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The Dreamwitch
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27A stunning debut 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 55 reviews
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 that is beautifully written, immersive, and at times, disorienting. The prose transported me to some type of liminal space where written words bleed into dreamscapes and back again.
The gothic atmosphere in this book is delightfully macabre and carefully crafted, revolving around a historic manor with its own penny dreadful, plagued by ghostly apparitions and terrible night terrors. Our main character, Matiah Blood, is an ambitious dreamwitch who travels to the manor to investigate the cause of 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 an indulgent, slowly burning depiction of mutual vulnerability and yearning between a contracted witch and her broody bodyguard, though I definitely wish Hazel could have leaned into the forbidden element of the romance more. Regardless, the tension was palpable and I was rooting for them every step of the way. 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 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!
After following the author on Instagram, I've learned that we are in for another book in this world titled The Gravewitch. I'm so happy this book is a standalone (we need more standalones!) but I also won't hesitate to dive back into this unique world.
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 and carefully crafted, revolving around a historic manor with its own penny dreadful, plagued by ghostly apparitions and terrible night terrors. Our main character, Matiah Blood, is an ambitious dreamwitch who travels to the manor to investigate the cause of 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 an indulgent, slowly burning depiction of mutual vulnerability and yearning between a contracted witch and her broody bodyguard, though I definitely wish Hazel could have leaned into the forbidden element of the romance more. Regardless, the tension was palpable and I was rooting for them every step of the way. 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 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!
After following the author on Instagram, I've learned that we are in for another book in this world titled The Gravewitch. I'm so happy this book is a standalone (we need more standalones!) but I also won't hesitate to dive back into this unique world.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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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September 9, 2026This is a review of an advance reader copy from NetGalley.
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What drew me into The Dreamwitch was its opening scene, when we first meet Matiah Blood, a Dreamwitch who uses her unusual abilities to investigate criminal cases. We encounter her in the middle of a dream walk and quickly discover that her talents extend beyond spellcasting—including a weakness for men in uniform.
The camaraderie of the coven within the House of Dreams was another highlight. Readers are given a quick glimpse of each Dreamwitch’s quirks and personality, and I only wish we had been allowed more time with them—and a little more banter—before Matiah is summoned to a new case. The chemistry between the characters is apparent from the outset, and the novel offers a refreshingly adult portrayal of sex and desire.
From there, the story moves to a country manor in the throes of a cold season, where the central mystery builds with genuine suspense. Some of its underlying dynamics became relatively easy to anticipate, but that did not diminish my curiosity about how they would ultimately unfold. I also appreciated the subplot involving family and collective care, particularly the rapport between Matiah and her young charge, Otis, who was a favorite.
Where the novel occasionally lost me was in its movement between waking life and dreams. Several scenes blurred the two so thoroughly that it became difficult to keep track of who was where, what was happening and when. That disorientation may have been intentional, but I found it more distracting than immersive. Some additional editorial clarity could have preserved the dreamlike atmosphere without leaving the reader nearly as exhausted as Matiah after spellcasting and dreamweaving.
Although categorically gothic, Dreamwitch often reads more like steampunk neo-noir, particularly with the inclusion of automatons. It is atmospheric, sensual and suspenseful, with an engaging ensemble at its center—even when its dream logic becomes difficult to follow. It is an entertaining addition to the romantasy genre, and I am curious to see how Matiah and the other Dreamwitches develop should the story continue as a series.
One entirely personal quibble: I struggled with the choice of Atlas as a name, particularly so soon after the popularity of Colleen Hoover’s character. I would have preferred Kai to be the more prevalent name, but that is admittedly a matter of taste.
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What drew me into The Dreamwitch was its opening scene, when we first meet Matiah Blood, a Dreamwitch who uses her unusual abilities to investigate criminal cases. We encounter her in the middle of a dream walk and quickly discover that her talents extend beyond spellcasting—including a weakness for men in uniform.
