise and magic system were the strongest parts of the book. The dream and nightmare abilities felt fresh and interesting and I liked the darker atmosphere around Salem.
The romance was decent, though not something I became super emotionally invested in, and while the story kept me engaged, I only liked it, but not fully loved it.
Still, definitely an enjoyable read with very cool ideas.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley & Montlake for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
The story takes place in a Salem where dream wielders are heavily feared and persecuted. Our FMC, Azalee, is a dream wielder whose magic helps calm and heal people through dreams, while our MMC, Gabriel was basically raised to hate everything she represents. Because of something that happened long time ago, his grandfather, that happens to be Salem’s High Witch, is the one trying to persecute the wielders more and more.
Things change very quickly after Azalee saves Gabriel’s life one night and accidentally binds him to her… turning him into a dream wielder too.
Surprise, surprise...
Now Gabriel is stuck between the beliefs he grew up with and the reality of what he has become, while also trying to hide his condition from his grandfather, who would absolutely disown him… or worse.
At the same time, murders begin happening around Salem, and naturally everyone immediately blames dream wielders.
Very suspicious coincidence indeed ...
The investigation into the murders slowly forces Azalee and Gabriel to work together more and more, and eventually the enemies-to-allies tension turns into attraction.
Overall, I thought the premise and magic system were the strongest parts of the book. The dream and nightmare abilities felt fresh and interesting and I liked the darker atmosphere around Salem.
The romance was decent, though not something I became super emotionally invested in, and while the story kept me engaged, I only liked it, but not fully loved it.
Still, definitely an enjoyable read with very cool ideas.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley & Montlake for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
May 26, 2026
A middle of the road romantasy novel… I felt the core idea was there, but too much was going on and the pacing was off for how much was going on. The book switched between a sluggish plot inching forward and everything happening all at once. I think the characters had great potential, as did the plot, but the last portion of the book was trying to tie everything together haphazardly. Like when you have to leave for the airport in 10 minutes and haven’t packed and you’re just throwing clothes in the suitcase hoping the outfits match, everything is in there and fits, and that you have underwear.
Another reviewer remarked that the book felt unpolished, I agree. I think it needed one more draft at least to fix the above and it could’ve been something refreshing in the romatansy book scene. The relationships (romantic, familial, and friendships) were there- just undeveloped and missing something, the plot was there- just with poor pacing, there was even a wider message about grief and trauma- it just gets lost in the mess of the pacing and fails to hit a home run on the author’s message.
***Thanks to Vienna James and Brilliance Publishing through Net Galley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Another reviewer remarked that the book felt unpolished, I agree. I think it needed one more draft at least to fix the above and it could’ve been something refreshing in the romatansy book scene. The relationships (romantic, familial, and friendships) were there- just undeveloped and missing something, the plot was there- just with poor pacing, there was even a wider message about grief and trauma- it just gets lost in the mess of the pacing and fails to hit a home run on the author’s message.
***Thanks to Vienna James and Brilliance Publishing through Net Galley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
May 26, 2026
ALC Review 4 stars
The magic system in this book is fascinating. The magic of the dreamwielders, and how the nightmares could consume a person felt very unique. The story tells a modern witch hunt with political ties. Both main characters are very complex and flawed. The enemies to lovers was well executed and it fit well with the plot.
The ending did fall short. It was rushed and felt inconsistent with the rest of the story. But overall it was a good read.
The magic system in this book is fascinating. The magic of the dreamwielders, and how the nightmares could consume a person felt very unique. The story tells a modern witch hunt with political ties. Both main characters are very complex and flawed. The enemies to lovers was well executed and it fit well with the plot.
The ending did fall short. It was rushed and felt inconsistent with the rest of the story. But overall it was a good read.
May 26, 2026
This book is like a breath of fresh air from the fearful elements to the magical system. Its a fantasy romance with enemies to lovers featuring Azalee and Gabriel. If you like a Salem setting, Life Bonds, Dream Wielders, Nightmare Magic, and a dark secret in the mix then this book is for you. I highly recommend!
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
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
When witch trials return, but are held by witches who discriminate against a certain type of magic, does that make it right?
