More than a thousand years ago, the humans of Astaranwere conquered by a vengeful Fallen Angel named Chemosh a.k.a “The Sovereign”. Through the deception of Hel’s general---the mighty black wolf and demi-God, SkÖll---she betrays the Gods of Lyrath to declare war on a race of humans with powerful psychic abilities. The Gods then exile her to Astaran and sever her black wings. With the help of her acolytes, The Anakaii, she takes control of Astaran.
AIDA is an orphan and nomad whose parents vanished when she was seven. Her gift of Dream Walking allows her to project into anyone’s mind and plant a suggestion that will compel them to comply. When her power leads to deadly consequences, she vows to never use the gift on anyone again. During her time in the wilderness, Aida’s relationships are sparce, except for the mysterious presence that has been linked to her consciousness for as long as she can remember…
When an Astaran Guard and tracker named TYRAN is tasked with finding an escaped prisoner, he finds Aida after she has been captured by four vicious servants of The Sovereign. Upon saving her from a brutal assault, the pair flee into the dangerous depths of The Furian wood, far from the reach of The Sovereign’s stronghold in Opeth city.
As they travel to the bounds of their known world and approach the towering Vazaketh mountain range, they encounter ancient beasts, discover a hidden race of exiles, learn the answers to the secrets of their past and future, and a solidify a soul-bond that may be the key to the liberation of their entire realm.
I’m not really a fan of them jumping back-and-forth between multiple POV’s right away. It makes it hard to get sucked into the story. Since we’re getting the multiple POV, scenes get replayed from the other persons perspective so it’s a tiny bit repetitive? Almost? But it does fill in the looks and body language that are described from the other person… You’re not left wondering. I don’t know about you, but I kinda like to wonder! And then, too many POV‘s for one book. For me, it took away from the point of the plot and the fluidity of the storyline. Some felt “tossed in”.
So we have multiple people that are maybe destined to come across each other’s paths, one person who we haven’t heard of since the very beginning, a fated future, a prophecy… and spicy bits.
This is definitely insta-lust (insta-love?). There’s a strong sensual tension/attraction that happens before they really even know each other, outside of their dreams! it almost immediately grows into a “to whatever end” (yes, that is a direct quote from THIS book) without any real development.
I really wanted to like this book, I really thought I would, but at 50%, I still struggled to care. Yes, I finished it.
I didn’t hate it, but I also didn’t love it… I know many others will!
What a journey this books takes you on...and then just leaves you hanging off the side of a cliff with the most beautiful scenery to look at while your head spins. The story. The characters. The world building. The 🥵🥵🥵 **chef's kiss** I can't wait for the world to enjoy this book and I'm so proud of Dakoda for chasing those beautiful dreams of hers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶 Wow — this book was absolutely astounding! From the dedication alone, I was completely hooked. I knew right away I was in for something special. Reading this felt like watching a movie play out in my mind. Every scene was so vivid and immersive that I could picture everything perfectly. I stayed up way too many late nights because I simply could not put it down! The story itself is incredibly unique, and I loved the abilities the characters possessed. It added such an exciting layer to the world and made everything feel fresh and captivating. Aida (FMC) is strong-willed, independent, and an absolute badass. She brings so much intensity and determination to the story, which made her impossible not to root for. Tyran (MMC) will definitely have you swooning he’s powerful and fierce, but also has a softer side that makes him even more irresistible. I also really appreciated the supporting characters. They all complemented each other so well, united in their fight to survive in such a strange and dangerous world. The world-building was phenomenal detailed without being overwhelming and I always felt like I understood exactly what was happening. The multiple POVs added so much depth to the story. Getting to see different perspectives made everything feel richer and more layered. And the spice? When it came, it came in HOT 🔥🥵and it fit the story perfectly without taking away from the plot. That ending though?!?! What was that cliffhanger?! Dakoda, I need book two immediately!!! I cannot wait to continue this series, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping dark fantasy. Thank you for this masterpiece, Dakoda! 🥰
Um, excuse me Dakoda, I have two very important questions. 1: What kind of crack did you put in this book??? 2: What the fuck was that cliffy!?!?!? 2.5: When do we get book 2 ??? I loved this, ate it up like I haven't seen food for 3 days! I really enjoyed how we get a mixture of lore from different cultures in this world. It was perfection and creative! I am the kind of reader that sees like a movie of the book I am reading in my head, and with the way this was written, it was so vibrant in my mind. I adore strong FMCs, ✔️. MMCs that are strong yet soft enough to charrish and support, ✔️ Great spice, ✔️ Multiple POVs, ✔️. Hidden realms of immortals, ✔️. Quests for artifacts, ✔️. Villains that you love to hate, ✔️. The way this story flows was amazing. I enjoyed how our 2 MMC grow and discover how they have always been apart of each other. And by following this journey you come across all these great side characters. You easily become invested in this world. Dakota did an amazing job of dropping bread crumbs along the way, can't wait to see what those turn into. And honestly I wasn't expecting that ending. Bravo ma'am on your debut!!