The camaraderie of the coven within the House of Dreams was another highlight. Readers are given a quick glimpse of each Dreamwitch’s quirks and personality, and I only wish we had been allowed more time with them—and a little more banter—before Matiah is summoned to a new case. The chemistry between the characters is apparent from the outset, and the novel offers a refreshingly adult portrayal of sex and desire.
From there, the story moves to a country manor in the throes of a cold season, where the central mystery builds with genuine suspense. Some of its underlying dynamics became relatively easy to anticipate, but that did not diminish my curiosity about how they would ultimately unfold. I also appreciated the subplot involving family and collective care, particularly the rapport between Matiah and her young charge, Otis, who was a favorite.
Where the novel occasionally lost me was in its movement between waking life and dreams. Several scenes blurred the two so thoroughly that it became difficult to keep track of who was where, what was happening and when. That disorientation may have been intentional, but I found it more distracting than immersive. Some additional editorial clarity could have preserved the dreamlike atmosphere without leaving the reader nearly as exhausted as Matiah after spellcasting and dreamweaving.
Although categorically gothic, Dreamwitch often reads more like steampunk neo-noir, particularly with the inclusion of automatons. It is atmospheric, sensual and suspenseful, with an engaging ensemble at its center—even when its dream logic becomes difficult to follow. It is an entertaining addition to the romantasy genre, and I am curious to see how Matiah and the other Dreamwitches develop should the story continue as a series.
One entirely personal quibble: I struggled with the choice of Atlas as a name, particularly so soon after the popularity of Colleen Hoover’s character. I would have preferred Kai to be the more prevalent name, but that is admittedly a matter of taste.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a review of an advance reader copy from NetGalley.
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"The Dreamwitch", by Monique Hazel is a novel about a woman with the ability to enter and manipulate the dreams of other people. She volunteers for an assignment in a neighboring country involving a young boy who is suffering from terrifying nightmares. Upon arrival at the manor, where the boy lives with his uncle and a small group of household staff, it becomes clear to Matiah that there is more going on than bad dreams.
Stuck in a strange town, whose residents despise dreamwitches, Matiah must uncover the secrets of Wolford Manor in order to save its residents and put the past to rest.
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I gave this novel 3 stars out of 5.
- It had all the vibes. The author did an exceptional job of creating a dark and haunting atmosphere. The visuals in my brain as I was reading were so creepy and exactly what I look for in a Gothic horror novel.
- The plot elements were well put together. The pacing was good. The way the mystery was laid out and then worked through by the characters was very well done.
I had two issues that made it hard for me to fully LOVE this book:
- Word choice. It really felt at times that the author was trying to use as many SAT words as possible. Sometimes it was okay, but mostly it shocked my brain out of the story. Also, the overly flowery language and overuse of metaphorical descriptions was off-putting for me.
- The relationship between the FMC and her bodyguard. It was fine at first, but at some point it felt like the author couldn't decide which type of relationship was developing. She seemed to go back and forth between having an "animosity that turns to respect" type of tension and a "forbidden attraction" type of tension. Normally there's a predictable progression in the types of interactions we see between the characters, but this author seemed to go back and forth ... which made it hard to fully feel the chemistry in the romantic part of the plot.
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Overall, I feel like this book has the potential to be a 5 star read and a favorite in the Gothic/horror/romance genres ... I just think it needs a little bit of revising.
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"The Dreamwitch", by Monique Hazel is a novel about a woman with the ability to enter and manipulate the dreams of other people. She volunteers for an assignment in a neighboring country involving a young boy who is suffering from terrifying nightmares. Upon arrival at the manor, where the boy lives with his uncle and a small group of household staff, it becomes clear to Matiah that there is more going on than bad dreams.
Stuck in a strange town, whose residents despise dreamwitches, Matiah must uncover the secrets of Wolford Manor in order to save its residents and put the past to rest.
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I gave this novel 3 stars out of 5.