In a world where magic is real in Salem and openly practiced, it still doesn't stop prejudices of a particular type of magic. One that
Azalee Saunders, her mother, and her best friends also wield. They are Dream Wielders, meant to help people who struggle with sleep. There is also a bit of danger for those who have that magic, as it develops suddenly after a tragedy happens in a person's life. If they are not careful and allow that tragedy to hold over their conscience, it can turn the magic into a Nightmare and trap the person in misery that over time, breaks them down into just a shell of a person
The Dream Wielders are scrutinized by some people, but very much by the Ford family, which the High Witch, who is in charge of keeping magic safe for all, is openly against when he claims that one of them murdered his wife many years ago. His negative attitude has been pushed on his grandchildren, especially his oldest Gabriel, although he doesn't quite believe in what his grandfather wants to do to those people.
When a tragic night occurs, and Azalee is frantically called by his brother to help save Gabriel, she is not a healer and does only what she naturally knows to save him. She forms a life bond with him, which tethers their lives together, but also turns him into the very thing his grandfather despises most. They keep this a secret from everyone, as it could be detrimental to Gabriel, knowing how his grandfather feels about the magic, but when people are piling up in murder cases, and the fingers are pointed at the Dream Wielders, he can no longer act like he is not one of them, and needs to get more involved. Grown up to be enemies, Azalee and Gabriel must work together to solve this murder mystery before his grandfather convinces all the witches to lock down innocent people for something they did not do.
What to Expect
Witches in Salem
Magic Discrimination
Exploitation
Witch Trials
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Mysterious Deaths
Wrongful Accusations
Soul Binding
Life Debt
Dangerous Magic
Corrupt Magic Leaders
Abuse of Power
I am a huge fan of witchy books, and bringing it home to Salem, making it contemporary, and weaving magic into everyday life was great. The story was interesting, and I liked the magic in it. It was a little slow-paced for me, but overall, I still liked it. The dual narration was good. I am a huge fan of Sean Masters, which is the main reason I picked this audiobook ALC. 5 star narration, 3.5 star story
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
In a world where magic is real in Salem and openly practiced, it still doesn't stop prejudices of a particular type of magic. One that
Azalee Saunders, her mother, and her best friends also wield. They are Dream Wielders, meant to help people who struggle with sleep. There is also a bit of danger for those who have that magic, as it develops suddenly after a tragedy happens in a person's life. If they are not careful and allow that tragedy to hold over their conscience, it can turn the magic into a Nightmare and trap the person in misery that over time, breaks them down into just a shell of a person
The Dream Wielders are scrutinized by some people, but very much by the Ford family, which the High Witch, who is in charge of keeping magic safe for all, is openly against when he claims that one of them murdered his wife many years ago. His negative attitude has been pushed on his grandchildren, especially his oldest Gabriel, although he doesn't quite believe in what his grandfather wants to do to those people.
When a tragic night occurs, and Azalee is frantically called by his brother to help save Gabriel, she is not a healer and does only what she naturally knows to save him. She forms a life bond with him, which tethers their lives together, but also turns him into the very thing his grandfather despises most. They keep this a secret from everyone, as it could be detrimental to Gabriel, knowing how his grandfather feels about the magic, but when people are piling up in murder cases, and the fingers are pointed at the Dream Wielders, he can no longer act like he is not one of them, and needs to get more involved. Grown up to be enemies, Azalee and Gabriel must work together to solve this murder mystery before his grandfather convinces all the witches to lock down innocent people for something they did not do.
What to Expect
Witches in Salem
Magic Discrimination
Exploitation
Witch Trials
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden Romance
Mysterious Deaths
Wrongful Accusations
Soul Binding
Life Debt
Dangerous Magic
Corrupt Magic Leaders
Abuse of Power
I am a huge fan of witchy books, and bringing it home to Salem, making it contemporary, and weaving magic into everyday life was great. The story was interesting, and I liked the magic in it. It was a little slow-paced for me, but overall, I still liked it. The dual narration was good. I am a huge fan of Sean Masters, which is the main reason I picked this audiobook ALC. 5 star narration, 3.5 star story
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Vienna James for the opportunity to read/listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The Nightmare Keeper completely pulled me in from the start. Between the eerie dream magic, the political tension, the murder mystery elements, and the atmosphere of modern-day Salem, this felt like such a refreshing take on romantasy. It leans much more plot-forward than romance-forward, and honestly, I loved that about it.
