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The Dreamwitch
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27A stunning romantic horror novel where a dreamwitch and her bodyguard must confront the dark truths of the nightmares bleeding into reality around them.
In Camdyn, strangeness seeps from Wolford Manor like blood from an open wound. The manor swelters when it should freeze and the garden rots instead of grows – and the young nephew of Lord Montgomery suffers from crippling and pervasive nightmares. Desperate, the family calls upon Matiah Blood.
As a dreamwitch, Matiah can traverse and manipulate the realm of dreams. Wanting to bolster her reputation and support her struggling sister, Matiah travels to the manor – despite the threat of the huntsmen, an elusive sect who prey on dreamwitches.
While Matiah hurries to uncover Wolford’s secrets and prevent the nightmares from poisoning the rest of the household, she must rely on Atlas, the Montgomery’s handsome, brooding bodyguard, for protection. Forced to work together, the two can’t resist their growing attraction - despite Atlas’s devastating history with dreamwitches.
But something far more sinister than huntsmen and nightmares haunts Wolford, something Atlas can’t protect her from, that threatens to break the barrier between the world of dreams and reality. And if Matiah can’t find a way to save Wolford from the ghosts of its past, it might very well break her.
In the gorgeously haunted, horrifying world of Monique Hazel's The Dreamwitch, love may be the most dangerous thing of all.
"Immersive and intricate, I was completely absorbed by this cleverly-built world where the lines between dreams and reality are blurred. A brilliant addition to the genre." - Lyndall Clipstone, critically acclaimed author of Tenderly, I am Devoured
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence... a haunting gothic tale complete with spine-tingling suspense and agonizing romance." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
"Dark, melancholic, and deeply romantic. The decadent fantasy of my dreams. Written with lush, indulgent prose, Monique Hazel has deftly crafted a world ready to sweep you away to candlelit halls, rotting autumnal gardens, and gauzy dreamscapes. Truly a stunning debut from an author I can’t wait to read more of." - Kalie Reid, author of The Sacred Space Between
In Camdyn, strangeness seeps from Wolford Manor like blood from an open wound. The manor swelters when it should freeze and the garden rots instead of grows – and the young nephew of Lord Montgomery suffers from crippling and pervasive nightmares. Desperate, the family calls upon Matiah Blood.
As a dreamwitch, Matiah can traverse and manipulate the realm of dreams. Wanting to bolster her reputation and support her struggling sister, Matiah travels to the manor – despite the threat of the huntsmen, an elusive sect who prey on dreamwitches.
While Matiah hurries to uncover Wolford’s secrets and prevent the nightmares from poisoning the rest of the household, she must rely on Atlas, the Montgomery’s handsome, brooding bodyguard, for protection. Forced to work together, the two can’t resist their growing attraction - despite Atlas’s devastating history with dreamwitches.
But something far more sinister than huntsmen and nightmares haunts Wolford, something Atlas can’t protect her from, that threatens to break the barrier between the world of dreams and reality. And if Matiah can’t find a way to save Wolford from the ghosts of its past, it might very well break her.
In the gorgeously haunted, horrifying world of Monique Hazel's The Dreamwitch, love may be the most dangerous thing of all.
"Immersive and intricate, I was completely absorbed by this cleverly-built world where the lines between dreams and reality are blurred. A brilliant addition to the genre." - Lyndall Clipstone, critically acclaimed author of Tenderly, I am Devoured
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence... a haunting gothic tale complete with spine-tingling suspense and agonizing romance." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
"Dark, melancholic, and deeply romantic. The decadent fantasy of my dreams. Written with lush, indulgent prose, Monique Hazel has deftly crafted a world ready to sweep you away to candlelit halls, rotting autumnal gardens, and gauzy dreamscapes. Truly a stunning debut from an author I can’t wait to read more of." - Kalie Reid, author of The Sacred Space Between
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came for the gothic setting and stayed for the plot. "The Dreamwitch" by Monique Hazel is an excellent gothic horror with a dash of slow-burn romance. It ticks all my favorite trope boxes: enemies-to-lovers, inexplicable events, and a haunted, decaying estate.
Matiah Blood is a 24-year-old Dreamwitch with a red birthmark on her face, dreams in her heart, and a curious nature. She lives in the House of Dreams with other dreamwitches, each talented in a different discipline. As a dreamwitch, she can manipulate dreams and often helps the police with their inquiries by entering criminals' minds and extracting information.
When Lord Montgomery of Camdyn begs the House of Dreams to help his nephew, who suffers from crippling nightmares, Matiah insists on going despite warnings about the huntsmen, a sect who still prey on dreamwitches in Camdyn. Two ex-soldiers are assigned to protect her: kind-hearted Leopold and the brooding, traumatized Atlas, who seems to dislike her on sight.
Camdyn is far more technologically advanced than Matiah's city. However, not all its residents are welcoming, and some are even murderous toward her kind. The Montgomery house holds secrets, incidents seem to follow her, and the boy's pervasive nightmares start to affect the rest of the household. Several attempts are made on Matiah's life, but she remains determined to see things through despite the danger. She must act fast before time runs out.
I enjoyed the book immensely. The writing is beautiful and laced with tension and suspense as the author pulls us into the depths of this intriguing mystery. The world-building and magic are vivid and original. I loved the concept of entering dreams and the possibilities it opens up. The author expertly builds a gritty atmosphere throughout the book. The gothic vibes are strong, and the Penny Dreadful tales and dream sequences interspersed throughout the story enrich the atmosphere.
The characters are well-drawn, especially Matiah and Atlas. Matiah is kind, protective, and caring, with a great deal of compassion for others. I admired her courage and perseverance, as well as her compassion toward others. However, she doesn't always follow the rules. Entering a dream without the person's consent was wrong, even if her intentions were good.
The book explores trauma, grief, loss, self-worth, and the damaging effects of war. Atlas's trauma and insomnia, both caused by his experiences in the Half War, are portrayed particularly well. I would have liked to learn more about the war itself, as not enough details were given about it. His love of reading made me relate to him.
The house rules forbade romance between staff members, so both tried to keep their distance. I liked the way their relationship developed, with both of them struggling against their feelings and their past experiences. They both had physical features they considered flaws, and I loved how accepting they were of each other's imperfections.
I was satisfied with the ending, which was a wonderful way to conclude the story. I did think all the problems could have been avoided if they had simply left the estate... The reasons given for staying were unconvincing, but this didn't stop me from loving the book and highly recommending it. If you like your fantasy dark, thorny, and laced with poison, this one is for you!
Content warnings: sexual references, substance use, violence, mild body horror.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Matiah Blood is a 24-year-old Dreamwitch with a red birthmark on her face, dreams in her heart, and a curious nature. She lives in the House of Dreams with other dreamwitches, each talented in a different discipline. As a dreamwitch, she can manipulate dreams and often helps the police with their inquiries by entering criminals' minds and extracting information.
When Lord Montgomery of Camdyn begs the House of Dreams to help his nephew, who suffers from crippling nightmares, Matiah insists on going despite warnings about the huntsmen, a sect who still prey on dreamwitches in Camdyn. Two ex-soldiers are assigned to protect her: kind-hearted Leopold and the brooding, traumatized Atlas, who seems to dislike her on sight.
Camdyn is far more technologically advanced than Matiah's city. However, not all its residents are welcoming, and some are even murderous toward her kind. The Montgomery house holds secrets, incidents seem to follow her, and the boy's pervasive nightmares start to affect the rest of the household. Several attempts are made on Matiah's life, but she remains determined to see things through despite the danger. She must act fast before time runs out.
I enjoyed the book immensely. The writing is beautiful and laced with tension and suspense as the author pulls us into the depths of this intriguing mystery. The world-building and magic are vivid and original. I loved the concept of entering dreams and the possibilities it opens up. The author expertly builds a gritty atmosphere throughout the book. The gothic vibes are strong, and the Penny Dreadful tales and dream sequences interspersed throughout the story enrich the atmosphere.
The characters are well-drawn, especially Matiah and Atlas. Matiah is kind, protective, and caring, with a great deal of compassion for others. I admired her courage and perseverance, as well as her compassion toward others. However, she doesn't always follow the rules. Entering a dream without the person's consent was wrong, even if her intentions were good.
The book explores trauma, grief, loss, self-worth, and the damaging effects of war. Atlas's trauma and insomnia, both caused by his experiences in the Half War, are portrayed particularly well. I would have liked to learn more about the war itself, as not enough details were given about it. His love of reading made me relate to him.
The house rules forbade romance between staff members, so both tried to keep their distance. I liked the way their relationship developed, with both of them struggling against their feelings and their past experiences. They both had physical features they considered flaws, and I loved how accepting they were of each other's imperfections.
I was satisfied with the ending, which was a wonderful way to conclude the story. I did think all the problems could have been avoided if they had simply left the estate... The reasons given for staying were unconvincing, but this didn't stop me from loving the book and highly recommending it. If you like your fantasy dark, thorny, and laced with poison, this one is for you!
Content warnings: sexual references, substance use, violence, mild body horror.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...
Did Not Finish
August 5, 2026DNF @ 20%
I really wanted to like this one! That opening chapter was stunning, an extremely compelling setup that showcased the magic system and our main character’s skill at wielding it. And the atmosphere! Serial killers, automatons, sprawling manors, and a not yet forgotten memory of a war between countries—it is so deliciously and fantastically Victorian, with a gothic atmosphere that is on full display, haunting and gritty. Ultimately though, I was bogged down by the writing style. The prose is very overwrought and excessively florid. It’s okay to just use the word “said” in place of other adverb-verb pairs! Lengthy descriptions and superfluous metaphors can aid immersion and worldbuilding, but it slowed down the pace of the plot too much for me. This book wouldn’t suffer from an editing once-over either.
In the end, the foundation is there for a really great read, but I just don’t think I was in the right audience to appreciate it as much as it could be appreciated. Give it a chance yourself if a gothic bodyguard romantasy interests you!