- It had all the vibes. The author did an exceptional job of creating a dark and haunting atmosphere. The visuals in my brain as I was reading were so creepy and exactly what I look for in a Gothic horror novel.
- The plot elements were well put together. The pacing was good. The way the mystery was laid out and then worked through by the characters was very well done.
I had two issues that made it hard for me to fully LOVE this book:
- Word choice. It really felt at times that the author was trying to use as many SAT words as possible. Sometimes it was okay, but mostly it shocked my brain out of the story. Also, the overly flowery language and overuse of metaphorical descriptions was off-putting for me.
- The relationship between the FMC and her bodyguard. It was fine at first, but at some point it felt like the author couldn't decide which type of relationship was developing. She seemed to go back and forth between having an "animosity that turns to respect" type of tension and a "forbidden attraction" type of tension. Normally there's a predictable progression in the types of interactions we see between the characters, but this author seemed to go back and forth ... which made it hard to fully feel the chemistry in the romantic part of the plot.
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Overall, I feel like this book has the potential to be a 5 star read and a favorite in the Gothic/horror/romance genres ... I just think it needs a little bit of revising.
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
This book absolutely had me wandering around in its creepy little dream world like “Excuse me, where is the exit?” This was such a fun mix of gothic fantasy, mystery, magic and romance. Monique Hazel created a world that felt dark, beautiful and a little unsettling in the best way. The dream magic was such a cool concept and I loved how dreams and nightmares became more than just a cool aesthetic, they actually mattered to the story.
Matiah was a character I really enjoyed following. She’s stubborn, powerful, emotional and very human. And then there’s Atlas… the quiet, protective bodyguard who clearly has a whole suitcase of feelings he refuses to unpack. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The tension, the trust slowly building, the “please communicate before I throw my kindle across the room” moments… I was invested. The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. Wolford Manor, the secrets, the eerie dreamscapes and the feeling that something was always lurking made this book so easy to get lost in. I could picture everything playing out like a movie in my head.
I also really enjoyed how the story slowly revealed pieces of the bigger picture. The action scenes brought a nice dose of intensity and there were moments where I was definitely holding onto my kindle like “Okay… what happens next?!”
Was everything perfect for me? Not completely.
There were a few moments where I wanted a little more time with certain parts of the story and a bit more exploration of some elements of the world. But overall, those little things didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed getting lost in this dark, magical world. If you love gothic vibes, witchy magic, slow burn romance, protective bodyguards and a story that feels like stepping into a beautiful nightmare… add this one to your TBR. 🖤
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Monique Hazel for allowing me to read this eARC before release through NetGalley. The Dreamwitch releases February 9, 2027.
Matiah was a character I really enjoyed following. She’s stubborn, powerful, emotional and very human. And then there’s Atlas… the quiet, protective bodyguard who clearly has a whole suitcase of feelings he refuses to unpack. Their dynamic was EVERYTHING. The tension, the trust slowly building, the “please communicate before I throw my kindle across the room” moments… I was invested. The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. Wolford Manor, the secrets, the eerie dreamscapes and the feeling that something was always lurking made this book so easy to get lost in. I could picture everything playing out like a movie in my head.
I also really enjoyed how the story slowly revealed pieces of the bigger picture. The action scenes brought a nice dose of intensity and there were moments where I was definitely holding onto my kindle like “Okay… what happens next?!”
Was everything perfect for me? Not completely.
There were a few moments where I wanted a little more time with certain parts of the story and a bit more exploration of some elements of the world. But overall, those little things didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed getting lost in this dark, magical world. If you love gothic vibes, witchy magic, slow burn romance, protective bodyguards and a story that feels like stepping into a beautiful nightmare… add this one to your TBR. 🖤
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Monique Hazel for allowing me to read this eARC before release through NetGalley. The Dreamwitch releases February 9, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for the arc!