The magic system here was SO interesting. Dream wielders, nightmares, life debts, soul bonds — all of it felt unique while still being easy to follow. I especially loved how naturally the magic blended into the modern world. The story also heavily explores fear, discrimination, and abuse of power, and the parallels to real-world politics were impossible to miss in the best way. The entire “registering dream wielders” situation had me sitting there like… oh this is getting uncomfortably realistic.
Azalee and Gabriel were both really compelling characters. Azalee is stubborn, loyal, impulsive, and willing to risk everything for the people she cares about. Gabriel spends most of the story caught between family loyalty and doing what he knows is right, which made him a really interesting counterpart to her. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic actually felt believable because there’s so much history and tension already established between them before the story even begins.
This is definitely more of a closed-door romantasy, but I genuinely didn’t mind because the overall story was so engaging. The romance never overshadowed the mystery, politics, or darker atmosphere, which made the emotional moments hit even harder when they happened. Also… the soulmate/life debt aspects? Absolutely obsessed.
And the audiobook narrators? Dominique Salvacion and Sean Masters absolutely crushed it. The emotion, tension, and atmosphere all came through perfectly, and I flew through this audio at 1.25X speed.
My only real complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed compared to how much time was spent building everything else up. I just wanted more time in this world because I was having such a good time with it.
Overall, this was creepy, immersive, emotional, and incredibly entertaining. If you like witches, morally complicated characters, eerie magic systems, political fantasy elements, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that actually feels earned, I’d absolutely recommend this one.
What to Expect
• Dream magic & nightmares
• Witches in modern-day Salem
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden romance
• Magical discrimination & political themes
• Murder mystery elements
• Soul bonds & life debts
• Dual POV
• Closed-door romantasy
• Creepy atmospheric fantasy
Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Vienna James for the opportunity to read/listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The Nightmare Keeper completely pulled me in from the start. Between the eerie dream magic, the political tension, the murder mystery elements, and the atmosphere of modern-day Salem, this felt like such a refreshing take on romantasy. It leans much more plot-forward than romance-forward, and honestly, I loved that about it.
The magic system here was SO interesting. Dream wielders, nightmares, life debts, soul bonds — all of it felt unique while still being easy to follow. I especially loved how naturally the magic blended into the modern world. The story also heavily explores fear, discrimination, and abuse of power, and the parallels to real-world politics were impossible to miss in the best way. The entire “registering dream wielders” situation had me sitting there like… oh this is getting uncomfortably realistic.
Azalee and Gabriel were both really compelling characters. Azalee is stubborn, loyal, impulsive, and willing to risk everything for the people she cares about. Gabriel spends most of the story caught between family loyalty and doing what he knows is right, which made him a really interesting counterpart to her. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic actually felt believable because there’s so much history and tension already established between them before the story even begins.
This is definitely more of a closed-door romantasy, but I genuinely didn’t mind because the overall story was so engaging. The romance never overshadowed the mystery, politics, or darker atmosphere, which made the emotional moments hit even harder when they happened. Also… the soulmate/life debt aspects? Absolutely obsessed.
And the audiobook narrators? Dominique Salvacion and Sean Masters absolutely crushed it. The emotion, tension, and atmosphere all came through perfectly, and I flew through this audio at 1.25X speed.
My only real complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed compared to how much time was spent building everything else up. I just wanted more time in this world because I was having such a good time with it.
Overall, this was creepy, immersive, emotional, and incredibly entertaining. If you like witches, morally complicated characters, eerie magic systems, political fantasy elements, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that actually feels earned, I’d absolutely recommend this one.
What to Expect
• Dream magic & nightmares
• Witches in modern-day Salem
• Enemies to lovers
• Forbidden romance
• Magical discrimination & political themes
• Murder mystery elements
• Soul bonds & life debts
• Dual POV
• Closed-door romantasy
• Creepy atmospheric fantasy
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!
May 26, 2026
Azalee is a dream wielder, meaning she can go into a person's dreams and change them. The High Witch is against all dream wielder's though because one killed his wife many years ago and he's out to make sure they can't hurt anyone else. Gabriel is The High Witch's grandson, and he has no idea that his own grandson, Gabriel is now a dream wielder after a bad incident that happened. Azalee and Gabriel don't like each other, but Azalee saved Gabriel's life without thinking about it and now Gabriel owes her a life debt.