I really wanted to like this one! That opening chapter was stunning, an extremely compelling setup that showcased the magic system and our main character’s skill at wielding it. And the atmosphere! Serial killers, automatons, sprawling manors, and a not yet forgotten memory of a war between countries—it is so deliciously and fantastically Victorian, with a gothic atmosphere that is on full display, haunting and gritty. Ultimately though, I was bogged down by the writing style. The prose is very overwrought and excessively florid. It’s okay to just use the word “said” in place of other adverb-verb pairs! Lengthy descriptions and superfluous metaphors can aid immersion and worldbuilding, but it slowed down the pace of the plot too much for me. This book wouldn’t suffer from an editing once-over either.
In the end, the foundation is there for a really great read, but I just don’t think I was in the right audience to appreciate it as much as it could be appreciated. Give it a chance yourself if a gothic bodyguard romantasy interests you!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Dreamwitch by Monique Hazel is a rich gothic fantasy standalone that is beautifully written with a delicious romance subplot, unique magic system and compelling mystery.
The gothic atmosphere in this book is delightfully macabre, revolving around a historic manor that surrounded by decay and plagued by terrible night terrors. Our main character, Matiah Blood, is an ambitious dreamwitch who travels to the manor to investigate a young boy's night terrors in hopes of curing them. But this boy's dreams are not what she expected and as things being to escalate, she wonders if she took on more than she can handle.. or even survive.
This takes place in a Victorian-esque fantasy world where views on witchcraft are polarizing across countries. In Camdyn, dreamwitches are feared and hunted, and being identified by the wrong person could cost Matiah her life (enter: the broody bodyguard). I loved the idea of the huntsmen and the sense of foreboding they added to the setting.
What to expect:
- Victorian-esque fantasy world
- gothic atmsophere
- slow burn romance
- horror elements
- lyrical prose
- dreamwalking
- witchcraft
- witch hunters
The romance in this book is a beautiful, slowly burning depiction of mutual vulnerability and attraction between a contracted witch and her broody bodyguard, though I definitely wish Hazel could have leaned into the forbidden element of the romance more. I loved Atlas so much! He made me swoon and I really appreciated the depth of his backstory and how it informed his character.
The magic system revolves around dreams and dreamwalking and I loved how it was depicted. So refreshing and easily to digest, but also the perfect vehicle to maneuver the classic gothic structure that creeps toward a pinnacle of psychological instability. I loved how witches were presented as having magic belonging to a specific niche.
I enjoyed the resolution of the plot but in hindsight but I would have loved to get more glimpses into the past to illustrate certain revelations rather than have them spelled out near the end. Some immersive flashbacks would have really elevated the storytelling!
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Saturday Books for the advanced reading copy of this incredible debut! I would recommend this read to gothic romance and gothic fantasy readers who appreciate lush prose and unique magic systems. Releases February 9th, 2027.
The gothic atmosphere in this book is delightfully macabre, revolving around a historic manor that surrounded by decay and plagued by terrible night terrors. Our main character, Matiah Blood, is an ambitious dreamwitch who travels to the manor to investigate a young boy's night terrors in hopes of curing them. But this boy's dreams are not what she expected and as things being to escalate, she wonders if she took on more than she can handle.. or even survive.
This takes place in a Victorian-esque fantasy world where views on witchcraft are polarizing across countries. In Camdyn, dreamwitches are feared and hunted, and being identified by the wrong person could cost Matiah her life (enter: the broody bodyguard). I loved the idea of the huntsmen and the sense of foreboding they added to the setting.
What to expect:
- Victorian-esque fantasy world
- gothic atmsophere
- slow burn romance
- horror elements
- lyrical prose
- dreamwalking
- witchcraft
- witch hunters
The romance in this book is a beautiful, slowly burning depiction of mutual vulnerability and attraction between a contracted witch and her broody bodyguard, though I definitely wish Hazel could have leaned into the forbidden element of the romance more. I loved Atlas so much! He made me swoon and I really appreciated the depth of his backstory and how it informed his character.
The magic system revolves around dreams and dreamwalking and I loved how it was depicted. So refreshing and easily to digest, but also the perfect vehicle to maneuver the classic gothic structure that creeps toward a pinnacle of psychological instability. I loved how witches were presented as having magic belonging to a specific niche.
I enjoyed the resolution of the plot but in hindsight but I would have loved to get more glimpses into the past to illustrate certain revelations rather than have them spelled out near the end. Some immersive flashbacks would have really elevated the storytelling!
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Saturday Books for the advanced reading copy of this incredible debut! I would recommend this read to gothic romance and gothic fantasy readers who appreciate lush prose and unique magic systems. Releases February 9th, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the author and publisher for my arc the opinions are my own.
Really loved the premise of this , the dark gothic atmosphere, with steam punk vibes was so fun. The beginning absolutely grabs you and I love a stand alone.
It nails dark gothic flowery mystery that keeps you turn page after page and it’s an easy book to devour , I had some difficulty feeling connected to the romance and I think I may actually have preferred it was just a dark gotchu mystery without it.
Really loved the premise of this , the dark gothic atmosphere, with steam punk vibes was so fun. The beginning absolutely grabs you and I love a stand alone.
It nails dark gothic flowery mystery that keeps you turn page after page and it’s an easy book to devour , I had some difficulty feeling connected to the romance and I think I may actually have preferred it was just a dark gotchu mystery without it.
September 5, 2026
Dreamwitch is a new concept for me. Therefore, I knew I had to read it. It was such a refreshing read. I liked how Dreamwitches can manipulate dreams and the side effects that comes with it. I was engaged throughout the whole book with multiple plotlines that didn't make me overwhelmed but excited. Matiah was dealing with nightmares of the nephew of Lord Montgomery, the threat of huntsmen, her brooding hot bodyguard, and something more sinister on the horizon.
The characters were great, I love Matiah and Atlas. Their buildup was well-crafted and i found myself starving for more. I hope we get a novella or a second book because there is a potential. I'm glad i dove into the book with little knowledge because it made it better. There were so many plot twists i didn't get a break lol. I highly recommend it if you love gothic mystery and fantasy! It is one of my favorite reads this year.
The characters were great, I love Matiah and Atlas. Their buildup was well-crafted and i found myself starving for more. I hope we get a novella or a second book because there is a potential. I'm glad i dove into the book with little knowledge because it made it better. There were so many plot twists i didn't get a break lol. I highly recommend it if you love gothic mystery and fantasy! It is one of my favorite reads this year.
July 5, 2026
I am so pleasantly surprised but how much I enjoyed this book. It sits somewhere between a 4.5 and 5 star for me, but rounding up for Goodreads
This is unlike anything I’ve read. A witchy romantasy but with elements or horror. I loved the way Penny Dreadfuls were brought into this, and I loved the dreaming. It felt fresh and unique. And the romance was everything for me. It was believable and pure.
I felt like there were a couple small moments I wanted a little more from or a little more clarity. But I loved the gothic atmosphere and i really loved when it was difficult to tell if she was awake or dreaming/hallucinating, it made the book feel that much more immersive.
Truly just an incredible book and I cannot wait for the world to read it
Thank you to St Martins Press influencer program and netgalley for the honor and privilege of reading this early
This is unlike anything I’ve read. A witchy romantasy but with elements or horror. I loved the way Penny Dreadfuls were brought into this, and I loved the dreaming. It felt fresh and unique. And the romance was everything for me. It was believable and pure.
I felt like there were a couple small moments I wanted a little more from or a little more clarity. But I loved the gothic atmosphere and i really loved when it was difficult to tell if she was awake or dreaming/hallucinating, it made the book feel that much more immersive.
Truly just an incredible book and I cannot wait for the world to read it
Thank you to St Martins Press influencer program and netgalley for the honor and privilege of reading this early
August 16, 2026
This was a pleasant surprise and did not disappoint. I normally listen to audiobooks but I actually read this one. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. This book had a bit of everything. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Monique hazel, NetGalley, and publishers for allowing me to review this arc. This is my honest review of the book.
I love this take on dreaming and being able to enter other people’s dreams. I am a person that has crazy dreams. Matiah is a dream witch that has studied all 5 of the disciplines for dream witches. The 5 disciplines are fear, pleasure, grief, criminality, and senility.
Matiah believes she can help a kid named Otis who is suffering from nightmares. She has to travel to where he lives to help him. She will have to pretend to be his governess to hide from the witch hunters. She is assigned personal security, Leopold and Atlas, to keep her safe while in Camdyn.
Mariah will have to figure out who is causing his nightmares before the barrier between the dreaming world and waking world disappears.
This is a great gothic mystery romance. You got the penny dreadful stories going on in the nightmares too. There is a slow burn romance with a little bit of spice towards the end.
Thank you Monique hazel, NetGalley, and publishers for allowing me to review this arc. This is my honest review of the book.
I love this take on dreaming and being able to enter other people’s dreams. I am a person that has crazy dreams. Matiah is a dream witch that has studied all 5 of the disciplines for dream witches. The 5 disciplines are fear, pleasure, grief, criminality, and senility.
Matiah believes she can help a kid named Otis who is suffering from nightmares. She has to travel to where he lives to help him. She will have to pretend to be his governess to hide from the witch hunters. She is assigned personal security, Leopold and Atlas, to keep her safe while in Camdyn.
Mariah will have to figure out who is causing his nightmares before the barrier between the dreaming world and waking world disappears.
This is a great gothic mystery romance. You got the penny dreadful stories going on in the nightmares too. There is a slow burn romance with a little bit of spice towards the end.
November 7, 2026
Give me a gothic haunted house mystery with a splash romance and I am THERE.
Even though it took me a minute to read this one (ACOSH and Election Day kind of distracted me), I really ended up enjoying this one. I love the magic of a Dreamwitch and would love to know about the other types of witches in the world!
I thought the characters were great, I loved the mystery and how it slowly unraveled even if I definitely solved it before the FMC did. I’ll definitely check out other books by this author because the vibes and atmosphere were exactly what I love in books.