The premise of this novel intrigued me when I first heard about it. I’m on a constant quest to find a book that combines romance and horror well. Although Dreamwitch didn’t quite nail it, it was pretty close. I’d say this one leans more towards gaslamp/gothic than straight-up horror, but maybe that’s just a me thing (I like gothic and technically, it is a horror subgenre, but I never really click with gothic as horror).
The world was interesting, a completely made up place that had Victorian/Edwardian England vibes including penny dreadfuls, gas lighting and fancy balls. The magic system was interesting even though we only hear about the other times of witches in passing since the focus is (surprising no one) on dream magic. I also really enjoyed the mystery element and was constantly wanting to know who did what and when and why.
The real standout of this story was the writing. Normally, I am kind of meh on lots of similes and metaphors, but it really worked in Dreamwitch. It gave the story a surreal, almost dream-like quality that suited the book.
The reason I’m not giving this one five stars is that a) I just never really connected with the romance and b) I wish there was a tad more world building around witches/hunters. Atlas and Matiah were both interesting characters, but the romance felt a little flat. I didn’t hate it or anything. I just didn’t feel super invested in the outcome.
Overall, this was a 4 out of 5 for me. I do hope the author writes additional stories set in this world because it really was an interesting place and I want to know more about it. There were a few side characters I’d really like to see more of in (hopefully) future books. I’d recommend this one to anyone who wants a romance with gothic vibes, a mystery to be solved and a bit of gaslamp style fantasy.
The premise of this novel intrigued me when I first heard about it. I’m on a constant quest to find a book that combines romance and horror well. Although Dreamwitch didn’t quite nail it, it was pretty close. I’d say this one leans more towards gaslamp/gothic than straight-up horror, but maybe that’s just a me thing (I like gothic and technically, it is a horror subgenre, but I never really click with gothic as horror).
The world was interesting, a completely made up place that had Victorian/Edwardian England vibes including penny dreadfuls, gas lighting and fancy balls. The magic system was interesting even though we only hear about the other times of witches in passing since the focus is (surprising no one) on dream magic. I also really enjoyed the mystery element and was constantly wanting to know who did what and when and why.
The real standout of this story was the writing. Normally, I am kind of meh on lots of similes and metaphors, but it really worked in Dreamwitch. It gave the story a surreal, almost dream-like quality that suited the book.
The reason I’m not giving this one five stars is that a) I just never really connected with the romance and b) I wish there was a tad more world building around witches/hunters. Atlas and Matiah were both interesting characters, but the romance felt a little flat. I didn’t hate it or anything. I just didn’t feel super invested in the outcome.
Overall, this was a 4 out of 5 for me. I do hope the author writes additional stories set in this world because it really was an interesting place and I want to know more about it. There were a few side characters I’d really like to see more of in (hopefully) future books. I’d recommend this one to anyone who wants a romance with gothic vibes, a mystery to be solved and a bit of gaslamp style fantasy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Dreamwitch by Monique Hazel is a gothic fantasy about dreams, cursed love, and the monstrous effects of grief.
Set in alternative Victorian world, Matiah is a dreamwitch. She is able to enter the dream world of sleeping clients and help them to heal from the unconscious traumas. When she has the opportunity to help a distressed young boy haunted by night terrors, she jumps at the chance of visiting a neighbouring country where dreamwitches are forbidden. Once Matiah arrives at Wolford Manor, she finds the young boy is indeed being haunted by ghosts of Wolford's dark history. When she enters the dreamworld, she finds something disturbing that connects her to the mysteries at Wolford, something that will threaten her power, her heart, and her life.