Ok, there were many parts of this book that I loved, starting with the dedication. Absolute perfection! The world building was wonderful and beautiful to imagine. The overall story was wonderful, the thought of walking through dreams is so cool. The tension between the fmc and mmc, knowing each other through dreams and finally meeting and taking things further, chefs kiss 🤌! But the flow of the story gets so broken up by the amount of pov changes early on. It added to the story, but often felt repetitive after the mmc saves the fmc. It begins to repeat scenes from each pov. Some of it added intro ate details to add to the story and some felt like filler. Please don't get me wrong, I still loved the story and can't wait to see what's next!
When I signed up for an advanced reader, copy, I wasn’t sure of what to expect, and BOY was I pleasantly surprised !!!from the very beginning of the book; Aida’s dreamworld drew me in. The premise of the plot was well written and descriptive. Despite the book having MOV’s it was simple to follow. The slow burn/ yearning between Aida and Tyran; had you cheering in their corner.Ravn; childhood basically had me sobbing. All the characters along Aida and Tyran; complement the story well. The cliffhanger ending had me pondering on what may transpire next.
Tropes: Dark fantasy Dreamwalker Gods Fallen angel Oppressive regime Slow burn Magic Prophecy…… I would like to thank, DAKODA MAZZII for the opportunity to read this amazing advanced reader copy.
Something I love about Indie authors is that they bring you into worlds that some streamline books done touch and I feel like this book was one of them.
The world is literally ruled by a demon. The concept and plot were very well done. I did feel like the character's relationships were a bit rushed, however, is there a man more loving then Tyran?! Definitely a he falls first tope.
I absolutely enjoyed all the side characters POVs and I cannot wait to see how they all mix into the series. Not to mention the lore, and magical powers we have yet to see!
ARC review!!! I was able to read this beauty early! Wow!!! We have a wild strong and powerful FMC! Surprising love interest and incredible backstories! Honestly the plot took me all over and led me to places i wasnt expecting! I highly recommend this book!!! We hate the Sovereign and we are rooting for Aida to kick her ass!! Dreamwalker - prisioner to hero- cant wait for whats next for this group of heros!
I received this as an arc read. I really enjoyed the plot and all its potential. I also love the multiple pov and characters/couples happening. I will say however it feels a bit rushed and I want more layers to the couples before the instant love.
5⭐️ 2🌶 Finished Chasm of Dreams today! This was a really nice paced action/adventure/romantasy. Loved the dream walking aspect and all the world building/lore we get all throughout the book. Theres not much down time which i loved! The romance was adorable and cute and I love we got a few different couples we follow plus their POVs. A lot was set up for book 2 while making book 1 still very intriguing and fun. I cant wait for the next book!!
Took me a minute to get into but once it started I was sucked in. Our FMC is fierce, strong, and independent and our MMC is sweet, strong, and patient. There isn't much world building but its pretty character focused, so I didnt mind.
Does end on a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
I’m SO GLAD I got an ARC of this book! It was everything I wanted in a Dark Romantasy! Dream Walking and other epic magical powers, Soul Bonding, An Evil Sovereign that needs to be taken down, Gods, Soulless Warriors, A BADASS FMC who doesn’t run from her destiny, a warrior MMC who would follow her absolutely anywhere and burn the world to ash for her, incredible imagery, loneliness and heartache that are palpable, found family…. The list goes on and on.
Dakoda somehow made me fall in love with a blonde MMC! And don’t even get me started on Kine and Ravn 🫠😍 When is the next book?! That cliffhanger was brutal and amazing! Read this book!
Holy moly that ending was gripping! The whole story had me hooked from the beginning. Aida and Tyran were just absolutely the sweetest pair! The chemistry and connection they formed from Aida being able to walk in his dreams to them finally meeting in person was absolutely beautiful. But that ending has absolutely left me in suspense. And a little tearful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was an intense, fast-paced ride!! Multiple POV was done so well, adding new characters as the story progressed. The world building was descriptive without feeling overwhelming. Our MMC is a man for his woman, which I LOVED, no brooding about him. And she’s a badass. Thank you so much to the author for this eARC!!
Thank you, Dakoda Mazzii, for the ARC opportunity!
Took me a minute to get into it, but once it got started, I was sucked in. Our FMC is fierce, strong, and independent, and our MC is sweet, strong, and patient. There isn't much world building, but it's pretty character focused, so I didn't mind.
Does end on a cliffy. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
A hauntingly beautiful debut that will leave you breathless and begging for the sequel.
Dakoda Mazzii’s Chasm of Dreams is a masterclass in dark romantic fantasy. From the very first page, we are thrust into the brutal world of Astaran, ruled by the terrifying and majestic Sovereign, Chemosh. The world-building is gritty and immersive, painted with the blood of sacrifices and the cold reality of survival.
Aida is a "savage" survivor, an orphan who has spent her life running from the law while hiding a secret: she is a Dream Walker. She can slip into the minds of others, a power that is both a gift and a death sentence in the kingdom of Astaran. She’s been dreaming of a mysterious, brooding man for years, only to find out he’s real, and he’s the elite officer sent to hunt her down. Tyran is the ultimate "Grumpy Protector." He’s a soldier for a cruel Sovereign, but beneath his armor and duty, he is haunted by his own past and a soul-deep connection to a girl he’s never truly met until now. ________________________________________________________ What I Loved: - The Magic System: The "Dreamscape" is so unique. It’s not just sleeping; it’s a physical, cosmic realm where Aida can influence reality. The imagery of her astral form having the universe inside her skin is stunning. - The Tension: The "Fated Mates" trope is done so well here. Because they’ve been dreaming of each other for years, the emotional intimacy is already there, making their physical meeting explosive. The "grumpy soldier vs. fierce thief" dynamic kept me turning pages. - The World-Building: Astaran is dark and atmospheric. From the "Offering" (blood sacrifices) to the terrifying Sovereign, Chemosh, the stakes feel life-or-death in every chapter. - The Side Characters: Ravn’s subplot as a cadet questioning his loyalty to a tyrant added so much depth to the rebellion plot. I found myself just as invested in the revolution as I was in the romance. - The Ending: That cliffhanger! The shift in Aida’s power and the introduction of the mysterious beings at the end has me desperate for Book 2. ________________________________________________________
Trigger Warnings: -Abusive Parenting -Blood/Gore -Child Abuse (backstory) -Death of a Parent -Domestic Abuse/Violence -Explicit Sexual Content -Graphic Violence -Human Branding (off-page) -Kidnapping -Murder/Execution -PTSD/Trauma -Slavery -Torture (physical and psychological) ________________________________________________________
If you would like to enjoy this book and skip over the spicy parts: Chapter 24 Chapter 29 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 40 Chapter 45 Chapter 47 Chapter 50 Chapter 52 ________________________________________________________ What sets this book apart is the dreamscape magic. The descriptions of the astral form and the cosmic power Aida wields are some of the most creative I’ve read in the genre lately. The ending is a total game-changer that expands the world in a way I didn't see coming.
Read this if you love: -Enemies-to-Lovers / Forced Proximity (with a supernatural twist) -Gritty Rebellion Plots -Unique Magic Systems (Dream Walking) -Dark Goddess Villains
I am officially "hungover" and can't wait for the next installment in The Fate of Astaran series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy Hel! I need book two NOW! Chasm of Dreams by Dakoda Mazzii is a work of art!
Aida is an orphan, abandoned by her parents when she was young. She has the gift of dream walking, the ability to enter another’s dreams, even to the point of being able to manipulate them to do her will. She’s only done that once in her life and swore she’d never do it again. But she’s always had an intimate connection to one specific person’s dreams, one she knows is a male but knows nothing about. She now finds herself a fugitive on the run from The Sovereign, Astaran’s Fallen Angel who takes pleasure in humanity’s suffering. Tyran is the Astaran guard who has been charged with finding the escaped prisoner. As he is searching, he feels this pull toward the woman who walks his dreams. He finds Aida, who not only is the escaped prisoner who he is tracking but is also the woman who walks in his dreams. He saves her from the four Astaran guards who have also found her and are attempting to brutalize her. Aida and Tyran now find themselves on the run together, and their relationship grows as they are forced to spend time together. They eventually are captured and brought to the people of Aida’s ancestors, where they meet Sayedha, Kine, and Maya, who have important roles to play in the bigger story and with each other. We, the readers, are also introduced to the conflicted Ravn, one of The Sovereign’s Anakaii, soldiers bred to do her bidding, and Helena, a prisoner he is charged with overseeing.
I couldn’t put this book down! There are multiple POVs, not just the MMC and FMC, but the others, as well. I suspect we will be diverging into their stories deeper, and I can’t wait! I love how Dakoda weaves all of this together. You need to read Chasm of Dreams if you’re a fan of:
Strangers to Lovers Multiple POV and Couples Touch her and die Found family Cinnamon roll virgin MMC Reluctant here virgin FMC Prophesy …among others!
“Comfort. Pleasure. Safety. Happiness. I wanted to give it all to her.”
“It’s you.”
“Push me. Bite me. Break me. I’m yours till death and far beyond it.”
“I wanted him to break me. I wanted him to own me.”
Thank you to author Dakoda Mazzii for the opportunity to read and review this Advance Reader Copy of Chasm of Dreams! All opinions are my own. I can’t wait to see where the Astaran journey leads next!
Tropes: He falls first, unique magic, prophecy and fate, strangers to lovers, touch her and die, found family
Quotes: "War is coming, Dream Walker...You must wield it...You are the only one who can." "There is nowhere you can go where I won't follow." "It's a reminder...To never give up hope. To never stop. The sun will rise each day, and the darkness will come each night. An endless cycle of death and rebirth. A never-ending metamorphosis. Just as our opportunities to change our fate...are infinite." "The Gods have marked us for each other. Together we are unbreakable."
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of the ARC team, this is an honest review.
This book sucks you in immediately with the (amazing) dedication--IYKYK--and the intriguing prologue, all while immediately introducing us to the story's villain, fallen angel Chemosh. The imagery describing her is great and I pictured Gwendoline Christie portraying her-strong, powerful, and utterly ruthless. Honestly, I think it would have been really interesting to have some of the chapters in her POV (perhaps in book 2??).
This multi-POV romantasy follows FMC Aida, a young orphan/nomad who has had a challenging and isolating life. As a thief on the run she flees into the wilderness where she is tracked by MMC Tyran, who finds he is connected to her on a much deeper level. He falls HARD and immediately, which is a little rushed but who can challenge fate? Aida's Dream Walking abilities and intertwined destiny with Tyran was a novel portrayal for her magical ability, and as she grew into her power as the story progressed we see her confidence and strength bloom. The cliffhanger was crushing, as it leaves many questions after the gut punch of a final 25% of the book, but it certainly makes you want more. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens!
First, I want to thank the author for adding me to her ARC team and sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. The magic system, especially the FMC being a dream walker, immediately caught my attention and drew me into the story. I found that premise really interesting and refreshing, especially since it’s not something I often see in the fantasy/romantasy books I usually read. The detailed descriptions and the world-building were, in my opinion, very well written. You can tell a lot of thought went into creating the setting and the overall atmosphere of the story. That said, if am being completely honest, I felt like the romantic relationship could have been more developed. The connection between the FMC and MMC seems to have weight and purpose in the larger storyline, as hinted throughout the book, so I was expecting a slower and more layered build up. Especially in a world described as cruel and built on mistrust, it felt a bit too easy and too quick for the FMC to trust and fall in love. The timeline from when they meet to when their relationship progresses felt very short. I also liked the cliffhanger at the end, but I was expecting something more major to happen in the first book. It felt more like groundwork for what’s to come rather than a big, impactful turning point. As for the romance and the intimate scenes, they didn’t fully work for me, but that might be because I needed more emotional build up to truly feel their bond. We’re told they love each other, and hinted that they’re chosen by the gods, destined to be together and that kind of epic, fated love story needs time and careful development for the reader to truly feel it, rather than just be told about it. Overall, not a bad book, it had a unique premise and strong world building, but I personally would have loved a deeper romantic development and a more impactful first book climax.
Plot: He sees her in his dreams and comes to save her. Two orphans find they have a great deal in common and secrets of their pasts come to light and their real adventure begins. This book was just different enough from other Romantasy books to be extremely intriguing and kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Dakota Mazzii did a great job at world building. The attention to details was good without being overly complicated.
Characters: I love multiple POVs and being inside everyone’s thoughts and it was done in a way that you never felt like you were jumping around the story. The character development was great between all of the main characters along with the smaller characters you meet along the way. I particularly enjoy stories where both the FMC and the MMC are strong and independent individually but come together stronger
Overall: I recommend everyone add this to your TBR! I can’t wait to see where this series goes and I will 100% be pre ordering the next book in the series.
This book!! It is a multi POV romantasy. I wasn’t sure about it when I started it, but it was so good! The story mainly follows Aida, who is a thief and prisoner to start with, and Tyran who is a guard for an evil ruler known as The Sovereign. When she escapes and flees the kingdom, Tyran is sent to hunt her down. But they’ve been connected since they were children. Their story is so sweet. He falls first and hard. We so get POV from Kine, an adorably sweet warrior; Ravn, a conflicted elite warrior for the sovereign; and Sayedha, a leader and warrior for a rebel group. I loved the different POVs, and the way the story developed and just drew me in. Some of these characters are just precious and I need a protection order for them. Nothing can happen to them!! Beware, this ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I absolutely need the next book now.
Overall this was a 4-4.5 star read for me. It was such a good book and it deserves to be on your TBR.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Violence: 🗡️🗡️🗡️
Quotes:
“To never give up hope. To never stop. The sun will rise each day, and the darkness will come each night. An endless cycle of death and rebirth. A never-ending metamorphosis. Just as our opportunities to change our fate… are infinite.”
“The Gods have marked us for each other…”
“Love didn’t seem like enough. I wanted eternity. I wanted whatever lay beyond that. But for Aida? I would gladly accept whatever she wanted to give.”
I’m rating this book 3.5 stars with an entry spice level. It is an open-door romance, but the emphasis is clearly on plot rather than romance. That was a refreshing change of pace, as the story prioritizes world-building and overarching narrative over relying solely on romantic tension.
The first 50% of the book is largely dedicated to establishing the world and characters. While this foundation is important, the pacing did feel slow at times and caused the story to drag in places. Additionally, some of the development in the 50–75% range felt rushed compared to the early setup. Expanding those sections would have strengthened the emotional impact and overall flow.
That said, the core storyline is compelling, and the premise has strong potential moving forward. I’m invested enough in the characters and overarching plot that I will definitely be continuing with book two to see how everything unfolds.
Thankful for an ARC, but I had a lot of trouble getting through this. The actual idea behind the story is very enticing, and I was incredibly hopeful. I wish there would have been more of a backstory for the two main characters, because it was very insta-love that I just don’t jive with. There’s also a random persons POV introduced in chapter 4? I even had to re check the book details for any clue as to who they were, but couldn’t find anything on there or the pronunciation list in the book. You find out more about “Ravn” about halfway in, and I think his story was the only one I was invested in. I had predictions as to how it might tie in with the rest of the book, but there were absolutely no clues so it felt like a separate story entirely. I still have questions about that, and the additional POVs that are introduced way later in the book.