Thank you so much to Saturday Books for the advanced copy! This comes out in February!
Even though it took me a minute to read this one (ACOSH and Election Day kind of distracted me), I really ended up enjoying this one. I love the magic of a Dreamwitch and would love to know about the other types of witches in the world!
I thought the characters were great, I loved the mystery and how it slowly unraveled even if I definitely solved it before the FMC did. I’ll definitely check out other books by this author because the vibes and atmosphere were exactly what I love in books.
Thank you so much to Saturday Books for the advanced copy! This comes out in February!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Dreamwitch by Monique Hazel in exchange for an honest review.
I’m of two minds about this one because the vibes were incredible. Dark, gothic, eerie, and witchy—this is the kind of atmosphere that is perfect for spooky season. I also loved the concept of dreamwitches, especially the opening involving Matiah dreamwalking as part of a criminal investigation. It immediately had me hooked!
Matiah is sent to Wolford Manor to help a young boy named Otis who is suffering from terrifying nightmares. Since dreamwitches are still hunted in this area, she is assigned a bodyguard, Atlas, and a slow-burn, forbidden romance begins brewing between them. As Matiah investigates Otis’s dreams, she discovers they may actually be memories belonging to a dreamwitch who once lived in the house, adding another layer to the mystery.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, I felt like the story lost focus. Otis’s nightmares are the entire reason Matiah travels to the manor, yet there are long stretches where they barely seem to be a concern. The pacing also felt uneven, and the writing could sometimes be overly complicated when simpler language would have made the story flow much better.
The romance had moments I enjoyed, but I wasn’t completely sold on Matiah and Atlas’s chemistry. I wanted a little more development to make their enemies-to-lovers tension feel natural rather than something the story needed to happen.
What really worked for me was the gothic atmosphere, body horror, petals and garden imagery, and the way dreamwitches are treated as outsiders. I also loved the imagery near the end comparing grief and love to a rose—love as the petals and grief as the thorns.
Overall, The Dreamwitch had such an interesting premise and a deliciously spooky atmosphere, but the execution didn’t quite live up to the concept for me. The beginning was strong, the middle was fine, and the ending left me wanting a little more.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Dreamwitch by Monique Hazel in exchange for an honest review.
I’m of two minds about this one because the vibes were incredible. Dark, gothic, eerie, and witchy—this is the kind of atmosphere that is perfect for spooky season. I also loved the concept of dreamwitches, especially the opening involving Matiah dreamwalking as part of a criminal investigation. It immediately had me hooked!
Matiah is sent to Wolford Manor to help a young boy named Otis who is suffering from terrifying nightmares. Since dreamwitches are still hunted in this area, she is assigned a bodyguard, Atlas, and a slow-burn, forbidden romance begins brewing between them. As Matiah investigates Otis’s dreams, she discovers they may actually be memories belonging to a dreamwitch who once lived in the house, adding another layer to the mystery.
Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, I felt like the story lost focus. Otis’s nightmares are the entire reason Matiah travels to the manor, yet there are long stretches where they barely seem to be a concern. The pacing also felt uneven, and the writing could sometimes be overly complicated when simpler language would have made the story flow much better.
The romance had moments I enjoyed, but I wasn’t completely sold on Matiah and Atlas’s chemistry. I wanted a little more development to make their enemies-to-lovers tension feel natural rather than something the story needed to happen.
What really worked for me was the gothic atmosphere, body horror, petals and garden imagery, and the way dreamwitches are treated as outsiders. I also loved the imagery near the end comparing grief and love to a rose—love as the petals and grief as the thorns.
Overall, The Dreamwitch had such an interesting premise and a deliciously spooky atmosphere, but the execution didn’t quite live up to the concept for me. The beginning was strong, the middle was fine, and the ending left me wanting a little more.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think there is a lot to like about this book & I believe there is a significant amount of people who will probably love it. I, however, just couldn’t really vibe with it.
I will say that the eerie, gothic vibes are definitely there. I loved the idea of the dream witch & thought the world that was built was super unique.
What I struggled with was definitely the writing style & flowery language. It just got to be a bit excessive at times and felt overly forced.
The romance was also a bit confusing for me. She starts lusting over him pretty early (which is something I can’t stand, especially in “enemies to lovers”) & I think the author struggled with keeping them at “dislike” for as long as she did. Maybe this one would’ve benefited from his POV so it felt like there was more tension?
Overall I felt like this one had a really great start, but it ended up just being fine at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I will say that the eerie, gothic vibes are definitely there. I loved the idea of the dream witch & thought the world that was built was super unique.
What I struggled with was definitely the writing style & flowery language. It just got to be a bit excessive at times and felt overly forced.
The romance was also a bit confusing for me. She starts lusting over him pretty early (which is something I can’t stand, especially in “enemies to lovers”) & I think the author struggled with keeping them at “dislike” for as long as she did. Maybe this one would’ve benefited from his POV so it felt like there was more tension?
Overall I felt like this one had a really great start, but it ended up just being fine at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
A gothic fantasy about a woman who can travel into and shape dreams at will, while also solving a mystery of a haunted mansion and the little boy who lives there.
We follow Matiah Blood, a Dreamwitch who has travelled to another country to help a boy with his severe nightmares. However, Dreamwitches are not liked here and many are hunted. Because of this, her new employer has hired two bodyguards, one of which has peaked her attention...
Starting with my dislikes; the writing was overly done and in my opinion the plot dragged in some areas. For me, around the 50-65% mark. The plot also got a little muddled near the end and it was hard to keep up. The writing was very much focused on the feelings and descriptions of things, which at times I really enjoyed but most other times feel it was unnecessary.
The romance was good, except I got whiplash from the characters going back and forth using each others last names, first names, and nicknames. I feel the it was not too rushed, but our main girl DEFINITELY was in lust at first sight which had me like; I get it! He is super strong and has huge muscles, please stop reminding me. (Also to all the girlies who love the Wintersoldier/Bucky ... read this.)
For what I did like; all of the side characters were fleshed out and different, and our main girl came from a caring, loving family and she wasn't snarky or rude, she was calm and professional. I related to her with her insecurities and demeaner.
The thought of a witch who can travel into and manipulate dreams is super interesting and I really enjoyed that. I also found it interesting how witches chose different areas to pursue, such as grief, love, criminal investigations, etc.
Overall a good read! Just a smidge too long and some descriptions could have been cut down. The romance and atmosohere were definitely there and I would read more from this author, especially if this were a series and followed other witches.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eArc!
A gothic fantasy about a woman who can travel into and shape dreams at will, while also solving a mystery of a haunted mansion and the little boy who lives there.
We follow Matiah Blood, a Dreamwitch who has travelled to another country to help a boy with his severe nightmares. However, Dreamwitches are not liked here and many are hunted. Because of this, her new employer has hired two bodyguards, one of which has peaked her attention...
Starting with my dislikes; the writing was overly done and in my opinion the plot dragged in some areas. For me, around the 50-65% mark. The plot also got a little muddled near the end and it was hard to keep up. The writing was very much focused on the feelings and descriptions of things, which at times I really enjoyed but most other times feel it was unnecessary.
The romance was good, except I got whiplash from the characters going back and forth using each others last names, first names, and nicknames. I feel the it was not too rushed, but our main girl DEFINITELY was in lust at first sight which had me like; I get it! He is super strong and has huge muscles, please stop reminding me. (Also to all the girlies who love the Wintersoldier/Bucky ... read this.)
For what I did like; all of the side characters were fleshed out and different, and our main girl came from a caring, loving family and she wasn't snarky or rude, she was calm and professional. I related to her with her insecurities and demeaner.
The thought of a witch who can travel into and manipulate dreams is super interesting and I really enjoyed that. I also found it interesting how witches chose different areas to pursue, such as grief, love, criminal investigations, etc.
Overall a good read! Just a smidge too long and some descriptions could have been cut down. The romance and atmosohere were definitely there and I would read more from this author, especially if this were a series and followed other witches.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eArc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 44%. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc ! 2 ⭐️
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I do think other people will like it, as I do think the characters, plot, setting, and tropes will appeal to a large audience. I personally could not connect with the characters, plot, or writing style. It was really pretty at times but it felt like the author just looked up synonyms for every word instead of choosing words that actually made sense. It made the writing feel less naturally pretty, and rather like she was forcing it to sound a certain way to the point where it was overdone, and it would've sounded better had it not been kind of forced? Other than that I just found myself board throughout the story and w/ the plot. I couldn't get myself to continue, but I do think other readers will like it!
Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I do think other people will like it, as I do think the characters, plot, setting, and tropes will appeal to a large audience. I personally could not connect with the characters, plot, or writing style. It was really pretty at times but it felt like the author just looked up synonyms for every word instead of choosing words that actually made sense. It made the writing feel less naturally pretty, and rather like she was forcing it to sound a certain way to the point where it was overdone, and it would've sounded better had it not been kind of forced? Other than that I just found myself board throughout the story and w/ the plot. I couldn't get myself to continue, but I do think other readers will like it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, many thanks to Saturday Books and NetGalley for providing me with access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, one of the best gothic fantasies I've read this year. I requested the book out of pure curiosity after reading the synopsis, and I must say I'm glad I did.
The magic system is very well explained, which is always appreciated, and it even leaves you wanting to know more about characters who are barely mentioned, such as the other witches. The book makes you feel like you're watching a movie the whole time. The prose is so well written that it transports you seamlessly, and considering it's the author's debut work, I feel it's incredibly impressive.
And what can I say about Matiah and Atlas? The yearning and tension between them had me holding my breath at times. Both are imperfect characters; they make mistakes and have differences, but that makes their relationship more dynamic in the way they ultimately come to understand each other. I truly enjoyed their development.
Overall, it's been a sure discovery for me. I would definitely read another book by this author.
Honestly, one of the best gothic fantasies I've read this year. I requested the book out of pure curiosity after reading the synopsis, and I must say I'm glad I did.