I really enjoyed the unique magical system in this book, with dreams, sleep, and the unconscious being explored in whimsical ways. For me personally, I wish the story was set in a real Victorian world and not a fantastical one. I think the concept would still have worked and it would have made everything more interesting to me. The plot was complex with a lot of moving parts, at times I was a little confused, especially when the penny dreadful elements were included. The mystery was gripping and the magic was intriguing. The author is a talented writer, I loved the descriptiveness of the writing with its poetical ways that captured the enchanting quality of the story. I am not a big fan of romantasy so I found the romantic scenes a little much, but fans of the genre will love the simmering tension between Matiah and her love interest. This is the first time I have a read a gothic fantasy, and I thought overall the author did a great job at incorporating both genres, even if it wasn't to my personal taste.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Set in alternative Victorian world, Matiah is a dreamwitch. She is able to enter the dream world of sleeping clients and help them to heal from the unconscious traumas. When she has the opportunity to help a distressed young boy haunted by night terrors, she jumps at the chance of visiting a neighbouring country where dreamwitches are forbidden. Once Matiah arrives at Wolford Manor, she finds the young boy is indeed being haunted by ghosts of Wolford's dark history. When she enters the dreamworld, she finds something disturbing that connects her to the mysteries at Wolford, something that will threaten her power, her heart, and her life.
I really enjoyed the unique magical system in this book, with dreams, sleep, and the unconscious being explored in whimsical ways. For me personally, I wish the story was set in a real Victorian world and not a fantastical one. I think the concept would still have worked and it would have made everything more interesting to me. The plot was complex with a lot of moving parts, at times I was a little confused, especially when the penny dreadful elements were included. The mystery was gripping and the magic was intriguing. The author is a talented writer, I loved the descriptiveness of the writing with its poetical ways that captured the enchanting quality of the story. I am not a big fan of romantasy so I found the romantic scenes a little much, but fans of the genre will love the simmering tension between Matiah and her love interest. This is the first time I have a read a gothic fantasy, and I thought overall the author did a great job at incorporating both genres, even if it wasn't to my personal taste.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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.
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 because of...the decision of the main character to be gentle towards the huntsmen. 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 design 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 about the petals and the garden, and the depiction of how weird people are towards 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 because of...the decision of the main character to be gentle towards the huntsmen. 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 design 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 about the petals and the garden, and the depiction of how weird people are towards 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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is more a 3.5 stars. The plot and storyline are great. The magic system is unique - I'd never heard of a dreamwitch and having more books with the other kinds of witches mentioned would be interesting.
I loved the gothic horror of the setting. The beginning with the serial killer was a great hook. Then it got bogged down in a lot of old fashioned words that many people wouldn't understand and might get frustrated by. Parts of the story frustrated me - it took a long time to find out why Atlas didn't like Matiah; I never really knew why there was a Half War (but I guess that didn't really matter in the end); I feel like there should have been some kind of reason or meaning behind the chef using flowers and leaves to decorate everything (and maybe it's just symbolism); there were a couple of scenes that screamed Winter Soldier; and Matiah CONSTANTLY doing the opposite of what her bodyguard said was annoying. However, I loved the yearning, the macabre, the mystery (even though I mostly figured it out), and Otis finding out there are secret passageways. Oh, and windchimes. *kicks feet* I loved Atlas (though I hated his name). Most of the time, Matiah annoyed me.
Finally, I read an uncorrected copy and it was glaringly evident. While it made me roll my eyes everytime, it didn't take away from the story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy.
I loved the gothic horror of the setting. The beginning with the serial killer was a great hook. Then it got bogged down in a lot of old fashioned words that many people wouldn't understand and might get frustrated by. Parts of the story frustrated me - it took a long time to find out why Atlas didn't like Matiah; I never really knew why there was a Half War (but I guess that didn't really matter in the end); I feel like there should have been some kind of reason or meaning behind the chef using flowers and leaves to decorate everything (and maybe it's just symbolism); there were a couple of scenes that screamed Winter Soldier; and Matiah CONSTANTLY doing the opposite of what her bodyguard said was annoying. However, I loved the yearning, the macabre, the mystery (even though I mostly figured it out), and Otis finding out there are secret passageways. Oh, and windchimes. *kicks feet* I loved Atlas (though I hated his name). Most of the time, Matiah annoyed me.