Aida has been tortured, imprisoned, thrown away, but she never gave up. She is very strong willed and a Dream Walker. Tryan is a solider, who was beaten, whipped and abused. She walks in out of his dreams, and he saves her and then their story begins together. And you have these mean God's that apparently hate women as much as the men do, and treat them horribly, but that adds to their story, of everything they overcome.
This is a 5+ star read for me. This is an incredible book. Her world building was incredible. She made me feel for these characters, and all the horrible things they had to go through. I really loved the Dream Walking. The authors story telling is so captivating in this story, she keeps you turning pages. I loved this book and put in my order for it on Amazon on release day, I can't wait to add it to my shelfs
Aida must survive in a cruel world where The Sovereign rules with malice and hatred with her powerful guardsman doing her bidding while she abuses her subjects. She meets Tyran while trying to escape capture and while she just wants their traveling together to end, it’s just the beginning of her story.
First off, I can see why people would like this. It’s fast paced, the multiple POV adds characters and helps with world building and I think the changes in POV are well placed. There’s a villain you can truly hate. However, I can’t tell you the dread I felt as more and more of a trope I dislike started to get hinted at. Like any fantasy book in a series those last 100 pages are a dozy, but I won’t be continuing with the story.
"Chasm of Dreams" met all of my expectations. There was excitement, adventure, and allure. Dakoda Mazzii's writing was incredible, showcasing her ability to bring the story to life. Her attention to detail was intricate yet easily comprehensible creating an immerse experience. I appreciate it the individuality of our main characters. Especially that of their female protagonist Aida. She is fierce and undeniably brave, while using her abilities for the greater good she served as a true inspiration. There are some really spicy moments, fiery, raw, and real. I think it added to the experience and the complexity of characters relationships. I relished in every moment and I truly love this book...it did end in a cliff hanger...can't wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I signed up for an advanced reader, copy, I wasn’t sure of what to expect, and BOY was I pleasantly surprised !!!from the very beginning of the book; Aida’s dreamworld drew me in. The premise of the plot was well written and descriptive. Despite the book having MOV’s it was simple to follow. The slow burn/ yearning between Aida and Tyran; had you cheering in their corner.Ravn; childhood basically had me sobbing. All the characters along Aida and Tyran; complement the story well. The cliffhanger ending had me pondering on what may transpire next.
Tropes: Dark fantasy Dreamwalker Gods Fallen angel Oppressive regime Slow burn Magic Prophecy…… I would like to thank, DAKODA MAZZII for the opportunity to read this amazing advanced reader copy.
Thanks to the author for a chance to read this as an Advance Reader Copy. This is a great debut, and a story that sucked me in right away! The writing style established an emotional connection with each of the characters and the story. I'm used to stories where time passes more slowly, so it was a bit of an adjustment for me- but it didn't take away from the story at all. I thought it was paced well, and I love multiple POVs! Especially here, where things are happening in geographically distant areas that all build toward something. It was nice to have a view on everything as it progressed, rather than jumping around in time to go back to someone else's part of the story.
This ends on an absolutely diabolical cliffhanger, and I'm now anxiously awaiting the next book.
“Hello, Dream Walker. We have been waiting for you.”
WOW WHAT AN ENDING!!!
Chasm of Dreams was a treat to read, it started off slower paced and eased you right into the chaos.
I can’t wait for book two because holy cliff hanger!!!
I’m eager to see what happens with Ravn, throughout the book it seemed like he woke up to what was going on around him and wants to choose a better path than the one he was initially dealt.
I’m obsessed with Maya and Kine! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM.
Aida, what a strong FMC! I can’t wait to see her come into her full potential.
Tyran. I love him for Aida as her first, but I don’t know if they are end game. 🤔 I’m intrigued to see where their relationship goes.