When Nightmare's start becoming a problem, Azalee and her coven try to save the people or at the very least stop them from hurting others. A dream wielder can turn into a nightmare and hurt others. Someone is killing people in their dreams, and The High Witch thinks it's a dream wielder and is going to take what's happening to try and keep the dream wielders in a cage, so to speak.
Gabriel and Azalee have to put their feelings for each other and work together to try and stop whoever is killing people and blaming it on a nightmare or dream wielder.
The people who are locked up in the cells because they have turned into living nightmares was so sad. When one of them tries to tell Azalee something and help her figure who is behind it. It was interesting to see inside someone's nightmare.
When I read the blurb for this and saw it was about dreams, nightmares and witches with the ability to go into others dreams, I knew I had to read this one. I suffer from nightmares all the time, so I found this really interesting.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Nightmare's start becoming a problem, Azalee and her coven try to save the people or at the very least stop them from hurting others. A dream wielder can turn into a nightmare and hurt others. Someone is killing people in their dreams, and The High Witch thinks it's a dream wielder and is going to take what's happening to try and keep the dream wielders in a cage, so to speak.
Gabriel and Azalee have to put their feelings for each other and work together to try and stop whoever is killing people and blaming it on a nightmare or dream wielder.
The people who are locked up in the cells because they have turned into living nightmares was so sad. When one of them tries to tell Azalee something and help her figure who is behind it. It was interesting to see inside someone's nightmare.
When I read the blurb for this and saw it was about dreams, nightmares and witches with the ability to go into others dreams, I knew I had to read this one. I suffer from nightmares all the time, so I found this really interesting.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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!
May 26, 2026
HAPPY PUB DAY to The Nightmare Keeper by Vienna James 🖤✨
First of all… THANK YOU so much to @viennajamesauthor for sending me this gorgeous gifted physical copy🫶🏾💛
And y’all… this book was SUCH a refreshing surprise. In a world where fantasy books can sometimes start blending together, The Nightmare Keeper actually felt different.
From dream wielders, nightmare magic, and political witch hunts in modern day Salem. Azalee was stubborn, compassionate, fearless, and willing to burn everything down for the people she loves.
Gabriel…his internal conflict, the yearning underneath all that “I definitely don’t care about her” energy had me LOCKED IN.🤌🏾 Also can we PLEASE talk about the scene where he rushed to protect her and gave her his watch?🥹🖤 Because at that point I was sitting there like…
“Are you really trying to protect her because you have to…or because you care?”
…we all know the answer🤭
I loved how this story balanced eerie dreamscape magic with real themes of fear, discrimination, power, and resistance.
The whole concept of dream wielders and Nightmares genuinely felt fresh to me and I need more books with weird eerie magic immediately.
Read this if you love: 🌙 Dream magic & nightmares 🖤 Witches in modern day Salem ⚡️ Enemies to lovers 🔮 Soul bonds & life debts 🔥 Political fantasy vibes 👁️ Murder mystery elements 🌫️ Creepy fantasy ✨ Powerful FMCs who fight back
Definitely add this one to your spooky fantasy TBR
#TheNightmareKeeper #ViennaJames
First of all… THANK YOU so much to @viennajamesauthor for sending me this gorgeous gifted physical copy🫶🏾💛
And y’all… this book was SUCH a refreshing surprise. In a world where fantasy books can sometimes start blending together, The Nightmare Keeper actually felt different.
From dream wielders, nightmare magic, and political witch hunts in modern day Salem. Azalee was stubborn, compassionate, fearless, and willing to burn everything down for the people she loves.
Gabriel…his internal conflict, the yearning underneath all that “I definitely don’t care about her” energy had me LOCKED IN.🤌🏾 Also can we PLEASE talk about the scene where he rushed to protect her and gave her his watch?🥹🖤 Because at that point I was sitting there like…
“Are you really trying to protect her because you have to…or because you care?”
…we all know the answer🤭
I loved how this story balanced eerie dreamscape magic with real themes of fear, discrimination, power, and resistance.
The whole concept of dream wielders and Nightmares genuinely felt fresh to me and I need more books with weird eerie magic immediately.