Finally, I read an uncorrected copy and it was glaringly evident. While it made me roll my eyes everytime, it didn't take away from the story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this was a fine book, with equal parts being highlights as well as disappointments. To begin with, I thought the story was very binge-able. I finished it in 2 days, but I will say the middle portion does get a bit monotonous with the same characters, same setting, and somewhat repetitive build up of the dreams and their power over the household. The ball was a nice reprieve from the settings and the characters in the house. While I initially thought the book would be very lust-forward, it ended up being a really well done slow-burn, which is more to my taste as a reader.
The overall concept was very unique and I really enjoyed the magic system Hazel created. The concept of being able to go into people's dreams was very interesting, although at times it got a bit convoluted with the types of dreams and how they were created or who was creating them at a time.
I loved the dark, gothic atmosphere and the pre-industrialization/early industrialization time period. However, I did have a bit of difficulty rationalizing that cars were a relatively new invention to the FMC, yet the MMC has a bionic arm, with a skin graft that moves like an actual arm despite having exposed metal. It just didn't really add up to me, but I think it's a discrepancy that most readers would overlook.
Overall, I would say this is a good read especially for readers new to gothic romantasy. Thank you to NetGalley, Monique Hazel, and MacMillan for the eARC.
The overall concept was very unique and I really enjoyed the magic system Hazel created. The concept of being able to go into people's dreams was very interesting, although at times it got a bit convoluted with the types of dreams and how they were created or who was creating them at a time.
I loved the dark, gothic atmosphere and the pre-industrialization/early industrialization time period. However, I did have a bit of difficulty rationalizing that cars were a relatively new invention to the FMC, yet the MMC has a bionic arm, with a skin graft that moves like an actual arm despite having exposed metal. It just didn't really add up to me, but I think it's a discrepancy that most readers would overlook.
Overall, I would say this is a good read especially for readers new to gothic romantasy. Thank you to NetGalley, Monique Hazel, and MacMillan for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest rating and review.
This was about a 3.75 rounded to a 4 for me!
I really enjoyed this book overall, I found the plot refreshing and the characters are established with just enough background to get you invested in them. I also really enjoyed the pace, the book is a good length yet I flew through it because it just flowed so nicely I never wanted to take a break!
One thing I didn’t love is not reflective of the author but my own peeve- I am not a fan of insta lust which does take place between our mmc and fmc. The romance had a nice build up, but having matiah obsess over Atlas’s good looks immediately just killed something for me. While Matiah was a strong female lead, she almost obsessed over Atlas in the beginning even though he was genuinely unlikable for the first quarter of the book- which to me was unrealistic.
I really enjoyed Otis and his dreamscapes and found the whole story really intriguing, and will definitely pick up anything else Monique Hazel chooses to write.
I think any fantasy, romance, or horror fans would enjoy this thoroughly!
This was about a 3.75 rounded to a 4 for me!
I really enjoyed this book overall, I found the plot refreshing and the characters are established with just enough background to get you invested in them. I also really enjoyed the pace, the book is a good length yet I flew through it because it just flowed so nicely I never wanted to take a break!
One thing I didn’t love is not reflective of the author but my own peeve- I am not a fan of insta lust which does take place between our mmc and fmc. The romance had a nice build up, but having matiah obsess over Atlas’s good looks immediately just killed something for me. While Matiah was a strong female lead, she almost obsessed over Atlas in the beginning even though he was genuinely unlikable for the first quarter of the book- which to me was unrealistic.
I really enjoyed Otis and his dreamscapes and found the whole story really intriguing, and will definitely pick up anything else Monique Hazel chooses to write.
I think any fantasy, romance, or horror fans would enjoy this thoroughly!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up
This read more like a romance first, dark plotline second. I loved the dreamwitch concept and the magic system in this book. I wish we got more scenes with it, as they seemed sparse and often written in only a few sentences. I really liked the romance and the yearning that came with it. This is a great book for those who like romantasy but want to dabble in some horror elements. Many moments also made it a great read as the fall season approached. I definitely recommend it if you are a seasonal reader.
I wish her helping Otis was more prominent throughout the book, and the ending felt rushed. There are multiple small side plots and a big focus on the female and male leads' dynamic, which made the Otis timeline feel less relevant. Some parts of the writing confused me, like the older timeline where cars are recently invented; however, other elements and the writing feel more modern. The author brings up little moments here and there that bring you back to the older feel. Some side plots and extra descriptions, like all the food references, slowed the book down for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Monique Hazel, and MacMillan for the eARC.
This read more like a romance first, dark plotline second. I loved the dreamwitch concept and the magic system in this book. I wish we got more scenes with it, as they seemed sparse and often written in only a few sentences. I really liked the romance and the yearning that came with it. This is a great book for those who like romantasy but want to dabble in some horror elements. Many moments also made it a great read as the fall season approached. I definitely recommend it if you are a seasonal reader.
I wish her helping Otis was more prominent throughout the book, and the ending felt rushed. There are multiple small side plots and a big focus on the female and male leads' dynamic, which made the Otis timeline feel less relevant. Some parts of the writing confused me, like the older timeline where cars are recently invented; however, other elements and the writing feel more modern. The author brings up little moments here and there that bring you back to the older feel. Some side plots and extra descriptions, like all the food references, slowed the book down for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Monique Hazel, and MacMillan for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75/5
There were so many good elements to this story; including the dark foreboding atmosphere, the mystery, and the fascinating concept of a Dreamwitch. I loved the level of detail that went into describing what it's like inside someone's dream.
I did struggle a bit with the character names used. Her last name being "Blood" made me cringe every time someone said, "Ms. Blood". While the yearning between Atlas and Matiah was well done, I found the repetitive phrases between them a bit distracting.
The theme of a character struggling to overcome who they used to be is an interesting angle that would be great to explore further.
Matiah was a fantastic, strong FMC without feeling overly invincible, and Atlas was a outwardly strong MMC, who is secretly a teddy bear devoted to caring for those around him.
Overall, The Dreamwitch is an engaging, dark mystery with a sweet underlying romance where the characters truly care about one other.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC
There were so many good elements to this story; including the dark foreboding atmosphere, the mystery, and the fascinating concept of a Dreamwitch. I loved the level of detail that went into describing what it's like inside someone's dream.
I did struggle a bit with the character names used. Her last name being "Blood" made me cringe every time someone said, "Ms. Blood". While the yearning between Atlas and Matiah was well done, I found the repetitive phrases between them a bit distracting.
The theme of a character struggling to overcome who they used to be is an interesting angle that would be great to explore further.
Matiah was a fantastic, strong FMC without feeling overly invincible, and Atlas was a outwardly strong MMC, who is secretly a teddy bear devoted to caring for those around him.
Overall, The Dreamwitch is an engaging, dark mystery with a sweet underlying romance where the characters truly care about one other.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC
August 16, 2026
What a delicious and beautiful debut novel. I loved the Victorian gothic mystery romance drenched in the macabre. The introduction to Matiah, how her magic works, her preferred affinity, her dreamwitch friends, and how deep her love for her family runs really help set her up as a strong and determined FMC with high ambitions.
When she steps across the threshold of the manor and is immediately dragged into a dream, the true twists and turns of the tale begins. To save young Otis may very well put her own life in peril.
The romance and yearning between Atlas and Matiah is such a slow burn that leaves you panting and gasping for more. I’d have enjoyed a bit more depth into their budding relationship but understand the focus staying strongly on the mystery and tragedy of the manor and its previous inhabitants.
Overall the atmospheric setting, descriptive prose, and symbolism were decadent. I look forward to reading further works by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and st martins press for this arc
When she steps across the threshold of the manor and is immediately dragged into a dream, the true twists and turns of the tale begins. To save young Otis may very well put her own life in peril.
The romance and yearning between Atlas and Matiah is such a slow burn that leaves you panting and gasping for more. I’d have enjoyed a bit more depth into their budding relationship but understand the focus staying strongly on the mystery and tragedy of the manor and its previous inhabitants.
Overall the atmospheric setting, descriptive prose, and symbolism were decadent. I look forward to reading further works by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and st martins press for this arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed the gothic themes of this book! The author did an amazing job with the imagery, and the spooky moments definitely left me on the edge of my seat. I thought the idea of a witch who can manipulate and enter dreams was super interesting, and I just really enjoyed the overall vibe!
I liked that the romance was a middle ground between slow-burn, while also showing that the characters definitely had feelings for each other, but were put into a difficult situation that made it hard for them to show that emotional attachment. Atlas was probably my favorite character, and I liked his development and backstory. I wish Leopold had been explored a bit more — it felt like he got what he wanted out of Matiah and then just disappeared from the story.
The biggest setback for me was the amount of similes and metaphors used throughout the book. I love a good comparison, but it felt like everything was compared to something, and it got to be a bit much — but that could just be a me thing.
I liked that the romance was a middle ground between slow-burn, while also showing that the characters definitely had feelings for each other, but were put into a difficult situation that made it hard for them to show that emotional attachment. Atlas was probably my favorite character, and I liked his development and backstory. I wish Leopold had been explored a bit more — it felt like he got what he wanted out of Matiah and then just disappeared from the story.
The biggest setback for me was the amount of similes and metaphors used throughout the book. I love a good comparison, but it felt like everything was compared to something, and it got to be a bit much — but that could just be a me thing.
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!
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
It was my great honor to receive & read the ARC of The Dreamwitch by Monique Hazel from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martins Press. This book was beautiful and an absolute pleasure to read! I was already recommending it to family and friends before I even finished it!
I love a Gothic Fantasy with a romance brewing in the corners, and dire mystery that needs solving before it's too late. The suspense was excellent and the emotionally gripping progression that unraveled at every turn was reminiscent of some of the greatest authors of our time!
Without question an incredible and impressive debut from a impressive literary mind!! Bravo Monique Hazel! You knocked it out of the park!!
I love a Gothic Fantasy with a romance brewing in the corners, and dire mystery that needs solving before it's too late. The suspense was excellent and the emotionally gripping progression that unraveled at every turn was reminiscent of some of the greatest authors of our time!
Without question an incredible and impressive debut from a impressive literary mind!! Bravo Monique Hazel! You knocked it out of the park!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is EVERYTHING to me. I was so honored to read an early copy and it swept me away into beautifully horrifying dreamlands. I also adore this author and everything she writes, and you should too! Official blurb below:
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence, The Dreamwitch is a haunting gothic tale complete with spine tingling suspense and agonizing romance. Hazel effortlessly weaves together the macrabe with the fantastical for a spell-binding story that will have your heart racing even as you drift off into dream land." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence, The Dreamwitch is a haunting gothic tale complete with spine tingling suspense and agonizing romance. Hazel effortlessly weaves together the macrabe with the fantastical for a spell-binding story that will have your heart racing even as you drift off into dream land." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is EVERYTHING to me. I was so honored to read an early copy and it swept me away into beautifully horrifying dreamlands. I also adore this author and everything she writes, and you should too! Official blurb below:
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence, The Dreamwitch is a haunting gothic tale complete with spine tingling suspense and agonizing romance. Hazel effortlessly weaves together the macrabe with the fantastical for a spell-binding story that will have your heart racing even as you drift off into dream land." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
"Crafted out of gossamer wings and dripping with crystal decadence, The Dreamwitch is a haunting gothic tale complete with spine tingling suspense and agonizing romance. Hazel effortlessly weaves together the macrabe with the fantastical for a spell-binding story that will have your heart racing even as you drift off into dream land." - Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness
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