The magic system is very well explained, which is always appreciated, and it even leaves you wanting to know more about characters who are barely mentioned, such as the other witches. The book makes you feel like you're watching a movie the whole time. The prose is so well written that it transports you seamlessly, and considering it's the author's debut work, I feel it's incredibly impressive.
And what can I say about Matiah and Atlas? The yearning and tension between them had me holding my breath at times. Both are imperfect characters; they make mistakes and have differences, but that makes their relationship more dynamic in the way they ultimately come to understand each other. I truly enjoyed their development.
Overall, it's been a sure discovery for me. I would definitely read another book by this author.
September 7, 2026
4/5 stars
This was such a fun and interesting read. A dreamwitch- witches who can wonder one’s dreams. The atmosphere was very dark, gothic, and lots of horror. I thought the concept was something new and intriguing. You also start to form a bond with all of the characters of the book as they have such differing personalities. The pacing of the story was the only flaw for me personally. While I loved the in depth dreams and lore, I felt some parts were dragged on more than necessary. While on the other hand, I felt some parts needed more detail. But over all, it was a fun and different read!
**Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins publishing group for sending me an ARC to review! All opinions are my own**
This was such a fun and interesting read. A dreamwitch- witches who can wonder one’s dreams. The atmosphere was very dark, gothic, and lots of horror. I thought the concept was something new and intriguing. You also start to form a bond with all of the characters of the book as they have such differing personalities. The pacing of the story was the only flaw for me personally. While I loved the in depth dreams and lore, I felt some parts were dragged on more than necessary. While on the other hand, I felt some parts needed more detail. But over all, it was a fun and different read!
**Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins publishing group for sending me an ARC to review! All opinions are my own**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The first chapter starts with a bang as Dreamwitch Matiah uses her ability to make an arrested child murderer tell her where his latest victim is who might still be alive. The police station and story feels quite modern, but then Matiah goes to another country where Dreamwitches are illegal. This world-building feels completely different. There are corsets, carriages, operas, and masked balls that have a Victorian feel. The narrative shifts to a haunted house story with a side of forbidden romance.
Content: brief strong language and intimate scenes.
Content: brief strong language and intimate scenes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and StMartin’s Press for the ARC.
Gothic Vibes? Check. Unique Magic? Check. Yearning? CHECK!
The Dreamwitch is an incredible, immersive read that will draw you in and hold you captive. The victorian gothic-esque setting of Wolford Manor and Camdyn were a wonderful backdrop for a story about agency, healing and hope. The unique magic of the Dreamwitches is incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, and the story does a great job of cracking that open and examining how dreamwalking can leave a lasting effect, for good or for worse. The tinge of horror and mystery studded into the story weaves it all together into something really special
Matiah was such a compelling character, the confidence and conviction behind her decisions was refreshing to see. She was such a grounded, realistic character, both in her desires for herself and her love for her coven. As her task of helping Otis became more wide-reaching and complex, her relentless determination to help really fueled the story well. The supporting cast of characters were well-colored and added a fullness to the story and setting.
The build-up between Matiah and Atlas was so deliciously well-done, and their relationship evolved in a way that felt very real and raw to me, given Atlas’s history with Dreamwitches. It was messy at first but every moment they shared nudged them closer and closer together and the payoff was so rewarding. I wouldn’t really call this enemies-to-lovers, but more of two people on different sides of the worldview on Dreamwitches. Their connection really deepened and improved both of their characters and made this story special.
Overall this was a well-paced enjoyable read both in setting and plot and I had a great time with these characters and story.
Gothic Vibes? Check. Unique Magic? Check. Yearning? CHECK!
The Dreamwitch is an incredible, immersive read that will draw you in and hold you captive. The victorian gothic-esque setting of Wolford Manor and Camdyn were a wonderful backdrop for a story about agency, healing and hope. The unique magic of the Dreamwitches is incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, and the story does a great job of cracking that open and examining how dreamwalking can leave a lasting effect, for good or for worse. The tinge of horror and mystery studded into the story weaves it all together into something really special
Matiah was such a compelling character, the confidence and conviction behind her decisions was refreshing to see. She was such a grounded, realistic character, both in her desires for herself and her love for her coven. As her task of helping Otis became more wide-reaching and complex, her relentless determination to help really fueled the story well. The supporting cast of characters were well-colored and added a fullness to the story and setting.
The build-up between Matiah and Atlas was so deliciously well-done, and their relationship evolved in a way that felt very real and raw to me, given Atlas’s history with Dreamwitches. It was messy at first but every moment they shared nudged them closer and closer together and the payoff was so rewarding. I wouldn’t really call this enemies-to-lovers, but more of two people on different sides of the worldview on Dreamwitches. Their connection really deepened and improved both of their characters and made this story special.
Overall this was a well-paced enjoyable read both in setting and plot and I had a great time with these characters and story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY FIRST FIVE STARS FOR 2026. Enchantingly moving and an absolute delight.
I just finished reading the entire novel and I'll save you the time and effort, once this book releases and you do not read this book, you'd be missing one of the best gothic fantasies in 2026.
Considering that this is Monique Hazel's debut book, I have dived into it fresh and clear of any expectations just like every other industry critic. Once I got to meet the characters, the premise of the novel, and continued to read and devour every word my eyes laid upon on and soon, my brain started showing me the story as if I was watching a film... That's when I knew this book had me on a chokehold.
The characters were not boring. They are all layered, intriguing, charming, interesting, and unique. I enjoyed reading every single dialogue. I love the friendship, the dynamics, and how believable the relationships are written for the characters especially Matiah and Atlas'.
OMG! Forget the yearning and the tension a whole lot of people are looking for in a romance; Monique Hazel's strength is in writing the push and pull of Matiah and Atlas' relationship from mission to the very thing that grounds Atlas to the world. UGH! I tell you, this author KNOWS how to hold back and satisfy the readers because THE MOMENT she wrote Ch. 41...? HELLO??? Ah! Also, the stocking scene, the POOL scene??? HELLO???? HELLLLOOOOOOO???
I need to talk to someone. I need you to read this book so we can go crazy over how beautiful these characters were written. How their love flourished through all the trauma and how they realized they were both more than broken figures. They healed each other and became each other's key to staying alive.
I've never read a romance as great and as engrossing as this.
Also, the magic system, actually, the dreamscapes, is wonderfully thought of. I love how the author explained how everything worked, how the Dreamwitches worked. How the problem of the story was laid out. Beautiful, beautiful work, indeed. It is believable and well thought of. I would very much love to read more about the other witches mentioned in this novel as well as how the others used their gifts.
The action sequence, tho... Wow. I was on the edge of my seat. I was slowly breathing, eating up every damn line, making sure I will not miss a single detail. Like I said, I had imagined every bit of the action sequence and if the characters were tired, I felt tired too! It was like I was in the scene with them. (Don't judge me, but I hated the huntsmen during the hotel scene. I threw one of my pillows across my bed in annoyance of their audacity. UGH.)
I don't know how else to explain it other than I would read this novel all over again and still find more details to talk about. (Trust me, I'm doing my best not spoil anything here.) I hope, once this book gets released, a lot of people will appreciate the gorgeous landscape (and dreamscape), Monique hazel had written for all of us to explore and get lost into. I know I have, and I am happy where I am.
Read this for the plot, the emotional hook, the characters, the ever-satisfying push-and-pull of Matiah and Atlas' growing relationship and finally enjoy the fruits they bear. Solve the mystery with Matiah and travel through the unconscious world. This world is something I would glad fall back into and this author has found herself a faithful and loyal reader.
5-stars worthy, indeed.
I just finished reading the entire novel and I'll save you the time and effort, once this book releases and you do not read this book, you'd be missing one of the best gothic fantasies in 2026.
Considering that this is Monique Hazel's debut book, I have dived into it fresh and clear of any expectations just like every other industry critic. Once I got to meet the characters, the premise of the novel, and continued to read and devour every word my eyes laid upon on and soon, my brain started showing me the story as if I was watching a film... That's when I knew this book had me on a chokehold.
The characters were not boring. They are all layered, intriguing, charming, interesting, and unique. I enjoyed reading every single dialogue. I love the friendship, the dynamics, and how believable the relationships are written for the characters especially Matiah and Atlas'.
OMG! Forget the yearning and the tension a whole lot of people are looking for in a romance; Monique Hazel's strength is in writing the push and pull of Matiah and Atlas' relationship from mission to the very thing that grounds Atlas to the world. UGH! I tell you, this author KNOWS how to hold back and satisfy the readers because THE MOMENT she wrote Ch. 41...? HELLO??? Ah! Also, the stocking scene, the POOL scene??? HELLO???? HELLLLOOOOOOO???
I need to talk to someone. I need you to read this book so we can go crazy over how beautiful these characters were written. How their love flourished through all the trauma and how they realized they were both more than broken figures. They healed each other and became each other's key to staying alive.
I've never read a romance as great and as engrossing as this.
Also, the magic system, actually, the dreamscapes, is wonderfully thought of. I love how the author explained how everything worked, how the Dreamwitches worked. How the problem of the story was laid out. Beautiful, beautiful work, indeed. It is believable and well thought of. I would very much love to read more about the other witches mentioned in this novel as well as how the others used their gifts.
The action sequence, tho... Wow. I was on the edge of my seat. I was slowly breathing, eating up every damn line, making sure I will not miss a single detail. Like I said, I had imagined every bit of the action sequence and if the characters were tired, I felt tired too! It was like I was in the scene with them. (Don't judge me, but I hated the huntsmen during the hotel scene. I threw one of my pillows across my bed in annoyance of their audacity. UGH.)
I don't know how else to explain it other than I would read this novel all over again and still find more details to talk about. (Trust me, I'm doing my best not spoil anything here.) I hope, once this book gets released, a lot of people will appreciate the gorgeous landscape (and dreamscape), Monique hazel had written for all of us to explore and get lost into. I know I have, and I am happy where I am.