Read this if you love: 🌙 Dream magic & nightmares 🖤 Witches in modern day Salem ⚡️ Enemies to lovers 🔮 Soul bonds & life debts 🔥 Political fantasy vibes 👁️ Murder mystery elements 🌫️ Creepy fantasy ✨ Powerful FMCs who fight back
Definitely add this one to your spooky fantasy TBR
#TheNightmareKeeper #ViennaJames
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.
June 6, 2026
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗞𝗘𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗯𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 was such a unique and captivating read. The dream magic and nightmare mythology made this story feel fresh, eerie, and completely immersive. I loved the idea of dream wielders being able to influence sleep and emotions, while the terrifying Nightmares added a darker edge that kept the tension high throughout the book. Azalee was exactly the kind of heroine I love reading about—strong, compassionate, determined, and brave even when the world seems stacked against her. Watching her fight against prejudice while trying to protect people made her incredibly easy to root for. Gabriel was the perfect counterpart to her fiery personality. His calm, controlled demeanor balanced Azalee beautifully, and I loved how naturally their relationship developed as they were forced to work together. The mystery surrounding the murders kept me hooked from beginning to end, and several twists genuinely surprised me. Nothing felt predictable, which made the story even more exciting. Atmospheric, magical, and emotionally engaging, this book delivered such a fun blend of fantasy, suspense, and romance.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🌙 Dream magic
🖤 Enemies to allies
✨ Witchy Salem setting
😴 Nightmares come to life
💕 Forced partnership
🔮 Hidden powers
⚡ Magical murder mystery
🛡️ Strong female lead
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🌙 Dream magic
🖤 Enemies to allies
✨ Witchy Salem setting
😴 Nightmares come to life
💕 Forced partnership
🔮 Hidden powers
⚡ Magical murder mystery
🛡️ Strong female lead
June 13, 2026
This audiobook is narrated by
Dominique Salvacion & Sean Masters. I was first drawn to the story because my favorite narrator was voicing it. And I’m so glad I listened because I was really hooked on these characters. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The storyline is very interesting and different from what I usually read or listen to. Good witches and dream wielders against evil witches who are unjustly hunting the good ones. There was a lot more talk about witch politics than I would’ve liked. I was hoping the story would’ve had more focus on the enemies to lovers relationship between Azalee and Gabriel. While the romance was there in the background it was definitely secondary to the good vs. evil storyline of the witch hierarchy. The intimate scenes we did get were fade to black. Sean Masters was the perfect voice of the strong and stoic Gabriel. I loved his character. Dominique was terrific voicing Azalee, the headstrong witch and dream wielder. I loved their happy ending but did think it was a little bit odd that Azalee and Gabriel never actually said those “three words”to each other. While I know they were meant to be each other’s souls mates, I thought it weird that we wouldn’t get that in the dialogue. I really did enjoy this story and hope there will be another book in the series.
Dominique Salvacion & Sean Masters. I was first drawn to the story because my favorite narrator was voicing it. And I’m so glad I listened because I was really hooked on these characters. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. The storyline is very interesting and different from what I usually read or listen to. Good witches and dream wielders against evil witches who are unjustly hunting the good ones. There was a lot more talk about witch politics than I would’ve liked. I was hoping the story would’ve had more focus on the enemies to lovers relationship between Azalee and Gabriel. While the romance was there in the background it was definitely secondary to the good vs. evil storyline of the witch hierarchy. The intimate scenes we did get were fade to black. Sean Masters was the perfect voice of the strong and stoic Gabriel. I loved his character. Dominique was terrific voicing Azalee, the headstrong witch and dream wielder. I loved their happy ending but did think it was a little bit odd that Azalee and Gabriel never actually said those “three words”to each other. While I know they were meant to be each other’s souls mates, I thought it weird that we wouldn’t get that in the dialogue. I really did enjoy this story and hope there will be another book in the series.
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.**
May 29, 2026
Beautifully narrated by Dominique Salvacion and Sean Masters ❤️ This audio book brings to life the struggles of living in a world where Dream wielders are persecuted and forced into secrecy after one mans life altering experience with the powers they hold, leads him to start a smear campaign to rid the world of every last one of them.
'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.'
The storyline gave an amazing way of overcoming ones nightmares by facing the very thing that forced the victims dream wielding powers to manifest in the first place.
If you like enemies to lovers
Strong willed FMCs
Betrayal you would never see coming
A girl with a leave no one behind attitude...
