The Land Where Dreams Descend

by Rowan E. Knight

Seraphine Cardenie thought she was living her fairytale. As the youngest person to ever obtain the title of Grand Couturier, she’s made fantastical creations, traveled the world, and sewn her name into the hearts of royalty. So imagine her surprise when a fox pushes her down a hole, and she’s thrust into an entirely new story.

The Land Where Dreams Descend is no place for a human, which is just as well, because Seraphine has every intention of returning home expeditiously. But after a terrible misstep that draws the ire of the arrogant and outrageous King of Dreams, Seraphine is staring down imprisonment and possibly even execution. So she strikes a bargain: her freedom for garments of such beauty the land has never seen. But the king’s extravagance threatens to be Seraphine’s undoing when he tasks her with three impossible trials, sewing the sun, the moon, and the night sky.

In over her head, Seraphine must find a way to do what has never been done if she ever wishes to return home. Add in a well-meaning but clumsy tiger, a talking cat who seems determined for her to fail, a meddling advisor, and the arrogant king himself, and Seraphine has far more to worry about than just her designs.

Genres: Fantasy

674 pages, ebook

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Kendra Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there are words in this realm to describe the tale I just read, nor the journey I experienced. The Land Where Dreams Descend was one of fantasy, representation, and whimsy. I enjoyed this book on such a personal level but let me explain all of the reasons why you should read this book before I get personal. If you have ever wanted to get lost in a world of fantasy and fairy tales, then this is the read for you. Every chapter is filled with in-depth descriptions of a realm beyond realms. By page one, you are transported to a far-off land where we are in the presence of one of the most talented Grand Courtiers and her weary apprentice. Through an interruption of fate, she is transported to the Land Where Dreams Descend where she unwittingly finds herself entangled in curses, promises, and impossible tasks at the behest of the King of Dreams. This book made me laugh, cry, and even forget to breathe at times. I have the great fortune of visualizing what I read as movies in my head and this was an absolutely beautiful one. It gave Alice in Wonderland vibes mixed with my favorite fairy tales (I challenge you to read this book and name them all).
Now for the personal praises. I have been sewing since I was three years old...which means I've been sewing for almost a million years now. I have also held a deep love for fairytales and folklore since I could learn to read. So, when the opportunity to read this book for “Black and Brown girls who’ve wanted to see themselves in a cozy fantasy” I was instantly intrigued. What I had not expected was to connect so much with the main character and to read what felt like my actual thoughts and feelings. Let me explain, the depths of my passion for sewing knows now limits… it is second to breathing to me. So, when I read passages of how passionate sewing and creating garments was for our main character, it was legit the first time I completely felt seen. I had never read anywhere that captured the exact description of how I feel when an idea burst through my brain or when I gather my materials and construct the garment…Then there’s the representation!!! Childhood me needed this story. If I would have had access to this book as a kid, with the FMC being an intelligent, accomplished, curly haired brown girlie…oh the wounds it would have healed.
Run, don’t walk, and grab this book immediately. Thank you to the author for this fantastic story.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be contacted by the author to read an ARC of this book :) so thank you Ms. Knight for allowing me to read your AMAZING story early!

In The Land Where Dreams Descend, we meet Seraphine, a Grand Couturier, who is quite literally pushed into a new world. She falls into The Land Where Dreams Descend and after plucking a few of the King of Dreams' prized stargazer lilies, she is cursed with an impossible task: sew the King of Dreams three garments; one made from the sun, one made from the moon, and one made from the night sky. Seraphine is rightfully overwhelmed with everything happening to her and has immense hatred for the vile king. However, over time, the two begin to see each other in a new light. But when an evil force reenters King Luel's life, Seraphine must race against time to break a curse on him before he is lost to her forever.

When I was told this book was for fans of Beauty and the Beast and Howl's Moving Castle, I was immediately sold before I read a single word. Beauty & The Beast is one of my favorite Disney movies and I am a HUGE Studio Ghibli fan. So, it was a no-brainer to read this and I am SOOO glad that I did!

This story was so full of surprises and turns that will completely catch you off guard. The writing is beautiful and paints the most stunning picture of The Land Where Dreams Descend. It made me want to go there (despite the ease the inhabitants seem to have for casting curses lol). I really enjoyed all the side characters who made Seraphine's time in the new land a little bit easier. I found myself slowly falling in love with two fae, Rennea and Tiffene, who become friends with Seraphine, and a dream named Cricket who has to grow on you (lol).

Overall, I really loved this story. The Land Where Dreams Descend is a treat for the imagination and a wholesome love story between a king and his evening star.

[Krystina Carvalho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel terrible for only rating it three stars but I unfortunately had to DNF it at this point. I got about 30% into it and I couldn't finish. The concept is there for me, I just could not get into the perspective changes. It left me confused on who I was reading. I think that was what made me put it down. I loved the descriptions but that also left me feeling a little out of it. I tried very hard to love this book, and I may try to finish it again at a later time, but for now I wasn't able to fully emerse myself in the book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Land where Dreams Descend by Rowan E Knight is the first book I’m reading by this author. I was originally drawn to the cover of the book which in turn led me to read the book description. Needless to say it captured my attention and I’m so glad it did. I really liked this book a bunch, I flew through the pages; my poor kindle didn’t catch a break. I’m a huge fan of fantasy and of fairytales and this book captures that feeling so well. There’s no spice in this tale but to be honest that really just adds to the appeal of the whole storyline. This was just a magical read for me, I don’t know how else to describe it. This was a truly unique tale with a hint of beauty and the beast vibes. The writing was incredibly well done, the plot was interesting and addictive but the worldbuilding and descriptions were just breathtaking. I loved the character of Seraphine. She was full of sass, intelligence and she had such a relatability to her. I really enjoyed how I was able to feel so many different things as the characters did. How it felt like I was a part of this world. Plus it has my all time favorite trope of enemies to lovers. So that fact really added to my enjoyment. This story will definitely stick with me as it made such an impression. Two thumbs way up and I really do recommend you check out this book. It really is an amazing journey.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Kelsey Yongue · Rating 4 out of 5]

When envisioning a fairytale, this book comes closest to embodying that magical essence I remembered as a kid.

The imagery is so perfectly crafted that it transports readers to a realm of wonder and enchantment. Every scene is painted with vivid detail, evoking a sense of awe and fascination akin to stepping into a dream. From whimsical landscapes to captivating character descriptions, the author's mastery of imagery captivates the imagination and brings the story to life in a way that feels truly enchanting.

Each page is a visual feast, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world where every detail sparkles with wonder and possibility. The only reason it wasn't 5 stars for me, was because the plot tended to drag at times, so I had a hard time staying fully engaged and didn't read it as quickly as most books.

Nonetheless, I'd eagerly anticipate the release of an audiobook version, as this book would be the perfect companion for nighttime listening adventures.

[R1vana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a mix of Beauty and the Beast meets Alice in the Wonderland.
I ended up quickly drenched in this captivating plot and characters, one where dreams were made genuine and each page was another dream sprung to life.

The story is about a well skilled couturier. One day, when she gets pushed by a sly and creepy . and dreadful fox, she winds up in a work of fantasy. Furthermore, sadly for her, She contacts something prohibited (she didn't have any idea) and presently has a concurrence with a vain ruler: sewing wonderful and extreme outfits made of the sun, moon and night sky.

The writer works really hard of magically transporting the peruser into the story with incredible portrayals and fantastical thoughts, all while keeping a fascinating and satisfying story. I only wished it didn't get drag plot wise.

Release date March 26,2024

[Jennifer Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Land Where Dreams Descend is a beautiful story that gave me beauty and the beast vibes. Rowan did a beautiful job describing the kingdom where the main male character (Luel) is king of The land where dreams descend and the female main character (Seraphine) finds herself thrown into this realm of dreams and tasked with the impossible. The description of the land and the many enchantments allowed me to clearly see the whimsical and decadent world she created! Beautiful enemies to lovers story that I just couldn’t put down!!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure magic. I honestly don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to accurately describe this novel. It’s beautifully written, deliciously descriptive and just absolute perfection. This is a world unlike any other, with funny, witty and REAL characters and although one part of the story takes inspiration from beauty and the beast, the majority of this book is 100% original. I cannot wait to read everything this author comes out with!

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself immediately immersed in this fascinating tale, one where dreams were made real and every page was a new fantasy sprung to life. While I was initially merely intrigued at the premise of the story, I quickly found myself unable to put this book down until I had finished. The author does an excellent job of teleporting the reader into the story with excellent descriptions and fantastical ideas, all while maintaining an interesting and fulfilling story.

[Trinity Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice and wonderland, meets the night court, in a twisted tail of trying to save fate through every stitch. Saraphine is delightfully whitty, with a tongue as sharp as her needles.

Knight's world building descriptions are like an endless pool. Each description pulls you deeper into the depths of the story.

This is a book I will be seeking a physical copy of to add to my library!

[Shannon Letro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely beautifully written. The worlds the author created and all of the characters are one of a kind and the detail is amazing. I seriously wish I could live there and be friends with all these characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Sassygoth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing I couldn’t put it down it mixed all my favorite things together and the tale itself was amazing and beautiful it was such a unique and wonderful read and I can’t wait to read it again over all amazing

[Rachel Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Land Where Dreams Descend is enchanting. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. The story kept me entertained and interested. I would recommend this book to others. There are Beauty and the Beast vibes along with Alice and Wonderland.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to participate as an ARC. I have read many beauty and the beast retelling but nothing like this book. If you love tropes like enemies to lovers and he fell first, then this book is for you. The writing was stunning and the flow and pace of the story was perfect. I read this book so quickly I’m actually surprised, it definitely took me out of my reading slump. I felt so many emotions reading this book and I will definitely think about it for a long time now that I’m done.

[Katie]

I didn't actually read this book, I'm using it as a placeholder on my shelf for a friend's (unpublished) book that I read.