Read this for the plot, the emotional hook, the characters, the ever-satisfying push-and-pull of Matiah and Atlas' growing relationship and finally enjoy the fruits they bear. Solve the mystery with Matiah and travel through the unconscious world. This world is something I would glad fall back into and this author has found herself a faithful and loyal reader.
5-stars worthy, indeed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The beginning was good, the middle was fine, and the ending was just fine.
The writing is confusing sometimes. The writer can't figure out the 70-30 rule. It's like in graphic design, you need to find balance when it comes to the text and the elements. The author uses too many SAT hard words in many sentences, which just left me confused. Sometimes, it's ok to use simpler words. I understand that this was set in the past, but there needs to be a balance when it comes to the structure of the sentence.
Another reason I rated it low is the main character's decision to be gentle toward the huntsmen after killing one of them. Sometimes, it's ok to not forgive and give a huntsman an honorable death or let their soul rest peacefully. Mind you, these huntsmen are committing femicide! The main character is just too nice. It's just wack; it is literally mentioned that some witches went extinct, and you choose to let him rest in peace?
Despite what is written above, I actually like the romance of this book; it is a slow one, and I felt like I was being edged. But sometimes, I feel like the author cannot decide what's going on between them, as if she can't decide whether to keep the hatred part longer or what.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is the body horror—especially the petals and the garden —and the way it shows how weird people are toward dream witches; the otherness felt so real that I had to shake my head many times because I see that happening in real life. Also, another favorite of mine is the part near the end, the line about how grief and love are like a rose. A rose has petals (love), and existing on that rose are (thorns); it's up to you whether you find the balance of grief and love or go all thorny and haunt people.
All in all, a 2.75 read. That's all I can say.
The writing is confusing sometimes. The writer can't figure out the 70-30 rule. It's like in graphic design, you need to find balance when it comes to the text and the elements. The author uses too many SAT hard words in many sentences, which just left me confused. Sometimes, it's ok to use simpler words. I understand that this was set in the past, but there needs to be a balance when it comes to the structure of the sentence.
Another reason I rated it low is the main character's decision to be gentle toward the huntsmen after killing one of them. Sometimes, it's ok to not forgive and give a huntsman an honorable death or let their soul rest peacefully. Mind you, these huntsmen are committing femicide! The main character is just too nice. It's just wack; it is literally mentioned that some witches went extinct, and you choose to let him rest in peace?
Despite what is written above, I actually like the romance of this book; it is a slow one, and I felt like I was being edged. But sometimes, I feel like the author cannot decide what's going on between them, as if she can't decide whether to keep the hatred part longer or what.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is the body horror—especially the petals and the garden —and the way it shows how weird people are toward dream witches; the otherness felt so real that I had to shake my head many times because I see that happening in real life. Also, another favorite of mine is the part near the end, the line about how grief and love are like a rose. A rose has petals (love), and existing on that rose are (thorns); it's up to you whether you find the balance of grief and love or go all thorny and haunt people.
All in all, a 2.75 read. That's all I can say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
Sometimes you step into a world, and it instantly feels like home. Its dreary atmosphere and macabre undertones beckon you to fall under its spell and stay a while. And I was in great company during my stay.
Monique’s prose was achingly beautiful and haunting. The magic was rich and lush, entwining decadently with the plot. The dreams and nightmares are woven so vividly that a few still haunt me. I love how the story unfolded, with trickles of twists and turns along the way, all building up to the grand finale, where the line between dreams, nightmares, and reality gets muddled. In the chaos of it all, we’re left with a lovely truth about grief.
Matiah and Atlas brought so much life to me. Who wouldn’t love a stubborn witch and her stoic bodyguard? They’re the epitome of yearning, and the tension between them was so heavy there were times I worried a single dispelled breath of mine would ruin the moment, as if I was in the room with them. It further illustrates how engrossing Monique’s writing is.
The romance is so compelling and touching because of how layered Matiah and Atlas are. They’re both imperfect, and I really liked how their flaws helped shape the structure of their relationship. Acknowledging someone’s mistakes, understanding why they acted the way they did, and helping them rise above it is how you truly see someone for who they are. And Matiah and Atlas saw each other, recognized each other. And it made the romance feel that much more real.
I had a hard time saying goodbye to this world and these characters. If Monique ever does choose to, I would be ecstatic to return and visit new characters. With such resplendent worldbuilding, it would be fun to explore the different magics amongst the witches. Either way, Monique is a new instant read author.
Monique’s prose was achingly beautiful and haunting. The magic was rich and lush, entwining decadently with the plot. The dreams and nightmares are woven so vividly that a few still haunt me. I love how the story unfolded, with trickles of twists and turns along the way, all building up to the grand finale, where the line between dreams, nightmares, and reality gets muddled. In the chaos of it all, we’re left with a lovely truth about grief.
Matiah and Atlas brought so much life to me. Who wouldn’t love a stubborn witch and her stoic bodyguard? They’re the epitome of yearning, and the tension between them was so heavy there were times I worried a single dispelled breath of mine would ruin the moment, as if I was in the room with them. It further illustrates how engrossing Monique’s writing is.
The romance is so compelling and touching because of how layered Matiah and Atlas are. They’re both imperfect, and I really liked how their flaws helped shape the structure of their relationship. Acknowledging someone’s mistakes, understanding why they acted the way they did, and helping them rise above it is how you truly see someone for who they are. And Matiah and Atlas saw each other, recognized each other. And it made the romance feel that much more real.
I had a hard time saying goodbye to this world and these characters. If Monique ever does choose to, I would be ecstatic to return and visit new characters. With such resplendent worldbuilding, it would be fun to explore the different magics amongst the witches. Either way, Monique is a new instant read author.
August 17, 2026
Since this is Monique Hazel’s debut, I went in not really knowing what to expect, and honestly, that made the experience even better. I got to go in completely fresh, meet the characters, learn the world, and figure everything out as the story unfolded. Once I got into it, I was hooked.
The characters were a huge part of why I enjoyed this book. Everyone felt distinct, with strong, well-defined personalities that made their interactions engaging and easy to follow. I especially loved how natural the friendships and relationships felt, which made it really easy to get invested in them.
Matiah and Atlas were a real standout for me. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, especially the way it shifted as the story went on. Matiah becoming such a grounding presence for Atlas added a lot of depth to their dynamic, and their connection felt like so much more than just a romance. I was invested in them the entire time.
The magic system, especially the dreamscapes, was another highlight. I liked how the Dreamwitches and their abilities were introduced in a way that was clear without ever feeling overwhelming. The dreamscapes added a really unique layer to the world, and I thought they tied into the main conflict really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The mystery, the characters, and the world all kept me fully engaged, and I was especially drawn to the push and pull between Matiah and Atlas. Experiencing this world through Matiah as she tried to make sense of everything was a highlight, and by the end, I honestly wasn’t ready to leave it. I would absolutely read more from this world, and Monique Hazel has definitely gained a new reader because I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.
The characters were a huge part of why I enjoyed this book. Everyone felt distinct, with strong, well-defined personalities that made their interactions engaging and easy to follow. I especially loved how natural the friendships and relationships felt, which made it really easy to get invested in them.
Matiah and Atlas were a real standout for me. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, especially the way it shifted as the story went on. Matiah becoming such a grounding presence for Atlas added a lot of depth to their dynamic, and their connection felt like so much more than just a romance. I was invested in them the entire time.
The magic system, especially the dreamscapes, was another highlight. I liked how the Dreamwitches and their abilities were introduced in a way that was clear without ever feeling overwhelming. The dreamscapes added a really unique layer to the world, and I thought they tied into the main conflict really well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The mystery, the characters, and the world all kept me fully engaged, and I was especially drawn to the push and pull between Matiah and Atlas. Experiencing this world through Matiah as she tried to make sense of everything was a highlight, and by the end, I honestly wasn’t ready to leave it. I would absolutely read more from this world, and Monique Hazel has definitely gained a new reader because I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.
August 30, 2026
While I could see someone rating this 5 stars due to the unique plot, magic system and beautiful gothic atmospheric writing, it wasn’t enough to make me love the book. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I was just kind of disinterested the whole time. I love the idea of a Dreamwitch who walks into peoples dreams and helps people in different ways but I didn’t connect with any of the characters. I did love the slowest burn of a sweet romance between Atlas and Matiah and while I thought the scene towards the end with the huntsmen was a bit clunky, I did think the ultimate ending was well done. I think I would have enjoyed this story a little more with some better character development in regards to not only Matiah, but the members of the household.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this eARC for my honest review!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this eARC for my honest review!
August 25, 2026
2.5 ⭐️s
This is an arc I received from NetGalley. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan! I feel like this story had a lot of potential but it just wasn’t for me! The first chapter was super misleading! So be prepared for that! But if you like slow burn romantasy with A LOT of yearning, you may like this one! To me it literally felt like 80% of the book was one character yearning for another and to me that’s boring! I strongly considered not finishing pretty early on, and I wish I would have! This one may be right up someone else’s alley, but it definitely wasn’t mine! It took me forever to read because I was really just not having a good time!
This is an arc I received from NetGalley. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a fan! I feel like this story had a lot of potential but it just wasn’t for me! The first chapter was super misleading! So be prepared for that! But if you like slow burn romantasy with A LOT of yearning, you may like this one! To me it literally felt like 80% of the book was one character yearning for another and to me that’s boring! I strongly considered not finishing pretty early on, and I wish I would have! This one may be right up someone else’s alley, but it definitely wasn’t mine! It took me forever to read because I was really just not having a good time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ALL THE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
motherrrr have mercy this was outrageously good. I just couldn’t physically stop reading despite having a million of things to do and I really shouldn’t be stuck in a book and yet here I am, furiously reading at the speed of light, because I must know what happens next I MUST!!?!?
let’s start with the scenery: Wolford is just insanely spooky and steeped in local history and lore and the gothic manor that may or may not be haunted is a fantastic backdrop for the story. but the author doesn’t stop there. we get vivid, gorgeously descriptive scenes throughout Rombury, from glittering masquerades at neighboring manors to visits into towns like Babel, and that’s not including all of the many dreams Matiah visits, dreams that take her throughout the kingdom and beyond, into the Unconscious World. I felt like I was plucked from the pages and thrown into this dizzying place where magic is real and dreamwitches exist.
and that’s the perfect transition to the worldbuilding because by GOD the worldbuilding!!!! I’ll be super real when I say I usually don’t pay that much attention to worldbuilding, especially when there’s a super hot romance AND haunting mystery to solve, but the world in the Dreamwitch is just so complex and thoughtfully done I can’t help but celebrate it. the backstory about Camydn and dreamwitches being literally hunted there, while Matiah spent much of her life growing up in the House of Dreams coven in Favor, a country where dreamwitches are able to practice their powers freely without fear, was so damn interesting. the power of dreamwalking was also wild and had all of these layers and limits to it and what Matiah (and other dreamwitches) can and/or should do with that power.
and now to the characters. everyone is so well-developed it’s sort of astonishing because how?!?! Matiah, Atlas, Otis, Leopold, Bess, Mr. Dobree, Lord Montgomery, Frank, Imogen, Silviana, Nina, Louisa — the list goes on and on. there’s a bunch of side characters that don’t even have much page-time but they each still make an impression. Matiah and Atlas in particular are just like living and breathing people, with their complicated emotions and insecurities and pasts and how much each shapes their motivations and decisions in the present. I loved them fiercely, independently and together, and I found Matiah to be an easy MC to root for from the jump. her character development throughout the story was also beautifully done and honestly inspiring. (we love being inspired by fictional MCs!!!)
at last, the mystery of Wolford is worthy of its own attention bc holy smokes does it hook you and refuse to let go! the manor is seriously terrifying, and what Matiah goes through there in the name of helping Otis (sweet Otis protect him at ALL COSTS) is absolutely nuts, but also underscores her character and what drives her. I felt like I was on the edge of my dang seat reading every page, and the big reveals about the manor (and even who was their own villain within) both had me reeling and also were supremely satisfying. I really liked how it all wrapped up, too.
this was so obviously a five-star read for me (and that’s not up for debate!!!) but there were a few things I did notice that made it almost a flawless read, but not quite. one was a pretty big plot hole with the huntsmen element of the story. I’m going to avoid specifics here, to avoid spoilers, but the way that ends was so neatly and confusingly resolved, and in a way that made me wonder if I had missed a page or two of context leading up to it (I hadn’t).
there were also a handful of times I felt I got pulled out of the story because of confusion over the way a sentence was worded. I think the author has a beautiful, detailed, and deeply descriptive writing style, which I loved, but a few of the metaphors used here made me pause and go “wait, what?”
nonetheless, I can’t sing this book’s praises enough. this was a standalone (also hi we LOVE when books don’t get unnecessarily stretched into duologies or trilogies when they don’t need to be) and a near-perfect one at that. I hope the author is planning more stories about dreamwitches and returning readers to this world because I want so much more!
motherrrr have mercy this was outrageously good. I just couldn’t physically stop reading despite having a million of things to do and I really shouldn’t be stuck in a book and yet here I am, furiously reading at the speed of light, because I must know what happens next I MUST!!?!?
let’s start with the scenery: Wolford is just insanely spooky and steeped in local history and lore and the gothic manor that may or may not be haunted is a fantastic backdrop for the story. but the author doesn’t stop there. we get vivid, gorgeously descriptive scenes throughout Rombury, from glittering masquerades at neighboring manors to visits into towns like Babel, and that’s not including all of the many dreams Matiah visits, dreams that take her throughout the kingdom and beyond, into the Unconscious World. I felt like I was plucked from the pages and thrown into this dizzying place where magic is real and dreamwitches exist.
and that’s the perfect transition to the worldbuilding because by GOD the worldbuilding!!!! I’ll be super real when I say I usually don’t pay that much attention to worldbuilding, especially when there’s a super hot romance AND haunting mystery to solve, but the world in the Dreamwitch is just so complex and thoughtfully done I can’t help but celebrate it. the backstory about Camydn and dreamwitches being literally hunted there, while Matiah spent much of her life growing up in the House of Dreams coven in Favor, a country where dreamwitches are able to practice their powers freely without fear, was so damn interesting. the power of dreamwalking was also wild and had all of these layers and limits to it and what Matiah (and other dreamwitches) can and/or should do with that power.
and now to the characters. everyone is so well-developed it’s sort of astonishing because how?!?! Matiah, Atlas, Otis, Leopold, Bess, Mr. Dobree, Lord Montgomery, Frank, Imogen, Silviana, Nina, Louisa — the list goes on and on. there’s a bunch of side characters that don’t even have much page-time but they each still make an impression. Matiah and Atlas in particular are just like living and breathing people, with their complicated emotions and insecurities and pasts and how much each shapes their motivations and decisions in the present. I loved them fiercely, independently and together, and I found Matiah to be an easy MC to root for from the jump. her character development throughout the story was also beautifully done and honestly inspiring. (we love being inspired by fictional MCs!!!)
at last, the mystery of Wolford is worthy of its own attention bc holy smokes does it hook you and refuse to let go! the manor is seriously terrifying, and what Matiah goes through there in the name of helping Otis (sweet Otis protect him at ALL COSTS) is absolutely nuts, but also underscores her character and what drives her. I felt like I was on the edge of my dang seat reading every page, and the big reveals about the manor (and even who was their own villain within) both had me reeling and also were supremely satisfying. I really liked how it all wrapped up, too.
this was so obviously a five-star read for me (and that’s not up for debate!!!) but there were a few things I did notice that made it almost a flawless read, but not quite. one was a pretty big plot hole with the huntsmen element of the story. I’m going to avoid specifics here, to avoid spoilers, but the way that ends was so neatly and confusingly resolved, and in a way that made me wonder if I had missed a page or two of context leading up to it (I hadn’t).
there were also a handful of times I felt I got pulled out of the story because of confusion over the way a sentence was worded. I think the author has a beautiful, detailed, and deeply descriptive writing style, which I loved, but a few of the metaphors used here made me pause and go “wait, what?”
nonetheless, I can’t sing this book’s praises enough. this was a standalone (also hi we LOVE when books don’t get unnecessarily stretched into duologies or trilogies when they don’t need to be) and a near-perfect one at that. I hope the author is planning more stories about dreamwitches and returning readers to this world because I want so much more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Swing and a miss for me.
This book sounded extremely promising. A gothic Victorian dark romance. Right up my alley.
I had multiple technical issues with this book that kept me from enjoying it.
1) the excessively flowery prose. Not only did many of the metaphors not work, but if the excessive descriptions were removed, the book would be 100 pages shorter. I don’t mind descriptive language. Even overly descriptive, if it makes sense. Authors like Diana Gabaldon, George R R Martin, and even Anne Rice, who has never written a book that I have enjoyed, can absolutely slam dunk an excessively long sentence. Unfortunately Monique Hazel’s attempts were an airball.
This book was filled with SO many BAD metaphors. Several examples: “her smile wanted to crack her cheeks open like an oyster.” Ew. Or “hair soft as fallen playing cards” what? Playing cards aren’t soft. And anyone with hair the texture of playing cards needs to lay off the aqua net. But then a few chapters later “hair that fell across his forehead like a rabbit’s tail.” I can go on… “the hour laid heavily on the air like powdered sugar,” (powdered sugar isn’t heavy. It’s the opposite. It flies around and gets everywhere.) Or how about “the sound was sweet as carbonated and flavored watery milk” I AM GOING TO VOMIT. Moving on.
2) This is billed as a gothic Victorian dark romance. The majority of this book DOES read as Victorian. Ballgowns, manors, pianofortes, modistes, hedge mazes, egg creams…Then there are the out of place references to fighter aircraft, and going clubbing. (There are more, but I highlighted those, specifically.) The phrase “I’ve been clubbing” was literally used. The timeline is entirely confusing. Mistakes like this throw me out of the story entirely.
3) Overuse of words. Specifically words that make me want to vomit. The word sweetmeat, probably the most gag-inducing word for candy to ever be invented was used in all of its forms more than 20 times. The word plum - specifically he gave her feelings like ripe plums sinking into her stomach was also way overused. And I actually lost count of how many times Matiah was described as sweaty or humid. Again- gag.
This made this story a 2 star (rage read,) read for me, when it could’ve scored so much higher. The story itself was interesting enough that I added back half a star. The premise was interesting. Matiah, the dream witch was hired by Lord Montgomery because his orphaned nephew was having constant night terrors. Her job was to help Otis overcome the night terrors and be able to sleep. However, she barely gave Otis a passing glance for much of the book, instead, spending her time mooning over and fantasizing about Atlas, her bodyguard, and his metal arm. And what that metal arm would feel like… use your imagination. Anyway… the manor was having some seriously paranormal issues. A yard and garden that never grew, instead, it rotted. Mold and moss growing on objects. The entire staff succumbing to nightmares that turned out to be based upon the Penny Dreadfuls the original manor owner was so obsessed with. Matiah waking up in the middle of the night vomiting rotten garden dirt and flower petals- absolutely exquisite body horror. An order of witch hunters sent to eliminate all dream witches. Truly, there were some great elements, but the technical issues killed it for me.
I think this was a great attempt, I truly do, but it needs some work before the final version is released. Also an editor. There are still multiple typos, but that is to be expected in an ARC, so I didn’t deduct for those. If the flowery prose is revised and the metaphors re-worked, or removed entirely, I think this could really be something great. She really did nail the spooky atmosphere, and it’s like nothing I’ve read before.
I will say with 100% certainty, though, the Booktok readers that seem to prefer short, chopped, 4-5 word easily digestible sentences are going to call this book “too hard to read” or complain that “it has too many words.” Personally I love complex sentences and immersive descriptions, BUT they need to make sense.
This book sounded extremely promising. A gothic Victorian dark romance. Right up my alley.
I had multiple technical issues with this book that kept me from enjoying it.
1) the excessively flowery prose. Not only did many of the metaphors not work, but if the excessive descriptions were removed, the book would be 100 pages shorter. I don’t mind descriptive language. Even overly descriptive, if it makes sense. Authors like Diana Gabaldon, George R R Martin, and even Anne Rice, who has never written a book that I have enjoyed, can absolutely slam dunk an excessively long sentence. Unfortunately Monique Hazel’s attempts were an airball.
This book was filled with SO many BAD metaphors. Several examples: “her smile wanted to crack her cheeks open like an oyster.” Ew. Or “hair soft as fallen playing cards” what? Playing cards aren’t soft. And anyone with hair the texture of playing cards needs to lay off the aqua net. But then a few chapters later “hair that fell across his forehead like a rabbit’s tail.” I can go on… “the hour laid heavily on the air like powdered sugar,” (powdered sugar isn’t heavy. It’s the opposite. It flies around and gets everywhere.) Or how about “the sound was sweet as carbonated and flavored watery milk” I AM GOING TO VOMIT. Moving on.
2) This is billed as a gothic Victorian dark romance. The majority of this book DOES read as Victorian. Ballgowns, manors, pianofortes, modistes, hedge mazes, egg creams…Then there are the out of place references to fighter aircraft, and going clubbing. (There are more, but I highlighted those, specifically.) The phrase “I’ve been clubbing” was literally used. The timeline is entirely confusing. Mistakes like this throw me out of the story entirely.
3) Overuse of words. Specifically words that make me want to vomit. The word sweetmeat, probably the most gag-inducing word for candy to ever be invented was used in all of its forms more than 20 times. The word plum - specifically he gave her feelings like ripe plums sinking into her stomach was also way overused. And I actually lost count of how many times Matiah was described as sweaty or humid. Again- gag.
This made this story a 2 star (rage read,) read for me, when it could’ve scored so much higher. The story itself was interesting enough that I added back half a star. The premise was interesting. Matiah, the dream witch was hired by Lord Montgomery because his orphaned nephew was having constant night terrors. Her job was to help Otis overcome the night terrors and be able to sleep. However, she barely gave Otis a passing glance for much of the book, instead, spending her time mooning over and fantasizing about Atlas, her bodyguard, and his metal arm. And what that metal arm would feel like… use your imagination. Anyway… the manor was having some seriously paranormal issues. A yard and garden that never grew, instead, it rotted. Mold and moss growing on objects. The entire staff succumbing to nightmares that turned out to be based upon the Penny Dreadfuls the original manor owner was so obsessed with. Matiah waking up in the middle of the night vomiting rotten garden dirt and flower petals- absolutely exquisite body horror. An order of witch hunters sent to eliminate all dream witches. Truly, there were some great elements, but the technical issues killed it for me.
I think this was a great attempt, I truly do, but it needs some work before the final version is released. Also an editor. There are still multiple typos, but that is to be expected in an ARC, so I didn’t deduct for those. If the flowery prose is revised and the metaphors re-worked, or removed entirely, I think this could really be something great. She really did nail the spooky atmosphere, and it’s like nothing I’ve read before.
I will say with 100% certainty, though, the Booktok readers that seem to prefer short, chopped, 4-5 word easily digestible sentences are going to call this book “too hard to read” or complain that “it has too many words.” Personally I love complex sentences and immersive descriptions, BUT they need to make sense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 stars. I genuinely enjoyed reading this. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!
Quick summary: Matiah Blood is a dream witch who can walk through dreams and manipulate them. Our FMC has one goal in mind- to save enough money for a down payment for a house for her sister and nephews. Although her current gig of helping the local police with catching serial killers pays the bills, she could be making way more money if she were to go behind her head witch’s back to take on a case to solve a young lord’s nightmare. The only downsides include 1) pretending to be a governess because said young lord lives in a neighboring country that is prejudiced against dream witches, 2) having a bodyguard who has a seething hatred for dream witches, and 3) living in a haunted mansion that seems determined to kill her in both the dream world and the real one. But if it means making enough money to buy a house, Matiah is all in.
Things I liked (especially in the beginning):
• I really liked Matiah’s character (in the beginning, at least). She had a unique talent but didn’t harbor a secret superpower that made her above the laws of the world (iykyk). She felt very realistic- she had a goal in life, she had friends she cared for and actually stayed in touch with throughout the story, she had insecurities that caused her to make mistakes, and she owned up to those mistakes. She definitely suffered from being overly helpful, but it came from a good place, so it wasn’t terribly distracting. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, and she remained professional. She understood the prejudice against dream witches and didn’t try to insert herself overly into the conversation. Rather, she respected others’ feelings, so long as it didn’t harm her.
• I think the author did a fantastic job writing Matiah’s experiences in the unconscious realm. I loved the analogy of fabrics to describe the dreams. In general, I really enjoyed the writing style. It was descriptive and whimsical, with not too much info-dumping that often occurs in fiction.
• I loved the horror/body horror aspects. It made the terror that Matiah and Otis experienced so much more awful.
Things I disliked:
• I initially thought Atlas would be a cool MMC. He was the bodyguard who hated dream witches (enemies-to-lovers vibes), and he wasn’t afraid to let Matiah know his feelings. Early in the book, he and Matiah agree to keep things professional since he isn’t employed directly by her, and they both want to help Otis. Atlas’s backstory is tragic. He was a teenage soldier who was severely injured during a war and forced to join a secret squad that was psychologically and physically manipulated into something beyond human (at least in society’s eyes). Despite deeply loathing dream witches due to his traumatic past, he quickly changes his opinion of Matiah. In fact, he allows her to walk in his dreams to learn about his past and gain her trust. This is almost immediately after a scene where he reprimands Matiah for not receiving full consent from someone to read their dreams and talks about his dislike for dream witches. This sudden change of opinion, and the fact that his whole backstory was told through dreams, made me really dislike his character. He goes from treating Matiah like a door to drooling all over her, letting her try to “fix” him. He originally acted very mature, and once they began to like each other, he acted like a teenage boy. I also didn’t like that Matiah knew his whole backstory from the dreams, but he still didn’t know much about her.
• The pacing of the story was odd. Since it was a fairly short book, it was overall fast-paced, but there were random slice-of-life scenes where side characters, the FMC, and the MMC were bonding that felt shoehorned in. Towards the end, the book felt very rushed.
• A little side note: I wish the author would use a period after “Mr.” or “Mrs.” Just a little personal pet peeve of mine.
Quick summary: Matiah Blood is a dream witch who can walk through dreams and manipulate them. Our FMC has one goal in mind- to save enough money for a down payment for a house for her sister and nephews. Although her current gig of helping the local police with catching serial killers pays the bills, she could be making way more money if she were to go behind her head witch’s back to take on a case to solve a young lord’s nightmare. The only downsides include 1) pretending to be a governess because said young lord lives in a neighboring country that is prejudiced against dream witches, 2) having a bodyguard who has a seething hatred for dream witches, and 3) living in a haunted mansion that seems determined to kill her in both the dream world and the real one. But if it means making enough money to buy a house, Matiah is all in.
Things I liked (especially in the beginning):
• I really liked Matiah’s character (in the beginning, at least). She had a unique talent but didn’t harbor a secret superpower that made her above the laws of the world (iykyk). She felt very realistic- she had a goal in life, she had friends she cared for and actually stayed in touch with throughout the story, she had insecurities that caused her to make mistakes, and she owned up to those mistakes. She definitely suffered from being overly helpful, but it came from a good place, so it wasn’t terribly distracting. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, and she remained professional. She understood the prejudice against dream witches and didn’t try to insert herself overly into the conversation. Rather, she respected others’ feelings, so long as it didn’t harm her.
• I think the author did a fantastic job writing Matiah’s experiences in the unconscious realm. I loved the analogy of fabrics to describe the dreams. In general, I really enjoyed the writing style. It was descriptive and whimsical, with not too much info-dumping that often occurs in fiction.
• I loved the horror/body horror aspects. It made the terror that Matiah and Otis experienced so much more awful.
Things I disliked:
• I initially thought Atlas would be a cool MMC. He was the bodyguard who hated dream witches (enemies-to-lovers vibes), and he wasn’t afraid to let Matiah know his feelings. Early in the book, he and Matiah agree to keep things professional since he isn’t employed directly by her, and they both want to help Otis. Atlas’s backstory is tragic. He was a teenage soldier who was severely injured during a war and forced to join a secret squad that was psychologically and physically manipulated into something beyond human (at least in society’s eyes). Despite deeply loathing dream witches due to his traumatic past, he quickly changes his opinion of Matiah. In fact, he allows her to walk in his dreams to learn about his past and gain her trust. This is almost immediately after a scene where he reprimands Matiah for not receiving full consent from someone to read their dreams and talks about his dislike for dream witches. This sudden change of opinion, and the fact that his whole backstory was told through dreams, made me really dislike his character. He goes from treating Matiah like a door to drooling all over her, letting her try to “fix” him. He originally acted very mature, and once they began to like each other, he acted like a teenage boy. I also didn’t like that Matiah knew his whole backstory from the dreams, but he still didn’t know much about her.
• The pacing of the story was odd. Since it was a fairly short book, it was overall fast-paced, but there were random slice-of-life scenes where side characters, the FMC, and the MMC were bonding that felt shoehorned in. Towards the end, the book felt very rushed.
• A little side note: I wish the author would use a period after “Mr.” or “Mrs.” Just a little personal pet peeve of mine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
October 30, 2026DNF at 23% (Read Through Chapter 11)
There were some scenes in this book that I really loved, so I can absolutely see the potential with this book.
Unfortunately, I grew bored shortly after Matiah arrived at the manor (though her nightmarish entrance was great). And I just can’t bring myself to keep reading when I’m not engaged with the story.
The writing style wasn’t the worst by any means; but it sometimes came across as the author trying too hard to use flowery writing, to the point where many descriptive lines (be they metaphors or similes or just a general description) didn’t make sense at all.
Also similar lines, I thought the magic system and world building (in regards to the dreamwitches) were really compelling. But after a while, it became clear that the author didn’t know how to space out information, and so there were a lot of info dumps about how the magic and the world work.
That carried over to character introductions, as we were introduced to characters in groups (like the group of witches that Matiah works with, or the group of staff at the manor). Having so many names thrown at me at once made it hard to keep track of who was who. Eventually, I lost interest in trying to keep everything straight after reading nearly 100 pages.
Ultimately, this book just isn’t working for me, so I think it’s best that I set it aside. But I’m clearly in the minority here, and I hope this book continues to find its audience.
MY READING NOTES:
There were some scenes in this book that I really loved, so I can absolutely see the potential with this book.
Unfortunately, I grew bored shortly after Matiah arrived at the manor (though her nightmarish entrance was great). And I just can’t bring myself to keep reading when I’m not engaged with the story.
The writing style wasn’t the worst by any means; but it sometimes came across as the author trying too hard to use flowery writing, to the point where many descriptive lines (be they metaphors or similes or just a general description) didn’t make sense at all.
Also similar lines, I thought the magic system and world building (in regards to the dreamwitches) were really compelling. But after a while, it became clear that the author didn’t know how to space out information, and so there were a lot of info dumps about how the magic and the world work.
That carried over to character introductions, as we were introduced to characters in groups (like the group of witches that Matiah works with, or the group of staff at the manor). Having so many names thrown at me at once made it hard to keep track of who was who. Eventually, I lost interest in trying to keep everything straight after reading nearly 100 pages.
Ultimately, this book just isn’t working for me, so I think it’s best that I set it aside. But I’m clearly in the minority here, and I hope this book continues to find its audience.
MY READING NOTES:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
“The Dreamwitch” is a classic haunting story with some unique elements that bring a new twist, set in a time period with some interesting developments and a new world to explore.
The plot is a strong concept. A young lord is being tormented by exceptionally disturbing nightmares in a country that is not so kind to dreamwitches, people who can enter other people’s dreams at will and even perform some alterations in the process. It is understandable, I think, that some people are hesitant, if not antagonistic, towards dreamwitches because of this great ability to invade their privacy and even torment them in a place they are meant to feel secure. This problem is brought up on occasion in the book, which I appreciated immensely, as it certainly puts our main character in a position that has her confront how she has been using her abilities to enter people’s dreams and just what exactly consent is in this tricky situation.
The plot does feel a bit lost at times, with our main character getting distracted by side quests that do not contribute much to development for any character except for one incident, but the conflict that is brought up in this scenario could have been explored in another way that is more connected to the plot. The book is also romance-heavy, which diverts us at times from the main story or pressing issue. The romance is sweet, but around the halfway point, Atlas seems to change in character dramatically and rather abruptly, as if to allow this romance to bloom slightly. It does get messy at times, with them taking three steps forward to take five steps back, and it is frustrating for a great deal of time, not in an entertaining way but more of a “why are we backing up from the progress we made?” type of way. I will admit, though, the stocking scene was a work of art and even had me feeling tingly.
The mystery behind what is haunting the little lord is rich and bending in the best ways. Curveballs are thrown at you that you do not see coming. The language is very descriptive and really puts you in the moment, with the prose keeping you locked into the story. The only problem I had with the story and our villain is that they all seem forgiven too easily, with one antagonist being skimmed over so fast that you scratch your head, wondering if that was even necessary (it is only about a page that this is touched on; I mean, super quick). I think the book would definitely benefit from being the first in a duology or trilogy. It has enough flesh on its bones to be a standalone story, but another adaptation can really iron things out regarding the world the story takes place in and answer some questions that are left open to an unsatisfying extent at the conclusion of this one.
Overall, it is a solid story with some fresh ideas and creepy haunts, perfect for anyone who likes a juicy romance, enthralling mystery, and haunted habitations as well as minds.
“The Dreamwitch” is a classic haunting story with some unique elements that bring a new twist, set in a time period with some interesting developments and a new world to explore.
The plot is a strong concept. A young lord is being tormented by exceptionally disturbing nightmares in a country that is not so kind to dreamwitches, people who can enter other people’s dreams at will and even perform some alterations in the process. It is understandable, I think, that some people are hesitant, if not antagonistic, towards dreamwitches because of this great ability to invade their privacy and even torment them in a place they are meant to feel secure. This problem is brought up on occasion in the book, which I appreciated immensely, as it certainly puts our main character in a position that has her confront how she has been using her abilities to enter people’s dreams and just what exactly consent is in this tricky situation.
The plot does feel a bit lost at times, with our main character getting distracted by side quests that do not contribute much to development for any character except for one incident, but the conflict that is brought up in this scenario could have been explored in another way that is more connected to the plot. The book is also romance-heavy, which diverts us at times from the main story or pressing issue. The romance is sweet, but around the halfway point, Atlas seems to change in character dramatically and rather abruptly, as if to allow this romance to bloom slightly. It does get messy at times, with them taking three steps forward to take five steps back, and it is frustrating for a great deal of time, not in an entertaining way but more of a “why are we backing up from the progress we made?” type of way. I will admit, though, the stocking scene was a work of art and even had me feeling tingly.
The mystery behind what is haunting the little lord is rich and bending in the best ways. Curveballs are thrown at you that you do not see coming. The language is very descriptive and really puts you in the moment, with the prose keeping you locked into the story. The only problem I had with the story and our villain is that they all seem forgiven too easily, with one antagonist being skimmed over so fast that you scratch your head, wondering if that was even necessary (it is only about a page that this is touched on; I mean, super quick). I think the book would definitely benefit from being the first in a duology or trilogy. It has enough flesh on its bones to be a standalone story, but another adaptation can really iron things out regarding the world the story takes place in and answer some questions that are left open to an unsatisfying extent at the conclusion of this one.
Overall, it is a solid story with some fresh ideas and creepy haunts, perfect for anyone who likes a juicy romance, enthralling mystery, and haunted habitations as well as minds.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Dreamwitch!
This is a 4.4!
I am new to the gothic fantasy genre and I was thrilled by this book. Dreams have always been hugely fascinating to me and I love talking about them, analyzing them, and trying to influence my dreaming hours during my waking hours. Being a dreamwitch sounds exhausting, draining, and quite frankly terrifying, but a world with them in it doesn't sound so bad.
I'm personally a huge fan of decorated language - I'm quite the verbose writer and I love reading new, creative, atmospheric ways to describe an otherwise plain or simple experience. The style makes total sense with Matia as a dreamwitch, holding ephemeral qualities and detecting otherworldly feelings the rest of us wouldn't.
Matia starts out with a great support network and clear professional affinity, driven by a quest for glory and fixing a dangerous problem even at the risk of her own peril. Her friends back home are memorable and it's easy to imagine how homesick she would be. Her attachment to them is tangible and I appreciate the continuity that she continues to write to them and feel inspired by their 'encoded' exchanges.
I just wish a similar depth of connection was shown to us between her and Atlas. The slow burn was slow burning, but the lack of communication was driving me crazy. For someone she's able to understand easily after their first dreamwalk, she continues to have very little insight into the man he is outside of his trauma and hotness. He likes books, doesn't like his arm, and is a hot uniformed war veteran, but beyond their physical attraction I just didn't see a bond between them presented.
The plot of the haunting itself was great, I enjoyed the pace of the suspense and Matia not immediately "getting it" just because of her powers. I actually really enjoyed how the end wrapped, with Matia's personal dirtying of her hands with Fable. I wasn't very attached to him (he's an antagonist after all...) and thought it was weird how quickly Matia came around to "yeah we could have been friends" despite the fact that he was trying to kill her...multiple times...and murdered innocent people while doing it...but I like that she recognizes how inhumane the 'death' she gave him was, and that even bad people don't deserve an eternity of suffering between worlds. Thus giving her more insight into Nina.
I also wish Mr. and Ms. got appropriately punctuated, that drove me crazy!
Overall a stellar read and I had a great time chewing through the plot. Looking forward to more from Monique! Thank you for the ARC!
This is a 4.4!
I am new to the gothic fantasy genre and I was thrilled by this book. Dreams have always been hugely fascinating to me and I love talking about them, analyzing them, and trying to influence my dreaming hours during my waking hours. Being a dreamwitch sounds exhausting, draining, and quite frankly terrifying, but a world with them in it doesn't sound so bad.
I'm personally a huge fan of decorated language - I'm quite the verbose writer and I love reading new, creative, atmospheric ways to describe an otherwise plain or simple experience. The style makes total sense with Matia as a dreamwitch, holding ephemeral qualities and detecting otherworldly feelings the rest of us wouldn't.
Matia starts out with a great support network and clear professional affinity, driven by a quest for glory and fixing a dangerous problem even at the risk of her own peril. Her friends back home are memorable and it's easy to imagine how homesick she would be. Her attachment to them is tangible and I appreciate the continuity that she continues to write to them and feel inspired by their 'encoded' exchanges.
I just wish a similar depth of connection was shown to us between her and Atlas. The slow burn was slow burning, but the lack of communication was driving me crazy. For someone she's able to understand easily after their first dreamwalk, she continues to have very little insight into the man he is outside of his trauma and hotness. He likes books, doesn't like his arm, and is a hot uniformed war veteran, but beyond their physical attraction I just didn't see a bond between them presented.
The plot of the haunting itself was great, I enjoyed the pace of the suspense and Matia not immediately "getting it" just because of her powers. I actually really enjoyed how the end wrapped, with Matia's personal dirtying of her hands with Fable. I wasn't very attached to him (he's an antagonist after all...) and thought it was weird how quickly Matia came around to "yeah we could have been friends" despite the fact that he was trying to kill her...multiple times...and murdered innocent people while doing it...but I like that she recognizes how inhumane the 'death' she gave him was, and that even bad people don't deserve an eternity of suffering between worlds. Thus giving her more insight into Nina.
I also wish Mr. and Ms. got appropriately punctuated, that drove me crazy!
Overall a stellar read and I had a great time chewing through the plot. Looking forward to more from Monique! Thank you for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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