Then The Nightmare Keeper would be a perfect addition to your shelf or audio list. 😊
***Thank you to netgalley and Vienna James for the ALC. I absolutely love discovering new authors and voice actors, i can not wait to explore more of your work.
'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.'
The storyline gave an amazing way of overcoming ones nightmares by facing the very thing that forced the victims dream wielding powers to manifest in the first place.
If you like enemies to lovers
Strong willed FMCs
Betrayal you would never see coming
A girl with a leave no one behind attitude...
Then The Nightmare Keeper would be a perfect addition to your shelf or audio list. 😊
***Thank you to netgalley and Vienna James for the ALC. I absolutely love discovering new authors and voice actors, i can not wait to explore more of your work.
June 3, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Salem, dream wielders, and murders happening in people’s sleep, this book had such a compelling premise, and for the most part, it delivered.
I’ll be honest: the beginning was slow, and it took me a while to get fully invested. But once the story picked up, I really enjoyed it. The second half kept me on the edge of my seat, and by the end I was glad I pushed through the slow start.
The highlight of this book, without a doubt, is the world-building and the magic system. The dream walks are absolutely mesmerizing. The worlds Vienna James creates within them feel vivid and layered, and the power dream wielders have to shape entire dreamscapes is the kind of magic that makes you wish, just for a moment, that you could do the same. I’ve always wanted to influence my own dreams, to build something beautiful or strange before I wake up, and this book made that fantasy feel almost real.
Azalee is a solid protagonist, though she did get on my nerves at times, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read that I would recommend, especially if you love atmospheric magic systems and a romance that slow-burns in the best way.
Salem, dream wielders, and murders happening in people’s sleep, this book had such a compelling premise, and for the most part, it delivered.
I’ll be honest: the beginning was slow, and it took me a while to get fully invested. But once the story picked up, I really enjoyed it. The second half kept me on the edge of my seat, and by the end I was glad I pushed through the slow start.
The highlight of this book, without a doubt, is the world-building and the magic system. The dream walks are absolutely mesmerizing. The worlds Vienna James creates within them feel vivid and layered, and the power dream wielders have to shape entire dreamscapes is the kind of magic that makes you wish, just for a moment, that you could do the same. I’ve always wanted to influence my own dreams, to build something beautiful or strange before I wake up, and this book made that fantasy feel almost real.
Azalee is a solid protagonist, though she did get on my nerves at times, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read that I would recommend, especially if you love atmospheric magic systems and a romance that slow-burns in the best way.
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.
June 29, 2026
Azalee Saunders is a dream wielder. Two years ago, she saved the grandson of the High Witch, Gabriel Ford, and now he is also a dream wielder. The High Witch wants to outlaw dream wielders, and a string of murders attributed to them is making it easier for him to pass a law requiring them to be registered. Azalee and Gabriel must work together to figure out who is really behind the murders.
I liked the world of the book. Magic is a part of everyday life, though certain types of magic are considered more dangerous than other types. Azalee and Gabriel are both good characters that you want to root for, and I enjoyed the way they slowly learned to trust one another and give in to their attraction.
The pace of the book was good. The plot got a bit convoluted at times, but never stalled, and I remained invested in the story throughout the book.
My only complaint about the book is that I wanted a little more from the secondary characters. I wanted more scenes with Gabriel and his brother and Azalee and her mother. They both obviously cared about their family members, but it would have been nice to have seen their connection more rather than just be told about it.
Urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and I think this is a really good start to a new series. The magic system is very different than what I've seen in other books, and I look forward to reading more books set in this world.
I liked the world of the book. Magic is a part of everyday life, though certain types of magic are considered more dangerous than other types. Azalee and Gabriel are both good characters that you want to root for, and I enjoyed the way they slowly learned to trust one another and give in to their attraction.
The pace of the book was good. The plot got a bit convoluted at times, but never stalled, and I remained invested in the story throughout the book.
My only complaint about the book is that I wanted a little more from the secondary characters. I wanted more scenes with Gabriel and his brother and Azalee and her mother. They both obviously cared about their family members, but it would have been nice to have seen their connection more rather than just be told about it.
Urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and I think this is a really good start to a new series. The magic system is very different than what I've seen in other books, and I look forward to reading more books set in this world.
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! 🌙👻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews